Author: shawndy

Meaghan DeNino Passanante, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, currently serves as Assistant Director of Operations for Premium at Levy Restaurants for Bank of America Stadium, home to the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson?

I’ve always had a passion for food and originally thought I’d build a career in nutrition or food science. After spending my first two years as a Food Science major, I realized that I was craving more connection with people, the energy, emotion, and experience that come with hospitality. That’s when I discovered Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. PRTM gave me a new lens to view the hospitality world through tourism and guest experience. Once I began my tourism management classes, it clicked. I had found the perfect blend of people, purpose, and hospitality that truly energized me.

How did your Clemson experience prepare you for your career in sports and entertainment hospitality?

Clemson gave me the perfect mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience. I started working with Aramark in the catering department at the Madren Center during my junior year, and my mentor there encouraged me to apply for the company’s summer internship program. That internship, between my junior and senior year, placed me at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, and completely changed the course of my career. I fell in love with the scale, the teamwork, and the excitement that comes with live events.

When I returned for my senior year, I found myself connecting what I was learning in class directly to real-world applications in operations, guest experience, and event logistics. It made everything come alive, and I knew I had found my path.

Can you describe your current role as Assistant Director of Operations at Bank of America Stadium?

In my current role with Levy Restaurants at Bank of America Stadium, I oversee premium dining operations across suites, clubs, and special event spaces. No two days look the same, which is what I love most about it. I might be collaborating with our culinary and service teams to design menus for a high-profile client, strategizing logistics for a concert, or leading staff through game-day execution. A big part of my job is building systems, mentoring teams, and finding ways to elevate the guest experience for both our fans and premium clients. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and incredibly rewarding.

Working on large-scale events such as the College Football Playoff, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the SEC Championship has been so exhilarating. These events are months of planning for just a few unforgettable hours of execution. They teach you to think on your feet, trust your team, and remain calm under pressure. The goal always is: to create a seamless, memorable experience for every guest in the building. It’s an incredible feeling to know you’ve helped make that happen on such a grand scale.

What advice would you give current PRTM students who are interested in event operations, hospitality, or venue management?

Get involved in as many aspects of the industry as you can—no opportunity is too small. Every event, volunteer shift, or side project teaches you something new about what you love (and what you don’t). Say yes to experiences that challenge you, and be open to learning from every role. This industry is built on relationships and work ethic, so show up with curiosity, positivity, and a willingness to do the hard work. You never know who’s watching—or what opportunity might come from saying “yes” and showing up with enthusiasm.

Marcus Plumb, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, currently serves as Vice President of Strategy & Growth at Confirmed360, a premier entertainment concierge company that curates exclusive sports, music, and live event experiences for clients around the world.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson?

My initial inspiration came from watching Jerry Maguire and developing a strong desire to work in the sports industry. At Clemson, the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM) major was popular among the football program. I saw this as the best way to build friendships with players, with the ultimate goal of becoming a sports agent.

How did your Clemson experience prepare you for a career in the live event and entertainment industry?

During my time at Clemson, I gained valuable experience that unknowingly laid the foundation for my career in the entertainment industry. My involvement in Greek life, serving as VP of Sigma Nu, a member of the IFC Judicial Board, and on the Young Greek Leaders Board, gave me the chance to develop leadership skills. During my final two years at Clemson, I worked in the service industry, which taught me valuable people skills. I learned to interact with a wide variety of personalities and gained confidence in my communication abilities. In this industry, long days and nights on weekends are the norm, and very few could thrive working Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, including double shifts, on a Clemson gameday.

Can you tell us about your current role with Confirmed360 and what your day-to-day looks like as Vice President?

Confirmed360 is a premier entertainment concierge service that curates customized sports, music, and live event experiences, simplifying VIP event booking for clients. Our clientele includes Fortune 500 executives, celebrities, athletes, and high-net-worth individuals seeking experiences such as a Super Bowl suite or a yacht excursion around F1 Monaco. As Vice President of Strategy and Growth, I focus on identifying opportunities to expand our business portfolio, forming partnerships, developing premium rewards programs, and securing exclusive event access for our sales team.

You’ve worked across several major organizations in the sports and entertainment space, how have those experiences shaped your approach to leadership and client engagement?

I have been fortunate to work at companies like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Confirmed360, where I was surrounded by exceptional leadership. My years in Silicon Valley and San Francisco were eye-opening, giving me the opportunity to learn from leaders of billion-dollar organizations with backgrounds at companies like Google, Facebook, and NASA. I vividly recall experiencing imposter syndrome during training at StubHub, wondering how a Clemson PRTM major with a 2.7 GPA ended up among such high-caliber talent. I quickly realized that strong leadership is about team building and valuing diverse perspectives, and that I was there for my industry knowledge and the street smarts I had gained along the way.

What advice would you give current PRTM students who are interested in careers in sports, entertainment, or event management?

My advice is to be actively involved. This industry thrives on live events, so immerse yourself in them. My senior-year internship at the Nashville Sports Council was incredibly insightful, covering everything from SEC football games to Tough Mudder races, and showed me the critical role live events play in a city’s economic growth. These experiences gave me a significant advantage when I applied for my first job in ticket sales for a professional sports team. Lastly, cultivate a genuine passion for the industry. Once you have good teammates, leaders, and mentors, you become a sponge, learn to believe in yourself, and create momentum that drives you forward. As my grandpa always told me, “Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life.” Among all the majors out there, I truly believe PRTM gives you a path to live out this statement—and I feel that I am.

Juliana Gonzalez, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, currently works as a Private Events Coordinator at Hogsalt, a Chicago hospitality company known for its unique restaurants and exceptional dining experiences.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson?

I discovered PRTM at Clemson and realized it matched my interests in sports, events, and being outdoors. I specifically chose the Tourism & Event Management concentration because I felt as though it was very versatile and would allow me to explore so many different professional sectors while interacting with lots of different people every day. My coursework in Risk Management, Special Event Management, Professional Preparation, and several other classes directly correlate to my current role. Also, there were so many amazing guest speakers and opportunities to get involved in PRTM that really made me feel comfortable and confident heading into my professional life.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

I’m currently working as a Private Events Coordinator for Hogsalt in Downtown Chicago! Hogsalt is a restaurant group that offers fine dining, hospitality, and unforgettable culinary experiences. Though originally based in Chicago, the company has since expanded to New York City, Las Vegas, and Paris. Some of our restaurants include 4 Charles Prime Rib, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, Au Cheval, Monkey Bar, Trivoli Tavern, and many more. As a Private Events Coordinator, I collaborate with an amazing events team to respond to event and catering inquiries, manage all event correspondence, and communicate effectively to meet client needs.

You’ve grown from an intern to a full-time Private Events Coordinator at Hogsalt in a fast-paced hospitality environment, what has that transition been like?

I have such a great team at Hogsalt who are very patient and supportive of me. They helped me transition smoothly from my internship to my full-time role by allowing me to shadow them on client walkthroughs, participate in meetings, and ask plenty of questions. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned so far is about general customer service; working in a metropolitan area like Chicago means interacting with a diverse range of people from locals, tourists, families, sports teams, agents, and individuals of all ages. Learning to communicate with different types of guests has been invaluable to my career and will benefit me throughout my professional life.

What advice would you give to current PRTM students who are interested in the events or hospitality industry?

My advice would be to get involved in any way possible. Say yes to as many opportunities as you can! During my time at Clemson, I got involved in a lot of different events. Whether through Greek Life, PRTM opportunities, or sports, putting yourself out there and gaining experience will greatly benefit you in the future, even if it doesn’t seem directly related to your post-grad plans. Any experience is a good experience and can help you work on things like problem solving, client relations, and attention to detail.

Megan Latimer, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, currently works as a Project Manager at the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR).

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson?

Sport has always been a part of who I am. In high school, I was introduced to the business side of athletics and realized there was an entire world behind the games I loved to watch or participate in. I’ve also always been happiest outdoors, exploring, connecting, and creating experiences. When I learned about Clemson’s PRTM program, I knew it could marry both passions. The program’s depth meant I could study everything from sport and tourism to the broader ways people experience leisure, connection, and community. It felt like a place where I could build a career around my love for people, experiences, and sports.

How did your time at Clemson prepare you for a career in the sports and entertainment industry, specifically NASCAR?

Clemson gave me more than a degree, it gave me confidence in my abilities. Through hands-on projects and real-world experiences, I learned how to work with different perspectives, lead with empathy, and adapt quickly to challenges. My years interning with Clemson Athletics gave me a front-row seat to the pace and precision needed in sports. At Clemson, I discovered that success in this industry isn’t just about skill, it’s about showing up for your team, being willing to learn, and giving your best effort every single day. Those lessons have been the backbone of my career so far at NASCAR.

What skills from your education do you find most valuable in your role at NASCAR?

The most valuable skills I took from Clemson are teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. In this role, those three are non-negotiable. Whether I’m leading a cross-departmental meeting, drafting a project update, or navigating an unexpected challenge, I lean on those skills daily. Clemson taught me how to collaborate with intention, think through complex problems, and communicate clearly in ways that move projects and people-forward.

What advice would you give current students who want to pursue a career in the sports entertainment industry?

Build your network and be open to opportunities, even the ones that might feel outside your comfort zone. Every experience, whether you love it or realize it’s not for you, helps you grow and refine your career path. Stay curious, seek out challenges, and lean into your passions. When you pursue them fully, you’ll be amazed at where they can take you.