Born and raised in New York City, Kristina is an accomplished event producer and raw space consultant. Collaborating with some of the most trusted vendors in the event industry, she has built a name for herself over the past decade launching event venues across Manhattan. Combining her venue management experience, knowledge of space and love of experiential design, she can turn any idea into a reality with style and confidence.
THE COMPANY AND TEAM
OUR COMPANY
We founded NYC Event Pro (NYCEP LLC) in 2017 as a safe and open-minded collaborative space for hospitality and service industry professionals to pave way for a more stable and lucrative career path, and for artists and creatives to obtain a supplemental income in an environment that supports their artistic pursuits. Our diverse staff includes individuals from five different continents.
We are the only event production company in the US that is a named participant of the UN Global Compact and a featured company by the UN’s Support the Goals organization. We are also members of Rebecca Minkoff’s Female Founder Collective, Women in Hospitality United, Ellevate, NYC Hospitality Alliance, Event Service Professionals Association, Events Industry Council Sustainability program, and other NY, sustainability and women-focused initiatives. We partner and volunteer with a range of community and art-based non-profits. Find more on our targeted SDGs here, and view our Declaration of Sustainability here.
This year we are seeking to obtain non-profit status to continue to build our company’s backing of local and national non-profit fundraisers. Currently, over a third of our events are non-profit events for all of which we offer sponsorship and volunteer time to support. We founded NYC Event Pro (NYCEP LLC) in 2017 as a safe and open-minded collaborative space for hospitality and service industry professionals to pave way for a more stable and lucrative career path, and for artists and creatives to obtain a supplemental income in an environment that supports their artistic pursuits. Our diverse staff includes individuals from five different continents.
We are the only event production company in the US that is a named participant of the UN Global Compact and a featured company by the UN’s Support the Goals organization. We are also members of Rebecca Minkoff’s Female Founder Collective, Women in Hospitality United, Ellevate, NYC Hospitality Alliance, Event Service Professionals Association, Events Industry Council Sustainability program, and other NY, sustainability and women-focused initiatives. We partner with the artist-based non-profit ChaShaMa and volunteer with many non-profits. Find more on our targeted SDGs here, and view our Declaration of Sustainability here.
This year we are seeking to obtain non-profit status to continue to build our company’s backing of local and national non-profit fundraisers. Currently, over a third of our events are non-profit events for all of which we offer sponsorship and volunteer time to support.
OUR TEAM
ERIKA BOGNER
Erika has worked in many aspects of the off-premise event, film production and design industries. Degrees in Interior Design and Art History, along with the extensive client and vendor network that comes with a background in event management, give her an advantage when it comes to supporting venues and clients. Her ability to lead a team of two to forty-two while also managing all aspects of production has made her a go-to source in the industry. Erika also volunteers to support non-profit fundraising endeavors.
Kristina Cubero
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN GARCIA
Orchid Huerta
Orchid's extensive experience in fine dining and focused high-end customer care equaled instant success in her management of private and brand experiential event productions. As an NYC-style maven, it comes as no surprise she brings her edge for decorating and resourceful eye to every one of her events. More than just a manager, Orchid is an indispensable member of the NYC Event Pro family. Loved by staff and clients alike, Orchid always brings things a level up.
BETHEL AREFAINE
Bethel was raised in the industry, working in her parents' Ethiopian restaurant since as long as she could remember. She's personable and responsible but that's not all we love about her, she's also a phenomenal Jill-of-all-trades, whom we can count on to assist with everything from client management and pre-event production to venue liaisoning and post-event oversight. Passionate about world cultures, she brings a wonderful knowledge base and sensitivity to our international clientele's projects.
Sebastian Ramirez
If you've worked with us before you undoubtedly know Sebastian (whom we've dubbed appropriately, "Saint Sebastian"). Our ride-or-die from day one, he's always first to arrive and last to leave ongoing now since 2015 (yes that is longer than the company has been incorporated). Professional bartender, DJ, and on-the-side artist, he not only fits into our creative and innovative team, he defines it. We love him so much we've literally thanked his mom (no joke).
Felix Rodrigues
Acting as consultant, and occasional fill-in master-of-ceremonies meets ready-to-rock bar lead and seasoned compliance liaison, Felix brings a lifetime of operations and client management experience to every event he has a hand in. A notable nightlife persona himself, he's a natural born bon vivant when it comes to knowing what the client wants, and adding his own touch of New York style and flair.
Jon Karanis
Jon is an experienced events consultant and producer with a passion for hosting a diverse portfolio of events. With Masters and Bachelor's degrees in Finance, Economics and Mathematics, and years of experience in consulting and investment banks, his project management expertise allows him to understand the complex needs of corporate clients and offer streamlined solutions. Besides his technical skillsets, Jon also has a creative background in event production working on decor, design, interactive event attractions, branding and he loves curating one-of-a-kind experiences for private events.
Sonia Mohamdi
Sonia shares with the company her many years of experience in overseeing special event bar programs, collaborating with major catering companies, and managing staffs. A proud French New Yorker, Sonia loves the opportunity to cater to the needs of more distinctive guests and has a flair for handling celebrities and VIPs. She's collaborated with major art fairs and worked directly with creatives like David LaChapelle and Patricia Fields. With her passion for problem-solving and energetic focus, she ensures each project she takes on is a success.
MIGUEL VASQUEZ
An artist both in the mixology world as well as the operatic stage, Miguel has experience in fine dining and experiential events, curating cocktails for a variety of spirits and bartending in a range of venues. His wealth of knowledge in pairing the right cocktail, flair behind the bar and refinement behind the scenes is why we love him. And you never know, you may be treated by an Aria or song!
STEPHANIA LIRA
Stephania's razor sharp palate and 5+ in the industry building a comprehensive knowledge in spirits/wine allows her to structure memorable imbibe experiences, while conveying information effectively and personably with guests. Ever a team player, Stephania is one of our fastest and most skilled bartenders, undeniably talented in not only mixology but also professional guest engagement.
Eric Goulange
Eric's 20+ years of hospitality experience has taken many forms. From executive chef to head bartender and director of operations, his diversity and high level of skills enable him to plan and execute any size or themed event. Add to that a flair for dramatic food and beverage, an insistence on immaculate execution and a team focused leadership style and you'll know why we consider him our secret weapon.
LIZZIE BRENNAN
Lizzie applies her BFA in Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology with her decade of experience working in the NYC real estate market in the development and management of new and existing event spaces. Through the use of her extensive network of industry resources, Lizzie has a valuable advantage in navigating complex circumstances and unknown surprises that arise in the every changing and fast paced world of venue management.
VANESSA CLEARY
Vanessa's extensive background in private club hospitality and as a performing actress enhances our events and guest experience. She not only brings to each event her 20+ year history in the industry, but her own personal style and spark. Vanessa is also a certified astrologist and trained tarot card reader, find more on booking her for private and group readings here.
Lisa Simonson
Lisa is always open to new opportunities and challenges. Her background in sales, marketing and business development, complimented with a BA in Communications and Public Relations, makes her a multi-skilled resource in a variety of aspects from project management to client interaction. Lisa also has spent years in hospitality, both bartending and managing staffs. She brings to the team an unmatchable energy and sense of excitement.
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