500 Festival Event & Program Operations Internship (5 positions available), Spring 2025
January 7 – May 30, 2025
Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis? The 500 Festival is looking for 11 interns to help produce the greatest series of programs and events! 500 Festival interns experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis and assist in the planning and execution of 500 Festival events and programs while gaining valuable industry insight.
- This listing encompasses four separate internship positions, as outlined in the Internship Areas of Focus section below. Candidates interested in any or all the outlined positions should apply via this listing.
- Hours Requirement: Internship positions are considered full-time, with 40 hours per week requested. In-office work hours are generally 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Must be willing to work long hours and an irregular schedule, which will include weekends, evenings, and every weekend in May.
- Compensation: Intern will earn a weekly stipend of $400. Stipend will be paid at the end of each month. No relocation or housing assistance is provided.
The 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that was created in 1957 to produce events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. Today, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most respected festivals, engaging more than half a million people throughout its events and programs each year. Events include the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the 500 Festival Parade, and so many more!
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Internship Areas of Focus:
- Supervisor: Sara Adams, VP of Operations
- 500 Festival Post Race Party
- Mini-Marathon Course Entertainment Program
- 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.
- Supervisor: Glenn Amos, VP of Operations
- 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
- 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy
- The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service
- Supervisor: Laura Bliss, VP of Operations
- AES 500 Festival Parade
- 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis
- 500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank
- Supervisor: Michael Spagnolli, Program & Event Coordinator
- 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo
- Salesforce & JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day
- Supervisor: Heather Williamson, Program & Event Manager
- 500 Festival Volunteer Program
Responsibilities:
- Learn about and participate in event set up, tear down, and production of all events and programs (consists of early mornings and late nights).
- Interns will frequently work outdoors, which requires the ability to endure heat, cold, rain and other conditions.
- Assist with planning, coordination, organization, and execution of assigned event(s) and program(s).
- Collaborate with event professionals and volunteers to help develop and produce program/event timelines.
- Assist supervisor with event and program specific research projects.
- Assist supervisor in creating and maintaining accurate event records.
- Assist supervisor with committee meetings, dissemination of meeting minutes, and communication of relevant details as needed.
- Additional general day-to-day and event duties as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- Enrolled as a student at an accredited college or university.
- Training and/or experience in meeting/event planning, recreation, tourism, marketing, special events or a related field is recommended.
- Proactive with various details of assigned events.
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Are a team player with exceptional organizational and computer skills.
- Must be willing to work long hours and an irregular schedule, which will include weekends and evenings.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Application Process:
- Candidates with directly relevant skills and background are encouraged to apply with a cover letter and resume.
- Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received.
- Interviews will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams or in-person. The format will be determined by the supervisor and based on applicant’s location and availability.
- We may also consider your application for other positions as part of our recruitment process.
Benefits:
- Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis.
- Hands-on industry experience.
- 500 Festival branded apparel.
- Two tickets to the AES 500 Festival Parade.
- Two tickets to the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge.
