Jeff Apregan
Jeff Apregan has promoted, produced and executed live events throughout the world in venues ranging from clubs and theatres to NFL stadiums and motor speedways. He has had the opportunity to experience the live events industry from a variety of perspectives over a span of nearly 30 years, as a venue operator, artist manager, promoter representative, talent buyer, tour promoter, tour director and venue booking consultant.
As a tour promoter with the original Concerts West, Jeff toured throughout North America with John Denver, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton and The Blues Brothers. Later, he acted as Executive Director of Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre and was directly responsible for venue operations at the 16,000 capacity amphitheatre in Southern California. As Vice President of Business Affairs for Avalon Attractions, he was directly responsible for managing strategic relationships and company operations. In 1993 Apregan started his own firm, Apregan Group, Inc.
Today, Apregan Group provides a variety of entertainment services, including talent buying, tour direction, venue consulting and strategic planning for artists, venues, promoters producers and organizations. Jeff has continued to work with Neil Diamond as his Tour Director, overseeing global touring operations.
Recent projects / events:
- Neil Diamond 2009 - 2009 World Tour
- Van Halen - 2007 North American Tour
- Motorola Special Events - Diana Ross (2006), Michael Bolton (2007) Lionel Richie (2008)
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort - Mammoth Festival / Mammoth Night of Lights
Andrew Prince
A savvy music business professional in an innovative environment, Andrew Prince brings extensive knowledge of the live entertainment industry. As a promoter representative, talent buyer and venue booking consultant, Andrew's common sense approach and team building skills, have earned him the respect of facility managers, artist managers, promoters, producers, agents, city officials, and vendors alike.
Today, Andrew is the Director of Operations for Apregan Group and is directly involved with talent buying and program execution on a number of varying levels. More recently, Andrew was named Vice President of Operations for Venue Coalition and has been instrumental in identifying new business and programming opportunities for its participating member venues.
Michelle Szeto (Public Relations/Marketing)
Hailing from a diverse background in the arts, Michelle Szeto brings her creative know-how to Venue Coalition as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing.
Involvement in the entertainment industry at an early age, Michelle, while living in Hong Kong, worked in concert production for international stars such as Oasis, Celine Dion and Prodigy. Recently Michelle has settled into one of the premier agencies in Canada, where she's had the distinguished pleasure of working with musical icons including, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Randy Bachman.
In addition to the world of contemporary music, Michelle also oversees marketing for KOBA Family Entertainment (a member of Paquin Entertainment Group), a leading producer in live theatrical productions for popular children's characters such as The Backyardigans, Big Comfy Couch, Franklin the Turtle, Caillou and Max & Ruby.
Eric Gardner (Booking Coordinator)
Born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, Eric Gardner developed a love for music at a young age starting on the piano and later picking up the guitar and bass while focusing his attention on the saxophone.
His passion for music led him to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where he earned degrees in Business and Jazz Composition. Outside of the classroom, Eric managed several bands and organized and executed several tours along the East coast and in Europe. He has also previously worked on the booking and promotions end of live music at the Granada Theater in Dallas, Texas.
Today, he is the Booking Coordinator for Venue Coalition and is ready to help bring shows to our members.