Kelly Melo

Show Producer / Show Caller / Event Producer

Dynamic Management Professional with MBA in Marketing and 20 years of experience in project organization and management.  Expert planning, organization, time management, and interpersonal communication skills. 

CAREER PROGRESSION:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Melo Event Productions          9/2011 – Present           Event Producer                                                             Los Angeles, CA

Freelance Event Producer, specializing in event design and production with a strategic marketing focus.  I am a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual who is committed to delivering high-quality projects.  Event production is my passion and I will work with you on as much or as little of your project as needed. 

  • Executive Producer - Overall program, content, and decor design.
  • Technical Production - Audio, video, lighting, rigging, and content design to support and enhance programs.
  • Show Production - Content development and management, scripting, show flows, stage management, show calling.
  • Production Logistics - Project proposals, site inspections, event design, budget creation, vendor negotiations, permitting, project timelines, production schedules, crew schedules, onsite execution, F&B management, and budget reconciliation.



GWC                1/2009 – 9/2011           Director of Production/Senior Producer                         Westlake Village, CA

GO West Creative Group is an award-winning event production company.  As Director of Production, I led the event and multimedia departments in all projects from concept through execution.

  • Managed the day-to-day operations of the event and multimedia departments.
  • Developed systems of operation to increase interdepartmental communication and guide the team from the proposal process through planning and executing events and multimedia projects.
  • Collaborated with creative team to design new events and create branding that supported the messaging and objectives of each client.
  • Responsible for creating event and multimedia budgets for all projects. 
  • Represented the company in prospective and new client presentations and meetings to assist in developing new business.
  • Oversight of all events from a top-level perspective.  Worked with Project Managers to ensure that all logistics were clearly detailed, vendor expectations are clearly defined, and proper permits were obtained for local law compliance.
  • Worked closely with the accounting department to reconcile all event and multimedia projects, as well as reviewing profit and loss statements for accuracy.


 
Freelance          1/2008 – 1/2009           Event Consultant                                                        Los Angeles, CA

Freelance Event Consultant who specialized in project management and event logistics.  Clients ranged from event industry organizations to large corporations.  Full service event production: proposals, pitches, logistics design, production schedules, project timelines, client management, vendor negotiations, permitting, transportation, content design and management, crew management, site inspections, budget development and reconciliation, and onsite execution.

 
GO West          1/2007 – 1/2008           Event Manager                                                            Westlake Village, CA

GO West Events and Multimedia is an award-winning event production company.  I worked with the creative department to plan event décor, technical elements, design logistics, create detailed budgets, and produce presentations for our clients.  In addition, I managed onsite logistics and event execution.

  • Collaborated with creative team to develop ideas for new proposal design to meet client expectations.  This included identifying audio, video, technical, and multimedia needs for each event.
  • Represented the company in prospective and new client presentations and meetings to assist in developing new business.
  • Created and managed event budgets to maintain creative integrity while staying within client budgetary requirements.
  • Negotiated vendor pricing and contract terms.
  • Developed production schedules and managed logistics involved in planning each event with flawless execution. Onsite event and production management including logistics, vendor, and event staff management.
  • Created and managed payment schedules and payment requests for each event.  Closed each event with a reconciliation of expenses incurred versus expenses budgeted.
  • Managed company event calendar to inform all departments of upcoming projects and communicate departmental involvement as well as ensure adequate logistics coverage from members of the event team.



Discus Dental   3/2002–12/2006            Event Planner                                                              Culver City, CA

Discus Dental, Inc., is an industry leading manufacturer and distributor of professional dental products. I planned and managed all events that involved the sales department. 

  • Planned and managed annual National Sales Meeting for inside and outside sales teams.  Responsibilities included site identification, program flow, audio-video planning, presentation material preparation, room drops, rooming lists, contract negotiation, meal accommodations, sales awards, and entertainment planning.
  • Planned all off-site functions attended by the Domestic Sales Department.  Functions include sales receptions, off-site sales trainings, Regional Manager Meetings, and trade show related events.
  • Involved in the planning and event management of annual Las Vegas Extravaganza, hosted by Discus Dental.  Annual attendance of this event is approximately 3,500 people.
  • Managed activities in support of each trade show/event including securing exhibit space, coordinating booth transport, coordinating new booth graphics, signage, show services, sponsorships and staffing.
  • Maintained tradeshow budgets and P&L statements for show analysis.
  • Managed all Group Practice, Outside Sales, and Inside Sales reports. Results were reported daily, quarterly, and annually.
  • Served as the liaison to 85 Outside Sales Representatives, managing the daily sales reports, expense reports, and company vehicle program.


 
EDUCATION:                                                                                                                                                                                

  • Loyola Marymount University – May, 2007                         MBA, Marketing                                                           
  • California State University, Los Angeles – June, 2005       B.S. Business Administration, option in Management