About Jason
Hello, I'm Jason Thompson! Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, I now call Anaheim, California home, with my wonderful wife and our two dogs. With a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Communication and a minor in Selling from Missouri State University, I've been actively involved in curating, managing, marketing and coordinating events across diverse industries since 2012.
My journey into the events industry began during my high school years when I formed a garage band with friends. We started small by playing shows at local venues, and soon I found myself organizing concerts beyond our band-evolving into what would become Backstage Productions. From 2012 to 2019, I built a reputation both locally and nationally, working with booking agencies and independent artists. Progressing from a few shows per month to several per week, I discovered my passion for events and their profound impact on people—whether on the side of planning, performing, or attending.
In 2019, fueled by a desire to deepen my event experience, I stepped into the Wedding and Meeting industry. Taking on the role of Sales & Events Manager at Seven Gables Inn, a historic St. Louis landmark, I crafted the entire sales and events program from scratch. Developing pricing structures, menus, offered services, staffing roles, event design, and marketing strategies, I transformed a venue with minimal bookings into a fully booked destination for all 52 weekends of the year. This earned me the prestigious Best of Knot award in 2021.
Proud of this success, I sought new challenges and relocated to California when the event industry slowed down due to COVID-19. My journey here commenced as the Marketing Events Coordinator at Oakmont Management Group. Climbing the corporate ladder swiftly, I crafted marketing event plans for Oakmont Senior Living, utilizing my management skills to train coordinators, develop region-specific marketing plans, delve into event design and vendor management, and even contribute my selling skills to support Sales Managers.
As the veil of COVID started to lift, I embraced a new opportunity in 2022 as the Event Account Manager at Experience Unlimited. Here, I oversee the key account, BeamSuntory, managing projects and field marketing events in Southern California and nearby states. Wearing many hats- from planning and logistics to designing, coordinating, vendor management, and general project management- my team and I successfully executed over 380 events in 2022, with the coming years showing no signs of slowing down.
I eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of my career in the dynamic field of events. My biggest goal and drive is to find more opportunities to collaborate with other creative and passionate people to make large-scale events come to life. I thrive in fast paced environments with high stakes but deeply appreciate having moments to focus on the smaller details or develop relationships with clients and vendors. I believe that no event can come together without a strong team, and that it takes supportive leaders to manage a team to success. As I look towards the future I aim to be that strong support system for all who I work alongside.
My Skillsets
Here are just a few of the skills I use to successfully achieve a goal!!
Graphic Design
From designing event posters to magazine ads, I have used Adobe Photoshop since 2012. This has helped me market and make events more attractive.
Communication
I adapt to my team and clients quickly and efficiently by learning what ways they communicate best.
Event Management
I enjoy being in the center of it all making sure things are running as they should be. If it's a loud concert, a red carpet event, or a private ceremony, I'm always comfortable managing an event.
Problem Solving
In the event industry, something ALWAYS goes wrong. I adapt quickly to change by finding the best solution for an even better outcome!
Talent/Vendor Management
Giving direction and expectations is key in sourcing and managing Talent and Vendors for any type of event.
Sales
In order to make a vision happen, you have to sell it well. Since the very start of my career, I've had to sell my vision for an event to many different consumers.