Stephanie Wilder: From Director of Campus and Community Events to Content Writer, Shaping Stories Beyond Virtual Assistance

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Stephanie Monastra Wilder Named Director of Campus and community Events at Walsh University

November 5, 2025

North Canton, Ohio – Walsh University has announced the appointment of Stephanie Monastra Wilder as its new Director of Campus and Community Events.The appointment was made public today, November 5, 2025, and marks a meaningful step for the University’s event operations.

Ms. Wilder will be responsible for overseeing the rentals and comprehensive management of events held across Walsh University’s facilities. These include the Barrette Business and Community Center,Hoover Park,Hoover Hall,and several other campus venues. She will also collaborate closely with the Athletics department to coordinate bookings for the Cecchini Health and Wellness Complex, along with all associated athletic fields.

A Focus on Collaboration and Community Engagement

In this newly created role,Ms. Wilder will be tasked with coordinating events requested by various University departments, personnel, and student organizations. Crucially,she will also manage special events hosted by external community groups. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen the University’s ties with the local community and foster increased engagement.

Extensive Background in Event Leadership

Stephanie Monastra Wilder brings a remarkable 25-plus years of proven leadership experience in the fields of event management, hospitality, and client relations. Her most recent position was Director of the Conference Center at Kent State University at Stark, where she successfully managed event operations and spearheaded initiatives to bolster community partnerships and generate revenue.

Prior to her role at Kent State, Wilder dedicated 13 years to Diebold, Inc., progressing through several leadership positions. She served as both Director of Global Events and Director of Corporate Events and Executive Business services. Her responsibilities encompassed the management of global conferences, trade shows, and high-level executive meetings, requiring oversight of substantial budgets, contracts, and international staff.

Industry Recognition and Academic Achievements

Throughout her career, Ms. Wilder has consistently received accolades for her extraordinary performance in the events industry. She has been honored with an IMA Award, a SITE Crystal Award, and multiple Telly Awards recognizing excellence in live events and motivational content. Furthermore, she was nominated for the prestigious MPI Meeting Planner of the Year Award – Ohio Chapter.

Academically, Ms.Wilder holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, earned cum laude from Bowling Green State University. She further enhanced her credentials by obtaining an Executive MBA from Kent State University.

Commitment to Service

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Wilder is deeply committed to community service. She has actively volunteered her time and expertise with organizations such as Meeting Professionals International, the united Way of Greater Stark County, the American Heart Association, and Arts in Stark.

Did You Know? The events industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy,generating over $1.1 trillion in economic output annually, according to the Events industry Council.

Position	Organization	years
Director of Campus and Community Events	Walsh University	2025 – Present
Director of the Conference Center	Kent State University at Stark	Recent
Director of Global Events	Diebold, Inc.	13 Years

Pro Tip: Effective event management prioritizes clear communication, meticulous planning, and adaptability. Unexpected challenges frequently enough arise, so a flexible approach is crucial for success.

The Evolving Landscape of Event Management

The events industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global trends. Hybrid events – combining in-person and virtual elements – have become increasingly popular as 2020, offering greater accessibility and reach. Sustainability is another growing concern, with event planners focusing on reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. According to a recent report by Statista, the global event industry is projected to reach $1.55 trillion by 2028.

furthermore, the emphasis on creating memorable experiences continues to be a key differentiator.Attendees are seeking events that are not only informative but also engaging, interactive, and personally meaningful.Technology, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, is being used to enhance these experiences and create truly immersive environments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Event Management

• What skills are essential for a successful event manager? Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and budget management expertise are all crucial.
• What is the role of technology in modern event management? Technology plays a significant role, from event registration and marketing to on-site logistics and post-event analysis.
• How vital is sustainability in event planning? Sustainability is increasingly important, as attendees and stakeholders expect events to be environmentally responsible.
• What are hybrid events, and why are they gaining popularity? Hybrid events combine in-person and virtual components, offering adaptability and broader reach.
• How can event managers measure the success of an event? Key metrics include attendance rates,attendee satisfaction,lead generation,and return on investment (ROI).

what are your thoughts on the growing importance of community engagement in University events? Share your comments below!

How did Stephanie leverage her experience in crafting narrative arcs in event planning to successfully transition into writng compelling content?

The Unexpected Pivot: Event Planning Skills as Content Creation Assets

Stephanie Wilder’s career trajectory isn’t a linear climb up a single ladder; it’s a compelling illustration of transferable skills and the evolving landscape of professional roles. Formerly the Director of Campus and community Events, Stephanie has successfully transitioned into the world of content writing, demonstrating how experience in event management provides a surprisingly robust foundation for crafting engaging narratives. This shift highlights a growing trend: the value of diverse backgrounds in the digital marketing and content creation space.

Core Skillset Overlap: Event Management & Content Strategy

Many assume event planning and content writing are worlds apart. Though, a closer look reveals notable overlap in core competencies. both disciplines demand:

* audience Understanding: Identifying target demographics, their needs, and preferences is crucial for both prosperous events and effective content.

* Storytelling: Events are stories unfolding in real-time.A skilled event director crafts an experience,a narrative arc. This translates directly to writing compelling blog posts, website copy, or marketing materials.

* Project Management: From timelines and budgets to vendor coordination, event planning is fundamentally about project management – a skill highly valued in content creation workflows.

* Interaction: Clear, concise communication is paramount in both roles, whether it’s briefing a team or crafting a persuasive call to action.

* Adaptability: Events rarely go exactly as planned. The ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances is equally vital when responding to content performance data or shifting client needs.

From Logistics to Language: The Content Writing Journey

Stephanie’s transition wasn’t accidental. Recognizing the inherent connection between her event planning experience and the demands of content creation,she proactively upskilled. This involved:

1. Formal Training: Investing in courses focused on SEO writing, content marketing, and digital storytelling. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and HubSpot Academy offer valuable certifications.
2. Portfolio Development: Creating a portfolio of writing samples – blog posts, website copy, social media content – to showcase her abilities.Starting a personal blog or offering pro-bono work are excellent ways to build a portfolio.
3. Networking: Connecting with content writers and marketing professionals through LinkedIn and industry events (ironically!).
4. Focusing on Niche Expertise: Leveraging her event planning background to specialize in content related to event marketing, hospitality, or community engagement. This allowed her to position herself as a subject matter expert.

The Power of a Unique Outlook: Event-Informed Content

Stephanie’s background provides a unique perspective that many content writers lack. She understands the why behind events – the goals, the challenges, the emotional impact. This translates into content that is:

* authentic: She can write with authority and credibility about the event industry.

* Practical: Her advice is grounded in real-world experience, not just theoretical knowledge.

* Insightful: She can offer unique perspectives on event trends and best practices.

Content Writing Specializations: Where Event Planners Excel

Several content writing specializations particularly benefit from an event planning background:

* Event Marketing Content: blog posts, articles, and website copy promoting events.

* Hospitality & Tourism Content: Creating engaging content for hotels, resorts, and tourism boards.

* Community Engagement Content: Writing content that fosters community building and participation.

* B2B Content for Event Technology: Explaining the benefits of event management software and tools.

* Case Studies: Documenting the success of events and highlighting key learnings.

Benefits of Hiring Content Writers with Non-Customary Backgrounds

Stephanie’s story underscores a broader trend: the increasing value of hiring content writers with diverse backgrounds.These writers bring:

* Fresh Perspectives: Thay challenge conventional thinking and offer innovative ideas.

* Problem-Solving Skills: Their experience in other fields equips them to tackle complex content challenges.

* Adaptability: They are comfortable learning new things and adapting to changing circumstances.

* Stronger Empathy: A broader life experience frequently enough translates to a greater ability to connect with audiences.

Practical Tips for a Career Transition into Content Writing

For event professionals considering a similar transition, here are some actionable steps:

* Identify Transferable Skills: make a list of the skills you’ve developed in event planning that are relevant to content writing.

* Build Your Online Presence: Create a professional LinkedIn profile and consider starting a blog or website.

* Network Strategically: Connect with content writers and marketing professionals online and at industry events.

* Focus on Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date on the latest content marketing trends and best practices.

* Don’t Underestimate Your Value: Your unique experience is an asset – highlight it!