A Transformative Experience for FIU Students at Ultra Music Festival
This past weekend, Miami’s Bayfront Park buzzed with energy as the Ultra Music Festival (UMF) brought together a vibrant crowd of 160,000 attendees from over 100 countries. Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, the festival became a learning hub for dozens of Florida International University (FIU) students, who gained invaluable hands-on experience at one of the world’s premier outdoor electronic music festivals.
Students Stepping into the Spotlight
Stationed strategically throughout the venue, FIU students took on key roles, from registration and ticketing to credentialing and VIP access. They also contributed to crowd management and food sustainability efforts, which included the innovative Mission: Home—an initiative dedicated to environmental sustainability located within the festival’s Eco Village.
Miranda Ghirimoldi, an aspiring hospitality professional poised to graduate with a master’s degree in hospitality management, shared her excitement about leading a team of 20 students from the Back of House event club. This club comprises individuals invested in making their mark in the events industry.
“The ability to learn how to handle staffing, engage with guests, and observe staging, safety, and security protocols—all under the guidance of our professor—is truly incredible,” Ghirimoldi enthused. She expressed that such experiences offer practical knowledge that will significantly benefit her when she enters the workforce in May.
Learning from Real-World Experiences
With seven sound stages and hundreds of food vendors, Ultra provided an immersive learning environment for students focused on event management. The festival exemplifies a “mega event,” which typically attracts 10,000 people or more. Ray Martinez, an FIU adjunct professor and former Miami Beach Police chief, pointed out the importance of real-life experiences.
“While classroom knowledge is crucial, nothing compares to being ‘boots on the ground’ during an event. The learning that occurs in these real-world situations is a vital component of the educational journey,” he remarked. Martinez played an integral role in ensuring the festival’s safety, collaborating with city officials and numerous law enforcement and fire rescue units on-site.
A significant portion of the participating students had previously volunteered at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, where about 1,500 FIU students played a major role in coordinating that event. The festival experience not only enriches the students’ education but also allows them to establish valuable connections within the industry.
Networking Opportunities Abound
Connecting with industry professionals is another vital aspect of the experience for many students. Aruzhan Toleubay, currently pursuing a master’s degree in mega events management, shared that his involvement with Ultra, alongside previous experiences such as working at the Super Bowl, has opened doors for networking. “You meet amazing producers and event organizers. They are more than willing to share their insights, and I feel like I’m building real connections,” he said.
Engaging with Festivalgoers
For those like Gabriela Cortes Garriga, who also anticipates graduating in May, the interaction with festivalgoers has been a standout part of her experience. “Getting to engage with customers is a whole new level of learning. Working at Ultra has provided an amazing opportunity to connect with industry professionals while honing my customer service skills,” she explained.
This year, student efforts included a designated green team led by Alexsandra Herrera, an online hospitality student passionate about sustainability. Her role as Ultra’s sustainability intern involved implementing educational initiatives like the Leave No Trace and Compost for Life programs. Herrera expressed her passion:
“Being part of something that aims to change the world is incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to represent FIU and see our sustainability initiatives grow from concept to execution.”
Honoring Legacy and Pioneering Change
The volunteer program at this year’s festival was dedicated to the late Dan Cormany, an esteemed professor at the Chaplin School. The program’s naming serves as a tribute to his contributions to both the event industry and his students.
Ghirimoldi reflected on this dedication by sharing how Cormany had a lasting impact on students eager to excel in the hospitality and event sectors. “Creating a program in his honor is a beautiful way to remember his dedication and commitment to us,” she noted, highlighting the profound influence he had on her own educational journey.
With every beat of the music and every interaction with festivalgoers, FIU students at Ultra Music Festival gained more than just experience—they became part of a vibrant community, all while honoring the spirits of those who paved the way for their success.
