Roger J. Whyte, II, is the 36-year-old principal of RJ Whyte Event Production. He's based in Washington, D.C.
What I do:
I oversee and manage an incredible team of creatives that produce inspiring events. We work with our clients to help imagine and bring their visions to life, and as a principal I get the opportunity to work alongside a team of talented producers to do just that.
Why I love my job:
In our line of work, we get to create “wow” moments, and that is one of the best things about my job. Seeing a guest or a client have that moment that takes their breath away makes the challenging moments worth it.
My career journey:
I got my start in events while at the University of Pittsburgh, working as the special events director where I planned a broad spectrum of events. Following that, I joined a presidential campaign and then moved over to the White House as a member of the advance team. The experience at the White House was unparalleled, and when it was time to move on I joined Washington Performing Arts as their director of special events. All of these different roles really solidified my plan to start RJ Whyte Event Production, which I did in 2010.
My greatest career accomplishment:
My biggest accomplishment is building the team that we have here at RJ Whyte Event Production. Yes, the events have been amazing, but it is the people that make it happen for which I am most proud.
How I helped my organization during COVID:
During COVID my team was quick on their toes and immediately sprung into action and started producing virtual events. Our first virtual event was 72 hours after the shut down in D.C., and throughout COVID we adapted, built a virtual events studio in our office, produced more than 150 virtual events and raised over $45 million dollars for our nonprofit clients in the process.
The time I averted a complete event disaster:
They say event people are like ducks—calm on the surface but paddling like crazy under the water. That has definitely been the case in the past with many different events. But the one that stands out is when we were hosting a large corporate event and all the plumbing lines in the building backed up. We had to get our hands (literally) dirty to save the event and make sure that the client didn’t know what was going on. All they knew is that the party was a success.
My most memorable event experience in the past year:
I had the opportunity to assist with the official broadcast of the Inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., as the associate director. In this role, the director and I set up all the camera shots from over 25 cameras around the Capitol complex to create an eight-hour-long broadcast.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Get a good bookkeeper.
Impressive stats I’m responsible for:
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, our team has produced over 150 virtual events for clients. We are especially proud of our work with nonprofit groups, as we have helped them to raise over $45 million dollars.
In 2021 we produced not one but three broadcast events that were aired on television. It was a huge accomplishment for our team and took us into a completely different world of broadcast television.
Our team growth is also something I’m very proud of. In 2020 we were a team of three, and since then have grown to be a full-time team of eight. We are continuing to grow and evolve as a company, and I’m really excited for the things to come this year.
What’s next?
We are excited about the growth and repositioning that the next year will bring. We are getting ready for some major international events and other events around the country that will continue to inspire clients and guests.
What I do outside of work:
I find relaxation in spending time with friends and family outside of work. And the occasional glass of wine doesn’t hurt.
Dream vacation:
If it is a dream, then let's go around the world! Start in Madrid and then off to Dubai. Pop down to South Africa and then over to relax in the Maldives. Quick stop in Sydney and then back home and back to reality. All 4-star places—and my out-of-office turned on.
Favorite icebreaker line:
We work in D.C., so everyone's go-to is “What do you do?” So my icebreaker is literally any other question.
Connect with Whyte on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
“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.
