LAUREN METCALF
Dearborn
Summary
Event operations and marketing professional with over 14 years of experience in managing large-scale festivals and community engagement initiatives. Expertise in orchestrating multi-million-dollar events, vendor relations, and staffing logistics. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams while delivering memorable guest experiences and seamless event execution.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
PAXAHAU EVENT PRODUCTIONS
11.2023 - Current
- Lead year-round festival operations for Movement Music Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, Afro Nation 2023-2024, and AfroFuture Detroit 2025.
- Managed event logistics, ensuring seamless coordination of staffing, accommodations, credentials, transportation, catering, signage, and hospitality.
- Coordinate more than 200 staff members and contractors per event.
- Oversaw 37 vendors across events, enhancing event revenue and improving attendee experience.
- Managed festival volunteer and internship initiatives to enhance support.
- Orchestrated site decor and photo opportunities, providing furniture needs for all event areas, including VIP areas, green rooms, and artist lounges.
Director of Lifestyle
DETROIT FOUNDATION HOTEL (APARIUM)
07.2023 - 11.2023
- Curated hotel experiences, events, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives.
- Executed appealing special events for both travelers and local communities.
- Coordinated internal marketing efforts on social media to ensure brand alignment.
- Cultivated strong relationships with local businesses, artists, and community organizations.
Field Marketing Manager
FOUNDERS BREWING COMPANY
11.2019 - 07.2023
- Managed field marketing strategy across Great Lakes, Midwest, and Western U.S. markets, emphasizing Michigan.
- Negotiated partnerships with festivals, venues, nonprofits, and community organizations to enhance outreach.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing leadership to support long-term growth initiatives.
- Contributed to multiple task forces that shape future company strategies.
Events & Promotions Manager
FOUNDERS BREWING COMPANY
07.2018 - 11.2019
- Planned and executed branded events, product launches, beer dinners, and community activations.
- Collaborated with off-site marketing team to organize taproom promotional campaigns.
- Researched new opportunities to enhance marketing efforts and brand visibility.
- Provided professional photos and fresh creative content for promotional use.
- Built strategic partnerships with leading Detroit nonprofits and cultural organizations.
- Coordinated efforts to align community initiatives with brand objectives.
Event Coordinator
PAXAHAU EVENT PRODUCTIONS
08.2010 - 07.2018
- Coordinated volunteer programs, media and content teams, guest list, and festival communications to enhance event execution.
- Supported production, sponsorship, operations, and media relations across multiple major festivals.
- Managed all company websites and the Movement Festival app, creating content and copy for each unique campaign.
- Served as Executive Assistant to company president from 2015-2018.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI04-2014
High School -
Divine Child High School
Dearborn, MISkills
- Festival & Event Operations
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Budget Oversight
- Project Management
- Sponsorship Activation
- Partnership Development
- Hospitality Management
- Marketing Strategy
- Community Engagement
- Artist Relations
- Public Relations
- Social Media Marketing
- Content Strategy
- Copywriting
- CMS Platforms
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Staff Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Creative Problem Solving
Additional Expertise
- Copywriting
- Content Strategy
- Social Media Marketing
- Photography
- Public Speaking
- Team Leadership
- Creative Problem Solving
Timeline
Operations Manager
PAXAHAU EVENT PRODUCTIONS
11.2023 - Current
Director of Lifestyle
DETROIT FOUNDATION HOTEL (APARIUM)
07.2023 - 11.2023
Field Marketing Manager
FOUNDERS BREWING COMPANY
11.2019 - 07.2023
Events & Promotions Manager
FOUNDERS BREWING COMPANY
07.2018 - 11.2019
Event Coordinator
PAXAHAU EVENT PRODUCTIONS
08.2010 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Michigan-Dearborn
High School -
Divine Child High School