October 23, 2025
Columbia College alumna Ariel Prescott ’20 is making her mark in the hospitality and events industry and now in academia. Ariel, who earned her degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management, was hired immediately after graduation by Ribald Events, an event rental company located just outside Charlotte, NC. In her role as Rental Specialist, she collaborates directly with brides and event planners, often fielding requests for sustainable event options — a growing focus in the industry.
Ariel and Ribald Events are featured in a new college textbook, Meetings, Expositions, Events & Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry (Kendall Hunt Publishing). The case study, titled “Sustainable Options at Ribald Events,” concludes Chapter 12: Sustainable Meetings and Events. The chapter was authored by Dr. Carole Sox, Director of the MBA Program, who worked with Ariel and Ribald Events owner Scott Turner to develop the case.
“Working with a former student and sharing in her passion for her job was an exciting opportunity for me as a professor,” said Dr. Sox. “Ariel is a true professional who loves the hospitality industry, and having her involved in this process was a great pleasure.”
In addition to Ariel’s story, the chapter also shines a spotlight on Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. This beloved Columbia destination serves as both a family favorite and a premier venue for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. The chapter opens with a feature on the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability, recognizing it as an ideal example of green event management.
“It was exciting to include Riverbanks Zoo and highlight all they’re doing from a sustainable perspective,” noted Dr. Sox. “The Zoo welcomes more than 1.4 million guests each year, and while the habitats and gardens are the main draw, their dedication to maintaining a sustainable environment makes them a perfect fit for this topic.”
The textbook, authored by George Fenich and Kristin Malek, offers the most up-to-date insights into the meetings, expositions, events, and conventions industry. Dr. Sox has incorporated the new edition into her Event Logistics and Production course this academic year, bringing these real-world connections and Columbia College’s own success stories directly into the classroom.