Things are coming up roses this episode as we head to Portland, the City of Roses, to chat with Kevin Merlet, Director of Arena Marketing at Rose Quarter – which includes Moda Center, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and Alaska Airlines' Theater of the Clouds. We talk about the unique flexibility and setup of Alaska Airlines' Theater of the Clouds, which is a unique take on an arena curtaining system that allows them to scale and attract many artists and comedians that may otherwise go elsewhere. Kevin explains some of the many things that make Portland unique, and how the city will invest in you if you invest in them. He explains their need and benefits of being authentic and community focused and how authenticity drives and brings forward creativity. We discuss Kevin’s unique career path that led him from internships at record labels in Chicago to music licensing in Los Angeles to his current role in Portland. Hear about some of the similarities and challenges between music licensing and marketing live events. This episode is chock full of fun stories, a love of music, shop talk about partnerships and consumer strategies, and a love of “Rip City.” Keep Portland weird!
Kevin Merlet: Instagram | LinkedIn
Rose Quarter: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram