ILMEA Behind-the-Scenes Testimony

ILMEA. The Illinois Music Education Association, and an annual conference that the Peoria Civic Center has the pleasure to host. Darcy Nendza, the Executive Director of ILMEA, gives us a peek into what the annual gathering looks like, and how the Peoria Civic Center handles such a big event.

 

Check back for our next Backstage Access Video on the arena ice-in process, 10 Questions with Will Kenney, and an exclusive article on “Wicked” coming in October!

 

10 Questions with Anne Clayton

Anne Clayton has been excelling with the title of the General Manager at the Peoria Civic Center, officially, for nearly a whole year now, giving her more than enough ammo to know the answers to these ten questions with:

 

What is the most unexpected thing you’ve faced working for a venue like this?

The opportunity to meet so many different artists. With so much else to do, you forget about one of the best perks of the job until it’s happening.

If you had the chance to bring your favorite band ever to the PCC, who would be playing in Peoria?

Motley Crue, of course!

 

What is the most important achievement you hope to accomplish at the PCC?

Effectively manage the budget under the current difficult economic climate, while bringing in business and shows that benefit the Central Illinois community.

 

If you had to choose another job, what would it be?

I would enjoy being a personal finance coach.

 

What is the best piece of career advice someone has given you?

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Even though a lot of what we do here makes us feel like we are sprinting, our big picture is all about the marathon. 

 

What is one fact about yourself that people would be surprised to learn?

I was a clothing buyer for a small chain of department stores in my early 20’s.

 

If you could play one character in any movie, what character would it be?

Frances “Baby” Houseman in Dirty Dancing 

Welcome to Your Backstage Access

The Peoria Civic Center is beyond excited to launch the blog that has spent a long time in the making- PCC Backstage Access. This is your new major key to the inside scoop on events, testimonies from our biggest clients and events, Q&A’s with our staff, and behind the scenes footage that has never been seen before as we launch our first ever video series, Backstage Access, hosted by Clare Zell.

Inspired by our new video series, the Backstage Access blog is intended to turn all of the corners and crevices of the Peoria Civic Center inside out, giving the public an eye on the inside of a venue that has been home to Peoria’s greatest entertainment since 1982. Backstage Access will bring even more inside info and show you sides to conventions, concerts, and more that you have never seen before.

Ever wondered how a concert gets loaded in? Want to know how they change over from the ice to the basketball courts so fast? Have you ever wished you had the inside scoop on getting the best tickets at the best price? Do you know what the PCC kitchen or catwalks look like? You will soon. Welcome to your Backstage Access.

For more information on upcoming events at the Peoria Civic Center, click here.