Students in Ferris State University’s Hospitality Management program participated
in a variety of support roles at 2023 X Games Aspen, a three-day schedule of winter
sports competitions and on-site music events Jan. 27-29 at Buttermilk Ski Resort.
Fifteen Ferris State University students returned from Aspen, Colorado’s Buttermilk Ski Resort Monday, Jan. 30, overflowing with memories and experiences from a six-day journey to serve as “Xperts” at X Games Aspen.
Amy Dorey, an associate professor and program coordinator for Hospitality Management, had a role in guest services beyond overseeing student rotations during the competition and on-site entertainment schedule from Friday, Jan. 27, through Sunday, Jan. 29.
“We answered guest questions, assisted with arrivals and exits, and maintained a lost and found service for all X Games visitors and participants,” Dorey said. “Hospitality Management students, preparing for a career in the event industry, were provided with unparalleled education on the leading methods for spectator experience. Event development tasks encompass all facets of fan engagement, including guest services, festival operations and social media. Our Ferris students saw it all and walked away with extensive knowledge and current industry tools to use in their future roles.”
Lara Steib, of Clarkston, a Public Relations major, was one of the students who traveled
to Colorado for the X Games.
Breanna Swift, of Haslett, was part of the Ferris contingent at X Games Aspen, excited to apply classroom learning to a high-profile event experience.
“Being there in the moment and being expected to execute at the moment made me even more excited to pursue this industry and continue to explore,” Swift said. “I learned so much about what I do know and where I can continue to grow.”
Hannah Nunamaker, of Big Rapids, and Breyanna Gebben, of Hamilton, found the event, a newly established collaboration between MSP Sports Capital and ESPN Productions, to be encouraging in every way.
“We walked into the X Games venue as student “Xperts” and left as part of the X Games family. Leaving was surprisingly difficult,” Nunamaker said.
Added Gebben, “After the experiences of COVID, the inclusion we all felt as part of this team was empowering and gave us so much hope for the return of events for our industry.”
All but one of the Ferris students on this excursion were Hospitality Management students. Lara Steib, of Clarkston, is a Public Relations major. She was one of three social media team members supporting ESPN communications.
Specifics for 2023’s Summer X Games are currently fluid, but Dorey said the university intends to continue as a leading collegiate contributor to event operations and presentation.