Staff Profile - June 2014

Conference Center Coordinator Nathan Fuller is pictured above in his favorite kind of spot.  Known as "Nate" around the Main Library, a more amiable person is hard to find. Yet he's as tenacious as an old yard dog--and a whole lot smarter--when he wants to get something going on the job.  Nate, his supervisor, Conference Center Manager Mitesh Sangani, and Conference Center Specialist Will Daniels do an excellent job keeping the Conference Center booked and running like a top--all with down-to-earth manners you find in super Southern gentlemen.

Q: What past experience contributes to your success as the Main Library’s Conference Center Coordinator?
A: My experience at the Murray Hill Theatre in high school was complementary to what I do now. I started as a volunteer, then interned, eventually becoming the Facilities Manager there for a year. The time was a great learning experience for run of shows, getting used to the idea that you will be the first one in and the last one out, and doing everything possible to make sure your guests have a great time.
I started with JPL at the Conference Center as a part-timer. That gave me a great introduction into how the Conference Center runs. Mitesh and Will have both been great instructors. It helps to have two experienced colleagues whose combined event and logistics experience is over 40 years. So their mentorship has been huge.

Q: Tell us some of the usual—and unusual—experiences you incur in the Conference Center.
A: Rolling with the punches is a common motto around here. Events are all about dealing with unusual experiences, whether it’s a propane tank catching fire, sneaking the Mayor in to avoid the press for an event, or the various audio visual issues that inevitably arise for every event.
When you work for the Conference Center your expectations for a regular schedule are out the window. Each hour is different from the day before, whether it’s showing the building to potential clients or going over logistic details for events.  You could be planning for a 10 person meeting one hour and a multi-day Film Festival the next. It’s a varied experience that I thoroughly enjoy.

Q: What are the greatest challenges and accomplishments you have experienced with the Conference Center?
A: Getting used to the various hours we work has been the greatest challenge. One day we will be here at 6 am to open up a business conference, then the next day we will be here at 3:00 pm to oversee a wedding until at least midnight.
Specifically, with the World Arts Film Festival, I saw the potential for a great event but being a non-profit, the booking process lasted almost six months. That is compared to a normal two week window. They had to secure funding and other resources before moving forward. That was a test in patience as we held onto some key weekend dates that we could have easily filled with weddings otherwise.

Q: What would you like to see the Conference Center do in the future to expand its service to the community?
A: We are constantly using our skill sets as a team to help address Library needs and to take its programming to the next level--from helping curate the One Spark Creators at Main, to ensuring a solid and carefree presentation of the Muslim Poetic Voices of the World.
We take pride in the fact that if someone books with us, we have a team with many different strengths and weaknesses but we are all very complementary to each other.  All our clients can be sure they will have the support and valuable advice they need to make their events run smoothly.

What is your favorite pastime?
A: Being in nature is probably my favorite pastime. The beach, mountains, hiking and camping. It’s good to get away once in a while and reflect in nature. That’s where I recharge my batteries.