MASTER CLASS

What Your Colleagues Say:

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“Kile Ozier is a natural at working with people, but there is much more to it.  In this book Kile shows how he makes conscious and thoughtful decisions to get results; Teaching how to approach tasks in a way that feels unrehearsed and natural, but is actually the result of careful planning and proven methodology.

Meanwhile, Ozier has written the best book I’ve read on collaboration and project management in this industry.”

“…many people look at him and assume that he, personally, is a natural at working with people and therefor successful. However, in his book he discusses how to make conscious decisions and use patience and a thoughtful process to get result.

“The best off-the-cuff talks are meticulously rehearsed. He brings that to a difference level and speaks about dealing with dozens of variables…approaching tasks in a way that feels unrehearsed and natural but is actually the result of careful planning and proven methodology.”

Peter Weishar

Professor of Themed Experience

Program Director, Themed Entertainment MS Degree and MFA track

University of Central Florida

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It's been about a year and half since I took Kile Ozier The Guy's masterclass, and I can say its lessons - and the conversations with the cohort - are easily the ones I come back to the most on a regular basis, either by diving into Kile's book, returning to the notes from the conduct, or joining the standing office hours Kile holds for students new and old. 

I highly recommend it for anyone looking to (re)think how they approach collaborative work with multiple disciplines and challenging stakeholders. It certainly helped me reenergize my own thinking about team dynamics and complex program management, something I have been doing for well over two decades.

Regardless of your background, industry, or skills, Kile's experience, observations, methods, and successes (as well as challenges) offer up a strong foundation to the course and make for interesting perspectives on how to conceive, drive, problem-solve, and deliver projects for your stakeholders. And the engagement with your cohort is an excellent and immediate touchstone for the ideas the inevitably emerge.

Worth checking out for folks looking for new points of view and expansive conversations beyond the usual professional banter about what it takes to bring teams - their vision, their work, their impact - to life.

John Bartol

Governance, Risk, and Compliance Leader, Global Team Builder & IT Ops, Strategy and Planning

Seattle

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Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to join Kile Ozier's spring cohort.

It was an amazing six weeks of lively and insightful discussion about the ins and outs of creating and producing impactful experiences with a diverse group of students from various experience levels and backgrounds (plus a thought provoking guest speaker and emotional performance of Kile’s “The Call”), all masterfully orchestrated by Kile himself.

Throughout our classes, organized around Kile’s book Creative Catalyst, we covered a wide range of topics. These included creative techniques, leadership and mentorship methods, and managing time and money, as well as more philosophical subjects like the impacts of VR and gamification on our industry and how to blow-up traditional story structures. I came out of the sessions with new practical skills and a ton of inspiration.

Whether you're a professional or a student, a producer or a creative, or anywhere in between, I definitely recommend taking a look at Kile’s book and class.

R. Kyle Everett

Creative and Art Director :  Themed Experiences

Portland, OR

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Ever wondered what it takes to create truly immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact? I recently had the privilege of delving into the world of experience design through "Empowering Experience Design Teams from Ideation to Production", a masterclass taught by my friend and creative powerhouse, Kile Ozier - Creative Venture Catalyst.

Kile, with his decades of experience crafting mesmerizing spectacles globally, brought a wealth of insights to the table. His latest book, "Creative Catalyst," not only served as our syllabus but also sparked rich discussions that reshaped my perspective on experience design and leadership.

What set this masterclass apart was the dynamic mix of participants—from students to seasoned professionals—each contributing unique perspectives that enriched our discussions. The interactive exercises and real-world examples shared by Kile added practical depth to our learning journey.

One of the most impactful discussions for me centered around leadership and collaboration. As creative leaders, fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and respected is paramount. This ethos fuels collaboration and unlocks optimal results, allowing ideas to flow freely and talents to shine.

Whether you're in a producer's role, project management, or simply passionate about crafting unforgettable experiences, I'd recommend exploring Kile's masterclass or diving into "Creative Catalyst" for further inspiration. The lessons transcend industries, offering valuable insights applicable to diverse professional landscapes.

Cameron Mark Lewis 

Senior Program Manager @ Godfrey Dadich Partners

San Francisco

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“Creative Catalyst” is a book that serves anyone involved in teams of creative enterprises. For entry level professionals the book is a lens to reveal and focus on the realities of the industry. The tone is an appropriate balance between the candor of challenges you will face and reverence for the satisfaction uniquely available in designing experiences. For mid-career professionals the book will augment your expertise and round out gaps from a professional with a multi decade and global pedigree. For senior executives and business owners it will challenge you to reexamine what may be embedded assumptions, either strengthening your confidence or allowing you to embrace new ideas- all to the betterment of your business.

“Creative Catalyst” is a must-read for any creative professional.  The lessons apply at any stage of your career, from aspiring to actively leading.  It is part guide, part history and filled with valuable case studies that can be applied to your career from a leader in the industry.

Matthew Cross

Founding Partner, ICAE

CEO @ OE Experiences

Chair, Eastern Board, TEA

Knoxville, TN

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If you are endeavoring to become an effective leader/manager/producer, or to work in large-scale live event production in the entertainment and themed entertainment industries, do yourself a favor and take this master class. 

I have worked with Kile I highly recommend this class to any creators, producers, designers, leaders, collaborators, and live event and themed entertainment professionals.

In the MasterClass we dove deeply into not only his 5 tenets that make up a successful production, attraction or event, but into our own motivations, habits and traits that can promote (or sabotage) that success. 

There is no real way to illustrate how the class did this for us, because it comes from reading the chapters of his book (very interesting and easy reads), attending the sessions, and participating in the weekly discussion. 

…We discussed and hammered home the essentials for strong and successful leadership, for collaboration, for drawing the guest or audience in, creating emotional connections, and - well... so much more. 

We have discussed how we have (or haven't) seen these tenets in use in our lives, projects and careers…TAKE THE CLASS. DO THE READING. SHOW UP for only 6 weeks. You will not regret it, and you will reap the benefits once you begin to apply what you've learned.

Lisa J. Schanley

Business Development & Marketing Leader, Author

Santa Monica, CA

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“Kile Ozier’s Master Class was inspiring and a fun reminder of the impact our work has on our audiences and guests. Kile’s book is a great tool that can be used as a guide to reference for best practices and a reminder to slow down, listen and think back to the basics. The book has great insights and stories that are relatable and made me both laugh and cry. 

I looked forward to talking with our group each week to hear Kile’s stories in person and to hear others with diverse industry backgrounds share their experiences and knowledge as well. The class size was large enough where you can just listen and take everything in but intimate enough to share your thoughts and ideas and feel like you’re a part of something. 

Kile is a great teacher who has an energy and curiosity for life that you just want to be around and learn from. 10/10. I would recommend to anyone at any level who works in the themed entertainment, experiential events or attractions industry. 

Kelsey Cunningham

Attractions Marketing Manager, Mall of America

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Folks, you might not know it yet, but this is great news for live event producers, themed entertainment professionals, curious collaborators, leaders of humans, and everyone in between. Congrats to Kile Ozier - Creative Venture Catalyst - The Guy on this next step in sharing his vast knowledge and fascinating experiences with those open to admitting there’s always more to learn.

Can confirm. We finished the class weeks ago and my former classmates and I talk about it nearly every day.

The class is of eminent value for grad students and recent entries into the fields…but far more relevant, I think, for mid-level to C-suite creators and executives to be and become newly empowered, refreshed and revivified…to see their own experiences through alternate lenses, hone their skills in Collaboration and Cross-Cultural Communication…to become conversant and even more effective in multi-demographic collaboration…

Chris Grap 

Water Park Designer | Monster Movie Maker | Blooloop Top 50 Theme Park Influencer | Creative Director | TEA Eastern North America Board Member | Nerf Basketball Prodigy | Guiding Misfits Since 1977

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I know the value of Kile’s consulting work first-hand, from a wildly successful multi-event, multi-city campaign he helped me conceptualize at Johns Hopkins University years ago. I now also know other facets of his talent, having just completed the six-session seminar based on his book. Via the book and course, Kile shares insights of practical use in the arena of live experience production as well as tenets for effective, principled management in any setting. He has a gift for sharing his own wisdom while eliciting nuanced contributions from every member of the group. His warmth and curiosity create a collegial atmosphere that brings out the best in everyone. Kile’s class is enlightening for industry veterans and nascent professionals in equal measure.  

Sybil Wyatt - Retired Communications Executive

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I took this Masterclass, this year with the brilliant Kile Ozier The Guy. His book and discussing this with the cohort opened up my mind to new ways of thinking, what it means to be a producer and some detailed methodologies that have helped me grasp new ways of working and application in future projects.

I couldn’t recommend this masterclass enough!

Amelia Keen

1st Class Events Management Graduate

Manchester (UK) Metropolitan University

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“Being able to learn from one of the leaders in any field is inspirational, but when they imbue the teaching with a heartfelt, personal connection to the subject AND their students, it is truly a blessing. My time spent in Kile’s 6 week course allowed me to connect the concept of production schedules with the actual practice of implementing them. Making the interpersonal connections with my fellow students was also a significant part of the overall learning process. What a fantastic time spent learning. I highly recommend this course.”

-Kelly Bailey, 

Creative, Designer, Curious Human

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“Kile utilizes his wealth of knowledge and experience to guide students through understanding how to produce meaningful and inspiring experiences by asking thought-provoking questions and providing excellent advice for working with your team.”

Josh Camarena – Show Lighting Designer, Systems

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“With real-time storytelling, entertaining reading materials and impromptu & personal student sharing, Kile has crafted an experiential framework for his Masterclass, empowering any insider (or outsider) with the pure intention and skillset to authentically design memorable “moments" from the heart. 

What was immediately noticeable from day 1, was the extended space given to each student to contribute their own gifts. The mutual respect - from students entering the industry, to veterans, and titans - was so well received. 

In my own world of Extended Reality (XR), AI and Immersive Design, we use Augmented, Virtual and/or Mixed realities to tell stories — and meeting people at a human scale can often be challenging. Whether 1) in real-life, 2) on a screen or 3) in a virtual world, how you want people to feel is key. We are converging three consumer platforms into one seamless experience. I opted in to Kile’s class to sharpen the skills necessary for combining XR platforms - and to learn how to do it from from the very best.

Kathleen Cohen, Founder, “The Collaboratorium”

kathleencohen@mac.com 

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Kile’s workshop gave me both motivational and practical results. He lifts you out of your repetitive loops into a refreshing new level of creativity and flow. In today’s ever-evolving business culture, I’d encourage experienced producers / executives to give yourself a GIFT and set up Kile’s workshop for your entire team.  Kile’s material will free you up for renewed energy, team alignment, and enthusiasm for your mission. 

My biggest problem is there are so many nuances to his work!

Jay Howarth, Producer/Director Spectacular Live Events. NFL, NBA, XFL…

JJHowarth@aol.com 

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Coming together with amazing industry professionals and learning from their vast experiences is one of the greatest joys in the world for me! This past spring, I had the pleasure of taking Kile Ozier's course with the most incredible cohort of industry giants from around the country! These weekly conversations were inspiring, engaging, and filled with so much amazing content to learn from.

Kile's new book, "CREATIVE CATALYST" is available for pre-order and his next class session starts soon on August 9th! This is definitely not an opportunity you want to miss! If you want more details, feel free to PM me!

As a first generation Latine student, I am beyond blessed to have the privilege to pursue my dreams thanks to the support of my parents, my spouse, and my chosen family.

Katherine Paez Froehlich

MFA Candidate in Creative Producing & Production Management.

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“Kile has articulately laid out very actionable steps for any team involved in the creation and execution of Experience Design projects to follow on the path from concept to installation and operation.

The simple roadmap that is presented in “In My Experience” outlines best practices for informed success along the life cycle of a project’s development.   It’s not just a useful production tool, but also provides insight into the field for those who don’t fully realize all the working parts to the process.

A combination of process details, case studies, and first-hand stories as great examples makes this a delightful and credible read.  Examples that take into consideration cultural and personality differences provide options for moving forward across a number of possible scenarios as both a contributor and a leader  in the industry.

Marketed as a manual for the design of various experiences, it’s secretly an exhaustive manual for life.

“In My Experience” graciously leads you down the path of story “revelation”  best practices to carefully craft a very intentional emotional experience for your guests. 

In an industry that only thrives on collaboration and mentorship, “In My Experience” continues the trend graciously sharing resources and inspiration across disciplines and generations.”

-Mk Haley

Asst. Professor of Practice at UT Austin | 25+ years at Imagineering | Blooloop Top 50 Theme Park Influencer | Continual Board and Committee Member for ACM SIGGRAPH & the TEA | ACM SIGGRAPH Outstanding Service Award

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“Just completed an amazing #MasterClass on #ExperientialDesign and I'm feeling inspired! 🌟

Experiential design is all about forging emotional connections with people, making them remember and feel something. Kile Ozier is a true master, and his framework for creating experiences with deep, emotional connections left me in awe.

The class was an absolute blast! Kile's storytelling skills are exceptional. We delved into the psychology of emotion and explored the latest trends in experiential design. Connecting with a diverse group of creative professionals and guest speakers made the learning even more rewarding.

I'm so glad I took this masterclass. It's given me a new perspective on design. It's been an enriching journey!”

Maysara “Mas” Matar

Digital Creative Lead - Dubai/Los Angeles