Stephanie Gambill/Contributing Writer
Four days into Homecoming Week, the overall director hopes that his colleagues’ hard work has paid off.
“We rely heavily on social media. We try to blend together pop culture and the interests of the students with our own events,” said Jordan Thompson.
Thompson points to Simon Plummer’s, assistant director of communications, mixed flyers for the concert and rapper Drake’s album art.
“The concert was the most exciting event to put together,” Thompson said.
Homecoming week at Florida International University began Oct. 28 with “Panthermonium: Rise of a Legend” at the MMC Convocation Center, featuring 21 Savage, Tory Lanez and Travis Porter and will be continuing until Nov. 4.
“One challenge the council came across was finding performers that were friendly to the budget that was allocated to them by the Student Government Association,” Thompson said. “For them, it was more than just being budget-friendly; they wanted to make sure that whomever they chose would be someone that the students would want to see perform.
Thanks to Hurricane Irma, registration to participate in some of the different events had remained open to allow businesses to get their bearings first.
For those who attended homecoming events last year may have noticed the differences in the way that the concert was put together.
This year, it was held in the arena where the use of a LED screen could be utilized, as well as strobe lights and flashers. For the comedy show and “Panthers Got Talent,” audiences had excellent views, thanks to a a circular stage.
With an expected 800 Panthers in the audience, Thompson explained the measures that take place to keep everyone in attendance safe.
“We are always required to have FIU police present as well as a third-party security company at large-scale events such as the concert, the parade, as well as the comedy show to ensure the safety of the talent as well as the community,” said Thompson.
For anyone who wants to get involved with the Homecoming Council, applications will be open Nov. 15 for spring selection.
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