Anais Disla, 37, is the director of special events for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles.
What I do:
As the director of special events for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, I lead the planning, production and management of museum-hosted events such as exhibition openings and galas, in addition to developing a revenue-generating external event program through rentals. I am responsible for building a Special Events department from the ground up. As we are currently building the organization, I am focused on foundational work such as building policies, procedures and rental packages and ensuring we are set for success upon opening [in 2023].
Why I love my job:
It‘s exciting and inspiring to work as part of an inaugural team that is building something new. Everyone at the Lucas Museum is mission-focused and dedicated to building a best-in-class museum that strives to remove some of the traditional barriers experienced at cultural institutions. It‘s a great opportunity to think about what that means for events at museums, in everything from pricing to policies to the vendors I collaborate with.
My career journey:
I have over 12 years of event experience within the corporate, nonprofit and social special events sectors. Prior to the Lucas Museum, I worked for The Metropolitan Museum of Art for over seven years with a team that produced over 400 events annually, which kicked off my career in museums.
My greatest career accomplishment:
My greatest career accomplishments include being the first woman of color to produce the Met Gala for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and being part of this inaugural team at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opening a museum for founders George Lucas and Mellody Hobson.
Impressive stats I’m responsible for:
While heading the Special Events team at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, I more than quadrupled revenue with successful rentals and special projects.
What’s next?
This upcoming year is focused on gearing up for the Lucas Museum’s grand opening. I am working on envisioning opening events and developing both our internal and external event programs.
What I do outside of work:
I love to travel and usually have a vacation planned at all times. Having a getaway to look forward to helps get me through those stressful days. I also love exploring restaurants and sharing good meals and drinks with loved ones.
Dream vacation:
Do I need to pick just one location? Several countries in Africa are on my list—I hope to check Egypt off my list this year. South Africa and Zanzibar are also a must.
Connect with Disla on LinkedIn and Instagram.
“Connect x BizBash 40 Under 40” is sponsored by VDA, an experiential marketing and event design agency based in Massachusetts that specializes in custom live, virtual and hybrid experiences.
