Meet Marissa Kiersch | VP of Brand & Experiential

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marissa Kiersch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is an integral part of innovation and growth, both in my personal life and career. Coming from a background of domestic and global experiential tours for film campaigns at Legendary Entertainment, I have become accustomed to navigating the high-stakes world of entertainment. There, I learned the importance of teamwork, taking calculated risks to push boundaries and create truly memorable experiences with translated perfectly with my role at 15|40 Productions.

My career trajectory has given me the abilities to be strategic and calculated. While I’m not one to shy away from bold ideas or ambitious projects, I’m also mindful of mitigating the potential pitfalls that come with events through thorough planning and collaboration with the 15|40 team. My background in corporate PR equipped me with the skills to anticipate and navigate potential challenges, allowing me to approach risk-taking with a level head and confidence.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The event industry is undergoing a seismic shift towards experience-centered marketing, and I’ve been fortunate enough to spearhead this internal growth at 15|40 Productions as Vice President of Brand and Experiential. Since I joined the team back in 2017, my mission has been clear: to craft immersive, unforgettable experiences that forge deep connections between brands and consumers.

At 15|40, we’ve honed the art of delivering unique activations that captivate audiences like never before. Whether it’s partnering with the world’s most beloved brands like Amazon, Disney, or Apple, as a team, we consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in event marketing. From the immersive worlds of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” to the virtual transformation of UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital’s ‘Party on the Pier’ annual fundraiser during the pandemic, we’ve created truly one-of-a-kind, memorable experiences for our clients and their audiences.

We also take immense pride in our ability to elevate corporate gatherings and community events, ensuring that every occasion leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s orchestrating holiday parties for tech behemoths or taking Paramount+’s “The Lodge” on a nationwide tour, our goal is always the same: to push the boundaries of what’s possible and set new standards for excellence.

Beyond event production, I’m deeply committed to driving business development and expanding our experiential vertical. Despite the challenges facing our industry, I believe in the power of innovation and adaptability. By harnessing the latest trends and technologies, we’re able to stay ahead of the curve and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.

But perhaps what I’m most proud of is the positive impact we’ve had on our internal work culture. By fostering a collaborative and creative environment, we’re able to inspire each other to reach new heights of excellence. After all, at the end of the day, it’s not just about the events we produce—it’s about the moments we create and the memories we share.

Prior to 15|40, I decided to take the risk of jumping career paths and leaving my first job. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be in events, but was unsure how I would be able to do so with no clear path forward. Through the relationships I had garnered in the PR world, I was able to land freelance opportunities, which ultimately landed me at Legendary. I knew I had to overcome the fear of the unknown and take the necessary risks to get to where I am today.

In essence, my role at 15|40 isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. And I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to do what I love, surrounded by a team that shares my vision for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in event marketing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This question made me laugh—it reminds me of the scene in ‘Miss Congeniality’ where they’re talking about perfect dates and the character’s response is, “I’d have to say April 25th, because it’s not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket”. Too good. Anyways, if I have a guest in town, I usually ask them what they want to see and do because shockingly, I am a homebody. But some fun things I would suggest would include: a day at the Huntington Library, a hidden gem in Pasadena with vast gardens and gorgeous art exhibits, truly one of my favorite places in LA. If the Dodgers are playing, we are going. Everyone must experience the Ravine at least once in their lifetime. Shopping, whether it’s little mom and pop boutiques or people watching on Rodeo, shopping is always going to be on the list of things to do while in LA. For food, I am a high low type of gal, I will take everyone to different taco trucks both near and far, as well as an Omakase experience at Scratch Sushi. I grew up in Los Angeles and it is one of those cities that has a rich history but you can always find something new and exciting to try.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m extremely grateful for my 15|40 family and the memories we’ve made together. Our President and Chief Creative Officer, Craig Waldman, founded 15|40 at the ripe age of 40-years-old with his life partner Cindy after having 15 years of experience in the industry working alongside the late Merv Griffin. It’s been an honor to learn from the two of them and how they navigate the world of events. Additionally, I would not be where I am today without the guidance and mentorship of two powerhouse corporate publicists, Melissa Zukerman and Paul Pflug. They were instrumental in how I got started in the entertainment industry and remain two of my biggest champions.

Website: https://www.1540productions.com/

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-40-productions/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1540productions/

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Image Credits
Line 8 Photography