Aventri's Affinity Podcast Series | Episode 4: Columbia University

Aventri Affinity Podcast: Episode 4

Columbia University

In our fourth episode of Aventri's (formerly etouches) Affinity Podcast series, John Kearney, Aventri's Director of Go to Market Strategy interviewed Kyle Krause, the Director, Special Events & Programs for the Office of the Dean, Columbia College and Columbia Engineering at Columbia University...a mouthful!

We're sure many of you listening either attended their own graduation or supported another person at their's, but have you ever even considered what happens behind the scenes to make that experience a reality? In today's episode, Kyle shares what it takes Columbia to automate not only major events like graduations and commencement ceremonies, but the numerous smaller events spread out, in between.

John Kearney is Aventri’s (formerly etouches) Director of Go To Market Strategy. He is focused on understanding our customers and our market and ensuring the organization is set up to serve both. Prior to Aventri, John spent 6 years with SBI, a management consulting firm focused on driving revenue through sales and marketing alignment. With an undergrad degree and MBA in Marketing from the University of Notre Dame, John is a proud ‘Double Domer.’ He’s got a beautiful wife and 2 young boys, with a baby sister on the way.

Kyle Krause is Director of Special Events & Programs in the Office of the Dean for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering at Columbia University.

He provides leadership & expertise in the strategic planning & execution of events and programs. He oversees a team responsible for implementing events/programs designed for families, students, alumni, senior administrators, staff, and faculty ranging in size from 10 to 7,000 guests, including graduation ceremonies, academic celebrations, family and student events, and dinners/receptions.

Aventri Affinity Podcast: Episode 4

Columbia University

What You'll Learn

How Columbia achieves greater operational efficiency by consistently reviewing event processes

How Kyle and his team collaborate with a wide array of departments and stakeholders to create an amazing event experience

Resource Allocation: the struggles of who and what needs to be where and when, and how his team overcomes those headaches

About the Presenters

John Kearney

Director of Demand Generation, Aventri

Kyle Krause

Director, Special Events & Programs, Office of the Dean, Columbia College and Columbia Engineering