Event Marketer Summer 2023 - 110

EXPERIENTIAL IN COLOR
MATTHEW BROOKS >> Lead Marketing Communications Manager-Multicultural
Programming and Retail Innovation | AT&T
The Bragging Rights: In 2016, Brooks began designing pop-up activations and producing branded
events for AT&T's Flagship and Brand Experience Retail locations. He has since produced activations and
events across the country for movies and TV. For the concert live stream of AT&T TV Super Saturday Night
with Lady Gaga, Brooks served as associate producer and led the design for the on-site, tech-focused fan
experiences. In 2020, he began leading programming for AT&T Dream in Black, a platform that celebrates
the dreams and futures made possible by more than 400 years of Black history, culture and contributions.
He's also led cultural events with Black-owned and -operated media partners, producing specially curated
panels and workshops aimed at celebrating and empowering young Black artists and leaders.
Favorite podcast or book:
" Earn Your Leisure " podcast
>> " I'm trying to set my
future self up for success! "
What do you love about this industry?
I love people. Through experiential, we get to create moments that connect to people-and sometimes in
unsuspecting places. That's the magic!
Who or what inspires you?
My mother is my No. 1 inspiration. She raised five children (three boys and two girls) while mostly a single
mother, working two jobs and going to graduate school. She is my inspiration for creativity and innovation,
compassion, hard work and service.
Describe the role of mentors in your work life.
I have had many mentors in my life, but I never looked at them with that formal of a title. They are people who have invested in me.
How can the industry better encourage employees to bring their true selves to work?
This is such a hot topic but can be such a trap if people aren't careful. Learning to show up to work as one's true self doesn't start at work. If you aren't
showing up authentically in your personal life, starting this ... at work? We better get ready for some bumps along the way. I encourage workplaces
to invest in developing the whole person, not just the skills the employee brings. This will build a stronger workforce that feels comfortable showing
up as their true selves.
MELISSA CINTRÓN-MUÑOZ >> DEI Events Program Manager | Meta
The Bragging Rights: Cintrón-Muñoz has worked the last six years with Meta in the Consumer
Marketing Creative X, Events & Experiences team, managing the execution of experiential and virtual
events for the Latin American and North American regions. Most recently, she has been leading internal
diversity, equity and inclusion events. Colleagues say one of Cintrón-Muñoz's superpowers is her
cross-functional communication skills, and before Meta, she worked for various agencies, producing events
for Diageo, BMW, Avianca, Nu Skin and Rheem Mexico, among others.
What do you love about this industry?
Although it may sound a bit insane, I love the roller coaster feeling I naturally get from planning/producing
an event, as well as the live reaction of the audiences who attend. In my time at Meta, I've done many events
in support of our small businesses, and seeing firsthand how our platform has empowered them to create
their dream business and provide the global accessibility for anyone to purchase and know their products
has been the best outcome I can hope for.
Your walk-up song:
" Vivir Mi Vida, "
by Marc Anthony
What's a project you're most proud of?
In fall 2020, I was brought into the #BuyBlackFriday project as the lead event production manager and liaison for two of the internal production
teams that weren't seeing eye to eye. Leveraging the internal relationships I've built, I was able to assess the gaps and properly create a project plan
and playbook, while managing communications between both teams. I took the lead in overseeing the pre-production elements and keeping close
communication with our senior live producer to provide a consistent, seamless live show for six weeks.
Employee groups or programs that have made a difference in your career and life.
We have nine Meta Resource Groups (MRGs) for each of our underrepresented communities. Although I identify with two of them (Latin@ and
Women@), I've been fortunate enough to work for all nine in my current role. I honestly have learned so much and continue to do so, while executing
our internal Cultural Heritage Month programming. The exposure to these communities has truly been inspiring for my professional and personal
life, and I use it as a clear example of where the industry should be.
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SUMMER 2023 EVENT MARKETER
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Event Marketer Summer 2023

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