One day it's a glamorous gala. The next, it's a packed convention, a graduation celebration, or a community event bringing thousands of people together. At Saint Paul RiverCentre, no two days are ever the same, and that's what makes it exciting. Behind every successful event is a dedicated operations team working tirelessly to create memorable experiences for guests and clients.

This team helps ensure that Saint Paul RiverCentre, Roy Wilkins Auditorium and Grand Casino Arena are event-ready every day. From coordinating event setups and teardowns to maintaining high facility standards and leading custodial operations, it plays a critical role in the guest experience.

Often working in ways unseen from guests, teams of 4-12 employees each shift collaborate with departments across the organization, including event management, guest experience, culinary and security, to help bring a wide variety of events to life and make a visible impact on clients and attendees.

For Matt Fujinaka, Senior Director of Operations and Sustainability, the change of pace is what keeps the job exciting after more than 20 years. "The benefit of this job is the variety and different events you work. Every day is not the same," Fujinaka said. "It keeps every day fresh and unique."

The people are another reason this team stands out. The operations department reflects the diversity that makes our organization strong, bringing together individuals of different backgrounds, ages, experiences and interests all working toward the same goal. "Our group is very accepting of everyone," Fujinaka said. "I see us working very well together."

With team members ranging in age from 21 to 79, everyone has a role to play and a voice that matters. "We're one team," Fujinaka said. Dependable, flexible, and ready to lead, our operations team is the magic behind-the-scenes that makes every unforgettable event in our venues possible.