Under the bright stadium lights, the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated the 11th annual Dodger All-Access event on Aug. 28. Among more than 450 attendees, including guests, partners and Dodgers alumni, was a standout team of Cal Poly Pomona Broncos helping make this event unforgettable.
These students were not just seeing but swiftly working the stadium.
“I served as the concierge, the first friendly face guests encountered upon arrival,” said Brandon Oceguera, a senior hospitality management student. “I welcomed attendees with excitement, assisted with QR-code check-ins, and ensured each guest began their evening at Dodger Stadium with a smooth and upbeat greeting.”
Oceguera was one of 20 hospitality students who brought their classroom learning to the stadium floor.
Before the event, the team was guided by an event coordinator who walked them through the event layout, expectations and communication channels. That preparation, combined with their Collins College training, gave them confidence to deliver professional-level service.
“My involvement in club event planning and the structured systems we use at Collins helped me understand workflow, communication and guest-service standards at a high level,” Oceguera said.
He has past experience volunteering at other events such as university galas, professional conferences and The Collins College formal fundraising event, Hospitality Uncorked, which have honed his ability to take care of guests on a detailed level. But this event still offered moments that tested his adaptability.
He recalls a moment when a guest urgently needed help finding a friend taken for medical aid. He acted quickly and calmly, gathering information and connecting the guest to the right support team.
Not every moment was high pressure, as Oceguera got to interact with a variety of guests. Among the many, one stood out to him the most. The guest was Hailey Kwon, the owner of Dots Cupcakes and Dots Cafe. Her kindness and energy made it a wonderful interaction, he said.
For Oceguera, the experience affirmed his interest in the sports and entertainment side of hospitality.
“It’s a dynamic environment where guest passion and service come together, and I’m eager to explore more opportunities in this area,” Oceguera said.
