Michael Martizano is an Account Executive at Shepard. Based in New York, he’s been with the company since 2022.
How he got his start: While Michael now lives in New York, his journey into the event industry began in California, where he worked with the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) on Anime Expo, Los Angeles’s massive annual anime convention. His passion for the event started as a volunteer for eight years, which led to him joining the team full-time for four years. When the pandemic brought new opportunities, he explored freelance work, which ultimately connected him with Shepard. “A salesperson from Shepard recognized me from my time at Anime Expo and asked me to apply,” he remembers. “It’s been a wild ride since then.”
His day-to-day role: On a typical day in the office, Michael skillfully manages communications to ensure every show receives dedicated attention. “No matter the size of a client’s show, that’s their show, and we’re committed to providing the same high level of service we extend to all our clients,” he says.
During show days, Michael arrives early to ensure everything is prepared for the client’s arrival. “Being proactive helps us deliver seamless service,” says Michael, who builds lasting relationships through consistent communication and genuine connection. “The best partnerships come from understanding not just the work, but the people behind it.”
What he loves about the event industry: What excites Michael most about the event industry is being able to see his hard work come to life in a very tangible way. “I like seeing all the planning that we’ve done throughout the year show up visibly,” he says. “Everything’s on paper or online—but when you get to the site and see it built, it’s just the best thing.”
Michael is particularly enthusiastic about the increasing integration of technology in event production, laughing that he has at least three screens in front of him at all times. “It’s nice to see technology making so many aspects of day to day easier,” he says.
Why he loves Shepard: At Shepard, Michael values the recognition of his efforts and the autonomy to execute his role effectively. “I like that my work matters, and I can see it turn into something,” he says. “The culture of trust and empowerment here allows us to deliver our best work for our clients.”
Memorable moments: “Getting to see Arnold Schwarzenegger up close!” he says, citing a weightlifting show he worked on. He also appreciated last year’s company summit, which brought together the whole team. “I work remotely, so I got to see so many people from the company in one room,” he recalls. “It was great.”
Where he finds inspiration: Michael credits his girlfriend as his biggest inspiration. “I met my girlfriend during the pandemic, and I dropped everything and moved from California to New York,” he says, noting that he’s happily embraced the role of stepfather to her two children. “She always lets me know that I matter, that I can do this. It’s nice to have that faith and someone there to back me and let me know they care.”
How he spends his free time: Outside of work, Michael is involved with the Community Education Council for his district, and he and his girlfriend serve as co-presidents of the PTA. He also spends time supporting his girlfriend’s career as a popular content creator. Together, they attend events and travel, often tied to her work, which has opened up unique opportunities like being flown to Disneyland Paris. “She’s so creative—and yet after five years I still cannot take a good photo with her camera,” he says with a laugh.
Another thing keeping him busy? The family’s brand-new Pomeranian puppy, which he describes as a “little monster with shark teeth.”
The advice he’d give his younger self: “Don’t take the long way!” he says, noting that when he was younger, he put off going to school and ended up in some roles he didn’t love. “I wish I would have focused earlier on what needed to be done, rather than putting it off. I have a great career and life now, and I just wish I’d gotten here sooner.”
