Michelle Arkush
Seattle,WA
Summary
As an Event Producer at Amazon, it's the producer's job to collaborate with multiple teams, stakeholders, leaders, and cultures to deliver customer-centric event production services and overall event support at the highest level possible. Through this role, there has been successfully implemented contingency plans, managed administrative logistics, alignment of creative vision and cutting-edge execution for the IT Services Event Productions team and its customers.
With over 12 years of experience in various live events, I have developed a diverse and versatile skill set, including event management, audio production, lighting design, film, broadcast, photography, large scale events, and set design. I have also demonstrated strong organizational and administrative skills, as well as superior competency in resource allocation, production scheduling, budgeting, and workflow management. There is always a way to learn and grow. Currently, I'm continuing my education in pursuit of a BA in business management and multimedia design. I am always eager to learn new technologies and solutions, and to bridge the gap between creative vision and cutting-edge execution.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Event Producer
Amazon
Seattle, WA
07.2022 - Current
- Ensured successful events through thorough pre-event site inspections, risk assessments, and contingency planning measures.
- Continuously sought opportunities for professional development, staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in event production.
- Achieved seamless event execution through effective communication with vendors, caterers, and other stakeholders for events with 1,500+ attendees in person, and thousands of global viewers virtually.
- Collaborated closely with clients during planning process to ensure their objectives were met and within scope of their event.
- Implemented post-event evaluations to identify areas of improvement for future events and maintain continuous improvement mindset.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Generated increased attendance to events by implementing targeted marketing strategies and promotional campaigns.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning from pre-show, execution and post event debriefing.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event for effective metric reporting.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
- Collaborated with stakeholders at various levels, departments, and teams to drive large projects.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes, and event planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
Production Manager
EXP Events
06.2021 - Current
- Worked with clients to understand event scope of work, establish budgets, and determine timelines for venue selection, guest list finalization, and rehearsals.
- Fulfilled contractual obligations, including communications, vendor coordination, schedule creation, budget administration, rehearsal, RFP's (request for proposals), and day of event coordination.
- Planned and resourced personnel and logistics for operations component exercises, resulting in highly trained personnel ready to act quickly in critical roles.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in a fast-paced environment.
- Worked closely with project manager, owner, marketing, and sales to maintain optimum levels of communication to effectively and efficiently complete projects.
- Took precise measurements of space to determine available power capacity, equipment needs, and design elements.
- Monitored installation and operations to consistently meet rigorous customer requirements.
- Designed floor plans, layouts, mood boards, 3D perspective views and concepts for review and presentation.
- Created professional presentations using Vivien (a CAD program), excel, and Canva to creatively communicate design intent and direction.
- Collaborated with graphic design, marketing, and creative directors to create briefings to see customers on event concept. Through utilizing 3D rendering's and visualizations, we generated large budget events and clients, as well as repeat customers.
Technical Team Lead and Lighting Technician
Light Action Productions
06.2018 - 03.2020
- Creating quotes as well as gear pull sheets for clients and warehouse
- Successful lead and managed onsite teams of around 25+ crew members consistently.
- Analyzed and interpreted lighting designer's plans as well as detailed notes from project management
- Worked with other lighting technicians, designers, vendors, and crew to set up and operate lighting equipment and production equipment in television, film, theater, and concert events. Events varied from a few hundred attendees to 35,000+ attendees daily for multi-day events.
- Programmed consoles and loaded automated color change systems prior to events.
- Worked at heights and in confined spaces without difficulty
- Implemented changes requested by designers, owners, or inspectors to conform to specifications or updated demands.
- Spearheaded cross-functional collaboration, fostering cohesive working environments for seamless product development.
- Reduced project delivery times by effectively prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities among team members.
- Resolved critical issues in a timely manner by identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
Stage Technician
Kirkland Performance Center
01.2015 - 10.2018
- Determined proper weight and rigging for operation of Flyman Rail
- Stage managed, for optimal show flow, time requirements, and client needs
- Programmed cues for lighting consoles, along with making routine gel changes
- Educated key personnel for appropriate production methods to achieve expectations and meet quality control standards to help reduce individual workloads of up to 20%
- Set up and adjusted picture projectors and screens to achieve proper size, illumination, and focus of images.
- Supported creative vision of directors by recommending appropriate staging solutions based on budget constraints and available resources
Education
Associate of Arts - Business Management
Eastern Gateway Community College
Virtual12.2023
Audio Production Certification: Audio Engineering and Production - undefined
University of Washington
Seattle, WA2016
Skills
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Creative Thinking
- Conflict Resolution
- Willingness to Learn
- Microsoft Office Proficient
- Strategic planning
- Client and Customer Relations
- Vendor and contract negotiations
- Events logistics management
- Improve Processes
- Strong Analytical Skills
Certification
Audio Production Certification - 2016 University of Washington, Seattle, WA Audio Engineering
Production Professional Certifications include- Motor Hoist Repair, Theatre Rigging, Lighting Board Operations
Affiliations
- Affiliations Avixa- Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association IATSE- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Bobnet- Members only group for touring professionals
- IATSE- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
- Avixa- Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association
- BBBS- Big Brothers, Big Sisters at Amazon
- Women at Amazon
References
REFERANCES- Available upon request
Timeline
Event Producer
Amazon
07.2022 - Current
Production Manager
EXP Events
06.2021 - Current
Technical Team Lead and Lighting Technician
Light Action Productions
06.2018 - 03.2020
Stage Technician
Kirkland Performance Center
01.2015 - 10.2018
Associate of Arts - Business Management
Eastern Gateway Community College
Audio Production Certification: Audio Engineering and Production - undefined
University of Washington
Audio Production Certification - 2016 University of Washington, Seattle, WA Audio Engineering
Production Professional Certifications include- Motor Hoist Repair, Theatre Rigging, Lighting Board Operations