JONATHAN ZANI
Denver
Summary
Results-driven Business Development Manager and Senior Event Producer with over 13 years of experience leading high-impact corporate, experiential, 501(c)(3) gala, and multi-day programs designed to inspire audiences, strengthen brand connection, and drive measurable organizational outcomes. Blending creative strategy with technical precision to transform complex concepts into cohesive, immersive experiences that inspire, connect, and activate audiences. Skilled at managing full program life cycles, including budgeting, SOWs, logistics, creative development, production management, and on-site execution. Trusted by top brands including Kirkland & Ellis, Citadel, META, Carhartt, University of Chicago, U.S. Travel, NVE Experience Agency, Matte Productions, and more.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
New Business Manager & National Travel Producer
BlackOak Technical Productions
Denver
05.2024 - Current
- Lead national brand-expansion initiative focused on reducing seasonal revenue dips and increasing profitability through targeted outreach and relationship development.
- Developed national growth strategy including KPIs, target budgets, and messaging frameworks.
- Produced programs across Austin, Miami, Santa Monica, Peoria, Phoenix, Half Moon Bay, Denver, Milwaukee, Kansas City, and Detroit.
- Trained producing team and led new business outreach to nurture prospective and existing clients.
- Delivered major productions for Carhartt, META, U.S. Travel, University of Chicago, Kirkland & Ellis, NVE, and Matte.
- IPW (U.S. Travel): Delivered multi-space experience integrating entertainment, media, technical production, and experiential environments.
- Carhartt Brand Experience: Led full program creative and execution, enhancing brand preparedness and customer connection.
Sales Manager
BlackOak Technical Productions
Denver
02.2020 - 05.2024
- Tracked KPIs and revenue targets to grow business beyond pre-pandemic levels.
- Led team through transition to virtual event offerings during COVID-19.
- Consistently exceeded individual and team sales goals.
- Hired, trained, and staffed sales roles to meet business demands.
- Collaborated with production to scope accurate SOWs and budgets.
- Contributed to launch of hybrid & media division enabling global broadcast quality delivery.
Senior Event Producer
BlackOak Technical Productions
Chicago
04.2017 - 02.2020
- Produced 500+ events with 95-100% client satisfaction.
- Managed logistics for multi-day programs including venue ops, breakouts, and executive support.
- Led award-winning drone-based production recognized by NACE/ILEA.
Partner / Art Consultant
Artifact Events LLC
Chicago
06.2014 - 04.2017
- Produced year-round art exhibitions and experiential sales events while overseeing full business operations, artist relations, and creative direction.
- Strengthened brand visibility and revenue through strategic marketing and curated programming.
- Directed ideation and creative vision for gallery exhibitions and artist showcases.
- Sourced indoor/outdoor venues, negotiated contracts, and managed vendors.
- Managed on-site logistics including load-in, setup, tear down, rental coordination, staffing, and issue resolution.
- Oversaw marketing, website development, social media, bookkeeping, sales, and inventory.
- Increased sales by 43% in first year.
- Secured placements at major Chicago art festivals.
Event Producer & Sales Manager
Kehoe Designs
Chicago
09.2011 - 05.2014
- Production liaising for high-impact corporate, social, and experiential event décor, strengthening brand presence and guest engagement.
- Directly responsible for production communications with 13 departments, delivering 300+ events on time and on budget.
- Executed production components of décor designs to create immersive environments integrating scenic, floral, furnishings, graphics and lighting.
- Managed budgets, sourcing, timelines, staffing, and on-site execution.
- Directed on-site teams of 20-100+, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
Education
Overland Park, KS -
Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS12.2017
Olathe, KS -
Mid-America Nazarene University
Olathe, KS05.2015
Skills
- Media production and broadcasting
- Event and conference design
- Technical design and staging
- Audio/visual expertise
- Lighting design
- Video production
- Budget forecasting and SOW development
- Proposal writing and CAD review
- Render design and interpretation
- Production scheduling
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Google Workspace skills
- HubSpot CRM knowledge
- National growth strategy
- Client relationship management
- Vendor negotiation
Selected Achievements
- Award-winning experiential production recognized by NACE & ILEA
- Produced multi-day programs with 5,000+ attendees
- Designed immersive experiences for Burberry, SSENSE, Redbull and Carhartt
- Served as cross-functional connector across operations, creative, and production teams
Creative Technical Skills
- Media Production
- Event Design
- Technical Design
- A/V, Lighting, Video, Staging, Broadcast, Conference Production
- Business Development
- Budget Forecasting
- SOW Development
- Proposal Writing
- CAD Review
- Render Design & Interpretation
- Production Scheduling
- Microsoft Office
- Google Suite
- HubSpot
- Momentus
Industry Organizations
SITE Chicago Chapter, 01/01/23, 12/31/25, Member
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
New Business Manager & National Travel Producer
BlackOak Technical Productions
05.2024 - Current
Sales Manager
BlackOak Technical Productions
02.2020 - 05.2024
Senior Event Producer
BlackOak Technical Productions
04.2017 - 02.2020
Partner / Art Consultant
Artifact Events LLC
06.2014 - 04.2017
Event Producer & Sales Manager
Kehoe Designs
09.2011 - 05.2014
Overland Park, KS -
Johnson County Community College
Olathe, KS -
Mid-America Nazarene University