Taralynn Reburn

Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service @ Florida Panthers

“Thank you, Taralynn Reburn, Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service for the Florida Panthers, for sharing your story! Taralynn leads ticket sales and service strategy, helping ensure every seat is filled for games, concerts, and events while building strong relationships with fans, members, and partners.

Her journey into sports began through broadcasting, business studies, and a sales internship at a sports radio station that launched her career right after graduation. Through goal setting, persistence, and taking bold opportunities, she continued to grow into leadership roles in professional sports.

Taralynn’s passion for innovation, leadership, and supporting women in the industry is truly inspiring. Her advice to stay passionate, build meaningful connections, and support other women is a powerful reminder of what it takes to succeed in sports..”

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

In short, responsible for ensuring each seat in the building is full for every hockey game, concert and event. To do this I strategize sales and retention tactics, targeting individuals for each product we offer. From single game tickets to group sales, mini ticket plans and full season memberships and annual suites. We then execute a relationship development plan to engage with our members and buyers and ensure their needs are met, they are happy with the product they offer and renew each year.

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

I studied Broadcasting which opened my eyes to a career in sports and in sales. I also returned later to study Business Administration to applying learnings to my day to day business. My education background allowed me to connect directly with people in the sports industry through networking, and I started my required internship at a Sports Radio station on their sales team. This experience was the launching pad for the rest of my career, I took it seriously and showcased my drive and eagerness to succeed. That internship opened the next door for me and the rest is history, I officially started my career in sports a week after graduation. From then on I found ways to ensure the right people were aware of me and the personality I would bring to their team.

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

I set a goal at my first job with a junior A hockey team that I wanted to be with a professional team after 3 years. I kept myself to that goal and ensured I was applying and getting the visibility I needed. I knew nothing about soccer however applied to a role with an MLS team and was hired on the spot. Making the move to my first professional sports team was very important to me.
After being with a Canucks for a few years, they were looking for someone to take over the Premium Sales department. My leaders saw my investment in this area of the business and provided me the opportunity to take ownership of the department. This was a sink or swim moment for me, I took the risk on myself and it paid off.

From then on, I always made sure I had the right information and was in the right place to ensure my career continued to grow.

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

It is challenging and I’m not the best reflection of balance. In our industry it’s tough to have a balance with the demand of the schedule and surges during certain times in our business. That said, anyone looking to get into sports man or woman needs to be aware it’s not a 9 to 5 job, there are additional hours required and the higher you grow in your position the more that line blurs between work life and personal.

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 believe mentorship is extremely important. I’ve been lucky to have tremendous mentors throughout my career, who have all been men. Two that stand out to me are the reason that I am where I am today. They challenged me to improve my strategic planning, executive writing and long-term thinking of the business. They helped set me apart from my colleagues and prepare me for the next step in my career.

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?

Yes and no. I believe it depends on the level of responsibility. Perhaps it’s not being given the opportunity at a more senior level but there are less of us in the pool to get the chance to take on those positions. Promote up from entry level to the next stage, ensure women are in manager positions and being trained up for the next level. give them the tools to be challenged and grow.

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

I love innovating in our industry and organization, doing things different each year by adding building blocks onto what we have done previously. That’s where I have the most enjoyment. Also leading people and seeing them succeed brings so much joy. The most challenging is not being able to make everyone happy. For better or worse our industry is based on emotion. The highs and lows of the team are carried through our fans, and each fan is different wanting a different treatment. We try our best to appease everyone but can’t get it right all the time.

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

Be passionate about what you do because our industry is built on passion. If you have that, you’ll succeed. Make meaningful connections with people in the industry and those also trying to find their way through. Support each other through it as well, it’s important to see your fellow women as someone you want to work through the industry with and not compete with them for a spot.

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

1 fur baby, love live music, exploring the world, and a good thriller novel.