Damian Lopez-Gaston

Damian Lopez-Gaston: Director of Events, Program Manager, Contract Administrator, Film Festival Presentation Specialist, Translator

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Damian Lopez-Gaston is an experienced Program Manager with large-scale programs and as an Event Director has worked on a wide range of events including major concerts, sporting events, conventions, trade shows, private events and film festivals.  He also works as a translator and an editor. He has been a retail business manager, teacher and tutor. Damian Lopez-Gaston lived in northern New Mexico among several other locations prior to moving to Albuquerque.  He travels to different states and abroad for work and devotes a portion of his free time to volunteer opportunities in Albuquerque whenever possible.

Director of Event Services at Albuquerque Convention Center, SMG

January 2015 - Present | Albuquerque, NM

Director of Event Services in charge of a program of over 450 events per year in a 700,000 sq. ft. venue (conventions, conferences, concerts, sporting events, trade shows, assemblies, social events, etc.). Instrumental in the takeover and management of Albuquerque's Civic Plaza and produced a program of successful community events there. Directs management and service of high-profile events and large-scale events with major economic impact to the city. Works closely with the mayor's office, city departments, community organizations, visitors bureaus, internal departments and contractors to ensure success of all event programs and activities.

Film Festival Presentation Specialist at Hill Top Productions

March 1996 - January 2018 | Albuquerque, NM

Presentation Specialist for a variety of film festivals including the Sundance Film Festival, Sarasota Film Festival, Dubai International Film Festival, Dominican Republic Global Film Festival, CineVegas, Sedona Film Festival among others.

Translator / Editor at Latino World Translations

May 1999 - January 2015 | Albuquerque, NM

Chief Editor for Spanish/English translation and providing a wide range of services.

Donor Recruitment Manager at United Blood Services

February 2014 - January 2015 | Albuquerque, NM

Donor Recruitment Manager in charge of scheduling of blood drives in Albuquerque and throughout northern New Mexico. Directed and trained coordinators and committee members. Developed new donor sources. Represented company through public speaking engagements and educational presentations. Responsible for meeting goals in life saving program.

Director of Events & Facilities at New Mexico State Fair / Expo New Mexico

November 1999 - September 2011 | Albuquerque, NM

Director of Events & Facilities for the New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque which included managing a year-round events facility rental program (of up to 200 events) and managing the annual NM State Fair’s entertainment programs, which included concerts, rodeos, special events and several performance venues.

Manager at Bridge Street Books & Coffeehouse

February 1992 - January 1997 | Las Vegas, NM

Manager in charge of bookstore and café operation.

Manager and Chief Projectionist at Serf Theatre / Kiva Theatre / Ft. Union Drive-In

May 1988 - November 1995 | Las Vegas, NM

New Mexico Highlands University

1986 – 1990

Bachelor of Arts

Concentration: Philosophy / Spanish

Film, music, hiking/camping/backpacking, guitar, home improvement, gardening, bicycling, philosophy, travel, volunteering, emerging technology, reading, photography, the arts, cooking and writing.