The Producers
John King III, President
John King is a seasoned event planning professional with more than 15 years of practical experience in all aspects of theatrical production, logistics, and execution. He is a specialist in executing large-scale events on time & within budget.
Throughout his career, John has developed excellent relationships with unions, city agencies, and third party vendors; all of which make him an efficient & effective negotiator of contracts with vendors, facilities, and unions worldwide on behalf of Proteus' clientele.
John has produced the Real Estate Wealth Expo in over 18 cities throughout North America. He has worked with speakers such as Al Gore, Tony Robins, and Donald Trump.
John was the Director of Special Events for The Learning Annex in New York City for five years where he produced all medium to large-scale events worldwide. He was instrumental in transforming a small seminar company into an industry leader in large-scale "edutainment" events.
Prior to launching Proteus, John handled worldwide tours for performers such as Sylvia Browne, James Van Praagh, and was the Production & Stage Manager for one of the Manhattan's premier clubs, The Bottom Line.
The length, breadth, and depth of John's years of experience now combine to provide the most comprehensive and professional event management service available to current and future clients of Proteus Productions.
John holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from West Virginia University.
Jason Khaner, Vice President
Jason Khaner is a highly accomplished and versatile senior level hospitality executive with 15+ years of broad experience, which includes stints in management of country clubs, restaurants, hotel convention services, and entertainment venues.
Jason is known for delivering consistently strong financial results; often exceeding projections.
Jason's particular experience which benefit Proteus' clients include operating high-volume organizations, superior customer service, staff recruitment and training, developing unique methods for marketing services in order to boost revenue, excellent administrative skills, creative problem solving, upgrading computer systems, and training management and staff on their use, negotiation, budgeting, and expense control.
Jason's first foray into the hospitality business in New York City was as the Director of Convention Services at New York's Hotel Pennsylvania; where he was responsible for events such as the annual Vera Wang Bridal Sample Sale and The Westminster Annual Dog Show. After leaving the Hotel Pennsylvania, Jason opened & operated the now legendary waterfront restaurant and 50 slip marina, Oakland's Restaurant & Marina in Hampton Bays, NY.
Jason was most recently the East Regional Director of Catering/Food & Beverage for the American Golf Corporation. Prior to joining American Golf, Jason was employed in increasingly responsible management positions for Restaurant Associates from 1999 through 2005. He was the General Manager of Naples 45; the Director of Brasserie; General Manager of Chef's Theatre, and the Director of Cucina & Co., and Macy's Cellar Bar & Grill.
Jason has collaborated with celebrity chefs, Todd English (Olives), Tyler Florence (Food 911, Food Network), Michael Romano, Michael Lomanaco, Tom Valenti (Qwest), David Burke (Burke & Donatella), Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken (Two Hot Tamales, Food Network). Prior to joining Restaurant Associates, Jason was the General Manager of Caroline's Comedy Nation, located in Times Square in New York City.