Resources

Leadership Lessons Learned Being Next to Goofy
This love story covers a lifetime of learning opportunities and wonderfully kind and caring people that influenced and helped shape me. Most stories are shared experiences with Miss Becky, my wife, and our wild adventures with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and the Gang. I was traveling to places and seeing the other side of the love story of how people everywhere shared their love and passion for Disney. We were in excellent company and blessed that merely being associated with the company gave us creditability that could be used beyond just doing our jobs. I was a representative of Disney to be a good neighbor in our community for doing good for people. We assisted in raising millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations that benefitted the community. Walt Disney World is one of the largest employers in Florida, I had the opportunity to assist thousands on their quest to be part of Disney as the Manager of Entertainment Staffing. I am honored that my efforts continue although I retired many years ago, many of those I hired continue to do great things with the company. Focusing on the diversity of our guests, audiences, and fans made excellent business sense to have a diverse workforce Disney Cast Members looked very much like our guests. Classic Disney Training was the cornerstone of establishing leadership. I have been training and coaching Disney’s current and future leaders and beyond for years. Once again, my Disney credentials served as a connection as an Adjunct Professor as well as a speaker at colleges and universities.

This book is meant to pull back the curtain and share highlights of my career, my early life, and how that positioned me to have a unique and wonderful life.

The Complete Guide to Careers in Special Events

The Complete Guide to Careers in Special Events offers real-world examples and strategies for identifying your best job in special events, securing that job, and developing resources and contacts to sustain career success. Gene Columbus, adjunct professor, includes specific information on the necessary skills needed to be successful in this industry, and teaches ways to best present this to potential employers, and concludes with networking advice and strategies to ensure career growth and success. Every event requires planning–and it starts with understanding the needs of your client. Finding a job is no different–it is its own special event, and following the same planning process can lead you to the job you desire!

Best Expert + Best Entertainment Company = Best Insights
When you’re making decisions about something as critical as your career, you want the very best advice possible. You want an advisor who is a proven expert, with a long history of real-world success from the most respected organization in that industry. In short: You want the best FROM the best.

As a former leader at Walt Disney World, the renowned benchmark of entertainment and special events, I had the pleasure of working with the legendary Gene Columbus. No one is respected more for his comprehensive expertise about this dynamic and multi-faceted industry than Gene. His vast amount of insights and amazing connections across all aspects of special events careers fills this book to overflowing. If you want the best strategies and tactical tips for success in special events, there is no better source – or resource – than this book.

If you are serious about a career in special events, this will be the best investment you could possibly make in preparing for, and achieving, your dream job. Buy this book today!

Mark D. Jones

Amazon Review

Excellent Read For Anyone In Entertainment
This book is filled with sage advice for anyone in the entertainment field, whether you are a student just starting out or a veteran in the business. Mr Columbus’ wisdom can be applied not only to special events, but to anyone looking for solid knowledge and insider tips and tricks in this vastly varied field. I rate this book in my top ten for importance in my practicals library.

Brenda

Amazon Review

Must Read
Having been in special event production for over 20 years now, I can honestly say this is one of the best books ever written on the subject of getting ahead in this business. If you wish to understand what it takes to not only survive, but succeed in special event production, I highly recommend devouring the contents of this book. You’ll thank Mr. Columbus someday. I guarantee it.

Michael Goldman

Amazon Review

The best learning tool ever!!
Having had the opportuntity to not only work with Gene, but also learn from him, this book should be considered an essential item in anyone’s library of resources. I have been in the special event business since 1989 and found Gene’s book to be “spot on” when it come to the key elements of success. There isn’t a day that goes by that I dont look back on the things I learned from Gene, and the Disney Company, to help solve an issue or circumstance that takes place today. This is a MUST READ!

S. Jaffe

Amazon Review

Get a Head Start
This is a fabulous book by Gene Columbus, a man who has worked in every aspect of show business and special events. At Disney, Columbus was responsible for guiding the careers for hundreds of young people, and he became known as the premiere career guru. Here, he shares his years of experience with insider advice that will truly give the reader a great advantage in today’s economy. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking at a career in special events, hospitality, tourism or the arts. Columbus is an inspirational figure who will help your career go from strength to strength.

Anon

Amazon Review

The COMPLETE GUIDE to Careers in Special Events
The Complete Guide to Careers in Special Events is the most comprehensive tool for aspiring as well as experienced professionals in the field of special events. The author is a 40 year veteran of Walt Disney World who was responsible for casting entertainers and others throughout the world. His treasure trove of experience, knowledge and wisdom will give every reader a head start to find the right place in the special events spotlight. Get ready to walk up the red carpet to your new career by first reading The Complete Guide to Careers in Special Events by Gene Columbus.

Professor Joe Goldblatt

Amazon Review

FREE PDF Guide 

Interview Tips & Most Asked Questions

Be Interview Ready

Receive insight from Gene Columbus into the Interview Process with Tips for your next interview as well as the most asked questions to be prepared for. 

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