A Q&A With LEO’s Summer Interns

July 30 is National Intern Day, and we’re celebrating by introducing our six summer interns and sharing their experiences at LEO Events. This summer, we welcomed two interns in each of our Tennessee offices: Brady Donlon and Laura Johnston in Memphis, Josie Harlow and Josie Robertson in Nashville, and Ashley Case and McKenzie Farr in Chattanooga.

Started in the summer of 2023, our highly competitive internship program provides students with real, hands-on experience. From day one, our interns supported client programs, helped plan summer outings for each office and completed a large-scale, client event simulation. For 10 weeks each summer these students are given the opportunity to take a deep dive into the world of corporate events and discover what a career in live events offers.

Our conversation revealed three themes that shaped the interns’ summer: learning how collaboration and attention to detail bring large-scale events to life, developing the adaptability and problem-solving skills needed in a fast-moving industry, and gaining greater clarity and confidence about their future careers. This summer, the interns saw firsthand how meaningful experiences are created—and discovered new opportunities for themselves along the way.

What interested you in interning with LEO Events, and what did you hope to learn about the industry?

Josie H.: My interest in LEO Events began when I attended Walmart Associates Week last summer. Seeing the scale of the production and the creativity behind every aspect of the event made me want to learn more about the team responsible for it. I hoped to better understand how large-scale corporate events move from concept to execution and how different teams work together to create those experiences.

Brady: I came to LEO with experience performing as a DJ and sourcing, planning and organizing musical events. That drew me toward large-scale corporate events, where the productions are bigger and the details run deeper. I wanted to broaden my knowledge of the industry. I found a passion for creating great experiences through music, and that passion carries directly into corporate events.

Ashley: I loved how much LEO gives back to the University of Tennessee and creates opportunities for students through programs like LEO Fellows. I wanted to work for a company that cares about young event professionals. I applied for the internship to gain more day-to-day experience and learn what it takes behind the scenes to bring an event to life.

What surprised you most about how corporate events are planned and produced behind the scenes?

Josie R.: I was most surprised by the size and specialization of the teams required to execute a seamless show. Coming from a campus activities board, seeing the range of cross-functional roles—from technical directors and AV crews to creative strategists and environmental producers—was eye-opening. Working with experienced industry partners on major projects showed me that exceptional events depend on communication and teamwork.

Brady: What surprised me most was the attention paid to details I had never considered, including floral arrangements, linen colors, attendee flow, diagrams and signage. All those small choices make the guest experience feel seamless, even though attendees may never consciously notice them.

McKenzie: I was surprised by the amount of planning and detail involved in every event. Planning may be part of the job description, but my time at LEO showed me that every detail, scenario and minute must be considered. Even something that seems small needs a plan—and often a backup plan—for whatever might happen on the day of the event.

What skills did you develop during your internship, and how will they support your future career?

Laura: One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, especially when plans change or situations become stressful. Events require you to adapt quickly and remain focused on solutions. I also learned the value of building strong client relationships because every decision should support their vision and create the best possible experience. These skills will help me become a dependable, adaptable professional who can navigate challenges with a positive mindset.

Ashley: Flexibility and adaptability are two major skills I developed. The event world is always changing, so I learned to remain calm when plans shifted or unexpected situations arose. Those skills will help me approach future challenges confidently and solve problems effectively.

Josie R.: In addition to sharpening my technical skills with platforms such as Cvent and Asana, I strengthened my interpersonal and communication skills. Working in a fast-paced environment taught me to articulate ideas clearly under pressure, manage real-time schedule changes and build meaningful professional connections. I now feel more prepared to navigate high-stakes environments strategically.

What advice would you give students interested in corporate event internships or careers in event production?

Josie H.: Be willing to jump in and help wherever you are needed. Every task, no matter how small, is an opportunity to learn how events come together. Do not be afraid to speak up about your interests, either. If there is a department or role you are curious about, let people know. Everyone at LEO was willing to share their knowledge, and expressing my interests opened the door to experiences I would not have had otherwise.

McKenzie: Go into your internship with an open mind rather than a fixed set of expectations. When you are new to the events industry, it can be difficult to know what the experience will be like. Being open helps you adapt, learn how the company works and make the most of every opportunity. My internship was different from what I expected, but in a good way. Holding too tightly to my assumptions could have kept me from fully appreciating the experience.

Laura: Be open to learning and willing to step outside your comfort zone. An internship is an opportunity to ask questions, take initiative and gain hands-on experience from the people around you. Pay attention to every part of the process, even tasks that may seem small, because each one can teach you something. It is never too early to start gaining experience in a field you are passionate about.

What is one word you would use to describe your summer at LEO, and why?

Brady: Comprehensive. I learned about so many areas of the business, from event operations and meeting services to sales and marketing. I expanded my knowledge in countless ways, which is a credit to the structure of the internship and the coworkers, supervisors and program leaders who guided me.

Josie R.: Pivotal. This experience showed me how classroom learning and campus event planning translate into professional readiness. It created an important foundation for my future career.

Ashley: Unpredictable. The event world is always changing, sometimes even on the day of an event. Unexpected projects and assignments taught me so much about what happens behind the scenes. I also learned how even tiny details—such as alphabetizing name tags—can affect how smoothly an event runs.

Laura: Eye-opening. This summer allowed me to see the events industry from a completely different perspective and understand how much work goes into creating a successful event. Learning from people with extensive industry experience made the opportunity even more valuable. I am leaving LEO with a greater appreciation for the industry and new skills that I will carry into my career.

McKenzie: Fascinating. I find the events, shows and ideas LEO creates fascinating. Every time I saw photos or heard conversations about a project, I thought it was the coolest thing. Working in an environment where I was genuinely excited by the work made this summer a great experience.

Josie H.: Inspiring. Every day, I had the opportunity to learn from talented people who are passionate about what they do. Seeing the creativity, collaboration and dedication behind each project confirmed that this is an industry I want to join and motivated me to continue growing professionally.