In this episode of Waves of Impact, host Ali Green sits down with Erin Connor, Marketing and PR Coordinator at Six String Southern Productions, a concert promotion company based in Athens, Georgia. Six String Southern Productions works across the Southeast—from Virginia to Florida—bringing diverse entertainment experiences to communities, with a particular focus on country music and unique touring productions like MasterChef All Stars Live. Erin shares insights into the behind-the-scenes world of event promotion, exploring how entertainment, hospitality, and tourism intersect to create economic impact in local markets like Pensacola. The conversation delves into the grassroots marketing strategies that connect venues, artists, and communities, the evolving role of social media in event promotion, and the people-first approach that makes live experiences meaningful. From coordinating with local restaurants and cooking enthusiasts for culinary events to ensuring three-hundred-sixty-degree positive experiences for artists, venues, and fans alike, Erin reveals how the concert promotion industry serves as a powerful connector that brings vibrancy, community, and economic vitality to cities across the region.

ERIN CONNER

MARKETING / PR COORDINATOR

During her time at the University of Georgia, Erin began interning with Aubrey Entertainment, where she first gained real-world experience in music promotion. Through that experience, Erin pursued other opportunities in the Athens music scene by booking bands at Roadhouse, curating social media content for bands, and utilizing her photography skills at live events. Her passion and drive led her to Six String Southern Productions, where she will combine her knowledge of public relations, marketing, and the music industry. Erin is excited to join the SSSP team and looks forward to continuing to work in the industry.

Join me in exploring the remarkable 25-year hospitality journey of Rhiannon Reynolds, Vice President of Operations for Innisfree Hotels, whose leadership philosophy centers on a fundamental truth, this business is entirely about people. Reynolds exemplifies the perfect blend of industry expertise and academic excellence, serving as an adjunct professor at Northwest Florida State College where she brings invaluable real-world experience to hospitality theory. Her students are fortunate to learn from a leader who has climbed every rung of the hospitality ladder while never losing sight of the human element that drives successful operations.

In this episode of "Ask the Professor," discover how authentic people-centered leadership creates both operational excellence and meaningful community impact in today's hospitality landscape.

Bio

A graduate of the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Reynolds says her communications background has enabled her to solve problems “quickly, calmly, and efficiently” in the hospitality business. She is known at Innisfree for her ability to uncover new revenue sources as well as to build relationships with a range of people.

“Innisfree’s commitment to our people and the planet creates an environment of support and collaboration that makes me feel motivated and fulfilled at work,” said Reynolds. “I am grateful for this opportunity to put my skills to use on a broader scale for the company.”

Reynolds shares her skills with the next generation of hospitality professionals and hoteliers as an adjunct professor at Northwest Florida State College. She is passionate about providing employment opportunities for disabled adults and helped the Hilton Garden Inn in Fort Walton Beach win an Exceptional Employer award last year and be the first partner site for Project SEARCH in Okaloosa County. In addition, Reynolds volunteers with One Hopeful Place, which provides services to those facing homelessness in Okaloosa County, and she is an avid supporter of libraries.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Reynolds enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her two teenage children outdoors, on the beach, and watching movies.

Listen to an amazing conversation with my friend, Dr. Peter Ricci, Hospitality & Tourism Management Director and Professor at Florida Atlantic University. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry and academia, he is passionate about advancing the knowledge and practice of the dynamic and diverse field. As a clinical professor and director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Dr. Ricci leads a team of dedicated faculty and staff who provide high-quality education and research to our students and stakeholders.

Peter's mission is to prepare the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals with the skills, competencies, and values they need to succeed in a competitive and globalized market. He also strives to foster strong industry partnerships and collaborations that enhance the relevance and impact of the program. Dr. Ricci has authored or co-authored multiple publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings on various topics related to hospitality and tourism management, and holds several professional certifications in this field. He has received multiple awards and recognition for my teaching, leadership, and service to the hospitality and tourism community.

What brings him JOY? "As an educator, I have tremendous joy in converting the student who doesn't know what they want to do to something they love."

In Florida, we have many different hospitality programs, and as you can imagine, most of us in hospitality and tourism education love to network with each other across the state. We are all launching highly qualified graduates for our hospitality and tourism workforce.