“Unofficial” San Diego State Application

Bringing real-world experience to the next generation of event leaders.

I’ve spent my career turning ideas into experiences — helping brands connect with people through moments they remember, talk about, and share. From the Clio Awards to Cannes to large-scale product launches, I’ve led the strategy, storytelling, and execution behind some of the most recognized events in media and marketing.

Now, I’d love to bring that experience to SDSU.

This is an unsolicited application to join your program in any capacity where I can contribute — as a guest lecturer, adjunct instructor, capstone mentor, or course collaborator. My focus is experiential marketing and live brand storytelling — the kind of real-world work today’s students are eager to learn, and employers are desperate to find.

When you’re ready to talk, just shoot me a note HERE.

  • Anything at the intersection of event strategy, experiential marketing, brand storytelling, or large-scale production.
    Whether it’s inside the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management or as part of a marketing or business elective, I’m interested in courses that help students learn how real-world experiences are built — from concept to curtain call.

  • It’s the art of turning strategy into human connection.
    Experiential marketing goes beyond impressions and clicks — it’s about creating events, activations, and brand moments that people truly remember. It could be a pop-up, a product launch, a VIP experience, or a full-blown festival.
    It’s where business goals meet emotion — and where brands build loyalty through experience, not just advertising.

  • Here are a few I’d love to lead or collaborate on:

    • From Concept to Experience
      How to design and execute live brand moments — from the pitch deck to the post-event report.

    • The Strategy Behind the Show
      A look at the business, marketing, and storytelling layers behind modern event production.

    • Event Marketing for Hospitality Brands
      Focused on experience design in tourism, lifestyle, and entertainment.

    • Live Lab: Build an Activation
      Students work as a team to design and present a real-world experiential campaign.

  • I’ve led experiential and brand teams for 20+ years across media, tech, and lifestyle.
    I’ve produced major global events — including the Clio Awards, Cannes Lions activations, and programs for Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter — working with hundreds of A-list artists and sponsors.
    I’ve launched products, built brand campaigns, and created large-scale live experiences that blend storytelling, logistics, and strategy.
    If it happens live and connects people to a brand — I’ve probably done it.

  • I’ve spoken at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, taught agency creatives how to craft award-worthy campaign submissions, and led internal workshops on experiential marketing strategy.
    While I haven’t taught a formal university course yet, my approach is grounded in real-world insight, active discussion, and creative collaboration.
    Think of it as applied education — minus the dry lectures.

  • Anyone preparing to work in event production, brand marketing, hospitality management, live entertainment, or tourism experiences.
    This would resonate with students who want to go beyond theory — to learn how big ideas become real experiences. Whether they want to work for an agency, venue, brand, or build something of their own, I can help them understand how it all comes together.

  • Not full-time — but close.
    I split my time between Phoenix and Portland, and I’ve long considered San Diego a place I’d love to live and contribute to. I’m available for in-person classes, hybrid teaching, guest lectures, or program collaborations — and I can easily travel for the right opportunity.

  • I’d love for this to grow into something ongoing.
    A guest lecture is great. A recurring elective or co-taught capstone is even better.
    My long-term goal is to play a larger role in helping prepare the next generation of experience creators — not just once, but consistently.

  • Absolutely.
    I’ve worked with founders, brand teams, agency creatives, and marketing leads throughout my career. If there’s a fit within non-credit programs, workshops, or executive education, I’d be excited to contribute there as well.

  • To teach, mentor, and give back — in a more intentional way.
    While most of my career has been in the private sector, I’ve always been most energized by helping others grow. Long-term, I’d love to evolve into a more permanent teaching or advisory role — one where I can help shape not just events, but careers.
    This isn’t just a one-off pitch. It’s a meaningful step in a new direction.

Final Word

At its best, an event isn’t just something you attend — it’s something you feel. That’s the kind of work I’ve spent my career creating, and it’s what I’d love to help SDSU students learn to build for themselves.

If there’s a space in your program for someone who’s been in the trenches — pitching ideas, managing teams, producing live experiences, and learning a ton along the way — I’d love to be part of what you’re building.

Thanks for reading. Let’s make something unforgettable — together.

Feel free to reach out HERE.