welcome from chair
welcome from chair
Embedded Files
JESSICA ROWLAND
JESSICA ROWLAND
Cal State Fullerton
Chair, CSU+UC Event Professionals NetworkDear Network Colleagues,
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the CSU+UC Event Professionals Network newsletter. I am glad to be sharing this new way to stay connected, highlight the great work happening across our campuses, and keep the conversation going between network events and conferences.
This quarterly newsletter is intended to be a practical resource for the Network. You can expect updates on upcoming events and programs, spotlights on member work, shared ideas and tools, and reminders of the many ways to stay involved. Most importantly, it is meant to reflect the work you are doing every day and help us learn from one another.
Having served as Chair of the Network for the past few months, I am excited to continue building on the strong foundation already in place. This is a community that represents a wide range of institutions, roles, and event types, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.
I also want to take a moment to thank our immediate past Chair, Phyllis Grillo, for her leadership and service. Her steady guidance helped move the Network forward and set us up well for what comes next.
You may notice a refreshed look in this newsletter and our intranet (Network Hub) as well. Our updated branding, including new colors and visual elements, reflects the full spectrum of institutions and professionals who make up this Network, along with the many kinds of events we plan, produce, and support every day.
As always, I welcome your questions, ideas, and feedback. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have thoughts on the newsletter or suggestions for future editions.
Thank you for being part of this community. I look forward to staying connected and continuing this work together.
Warm regards,
Jessica Rowland
Chair, CSU+UC Event Professionals Network
spotlight:
spotlight:
SAC STATE GLOWS UP!
SAC STATE GLOWS UP!
BY: LEAH WALUKONES
When it comes to planning campus events, creativity often starts with a simple question: What would make students stop scrolling, show up, and stay awhile?
For Valentine’s Day 2025, Sacramento State’s University Events/Arrive to the Hive event planning team set out to do just that — designing a “Glow Party” that transformed an ordinary evening into a neon-infused experience. The goal wasn’t just to host another dance, but to craft an atmosphere where students could unwind, connect, and celebrate community in a fresh, visually striking way.
Every detail was intentional. Blacklights, LED décor, and glowing drinks turned the venue into a vibrant, club-like space that felt both festive and inclusive. Even the menu got creative — mocktails that shimmered under UV light, and glow-in-the-dark cupcakes offered a playful twist to the average snacks offered at similar events.
The result? A fully immersive, glow-in-the-dark celebration that drew hundreds of students, generated social media buzz, and proved that the right atmosphere can turn a familiar space into something extraordinary.
From Vision Boards to Reality:
Vendors:
Metro Media: Lighting, truss, sound, glow bracelets, glow cubes
Wilted Beauty: Slinky dance floor decor, neon entryway arch
Sacramento Event Co.: Lounge furniture, light-up bars
The People Painters: glow tattoo artist
University Print & Mail: Boom Box DJ Booth
mindful minute:
mindful minute:
KEEPING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS BY BUILDING BETTER HABITS
KEEPING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS BY BUILDING BETTER HABITS
BY: SAM CAMARENA
Every January, many of us set New Year’s resolutions with the best intentions. Exercise more. Be more organized. Improve how we manage our time and energy, especially during peak event seasons.
A few weeks in, reality shows up. Travel picks up. Calendars fill. Email piles up. The resolution itself was not unrealistic. The approach usually was.
Last year, I read Atomic Habits by James Clear, and it shifted how I think about change. The book makes a clear case that progress does not come from setting better goals. It comes from building better habits. That idea feels especially relevant for higher education event professionals, where consistency matters more than big bursts of motivation.
Here are three ideas from Atomic Habits that can help make resolutions stick.
1. Focus on the habit, not the goal
1. Focus on the habit, not the goal
Goals define the outcome you want. Habits determine whether you get there.
“Improve event planning workflows” is a goal. “Spend 15 minutes every Friday reviewing timelines and logistics” is a habit. “Communicate more clearly with partners” is a goal. “Draft the first three bullets of a run-of-show before closing the file” is a habit.
Goals are useful for direction. Habits are what survive busy weeks, last-minute changes, and competing priorities. If a resolution feels overwhelming, zoom in and ask: What is the smallest repeatable action that supports this?
2. Use the two-minute rule to get started
2. Use the two-minute rule to get started
James Clear recommends shrinking new habits down to something that takes two minutes or less. The goal is not to finish the task. The goal is to start.
Examples:
Want to exercise more? Put on your shoes and stretch.
Want to write more? Open the document and write one sentence.
Want better event follow-up? Draft the email subject line.
This matters at work. After long days of meetings or event production, motivation is unreliable. Starting small lowers resistance. Often, once you begin, you keep going. If you don’t, you still showed up for the habit.
3. Use identity to reinforce change
3. Use identity to reinforce change
The most durable habits are tied to identity.
Instead of:
“I want to plan better events.”
Try:“I am the kind of professional who plans events thoughtfully and calmly.”
Instead of:
“I want to be healthier this year.”
Try:“I am someone who protects my energy during busy seasons.”
Each small habit is a vote for that identity. Clear follow-up emails. Blocked prep time. A short walk between meetings. None are dramatic, but together they shape how you work and how you see yourself.
A simple exercise to
A simple exercise to
try this week
try this week
Set a five-minute timer and do the following:
Write one resolution or positive change you want this year.
Rewrite it as an identity statement. “I am someone who…”
Define a two-minute habit that supports that identity.
Decide exactly when it will happen.
Then do it once.
You do not need a perfect plan. You need habits that fit the real pace of your work and life. Small actions, repeated, are what actually change the year.
punchlines & placecards
punchlines & placecards
“Rain on the forecast?
Time to redesign the entire event… again.”
This is a meme using the “conspiracy board” scene (from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), where a character is frantically connecting clues with red string.
The chaotic wall of papers and red strings represents overthinking, panic, and futile strategizing—trying to outsmart the weather by micromanaging timing.
It's very relatable as it captures how we as event professionals:
Try to outmaneuver the weather with precision scheduling
Juggle AV, talent, catering, guests, and staff in real time
Know deep down that the weather will still do whatever it wants
Yet must look calm, strategic, and “on top of it” anyway
behind the scenes
behind the scenes
VISION TO REALITY
VISION TO REALITY
BY: WILL BAKER
When planning our Investiture Luncheon, we began with a curated vision board—a collection of images, textures, and design elements that reflected the President’s personality and long-term vision for the campus. This visual foundation guided every design decision, allowing us to thoughtfully incorporate institutional brand identity while reimagining a familiar space in a fresh and intentional way.
By breaking the vision board into individual, à la carte elements—such as color palette, florals, tabletop details, lighting, and spatial layout—we were able to work directly with vendors to produce exactly what we had envisioned. This approach encouraged collaboration, streamlined communication, and gave each partner a clear understanding of how their contribution fit into the larger design story.
Seeing all elements together early in the planning process ensured cohesion and elegance, resulting in a fundraising luncheon that felt intentional, elevated, and seamless. The vision board not only served as a creative tool, but as a strategic planning resource—aligning teams, managing expectations, and bringing a unified vision to life.
team feature
team feature
MEET THE CAL POLY POMONA EVENTS TEAM
MEET THE CAL POLY POMONA EVENTS TEAM
BY: R. PAUL VILLALUZ
Four pros. Dozens of events. One powerhouse team.
Four pros. Dozens of events. One powerhouse team.
Meet the small-but-mighty crew behind some of Cal Poly Pomona’s biggest celebrations and most memorable campus moments. Together, they juggle everything from major ceremonies to external rentals—with spirit animals ranging from turtles to Stitch. Here’s a peek behind the scenes:
Helen Yniguez
Executive Director of University Events
Team Tenure: 11 years
Biggest Event: Commencement
Average Events: 50–60 per year (teamwide)
What she loves: Collaborating with departments across campus to bring events to life.
What she doesn’t: Saying “no”—the eternal struggle.
Childhood dream: Wedding planner (with a great story behind it).
Spirit character: Eeyore
Hobbies: Hockey!
Fun extra: Her office is transitioning into a centralized event support hub—big things are happening.
Theresa Navar-Rodriguez
Event Specialist & Commencement Coordinator
Team Tenure: With CPP since 2006; in Commencement roles since 2011
Biggest Event: Commencement, always!
What she loves:
Seeing the joy of graduates and their families.
What she doesn’t:
Supporting families who have lost a student—an emotional but meaningful responsibility.
Childhood dream:
Lawyer → paralegal → hotel industry → found true calling in higher ed events.
Spirit character: Turtle—steady, peaceful, and determined.
Hobbies: Family time, travel, beach days.
Fun extra: “We’re small, but always hardworking and focused on making our students happy!”
Jordan Danielle Litke
Event Specialist
Team Tenure: 1.5 years
Biggest Event: AWWA Annual Conference & Expo
Average Events: 6 per year
What she loves: Watching students grow into young professionals.
What she doesn’t: Telling students “no.”
Childhood dream: Business owner.
Spirit character: Sir David Attenborough (an icon in his own league).
Hobbies: Yoga, Pilates, watching sports.
Fun extra: The team lovingly calls themselves “the triage.”
Katelyn Wong
Special Events Coordinator
Team Tenure: 3 years in Special Events & License of Facilities; joined Helen’s team in November
Focus: 20 external license agreements annually
Biggest Event: LA Open Table Tennis
What she loves: Partnering with external organizations and showcasing CPP to new audiences.
What she doesn’t: Processing Journal Entries (we feel this on a spiritual level).
Childhood dream: Physical therapist
Spirit character: Stitch
Hobbies: Time with loved ones, drawing, traveling.
Fun extra: Always eager to highlight the university through community-facing events.
In a nutshell…
In a nutshell…
CPP’s event team is a dynamic, dedicated group balancing large-scale ceremonies, student growth, external partnerships, and the complexities of campus event coordination. They bring heart, humor, and a whole lot of hustle—proving that big impact can come from a small team
design on a budget
design on a budget
Reinventing Rentals on a Budget
Reinventing Rentals on a Budget
BY: MERRY CODER
What if one simple and inexpensive rental item could feel brand new at every event without adding a line to your budget? In higher education event planning, creativity often matters more than cost. By rethinking how we use the pieces we have easy access to or already own, we can elevate experiences, stretch resources, and deliver fresh designs time and time again. One of my favorite examples is how our team has used readily available rented shelving and reimagined it for entirely different purposes across multiple events. Here are some tips for making your rented item your own:
Consider the Context
Before deciding how to use a rental item, think about why it belongs in the space. Is it decorative, functional, or both? That same standard shelf can serve as a sleek backbar to store glassware at a reception, a focal point for grab-and-go appetizers, or a visually engaging centerpiece placed strategically in the room for guest interaction. This also includes event flow—where will the item have the most impact while still supporting how guests move and interact within the space?
Use What You Have
Great design doesn’t always require new inventory. Look around your office or storage areas for items that can be repurposed. Leftover décor such as votives, battery-operated candles, small lamps or potted plants can instantly transform a rental piece adding visual interest. Event centerpieces can be recreated in a smaller scale to style a shelf and seamlessly tie it into the overall design. Ask your florist for a few extra stems and arrange them yourself, or commission some more petite pieces to tie in the look. Borrowing and repurposing saves money and reinforces a cohesive visual story. Is it an event in support of campus Athletics? Round up the team merch you have lying around the office, or stop by the Athletics facilities to see if they have anything they’re willing to part with.
Get Creative
Finally, empower yourself, the designer, to use your skills to make it yours. Personalizing or lightly modifying a rental piece can add a custom feel without custom costs. Whether it’s layering textures, adding signage, or incorporating branded elements, creativity is what turns a familiar rental into something memorable. Don’t be afraid to try a little DIY!
A printer, a box of inexpensive frames and a couple hours of your time can transform into a beautiful showcase for memorable moments or campus locations. Are you honoring someone special? Include photos of their time on campus. Celebrating a new campus building? Frame shots of the progress and let guests get a behind-the-scenes look. You can send the framed photos home with the guest of honor or allow attendees to snag one as a memento. Or you can always hang on to the items and reuse them for your next reinvention! Get creative and think about how an item can do double duty.
Reinventing rentals isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about maximizing value. With thoughtful context, resourcefulness, and creativity, even the most familiar pieces can feel fresh, intentional, and impactful at every event.
Shelving was used at this retirement party to display memorable moments in the employee’s tenure at the University. Guests were invited to browse the photos during the reception and take home any that they wanted!
Service from a buffet table can feel staid and stuffy. This lightly accessorized shelf is ready for caterers to stage appetizers for guests to help themselves.
Athletics memorabilia borrowed from the archives transforms this backbar into a throwback, rec room dream for a Hall of Fame event. Inductees went home with their snapshots as a parting gift.
From rec room to winter wonderland, the same shelf looks completely different with a customized “wreath” enhancing the existing shape.
NAB nook
NAB nook
Thank you to our Network Advisory Board (NAB) members who were able to join us for our January 14 kickoff meeting. The NAB is made up of two Network Ambassadors from each institution who connect their campuses to the CSU+UC Event Professionals Network by promoting resources, sharing best practices, and supporting network growth. For those who were unable to attend, we invite you to watch the meeting recording. Be sure to keep an eye on the NAB Nook for more updates in future newsletters!
Thank you to our Network Advisory Board (NAB) members who were able to join us for our January 14 kickoff meeting. The NAB is made up of two Network Ambassadors from each institution who connect their campuses to the CSU+UC Event Professionals Network by promoting resources, sharing best practices, and supporting network growth. For those who were unable to attend, we invite you to watch the meeting recording. Be sure to keep an eye on the NAB Nook for more updates in future newsletters!
upcoming events
upcoming events
CSU+UC EPN CONFERENCE
JULY 8-9, 2026 | CAL POLY POMONA
CSU+UC EPN CONFERENCE
JULY 8-9, 2026 | CAL POLY POMONA
Connect with peers and partners from across California’s higher education events landscape at the CSU+UC EPN Annual Conference. This premier gathering brings together engaging roundtable discussions, informative breakout sessions, meaningful networking, the annual awards celebration, and a variety of opportunities to share ideas and best practices.
MONTHLY
MONTHLY
HOT TOPICS
HOT TOPICS
Mark your calendars and join us on the third Thursday of each month for our Hot Topics series. Each session features timely discussions tailored to the work of event professionals. Have a topic you’d like us to explore? Email our team at @gmail.com.
Missed a session? Recordings are available to watch anytime.
Our next hot topic is:
February 26, 2026
conference corner
conference corner
There's Still Time to Shape the Conference – Submit Your Proposal!
We’re looking for conference presenters — and we want to hear from you!
The CSU+UC Event Professionals Network invites presentation proposals for our 2026 Conference, taking place July 8–9, 2026 at Cal Poly Pomona. This conference is a space to learn from one another, share real-world experiences, and strengthen the practice of higher education event management across our campuses.
Whether you have a fully developed session idea or would like to build from one of our suggested topics, your perspective and expertise are essential to creating meaningful, relevant programming for our community.
👉 Please complete the proposal submission form by February 26.
If you have questions, contact us at csuepn.conf@gmail.com.
We’re excited to learn from your experiences and ideas and look forward to receiving your proposals.
Submit your session proposal today!
🌟 Presentation Formats
🌟 Presentation Formats
This year’s conference will feature a range of interactive session types. When submitting your proposal, please indicate which format best fits your topic:
Interactive presentations
Panels
Roundtable discussions
Individual or team-led sessions
Each session will be 45–60 minutes, including time for Q&A.
🔍 Suggested Topics of Interest
🔍 Suggested Topics of Interest
We are especially interested in proposals related to:
Engaging Millennials and Gen Z: Creative Strategies for Student Involvement
Leveraging Technology: Event Apps and Virtual Tours
Diversity and Inclusion: Best Practices for Inclusive Event Programming
Fundraising Events: Boosting Donations through Creative Engagement
Insert Your Great Topic Here
Have a great idea that’s not on this list? We welcome those as well.
📝 Presenter Details & Deadlines
📝 Presenter Details & Deadlines
Decide whether you will present solo or with a co-presenter
Select a suggested topic or propose your own
Submit your proposal by February 26, 2026
Presenters will be notified by mid to late March.
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submit to the newsletter
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Have an event or news you would like featured on a future Professional Insider edition? We’ll distribute to our network members.
Thanks for reading this quarters issue!
CONTRIBUTING
CONTRIBUTING
editors
editors
SAM CAMARENA
CSU Chancellor's Office
EDUARDO PONCE
UCLA
LEAH WALUKONES
Sacramento State
R. PAUL VILLALUZ
Sacramento State
MERRY CODER
CSU Bakersfield
LINAE ISHII-DEVINE
Middlebury Institute
WILLIAM BAKER
Cal State LA
JORDAN DANIELLE LITKE
Cal Poly Pomona
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