The Project
Gold Gala is Gold House’s flagship annual event, often referred to as “the Met Gala for Asian Americans.” The 2026 edition was held at the Music Center in Los Angeles on May 9, 2026, hosting approximately 600 guests across a multi-phase production spanning red carpet, dinner, awards, and after-party.
The Engagement
Engaged directly by Gold House, Joanna led staffing, project management, automation, and communications across the production lifecycle. The work spanned early planning through on-site execution and post-event wrap.
What We Did
- Built and managed the staffing program for 70+ staff across multiple roles, departments, and event phases
- Designed credential tiers, walkie channel assignments, and phase-specific breakout documents to keep a large, distributed team aligned
- Project managed the production through a custom-built Google Sheets system with automated health tracking, Needs Action surfacing, and Week Ahead views
- Owned internal communications and staff briefings to ensure clarity across a fast-moving team
- Coordinated catering and dietary logistics for staff meals across the production period
- Served as on-site staffing lead during build, show day, and strike
The Outcome
According to event leadership, this was the most seamless Gold Gala to date from a staffing standpoint. The team operated with clarity through every phase, equipment was returned on schedule, and the strike was executed cleanly and on time. Staff feedback reflected a well-organized, well-supported production environment.
