After the five members of the first Emerging Producers cohort had success learning how to implement, and then executing unique events in downtown Chattanooga, River City Company announces the opening of applications for a second year. The program is designed to support those who have a vision and the desire to create diverse event experiences in downtown Chattanooga.
The Emerging Producers program seeks to support individuals, organizations and artists with two years or less of event management experience. “Often, we receive calls from people who have fantastic ideas for events in downtown," said Dawn Hjelseth, vice president of Marketing & Communication at River City Company. "What they do not understand is the amount of work that goes into ensuring the logistics of the event are planned including permitting, insurance, safety, or working with contractors and vendors. These aspects are equally or even more important as the type of activities hosted at the event to ensure people have a safe and fun experience.”
“Without the Emerging Producer program, I would not have even known where to start with creating a sponsorship deck, sending out a press release, marketing the event, etc.," said Randi Franklin, a member of the first cohort of Emerging Producers. "This program really helped me elevate my event production skills and I am already inspired to try other event ideas now with my new skillset. I felt completely supported and at ease having the Emerging Producer program team on my side. If there would have been something I wished to have learned, I would have simply asked and they would have guided me in the right direction."
From now until Nov. 30, applications will be accepted for the program. Representatives of nonprofits, community groups, or an artist, creative, resident, event curator, or entrepreneur with two years or less of event management experience are eligible to apply. Additional criteria along with the application can be found at www.rivercitycompany.com/producers. The top six candidates will be selected by the Emerging Producers Advisory Committee with notification of acceptance in December.
The program will run from January 2025 through October 2025 providing in-depth educational workshops, event shadowing experiences, field trips with partner organizations, and mentorship. Topics that will be covered include: concept creation – taking an idea to reality; creating collaborations – partnership opportunities and alignment; fundraising – creating a budget, grant writing, proposal submissions; logistics 101 – permits, security and safety measures; marketing and public relations – traditional and grassroots methods to spread the word; vendor and contractor management – achieving a win/win for all; run of show – day of management and production; metrics and success measures – evaluation process; and learn from leaders – panel discussion of best practices and lessons learned over the years. As the cohort size is smaller, specific times and dates of the meeting sessions will be determined by coordinating the schedule of the members.
For the second half of the program starting in May, each of the cohort members will lead and execute an event in downtown Chattanooga. The other cohort members will support the lead member in producing the event. The classes, mentorship and event management will be overseen by the staff of River City Company with the support of the Emerging Producers Advisory Committee.
Cohort members will receive a $2,500 stipend for their participation in the program along with seed funding for their event concepts. “We believe that not only is it important to teach the tools to successfully implement an event, but the seed funding is a way to kickstart their idea," said Ms. Hjelseth. "The members will have to learn how to fundraise and gain other community support to implement their ideas along with building strong partnerships to make the event a success. We are beyond grateful for the support from the Lyndhurst Foundation, who is continuing to provide the grant funding for this program for this year and next. We have seen what the members were able to achieve through the program in the first year and can’t wait to see what this next cohort will create.”
Important Dates for the Program include:
Oct. 30 – Applications Open
Nov. 304 – Applications Close at 5pm
Dec. 19 – Program Selection Notice Released
January 2025 – October 2025 – Second Cohort Program
The first cohort graduation is set for Nov. 13 at the Waterhouse Pavilion from 5-6:30 p.m. The community is invited to celebrate their accomplishments and to also learn more about the program.
For more information about the program and to apply, please visit www.rivercitycompany.com/producers or email dawn@rivercitycompany.com with questions.