ENGINEERING kc riverfest (2013 - 2018)

Riverfest is one of the Midwest’s premier 4th of July celebrations, featuring music, food, games, and one of the largest fireworks shows in the region. For six years, O’Neill oversaw and worked together with a Board of Directors and Port KC to develop the event and run all event logistics.

Upon taking over the event in 2013, O’Neill oversaw a brand redesign and instituted structured changes in marketing, entertainment, vendor management, gates, ticketing, and budget management, resulting in record profitability. O’Neill contracted and assisted in production development for the 19-minute fireworks extravaganza over the Missouri River, complete with countdown and timed music soundtrack. O’Neill developed and executed all sponsorships for the event, raising as much as $175,000 in sponsorship dollars. Sponsors included: Patrón Tequila, Samsung, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Friends of the River, Port KC, Spire, NTDF, The City of KCMO, Boulevard Brewing Company, Burns & McDonnell, Central States Beverage and Emery Sapp & Sons.