Matt Woodburn
@MdotWoods
Principal Partner, Chop Shop & 1st Ward Events
Founder & Curator, AFTER DARK Events Series
Serial entrepreneur, event architect and connector; Matt has nearly 20 years of experience in fields such as film, music, video and special events. Matt has spearheaded such companies as Gramophone Recording Company, Million Ways Productions and spent time growing companies such as Gen Art and Sound Investment AV. He is currently a Principal Partner behind the multi-faceted venue, Chop Shop & 1st Ward Events. The 15,000 sqft, rehab of a 1913 auto body shop, combines his passions for hospitality, food, beverage and entertainment, under one roof.
Matt is the founder and curator of the AFTER DARK Event Series at The Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing. The event, in it’s 9th season, merges up-and-coming, national music acts, video artists & performers, inspired by current exhibitions, to bring together a curated experience for 1000+ art aficionados and young professionals for a night of entertainment, culture and cocktails.
He is a founding Partner in Pro-Ject, a micro agency specializing in strategy and activation for select brands and agencies.
Most recently, Matt is Founder of ESP Presents, a full-service event planning firm specializing in creating unparalleled experiences for Arts, Luxury, NFP and Philanthropic groups.