Event Masters

In this episode, host Christian Napier is joined by Michael Wingate - longtime professional logistics guru specializing in international sporting events including the Olympics and FIFA World Cup. Michael shares how he got his start during the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and later became an "Event Gypsy." With a 30-year career spanning 17 major international sport events, Michael currently serves as Logistics Consultant for the International Olympic Committee. A devoted Christian, Michael is passionate about connecting the global logistics “Ohana” family and demonstrating the love of Christ through servant leadership. 

In this episode, host Christian Napier interviews Tiago Paes, FIFA Venue Management Project Leader, with 20+ years in events. Tiago shares stories about having backup plans, a disastrous ceremony, witnessing Maradona score a goal, and three of the most powerful people on earth looking at his mobile phone. Connect with Tiago on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiagopaes/

Award-winning producer, director and owner of ISB, Ursula Romero joins the podcast. She recounts starting out as a 16 year-old working for the World Athletics Championships in Germany, then the 1994 World Cup in Dallas. Ursula recalls the challenges of broadcasting an event via satellite near London City airport, earning the trust of the Chinese while planning the broadcast of the road cycling event for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and cherished lessons learned from her father, legendary broadcaster Manolo Romero.

In this episode, host Christian Napier interviews Frank Supovitz, an event management veteran who has produced and directed hundreds of live events over his decades-long career.

Guest Background

• Frank Supovitz is an Event Industry Hall of Famer inducted in 2006. He has authored 5 books on live event management and delivery.
• Currently founder of Fast Traffic, a company that builds custom teams to work on venue development, design, and event production projects. 
• Formerly Senior VP of Events for the NFL where he managed 9 Super Bowls. Also previously led event production for the NHL and Radio City Music Hall.

Key Topics Discussed

• Frank's accidental entry into the event management industry starting as a Radio City Music Hall usher in high school 
• Moving from Radio City Music Hall to the NHL to start their first dedicated event production department
• Creating the NHL Heritage Classic, the first ever professional outdoor hockey game 
• Joining the NFL and learning the sport's unique culture as an outsider 
• Managing the team and logistics for NFL events like the Super Bowl and Draft
• Behind-the-scenes stories from producing Super Bowl halftime shows
• Dealing with unexpected crises like power outages at Super Bowl XLVII
• Launching his own company, Fast Traffic, for more variety and flexibility
• The importance of getting involved in events through any entry point opportunity

How to Connect with Frank

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksupovitz 
• Twitter: @SUPEvents
• Website: https://www.fasttrafficevents.com

A true pioneer of broadcast television in Brazil, Michèle Naili shares incredible stories from her 37+ years organizing major international sports events. Stories include emigrating from Egypt to Brazil as a refugee, getting her start in TV as a child actor in Brazil, learning a critical lesson from her grandmother, directing Formula One and World Cup broadcasts, finding creative solutions in a favela, bringing video on demand to Brazil, and her passion for helping indigenous communities. 

Tricia Fenton shares 30+ years of stories organizing major events like the Olympics, Super Bowls, FIFA World Cups, and more. She recalls a chance encounter on a ski run kicking off her event career and driving her Jeep Wrangler to Orlando with no place to stay to work an unpaid internship. Tricia offers advice on career transitions, empowering teams, overcoming challenges, work-life balance, building a support network, taking care of mental health and finding the right organizational fit.

In this episode of Event Masters, host Christian Napier interviews veteran executive Ricardo Trade ("Baka") about his illustrious 40-year career in sports and event management. Baka describes his journey from being a handball player on Brazil's national team to working in volleyball, eventually transitioning to organizing major events like the Pan American Games, FIFA World Cup, and Olympics. Baka stresses the importance of building strong teams, embracing innovation, and continuously learning.

In this episode of Event Masters, host Christian Napier interviews world-renowned sport production expert Christy Nicolay. They discuss Christy's career path from MTV to ESPN to the Olympics. Highlights include introducing athlete personality videos in Vancouver and getting crowds dancing in Lima, fog stopping volleyball in Peru, and making s'mores. Christy offers advice for aspiring event professionals - pursue what you love, say yes to opportunities, and learn languages.

Christian Napier interviews Alan Shaw in this episode. Alan has worked on major sporting events for over 4 decades in 17 countries across 6 continents including 12 Olympic Games. He shares stories and lessons learned including funny moments, teamwork challenges, mentor influences, and advice for those interested in entering the event industry. Key topics include the genesis of workforce planning, innovative data capture, and the core team planning model.

Chris Crowley has over 30 years of experience in event management, starting with the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco where he interned during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and continuing through Salt Lake 2002, Vancouver 2010 and Rio 2016 Olympics as well as hundreds of events. Chris shares lessons learned from earthquakes, 9/11, the financial crisis and applying major event planning skills in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic as Summit County Emergency Manager of Public Health.