Employee Spotlight
Q&A with Jonnie Halstead, VP of SHW Studios
by Julie Keaton, VP of Engagement
Meet Jonnie Halstead, Vice President of SHW Studios and a dynamic force behind SHW’s business development and creative production. From producing iconic festivals to launching SHW’s video production division, Jonnie’s career is a testament to passion, innovation, and a love for storytelling.
In this Q&A, Jonnie’s shares his inspiring journey from the mountains of New Zealand to Seattle, balancing entrepreneurial ventures with creative artistry, and his unique approach to crafting impactful experiences. Dive in to learn how Jonnie’s diverse background shapes his work, his favorite projects, and what fuels his creativity both inside and outside the office.
Q: What brought you to SHW and how has your career evolved since you started?
A: As a Kiwi living in Sydney, I spent years producing festivals across APAC and the U.S. In 2018, my wife and I moved our family of three kids to Seattle for new adventures closer to her roots. After working with Amazon Gaming & Twitch, and various Seattle agencies, I crossed paths with SHW through Kim Stewart who introduced me to Brett & Marka. When SHW was tapped in 2019 to produce a music festival for Facebook, they brought me in to lead it. The success of that project sparked conversations about a full-time role, and by November 2019, I joined as Senior Director of Business Development and Executive Producer.
In just five years, I’ve helped grow SHW’s portfolio of experiential events and launched our creative video production division, SHW Studios. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with incredible brands like Alaska Airlines, BECU, Comcast, Microsoft, Highspot, and Outreach. Now, as Vice President of SHW Studios and part of the Senior Leadership Team, I wear two hats: driving business development and serving as an executive producer for special events and video content.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background before joining SHW?
A: I grew up surrounded by the breathtaking mountains and lakes of New Zealand’s South Island. My teenage years were steeped in the vibrant rave culture of the mid-’90s, and during university, I transitioned to art school and graduated with a degree in visual communications, majoring in professional photography. I also juggled life in hospitality, managing bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, which shaped my dual passions for design and event production.
In my 20’s, I owned four nightclubs across two cities and was working with AusNZ promoters to plan hallmark festivals like Big Day Out, X-Games, Rugby World Cup, The NZ Cup & Show, and Jim Beam Homegrown. In 2012, I partnered with Wanderlust Festivals USA to launch in Australia and New Zealand, growing it to 12+ events annually by 2016. This diverse journey—from music festivals, major sporting events, lifestyle conferences to corporate events—gave me a unique lens on hospitality, sponsorship, and media that continues to guide my work at SHW.
Q: What does your current role entail and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: My role is all about entrepreneurial thinking: creating new business, building strong client relationships, and delivering solutions that exceed expectations. Whether it’s producing a memorable event experience or creating video content, I thrive on collaborating with brilliant marketers and crafting impactful stories that bring brands to life.
Q: What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on recently?
A: Eudēmonia at The Palm Beaches, Florida. Learn more about this inaugural wellness summit here!
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working at SHW?
A: The trust and support from our leadership team to take big, creative swings. SHW’s 46 years of corporate event expertise provide a solid foundation, allowing me to execute even the most ambitious consumer-facing projects with precision. It’s thrilling to see our nimble, innovative approach create lasting impact and ROI for clients tackling large-scale, high-stakes ventures.
Q: What’s your #1 tip/consideration for clients thinking about incorporating video production into their programs?
A: Art imitates life. Draw inspiration from what moves you in film, TV, YouTube, or social media, and let those trends influence your brand’s story. We’ll help you craft an authentic voice and bring it to life with our production expertise—think movie magic meets your message.
Q: Any hobbies or interests outside of work that inspire you?
A: Traveling the globe with my AmeriKiwi family, cheering on my three teenagers in school, sports, and the arts, and hitting North America’s stunning ski slopes. I’m also passionate about cooking, eating, and binge-watching shows with my wife and our two dogs.
Jonnie Halstead’s journey is a reminder of the incredible impact that bold ideas, diverse experiences, and a commitment to excellence can have on the world of events. We’re proud to have Jonnie as part of our team, pushing boundaries and inspiring clients and colleagues alike. Learn more about the work of SHW Studios and how we bring stories to life.
