As founder and Coordinator of the Paisley Blues Festival (named one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario), I am a valuable asset to any team, with 10 years of experience creating and coordinating every aspect of an award winning event.
I pride myself on my ability to communicate effectively with Stakeholders, Artists/Agents, Facility Managers, Security, Vendors, and Team Members to ensure quality experiences for all attendees.
My 10 years of experience producing multiday events allows me to oversee all event logistics, including budget creation, funding, artists/agents contracts, venue arrangements, marketing, vendors, security, and volunteer management.
I have 10 years of experience creating and fostering relationships with stakeholders at the government and corporate levels, including sponsorship relations and grant writing.
My time management skills and experience allow me to effectively manage the creation, promotion, set up, execution, and tear down stages of a large event, ensuring that all tasks are completed on time, according to schedule.
Below is the format that I use to take an event from the planning stage to execution (in short):
- Engage and CONFIRM Government, Corporate, and Local Stakeholders.
- Create event budget: I have 10 years of experience creating and executing event budgets, with no safety net.
- Venue: Identify capacity issues, insurance requirements, by-law restrictions. If applicable, create a safety plan with the facility manager, Fire Marshall, and head of licensed security. Secure all relevant permits (alcohol sales, gaming, municipal policy).
- Secure contracts with Service providers (Artists, Sound production, licensed security).
- Select vendors and confirm that they are carrying adequate liability insurance.
- Coordinate staff and volunteers by appointing specific area managers.
- Pre Event set-up: Meet with Building Inspector for approval of equipment installations. Meet with Fire Marshall for approval of floor plan.
- Event set-up: Create a daily schedule for the week leading up to the event, identifying each day’s order of tasks, making sure that the event team/suppliers/vendors have their set-up times and instructions. Execute equipment installation.
- Event: Maintain constant communication with area managers and licensed security to identify and resolve any issues. As the event (or each day of a multiday event) is ending, ensure that all steps are taken to make the venue secure.
- Event Evaluation and Reporting: I have 10 years of experience creating summary reports for corporate sponsors, government granting programs.
My decade of experience coordinating the logistics of an award winning, multi-day festival, combined with my proven ability to engage stakeholders and communities makes me a valuable asset to any team.
Maxwell Johnston