“Life Light Festival” in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a Christian music festival. We were asked to create and manage a new traffic and parking plan for the thousands that drove to the farm site. It meant laying out parking lots in farm fields, signage and preparing the lots for signage, staffing and prepping it to handle cars in good or bad weather. The Sheriff said the plans were crucial in making the event that had grown in size to a new site work well.
“A Fair of the Heart” and joint kick-off for the Mpls. and St. Paul United Way at Minnehaha Park. Ridgeway developed the concept for the festival, free rides, corn for all guests and games with meaning. For example, the March of Dimes would have a “dime slide game”, etc.. Over 25,000 people attended the event the first year. Affair of the Heart would continue for several years at the Minnehaha Park location.
The world’s largest Monopoly board at the Minnesota State Fair for a coalition of Affordable Housing advocates. Raised almost $200,000 and generated many hours of radio, television and print coverage for the issue and need for more affordable housing. The game ran for twelve days from morning to evening with thousands of Fair goers playing the free game, standing on the board as “live game pieces”. Ridgeway created the concept and worked with Parker Brothers Game company to approve and support the concept.
The world’s largest Monopoly board at the Minnesota State Fair for a coalition of Affordable Housing advocates. Raised almost $200,000 and generated many hours of radio, television and print coverage for the issue and need for more affordable housing. The game ran for twelve days from morning to evening with thousands of Fair goers playing the free game, standing on the board as “live game pieces”. Ridgeway created the concept and worked with Parker Brothers Game company to approve and support the concept.
Provided corporate video production and creative services for Amplifon Americas.
Augsburg College Foundation Gala
Celebration for Augsburg College as they kicked off their campaign to raise millions for the school. We wrote the show and produced it with a “space theme” showing that the school could make it possible to reach “new heights”. The President of the school came out in a space suit in fog and a rocket took off from the stage with special effects including lighting and smoke. The Chair of the Art department said it was the most wonderful experience he had seen in 38 years at the college.
Bear Bryant Film Promo While at Carlson Companies Ridgeway coordinated the promotional trip of famous Alabama Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant on his trip to New York City to promote a Carlson Companies Marketing film entitled “Nothing but a Winner”. Press Conference and breakfast in New York City. Coordinate logistics for a dozen executives on the trip.
Ridgeway handled logistics, décor and production of dinner and program events for national speaker series, this one featuring former Pres. Bill Clinton
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Boat House Executive & Investor Meetings
Managed Disney Executive and Investor Visits for Boat House restaurant concept including visits and events for Disney corporate executives and investment groups on behalf of Schussler Creative, including multiple site set ups, décor, logistics, accommodations and travel planning / destination management services.
Provided production services in coordination with Mic Drop Entertainment for a live Family Feud game show. Complete with game show podium and full production set for the corporate event.
Brazil WYOC / Concept
Consulting on events and Big ideas led to the creative surrounding the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Our work with a leading Twin Cities Agency and the Brazil Ministry of Culture, amongst numerous government and private entities led to a sanctioned event concept through the Brazilian Government.
Ridgeway managed on site movements for CBS staff and guests at the Final Four. We have provided logistics management for numerous major sporting events.
Worked with the Charles Lindbergh foundation to bring awareness to their causes and raise funds for their foundation.
Ridgeway handled events both for employees and the public. Indoor pyro, gymnasts, and several unique artistic groups were part of the magic for these events.
Provided audio visual, production services, venue décor and Livestream of event. We have put forth a clean-tech event sanitation plan for the event while using high tech cleaning products and social distancing.
Provided audio visual, production services, venue décor and Livestream of event.
Provided audio visual, production services, venue décor and Livestream of event.
Supported sales team meeting, audio sales support and provided creative services and games for interactive team building activities.
Dedication of the Hubert H. Humphrey Memorial Statue and Garden at MN State Capitol
Because of the size and scope of the event, and, the addition of a visit from former President Bill Clinton to the event in addition to both of the Minnesota United State Senators, current and past Governor’s and many other VIPs and guests,
Ridgeway was brought in to plan and implement a time-line and schedule and coordination with all parties involved in the dedication.
We had the privilege of handling former Prime Minister of Israel, at Edhud Barak,; this event took place shortly after 9/11 amidst very heightened security concerns. His visit was part of the Beth El Synagogue national speakers series
Managed creative and production of multi-day Summit including video production, animation, graphic design, stage set, custom prop creation, app development, keynote speakers and a virtual late night show skit.
Ridgeway managed all aspects of this Corporate event including design, Production, Vendor management, invites and on site logistics.
Famous Dave’s Franchisee and General Manager Annual Conference
Famous Dave’s annual meeting, Ridgeway produced print material, décor, parts of the program, dinner and entertainment / team building experiences.
Provided numerous services to FireFly Computers including extensive custom website development.
Ford 100th Anniversary: Ridgeway managed the transportation, logistics, bussing and parking during Ford’s 100th Anniversary in Dearborn, Michigan. This included extensive site planning and movements of tens of thousands of people per day. There was also extensive temporary use agreement execution with numerous neighboring corporations, insurance / risk management and security considerations.
Ford 100th Anniversary
Ridgeway manage the transportation, logistics, bussing and parking during Ford’s 100th anniversary in Dearborn, Michigan. This included extensive site planning and movements of tens of thousands of people per day. There was also extensive temporary use agreement execution with numerous neighboring corporations, insurance / risk management and security considerations.
This was a national roadshow featuring exhibits for science, engineering, aerospace and nano- technology that was sponsored by Toyota Scion that would travel from city to city visiting high schools.
Grant Wood Exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Worked with Carlson Companies on the event PR and execution.
Worked with Greiner Construction on their annual employee event creating all multi-media presentation as well as venue décor and site set up.
Ridgeway was brought in to Arizona to create a visual of people being “linked by hands” across the desert.
Hank Haney Golf Fundraiser
Developed and implemented a successful inaugural golf tournament and foundation fundraiser in tandem with the Hank Haney Golf Academy student recruiting marketing efforts. IFGA / Hank Haney
In New Orleans, Ridgeway was hired to create and produce the opening night extravaganza outside the new Harrah’s Casino for 25,000 people. The music and special affects included at the finale of the show a Harrah’s slot machine rising up from out of the stage which ignited massive fireworks and a laser light program off of the front of the casino
Provided event planning and audio visual production services for multiple 500+ attendee events.
Honeywell
Ridgeway served as the Lead Marketing Communications vendor for the multiple Honeywell International Science & Engineering (HISE) event Programs in Mexicali Mexico featuring World renowned Nobel laureates. Scope of work included on-site bilingual staff, full English and Spanish translated marketing communications and materials. Set design, branding and overall production execution
Ridgeway built the crowds needed for the Columbia Motion Picture “Ice Castles”. Over 12,000 people needed for several scenes, including a large crowd at the U of M ice arena.
Ice Palace
Ridgeway worked with the St. Paul Winter Carnival to create a massive Ice Palace for the 1992 Super Bowl, including working with them on the logistics of guests coming to see this huge, beautiful ice sculpture palace.
This Super Bowl in Jacksonville Florida was very unique due to the hospitality/hotel room shortage. This solution was cruise ships as floating hotels which created many other security and logistical considerations.
Keep the Twins at Home Campaign
Associated Press Photo of Paul and friend delivering 250,000 signatures to Commissioner Bud Selig to not let the Twins leave Minnesota. “KEEP THE TWINS AT HOME” campaign created and managed by Ridgeway and Harvey Mackay saved team.
Ridgeway supported the overall Las Vegas 100th concerts and celebrations by managing the transportation logistics of the events.
Las Vegas motor Speedway
Ridgeway coordinated traffic and parking plans for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway with over 150,000 guests coming into the site over the weekend.
Ridgeway produced beautiful events in multiple venues for their staff and customers. Creative included Live trapeze performers and scenic photo wall montages.
Lincoln Reagan Annual Gala
Ridgeway has been the lead on event production and planning including creative, video, production, collateral, and overall guest experience. From scripting to execution, the event has grown to record proportions and is the marquee fundraising gala for the State Pubs
Produced live stream game in partnership with Mic Drop Entertainment with live hosts in studio and clients interacting online.
Ridgeway managed branding at a major conference in San Francisco, deliverables included guerrilla marketing/ brand imagery on the sides of buildings, mobile billboards in mobilization of staff and materials for targeted events schedules.
Metro State University Library Grand Opening The opening of the new library both for the public and Metropolitan State University in St. Paul , inviting the community to a parade and special opening at the skyway. A huge computer was the stage and young kids danced on it as music was played and then fireworks shot off from the skyway. Food was served and several thousand neighbors and guests attended the gala during the day.
Microsoft World Partner Conference
Ridgeway managed site logistics, space planning/design concepting, décor and set up in a multi- event execution featuring numerous themed environments throughout the convention center spaces. This conference had over 10,000 attendees.
Minneapolis Central Library Grand Opening
Ridgeway managed three events revolving around the opening including a staff open house, Benefit Fundraiser, and Grand Opening Celebration. Over 800 Minneapolis Public Library staff.
attended the open house for a sneak Preview. A mere 5 days later, we directed the smashingly successful Benefit Fundraiser with over 1,300 guests enjoying fabulous food and entertainment the entire night. The Grand Opening Celebration held the next day, attracted over 22,000 visitors as we coordinated all outdoor and indoor entertainment, food vendors, and much more!
Video production services for continuing education unit credit (CEU) for members.
Created and planned the Minnesota Orchestra 100th Anniversary event in downtown Minneapolis creating a “Take Note” with 3,500 people creating an outline of a musical note on 11th Street.
Managed creative and production of multi-day convention including video production, animation, conference branding, logo design, stage set, graphic design, custom prop creation, app development, keynote speakers and real time video recap.
Provided creative services including stage set, graphic design, animations, app integrations, custom silent auction video walls and helped raise a record amount of financial support.
Provide production and creative services in support numerous annual galas
Ridgeway created and coordinated all of the 100th. Anniversary events for Oldsmobile Corporation in Lansing , Michigan. The largest parade in the history of Lansing with cars from all over America and dozens of events during a four day celebration created and produced by Ridgeway. Over a quarter million people came to the parade with Oldsmobile cars from all 100 years in the parade plus huge Macy balloons and bands from all over Michigan.
Launched concert series at newly re-vamped ski resort venue including all site logistics and production planning.
Created for Pillsbury Corporation the huge birthday party for the 20th. Birthday of the “DOUGHBOY” by creating “DOUGHLAND”. Doughland was built in the Pillsbury lobby, a land where the Doughboy grew up – everything was bigger than life. 35 foot Pillsbury dough tube, a 10,000 pound bag of Pillsbury Flour, a fourteen foot high birthday cake, 16,000 Fun- Feta cupcakes for guests and a stage show on a special blue Pillsbury logoed stage with costumed cooks and bakers every hour. Developed and wrote the show and all concepts and managed event for the client.
Provided audio visual (AV) production services on the ice in the winter in support of Special Olympics.
Served the White House, Donald J. Trump Campaign through multiple campaign rallies and events across the country. Including décor, audio visual, custom prop creation and logistic support.
Ridgeway managed bussing, parking and overall logistics for several Pro Bowls it is widely credited for fixing the site ingress and egress problems that plague the event in the past. Ridgeway has done several other special events in the Hawaiian Islands and it is quite possibly the best place for your next corporate
Managed media relations, publicity and master transportation and logistics plan for stadium concert event which included the world’s largest pillow fight.
Saturn 5th and 10th Anniversaries: Managed all site prep and on-site parking logistics for giant national Anniversary events in Springhill, Tennessee. Scope of work included risk management and emergency preparedness.
Soviet President Michel Gorbachev Visit
Within a two week period Ridgeway coordinated and delivered a “flawless visit” as the Economist Magazine called it for the visit of Soviet President Michel Gorbachev . Over 3,000 media and security were involved, Ridgeway was the “Lead Advance” coordinator organizing all of the stops and plans for the President working with the Governor of Minnesota, Rudy Perpich and the Kremlin organizers. Ridgeway coordinated 7 stops that President Gorbachev and his wife made throughout the Twin Cities. And, coordinated all media plans and movements.
Special Event for St. Cloud State University reaching their $21 million dollar donor campaign, With 21st. president coming in. Ridgeway created “CLUB 21” in the Atwood Student Center and transformed it into a 1920’s gangster club with a show that included a safe rising into the air with indoor fireworks celebrating the successful campaign. All of the staff were dressed in 1920’s era dress as black tied guests came to the reception, dinner and program.
Super Bowls
Aerial view of the San Diego Super Bowl site that Ridgeway coordinated logistics and parking for and transportation planning
Tech Logic People First Award
PR / Governmental affairs for Tech Logic People First Award, including Leader Pelosi and working with Congressman Marti Sabo
The opening of the International Market Square in Minneapolis with the theme “Anything Goes” from the famous Broadway play. Created a “ocean ship motif” on the various levels of the International Trade Mart and used nautical themes for the opening night festivities, dinner and dance.
Ridgeway managed several Family friendly events on the Hennepin County communities where the park district resides. The events were a great opportunity to raise awareness of all of the park system has to offer.
Total Wine and Spirit
Governmental Affairs work for new store openings
Trend Micro
Trend Micro desired to create a buzz and visibility that would reach the Geek Squad Agents in a unique and powerful way.
Trend Micro, Pro Snowmobile Racer/ Stunt man Brett Turcotte and McGuire Motorsports teamed up to help drive 1M plus social media views and the spotlight on CBS sports and ESPN during multiple event broadcasts, not to mention multiple X Games Medals during prime time to boot
Ridgeway was responsible for these state-of-the-art Tria Orthopedic opening in MN that included both private and public events.
A rally in front of the Minnesota State Capitol for the Twin Cities Catholic Archdiocese to promote Christian private school education. Worked with private Catholic and other schools to build a crowd of over 16,000 children and to coordinate all bus transportation and parking to the Capitol. And, to produce the program and staging in front of the Capitol to promote State funding credits for these schools and their students.
Ridgeway managed all aspects of the events for major donors as part of the Universities development initiatives. Messaging, PR and Government Affairs were part of these projects.
U.S. Pond Hockey Championships at Lake Calhoun & Nokomis in Minneapolis. Ridgeway co – created event and coordinated the construction of all of the 25full size ice rinks and managed the construction of a massive tent which included food, merchandise and worked with partner on the programs and awarding of the winning teams by age categories. Featured Nationally in media including Sports Illustrated
Bob Jani produced for the Twin Cities United Way a half-time show with over 1,000 volunteers a show on the floor of the HHH Metrodome during the half time period. Fabric was brought into the stadium and the floor changed colors and then a “flower” grew on the floor using fabric symbolizing the “Love Growing” for others. Ridgeway coordinated all of the bussing, movements of all volunteers and coordinated event with the Metrodome staff and volunteer groups practicing for the event at various fields.
Ridgeway was brought in to manage the events surrounding the dedication of the Colin Powell Youth Leadership Center and to help create a community celebration including the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.
Served the White House for numerous Vice Presidential visits. Including décor, audio visual, custom prop creation and logistic support.
Provided production, pre-planning, audio visual production services for high profile political events.
Ridgeway managed the transportation & logistics for this world-class golf event
Ridgeway helped coordinate on site operations and overall event programs during this exciting Key West tournament. Fishing tournaments are great way to raise money for your organization!