Meet the Team

Conference and Event Services Contact

Our experienced team includes event specialists and technical, scheduling, and ticketing staff. Together, we collaborate with event owners and campus partners to cover all of the event planning bases, from ideation to event-day logistics. We support both internal and rental events, including performances, workshops, seminars, conferences, banquets, meetings, camps, and more. 

For us, the “Bethel difference” means delivering beyond-expectation service to our clients and successful event experiences for their guests. We love building events and, in doing so, building client confidence. It’s all about the right details and good communication. Our goal is to provide you and your guests with consistently excellent service. We desire to execute events that embody God-glorifying excellence and servant-hearted hospitality. Reach out to us today about your next event!

Are you planning an event? Complete our Get Started form today and one of our dedicated event specialists will follow up with you.

Amanda Thompson

Director of Conference and Event Services

Provides strategic and creative leadership to advance event planning processes and systems and provides oversight for the Conference and Event Services team. Builds relationships with campus services to increase partnerships with cross-functional teams and establish consistent, high-quality event experiences across the University. Collaborates with university partners to provide leadership to major campus-wide or high-impact events and projects.

Event Specialist for:

  • Office of People and Culture
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Provost
  • Office of Student Life

Andrea Hendricks

Associate Director of Conference and Event Services

Manages scheduling and contracts for our rental clients. Oversees operations for summer housing to provide camp guests with a fun and positive stay on Bethel’s campus. Serves on the Chapel Leadership Team and Festival of Christmas Planning Committee. Networks with other groups and individuals to establish Bethel’s place among the wider event-planning community.

Event Specialist for:

  • Festival of Christmas
  • Rental Groups
  • Royal Academy

Kerri Baker

Manager of Benson Great Hall Technical Services

Oversees all aspects of the technical services in Benson Great Hall to deliver seamless audio/visual solutions. Provides event management and support, technical direction, lighting and stage design, and technician and student employee oversight.

Caissa Estrada

Admissions Event Specialist

Plans, coordinates, and executes admissions events on campus, while also providing day-of support for large-scale campus events and summer conferences. Develops engaging events to introduce prospective students to Bethel’s undergraduate, adult undergraduate, graduate, and seminary offerings.

Event Specialist for:

  • The Office of Undergraduate Admissions
  • The Office of Adult Undergraduate Admissions
  • The Office of Graduate Admissions
  • The Office of Seminary Admissions

Jennifer Gabrio

Senior Academic and Partnership Event Specialist

Provides comprehensive event planning and support to both internal and rental event owners. Specializes in a wide range of services designed to ensure the success of every event, including: strategic planning, logistic management, coordination with campus partners, and day-of-event assistance. Manages the team of student event assistants.

Event Specialist for:

  • Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs
  • Academic Departments (except Music and Performing Arts, Seminary)
  • Office of Career Development and Calling
  • Office of Inclusive Excellence
  • Rental Groups

Amy Kelsey

Manager of Benson Great Hall Guest Services

Oversees front of house operations for Benson Great Hall to provide an exceptional guest experience at concerts and performances. Manages the Ticket Office, including all ticketing details for both internal and rental groups. Supervises Bethel's usher teams and Ticket Office student employees. Serves on the Festival of Christmas Planning Committee to coordinate logistics for Bethel's annual musical Christmas celebration.

Event Specialist for:

  • Office of Campus Ministries
  • Festival of Christmas
  • Department of Music and Performing Arts
  • Rental Groups
  • University Library

Brian Metcalf

Manager of Scheduling and Operations

Provides support, training, and software maintenance for Event Management System (EMS). Oversees operations for campus events to proactively resolve space management challenges. Manages room scheduling, academic course space assignments, and exterior directional signage. Coordinates logistics for university commencement ceremonies and athletics camps.

Event Specialist for:

  • Office of Accessibility Resources and Services
  • Athletics
  • Commencement
  • Health Services
  • Living the Questions Program
  • Rental Groups
  • Seminary

Jason Moyer

Benson Great Hall Technician

Supports events in Benson Great Hall, specializing in audio mixing, stage and lighting design, student technician management, and technical systems. Partners with the Office of Campus Ministries to provide meaningful worship services in Chapel and Vespers.

Morgan Olstad

Advancement Event Specialist

Supports on- and off-campus events for Advancement, planning and executing events for alumni, donors, families, and university partners. Coordinates logistics for events ranging from Homecoming + Family Weekend to Bethel Regional Gatherings across the country.

Event Specialist for:

  • Board of Governors
  • Office of Development
  • Office of University Relations

Grace Warren

Event Operations Specialist

Works behind the scenes to facilitate productive and enjoyable events across campus. Provides operational support through room request approvals, event web page editing and publication, rental invoicing, and interior directional signage. Manages student operations assistants. Assists with coordinating logistics for the Board of Trustees meetings and university commencement ceremonies.

Event Specialist for:

  • The 25 Program
  • Board of Trustees
  • BUILD Program
  • Commencement
  • Counseling Services
  • Office of International and Off-Campus Programs
  • Rental Groups