We were lucky to catch up with Matthew De Miglio recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Matthew thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success in the event production business, especially in a competitive city like Los Angeles, requires a combination of traits, skills, and values. Here’s what I believe it takes to succeed:
Hard Work: The long hours and attention to detail are essential. In event production, it’s the effort you put in that ensures every aspect is executed flawlessly.
Networking and Relationships: Building strong connections is key—whether it’s with vendors, clients, or your team. Relationships are the foundation of success, and it’s the people you surround yourself with that help you deliver exceptional experiences. When you have reliable people who share your vision, it makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.
Kindness: Leading with kindness fosters trust and loyalty. A smile, even in tough moments, lifts the entire team and creates a positive environment where people go the extra mile.
Determination to Do It All: In this business, you’re not just a planner; you’re a visionary and a problem solver. Success comes from embracing the chaos, staying flexible, and doing whatever it takes to get the job done and create an unforgettable experience.
Math: Understanding budgets, timelines, and logistics is crucial. A sharp grasp of the numbers ensures that you can deliver amazing events without overspending.
One of my favorite stories took place during an international trip to the Bahamas. We were producing a big party on the beach, and despite a forecast that said the weather would pass us by, mid-way through the event the rain started pouring. With no time to put up a tent, and moving inside wasn’t an option—it would’ve ruined the vibe, we adapted, kept the energy up, got the DJing spinning and turned it into a dance party in the rain! The event ended up being one of the best our client had ever experienced and a once in a lifetime moment. This reinforced my belief that success isn’t just about planning—it’s about adaptability and delivering under pressure.
In Los Angeles and beyond, success in this industry requires constant evolution, embracing new trends, and always striving for the next level. But at the heart of it all, it’s about delivering a VIP experience and building lasting partnerships that make it all possible.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Matt De Miglio, CEO and founder of MPD Events. With over 15 years of experience in event production, I started my career in the nonprofit sector before pivoting into corporate event production, where I began working with the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) across Canada, California, and internationally.
When I moved to Los Angeles 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to work on high-profile events for brands like Vogue, the CFDA Awards, GQ Men of the Year, and luxury names such as LVMH and Marc Jacobs. This experience helped me build a network of clients and shaped the foundation of MPD Events.
At MPD Events, we specialize in producing bespoke experiences for corporate clients, executives, and luxury brands. From CEO retreats and leadership events to destination experiences and social impact-driven events, we focus on creating unforgettable moments. What sets us apart is our ability to deliver personalized, world-class events while staying adaptable under pressure.
I’m most proud of the wide range of impactful events we’ve created, from high-end retreats to learning experiences, like those where we’ve had the privilege of learning about music and life from the iconic Quincy Jones. Notably, we’ve also planned retreats at Formula 1 Austin, the Cannonball Run charity fundraiser, and Navy SEAL experiences in San Diego. My goal is to deliver more than just a luxury experience—I aim to create moments that resonate deeply with clients and their guests.
For potential clients, I want them to know that we are committed to excellence and building strong relationships. My team and I are passionate about delivering seamless, memorable experiences, no matter the challenge. Whether it’s a corporate retreat or a unique celebration, we go above and beyond to ensure it exceeds expectations.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During the pandemic, when events were put on hold and the world seemed to come to a standstill, it was a true test of resilience. The event industry, like so many others, was hit hard as in-person gatherings were no longer possible. But instead of waiting for things to return to normal, we pivoted quickly and found new ways to connect people and deliver memorable experiences.
We brought the event to people’s homes—sending out curated gift packages filled with mixology kits, cooking kits, champagne, and caviar. Then, we hosted unique online experiences to keep everyone connected. We even hired famous personalities, including drag queens and other entertainers, to lead these virtual events, ensuring they were as engaging and fun as in-person celebrations.
This experience reinforced my belief that resilience is all about adaptability, creativity, and the ability to pivot when things are uncertain. By thinking outside the box and seizing new opportunities, we were able to continue delivering value to our clients and keep our business moving forward, even in the toughest of times.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation in the market is my “Yes and” attitude. I’ve always believed in being available to my clients when they need help or simply want to talk. It’s not just about saying “yes” to opportunities—it’s about actively listening, understanding their needs, and going the extra mile to exceed their expectations. This approach has fostered strong relationships, and the trust I’ve built with clients has led to valuable word-of-mouth referrals. Ultimately, my reputation has been shaped by consistently being there for my clients and delivering experiences that reflect my commitment to their success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mpdevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpdevents/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpdevents
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-de-miglio-90119a9/
- Twitter: naw
