Lucasfilm chat with their Senior Events Manager Chris Rehm about the journey to his current position and the challenges of bringing world class events to Star Wars fans around the globe, from Anaheim to London to Japan.
That first panel in London, the Studio Showcase, is among Rehm’s favorite parts of the overall experience. “You don’t know that energy until you’re in the room,” he says. “You’ve been through the dress rehearsals, and then everyone is in there.” Rehm adds that the whole experience is not something one finds in every kind of job. “The beauty of events is that it’s like running a race. There’s a finish line and you get that medal and can tie a bow on the project, then move onto the next project. You put in lots of hard work and there’s a payoff, which is really satisfying. Assuming it goes well, of course!”
That momentum is now carrying the team towards Japan, already less than two years away, with plenty of work still to do. Rehm is “just as excited” as he had been for London, and notes frankly that Japan will be full of new challenges, something he relishes. “There’s a lot more to learn and adapt. London was a version of that, and now we’re doing the same thing with Tokyo on a new scale. There’s a new language and new customs. We want to put our best foot forward and offer a culturally-relevant show that’s unique to the region.”
Looking back on the journey thus far, Rehm again emphasizes the value of having that sense of where you want to be in your career trajectory. “Try to be as intentional as possible,” he concludes. “Not every position will be a dream job or a forever job, but does it serve a purpose? Does it ultimately give you knowledge, training, or skills to add to your professional toolbelt? If you can have that vision of where you want to be, make sure you take those steps to get there. Everything can serve a purpose.”
