Matthew Woodburn

Entrepreneur, connector, culture curator, art & music lover and self-described social conciege, Matt has almost 20 years of behind-the-scenes, experience producing film, music, video and special events.

At 21, he established and headed business operations for Gramophone Recording Company. He is the force behind the boutique creative and production outfit, Million Ways Productions and was Regional Events Manager for GenArt, producing art-based events, fusing Fortune 500 brands into consumer events in the top 5 U.S. markets. Matt was part of the initial team, partnered with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, to roll out Chicago’s inaugural fashion week: Fashion Focus Chicago. In 2007, Matt joined Sound Investment A/V, a national, full-service production company focused on live events for corporate, socail and entertainment clients. As Director of Sales, Matt focused on positioning Sound Investment as the premium event solutions provider in the country. In 2009 he was inducted into Illinois Meeting + Events Hall of Fame as Up-and-Coming Event Supplier; he's been featured in CS Magazine as a Man of Style; was a finalist for 2011 BizBash Producer of the Year, and earned his way onto Michigan Avenue Magazine’s “The List”.

He is an occastional contributor to a number of publications including, CS, Special Events and Event Marketer magazine. He is currently the Producer and Host of the AFTER DARK event series at the Modern Wing of The Art Institute of Chicago. The event, in it’s 7th season, merges up-and-coming musical acts, video artists and performers -inspired by the current exhibitions- to bring together 1000+ art aficionados and young professionals, for a night of entertainment, culture and cocktails. In the fall of 2013 he opened the multi-faceted venue in Wicker Park, Chop Shop & 1st Ward Events. The 15,000 sqft, rehab of a 1913 auto body garage, combines his passions for hospitality, food & beverage and entertainment under one roof.