Events Operations Manager Emily Hoffman served as a bartender at The Dark Room and a hospitality assistant at MATI before joining KAF full-time in early 2025. After experiencing the energy, camaraderie, and success of MATI 2023, she knew she wanted to be a part of the KAF mission. Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in Audio Studies with minors in Theater and Live Sound Reinforcement from Missouri State University.
What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?
My favorite part of my job is the opportunity to play a role in the success of the wide variety of events that we hold in our venues. Each event brings a new experience, a new group of people, and a new set of expectations. I love being in a position to take stress or concern off the minds of our event producers. I enjoy the many opportunities for creative problem solving and the exciting challenges of live events.
How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?
I am often the first individual to greet producers and groups into our spaces. I get the opportunity to welcome them and make them comfortable and confident in our venues. Every event held in our spaces is unique and deserves to be treated with the utmost importance and care. I enjoy showcasing our Heart and Soul values in each interaction and uplifting the creatives and organizations in our community.
What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?
I have gotten to meet so many wonderful and talented people through working with KAF, and I’ve been welcomed with open arms. I love getting to see how each of our different venues have grown their own unique community within the larger arts community. St. Louis creatives are determined and driven while maintaining such a welcoming atmosphere in creative spaces. Having a consistent space to convene and collaborate is an essential part of building a community, and I’m grateful to be part of an organization that supports that.
What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?
I am someone who always likes to learn something new, so I have many hobbies and passions. I especially enjoy painting and crocheting. Every week for me consists of getting into the community to visit local music shows, and I try to make it to as many art festivals as possible to support and engage with the creators in St. Louis
Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out?
Some of my favorite St. Louis creators are Noah Fence Band, Hodge, Soumir, and Rooftop Fest.
