Today we’d like to introduce you to Dusty Rhodes.
It all started with a $200 phone deposit and a borrowed desk on Newbury Street. There were no special event firms—only a smattering of advertising and PR agencies—and very few women entrepreneurs. The year was 1977 and Dusty Rhodes had a new idea—to use special events as a marketing medium. Fresh from a stint as the only female general manager in professional football (the WFL’s Charlotte Hornets and the New York Stars), Dusty created one of the first companies of its kind in the country—Conventures.
Building her core philosophy around the concept of “teamwork,” she and her Conventures team proceeded to educate New England’s companies and institutions about the potential of special events to achieve business and fund-raising objectives. The invitation to her first event provided only latitude and longitude for a location. Her creation of “Tribute Dinners” for non-profits became an industry standard. Conventures was one of the first to use live and silent auctions as a fund-raising mechanism.
Dusty capitalized on the fledgling pastime of running in the mid-70’s and built the largest women’s running event in the United States—the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women. The four Tall Ship festivals (Sail Boston 1992, 2000, 2009 and 2017) that Dusty orchestrated rank among the largest public celebrations in New England’s history. Over 40 years and more than 10,000 events later, Dusty has helped Conventures achieve its reputation as New England’s leading special events company through innovation, knowledge of the community and total commitment to doing the job first class.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of what is the nominee most proud: Dusty is well-known for her community spirit and her many contributions to the city of Boston. Among her most significant over the years are her board positions on the Trustees of Reservations, Arts Boston, GBCVB, MA Amateur Sports Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Red Auerbach Fund, and the chairmanship of Plymouth 2020, by gubernatorial appointment.
She has nurtured and supported women in business throughout her career, having initiated both the Women’s Network at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and the Pinnacle Awards. She was honored as the first civilian woman recipient of the Distinguished Public Service Medal from the Commandant of the US Coast Guard. In her hometown of Weston, where she brought up her six children, she raised the funds for all of Weston High School’s baseball dugouts, among other local efforts.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Conventures – what should we know?
Conventures delivers an innovative and creative approach, strong management abilities and an eye for every detail. Events are designed to reflect the strengths of an organization to its constituency and to provide an engaging live experience. From intimate receptions to large annual fundraising or award programs, Conventures guarantees a top-quality event that not only achieves clients’ goals but also sets a precedent for excellence within their industry or community.
Clients turn to Conventures to break ahead of the competition and continually affirm a positive public profile. Conventures works with clients to set strategic message points to clearly articulate mission and vision creatively. Strong media relationships keep clients “top-of-mind” with local, regional and national media outlets. Conventures plans and manages sports events for corporate clients, athletic associations, professional sports teams and athletes, non-profit institutions, government agencies and educational institutions.
Event properties are designed for athletes, spectators and sponsors alike to share the exposure and rewards of physical challenge and accomplishment. As coordinator of Sail Boston 1992, 2000, 2009 and 2017, Conventures produced the largest maritime events of the past 20 years, with an economic impact of almost $1 billion to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The American Sail Training Association has twice named Boston its “International Port of the Year.” In addition, Conventures has hosted more than 350 international tall ships and vessels during their visit to the state’s coastal communities.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
If industry impact may be judged by the breadth and depth of leadership that seeks one’s counsel, then there is perhaps no more admired businessperson in our city than Dusty Rhodes. Routinely called upon by our mayors, governors, and congressional delegation members, among many others, for advice and support, her orchestration of the biggest civic events, many performed pro bono, have brought enormous attention to Boston and had significant economic benefits. She has also mentored many hundreds of young women (and men) over the years who have gone on to become leaders in their fields.
Contact Info:
- Address: One Design Center Place Suite 718 Boston, MA 02210
- Website: www.conventures.com
- Phone: 617-439-7700
- Email: rreibel@conventures.com
- Instagram: conventures
- Facebook: conventures
- Twitter: conventures
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