application - Associated Student Government, Northwestern University

MAYFEST
2012-2013
APPLICATION

Want to be a part of this year’s Dillo Day
Dillo Day is Northwestern University’s most popular
annual concert. It is the world’s largest student produced
music festival, and is run by one of the biggest and most
exciting student groups on campus:
MAYFEST
Not only do we produce Dillo Day, we are also responsible for
programming large-scale events throughout the month of May.
This includes a Battle of the Bands competition, Battle of the DJs,
Disney Sing-A-Long, and many other events.
Take a look through our list of committees and their descriptions
to find which ones match you best. After reading through the
committee descriptions, please answer the general questions and
the specific questions for the committees you are applying for.
Then email your application to the Committee Directors. You
need to send an email to every Director whose committee you
apply to and copy Dilloday@gmail.com. We do not share
applications across committees. Directors will contact you to set
up interviews taking place between November 10 th and November
17 th .
Remember this is a digital application ONLY
APPLICATION DUE: TUESDAY, NOV 6th, 11:59PM

Committee Descriptions
Concerts
Ever want to hand pick the perfect concert This is your chance. The Concerts
Committee requires an educated musical mind and an awareness of all of NU's
diverse musical tastes. You are the direct contact to the talent agency and will be
able to construct offers and work with contracts for the Dillo Day artists. One of
Mayfest's main goals is creating a concert that will bring out the highest number of
students to the lakefill for the longest period of time, and the Concerts Committee
plays a major role in helping to draw a crowd and making Dillo Day a memorable
experience for the entire student body.
Corporate
Looking to score free stuff for the student body, bring in money to support Mayfest,
and make great professional contacts at major companies Corporate approaches
local, national and international businesses to secure Dillo Day sponsors who will
provide us with monetary and in-kind support. Members of the Corporate
Committee are responsible for creating Mayfest and Dillo Day sales pitches,
reaching out to potential sponsors, and continually communicating with these
businesses. Corporate also aims to bring in exciting vendors and activities for Dillo
Day. Committee members should be self-motivated, creative, and ready to dive into
a serious pre-professional experience.
Finance
The finance committee oversees and facilitates all financial transactions for Mayfest,
ultimately totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. Applicants for the
finance committee should be able to submit financial information, deal with checks,
organize and multitask, and work with a budget. We are looking for applicants who
are able to work within a team environment and want to learn what it takes to
manage the finances of one of the largest financially backed organizations on
campus.

Production
The production committee runs the show on the day-of. From staging to security,
transportation to sound, we literally make Dillo Day happen. Once an artist is
booked, the production committee works alongside artist management, production
companies, and other Mayfest committees to create the event. Members of the
production committee have a high organizational capacity, are excellent
communicators, and most of all, can lead under pressure. So, if you are ready to work
overtime for an incredible thrill, lead a large team, and collaborate with
professionals, apply to production!
Promotion
As special events are planned and awesome artists are booked, it's up to the
Promotion Committee to keep campus in the loop and get them excited for Dillo
Day and the other great events we put on throughout May. We're the go-to team for
everything from designing t-shirts and promotional materials to utilizing social
media for publicity of events to creating marketing strategies and campaigns. It’s all
good if you have never used Photoshop or shy away from the camera. We're looking
for committee members who are creative, organized, design-savvy, articulate,
exuberant, and out-of-the-box thinkers (or any combination of the above). As a
member of Promotion, get excited for big-picture marketing strategies, public
relations, graphic design, and loads of fun!
Special Events
Special Events is responsible for coming up with creative, new ways of getting the
student body pumped for the big day. The committee is given free reign to develop
events that the student body will go to and enjoy. This includes events like Battle of
the Bands, Battle of the DJs, the Dark Side of Oz (Wizard of Oz synched with Pink
Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon), and the Thread. Special Events also coordinates
activities on the lakefill during Dillo Day to help keep students entertained between
acts. We are looking for creative and enthusiastic individuals to fill the month of
May and Dillo Day with entertaining and exciting events.

University Relations
The ideal UR committee member is somewhere between Atticus Finch (in To Kill A
Mocking Bird) and Han Solo (in A New Hope and Return of the Jedi, but not The
Empire Strikes Back). Cool under pressure, articulate, and outwardly professional,
the UR Committee focuses on relationships with University offices. Our main
responsibilities have to do with security and insurance, but along with these we take
on our own projects that make use of our relationships with administrators. In the
past these have included things like fireworks shows, promoting sustainability, and
bringing a beer garden to campus. UR also works closely with the Production
committee to ensure a smooth and stress-free Dillo Day. Because UR is a small
committee, members can expect to have a lot of responsibility and learn a lot in the
process, while forging relationships within the administration, police department,
and the City of Evanston.

-MAYFEST COMMITTEE APPLICATION-
PLEASE SEND THE ENTIRE APPLICATION TO
DILLODAY@GMAIL.COM AND THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
DIRECTOR.
NAME:
MAJOR(S):
E-MAIL:
STUDENT GROUPS, GREEK OR OTHER INVOLVEMENT:
CAMPUS ADDRESS:
CELL PHONE:
PLEASE LIST (in order of preference) the Committee(s) you are
applying for:
1.
2.
3.

GENERAL QUESTIONS
(every applicant must answer these)
1. Why do you want to be involved with Mayfest
2. What other time commitments will you have during winter and spring
quarters How much of a time commitment would you be willing to
make to Mayfest
3. What is your favorite Dillo Day memory (make one up if you are a
freshman)
4. If you could compare yourself to one animated character (or other
fictional character), who would it be and why

CONCERTS: (e-mail xander214@gmail.com and copy
dilloday@gmail.com)
1. What are your three favorite bands/artists Where, if at all, would they fit
into a Dillo lineup Be honest.
2. What acts (4-5) would make up your ideal Dillo Day lineup Creativity
tempered with pragmatism is encouraged. We are less concerned with what
your 4-5 favorite artists are and more interested in what acts will make for the
best, most well balanced Dillo Day.
3. Here’s a two parter: Being on the concerts committee involves
communicating with agents/managers/tour managers on a regular basis. Do
you have any experience with dealing with music management If not, then
please explain why you feel comfortable with these requirements—what
experiences have prepared you for this
Secondly, let’s say we’re interested in booking Phoenix for Dillo Day. Please
write what you think is a quick inquiry to Phoenix’s agent to see if they’re
available. This should be brief.
4. Concert’s job is not only to procure talent for the day’s event, we spend a lot
of time thinking about the structure of the day and how we can help to create
a structurally sound line-up. Please state your case for why you would rather
see hip-hop over electronic as a headlining act or vice versa.
5. Consider last year’s Dillo Day line up and evaluate the pros, cons and
balance of the day. Why do you think this line up works or why doesn't it
Cold War Kids
Kendrick Lamar
Reel Big Fish
Big Boi
Steve Aoki
6. Would you rather have straws for hair or crayons for teeth

CORPORATE: (e-mail neilmehta2014@u.northwestern.edu
and copy dilloday@gmail.com)
1. What’s your work ethic Please explain a time when you have worked
under pressure.
2. Corporate is looking for all types of sponsors—everything from
Evanston-based businesses to national corporations. What techniques
would you use to contact and then foster a relationship with these
different types of enterprises
3. Choose a local and a national to approach for sponsorship. Why did
you choose them Write a short pitch for each business.
4. Say Google wants to sponsor Mayfest. What are some ideas for
promotion
n
5. If you were a energy drink, which one would you be, and why

FINANCE: (email answers to
davidchi2015@u.northwestern.edu and copy
dilloday@gmail.com)
1. Why are you interested in the finance committee and what do you hope
to gain from this experience
2. Do you have any experience working with or managing money in a
professional setting Also include all knowledge you have of
Northwestern’s financial procedures, such as SOFO policies and the
funding cycle.
3. Suppose Mayfest’s budget is getting cut. Briefly explain what we should
say to persuade ASG Senate not to cut the budget.
4. Describe yourself without using the letter ‘e’.
5. If you had to come up with a funny question to ask someone in an
interview, what would it be (Creativity is encouraged…)

PRODUCTION: (email answers to
leonard@u.northwestern.edu and
demetrioscokinos2014@u.northwestern.edu and copy
dilloday@gmail.com)
1. Why are you applying for Production
2. Describe what you think the role of a producer for Mayfest is and how you
would fit that role. Please keep responses under 500 words.
3. Please list your production experience, if any.
4. Production is all about dealing with unexpected problems – for
example, lightning on the day of Dillo Day – and creating a speedy, but
effective solution. Describe a situation where you had to deal with a sudden
problem and make quick, informed decisions.
5. The Production committee spends most of its time working with
professionals - artists, managers, vendors, NU administrators, and others.
Describe your experience working with people in a professional environment.
6. In what situations do you believe your leadership skills thrive the most
Where do you feel you have difficulties and how do you rise to those
challenges
7. Who should take the Iron Throne Explain your choice.
.

PROMOTION: (email answers to
louisehunter2013@u.northwestern.edu and bri.hightower@gmail.com
and copy dilloday@gmail.com
1. If you are interested in the graphic design side of Mayfest Promo,
design a Dillo Day t-shirt. Be as creative and detailed as you wish. Please
attach as a pdf or jpg. (Don’t worry if Photoshop is not your forte—we will
all be learning this year). If you are not interested in graphic design, list
ideas of Dillo Day merchandise to be handed out to the student body.
2. We need to promote the kick off of May (signaling the start of all
things leading up to Dillo Day) and the world has suddenly stopped using
flyers, Facebook and flashmobs. Show us your marketing game plan!
3. What are your favorite things about Promotions and PR – Graphic
design Dealing with the media Organizing/dealing with
logistics/deadlines Big-picture campaign work Please rank, explain, and
talk about your comfort level and experience with each.
4. Most of the student body doesn't realize that Mayfest produces Dillo
Day, what could we do to help raise campus awareness Talk about what
could be done to improve our image and brand on campus.
5. What is your comfort level in utilizing social media (Facebook, Twitter,
etc.) Please list the social media that you personally utilize, and how you
think each could be better used to market Mayfest events and brand to
the student body.
6. Which world would Mayfest belong in Hogwarts, Westeros, Narnia,
or Middle Earth Please explain your answer.

SPECIAL EVENTS: (email answers to
kathrynchilton2014@u.northwestern.edu and
mallorymattimoremalan@u.northwestern.edu and copy
dilloday@gmail.com
1. Suggest a profitable Mayfest event that could be used this spring or a
way that a past event could be dramatically improved. Please include the
time, place and audience you have in mind. (Remember, given the
Evanston liquor ordinance, bar nights have become increasingly difficult
to hold, especially after midnight.)
2. Have you ever planned an event from idea to execution Please explain.
3. Give a couple new ideas for an activity that could be held on the lakefill
the day of Dillo Day. Keep in mind they must be inexpensive and
entertain a lot of people.
4. List one of your favorite Northwestern or Mayfest events that you’ve
attended in the past. What’s one thing you liked about it and what’s one
thing you would like to do to make it better
5. As part of a federally funded program to raise the U.S’s fun factor, the
government has given you a blank check to throw yourself a birthday
party. What things MUST you have at this party, more than anything
else
6. Please include a picture of a cute animal for our viewing pleasure

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS: (email answers to
jesusroman2013@u.northwestern.edu copy dilloday@gmail.com)
1. As a University Relations Committee Member it is important to be
quick thinking and responsible, as we deal with many critical, timesensitive
tasks. What experiences in projects and/or event planning have
prepared you to take on this type of responsibility
2. What do you think are the biggest security threats that need to be
addressed on Dillo Day How would you make University Police take
your concerns seriously
3. In recent years, UR has approached other student groups about cosponsorships
and funding for certain Dillo Day projects. For example, last
year we received funding from ASG toward our fireworks show. What is
one idea you have for a co-sponsorship between Mayfest and another
student group
4. Historically, there has been a large number of Evanston area high
school students at Dillo Day. This past Dillo Day, the concert was open to
19+ students with a state issued I.D. and to under 19 guests only if they
had been registered through the university by a NU student. What is your
opinion on this issue and last year's policy What do you think should be
done this year to tackle this issue Keep in mind that although Dillo Day
is technically a NU-only event, Mayfest advertises Dillo Day to families in
the immediate Evanston community as well.
5. Any funny YouTube videos you’d like to share