Firstly, if you get invited to a Chad Hudson event, Go! It will be creative, memorable, and something you have never seen before. Chad Hudson — event planner to the stars, the studios and more, encompasses the rare talent of combining his astute business skills and endless creative resources in order to execute events on an epic level (chadhudsonevents.com). He is the ultimate Creative Entrepreneur. “CHE,” aka Chad Hudson Events, has grown to enormous proportions and keeps getting better. Hudson and his highly talented and trusted team have produced countless spectacular soirees with the goal of carrying out the client’s vision as their trademark signature style.
Since starting his company, Chad Hudson Events has become a nationwide full-service event production, design, management, special projects, and lifestyle services company. CHE emphasizes the relevance of developing unique ideas and implementing a creative design process that adheres to a strict aesthetic. CHE’s staff is divided between NYC and LA and has planned and executed more than 2,000 events to date, ranging from small receptions to the largest premieres in the world.
Kingdom Premiere 2016
Kingdom Premiere 2016
Coinciding with the 10 Year Anniversary of the Legendary Twilight Premieres LOS ANGELES — Chad Hudson Events is coming up on their iconic Ten Year Anniversary of putting on the most exclusive and beautifully designed events for some of the biggest premieres and parties in and out of Hollywood and around the world. Hudson has remained dedicated to his work and he has reason to celebrate! He started his company in 2008, after working in the event department at Warner Brothers. Giving back to the community is also a priority for CHE; which is why Chad started CHE’s favorite WeHo Supperclub dining nights out, where 10% of our patrons’ bill gets earmarked to a deserving Los Angeles based charity. To celebrate this special anniversary, CHE will be hosting their most significant #WeHoSupperClub night ever, at the seven thousand square foot Farmhouse, on Wednesday, November 14. This special event will be benefiting The Trevor Project National Suicide Hotline.
Some of CHE’s notable events range from numerous Super Bowl parties to the legendary Twilight premieres (the largest-ever SoCal film opening, at L.A. LIVE, Microsoft and Regal Theaters), private celebrity events for Beyonce and Jay-Z, Kate Winslet, Bobby Flay and many more. Hudson is inspired by various creative resources such as art, architecture, travel, and even the fine details.
Breaking Dawn – Part 2
Breaking Dawn – part 2
After speaking with him, it’s very inspiring to see the time and commitment he has put into building his company. The pressure can be high-level, but also something Chad seems to thrive on. When Chad had a quick moment to stop, he took the time to speak with us.
ComicCon 2015
You were an event producer/manager at Warner Bros Pictures. That is a fantastic experience. Did your work there inspire you to create your own Event production Company, especially being able to foresee possible areas where you could change the game a bit?
Yes working at Warner Bros Pictures for seven years with the incredible event team there helped me learn all aspects of producing a successful event both from the client and planning side. My mentor at WB Courtney Saylor taught me a lot about logistics and budgeting, and I did a lot of our event design work in-house at WB and wanted to do more of that.
Did Chad Hudson Events start with smaller and more intimate events? Also, I’m assuming that the goal was to always go to a higher level? It seems like you have created a niche like no other: “An Event Production Company that can handle any talent.” That is quite the accomplishment. Can you please expand?
Yes when I started my company we took on a lot of pro bono charity work, smaller independent film premieres, birthday parties and such. But we then were able to prove ourselves and were awarded larger jobs. Regarding the talent – We have handled talent on many aspects – inviting them to events, managing their guest’s lists on the red carpet, booking travel, star and hand and footprint ceremonies on Hollywood Boulevard, private events at their homes, etc.
Chad Hudson Events has a perfect approach, yet there are so many details involved. You have an incredible team. How do you keep them motivated and what are your expectations from them?
I am very grateful to my amazing team. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded not only by the most talented event team in the business but that we are also friends outside of the office and that makes work fun. As far as expectations go, I trust them to get the job done. I try, and they’re great about running everything by me for feedback, and our relationships work great that way.
Bloodline Premiere (Netflix)
Netflix Bloodline Premiere at the Landmark Regent in Westwood
Do you thrive off of pressure? Event production (at your level) can be very stressful. What is your perspective on the event production industry? Also, do you consider yourself an “out-of-the-box” thinker? Some of the smartest business people are very adept to finding alternative solutions.
I thrive off of pressure. I think when we are in one of our super busy stretches or rushing up against a deadline there is an excitement in the air of all that we are accomplishing together. I do consider myself as an out of the box thinker. I like to look a different way to accomplish the same goals for our clients. Some tend to get stuck in a pattern of doing things just because they work, so we try to mix things up a bit, so they don’t get boring.
How do you keep coming up with innovative ideas? I would imagine it takes a solid combination of business and creativity.
Creativity is the key. I like to find inspiration in unique ways. Depending on the event nature, we brainstorm innovative ideas from art, architecture, the event venue, lighting, etc. Sometimes if it’s a film or television premiere, the theme is evident from the synopsis.
Divergent Premiere in Westwood CA on March 18th, 2014. Sean Twomey/ 2me Studios
You were quoted as saying, “Every step of the CHE experience focuses upon flawless guest list management and personal experience for all filmmakers, talent, executives, and guests.” How do you make this happen?
We have learned from trial and error over the years of how to successfully manage the front of the house and guest list for events. It’s a juggle and depending on the nature of the event frequently takes a lot of my team to get it done. But the bottom line is communication. We have a team who is in constant phone and email contact with the client, guests, filmmakers, execs, talent, etc to make sure they’re taken care of. We then translate that to talent letters with allotments, seating charts, confirmation letters, transportation booking, etc.
Breaking Dawn – part 2
What do you do in the small amount of downtime that you have?
I love to travel when I can. That’s my favorite way to escape. Because I’m continually working from wherever I am via phone, it helps to be somewhere without WiFi or cell service haha.
How do you handle your “promotional services” differently than your
“event productions”?
It depends on the promotion type. My first company was Chad Hudson Presents, and I did a lot of promotional events from Halloween, to nightclubs to product promotions, etc. So we have an extensive contact list of different demographics to promote to depending on what the client wants. For our promotions, we usually are working off of more selling tickets or driving guests to a product or service.
Stoli’s Most Original Bartender Competition
How do you manage the logistics of both NYC and LA?
We have our main office in LA and a satellite office in NY. Most of our staff is in LA, but we have a few members of our fantastic team in NY who have been with us since our NY launch seven years ago. We travel back and forth quite a bit. We were there for two significant events last month for over two weeks.
ANY hints for the future of Chad Hudson Events?
We have to keep you guessing about something! 😉
CHE has produced countless events at the highest level. As you can see, the proof is in the photos. Gemma Magazine would like to sincerely thank Chad Hudson for taking the time to interview with us. Congratulations to him and his team on their 10 year Anniversary! In celebration of CHE’s 10 Year Anniversary, we have included the link to The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org
Food Network Emmy Consideration Party at the Television Academy in North Hollywood on March 26th, 2014. Sean Twomey / 2me Studios
To follow CHE on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/ChadHudsonEvent/
https://www.instagram.com/chadhudsonevents/
