Preds, Bridgestone Arena Event Services Director Earns 30 Under 30 Honor

Like so many who work for the Predators and Bridgestone Arena, Kylie Wilkerson started here as an intern a decade ago. Now, she's one of the best at what she does in the entire industry.
Wilkerson, who is the Director of Event Services for the Preds and the Arena,
was honored as a 2020 International Association of Venue Managers 30 Under 30 winner
thanks to her excellence in her role and helping Bridgestone Arena to be one of the top venues in the world for hockey, concerts and more.
Although things were delayed by the pandemic, Wilkerson recently received her honor in person, and now owning a physical award only added to her humbled recognition.

"It was really exciting, especially because it comes from our industry peers," Wilkerson said of earning the accolade. "It's just really nice to be recognized by your peers for the things that we do day in, day out."
Wilkerson's tenure with the organization began when she was hired as an intern in 2011, and since then, she's worked her way up through the event services department from an event coordinator, event manager and now a director.
That rise shows, in part, why she's one of the brightest young professionals in the field.
From the IAVM website: "She has worked her way through various levels of the venue management industry - intern, food & beverage supervisor, event coordinator, and ultimately to the leadership role in a busy and thriving Event Services department. In her current role she oversees the coordination of professional sporting events with the Nashville Predators, Concerts, Conferences, and Awards Shows."
Wilkerson says the best part about what she does is simply the fact that no two days are the same, and different events constantly provide new challenges and experiences to learn and grow from.
And although it's her name on the award, Wilkerson knows it's hardly an individual recognition.
"Even though I'm receiving the honor, it's because I come from this great organization that has trained people well and respects people and our fans," Wilkerson said. "It's just nice to see that all culminated into something like this."