Founded in 1987, Bravo Productions is an award-winning, full-service event planning firm.
Founded in 1987, Bravo Productions is an award-winning, full-service event planning, design and production company specializing in staging world-class corporation, association, non-profit, government, military and social functions nationwide.
Bravo Productions has staged corporate and association networking receptions, grand opening and dedication ceremonies, product launches, ground-breaking events, conferences and meetings, outdoor public events, reunions, sales incentive events, business theater, company anniversaries, fundraising events, theme events, black-tie galas, employee picnics, client and customer appreciation events, holiday parties and VIP receptions, weddings and birthday and private parties.
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Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1987.
What is your primary product or service?
While our primary services are event planning, event management, event production and decor, Bravo Productions' services also include providing consultation, budget planning, creative design, audio visual, lighting and technical support, sets, props, scenery and floral, floral, spouse programs, entertainment (celebrity and local musicians and bands), DJs, food and beverage/catering, staging, speakers, site selection, online and onsite registration, transportation services, show direction, scripting, accommodations, vendor negotiation and contracting, equipment rentals and logistical support.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Thom Neighbors and I co-founded and launched Bravo Productions in 1987, where our focus was solely designing and producing floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.
Most of our clients represented some of the top names in corporate America. As our company grew, these clients sought us out to create their events, props for promotional displays, etc. In addition, throughout the years, we begin receiving more inquiries to create events, props and theatrical scenery for clients outside of the Rose Parade, commercial production companies and television studios. In 1994, we re-engineered our company based on market demand, and we begin solely planning and coordinating events for corporate clientele. It expanded into government agencies such as the United States Army, tourist attractions such as the grand opening events for the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and product launches such as Cable On Demand.
Before starting Bravo Productions, both Thom Neighbors and I worked for Festival Artists, a company that produced floats for the Rose Parade. Neighbors served as the art director and I was the public relations director. I supervised their clients’ Rose Parade publicity, promotions, special events and community relations activities. Prior to that, I formerly worked at a Los Angeles-based public relations firm. Prior to relocating to Southern California, I previously served in a marketing position with the Detroit Convention & Visitors Bureau. I was assigned to most of the city’s grand-scale special events such as the Jazz Festival, Thanksgiving Day Parade, now defunct post season Cherry Bowl game, etc.
I knew the type of profession I wanted to pursue as a child. I was always fascinated with the behind-the-scenes of theater and special events. After graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s in advertising and a master’s degree in organizational communications, I did an extensive amount of volunteer work to get into the event profession. My big break came when I served as a gopher on Super Bowl XVI. I basically delivered promotional items for a ‘Pub Crawl.’ I was in heaven. That hard work and assertiveness was noticed by the Executive Director of the Super Bowl Host Committee. She recommended me for a job at the Convention Bureau, and the rest is history.
From there on, I took an active role in the events industry, serving on our industry association boards, doing some pro-bono work, serving as a speaker at industry conferences and writing articles on all aspects of the special events industry.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Bravo Productions has received numerous industry awards, including two Gala Awards by Special Events Magazine in the categories of Best Theme Décor - Budget $20,000 to $50,000 and Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association - Budget $100,000 to $249,000. Bravo Productions received a Silver Tier Award for Innovation by Corporate EVENT Magazine. We've also been honored with numerous Communicator's Awards of Excellence, several PRism Award and Award of Excellence by the Public Relations Society of America for special event planning. Bravo Productions is the winner of four Esprit Awards and several WESTIE Awards by the International Special Events Society. Bravo Productions is also a two-time award nominee for Event Planner of the Year by Event Solutions Magazine.
There are many things that set us apart. We are definitely visionaries and-risk takers. We think big and the impossible to start brainstorming — and then work our way into what is actually doable within the budgetary parameters and project framework, while fulfilling the clients’ goals and objectives and maintaining the overall concept. I also tend to exercise flexibility and encourage others on our production team to provide input on the best approach to solve any given problem and to create the best experience for the guests. This allows them to take ownership of their area of responsibility. Events take a team and I’m proud of the ability to recruit and put together some of the best talent for each event. In addition, I’m proud that after 30 years in business, Thom and I still put our heart-and-soul into each project and treat each client as though they were our only one. I believe the awards and recognition are the outgrowth of those things.
I’m proud of the many projects that we’ve taken on to include: staging a media event for an overseas client in Los Angeles and a VIP event in Houston for a company who specializes in renewable energy and sponsored a race car that crossed the finish line in Santa Monica after driving across the USA from Florida on one tank of NEXBTL renewable diesel. That was exciting! Working with the Army MWR on their events hosted in cities throughout the U.S. was a tremendous experience. Some proud moments also include staging the grand opening events (gala and dedication) for the Aquarium of the Pacific when it first opened; working on the 75th anniversary of the Original Farmers Market in LA, a launch of Mercedes-Benz of North America new tech facility in Southern California, staging awards program for Enterprise, Earth Day for LA County Sanitation Districts, and so many customer and client appreciation and launch events, to name a few. The diversity of clients and projects over the many years has been quite a rewarding experience.
Our firm had the honor of staging one of our industry's most prestigious showcasing events in conjunction with an international conference -- The Special Event (TSE) Opening Night Party for 1,500 event professionals from around the globe.
Lastly, sharing the many years of wisdom, both the successes and failures, with those entering the industry is something I’m very proud to do. It’s preparing the next generation.
Bravo Productions has been showcased in media outlets to include the US News & World Report, Huffington Post, Wall Street Journal, Men's Health, Lighting & Sound, Southern California Meetings & Events, Martha Stewart Weddings.com, Glamour.com, Brides.com, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Event Design, Stage Directions, About.com, AmEx Open Forum, Fox News.com, KCBS-TV, Meetings & Conventions, Successful Meetings, Event Solutions, Special Events, Corporate Event Magazine, Smart Meetings, USA Today, Press Telegram, Robb Report and numerous business journals.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We are based in Long Beach, but stage events nationwide, We've worked in cities such as Atlanta, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Palm Beach, Las Vegas, Louisville, Detroit, DC and many others.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We typically meet at the venue where the event will take place. That's the most beneficial way to start planning the event.
What type of payments do you accept?
Credit Card, Check, wire transfer, Cash
Which areas do you service?
Nationwide
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Greg Jenkins and Thom Neighbors
What are your hours of operation?
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday) and by appointment.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
One of the best compliments is a simple 'thank you for making this event a success and you put your heart and soul into your work."
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
'When you sacrifice quality, you lose everything.'
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