In the fast-paced world of event management, staying ahead of the game is crucial. For Events DC, the official convention, sports, and entertainment authority for the District of Columbia, this means not only providing top-notch venues for events but also leading the way in IT modernization. Under the leadership of the Chief Information and Technology Officer, Zack Schwartz, Events DC has made significant strides in ensuring a strong user experience for event-goers while also prioritizing cybersecurity through the implementation of zero-trust policies.
As a quasi-public company based in Washington, D.C., Events DC owns and manages some of the city’s most iconic venues, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Entertainment & Sports Arena, the RFK Stadium Campus, and Nationals Park. But beyond just providing spaces for events, Events DC also plays a crucial role in promoting, sponsoring, and attracting sporting and cultural events to the District.
With such a wide range of responsibilities, it’s no surprise that Events DC has also taken on the challenge of modernizing its IT infrastructure. And according to Schwartz, this journey has been nothing short of a Cinderella story.
In 2022, the organization experienced a cyber incident. The new President and CEO, Angie Gates, used it as a wake-up call to revamp the IT systems and processes. She hired Schwartz from the Department of Commerce a few months later to implement her vision.
And revamp they did. Events DC has since become a leader in the event management industry when it comes to IT modernization. One of their key initiatives has been the implementation of zero-trust policies, which prioritize security by assuming that all users and devices are potential threats until proven otherwise.
“We understand the importance of keeping our venues and data secure, especially in today’s digital landscape,” explains Schwartz. “By implementing zero trust policies, we are able to ensure a strong user experience for our event-goers while also protecting our infrastructure from potential cyber-attacks.”
But Events DC’s efforts don’t stop there. The company is also building a data lake and other IT tools to further enhance its event management capabilities. This data lake will serve as a central repository for all event-related data, allowing for more efficient and effective decision-making processes.
“We want to be able to provide our clients with the best possible experience when hosting events in our venues,” says Schwartz. “By utilizing data and technology, we are able to better understand their needs and preferences and ultimately deliver a premier event experience.”
Events DC’s commitment to IT modernization and innovation has not gone unnoticed. The company received recognition from various industry leaders and has spoken to thousands of IT leaders at various conferences.
“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts in IT modernization,” says Schwartz. “For us, it’s about constantly striving to improve and provide the best possible experience for our clients and event-goers.”
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As Events DC continues to lead the way in IT, the company remains focused on its mission to promote and enhance the District of Columbia through the power of events. With a strong commitment to innovation and cybersecurity, Events DC is well-positioned to continue delivering premier event experiences for years to come.
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