Staff Spotlight: Laura Varnau, Director of Event Sales
11/5/2018 12AM
Laura Varnau has been with the Center from the very beginning eight years ago, first as an intern gearing up for the opening of the Palladium, then in various positions in Development and Events before settling into her current duties.
Last season, Laura oversaw scheduling, catering, room setup and other details for 39 corporate events, 37 performances by outside arts groups, nine weddings and/or receptions, three school commencement ceremonies, five city events and all sorts of other happenings in the Tarkington and Studio theaters and the various rooms of the Palladium.
A graduate of Lawrence Central High School (Go, Bears!) and Purdue University (Boiler up!), she lives in Westfield with her husband of 32 years. They have two adult sons.
What is your favorite part of this work?
The two things I love the most are meeting so many different people and the fact that no two workdays are ever alike.
What surprised you most when you first started here?
The beauty of the (Palladium) concert hall. I still have to pinch myself on show nights and ask myself how I got this job.
What do you want more people to know about the Center?
I wish more people knew how busy it is on our campus. We do so many things, from tours to educational classes to rental events. There are rarely any quiet days at the Center.
Who has been your favorite performer at the Center?
Chris Botti. I had never even heard of him before I started working here, and now I go see him whenever I can.
Who are you most looking forward to this season?
The Jane Lynch Christmas show (A Swingin’ Little Christmas, Dec. 1). I can’t wait to see what that wacky lady has planned.
When you’re chilling on your own time, what musical artists do you listen to?
Jason Mraz, Chris Botti, Sting, Steely Dan. There are also those Aerosmith days.
