Misty L. Craft
Yakima,WA
Summary
Dynamic entertainment and ticketing leader with 24+ years of experience orchestrating small and large-scale events, venue operations, and guest services at Yakima Valley’s premier fairgrounds and event center. Expertise in ticketing, venue booking, contract negotiations, financial reconciliation, and multi-department coordination ensures seamless and profitable event execution. Renowned for cultivating strong relationships with promoters, fostering high-performing teams, and crafting unforgettable guest experiences. Committed to driving operational excellence and innovation in the entertainment industry. Known for balancing precision with people-first service across concerts, expos, sporting events, and fairs.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Entertainment Manager & Ticketing Services
State Fair Park & Event Center
01.2020 - Current
- Expanded leadership role to include venue booking, contract negotiations, and event profitability while continuing box office oversight.
- Integrated Fair Admissions Manager responsibilities, managing 10-day Fair gate operations (~230,000 guests) and producing financial and attendance reports.
- Hired, trained, and scheduled 60+ seasonal gate staff, overseeing staffing logistics across multiple gates and shifts.
- Administer ticketing platforms (Etix/SaffireTix), handling builds, upgrades, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with marketing and sales on promotions, discounts, and customer experience strategies.
- Directed transitions from TicketsWest to Etix, and later to SaffireTix, ensuring smooth migrations, staff training, and operational improvements.
Box Office Manager
State Fair Park & Event Center
04.2012 - 01.2020
- Directed ticketing operations for 200+ annual events, including concerts, expos, and sporting events (~125,000 guests annually).
- Created and maintained seating manifests, event builds, pricing, discounts, and pre-sales; ensured event accuracy across platforms.
- Supervised, trained, and scheduled ticket sellers; coordinated seasonal staffing and upheld service standards.
- Managed reconciliation processes, prepared daily/monthly reports, and completed settlements with promoters and clients.
- Maintained website and social media content for ticketing and event promotions.
- Led transition from EventBooking to Tripleseat, integrating booking, event planning, catering, and reporting into one platform.
Accounting/HR Assistant
State Fair Park & Event Center
04.2007 - 04.2012
- Processed payroll, including tax filings, 401(k) uploads, direct deposits, and W-2s.
- Managed accounts payable/receivable, including vendor onboarding, invoicing, settlements, and 1099/W-9 documentation.
- Assisted with bank reconciliations, B&O tax reports, financial statements, and annual budget preparation.
- Provided accounting support for 200+ annual events, including post-event financial settlements for the Central Washington State Fair.
- Authored 46-page Accounting SOP manual, standardizing processes and improving efficiency.
Box Office Assistant Manager
State Fair Park & Event Center
11.2000 - 04.2007
- Built events in ticketing systems (Ticketmaster/TicketsWest) including manifests, pricing, holds, discounts, and pre-sales.
- Managed daily box office operations, including cash handling, ticket sales, and customer service for concerts, sporting events, and expos.
- Coordinated event logistics such as seating layouts, signage, and guest services support.
- Maintained digital presence through website updates and social media posts.
- Provided essential ticketing and logistical support during the 10-day Central Washington State Fair across multiple venues.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting & Finance
Washington State University Global Campus
Global Campus12.2026
Associate of Science - Accounting & Finance
Yakima Valley Community College
Yakima, WA12.2006
Skills
- Strong communication skills, strong event/entertainment background, strong payment/cash management skills
- Strong prioritization skills and an ability to multi-task in a busy and challenging work environment
- Demonstrated organization, planning and prioritization skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and collaborate effectively with staff members at all levels within the organization
- Keep accurate records and cash management/accounting skills or experience
- Excellent communication, time management and customer service skills
- Possess strong supervisory skills with the ability to oversee workforce
- Workplace Safety Coordination & Compliance
Accomplishments
Designed in-house digital version of the Fair map using CorelDRAW, eliminating $3,000 in annual outsourcing costs; used and updated internally for 20+ years.
Created a comprehensive digital SunDome seating map with multiple configurations, significantly streamlining event builds and improving accuracy.
Assumed role of Community Stage Manager (2005–2007), coordinating six stages and saving $2,500 annually in contracted labor.
Redesigned all Yakima Valley SunDome seating maps using AutoCAD LT, replacing legacy CorelDRAW files with precise 2D CAD drafts to improve accuracy, streamline event builds, and enhance collaboration across departments.
Publications
Beacon Technology for the Ultimate Customer Experience
Fairs & Expos / International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) · Jul 1, 2016 · https://adobe.ly/4ogl0Sp
Technical Skills
TicketsWest • Ticketmaster • Etix • SaffireTix • Tripleseat • Momentus Technologies • nQativ (AccountingWare) • MAS 90/Sage 100cloud • AutoCAD LT • CorelDRAW • Adobe Illustrator • Microsoft Office Suite
Timeline
Entertainment Manager & Ticketing Services
State Fair Park & Event Center
01.2020 - Current
Box Office Manager
State Fair Park & Event Center
04.2012 - 01.2020
Accounting/HR Assistant
State Fair Park & Event Center
04.2007 - 04.2012
Box Office Assistant Manager
State Fair Park & Event Center
11.2000 - 04.2007
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting & Finance
Washington State University Global Campus
Associate of Science - Accounting & Finance
Yakima Valley Community College
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