Cole Fendrich
Event Coordinator, SEM&I, Dallas Office
1. When did you start at MCI?
I started last summer in July as an event coordinator with the owned assets team, and this is actually my first job out of college. I went to the University of Central Florida (UCF), where I got my master’s degree in event management and hospitality. So far, the owned assets division has been amazing. I really enjoy working with my team, led by the fabulous Donna Johnson.
2. What do you do as part of the owned assets team?
We plan large scale events and specialize in trade shows. We have two major events right now, both are major cannabis trade shows across North America: Lift & Co. Expo (Canada’s largest and most well-known cannabis event) and Cannabis Business Summit, in partnership with the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA).
Owned assets is different than some of the other work that MCI does because while MCI doesn’t own the events, they do own a stake in the events.
I personally specialize in event logistics, research, partnership management, vendor management, and data visualization.
3. Is working at MCI what you hoped for from your first job?
I am learning so much about our industry! I have spent the last five years studying event management, and now I get to put my knowledge toward contributing to a team and be part of such a renowned organization. The event industry is all about experience and there is only so much you can learn in a lecture hall.
I think that working with trade shows is a great start to my career and has already taught me so much and has really piqued my interest. I also get to work with another BU within MCI, Black Flower Agency and have done events with them. That’s been a really great part of working at MCI – getting to explore other business units and having the opportunity to work some of these luxury events.
4. What hobbies do you do outside of work?
I love to cook! I just got a bunch of new cookware. I specialize in southern cuisine (I live in Dallas), but I like to switch it up and try new things also. I love to travel and go skiing as well!
5. What is the coolest place that you’ve been?
International travel is my favorite (which is another part of working in the industry that I enjoy). My favorite place I’ve been to so far is South Africa – I got to see Cape Town and Johannesburg and go on a safari. But later this year, I’m planning on taking a cruise to the ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, and that will be pretty exciting as well.
Very cool spotlight!