Peter Kohlmann, Bio

With more than two decades of event production, neighborhood image marketing and development, Peter Kohlmann formed PEKO productions in June 2000. His company specializes in developing and producing large scale events, creating marketing strategies and promotional programs and providing strategic planning services for a myriad of clients whose projects require original concepts, creativity and efficient management.

Mr. Kohlmann has an extensive background in public service and has a special interest in using his production skills as a resource in community development and support for cause-related projects. He has worked with corporate and not for profit companies seeking his help creating and presenting community oriented signature programs and events. He also has vast experience at managing complicated government programs and special projects. In working with clients, the PEKO team is always composed of some of the best professionals in the business. In recognition of his work, Mr. Kohlmann was inducted into the Biz Bash Hall of fame in 2004.

PEKO has an eclectic client base representing many prominent organizations. Recently, PEKO was engaged to develop and produce the 100th Anniversary program for the Boy Scouts of America/Greater New York Council in 2010; and worked with the environmental organization 350.org on a complex media event in Times Square focusing on its Climate Action Day. PEKO is also working with the Fashion Center Business Improvement District to develop a new signature event and has recently produced major projects for the Metropolitan Opera, The Tony Awards and Bloomberg for Mayor.

Among the more notable PEKO projects have been the development and production of the New York Times “The Great Read in the Park” and “The Great Children’s Read” – a celebration of books featuring live entertainment and readings attended by more than 25,000 guests. In cooperation with the Downtown Brooklyn Alliance, PEKO developed and produced the acclaimed public art installation designed by artist Paul St. George – The Telectroscope, an interactive transcontinental experience. For Save the Children, PEKO produced a live sixty-minute 75th Anniversary show featuring Presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush, and for the Save Darfur Coalition a concert in Central Park attended by more than 25,000 supporters.

PEKO produces one of New York City’s largest outdoor winter festivals for the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District attended by over 15,000 people and held in more than a dozen venues. CultureFest, a signature event for NYC & Company featuring 100 of the City’s major cultural organizations was created and produced by PEKO.

Mr. Kohlmann has had the honor of producing and creating some of New York City’s once-in-a-life time events. For the City’s Olympic Bid Committee NYC2012, he coordinated the multifaceted four-day visit of the International Olympic Committee and was responsible for managing a multi-million dollar budget as well as creating an organization of more than 200 staff to facilitate the visit. For the 2004 Host Committee Mr. Kohlmann directed the operations, managing a $10 million budget and working with a multitude of City agencies, vendors and staff. After 9/11, PEKO produced in cooperation with the Mayor’s Office and the U.S. Congress, a Special Commemorative Joint Session of Congress in New York’ Federal Hall.

The Back Story

Immediately prior to establishing PEKO Productions, Mr. Kohlmann was the Vice President of Marketing and Special Events for the Times Square Alliance (TSA), the business improvement district that was created by the property owners in Times Square to improve and enhance this world-famous entertainment district. As one of the founding employees of TSA, Mr. Kohlmann created many of the TSA’s marketing and promotional programs, events, public relations strategies and tourism initiatives – all of which contributed to the dramatic improvement of the neighborhood. During his tenure, the neighborhood witnessed a dramatic turnaround – which was heralded by The New York Times as “one of the greatest examples of urban reclamation in the world.”

While at TSA, Mr. Kohlmann developed and produced Times Square’s major events including Broadway on Broadway, the annual Broadway music extravaganza attended by more than 50,000 theatre lovers; Taste of Times Square, an outdoor food festival enjoyed by 15,000 people; and of course, New Year’s Eve in Times Square, the annual celebration attended by more then 750,000 people and viewed by hundreds of millions of people on television and via the Internet.

Mr. Kohlmann was also Executive Producer and creator of Times Square 2000, which was attended by two million people and viewed by billions on television around the world. The 24-hour $5 million celebration was one of the largest millennium events in the world and was the highlight of his eight-year tenure at TSA.

Prior to joining the BID, Mr. Kohlmann was one of the producers of the 20th Anniversary of Earth Day in New York City, which included a concert in Central Park. Following the Gulf War in 1991, he produced one of the country’s largest welcome home celebrations. Troops from all the allied nations paraded up lower Broadway through tons of ticker tape. For his work, Mr. Kohlmann received a civilian war medal from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Mr. Kohlmann began his career in the first administration of Mayor Edward I. Koch and continued to work for the Mayor in various positions, including Advance Man and Assistant to the Mayor, through 1989. During his association with the City, he was involved in many projects and events and served as the Mayor’s liaison to Mother Teresa.

For more information, contact Peter Kohlmann at peter@PEKOcreative.com.