After almost 15 years of working together traveling the world producing events in 60 countries, John Ackerman and Lisa Sanders decided to partner and Aces2Spades was born. Over the past ten years, Aces2Spades has produced a variety of events for a wide range of International clients.
John Ackerman
Technical Staging Director & Systems Designer
During his forty-year career in technical services, John has gathered expertise in a wide variety of areas, including building construction management, complex computer network design, telecommunications, A/V systems design, software development, theatrical set design, lighting systems and network systems. John began working in large scale public events and then moved into the musical touring industry, including roles in audio, lighting, logistics, and stage management. For the past 30 years, John has served as a Systems Integration Director as well as a Technical Director for hundreds of global projects ranging from corporate events, large scale museum, hotel, airportand retail installations, amusement park technology and live television and theatrical work.
John has extensive knowledge and passion for state-of-the-art technology. He has a unique understanding of all aspects of staging and how to bring the many technical, visual and scenic deliverables of an event together. John has worked on projects all over the world and has a unique understanding of how to integrate requirements for US based expectations while utilizing local resources and equipment.
A partial client list includes Electronic Arts, Milken Center for Advancement of the American Dream, Disney Television, Spotify, Dell, Intel, Westfield Group, Amgen, Volkswagen, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Deutche Bank, Verizon, Blue Man Group, Johnson Controls, Wynn Resorts, La Guardia Airport, Holland America, Activision, Rolls Royce, Museum of Natural History and Radio City Music Hall.
John’s unique ability to manage the staging, technical and content elements of an event are invaluable.His knowledge and understanding of all phases of a project allow him to be involved from the preliminary design and planning stages through final production and execution.
Lisa Sanders
Executive Producer
Lisa has managed and produced full-scale corporate events, films and videos in more than 50 countries around the world.including live keynote presentations, sales and marketing programs, partner conferences, live television performance segments, automotive dealer meetings, trade shows,virtual events, press events and celebrations of all kinds with audience sizes up to 17,000.
Along with her decades of video experience, Lisa’s live event expertise includes large-scale event budgeting and management, venue selection, permitting, venue and vendor contract negotiation, content development, technology demos, staging, set design, lighting, and securing and managing keynote speakers and headline entertainment, staffing, casting and talent management, food and beverage coordination, payroll, travel, and gift design and fulfillment.
Lisa will see your event process through from pre-production through wrap-up meetings, post-mortem reporting, and budget reconciliation.
She prides herself on bringing projects in under budget while exceeding her clients’ expectations. Lisa is able to provides peaker and talent acquisition and contract negotiation, production rider fulfillment and onsite logistical and technical support. Lisa has worked with presenters and performers including Lizzo, Maroon5, Olivia Rodrigo, Robert Redford, Blake Shelton, Zac Brown Band, Imagine Dragons, Sting, Duran Duran, Dierks Bentley, Jason Derulo, Train, Andrea Bocelli, Malcolm Gladwell, Jim Gaffigan, Brian Regan, Colin Powell, Aaron Ralston and many others.
Lisa has worked extensively for leading technology and automotive clients as well as for Fortune 500 companies of nearly every industry. Her clients include Spotify, Intel, Dell, Microsoft, FlipGrid, IBM, Electronic Arts, Hewlett-Packard, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, Volkswagen, Honda, Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Bustle Digital Group, Bell Helicopter, Kmart, Home Depot, Johnson Controls, Disney Television, ABC and National Geographic Television.
Lisa is a Southern California native who transplanted to New York in 2015... when working with her, you get the best of both coasts!
Erica Blumrosen
Technical Production Manager
Erica is a multidisciplinary creative and project manager who thrives at the intersection of creativity and technical execution. Her passion lies in translating imaginative concepts into impactful realities, whether it's designing immersive experiences, managing complex AV installations, or orchestrating large-scale events.
Her background in theatrical production and technical design, combined with expertise in project management, equips her with a unique understanding of both the artistic vision and the technical requirements needed for successful project delivery.
She is adept at building high-performing teams, fostering open communication, and strategically navigating challenges to ensure seamless execution and exceed client expectations. Erica is committed to delivering innovative solutions that not only meet technical specifications but also resonate on a deeper, emotional level, telling compelling stories that connect with audiences and achieve lasting results.
Erica has worked on commercial productions in theaters ranging from small off-broadway black boxes (selected: The Play that Goes Wrong, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Who’s Holiday) to Broadway houses (The Humans, Shuffle Along, King Charles III). She has worked with non-profit theater companies such as The Public, Waterwell (Hamlet, Blueprint Specials), and Lincoln Center (Freedom is a Constant Struggle). She has managed permanent experience and studio design/installations for companies such as Google, CAMP stores, Electronic Arts, Salesforce, and Sprint. As well as temporary LED installations for multiple Refik Anadol pieces.