Greater Together LA brought together 500+ of the most influential leaders from across business, government and the creative industries for five days in Los Angeles. For the delegates in the room, it felt seamless. For the logistics team making it happen – across time zones, continents, and a cast of hundreds – it was a complex challenge. We sat down with three members of the logistics team to find out what really goes on behind the scenes.
Chloe Brouillette | Logistics Coordinator
What was a logistics win or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of from the event?
“Seeing as though this event hosted international/VIP guests, there were lots of time zones we had to stay on top of. I’m proud of all of us staying organized and staying cool headed despite client expectations shifting day of.”
Working across the Atlantic means the day never truly ends. With delegates travelling from the UK, Europe, and across the US, managing arrivals, transfers, and schedules that span multiple time zones required constant vigilance and the kind of composure that only comes from a team that genuinely trusts one another.
What goes on behind the scenes that attendees may not realise is critical to a successful event?
“Staying proactive, organized, and flexible. With an event of this scale, there were changes from hotel guests to transportation. Being on the logistics team demands a sense of trust with your team members and predicting future problems.”
It’s a discipline that rarely gets talked about in event post-mortems: the ability to solve problems before they become problems. For an event of GTLA’s scale: multi-venue, multi-day, with VIP guests, government stakeholders, and live programming running simultaneously, proactive thinking wasn’t a nice-to-have. It was the job.
Lauren Little | Senior Logistics Manager
What was a logistics win or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of from the event?
“The biggest win? how seamlessly everyone worked together. What stood out most wasn’t just how well people executed their individual roles, but how willing everyone was to step outside of their job description whenever needed. Whether it was supporting guest experience, transportation, registration, or problem-solving in real time, the team consistently showed up for one another. That level of collaboration was a huge part of what made GTLA such a success.”
What was the biggest challenge the logistics team faced, and how did you overcome it?
“One of the most rewarding aspects of GTLA was that there wasn’t a single challenge that felt bigger than the team itself. Every time an unexpected need arose, someone stepped in to help. The team approached problems collectively rather than individually, which allowed us to adapt quickly, stay solutions-focused, and keep the guest experience at the center of every decision.”
That collective approach is harder to achieve than it sounds. Across an event spanning five days, multiple venues, hundreds of VIP guests, and a production team coordinating from both sides of the Atlantic, the temptation to operate in silos is real. The fact that the GTLA logistics team never did is, arguably, the result that mattered most.
What is one takeaway or lesson learned you’ll bring into future events?
“Great events are built by great teams. Processes, timelines, and plans are all important, but nothing compares to having a team that is willing to jump in wherever needed and support one another. When people focus on the success of the event rather than the boundaries of their role, that’s when truly exceptional experiences happen.”
Anitra Peoples | Hotel Manager
What was a logistics win or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of from the event?
“The overall success of the event was evident from the hotel’s side. It was rewarding to ensure all VIPs moved smoothly from one place to another. Managing the flow was challenging when all guests came out at once, but we kept operations running and made sure each sprinter van was filled efficiently.”
Transportation is one of those elements that guests only notice when something goes wrong. Getting 500+ delegates from hotel to venue and back again, and without friction, requires military-level coordination.
What goes on behind the scenes that attendees may not realise is critical to a successful event?
“Coordination and problem solving. A run of show detailing every second of the event for the crew and staff”
The run of show is the logistics team’s bible. Keeping that document alive and accurate throughout the week is a full-time role.
What is one takeaway or lesson learned you’ll bring into future events?
“Building a strong foundation while remaining fully prepared and supportive.”
The bigger picture.
Three different roles and vantage points yet one consistent thread: the events that feel effortless for the people in the room are the ones where the team behind them spent months preparing for every eventuality and then adapting when reality diverges from the plan.
As Lauren put it: “The magic guests experience is built on hundreds of small moments of teamwork happening behind the scenes.”
That’s what great logistics look like.