These fantastic, amazing, hard-working people are, as the saying goes, "...our greatest asset." They all make Kojo Events the best it can be.
"You people look like you're having too much fun to be working..."
Daniel wanted us to say he was raised by wolves. And, while that would help explain his 'doggedness' on detail and his ability to lead the pack, it does little justice to his 20 years as a lighting designer, tour manager and performing arts manager before crossing to corporate events in 1994. Daniel has also designed, produced and managed events for some of our biggest brands in Australia, Asia, Europe, USA and the Middle East.
In 2001, Daniel was 'tracked down' by the Kojo Group to set up Kojo Events.
"I took on this challenge, because I knew there was room in this brand experience/events world for an agency that was actually better than the rest - a unit light enough on its feet to be fresh, stylish and clever, but still able to call on the strengths of a wider group. I can proudly say that we have achieved something very special in this industry."
Daniel works hard at finding the best people, and getting the best out of them in that very special Kojo Events atmosphere of enthusiasm, creativity and collaboration.
"We do this because we have something to say."
John is a founding partner of the Kojo Group, one of Australia's most outstanding visual communications specialist companies. He is an accomplished director and award-winning cinematographer, with over 20 years experience in the events, film, video and new media. John is Deputy Chair of the South Australian Film Corporation, Deputy Chair of the Australian Dance Theatre and Deputy Chair of the Adelaide Fringe. In 2002, he was the regional winner of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in the Technology, Communications, e-commerce & Life Sciences category.
"We wanted Kojo Events to reflect the same 'Amazing People Doing Amazing Things' ethos of the larger group. We have been in business long enough to know that if you've got something special to sell - and by special I mean un-compromised quality - you stick to your guns. We are very proud of the way Kojo Events has moved the 'Kojo way' into the live space."
As a Kojo Group specialist consultant, John also advises on strategy and implementation across the entire multimedia industry.
"Lining up the details is important, but you have to be able to bring it all together in the room."
The really impressive thing about Gavin is his ability to bring it all together on the day and 'make a show'.
Gavin Link is widely acknowledged as an exceptionally talented executive producer, who routinely manages major roadshows, conferences, gala dinners, finance industry media sessions and fashion extravaganzas. He nails the detail, drives the crew and 'links' (pun intended) the elements in a seamless flow from the first meeting to the bump-out.
"It's satisfying and exciting to work with people who actually understand the importance of getting everything right. Kojo Events is a tight unit with very high standards. I like how we chase the work, because we really want to prove that we can do it better than the rest."
The comforting thing for us, and our clients, is that if Gavin's 'on it' we can all get some sleep.
"If I didn't love it I wouldn't do it..."
Karen has operated at a senior level with various industry associations, media and experiential marketing agencies. She brings a broad range of marketing, sponsorship and production experience - and a huge amount of energy - to her role at Kojo Events.
A highly motivated, creative thinker, Karen is good at quickly finding solutions, conveying the vision to her client and her team and mapping the implementation pathways.
Karen came across to Kojo Events in early 2008.
"Kojo Events has a very special energy and purpose. Not for a long, long time have I felt this kind of (youthful) enthusiasm and excitement - where you get down to work and actually make exciting things happen for your clients."
Karen is also marketing manager and business developer for Kojo Events.
"To me, the most necessary thing is a close working relationship with the client..."
Tracy is a highly experienced event, conference and marketing communications professional. Over the last decade, her enthusiasm, energy and keen understanding of budgeting, logistics and strategy has seen her planning major implementations for international brands in the UK, Canada and Australia.
Her work on the logistical elements of major launches and roadshows for Mitsubishi is worth special mention.
"In the beginning is the idea. And, very soon after comes the tactical challenge and a mass of detail. What I really like about Kojo Events is that everyone understands that nothing will come of a great thought, or theme, if you don't do the work on making it properly come alive."
Tracy is based in S.A. in order to be close to her major client, Mitsubishi Motors Australia.
"Ich bin ein Berliner..."
Anni brings great depth to her role as Events Project Manager, with international experience in event production, marketing, public relations and law. Anni is a native of Germany. She speaks four languages, and holds a BA European Media Studies and Law from the University of Potsdam (Berlin). Anni has worked for marketing agencies and law firms in Germany, Australia and Italy.
"I was working for a big, global experiential agency before I came to Kojo Events, but I much prefer the closeness and the freshness of this team. I could best sum up the Kojo difference by saying the excitement and energy levels are much higher. There is a hunger for the work, and a real desire to make perfect events."
Anni has recently become a resident, and she now delivers projects for Kojo Events across South East Asia and Australia.
"I knew I was going to like this stuff..."
Meaghan started with Kojo Events as a Production Coordinator in 2007. In that short time she has progressed to the role of Project Manager, with two Mitsubishi Dealer Launch/Roadshows under her belt. Already, Meaghan has demonstrated her grasp of the industry fundamentals - (brand) insight, attention to detail and an insane amount of energy and enthusiasm.
Meaghan has a range of skills developed through her previous roles and personal interests that provide support and direction across all projects - including a musical knowledge so astounding - we don't know why she avoids certain fame on Rockwiz - that she now advises on audio theming for all our projects.
"Every day there is something new to learn about this business. The people here really believe in what they are doing, and they take great pride in showing me the ropes. And, I know that they, in turn, have come to appreciate what I bring to the mix."
Meaghan's previous experience at the frontline of fashion, and as a personal assistant and customer service rep, have equipped her with a very valuable understanding of the client point-of-view.
"If it's got lights, buttons, dials or a screen I want to know what it does, and how it can make a show better."
Kevin Beacham has spent the last 27 years providing a wide range of services to leading production houses and event agencies in Australia and abroad.
With more industry experience than most, and un-questioned expertise in all the production elements required for major events, Kevin has become one of our staunchest 'go-to guys' when we're going in on a big one.
"I enjoy working with Kojo Events because they know what they're doing - and because they are decent, honest people to deal with. They also stick to their high standards, which is not so easy to do these days."
Kevin's ability to manage a production from concept, through design, CAD drafting, 3D rendering and equipment specification, to onsite management and show-call makes him the must-have member of any good team.
"The devil is in the detail."
Tony's attention to detail is legendary. His (technical) specifications in our showbooks are recognised as the most comprehensive and explanatory - and therefore, the most cost-saving and efficient in the events industry.
Tony has lived as a musician, a live sound engineer and owner/operator of the acclaimed Hitsville and award-winning Bartels Street Studios in Adelaide.
Tony has a vast amount of experience, both here and abroad. He is regarded as one of the finest sound engineers in the country.
"The perfectionist Kojo Events atmosphere suits my style. It brings out the best in me. I like how we're always trying to go one better."
For the past thirteen years, Tony has based himself in Melbourne. He continues to play a major technical role in the projects we deliver throughout Asia and Australia.
"You'll have to speak up..."
Luke Hutchins began his career in London in 1996 after obtaining a HND in Sound Engineering at Salisbury College. He spent the next five years touring the UK and Europe working on club and stadium shows for some of the biggest names around. He also filled other less rock 'n' roll duties, including managing productions for Opera UK.
Now settled in Australia, Luke moves between creating exciting, 'live' environments in the corporate arena for Kojo Events and tour managing and/or mixing for major local and international acts. Luke loves it BIG; he thrives on the buzz of supervising audio across 14 stages for Sydney Festival First Night, or taking charge as Production Manager for A Day On The Green and Shore Thing (Bondi Beach, NYE).
"I think (at Kojo Events) we're all very good at what we do, because we love doing it. There is definitely a more energetic, irreverent vibe. I know we've been around for a while now, but everybody still acts like there's still plenty to prove. It's fresh!
Most recently, Luke was production manager for Parklife - a national outdoor music festival held every year in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Phone: +61 3 9815 7700 | 15 Newton Street, Cremorne VIC 3121 Australia | events@kojo.com.au