If you have ever attended South Jordan City-sponsored events like SoJo Summerfest, Light the Night, Pumpkin Promenade, or Spring Spectacular (be sure to attend on March 30!), then you have witnessed the work of the City’s Special Events Coordinator, Natalie Domino. Natalie is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing a variety of events throughout the year that are designed to engage the community and enhance quality of life. Learn more about how she makes events unique and fun for residents in this quick Q&A.
- What does it take to put on something as large as a City-wide event?
It depends on the size of the event and how long it lasts. The biggest events take many staff members to prep and run the event, a lot of permits, Diet Dr. Pepper, and even more glitter. - How do you come up with new event ideas?
I’m inspired by life and shower thoughts. I wish there was a better way to explain it, but inspiration hits me all the time and I’m lucky enough to have people who are willing to go with my ideas. - How much do you do yourself and how much do other City staff members do?
I usually plan the event and the event layout. I work with all the performers and hired companies including bands, petting zoos, portable toilets, signage, staging, and lighting etc. My staff members help with permits and prepping items for crafts, getting signs ready, prepping items to be sent out at the event, setting up and taking down events, and whatever else needs to be done. Staff members from other departments help with set up and execution of the events, and for larger events they help with planning logistics as well. I work with our Communications Division on communications and marketing for the events. SoJo Summerfest takes almost every department in the city to make the event successful. This includes departments like Fire, Police, Parks, Recreation, Public Works, Facilities, and Communications. We have an amazing staff at the City of South Jordan and without them the events could not happen. - How do you make each event special every time?
I work to pay attention to the event attendees for each type of event and note their needs and wants. I make sure to find a way to make it special for them. I also like to add extra details, almost like little Easter Eggs that people can find, and it gives the event a little something extra for people to enjoy. Nothing makes me happier than when someone comes up to me at an event and says something like “it’s so cool that you guys did…” - How many pounds of glitter do you use in a year?
It isn’t as much the amount of glitter that I use, but the number of different kinds of glitter. I use a lot of sequin fabric, sheets of adhesive rhinestones, and heat press glitter vinyl. I can always find new things to glitter, and my goal is to make the whole place shimmer.