About Us

Going above and beyond to bring your vision to life.

Who We Are

At the heart of every good event is a kickass team that knows what they’re doing. Founded by two passionate AV aficionados, we’re here to take care of all the hard stuff so that you can focus on making memories that last. We’ll be with you from idea conception to set-up to ensure that your event runs as smoothly as possible. Take it from our 150+ clients, who we’ve saved from hours of tedious venue hunting, equipment troubleshooting, and wrestling a 40-foot projector screen (we’ve done it before and we’ll do it again).

Think of us as your genie in a bottle. With our robust inventory of equipment, expansive network of industry partners, and an all-star team of vetted pros, we can make even your most ambitious dreams a reality. We handle everything from the bachelor party you forgot to plan for your best friend to the backyard movie marathon for your son’s 8th birthday to the cocktail-making party your colleagues won’t stop talking about.

Meet the Team

Arsen Tujian

Managing Director & Co-Founder

  • Arsen Tujian is a Co-Founder and the Managing Director of Empire Lakes Productions. He has combined his passion for the arts with his entrepreneurial drive in order to provide safe and affordable entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic by co-founding his own event production company, Empire Lake Productions. At ELP, Arsen oversees business operations and growth strategies in addition to managing client relations, business development, marketing strategy, and company finances. In addition to running ELP, Arsen is a dedicated and versatile music composer and has composed for several independent films, TV series, and podcasts. When he is not working, you can find him playing music, going to the movies, traveling, and biking.

Luke Bonham

Director of Operations & Co-Founder

  • Luke Bonham developed a passion for music and the entertainment industry when he started drumming for his high school band in La Canada. While studying at the University of Oregon, Luke was able to expand on his interest in construction and design by experimenting with various projects using wood, metal, and glass. As a Co-Founder of Empire Lakes Productions, Luke has applied his passion for the arts and construction. At ELP, Luke oversees event management and technical aspects of the company, working closely with on-site staff members at venues to facilitate unique entertainment experiences for the community. In his spare time, you can find him on the hiking trail, playing music, and developing his French cooking skills.

Valerie Fong

Director of Communications

  • Valerie G. Fong is a senior at Northwestern University studying Communication Studies, International Studies, and Integrated Marketing Communications. Inspired by the power of brands to drive impact through purpose, Valerie is passionate about uniting values-driven communications, strategic planning, and data-driven solutions to build brands that connect with audiences authentically and employ marketing as a force for good. This summer, Valerie is supporting American Express’ Corporate Affairs and Communications Business Unit as an Analyst Intern, developing and executing a strategy to align the company’s Philanthropy and Colleague Engagement frameworks with its ESG priorities. An avid fan of film and live entertainment, Valerie also serves as the Director of Communications of Empire Lakes Productions, where she leads partner and talent acquisition and launched the .MOV Film Festival to highlight the work of young independent artists. Prior to American Express and ELP, Valerie has interned with Facebook, Bevel PR, Sullivan & Co, Ecolution kWh, and Northwestern Global Marketing & Communications. Outside of work, Valerie can be found kickboxing at her local studio, planning her next travel adventure, enjoying a Broadway show with her family, or exploring small businesses.

Sam Liu

Director of Marketing

  • Sam Liu is the social media manager at Empire Lakes Productions. Born in Miami and raised in both Florida and Fuzhou, China, Sam is now based in Evanston, IL. They are a senior at Northwestern University studying communications, environmental policy and culture, and integrated marketing communications. Their interest in social media and digital communications began with their first work-study job as a social media assistant in Northwestern's Global Marketing and Communications department. Sam's experience in digital communications ultimately fused with their passion for sustainability and environmental justice, which is leading them down a career path that includes the intersection of those two things. They are currently the digital communications intern at The Climate Reality Project, and prior to that, worked in communications at Northwestern’s Office of Sustainability and Seven Generations Ahead, an environmental non-profit in Chicago. In their spare time, Sam enjoys practicing taekwondo, exploring Chicago with their friends, and taking photos when they can get their film camera to work.

Micah Smith

Director of Logistics

  • Micah Smith is a freelance mixing & mastering engineer, producer, and composer located in Los Angeles.  He has worked on all sorts of projects including music production, engineering, and original composition for film. He is a multi-genre producer specializing in indie rock, dream pop, lo-fi, electronic, and creative music of all types.

    He is currently the head of a small music collective called Spatial Touch, creates original music as Goose Down, and curates a twice-monthly online radio show. He is part of several other projects as well.

    Micah also founded a monthly DJ night at the historic Crocodile Cafe in Seattle along with a residency at The W Hotel and many one-off gigs at Seattle clubs and private parties.  Under his Beakr moniker he has created original electronic music and remixed songs by Spoon, Phoenix, Feist, The Flaming Lips, Metric, The Temper Trap, and Hot Chip.

 
  • A smiling man wearing sunglasses, a knit hat, a leather jacket, and a hoodie sitting outdoors near water during sunset.

    Patrick Kennedy

    Technical Manager

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    Hassan Nafi

    Audio Engineer

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    Thomas Hasani

    Live Stream Specialist

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    Jesse Sanders

    Audio Engineer

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    Danny Mendez

    Lead Technician

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    Alec Tujian

    Lead Technician

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    Michael Tovar

    Lighting Specialist

  • A young man with dark curly hair, smiling, wearing a white sweatshirt and a lanyard with 'VOSO.ai' written on it. Behind him, a glass wall reflects a tree and hanging orange light bulbs.

    Josh Willard

    Lead Technician