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D23 EXPO 2022

In 2019, I attended my first ever D23 Expo as a Disney fan. Growing up in Texas, this kaleidoscopic celebration of The Walt Disney Company was truly my “kid in a candy store” moment. Never had I been around so many amazing and likeminded fans of Disney in my life, and never had I gotten to witness such incredible and fan-centric programming that felt like it was tailor-made just for me. Just a few years later, I returned to D23 Expo in 2022… this time, behind the curtain. Such a massive event takes countless individuals from across the company to make happen and I was absolutely enthralled at the amount of magic it took to pull something like this off. Compared to a standard D23 Event, D23 Expo required many more minds and hands to turn dreams to reality, and my role consisted of putting together D23 produced programming throughout the weekend, as well as assisting in the overall production efforts for this event where possible.

My projects included:

“Back to the Grid: 40 Years of TRON presented by Enterprise” - In 1982, the world was first welcomed to the digital domain of the Grid. At D23 Expo, we marked a 40th Anniversary Celebration with crew and cast members from the original film. This incredible presentation hosted by Juju Green welcomed back Bruce Boxleitner, Carol Green, Donald Kushner, Glenn Campbell, Harrison Ellenshaw, John Scheele, Mike Bonifer and Richard Taylor for a retrospective conversation on the production and initial conception of TRON (1982). Audiences were treated to a special message from the incredible Cindy Morgan who shared memories of making the film and well-wishes with fans. And to close it all out, a special appearance from Scot Drake of Walt Disney Imagineering, who shared more exciting details about the Spring 2023 Opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run at The Walt Disney World Resort. I used to watch a VHS of TRON (1982) at my grandparents house, and was absolutely blown away by TRON: Legacy (2010) when it opened. This mesmerizing world of VFX and imaginative movie-making techniques captured my imagination and left me inspired every time. Working on this presentation was a dream come true, especially collaborating with production legends I had only read about and never once thought I’d be zooming with!
“Magic in the Air: 30 Years of The Muppet Christmas Carol” - There’s some things I’ve done in my time with D23 that I know I’ll take with me for the rest of my life. One of them was this dazzling holiday panel was an absolute smash-hit moment of D23 Expo in 2022. Fans from around the globe gathered for the ultimate celebration of a beloved holiday classic with a presentation chock-full of iconic muppet hijinks. Hosted by the always amazing Nina West, fans shared in an intimate discussion between Paul Williams, Dave Goelz, Polly Smith and Brian Henson. This look-back on the making of The Muppet Christmas Carol shared behind the scenes secrets and emotional moments for all involved. Speaking of emotional moments, the audience watched with bated breath as iconic Disney Legend Jodi Benson performed the famous “lost song” of the film “When Love is Gone”. And when the tears were wiped away, laughter rang through the Anaheim Convention Center as Gonzo, Miss Piggy, Kermit, Robin and Fozzie Bear performed a medley of songs from the film. I still am pinching myself that I played a part in this exceptional experience coming to life. With close to 3,000 fans in attendance for this one panel, presentations like this are what D23 Expo was made for an I feel beyond lucky to have worked on such an amazing moment.
“D23 Stars Trivia Showdown” - On the Live Stage at D23 Expo, the magic streamed for the world to see. Luminaries and talent from every world of Disney gathered to share in special interviews and reactions to news shared during that day. And to add just a dash of fun and fan-favorite trivia, we brought the D23 Stars Trivia Showdown to the live stage. Celebrities from the many worlds of Disney Competed in quick trivia and factoid competitions hosted by Nina West. This included such icons as Donny Osmond, Jodi Benson, Anneliese Van der Pol, Susan Egan, Michael James Scott, Ashely Eckstein, Caitlyn Stamos and John Stamos. This quick bite competition was a hilarious addition to the show floor and the D23 Expo Live Stream.
D23 Expo Pre-show Presentation Content - Thought not necessarily a presentation, one of the most exciting things I worked on for D23 Expo 2022 was the pre show presentation content which played as guests entered the many stages throughout the weekend. Featuring a mixture of sponsored ads, fan-forward trivia questions and even a few of our D23 Five Facts videos, this was a specially curated reel I was fortunate to be a part of in writing trivia questions and working with our production team. Additionally, I was able to be a part of curating the background music which played throughout the weekend in the Anaheim Convention Center.
D23 Member Night at Oogie Boogie Bash - Something extra special I was a part of wasn’t even at the Expo! As a perk for D23 Members, we welcomed them on Saturday Night of the D23 Expo to their own Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney’s California Adventure Park. This was a months-long collaboration with the exceptional team at Disneyland Resort, working on special photo ops, overlays and even a special gift for the guests at that evening event. It was a great way to kick off the halloween season!

Even in just a short time at The Walt Disney Company, D23 Expo rang true to Walt’s ideology of it taking people to make the dream a reality. It was also an amazing way to begin the Disney100 Celebration. With so many brands and so many areas of fandom represented, this was a milestone moment to be a part of and I am beyond grateful to have worked alongside a team unlike any other.