Prestige AV & Creative Services

Prestige AV & Creative Services is a Cincinnati-based audio-visual rental, production, and creative service provider, producing experiences for live, virtual and hybrid events, corporate meetings, private parties, receptions, and fundraising events. 

I have been with Prestige in a sales management leadership role since 2013, when I was the sales manager. After four years, I was promoted to Director of Business Development in 2017 and then promoted to my current role less than a year later in 2018. In each role, I led a team of passionate sales and marketing professionals, ensuring they 

‣ Listen to the customer
‣ Put the customers’ needs first
‣ Create amazing customer experiences 

During this time, I:

‣ Successfully secured two major convention center contracts in new markets, valued at $10M.
‣ Efficiently led teams, raising contract renewals with venues from 50% to 90% in two years.
‣ Boosted revenue by $1M annually through the development of new markets.
‣ Improved company performance by launching a national marketing campaign.

Everything was great, but then COVID-19 happened. 

Business went from strong to scarce in a matter of weeks. As a result, layoffs occurred, and we were forced to change the way we looked at the event industry. 

Not knowing if things would ever go back to how it was, we reimagined what Prestige could become with a focus on virtual events, and planning for the eventual return of virtual and live events. 

It was a rough couple of quarters, but we came out on the other side. 

I am proud of my role as a guide in this evolution – a guide both for my company and for our clients. 

I helped Prestige find footing by reimagining the industry and how to approach it through amazing virtual and, eventually, hybrid events. With focus and determination, I was able to help Prestige regain its:

‣ Team members
‣ Customer Base
‣ Focus

Today, we are now stronger and more resilient than ever.

Let's connect >>  bmonahan at PrestigeAV dot com

Vice President of Sales and Business Development ► Event Producer  ► Live, Hybrid & Virtual Events

Director Of Business Development

I specialize in connecting meeting and event planners with the latest in AV technology to create memorable experiences.

I work with mid- to large-size associations, corporations and organizations to host first-class meetings, events, trade shows, conferences and conventions. 

And, with Prestige AV & Creative Services, meeting and event planners have a one-stop resource. We have a large inventory of the finest equipment. But what sets us apart is that we partner with our clients to determine what you really need to make your meeting or event successful.

To make it easy for you, Prestige does it all, including:

• AV planning and production
• Creative direction
• Project management
• In-house design, video and post-production
• Writing services
• Cost-effective budgeting

National Sales Manager

BRIAN MONAHAN

Owner & Founder ► Motivator & Inspirer ► Writer ► Speaker ► Connector

Are you living the life you dreamt about when you were younger, the life you want to live, the life of your dreams? 

If yes, congratulations, and keep at it! And if not, read on.

First, know you are not alone. Too many people feel stuck where they are and aren’t sure of the steps to take to get to a place they want to be. And that’s where I can help.

I’ve always had a passion for living an authentic life and helping others do the same. 

My 20+ years in the events industry have provided the opportunity to watch and absorb the words and perspectives of the thousands of speakers I helped support. 

Those presentations shaped my thinking, my actions, and my motivation. Each helped me realize that I don’t have time to live small, and that I have a drive to do more. I found the courage to act and unleash my passion, and now, I want to help others do the same. 

Through keynote speeches, articles and books, team training, and one-on-one sessions, I am building a foundation to help you live bigger. 

While your approach may look different than someone else’s, that’s OK because there is no one size fits all solution. One thing that rings true across the board, however, is that it’s not easy and can be scary. But the result is worth it. 

If you are ready to act, let’s talk. 

Let’s also talk if: 

‣ You are in the events industry and looking to do more with your life
‣ You are in any industry and want to take charge of your life
‣ You are looking for a keynote speaker on leadership 
 
Please feel free to reach out to me or email me at 
Brian at BrianMonahan dot me

Personal / Small Business Coach

ITA AudioVisual

Responsibilities included leading the company’s senior directors; purchasing; capital expenditures; recruiting staff; inventory management/control; preparing the company for major software upgrade. 

Created training platform for mentoring and training ITA’s regional managers and frontline employees across 30+ locations.

Assistant General Manager

Director of Business Development/Senior Project Manager – Director of Audio Visual Sales & Operations 

Responsibilities included: operations manager; account management; new business development; execution and planning AV for meetings and events for 10-5000 attendees; creating content for events; marketing support

Director of Business Development

United States Marine Corp

-Leader of Marines
-Oversaw Audio Visual Library for Recruit Training Base
-Manager Commanding Generals Board Room
-Managed Recruit Training Cable Broadcast Library and Scheduling
-Managed Repair and Maintenance Division

Audio Visual Specialist

545/730 🎤 #Eventprof by Day 📘 Book Writing Coach by Passion 🎸 Air Guitarist

Are you following your passion? Are you taking action every day to unleash it? Most people believe passion precedes action, but I believe it’s the other way around. To find your passion, you must act first, but sometimes taking the first step is difficult. 

I help those who want to take that first step. 

Being in the event industry for the past 20 years, I’ve had amazing access to authors, speakers and world dignitaries. True, my job is to ensure their presentations go off without a hitch, but it also provides the opportunity to watch and absorb every single one of those motivation speakers I helped support. 

Those presentations helped shape my thinking, my actions and my motivation. Each has helped me realize that I don’t have time to live small, and that I have a drive to do more. Each has helped me find the courage to take action, unleash my passion and I want to help others do the same. 

This revelation is nothing new, actually. I’ve always been interested in personal and professional development and have taken small steps to support that interest. In doing so, I have found my stage as an author of a book and as a speaker at numerous conferences. 

Now, as I continue to support my corporate clients with Prestige, I also work with those who are looking to find and embrace their stage. 

Do you have a calling to write a book, become a speaker or rise to the top of your profession? If so, let’s talk. 

I help my clients own their life and their brand through whatever stage they prefer to be on. 

After all, life is too short to not do what you feel you’ve been called to do. It may be scary to take those first steps, but it’s worth it to live an amazing life and you deserve it. 

However, I understand it may be daunting to take those first steps onto your stage alone. Let me be your guide by providing you with the motivation you need to act so your passions will follow. 

Please feel free to reach out to me here or email me at  
Brian at BrianMonahan Dot Me . 

I look forward to connecting.

Brian Monahan

I am on a mission to change the narrative on mental health, in an industry known for stress, anxiety, and burnout. The event industry ecosystem is facing a critical moment, and we have a responsibility to mandate the education that will help everyone recognize problems and respond to them rather than trigger those who have no one to speak to.Psychological safety training is the only way that we can save events, meetings, hospitality and incentive travel professionals from the fear, shame and stigma that exists within the workplaces that far too many are struggling and enduring every single day. We must End Workplace Abuse.I have an action plan. I need your voices to make complex things simple. I want to amplify your messages and get you in front of our industry leaders who think that mental health is an HR problem.  Emotional intelligence is not something that any of us are born with.  But it is something we can learn to embrace that will support so many who are suffering in silence.  It's time to pull the bandaid off and stop listening to the lip service paid to our industry to make leaders feel better about themselves instead of their employees.Join me and use your voice to advocate and create awareness.  Your support will be a gift to an industry that people feel passionate about.  But at what cost?I love Events, I Love People and I am Grateful to be on this  mission

Janice VEMM

"On The Road," presented by Smart Meetings is a series of industry insiders who travelled to destinations that speak to luxury, bespoke experiences, breathtaking scenery, culinary adventures and getaways that evoke discovery.

This story is about six industry professionals who embarked on an emotional luxury tour in Scotland, sponsored by the maestro of orchestration, founder and culture champion Bill Thomson of Hello Scotland and Jenn Whittle sales and marketing manager.

What separates this travel experience is the DMC who crafted an intersection of tranquility and brilliance. Shout out to Kate Zaliznock, editor at Smart Meetings, who gave Event Minds Matter Empowered by Club Ichi an opportunity to spotlight a trip of a lifetime.

Milestone Moments:

"Scotland filled my lungs with fresh air and my heart with gratitude, a powerful reminder that connection, like wellness, starts with presence."
Anca Platon Trifan, CMP, WMEP 

"This trip was a great reminder of how important it is to weave local culture and history into your programs to bring a deeper level of connection and emotional luxury to the forefront. Going well beyond just bagpipes and Scotch, the people we met along our journey brought the experience to life and touched our hearts. " Liz Lathan, CMP.

Reflective: “Growth doesn’t always look graceful — sometimes it looks like stalling out on a Scottish hillside before finding your rhythm.”
Creative: “The best experiences aren’t designed for perfection — they’re designed for connection.”
Personal & Mindful: “Discomfort is just clarity in disguise — breathe through it, and the magic follows.” Purpose-Driven: “Experience design isn’t about the wow — it’s about creating space for people to feel something real.”
Kellie Blank

"Scotland reinforced that authentic culture and thoughtful details drive unforgettable events, and recently learning about my Scottish roots made that insight feel especially personal." Wendy Porter

"The best part of my Scottish experience was learning from Amanda H., of Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland, that we would be having a craic on good time. (And yes it's pronounced "crack") Amanda went on to explain that In Scottish, "crack" means fun, entertainment, gossip, or good conversation. The spelling "craic" is an Irish Gaelic-inspired spelling of the same word, which is commonly used in Scotland and Ireland and is associated with social fun and entertainment. And that was what me and my travel mates did. Especially that one night at the bar in Edinburgh... but that is a story for another time..." Kimberly Kapustein

A toast to the hosts:
Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland
Graeme Cheevers
Amanda H.,
Ross McKinnon 
Kitti Kovacs, 
Courtney Flynn
Sarah Leigh
Jaqi Welsh 
Elaine Elder
Wild Thyme Catering 
Planet Flowers
Alba Entertainments Ltd
Lindors
Jamie Craig-Gentles & Jayne McGhie
Virgin Hotels 
Rebecca Carr, CIS

Story: https://lnkd.in/g_Yq37Gu

Janice Cardinale VEMM

Forbes Woman, Smart Meetings Entrepreneur & Hall of Fame, BizBash 15 over 50, Gather Voices Top 50 2024 InEvent Top Voice 2025. Founder Event Minds Matter empowered by Club Ichi

It's a mad world: Associations shouldn't pretend it isn't
Opinion:  Anna Abdelnoor 💡

"An association’s role isn’t just to promote the sector or manage reputation. It's to help members make sense of what's happening ...

ALERT INDUSTRY Colleagues:  What you're about to read is the best summary of the truth that I have seen in four years.  It raises my eyebrows. 

The largest associations are not treating members with the acknowledgment, respect or appreciation they deserve unless of course your part of the clique.  

The impact that certain associations have had on humans who pay to be members has prompted articles like this to be written and read. 

There are many cases of bullying, sabotaging, and gaslighting causing emotional pain which is not what event professionals expect when they join.  My own experience amongst many others deserves to be brought into the light this year.  Just like SHRM, what lurks under the surface is injustice, unexceptable, and unsafe.

Here you go and if you don't want to believe what Anna Abdelnoor 💡
is saying, then you need hearing aids and magnifying lenses.

I dedicate this story to every single industry professional who has ever experienced an attack on their character, their goodwill, and their kindness.

Read:  Your thoughts are welcomed if you value people over profit.

https://lnkd.in/eJqjJMSs

Event Minds Matter Empowered by Club Ichi Kim-Adele Randall Liz Lathan, CMP Club Ichi Marc Ghafoori Amy Sikina-Johns, CPHR Dawn Hoppe CHPC Deana Brown Mitchell Dana Johnston, MS, CMP Danielle S. Russell, CAE, C.Dir Iain Morrison Al Hutchinson Al Mercuro Wendy Porter
Christine Glover, CMP

What began four years ago as a mission, has culminated in a plethora of experiences driven by all of you who continue to support my vision and my passion for mental health.

When you choose a sensitive topic like I did, people shut their doors, go MIA and pretend that you don't exist.  You try, you get in their face, you scream, you tear your hair out, everything to get attention so that you can advocate and create awareness of what is really going on, but you quickly learn that tip-toeing over tulips does not change anything.  

From advocate to activist is my story.  There are two women in my life who stood by me through thick and thin and if I could reach beyond this screen and hug them both I would.  Annette Gregg, CMM MBA CIS and Liz Lathan, CMP have been with me through the long haul, the tears, the laughter and the struggle to get our industry to recognize and respond to the plethora of problems caused by the lack of psychological safety and emotional intelligence training everyone needs.

To my partner Anna Sverdlik, PhD of Melioscope who supported my focus group, created the survey and who will design the curriculum for launch this May during mental health awareness month, I adore you for believing in my mission.

To Liz who wrote the results of our survey so profoundly and poignantly for both the Events Industry Council and SITE who posted it today, I am very grateful for you being by my side.

This is a story to read and to invest in. While we hope that the EIC will allow credit be given to those who take our course who are also taking their CMP, CMM, and CITP, we can't guarantee it. 

This course is a labour of love, years of advocacy and dedication to everyone who has ever experienced mental health in their workplace.  

To the ones who said and I quote, "she will never pull it off." Look at me now. Your support never mattered.

Stay tuned for what comes next. https://lnkd.in/eun3ebhZ

Shawn (Yih-Hsiang) Cheng Mark Cooper Joanne Dennison. MSEd, CMP Joan Eisenstodt Lakesha (Kesha) Moore, DES Zoe Moore Kevin Priger Al Hutchinson Barbara Scofidio Iain Morrison Laura Palker Megan Powers, M.A.💥Carrie Holmes #education #eventprofs #meetingprofs #hospitalitymanagement #incentivetravel Northstar Meetings Group Kate Zaliznock Brian Monahan Michael Hoffman, AAiP Nidhi Tewari, LCSW Stefanie Costi

Happy Birthday to all of the Capricorns celebrating this month.  There are many of you, and while I HATE January birthdays, I am stuck with it even if I try to have it in July.

I made it another year and yes I have passed the mid 60's mark and am now getting price reductions because of it.  I can shop at the drug store on Thursdays and get 20% off.  The theater is cheaper.  Healthcare is cheaper.  I finally get some money back from the government that I have been paying into longer than most people have been alive.

I will celebrate in my favourite hotel The Four Seasons and eat at Buca's newest location.  There is also the new powder Room on Yorkville Ave. which sounds sexy and I think I might have to check that out.  There is no falling asleep early  (REMO) because I am still a night owl and I feel young.

Happy Birthday to me.
Event Minds Matter Empowered by Club Ichi

People have asked why I am offering a course on emotional intelligence training in conjunction with psychological safety?

The answer is easy.  Your team leaders, and co-workers are afraid to ask the question when they see you out of sorts. Your association educators think that sending you to HR is the best answer because, "and this is fact," "they don't think that event professionals have the time or patience to handle it, and I quote."

There is a big difference between empathy and sympathy.  If not taught, this industry will fail miserably when it comes to human sustainability, trust and safety.  

This coming May, Mental Health Awareness Month, I am proud to offer the industry the first of its kind course that combines both psychological safety and emotional intelligence in an online course that will support recognizing and responding to problems in the workplace without triggering those you work with.

Harvard Business Review's article explains why this is vital and an action that all associations, communities, organizations and people need to take to future proof their careers and protect themselves and their talent. It's no longer enough for industry professionals to take their education and certify without having this training.

Anyone can educate and certify, but without understanding mental health in the workplace, you can't possibly lead and prioritize what matters to people.

Club Ichi will be the first to sell this course and I don't think that there could have been a better fit.

https://lnkd.in/eTWyUynx

I welcome your thoughts once you have read the editorial.  

Event Minds Matter Empowered by Club Ichi Anna Abdelnoor 💡 Nidhi Tewari, LCSW Anna Sverdlik, PhD Melioscope Laura Palker Shawn (Yih-Hsiang) Cheng Annette Gregg, CMM MBA CIS Stephanie Lockhart, CAE, CMP Alisha Emond Joanne Dennison. MSEd, CMP  Lakesha (Kesha) Moore, DES

I put my age to the test this past weekend for my birthday and it brought back memories of years gone by.

My BFF, Remo Cardinale, best husband, asked me what I would like to do for my birthday.  It was easy to share my wish list while he fulfilled my gift.

The Staycay: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Toronto.  There are a lot of words that can describe the welcome when you pull up, but when you walk inside it's how everyone makes you feel.  Thank you Lina Marchesano who I have known for more years than I can count.  You are the curator of all things fabulous. and you made it special.  The room was stunning with a view to kill for.

A stop at the DBar for a French Martini is indulgent but two made it perfect.  Thank you Marisela Gutierrez assistant bar manager for engaging us and taking the time for a hearty conversation.  

The Dinner: Buca Yorkville which is no more than 20 steps from the hotel was the right space, with a lovely atmosphere and food we both indulged in.  My angel hair pasta with lobster was so good .  This is a quaint and romantic place that is very boutique-ish.

The End: Last but not least, we went to the newly opened Powder Room in Yorkville thanks to Liberty Entertainment Group. Very well appointed with every detail in mind.  Red Velvet couches felt nostalgic and the vintage look was present in the chairs, tables, accessories, and lighting. Definitely a mystique to the vibe. The secret elevator to the second floor made me curious.  The bar which is extremely long and beautiful was busy but the piece de resistance are the cocktails which I dove into.  

The Cocktail: Midnight Muse is a gin based drink but what makes this fun is the led coaster the drink sits on that lights it up like a blue sky. Somewhat sweet but fun.  Then I had to try the birthday suit which my husband encouraged me to have because it came in a bathtub. "As if he doesn't have enough of these tub toys from his days in the plumbing hardware biz." The presentation of this drink is unexpected and the bubbles make it fascinating, but the taste not so much.  Back to my espresso martini which they make to perfection. We met a group of young men who bought us drinks and the best bartender "Fernando", is a master cocktail maker. Watching him is like watching a canvas being painted.  Brilliant.

The Entertainment:  A female singer, backed by a small trio came for one set and it was so good.  It's tough when everyone is talking so loud to hear her well, but what I heard was smooth and bluesy.

By the time we got back to our hotel room, we both fell on the bed and had the best sleep.  I loved every minute of it and I don't care if I end up as the oldest person in the room.  I am a party girl at heart.

Event Minds Matter Empowered by Club Ichi #torontonightlife #bars #restaurants #hotels #meetingprofs #eventprofs #Toronto #happybirthday #hospitalitymanagement

Psychological safety and Emotional Intelligence are not a privilege — they're a human right.

Do you believe that? Does it matter to you?

True Story:  I was told by an association executive that psychological Safety is an HR problem and that Event Profs don't have time to deal with it.

"That's a cop out!"

Are you Psychologically Safe In Your Workplace?
"The belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes, and that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking" Amy Edmondson, Harvard University 1999

Psychological Safety is the foundation for high performing teams and resilient organisations. When people on a team possess psychological safety, they feel able to ask for help, admit mistakes, raise concerns, suggest ideas, and challenge ways of working and the ideas of others on the team, including the ideas of those in authority. Via this honesty and openness, risks are reduced, new ideas are generated, the team is able to execute on those ideas and everyone feels included. Building psychological safety not only improves organisational outcomes, but it’s the right thing to do.  

Do you work with Empathetic Leaders at your Workplace? 

Emotional intelligence means being smarter with feelings. Just like mathematical intelligence allows you to solve complex numerical puzzles, emotional intelligence enables us to solve complex emotional challenges. A key component of this is the practice of using emotions as data — noticing, understanding, and responding to emotions with clarity and purpose. It’s not about being overly emotional or always staying calm. It’s about being aware of how feelings influence decisions, relationships, and performance — and learning how to use that awareness to lead a more effective and fulfilling life.

Event Minds Matter Empowered by Club Ichi and Melioscope have answered the call after four years of advocacy, awareness, trying to build brave spaces and supporting thousands in this industry who are filled with fear, shame and continued stigma.  It is our responsibility as leaders, mentors and coaches to help people recognize and respond to problems in the workplace.  "STOP Leaders from triggering you."

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we will release our first course designed specifically for the industry by the industry.  Stay tuned and show your support for this with your comments.  Now your voices matter.

Michael Hoffman, AAiP Joanna Lean Gabriella Robuccio Brendon Hamlin
Edward P. Trevor Howes Tiffany Shafer Gina Piendel
Club Ichi Liz Lathan, CMP Anna Sverdlik, PhD Shawn (Yih-Hsiang) Cheng Mark Cooper International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)

Yesterday I attended a job seeking event with Club Ichi.  I really just wanted to listen and support where I could. This story might help.

Twilio CEO interviews candidates for 45 minutes over dinner. He’s listening for one word in particular—and you’re not hired if you say it too much

If landing a job or promotion is high on your to-do list, there’s one word you need to say way less of.

You can polish your résumé, practice a firm handshake, and even take on stretch opportunities to talk about, but if you start every conversation in the interview with “I” or “me” then it can cost you that step up the ladder or being called back.

It’s perhaps surprising since job seekers are often encouraged to avoid using “we” too much, as it can sound passive. But when it comes to management roles, leading every anecdote with “I” or “when I was in charge of” can actually backfire.

Twilio CEO says that he interviews senior hires for 45 minutes over dinner and is listening out exactly for that. In his eyes, it’s a clear red flag that the candidate is more of a solo act than a team leader—and he’s already doubting their ability to drive results through others.

He says: “I don’t really think that demonstrates leadership particularly well. What I do is easy because people are supposed to listen to me. I can bark orders and ideally they follow them,” he said. “But the hard leadership is when you’re not in charge. How do you get people, through data, passion, charisma, persuasion,… to do things? I really try to test for that.”

You don’t have to take his word alone. Verizon’s chief talent officer, previously worked at the CIA, where she assessed people and personalities. Today, she’s responsible for the hiring and career growth of over 100,000 people at a Fortune 500 firm. And because of her previous training, she’s adept at reading between the lines and catching the subtle cues in how you interact.

She said: “I definitely pay attention to the intangible details that aren’t just the direct answers to the questions,” she shared, adding that she’s watching how you treat everyone you greet, regardless of seniority.

And then there’s the coffee test, which employers are using to test even the most junior candidates on whether or not they’re a team player.

So if you’re looking for a green flag that you’re ready for promotion, remember: Hiring managers aren’t just listening to what you’ve done—they’re watching how you treat and talk about the people who helped you get there.

The charity, which has over 650 job centers, saw over 2 million people use its employment services last year—and it’s getting ready for even more.
They said: “We are preparing for a flux of unemployed young people—as well as other people—from AI,” adding that automation will hit low-wage and entry-level roles the worst.  

Did you find this helpful?


Event Minds Matter Empowered by Club Ichi Amy Sikina-Johns, CPHR Liz Lathan, CMP Monica Walmsley Iain Morrison

Time for some nostalgia:  You're invited to the Event Minds Matter Empowered by Club Ichi #ValentinesDay #LoveFest.

The heart of community lives and breathes among those who are members of Club Ichi. The people matter and that is what we are celebrating this February 12th from 11am CST/12pm EST. 

You don't have to be a member to join us.  We want to share what it feels like to be on the inside rather than the outside.  

Register here: https://lnkd.in/eZamPJX6

Start thinking about what you would write today if your time capsule took you back to the moments when you were excited to share what felt like love.  Bring it to the event with you and we will share them on the day of.

I can't wait to see everyone and share how community appreciates, respects and cares about humanity.

We are also accepting donations for Event Minds Matter to help people who are in need of therapy, legal advice and education to help them with their mental health.  https://lnkd.in/gZz2m7D2

Vimari Román, PCC, CPQC, CMM 🧠💪🏼 Jason Thomson Donal Murphy, MBA Jennifer York, CMP David T. Stevens®, PMED Anca Platon Trifan, CMP, WMEP Rennie Colelli Carly Silberstein, DES, CED, VEMM Harpreet A. Joanna Lean Trevor Howes Felipe Caputo

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