So…What Do You Actually Do?

So…what do you actually do?

It’s a question I get all the time. At events, in casual conversations or anytime someone finds out I work for The Great Reno Balloon Race. And honestly…seven years in, I still don’t have a one-line answer.

Because the truth is, I get to do a little bit of everything.

And another question I always get is: do you really spend the whole year planning for one event?

The short answer is yes…but not in the way people usually think.

Working on a large-scale event doesn’t really fit into one job description. Some days, I’m deep in logistics like timelines, layouts, operations, making sure every detail is accounted for. Other days, I’m working on marketing, social media or community outreach. There are moments when I’m coordinating with sponsors, organizing volunteers, troubleshooting last-minute issues or helping shape the overall attendee experience.

A big part of my role is also collaboration. I work closely with our Executive Director, alongside volunteer committee leaders, partners and stakeholders who all play a role in bringing the event to life. It’s a constant balance of communication, coordination and making sure everyone and everything is aligned while things are moving quickly.

And then there are the early event mornings, the unexpected curveballs and the behind-the-scenes moments that most people don’t see. The parts where you just figure it out in real time because the event is happening whether you’re ready or not.

Over the past seven years, I’ve learned that my role isn’t defined by a single title. It’s defined by being adaptable and stepping into whatever is needed to make things come together. It’s less about “this is my job” and more about “what needs to get done?”

What I’ve come to appreciate is that what people experience during the event is built on intentional preparation, collaboration and a lot of moving pieces coming together at the right time. It takes a team, strong partnerships and consistent effort to create something that feels seamless.

So when people ask what I do, the simplest answer is: I help make the event happen.

But what that really means is being involved in all the pieces that bring an experience to life…the visible and the behind-the-scenes, the planned and the unexpected.

And after seven years…I’ve learned that I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love the (organized) chaos that comes with the job. I love the people I get to meet along the way. I even love the stress that comes with events because it means I’m part of something that matters. And most of all, I love being part of something bigger than myself.

At the end of the day, it’s less about one role and more about being part of something bigger. What’s something you’re part of that people don’t always see behind the scenes?