This week at CXC I was able to meet more of the people behind the organization, and get a better understanding of the effort and logistics required to organize such a large yearly event. I had a number of usual tasks, such as researching clubs and special interests groups to reach out to, or contacting local events calendars, but it’s certainly more interesting to write about the Zoom meetings I attended where committees discussed the various volunteer, marketing, and hospitality needs to address before CXC in September-October. I was also able to meet many of the other people who make up CXC, including other staff and committee members. 

The three meetings I attended this week were dedicated to matters under the purview of the volunteer committee, the marketing committee, and the hospitality committee. The volunteer committee discussed matters concerning volunteer needs and coordination, as well as volunteer recruitment and retention. The marketing committee discussed opportunities to collaborate with local media and interest groups, various marketing strategies, as well as promotional opportunities to encourage greater interest in CXC. The hospitality committee discussed matters concerning the transportation of guests across the city and the amenities provided to guests and festival attendees. 

I learned a lot observing these meetings and how the people in them would interact in a professional environment, problem solve, and discuss new ideas and solutions. While I’ve focused a lot of my efforts on getting the word out about what CXC is, and why people should attend, there is an extreme amount of effort that goes into organizing and planning a massive, multi-day festival such as this one. There are so many problems or needs that I would have never thought of that these people dedicate their valuable time and talents towards solving and filling. It’s both humbling and reaffirming to be reminded that I am a small part of such a large and ongoing celebration of the arts.