Taralynn Reburn has always had a passion for sports, and she knew from an early age that she wanted to integrate it into her career. Today, as the Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service for the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, Reburn credits her education at BCIT for paving the way to her success.
Growing up on Vancouver Island, Reburn’s love for hockey was fostered by her family’s tradition of watching games together. This shared experience inspired her desire to connect with others through the highs and lows of sports.
However, Reburn’s path to discovering her true passion wasn’t immediate. After high school, she explored various interests before deciding to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. Eager to gain experience, she interned at CHEK News, where she shadowed newscasts, observed onscreen talent, and learned about the production side of the industry. Her curiosity led her to volunteer at Victoria’s The Zone 91-3 radio station, where she made the decision to enroll in BCIT’s Broadcast and Media Communications program.
At BCIT, Reburn honed her skills through hands-on experience, mastering everything from running a radio station to location scouting, interviewing, and editing audio and video. She also took on the role of Sales Director for the school’s radio station, Evolution 107.9, where she discovered her talent for selling commercials and organizing promotions. “My time at BCIT opened up so many doors for me,” reflects Reburn.
The program’s industry speakers were instrumental in shaping her career path. “The guest speakers really opened my eyes to the real world and what I would need to do to get to where I am today,” says Reburn. “I didn’t even know that radio sales was a career path opportunity until someone from sales talked to us about it.”
As her program was coming to an end, Reburn’s instructor, Dennis O’Neil, recognized her passion for sports and radio sales. He connected her with a contact at Team 1040, leading to a four-week internship in their sales department. Reburn’s dedication and work ethic during this internship caught the attention of the Sales Director, whose brother-in-law was a part owner of the Burnaby Express hockey team. This connection led to her transition from radio to working directly with a sports team.
“I was doing everything—piecing together pre-game music, designing the website, organizing contests, and even becoming the first female in Canada to call play-by-play over the airwaves,” Reburn recalls. “Had I not gone through BCIT, I wouldn’t have been able to do any of that. My education directly translated to my career from day one.”
Reburn’s diverse experience fueled her desire for new challenges, leading her to roles with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Vancouver Canucks, where she honed her skills in ticket sales and corporate partnerships. Eventually, she was approached to take a position with the Florida Panthers on the East Coast.
As Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service with the Panthers, Reburn oversees a team of 40, managing season ticket memberships, group ticket sales, flex plans, suites, and concerts. She also develops strategies for new products, events, and related services.
Reburn’s commitment to personal growth remains strong. She is currently enrolled in BCIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration program to further hone her skills. “Being in the workforce, I can immediately apply what I learn in my day-to-day role with the Florida Panthers,” Reburn explains. “I’m extremely grateful that I’ve been able to continue with school and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far. Much of my success is due to pushing the doors that were open for me at BCIT and running right through them.”
Although she is now based across the continent, Reburn also stays connected to her alma mater by speaking remotely to BCIT broadcast classes. As a guest speaker, she offers advice and encourages students who have yet to find their passion. “Take risks with your career to try something that makes you uncomfortable because you never know if that’s going to lead you to your next big break or opportunity,” she tells them.
Is telling stories your vibe? Learn more about the Broadcast and Media Communications at BCIT.