Stories

Sarah Stemple

Event Production Manager, T-Mobile Arena

“There is something about standing in the back of the arena at 9:00pm, the lights go down and the headliner is about to go on, I’ve been running around since 4:00am but the crowd starts cheering like it’s the best day of their lives and I actually get goosebumps. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Every event is an opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate a shared passion and make lasting memories.

Sarah Stemple’s passion for event management sparked as an engineering student. At university, she knew she had found her niche when she helped a fellow student put on a 24-hour cancer charity walk for the university. She soon transferred universities to pursue a business degree in Entertainment Management from Missouri State University, where she began her dive into the live entertainment industry. Immediately volunteering for the Student Activities Council’s concert and comedy department, she booked artists, promoted the events, and learned basic AV setups. She also interned at the Gillioz Theatre where she gained hands-on experience in venue operations.

“Being ready and available to do whatever needs to be done is pivotal,” Sarah says, “If you are actively present, someone will ask you for assistance and that’s the best way to learn a new skill in this industry.” Her advice to those starting out in event management is to keep a mindset that every ‘minor’ task is just as instrumental as a ‘major’ task. Stuffing Will Call envelopes, ushering guests to their seats, taping dressing room signs, running a load out—it was all fundamental in building Sarah’s career in live entertainment.

Following her first post-college job as an Assistant Box Office Manager, where she learned the ins and outs of Ticketmaster and venue box office operations, she made the move to the 8,000-seat Ford Arena in Texas as an Event Manager where she coordinated and oversaw all aspects of live events. From planning logistics to execution, she worked countless hours managing front of house and back of house operations for various concerts, trade shows, and even the state fair.

Now, as an Event Production Manager at the 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, she manages a myriad of events from major concerts, NBA tournaments, UFC fights, boxing matches, WWE, and more. Sarah is proud to work with a stellar event production team who support each other through cooperation, shared goals, and communication.

Sarah believes the key to achieving success in venue management is a consistent work ethic and a passion for live entertainment.

Stacy Johns

Head Honcho, Bay FC

Stacy Johns has built a distinguished career in professional sports through senior financial and executive leadership roles across multiple leagues and continents. Her work is marked by a strong focus on financial stewardship, operational structure, and long term organizational development.

She spent 16 years with the Indianapolis Colts, where she held financial leadership positions within the National Football League. During this time, she was closely involved in revenue management, operational planning, and the business systems that support high performing professional sports organizations. Her tenure with the Colts provided a deep understanding of how financial discipline and strategic planning contribute to stability and competitive success at the highest level of sport.

Johns later transitioned into global football leadership, joining Los Angeles Football Club as Chief Business Officer. In this role, she supported the club’s commercial growth and operational development during a period of continued expansion. She also served as President of the Board of Directors for Grasshopper Club Zurich, adding international governance experience and contributing to long term strategic oversight within European football.

In 2026, Stacy was appointed to lead Bay Football Club, a National Women’s Soccer League expansion club based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The appointment came during a key phase in the club’s early development, following its inaugural seasons and rapid organizational growth. Bay FC plays its home matches at PayPal Park, a soccer specific venue that has become an important stage for professional women’s football.

Across the NFL, MLS, European football, and the NWSL, Stacy Johns has consistently demonstrated the value of strong governance, clear organizational structure, and thoughtful leadership. Her career stands as a powerful example of women leading at the highest levels of the sports and venues ecosystem, helping to shape sustainable institutions and advance professional sport for future generations.

Shauna Hickey

Sales & Marketing Manager, Aviva Stadium

We celebrate Shauna Hickey and thank her for giving us a sneak peek into her home ground, Aviva Stadium. For her and for women across the industry, this year is going to be special. History will be made in May when Ireland welcomes Scotland for the first ever Women’s Six Nations match to be held at Aviva Stadium.

Danielle Fisher

Senior Manager, Argyle Events, Sporting Kansas City

Danielle Fisher’s career in sports and venue operations has been guided by a long standing passion for creating exceptional live experiences. Her journey began behind the scenes in her high school athletic department, where she first discovered the impact that thoughtful planning and execution can have on fans, athletes, and guests.

During her collegiate years, Danielle gained hands on experience through multiple internships, including her work with the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the PGA Korn Ferry Tour in 2020. Operating live events during a global pandemic shaped her professional foundation, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, operational precision, and calm leadership in demanding environments. That same year, she graduated from Southwest Baptist University and was recognized as the Outstanding Sport Management Graduate for the Class of 2020.

While earning her graduate degree, Danielle worked as a Hospitality Specialist at Ballparks of America, a national youth baseball complex welcoming families and athletes from across the country and around the world. The demanding environment, long hours, and focus on guest experience confirmed that live events and hospitality were not just interests, but her professional calling.

In 2022, Danielle joined Sporting Kansas City as an Event Manager, supporting private events and premium matchday operations at Sporting Park, formerly Children’s Mercy Park. She later assumed responsibility for planning and executing a wide range of hosted club events, including partner charter trips, front office travel, naturalization ceremonies, media day, and the annual gala for the club’s nonprofit organization, The Victory Project.

Promoted in 2025 to Senior Manager, Danielle now oversees a team of associates, manages the stadium wide event calendar, coordinates tours, site visits, and internal events, and supports private events in close collaboration with the Event Sales team. She is also actively involved in mentorship through Missouri State University’s Entertainment Management Association, supporting the development of future live event professionals.

As Sporting Kansas City prepares to serve as a Host City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Danielle is proud to contribute to a club and venue that values operational excellence, unreasonable hospitality, and global fan engagement. As a minority woman in professional sports, she believes opportunity is earned through consistency, confidence, and hard work. Danielle continues to push herself beyond comfort zones, grounded in the belief that growth comes from challenge and that she belongs exactly where she is!