A special thank you to Kristi Andersen, Director of Communications at MECA, for our Omaha blog interview.
What are your responsibilities as Director of Communications at MECA?
I am responsible for internal and external communications, media relations and social media for MECA, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha and CenturyLink Center Omaha. In addition, I serve as the company spokesperson.
How long might you spend on a given publicity campaign for an event?
It depends on the event and what the event organizer is requesting. Events like the College World Series and Olympic Swim Trials are planned for and publicized months in advance.
You were a TV reporter for 15 years. How did that work prepare you for what you do now? What did you like best about it?
As a journalist, no one day is ever the same. Each day is busy with very little down time. This position is similar. With the hundreds of events we host every year in the facilities, there is never a slow time. I enjoy being busy and connecting with different people every day.
You were Senator Johanns’ press secretary for a year. How did that prepare you and what were your typical duties there?
As a press secretary, I had regular interactions with the press and those relationships have carried over into my position at MECA. It has been helpful in both this position and at MECA to have the real life experience of being a member of the media and having a deep understanding of that industry.
What have been your favorite events at TD Ameritrade Park? At the CenturyLink Center?
At TD Ameritrade Park, the College World Series is the big event. I love that the entire city comes together to showcase Omaha, and I really enjoy meeting the fans from different parts of the country. Each team and their fan base brings a different flavor. There are so many exciting events at CenturyLink Center Omaha. The Swim Trials are electric, and I have really enjoyed being part of the Championship Boxing Matches we have hosted. That event is unique and a lot of fun. Plus, I’m a boxing fan.
What events would you like to see each facility host that they don’t currently host?
I’m not sure. We’ve hosted just about every type of event you can imagine!
What advantages does the CenturyLink Center have over the old Civic Auditorium?
The Civic Auditorium was a wonderful facility that holds a special place in many citizens’ and employees hearts. The CenturyLink Center isn’t better, just different- A new venue with the capabilities to host amazing world-class events.
What advantages does the CenturyLink Center have over the Baxter and Ralston Arenas?
The size, seating capacity and flexibility of space sets the CenturyLink Center apart from other venues both local and national.
What advantages does TD Ameritrade Park have over the old Rosenblatt Stadium, and how does it compete with other stadiums for events?
TD Ameritrade Park is a beautiful state-of-the-art facility and the fact that it is the Home of the College World Series makes a great selling point.
How many people do the facilities that you work with employ?
MECA has just under 100 full-time employees and around 500 part-time employees (event staff). That does not include the employees of the businesses we contract with for cleaning, security, audio/visual services, and food service.
How do these facilities contribute to the growth and economic health of Omaha and the surrounding areas?
TD Ameritrade Park Omaha and CenturyLink Center Omaha are centerpieces of the downtown revitalization efforts, and these venues are economic impact drivers. A 2013 independent Study showed that the CenturyLink Center had already generated nearly $5 billion in economic impact for the City of Omaha in its first 10 years of operation.
