SHANNON F. GRIGGS
Garden Grove,CA
Summary
Dynamic Guest Talent Specialist with 10+ years of experience driving brand excellence in diverse entertainment, education, and event settings. Skilled in managing complex operations for large groups, high-profile clients, and Fortune 500 companies, consistently achieving success both individually and collaboratively. Recognized for adaptability and a big-picture mindset, with a talent for identifying efficiencies and pivoting in fast-paced, everchanging environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Guest Talent Specialist
The Disneyland Resort - Disney Imagination Campus
10.2021 - Current
- Specializes in coordinating, training teams, and managing Guest Talent Programs ensuring effective event execution from pre-production to event completion of stage shows, parades, marching bands, special events, and performing arts and educational workshops.
- Serves as an operational liaison among 7 managers, 124 Guest Talent Coordinators, various local and international travel providers, cross-functional teams, and over 118,000 event participants, ensuring safe events aligned with Disney Live Entertainment’s goals
- Executes administrative duties for over 3,000 annual events, including screening applications, reserving and booking venues, communicating policies through emails and legal documents, managing spreadsheets throughout the ticketing and booking process, and sending itineraries to Guest Talent group organizers.
- Oversees between 5–30 coordinators as an Area Lead in daily operations and manages multiple events simultaneously across Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney.
- Successfully Disneyland partners in event execution by managing show cues, coordinating talent, and overseeing detailed timelines for Broadcast Services, Seasonal Hotel performances, Cast Conservatory, D23 Expo, and high-profile media events in collaboration with Public Relations
- Completes and reviews detailed post-event reports within the Planears portal, providing valuable insights and analysis to inform planning and improvement for future events and trainings.
- Collaborates with management team to develop and implement department trainings, schedules, and strategic initiatives aligned with quarterly business goals and brand marketing objectives.
- Develops training materials and strategies that promote inclusiveness by partnering with leaders from Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs)
- Maneuvers all facets of department, stepping in as needed to maintain smooth operations. Strong grasp of the big picture ensures consistent, efficient workflow management.
Subject Matter Expert
The Disneyland Resort - Disney Imagination Campus
05.2023 - Current
- Serves as the SME (Subject Matter Expert) for 3 of 8 Cognia Accredited educational workshops in physics, technology, and leadership, overseeing training and ensuring all content is updated and accurate to meet the required standards, legalities, and brand messaging for Disney Imagination Campus
- Created and implemented the first comprehensive training and Cast performance evaluation document for Disney Imagination Campus educational workshops, significantly improving consistency, efficiency, and skill development by 85%.
- Creates, prepares, and implements detailed training timelines utilizing excel sheets and materials, adapting strategies as needed.
- Increased group bookings by 7% in FY23 by organizing and executing sales familiarization tours, effectively engaging prospective clients.
- Partners with creative teams, technicians, attractions, to make sure leader-guides accurately represent the history of The Walt Disney Company and Imagineering.
- Provides constructive feedback to employees, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Prepares and organizes comprehensive lesson plans, managing resources effectively to optimize the training process.
- Keeps detailed records of trainee progress, enabling data-driven decisions to enhance training effectiveness and support individual development.
- Ensures the accuracy of training content and evaluates employee performance to maintain high standards in training delivery.
Guest Talent Coordinator
The Disneyland Resort - Disney Performing Arts
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Coordinated Guest Talent performing arts workshops, stage shows, and special events, serving as the primary point of contact and day-of coordinator for large groups of 200+ participants.
- Assisted the Disney Reps team by coordinating high-profile media hits for the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening event, ensuring timely, seamless media coverage and positive client interactions.
- Successfully managed participant ticket returns, ensuring precise balancing and reconciliation for over 100 park tickets
- Facilitated prompt resolution of any issues or concerns raised by participants or their directors during their visit.
Performing Artist
The Disneyland Resort
02.2014 - 12.2018
- Demonstrated versatility and adaptability performing 6 different high energy choreography and contingency dance sets for over 3,000 guests visiting "Mad T Party" per show night.
- Engaged with audiences while playing scripted and improv roles in Cars land's daily atmosphere show "DJ’s Dance ‘n’ Drive"
- Collaborated with fellow performers in a quartet, integrating teamwork to enhance the overall percussive performance in Disney's Frozen Fun: "Freeze the Night".
Promotional Brand Ambassador
Independent Contracting
01.2016 - 10.2021
- Executed interactive marketing strategies at special events, festivals, and trade shows to enhance brand image and reputation in the marketplace to foster customer engagement with leading brands and Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, McDonald's, Toyota, Chevrolet, Salesforce, Nintendo, Youtube, Invisalign, Omen HP, and Revlon.
- Developed strong communication and working relationships to address specific needs, opportunities, and customer requests, strategically targeting growth areas for the brand.
- Contributed to successful product launches by identifying and generating quality leads through persuasive presentations, informative brand discussions, product demonstrations, data capture, and social media engagement.
Curriculum Coordinator
Los Angeles City College
08.2013 - 12.2014
- Collaborated with a team of 10 professionals in the fields of science, education, and performing arts to develop Los Angeles City College's first integrative curriculum utilizing STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math), resulting in the establishment of the S.T.r.E.A.M Youth Performance Academy.
- Led and assisted with community marketing events targeting students of underserved communities , successfully increasing enrollment of students ages 5-13 by 4% per session.
- Coordinated and implemented dance classes, daily enrichment activities, and student field trips, ensuring seamless transportation and scheduling for 10-40 students and staff members.
- Created and integrated choreography that enabled students to explore and identify concepts in STEM subjects through the pre- and post-production processes of music videos.
Cheerleading Coach
Gardena Pop Warner
06.2000 - 09.2014
- Lead Team Warm-ups and conditioning exercises and assisted a team of volunteer coaches in teaching proper cheer/dance technique and stunt safety for 3 teams of various skill levels
- Explained, demonstrated, and prepared competitive cheer and dance routines for teams of 20-35 young girls between the ages of 5-13
- Encouraged teamwork through weekly team building exercises and coordinated with parents and other resources to meet team needs.
Hostess/Server
The Cheesecake Factory
07.2008 - 01.2010
- Multi-tasked in fast paced environment with quoting wait time, answering phones, taking reservations, addressing concerns & questions, and filling the restaurant.
- Demonstrated superior, 4-table section, guest service with knowledge of restaurant policies, POS systems, and over 200 menu selections.
- Assisted and supported team members with taking orders, bussing tables, running drinks and/or food orders.
- Handled money, balanced tills, processed credit card payment batches and prepared bank deposits.
Behavior Specialist
Center For Behavioral, Educational, And Social Therapies
10.2007 - 06.2009
- Implemented several behavioral intervention methods for clients ages 3-11 diagnosed with ADHD, autism, as well as social, mental, and emotional disorders.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic activities to help students adapt and successfully participate in academic instruction and social interaction.
- Monitored, evaluated, and recorded clients' progress according to measurable goals as stated in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Resolved behavioral problems by identifying environmental, social, and physical triggers for the student.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology And Gender Studies
University Of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Santa Barbara, CA2007
Editing, Media, And Culture Studies
University Of Sussex
Brighton, England2006
Skills
- 10 Years in managing event logistics for both small and large groups, ensuring seamless execution across diverse settings
- Proven ability to lead and adapt to teams in rapidly changing environments
- Skilled in Microsoft operating systems and software, with understanding of how to leverage these tools for efficient planning and execution
- Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and adhere to timelines, ensuring that all events and projects are completed on schedule
- Strong analytical abilities combined with strategic thinking to develop creative solutions and optimize event operations
- Excellent active listening skills, fostering collaboration and ensuring that the needs of clients are effectively met
- Adept at generating and developing ideas through collaborative brainstorming sessionsTeam Leadership and Training
Timeline
Subject Matter Expert
The Disneyland Resort - Disney Imagination Campus
05.2023 - Current
Guest Talent Specialist
The Disneyland Resort - Disney Imagination Campus
10.2021 - Current
Guest Talent Coordinator
The Disneyland Resort - Disney Performing Arts
01.2019 - 03.2020
Promotional Brand Ambassador
Independent Contracting
01.2016 - 10.2021
Performing Artist
The Disneyland Resort
02.2014 - 12.2018
Curriculum Coordinator
Los Angeles City College
08.2013 - 12.2014
Hostess/Server
The Cheesecake Factory
07.2008 - 01.2010
Behavior Specialist
Center For Behavioral, Educational, And Social Therapies
10.2007 - 06.2009
Cheerleading Coach
Gardena Pop Warner
06.2000 - 09.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology And Gender Studies
University Of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Editing, Media, And Culture Studies
University Of Sussex
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