ESCA Internships
Education & Workforce Development
Meet Our Interns
Investing in the next generation of the exhibitions industry is at the heart of ESCA’s mission. Through our internship program, college students work alongside the ESCA team to help plan and run our signature events, including the Summer Educational Conference and the Rising Leaders Summit.
We’re proud of the work our interns have done and the professionals they’re becoming. Here, in their own words, is what the experience meant to them.
2026 Intern Maggie Crishock Rising Leaders Summit Intern High Point University I expanded my experience at the ESCA Rising Leaders Summit → LinkedIn Profile →My internship with ESCA gave me the opportunity to learn from a supportive team and a supervisor who provided invaluable guidance at such an important point in my career development. Through hands-on projects, I gained real-world experience in the events industry and was able to see what I was learning come to life. One of the highlights was attending the Rising Leaders Summit and connecting with leaders in the field. I am so grateful for the experience, mentorship, and connections I gained along the way.
Maggie at the 2026 Rising Leaders Summit
Maggie at the 2026 Rising Leaders Summit
Maggie at the 2026 Rising Leaders Summit
2025 Intern Megan Lipari Summer Educational Conference Intern High Point University I had an internship at the ESCA Summer Educational Conference → LinkedIn Profile →
I am grateful for an unforgettable internship experience with ESCA. I met amazing people, learned so much, and saw our hard work come to life in the best way. Huge thanks to everyone who made it all possible!
1What was the most memorable part of your internship experience?
One of the most memorable parts of the internship was having the opportunity to meet so many successful people in the trade show industry — a field I had never previously considered or even been aware of before this experience. It opened my eyes and helped shape my career path. I made valuable connections, received at least five business cards, and even had an interview. I plan to stay in touch with several of the professionals I met long after the internship ends.
2How did the internship help shape your career goals or path?
It gave me real clarity on how I want to build my future. Connecting with industry leaders made the path feel more tangible and showed me what’s possible. It shifted my focus in a way I hadn’t expected but am excited about.
3What skills or lessons did you take away that you still use today?
I walked away with strong networking skills I didn’t even realize I had. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in the best way, and into conversations with influential people I wouldn’t normally cross paths with. It taught me to be confident, authentic, and intentional in how I present myself.
4Do you have a favorite moment or behind-the-scenes story you can share?
My favorite moment was watching the opening reception come to life. It was the first event I’ve ever been responsible for planning, and it felt like such a huge success. Seeing all of my behind-the-scenes work turn into something real and impactful was incredibly rewarding.
5What advice would you give to someone considering this internship?
Be your authentic self and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. I made a conscious effort to let people meet the real me while still pushing myself to engage with professionals, ask questions, and learn from their experiences. I was proud of how much I grew and everything I took away from it.
Megan at the 2025 Summer Educational Conference
Megan at the 2025 Summer Educational Conference
Megan at the 2025 Summer Educational Conference
2023 & 2024 Intern Ainsley Joynt Summer Educational Conference Intern University of Missouri–Columbia I interned two summers at the ESCA Summer Educational Conference → LinkedIn Profile →
My ESCA internship pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me discover my passion for events, and gave me the confidence and skills I still use in my career today.
1What was the most memorable part of your internship experience?
The most memorable part of my internship experience was the night I was convinced to get up and do karaoke. It might sound simple, but it ended up being a turning point for me. That moment pushed me out of my comfort zone in a big way, and not just in a social sense. It helped me open up, build stronger connections with the group, and gain more confidence in myself overall. After that night, I found it easier for me to speak up, share ideas, and engage more comfortably with everyone. It reminded me that growth often happens when you’re willing to be a little uncomfortable, and that confidence can start in the most unexpected places.
2How did the internship help shape your career goals or path?
The internship had a major impact on shaping my career path. Going into it, I wasn’t completely sure if the event industry was the right fit for me. But throughout the experience, I discovered a genuine passion for events and realized how much I enjoyed the fast-paced and creative nature of the work. That realization led me to change my major to Hospitality Management and fully commit to pursuing a career in event planning. The internship gave me clarity, direction, and the confidence to follow a path that truly excites me. It didn’t just help me figure out what I wanted to do, it sparked a sense of purpose and helped me envision a future I’m really excited about.
3What skills or lessons did you take away that you still use today?
My time at ESCA was incredibly formative. I had the privilege of learning from Rachel Rodean and Julie Kagy, two professionals I deeply admire. Their mentorship taught me more than I ever expected, both professionally and personally. One of the most valuable skills I gained was the ability to stay calm under pressure and make quick, thoughtful decisions. In the world of event planning, unexpected challenges are inevitable, no matter how meticulous the preparation. Rachel and Julie showed me that success doesn’t come from avoiding problems, but from handling them with creativity, adaptability, and confidence. They also helped me develop strong communication skills, particularly when working with other professionals. I learned how to communicate clearly, assertively, and professionally with individuals in the workplace, an essential skill in any industry. ESCA gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving, quick thinking, and professional poise, skills I continue to use every day.
4Do you have a favorite moment or behind-the-scenes story you can share?
One of my favorite behind-the-scenes moments happened during my second summer with ESCA, just before the week of events officially began. The day before everything kicked off, we gathered in a room to stuff the welcome bags that would be handed out at the check-in table. We set up an assembly line to pack the items. Even though it was a simple task, the energy in the room was electric. You could feel the anticipation and excitement in the air. We laughed, shared stories, and cracked jokes as we worked, and it turned into one of those unexpectedly memorable moments that really stuck with me. It was a wholesome reminder that some of the most meaningful parts of an experience aren’t always the big, flashy moments but they’re the small, shared ones that bring people together. That night made me feel like part of something special, and it reminded me why I love being part of a team.
5What advice would you give to someone considering this internship?
Absolutely apply! This internship is an incredible opportunity, especially if you’re even slightly curious about the events industry. It gives you a front-row seat to all the different moving parts that go into planning and executing large-scale events. You’ll get hands-on experience in a variety of areas, which can really help you figure out what aspects of the industry you’re most passionate about. Beyond the work itself, one of the biggest benefits is the people you’ll meet. You’ll have the chance to network with seasoned professionals, gain valuable insights from industry leaders, and build connections that could open doors down the line. It’s a unique experience that offers both professional growth and personal development. I couldn’t recommend it more!
Ainsley at the Summer Educational Conference
Ainsley at the 2024 Summer Educational Conference
Thank You to Our Interns
We’re grateful for the energy, ideas, and hard work each intern brings to ESCA’s events. To learn more about ESCA’s internship program, email rachel@esca.org.