Attendees gathered in Brandmeyer Great Hall to build connections with young professionals from other Ensemble member companies.

The Kauffman Center welcomed more than 100 early career professionals on Wednesday, July 27 for its annual Young Professionals Happy Hour in Brandmeyer Great Hall.

Guests in attendance were able to get a sneak peek inside Muriel Kauffman Theatre and learn fun facts about the space from a Kauffman Center volunteer.

Attendees of the event included employees and interns from Ensemble member businesses. Ensemble is the Kauffman Center’s business membership program, which consists of more than 65 businesses in the Kansas City metro area and is sponsored by PNC Bank. 

The event provided these young professionals with an opportunity to meet and network with employees from dozens of businesses over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, backed by breathtaking views of the Kansas City skyline and the musical talents of local artist, Matthew Shoaf. Between conversations, attendees had the opportunity to document the event with a 360-degree video provided by 360picKC and were able to take sneak peeks inside the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall. On these short tours, guests learned the history of the Kauffman Center and fun facts about each performance space from knowledgeable volunteer guides. 

360pickKC provided a unique experience of having a 360-degree video taken in Brandmeyer Great Hall which captured all aspects of the space and event.

Many young professionals used this event to get to know their coworkers better, as well as broaden their connections across Kansas City. With some guests wrapping up the final week of their summer internship, this event also served as an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and bid farewell to their full-time coworkers. Topics of conversation included alma maters, career goals, current position descriptions and favorite performances seen at the Kauffman Center. With phones filled with new LinkedIn connections, those in attendance left with a greater sense of community within Kansas City.   

The Kauffman Center Ensemble program is presented by PNC Bank.

Rosé, white wine, water and beer were offered to guests along with appetizers and music as they networked with other young professionals and built stronger connections with their colleagues.

About Ensemble

Ensemble is a program offered to businesses in the Kansas City area as a way to bring together leaders who value our community’s iconic performing arts center. Members and their clients are invited to exclusive events and given opportunities to entertain clients at Kauffman Center performances. Businesses enrolled in the program can use their benefits to provide incentives and rewards for their employees and foster civic leadership in their companies. The program’s benefits include a personal membership concierge, complimentary tickets and parking, recognition in Kauffman Center marketing materials, discounted venue rental and private backstage tours. To join Ensemble or learn more, visit kauffmancenter.org/ensemble.

Testimonial

“I cannot adequately express how delighted we are with the luncheon your organization hosted for us on May 10. It was obvious to us the first-class attributes of your staff. The food was delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed the backstage tour. [Paul Schofer]’s presentation was also most impressive. We learned so much about the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. In fact, you inspired us to want to do something more for your organization.” -new member, Randal Smith, President of eyeSmith 

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