Today we’d like to introduce you to David Hunter.
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In college, I was the activities director for a local church organization. I remember being responsible for planning an activity every week for up to 300 students. I remember falling in love with discovering fun activities in Salt Lake and the surrounding area that were budget-friendly and attractive to college kids. Being behind the scenes has always fit my personality and creating memories and experiences for other people whether I knew them or not is an extremely satisfying part of this job. I began my event career in 2010 with a local destination management company, and then in 2013, I started my own event management company. A year later, I purchased and began operating an event center in downtown Salt Lake City called Infinity Event Center. We moved locations in the summer of 2019 and named the new space Venue6SIX9. And here we are today!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Shortly after leaving an established event company and career and starting my own company, working for myself, and being 100% responsible for everything, I freaked out, and went and got a “real” job. A month into it I quit because I realized that events was what I actually wanted to do, and, I had just finished executing a successful event for Sam’s Club. I realized that I could do this, and not only could I do it, I was good at it. There are still moments where I feel as if I don’t know what I’m doing, but each time I have those feelings, I look at the extremely capable team that I’ve been able to put together, and the literal hundreds of happy clients, and over 1000 successful events.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Venue 6SIX9 is known for being a place the community can go to create and attend events of all types. We have specifically created our business model to allow all types of organizations, cultures, budgets, and objectives to have a home for their event. I am most proud of the relationships that we have created with over a dozen non-profits that use our space year over year for their fundraising galas. I am proud of the support that we give to these community organizations to assist in accomplishing their respective missions. In addition, I am proud of the service that my team and I have performed for Visit Salt Lake, Preservation Utah, Utah Arts Festival, and other organizations by participating on boards and other roles.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Earn your seat at the table or if that’s not a good fit, go create your own. Also, no one is going to give you anything. Many people worry about the next job, the next opportunity, or whatever.
“Do your very best at what you’re doing today, and the next step will take care of itself.” -Bob Whitman
Contact Info:
- Email: david@venue6six9.com
- Website: https://www.venue6six9.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/venue6six9
- Facebook: Facebook.com/venue6six9
Image Credits
@jacobstevenmedia
@ilikuonephoto
@madikayyphotography
