BOZEMAN - Montana State University students, faculty, staff, and community members filled the Strand Union Building's Procrastinator Theater on April 7 for a fireside-style conversation with Leonardo Marra, this year's spring Orser Lecturer, whose career in global event planning has spanned the Vatican, international diplomacy and now MSU.

Hosted by the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the event featured Marra in conversation with the college's dean, Brian Gillespie, who guided the discussion using images projected on a screen behind them from Marra's extensive career. The format allowed Marra to reflect on pivotal moments, offering both behind-the-scenes insight and practical advice for students interested in hospitality and event management. The event was attended by MSU President Brock Tessman and his family.

Marra began by tracing his unconventional path into the field, describing how an early role in a warehouse led to a life-changing opportunity. After preparing a meticulous inventory project, he was encouraged to apply for a position at the Vatican. Following a rigorous nine-month interview process, he was selected as treasury curator of the Papal Sacristy within the Sistine Chapel and event operative for the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Holy Father.

While at the Vatican, Marra conducted research and managed sacred objects used by the Pope during Mass, noting that the collection included 196 chalices. In parallel to his curator role, he was part of a specialized team responsible for organizing the Conclave for the election of Pope Benedict XVI and hundreds of events presided over by the Supreme Pontiff. Marra was instrumental in the planning and execution of the funeral of Pope John Paul II, which he described as the largest event in the Vatican protocol history involving 176 international delegations and more than 1,800 institutional authorities.

"On the world stage, every detail matters," Marra said, emphasizing the precision required in event planning at that level. He noted that such events offer "no second chances," particularly during emotionally significant moments like the papal funeral, which he helped execute while simultaneously preparing for the conclave that elected the next pope.

Marra shared additional stories from his Vatican tenure, including preparations for newly elected Pope Benedict XVI and the traditions surrounding the "Room of Tears," where new popes first don their ceremonial attire. He also highlighted his role in preparations for the Jubilee, where he helped oversee the placement of four time-capsule boxes sealed into the Holy Doors of Rome's major basilicas. The capsules serve as a lasting record for future generations, and he emphasized the precision and symbolism behind the process, noting that even unseen details play a critical role in the impact of an event.

Seeking new challenges, Marra later joined the Sovereign Order of Malta as chief of diplomatic protocol and director of international events. In that role, he traveled to 28 countries, coordinating high-level ceremonies and working across cultures and governments. He was the youngest person in history to hold that position and helped oversee the election and enthronement of the order's Prince and Grand Master, a historic event that had taken place for more than 900 years, but was broadcast internationally for the first time in 2018.

Marra said his experiences taught him the importance of preparation, adaptability and attention to detail. He shared a lesson learned from an event in which sunlight disrupted a speech due to a timing oversight, prompting him to always rehearse events at the exact time they will occur.

After his international career, Marra moved with his family to the United States, eventually choosing Montana after a visit to Bozeman. He later joined the Museum of the Rockies, where he adapted his global expertise to a new cultural context, joking about learning the nuances of Montana event style, including a "cowboy chic" dress code.

Marra now serves as events manager for the MSU Office of the President, where he coordinates more than 80 major university events annually. He said the role allows him to combine two passions: creativity and organization. In addition, he is currently pursuing a graduate degree at MSU.

Throughout the discussion, Marra emphasized two central principles: the importance of relationships with people and the role of emotion in successful events.

"As an event manager, you want people to feel something," he said. "You want them to feel special."

Prior to the event, students had submitted questions for Marra. One student had asked Marra about preparing for careers in events and hospitality. He encouraged them to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of the field, from entry-level roles to leadership positions.

"You have to get your hands dirty," he said. "Discipline always wins over talent."

Earlier in the day, Marra also visited an Introduction to Hospitality Management class taught by David Perlin, where he spoke with students about career pathways and industry insights.

Started in 1988 by MSU alum David B. Orser, the Orser Executive Speakers Forum is coordinated by the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and brings a leader to campus each semester, with the goal of inspiring students to pursue careers as innovative, responsible and ethical business leaders. Past speakers have included Heidi Browning, chief marketing officer of the National Hockey League; Tim Solso, General Motors' board director; and Dave Stephenson, chief finance officer at Airbnb.

More information on the Orser speaker series is available at https://www.montana.edu/business/orser/.