David E. Merrell

When David Merrell founded AOO Events in 1989, his vision was to design and produce personalized and original events. “All truly special events,” Merrell says, “demand a customized approach in order to fully achieve the client’s vision and purpose.” It is this philosophy that has positioned AOO Events as one of the most reputable event design and production firms in Southern California.

Merrell, a native of Cleveland, moved to Los Angeles in 1983 and he worked in a sales and marketing capacity in various industries before finding his niche in special events. Combining a creative eye with sales savvy, Merrell immediately excelled in the event industry. AOO Events fast became the special event company of choice for clients ranging from former President Ronald Reagan to Warner Brothers Studios. Since 1999, AOO Events has won eight Gala Awards, the event industry’s highest honor. The awards were for Best Corporate Event in 1999 and 2000. In 2002 the fourth Gala Award and an Esprit Award was won in the Best Décor category for the movie premiere event for “John Q”. AOO Events won the coveted Gala Award for Best Décor in 2003 and 2004 and added two more in 2007 for Best Corporate Event and Best Décor. And most recently in 2009 for Best Décor. AOO Events co-designed a series of events that was awarded a Crystal Site Award for best Multiple-Day Incentive Program at the ITME show in Chicago. Dave was nominated in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 for a Spotlight award for the “Designer of the Year” from Event Solutions Magazine and won the award in 2007. Recently, BizBash Magazine recently awarded AOO “Best Event Concept” for 2009 and ISES International along with ISES LA added five more awards in 2010. Today, AOO Events produces events not only in Southern California, but worldwide.

Merrell is the former President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES), and has served in numerous positions on the international boards of ISES. As a member of Special Events Magazine’s and BizBash Magazine’s Advisory Boards, Merrell is regularly featured and quoted in numerous trade and consumer publications and is a popular industry speaker both nationally and internationally. Merrell’s current office is located in Hollywood, California.