More than 70 students had a date with their future during the St. Petersburg College Arts & Entertainment speed networking event at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus on Thursday, Oct. 9.

Students got to strengthen their career networks with representatives from WMNF, Gasparilla Music Festival, the Mahaffey Theater, the Palladium, local music schools, and SPC’s fine arts faculty.

“The Speed Networking event was a great idea – not only did we get to connect with a very diverse group of students, we were able to talk about how their interests align with opportunities at WMNF,” said JoEllen Schilke, volunteer coordinator and radio personality at WMNF. “I also loved how many students were helping each other with their dream projects. I’d be excited to work with each and every one of them.”

Debbie Carson, marketing manager at the Palladium Theater, said the event gave students a fun way to learn about the MIRA program while allowing the theater to discover new partnering opportunities with the academic program.

“Being able to interact personally with the students, faculty and program partners one-on-one in a fast paced, intimate setting was outstanding,” Carson said.

The event was based on the idea of a speed dating meet-up: students would sit together with their peers and industry professionals at a table for a set amount of time to talk and mingle before moving to another table to meet a new group of people.

The rotations were quick and engaging as students and professionals alike explored questions about their greatest accomplishments, inspirations, career goals and what advice they might give to someone entering their field or program.

The event culminated with an announcement by Ty Rodriguez, executive director of the Gasparilla Music Festival. Rodriguez announced SPC student Savannah Crowther as the winner of the 2014 Music Empowers Challenge $500 award.