WMU’s Entertainment Business Association Welcomes Alumna Guest Speaker Next Week – Event Open to All Students April 7, 2026!

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Entertainment Business Association (EBA), a Registered Student Organization at Western Michigan University will welcome alumna Shannon Rininger, Business and Operations Manager at Miller Auditorium, as a guest speaker for its final meeting of the spring semester on Tuesday, April 7, held at Miller Auditorium.

This event is free and open to all WMU students, regardless of major or membership status, reinforcing the EBA’s mission to create accessible opportunities for anyone interested in the entertainment industry.

Rininger will share insights from her 36-year career in arts administration, including her professional journey, current role at Miller Auditorium, and advice for students exploring careers in the field. The event will also include a Q&A and networking opportunity.

“I am so excited for this collaboration,” said Meghan Peet, Founding Vice President of the Entertainment Business Association. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with and learning from Shannon during my time interning at Miller Auditorium, and I look forward to other students having the opportunity to learn from her experience.”

Event Details

Who: WMU’s Entertainment Business Association

What: Careers in Entertainment: A Conversation with Shannon Rininger

When: Tuesday, April 7, 5 –6 p.m.

Where: Miller Auditorium

Cost: Free and open to all students (RSVP on Experience WMU)

About the Entertainment Business Association

Founded in 2026, the Entertainment Business Association (EBA) is a Registered Student Organization at Western Michigan University that supports students interested in pursuing careers across the entertainment industry.

EBA is open to students of all majors, providing:

Opportunities to expand professional networks beyond a student’s major or minor
Access to professional development opportunities
Educational discussions on areas of the industry such as talent agencies, public relations, and digital marketing/social media management

Through guest speakers, educational programming, and resources from Assistants vs. Agents (AvA), EBA connects students with real-world insights and tools to navigate the industry.

About Shannon Rininger

Shannon Rininger is the Business and Operations Manager at Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University and has over thirty-six years of experience in ticketing, facility management and volunteer services. Shannon is an alumna of Western Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and an MPA in Public Administration specializing in the non-profit sector.

She worked for the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival overseeing the ticketing services and administration of development funds before being recruited to work for Miller in their ticket office. After a year, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Patron Services, a role she filled for 27 years, overseeing all front of house operations for Miller’s 3400 seat house, including training and overseeing 300 plus volunteers. In her current role, Shannon handles all day-to-day financials and budgeting, oversees daily operations of the facility and is the team leader for six full time staff members.

In addition, she is an American Red Cross instructor for CPR and First Aid, and is responsible for all emergency procedures at Miller. She also oversees all training for TIPS – Training for Intervention ProcedureS. Shannon has served on several university committees throughout her career. She has also served on several committees at her church and volunteered as a team leader for Borgess Run Camp.

About Miller Auditorium

Located on Western Michigan University’s campus, Miller Auditorium is a premier performing arts venue serving Southwest Michigan. The auditorium hosts a wide range of events, including Broadway productions, concerts, lectures, and community programming, while also providing hands-on learning opportunities for WMU students interested in arts and entertainment careers.