Andrew Snyder
For over 20 years Andrew has turned events, stage shows, and celebrations—across the U.S. and abroad—into memorable and magical live moments. His personal philosophy—that happy people create happy working relationships, which generates exceptional work—and his fascination for bringing stories to life through artistry have helped him deliver for companies such as McDonald’s, IBM, U.S Cellular and ESPN and for events like Mexico City’s Bicentennial Celebration, World Boxing Championships Opening Ceremony, Team Earth Media Launch and The Floating Opera Company’s “Quantum Mechanic.”
His ability to balance the worlds of art and business have also enabled him to work for and win over notable and influential organizations and individuals including: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grupo Puja, Pilobolus Dance Theater, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Howard Schultz, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas, Bonny Hunt and more. No matter who the client or what the project, one thing is certain: Andrew is sure to be an ally, collaborator, and curator of positive energy.
Andrew lives and works in Ravenswood with his husband Paul. He enjoys collecting family heirlooms and making DIY Halloween costumes for his most favorite nephew, Champ.
Andrew Edeker
For more than 15 years, Andrew has created and produced virtual and live special events for clients with unique, upmarket projects. A live streaming pioneer, he has received numerous awards and recognition including a Webby and Midwest Emmy.
Formerly Director of Program and Events at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, he transformed their weekly live events to online and broadcast experiences, the success of which led to the 2009 National Medal for Museum & Library Service award.
Andrew has implemented his virtual and live-streaming expertise for numerous other organizations and events as well, which have included everything from intimate experiences for educational classes to webcasts reaching tens of thousands of viewers. Past clients include PCMA, Broadway in Chicago, Chicago Humanities Festival, American Medical Association, United States Hockey League, and Chicago Film Critics’ Awards. He has also volunteered, produced, and co-chaired multiple events benefiting Chicago House, T-PAN, and the Howard Brown Health Center.
John Menefee
John is a creative leader with 22 years of experience, most recently with Leo Burnett Group in Chicago. He has created award winning global integrated campaigns for Fortune 100 companies and has experience managing partnerships with properties such as the NFL and the Olympics.
He has worked on Visa, Postal Service, McDonald’s, Coke, Cuervo, Miller Coors, AT&T Wireless, Sarah Lee, Blackberry, Bridgestone, and many more, including Comcast, a client for which John developed promotions, designed packaging, and launched the Xfinity stores and Smart Home service.
John led similar rebranding efforts for Intel’s global retail kits and launched Intel Experiential pop-up shops in Best Buy to test drive augmented reality and 3D printing. A recognized leader in his field, John earned both Silver and Bronze Reggie Awards for his work with Bridgestone for the Winter Olympics and the Boys and Girls Club of America, respectively.
David Polmer
In his 17-plus years as a communications professional, David has expertly helped clients craft and tell the story of who they are, who they want to be, and why it matters. In addition to his knack for connecting with clients, he mixes analytical thinking with a creative design approach, often resulting in unexpected solutions that grab attention and, most importantly, produce results.
His background includes shaping and sharing company vision, molding corporate culture, and helping define brands via corporate and executive communications, leadership development, and employee engagement. A creative and compelling writer, David has also contributed to various print and online publications including the Chicago Sun-Times, BET.com and The Sporting News. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today and on MSNBC.com.
A Washington, D.C. native, David has now called Chicago home for 20-plus years. He and his wife have two girls who constantly keep them on their toes.
Jonny Nelson
Jonny is an improviser, instructor, writer, and actor with over 14 years of performing experience. He has performed as well as taught improv at numerous venues and programs including The Second City's Training Center, iO, Comedysportz, DePaul University, and more.
He has guest taught in Amsterdam, Brussels, Oslo, Antwerp, Bucharest, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and continues to teach improv workshops for business. Past clients include LinkedIn, The Federal Passport Agency, and Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
For the past several years, Jonny has also served as the director for The Second City’s Youth and Teen Ensembles and continues to instruct everyone from seasoned improv artists to beginners on the art of thinking on your toes, listening intently, the power of vulnerability and the ability to be in the moment.
Rachel Miller
For more than 20 years, Rachel, influenced by her performance background, has been a facilitator and designer of workshops that assist global companies with communications, collaboration, storytelling, public speaking, and more. She has created and hosted projects and events for the likes of Second City Works, BI Worldwide, and August Jackson, among others.
In addition to working for Walt Disney Creative Entertainment and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Rachel spent six years in Amsterdam performing with and developing workshop curriculum for English-language sketch and improv theatre Boom Chicago.
Paul Hamilton
Paul Hamilton has created a diverse career as a pianist, composer and musical director. A background in classical music, musical theatre, opera and dance, he has performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, on some of the country’s most notable stages including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Carnegie Hall in New York City, and The Harris, Goodman and Drury Lane theatres in Chicago, as well as at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL.
His original compositions have won him numerous accolades, and have attracted some of the most renowned arts institutions nationally, including the University of Arizona’s celebrated dance department.
Among Paul’s original works is an interpretive piece focused on the humanity and history of HIV for World AIDS Day. He also works alongside music therapists as part of “Music for the Mind,” a program that uses music as treatment for senior citizens with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. This work aligns with his belief that the bond between artists and witnesses holds the potential for healing, understanding and transformation.