Omar Martinez

Professor D.
HTM-201/2PM
Guest Speaker Reflection #2

The direct quote that appealed to me at the Wonderfront presentation was, “…throw

yourself in more opportunities that are given.” This direct quote gave me a sense of always going

after things once they present themselves. The speaker who said this was Allegra Cisneros a

Marketing/Events Coordinator from the Wonderfront Music Festival. Allegra is a San Diego

State University graduate emphasizing in Meeting and events. Allegra has had a diverse

background in the industry ranging from working at the San Diego Zoo to working as an Event

Technology Intern. The three themes that captivated me the most about Allegra’s speech were

challenges, presentation of your company, and the emphasis on seeking opportunity.

Through challenges, you need to be able to learn and adapt with your team to ensure the

best and possible outcomes for your specific area of the company. One of the challenges that

Allegra had mentioned, was the exposure of the Wonderfront festival, and how it would be

communicated with San Diego county. In that note, Allegra mentions that as a student you need

to be open minded to new ideas and explore different paths. By doing that, one is able to apply

newfound knowledge and express it towards the company/event you are working with. By

keeping up with the challenges, you end up growing as an individual and expressing new ideals

which can be reflected towards the success of the company.

The second theme of the presentation was the way one presents their company. What

Allegra had said cultivated a sense of understanding and resilience as she mentioned, “…you

have to involve the community.” This symbolizes something that is crucial in a team

environment, and one of the foundations towards having an event succeed. By having and

cultivating connections and involving the community, you promote the people savvy portion of

the kaleidoscope competency model. In a position such as being a Marketing/Events

Coordinator, enforcing communication and putting out the company, helps spread the word for

the event. This promotes the event and creates an intriguing sense with the audience, making the

audience have a sense of interest for the new event.

The third theme in the presentation was seeking opportunity. Allegra mentioned, “Use the

I’m a student card.” This is deemed true, as she mentioned that she was able to interview people

from the industry, as well as get an inside look into what meetings and events would be like,

prior to her current position. In that sense what I got out of seeking opportunity, is always taking

chances when they arise.

One of the kaleidoscope competencies that Allegra is strong at is the people savvy

competency. She emphasizes the importance of presentation, through effective communication

and finding a base. She had mentioned that by emphasizing communication, that translates over

to exposure for the event which later results in creating interest with potential guests. She is also

keen on delivering new ideas, as well as implementing a new following through the use of social

media and finding a niche which will apply to you.

The speaker’s visit personally impacted me as it implemented the ideal of following your

calling and finding your niche. Allegra mentioned that one needs to follow opportunities when

they arise, and that is something that I can relate to. At my current place of employment, I have

taken all of the opportunities that become available be it through: job applications, interviews,

and talking with my supervisors regarding positions that I may look forward to obtaining.