Greg Jenkins of Bravo Productions on Primetime

On Thursday, December 15, 2011, at 12pm/PST on Swoop’s World Primetime we are happy to have Greg Jenkins of Bravo Productions return as our guest. Greg and his team will enlighten us on the many ways to enjoy, and host events throughout the holiday season.

Bravo Productions
Gregory P. Jenkins and Thomas Neighbors founded the company and offer more than 40 years combined experience in event design and planning and prop production.The founders take a hands-on approach in working with their clients, and hold executive positions in the current structure of the company. Bravo’s full and part-time staff consists of artisans, craftsmen, technical, logistical and support personnel.

Gregory P. Jenkins holds an impressive list of credentials and has a well-earned reputation in the field of special events and marketing. As co-founder and partner of Bravo Productions, Jenkins is involved in all aspects of the company’s event productions — from designing the concept and staging the function to overseeing publicity, marketing, and the administrative operation. In addition, he supervises the company’s charitable contribution campaign.

Prior to forming Bravo Productions in 1987, Jenkins served as public relations director for Festival Artists, where he supervised Tournament of Roses Parade publicity, special events, community relations and promotions for the company and its clients.

Previously, Jenkins served as account executive/client services coordinator with the Fontayne Group, a Los Angeles-based public relations firm. Prior to moving west, Jenkins served four years as marketing research manager for the Metrtopolitan Detroit Convention & Visitor Bureau..

Jenkins holds a master’s degree in organizational communications and a bachelor’s degree in advertising, both from Michigan State University. He has also completed training in public disputes and negotiations at MIT/Harvard, and coursework in sports marketing, fundraising, special event planning, and entertainment publicity and public relations.

A Long Beach resident, Jenkins is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America. He also holds a membership in Meeting Professionals International and the International Special Events Society (ISES), and was a former board member of the ISES, Los Angeles Chapter. Jenkins has lectured on a variety of event-industry related topics and has written numerous articles that have been published in special events, meeting planning, public relations and marketing trade journals. Jenkins serves on the editorial advisory board of Event Solutions Magazine.

Thomas Neighbors, Co-founder and partner, directs the company’s operations, supervises the Art Department, oversees prop production, and implements programs to support the organization’s long-term growth. A noted Southern California artist and designer, Neighbors is also responsible for creating miniature models, scenery, theatrical sets and event illustrations for the commercial production, trade show, film and special event industries.

Prior to co-founding Bravo Productions, Neighbors served as art director and general manager for Festival Artists, one of the largest Tournament of Roses Parade Float manufacturers. Neighbors managed the company’s Art and Construction Departments, designed artwork for promotional merchandise, and assisted in designing parade entries for the company’s clients, including Bank of America, American Honda, and Arco.

Previously, Neighbors served for ten years as art director for Fiesta Floats in Temple City, California. Under his direction, the company’s Rose Parade entries received numerous awards for originality, creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic merit. Formerly, Neighbors was a technical illustrator for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach.

A lifelong resident of Long Beach, California, Neighbors majored in art and design at California State University, Long Beach, and Long Beach City College. He has furthered his studies in drafting, and illustrations at the renowned Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and is also an architectural enthusiast.

Neighbors is a member of the Themed Entertainment Association. In collaboration with Coburn Topiary, Neighbors has designed and produced displays for Disneyland, Disney World, The San Diego Zoo, and theme parks and attractions throughout the United States.