Madilyn Micallef

Event Manager at Amerant Bank Arena, War Memorial Auditorium, and Florida Panthers

Thank you, Madilyn Micallef, Event Manager at Amerant Bank Arena, War Memorial Auditorium, and the Florida Panthers, for sharing your journey!

Madilyn manages the planning and execution of events across two major venues, including Florida Panthers home games, concerts, and private events, overseeing everything from pre-event planning through event day operations. With a degree in Sport Entertainment Business and hands-on experience at marquee events like multiple Super Bowls, Stanley Cup Championships, and NHL All-Star events, she’s built a strong foundation in sports operations.

Madilyn credits early exposure to major events, strong mentorship, and her willingness to take on more responsibility for her rapid growth in the industry. She loves the problem-solving nature of event management, the teamwork it requires, and creating memorable experiences for fans and the community. Her advice: don’t be afraid to take up space, start early, and trust that your work ethic and professionalism will always speak loudest.

— Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

I manage the planning and execution of all events across our two venues, including our Florida Panthers home hockey games, concerts, and private events. I oversee event operations from pre-event planning through event day, coordinating with internal departments, vendors, and partners to ensure everything runs smoothly, safely, and on time.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

I studied at Concordia University Ann Arbor, majoring in Sport Entertainment Business with minors in Business Communication and Event Management. My coursework strengthened my organization and communication skills, and my hands-on experience working events like Super Bowl LIII, LIV, LVI, the Women’s College Softball World Series, and the USA Rugby Championship taught me how to perform in fast-paced sports environments. Overall, my education gave me a strong foundation for a career in sports operations and event management.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

Working major events early in my career helped build my confidence and experience. In 2020, I moved to South Florida for an internship in wedding sales and operations at a boutique hotel. My mentor there taught me the importance of vendor communication, relationship building, and delivering detail-oriented service. What was meant to be a six-month internship turned into two years.Before graduating, I applied to the Florida Panthers as a Guest Experience Coordinator and attended their hiring fair, which helped me secure the full-time role. I later transitioned into events, and through hard work, long hours, and continuously asking for more responsibility, I’ve been able to move up quickly in the department.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, & how have you overcome them?

I don’t believe women shouldn’t be in this industry; in fact, I think we’re made for it. That being said, I haven’t had many issues in the workplace because of my gender. I believe the challenges I’ve faced are ones anyone in this industry could experience. For example, working with clients or tours can sometimes involve demanding behavior or harsh tones. I’ve learned not to take it personally, because most of the time it reflects what they’re dealing with internally, not anything about me.

​Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work-life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Working in events, my schedule is very much an ebb and flow depending on the event load in the upcoming weeks. When I have busy weeks, I prioritize using any free time to get ahead and prepare for the long stretch ahead. I’m lucky to work with a team that values work-life balance and encourages us to take care of our personal lives first.When I do get time off, I use it intentionally. I make sure there’s something to look forward to, and I also focus on small activities that I enjoy and help me recharge. Everyone’s experience is different, so it’s important to learn what balance works best for you.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

I’ve been very fortunate to have several mentors throughout my life, some dating back to high school, each serving a different purpose at the right time. In college, my advisor Dr. Dougherty and my professor Dr. Bialkowski were strong women who gave me my first real insight into what it takes to be successful in this industry. They helped shape my early years and provided opportunities for me to work large-scale events.During my internship in Florida, my boss, Melanie became a major mentor for me. She showed me what it looks like to be a strong, detail-oriented event planner in events, and she carried herself with grace and respect. She has become like family to me.At the Panthers, our Director of Events, Alina, was initially my colleague. When I started in Guest Experience, she was working in Event Services. I told her I was very interested in what she does, and I would frequently ask her questions about event planning because I have always been, and still am, passionate about events. When an Event Coordinator role opened, she advocated for me and helped me secure it. She has supported me through every learning curve and career milestone.Our VP, Matt, is another key mentor. He understands how to balance the demands of this industry, and this past year, he trusted me to help open our new venue. His confidence in me helped me take on and complete that massive task. When I was feeling unsure of myself, he and my director were both in my corner and helped me push through.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

I’ve been very lucky to be respected as an individual in the workplace. Hard work is undeniable, no matter your gender, and I’ve found that my work ethic, character, and communication are what people notice most. That’s something I think young women should remember, your performance and professionalism speak louder than anything else.If you ever feel less than, it’s important to lean on the relationships you’ve built and the mentors who support you. Representation also matters a lot, and we’re seeing more women in leadership roles in this industry today, which is really encouraging.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging ?

I love that planning and managing events feels like solving a big puzzle. Sometimes, some requests really require creative problem-solving, and I enjoy that challenge. I also love working on a team because it truly takes everyone working together to deliver a great end product. Communication is a major part of my job, and fortunately, I enjoy talking and connecting with people.One of the more challenging parts of this role is managing relationships across departments, especially because the hours are long and the workload can be intense. I often have to ask a lot from many different people, which is something I used to struggle with in my personal life because I tend to want to do everything myself. Over time, I’ve learned how important it is to communicate needs clearly, respectfully, and realistically, while still maintaining strong working relationships.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Don’t be afraid to start early. Don’t be afraid to be the only woman in the room. Don’t be afraid to sit in the front of the class and participate fully. And don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in the industry and introduce yourself; you never know what opportunities can come from those moments.When times get tough, I think it helps to remember the younger version of yourself, the one who felt confident playing sports, performing in a play or recital, coming up with new ideas for clubs, and commanding a room. Don’t lose sight of that, and enjoy every part of the journey.

What is your long-term personal goal that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

I’ve been lucky to assist with an NHL All-Star Game, three Stanley Cup Championships, two Stanley Cup Parades, and help launch and open a brand-new entertainment venue, the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale. That being said, I’m looking forward to helping plan more events in the future for our community, both large and small. My personal and professional goals are to continue learning as much as I can in this field and to be an asset and ally for the next generation of women in this industry.

Any fun facts or interesting things you’d like the world to learn about you? Favorite food, hobbies, pet peeves, etc.?

I love drawing and any kind of crafts. Living in South Florida, I also enjoy spending all day at the beach. I love being outside and soaking up the sun. I’m a big fan of the Food Network, and I really enjoy planning events in my personal life too. I love hosting game nights, parties, and craft nights for my friends.Family is a big part of my life. I have a nephew who is the cutest little guy, and I’m so excited for my niece who’s on the way. I also have a fur baby, my cat Clawdia, who is seriously the best thing to come home to after a long day. I love spending time with my family and friends, especially since both of my sisters moved to South Florida and work in professional sports here as well. I’m grateful to get to spend time with them often.