Just last fall, Bernadette Velasco was a communications student in Cal State Fullerton’s Event Planning and Management course, where she gained hands-on experience planning the Newport Beach Film Festival.
One year later, she’s putting those skills into action in her new role as director of community partnerships for the festival.
“Taking the Event Planning and Management course was a turning point for me,” said Velasco ’24 (B.A. communications-entertainment and tourism), who was originally interested in a career as a physical therapist. She credits the class for helping her discover her true passion.
The eight-day festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, offers communications students practical opportunities to work with international teams, local media and community organizations. In the course, students are divided into teams based on the countries the films originate from, for example, Team Australia, Team Korea, Team Japan, Team Mexico, Team Italy and more.
Throughout her time working with Team Mexico, Velasco developed her management, critical thinking and communication skills while also learning how to effectively collaborate with partners to plan an event of this scale. Seeing the festival come together at the end of the experience inspired Velasco to pursue a career in event planning and communications.
“The theater was packed because it was sold out, and everyone had a good time at the after-party. Seeing that and knowing that my team came up with all of those ideas was a very rewarding experience,” said Velasco.
Her work in the course led to an internship with the Newport Beach Film Festival before she graduated, eventually opening the door to her current leadership role.
“It’s been an amazing growth experience,” said Velasco.
In her professional role, Velasco oversees collaborations with more than 60 local nonprofits and community organizations in Orange County. This year, the festival will feature more than 300 films from over 50 countries.
Returning to CSUF this fall to share her expertise with current students who are planning the festival, Velasco said she is eager to help students hone their skills.
“Event planning and communications is not a single-player game. You have to be a team player, and you need to build strong relationships,” she said.
“The job market is tough, and this course gives students real-world experience that will make them stronger communicators. It can make a huge difference in their careers.”
Training Future Generations of Communicators
CSUF students working with the Newport Beach Film Festival is part of a larger tradition established by Gregg Schwenk, CEO of the festival and lecturer in communications at CSUF.
Schwenk, who has taught the communications course for 23 years, designed the program to give students hands-on experience in business development, outreach and event planning.
“The course gives students the opportunity to put theory into practice. They’re working in a very safe and nurturing environment, but it comes with real-world challenges and expectations,” said Schwenk. “It’s a unique experience that prepares them for the industry.”
Schwenk has seen many of his former students, like Velasco, go on to work in professional roles, with some of them returning to guide and hire the next generation of festival organizers.
“It’s exciting to see my former students hiring current students and continuing that cycle of growth and opportunity,” Schwenk said.