UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Kate Bean, director of marketing and public relations for Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center, has been awarded the 2026 Gigi Award of Excellence by the Event and Venue Marketing Conference (EVMC), the premier professional organization for marketing leaders in the live entertainment industry.
The Gigi Award of Excellence is EVMC’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding leadership, innovation and a deep commitment to advancing the field. Bean will be formally recognized at the organization’s annual conference in Sacramento, California, this June.
Bean’s work sits at the unique intersection of entertainment, athletics and higher education, a role that blends large-scale event strategy with the mission of a major public university. At the Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State’s 15,000-seat, multi-purpose arena, she leads the development and execution of integrated marketing and communications campaigns that drive attendance, revenue and audience engagement across concerts, family shows, sporting events and University-wide initiatives.
In an environment where no two events are the same, Bean oversees everything from media strategy and digital campaigns to branding, partnerships and real-time event promotion. She collaborates closely with Penn State Strategic Communications and campus partners to ensure that the arena’s work aligns with and amplifies the University’s broader goals.
“Kate’s impact extends far beyond marketing campaigns,” said Al Karosas, general manager of the Bryce Jordan Center. “She has helped position the Bryce Jordan Center as both a world-class entertainment venue and a powerful connector between Penn State and the live event industry.”
According to EVMC, Bean was selected for the award in recognition of both her professional excellence and her longstanding commitment to mentorship and industry advancement.
A member of EVMC since 2013, Bean has served in multiple leadership roles, including on the organization’s board and executive board. She also chaired the Intern and Scholarship Committee, where she worked to expand access and reduce barriers for emerging professionals, and has been a founding member of EVMC’s DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) Committee since 2020, advocating for a more inclusive and representative industry.
At Penn State, mentorship is a defining part of Bean’s work. Through the Bryce Jordan Center, she has created hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in careers in entertainment and event marketing. She regularly recruits, trains and mentors student interns, many of whom have gone on to secure interships within EVMC and positions across the live entertainment industry.
Her efforts have helped build a growing network of Penn State alumni working at major venues, agencies and organizations nationwide extending the University’s reach into one of the most competitive and fast-moving sectors of marketing.
“Creating pathways for students to enter this industry is one of the most important parts of what we do,” Bean said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see Penn State students build careers and become leaders in this field.”
In addition to her student-focused work, Bean plays a central role in shaping how the Bryce Jordan Center connects with its audiences and community. She leads a team responsible for digital strategy, social media, media buying and community engagement, ensuring that each campaign is data-driven, financially accountable and aligned with both venue and University priorities. Her leadership also includes building relationships with national promoters, touring artists, media partners and campus stakeholders, positioning Penn State as a key player in the live entertainment landscape.
The Bryce Jordan Center, which opened in 1996, hosts a wide range of events including concerts, family shows, sporting events and commencements, while also supporting Penn State Athletics and offering flexible space for conferences, trade shows and community events.
The Event and Venue Marketing Conference brings together marketing professionals from across North America to share ideas, collaborate and advance the industry.
Bean’s recognition underscores the continued influence of Penn State within the live event and venue marketing industry and highlights the innovative work happening behind the scenes to bring world-class experiences to campus. For Bean, the honor reflects both her personal achievements and the collaborative efforts of the Bryce Jordan Center team and Penn State community.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible team I work with and the opportunities Penn State provides,” she said. “It’s an honor to represent the University on a national stage.”
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