KEN PHELAN
North Vancouver,BC
Summary
With over 20 years of experience in sports broadcasting and global events, including 8 consecutive Olympic Games with NBC Universal, this Emmy Award-winning, goal-oriented, and solution-focused hands-on team leader excels in large-scale event management, facility operations, broadcast remotes, and production logistics. Known for responsibility, creativity, and relentless passion for success, professional achievements are deeply rooted in integrity, professionalism, and hard work, earning the respect of colleagues and peers in the industry.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Venue Logistics
BC PAVCO- VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE
01.2022 - 03.2025
- Responsible for maintaining stakeholder relationships with the City of Vancouver transportation departments, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Ceres (cruise), the Vancouver Police Department, Canada Border Services Agency, and precinct hotel/retail partners
- Determined move-in and move-out plans in conjunction with Event Managers including staffing plans, and use of Vancouver Traffic Authority, alternate staging areas, and loading bay allocations
- Analyzed event composition and functions as well as supported colleagues with planning complex event days to coordinate operational requirements
- Coordinated the East & West loading docks, comprised of 2 diverse access points, 2 truck routes, and 27 loading bays
- Provided functional supervision to loading dock staff (security) and developed a logistics-focused staffing model and business case for all loading dock operations
- Collaborated with Facilities Management to coordinate maintenance, waste management, post-event cleanup, and contractor parking enforcement
- Acted as the key contact for matters pertaining to transportation management for the City of Vancouver, ensuring Transportation Management Plan requirements are adhered to
- Determined Vancouver Traffic Authority requirements including booking, briefings, and invoicing
- Managed venue drop off locations including the Multiway, Waterfront Road, and East Plaza including approving requests, obtaining approvals, and coordinating shuttle bus programs
- Liaised with Ceres and Vancouver Fraser Port Authority for coordination during cruise ship season
- Managed relationships with key precinct partners including parking facilities, neighboring hotels and properties, valets, and ride-share/taxi companies
- Maintained relationships with key logistics partners including the Canada Border Services Agency, and customs, freight, and logistics suppliers
- Managed electronic delivery tracking system in Ungerboeck (EBMS), ensuring staff are following procedures and materials are tracked and stored appropriately
- Managed Voyage Control as a logistics management system for all vehicle traffic in loading areas
- Managed the monthly in-house event, including entering cruise season details and closing month end
- Oversaw the research, evaluation, and implementation of new technology solutions for operations
- Prepared business cases and decision notes for logistics related requests
- Attended regular meetings and site visit to represent Venue Operations
- Contributed to the development of the operating and capital budgets
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
Production Operations Manager, Primetime
NBC UNIVERSAL OLYMPICS INC
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Played a key role in NBC Universal's Primetime Studio Coverage from the iconic Museum de l'Homme/ Café de l'Homme Tracodero, for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris
- Successfully supported teams from the major entities of NBC Sports, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, NBC Digital Platforms, and network affiliates
- Served as Production Operations Manager for Primetime at the iconic Museum de l'Homme/ Café de l'Homme Tracodero for the duration of the location occupation
- Reported directly to VP, Production Operations
- Managed relationships with key stakeholders including Olympic Broadcast Services, Museums de l'Homme board members and management, Café de l'Homme owners and management, and external suppliers
- Managed and maintained a working vendor list and supervised vendors while on-site
- Performed extensive cost analysis and price negotiations on major business to business product and service purchases
- Generated PO's and finalized purchases
- Planned and implemented a very complicated load in and load out of the Café'/ Museum de l' Homme, and the OBS TV Tower located in proximity
- Ensured work was done in a safe manner in compliance with strict Health & Safety policy, including preparing method statements & risk assessments
- Coordinated and executed requests for 3 full studio builds, space and furniture planning, including budget planning, produced drawings as required, advised on space configuration and options
- Arranged transportation, security, make-up, wardrobe, and green room requirements for on-air talent including Mike Tirico, Snoop Dogg, Jimmy Fallon, Peyton Manning, Kelly Clarkson, and other high profile NBC talent
- Coordinated with booking to team to transport gold medal athletes for timely post competition interviews
- Assuring all requirements for transportation, security, green room, and hospitality for athlete's management and family were set for arrival
- Provided integral operational/ production support to broadcast industry leaders including NBC executives, talent, engineers, and technicians
- Facilitated communication between departments, promoting collaboration towards shared organizational goals within the production structure.
- Promoted teamwork among staff members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to high levels of productivity and job satisfaction.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing ongoing guidance on best practices in production operations management techniques.
Senior Production Logistics Manager, IBC
NBC UNIVERSAL OLYMPICS INC
05.2020 - 03.2022
- Played a key role in covering unprecedented 2 Olympic games within 8 months, during a global pandemic
- Unified a diverse team during the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (in 2021) and 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing
- Successfully supported 2,200 people from the major entities of NBC Sports, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, NBC Digital Platforms, Peacock Streaming, and network affiliates
- Served as Senior Production Logistics Manager at the International Broadcast Centre for 2 consecutive games
- Reported directly to VP, Operations
- Managed relationships with key stakeholders Olympic Broadcast Services and local organizing committees
- Managed and maintained a working vendor list and supervised vendors while on-site
- Worked with NBC executives to identify local, national, and international suppliers in massive business to business sourcing effort
- Performed extensive cost analysis and price negotiations on major business to business product and service purchases
- Generated PO's and finalized purchases
- Functioned as the initial contact person for day-to-day facility/maintenance requests
- Prioritized requests, communicated requests to appropriate team members or suppliers with upper management's approval, followed up on completion
- Planned and implemented load in and load out of the International Broadcast Centre, and other venues
- Ensured work was done in a safe manner in compliance with strict Health & Safety policy, including preparing method statements & risk assessments
- Coordinated and executed requests with regards to renovations, space and furniture planning, including budget planning, produced drawings as required, advised on space configuration options, color, design and decorating ideas for approximately 70,000 square feet of office and studio space
- Arranged transportation, make-up, wardrobe, and green room requirements for on-air talent including Mike Tirico, Jimmy Roberts, and Craig Melvin
- Coordinated the delivery of facility related goods and services
- Resolved issues and reported key issues to upper management
- Provided integral operational/ production support to broadcast industry leaders including NBC executives, talent, engineers, and technicians
Managing Partner
IMPERIAL VENUE INC.
03.2013 - 12.2018
- Managed all aspects of a 6,000 square foot multi-purpose event facility
- Produced 1000 plus wide-ranging events in a 5-year period including events with global brands and international talent
- Served as Managing Partner from the initial business purchase until completion of sale to MRG
- Responsible for all aspects of the business including but not limited to operations and communications, marketing and sales, contract negotiations, business registration and licenses, and event management
- Managed a team of operation and production professionals and insured deliverables were met
- Managed all event inquiries and negotiated venue rental rates and service contracts for every event
- Managed events from initial planning phases to post event evaluation
- Talent sourced and negotiated vendor agreements including rider fulfillment
- Managed sponsorship relationships in the context of event environments
- Developed, managed, and reconciled business and project related budgets
- Managed business permits, licenses, and risk management
- Managed bar related inventory, systems, deliveries, and vendor relationships
- Spearheaded successful client engagements resulting in repeat business and positive referrals from satisfied clients.
- Evaluated market trends to identify new business opportunities and develop targeted growth strategies accordingly.
Production Logistics Manager, IBC
NBC UNIVERSAL OLYMPICS INC
01.2011 - 03.2018
- Unified a diverse team during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, and 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang that successfully supported 2,200 people from the major entities of NBC Sports, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, NBC Digital Platforms, and network affiliates
- Served as Production Logistics Manager at the International Broadcast Centre for 4 consecutive games
- Reported directly to VP, Operations
- Managed relationships with key stakeholders Olympic Broadcast Services and local organizing committees
- Managed and maintained a working vendor list and supervised vendors while on-site
- Worked with NBC executives to identify local, national, and international suppliers in massive business to business sourcing effort
- Performed extensive cost analysis and price negotiations on major business to business product and service purchases
- Generated PO's and finalized purchases
- Functioned as the initial contact person for day-to-day facility/maintenance requests
- Prioritized requests, communicated requests to appropriate team members or suppliers with upper management's approval, followed up on completion
- Planned and implemented load in and load out of the International Broadcast Centre, and other venues
- Ensured work was done in a safe manner in compliance with strict Health & Safety policy, including preparing method statements & risk assessments
- Coordinated and executed requests with regards to renovations, space and furniture planning, including budget planning, produced drawings as required, advised on space configuration options, color, design and decorating ideas for approximately 100,000 square feet of office and studio space
- Arranged transportation, make-up, wardrobe, and green room requirements for on-air talent including Bob Costas, Al Michaels, Dan Patrick, and Ryan Seacrest
- Coordinated the delivery of facility related goods and services
- Resolved minor issues and reported key issues to upper management
- Provided integral operational/ production support to broadcast industry leaders including NBC executives, talent, engineers, and technicians
Operations/ Production Manager
WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL 2011 & 2012
10.2011 - 12.2012
- Recruited and managed a team that delivered an outstanding event with a complex technical set-up, limited resources and time, in a demanding environment
- Served as Operations/ Production Manager for the Whistler Film Festival featured at 10 venues
- Managed all technical/ non-technical: load in/ load out, set-up/tear-down, and design/lay-out
- Negotiated all venue agreements and managed relationships with venue operations
- Sourced and managed transportation, communication, and security requirements
- Developed and maintained the event briefs & production schedules for each venue
- Developed and maintained the show flows for each event
- Worked closely with PR Team to execute red carpet events, photo ops, tributes, interviews, and all other special events, media requests, and requirements
- Managed and maintained a working vendor list and supervised vendors while on-site
- Managed and maintained the production budget
- Recruited & managed a team of 24 comprised of Coordinators, Technicians, and Volunteers
Production Logistics Coordinator/ Production Coordinator
NBC UNIVERSAL OLYMPICS INC.
06.2009 - 06.2010
- Provide local support for a diverse team during the 2010 Olympics that successfully supported 2,200 people from the major entities of NBC Sports, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, Universal Sports, and Access Hollywood
- Functioned as Production Coordinator on Opening Ceremonies Crew directed by Bucky Gunts winner of the 2010 Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special for NBC's coverage of the Opening Ceremonies
- Served as Production Logistics Coordinator at the International Broadcast Centre for the Olympics
- Served as Production Coordinator at Stadium and Canada Hockey Place for live coverage of Opening Ceremonies
- Managed relationships with key stakeholders Vanoc, Olympic Broadcast Services, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and outside vendors
- Worked closely with venue security and arranged and distributed company credentials at the International Broadcast Centre
- Worked with NBC executives to identify local, national, and international suppliers in massive business to business sourcing effort
- Performed extensive cost analysis and price negotiations on major business to business product and service purchases
- Generated PO's and finalized purchases
- Managed and maintained a working vendor list and supervised vendors while on-site
- Functioned as the initial contact person for day-to-day facility/maintenance requests
- Prioritized requests, communicated requests to appropriate team members or suppliers with upper management's approval, followed up on completion
- Participated in planning and implementing load in and load out of the International Broadcast Centre, and other venues including Canada Hockey Place
- Coordinated and executed requests with regards to renovations, space and furniture planning, including budget planning, produced drawings as required, advised on space configuration options, color, design and decorating ideas for approximately 100,000 square feet of office and studio space
- Arranged transportation, make-up, wardrobe, and green room requirements for on-air talent including Bob Costas, Cris Collinsworth, and Dan Patrick
- Planned and executed broadcast logistics for Dan Patrick and Cris Collinsworth for pre and post ceremony live interviews
- Coordinated the delivery of facility related goods and services
- Resolved minor issues and reported key issues to upper management
- Provided integral operational/ production support to broadcast industry leaders including NBC executives, talent, engineers, and technicians
Event Producer
NIKE CANADA
01.2008 - 11.2008
- Contracted for The Nike Human Race, a global event, in 33 major city including Vancouver
- Featuring a post run outdoor event (attendance 10,000) with a total local budget of $1,000,000
- Coordinated all infrastructure required for the outdoor concert
- Played key role in recruiting, training, and managing 700 event volunteers
- Delivered talent and production contracts ahead of schedule and under budget based on market trend prediction and proactive sourcing
- Balanced the mandate of the client, and the principles of the talent, on Nike branding positioning
- Solidified relationships with senior key players at the Agency Group, Sam Feldman & Associates, Universal Music Canada, 604 Records, and Warner Chappell Music
- Created an extensive talent wish list containing 100 artists ranging in price from $10,000 to $1,000,000
- Held discussions with many agents on various artists
- Negotiated and closed deals on two headliners with two major agencies
- Arranged rider requirements including transportation (ground & air), accommodations, hospitality, and backline
- Managed and directed talent assuring wardrobe and green room requirements were met, and site arrival, sound check, and sets were on time
- Played role in the Corus Radio national media buy and communicated the talent's media obligations through record label promoters
- On event day liaised with tour management to resolve all settlement issues and managed media
- Negotiated music licensing contract for international advertising campaign with US publisher
- Collaborated closely with clients during the planning process to ensure their objectives were met within the scope of the event.
Education
Television & Film Production
Vancouver Actor's Studio
Vancouver, BCSkills
- Innovative Problem Solving
- Critical Analysis
- Collaborative Relationship Development
- Multidisciplinary Engagement
- Tactical Planning
- Effective Solution Development
- Project Execution
- Operational Implementation Proficiency
Sports Emmy Award- Outstanding Team Event (Games of the XXIV Olympics Winter Games NBC)
The National Academy of Television Arts & Science
May 2023
Technical Supervisor
Timeline
Production Operations Manager, Primetime
NBC UNIVERSAL OLYMPICS INC
05.2024 - 09.2024
Manager, Venue Logistics
BC PAVCO- VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE
01.2022 - 03.2025
Senior Production Logistics Manager, IBC
NBC UNIVERSAL OLYMPICS INC
05.2020 - 03.2022
Managing Partner
IMPERIAL VENUE INC.
03.2013 - 12.2018
Operations/ Production Manager
WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL 2011 & 2012
10.2011 - 12.2012
Production Logistics Manager, IBC
NBC UNIVERSAL OLYMPICS INC
01.2011 - 03.2018
Production Logistics Coordinator/ Production Coordinator
NBC UNIVERSAL OLYMPICS INC.
06.2009 - 06.2010
Event Producer
NIKE CANADA
01.2008 - 11.2008
Television & Film Production
Vancouver Actor's Studio
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