Get to know the team.
Larry Settembrini
Larry is a Sales Director for ReedPOP working on New York Comic Con, Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, Star Wars Celebration and UFC Fan Expo events. One of the few surviving founders of the New York Comic Con (the others mysteriously vanished from the planet) Larry started back in 2005 as part of the LaunchPad group at Reed. Since then he’s worked on a variety of show launches, his favorite being NYCC. He’s happiest when he is well fed or riding his bicycles (ideally both). If the stress of working for ReedPOP isn’t enough, Larry is a competitive Adventure Racer in which he competes in events lasting 6 – 48 hours non-stop.
Favorite Color
Blue
Rudest thing a fellow ReedPOP co-worker ever told him
During a conversation about the word awesome, he was told “You are mildly awesome”
(Kim said it)
Dream Job
Rockstar
Tag that ass!
Twitter – twitter.com/lsett
Gamertag - lsett
Email - Larry@ReedPOP.com
Jenny Martin
Jenny Martin is the marketing consultant on New York Comic Con. She's a ginger and proud of it. She enjoys movies, indie music, hiking with her dog, and karaoke video games. She'll challenge anyone to a game of Sing Star, preferably the 80’s edition. Aside from all that, she's here to make sure our exhibitors accomplish everything they want to and more at the show.
Do you have any special talents?
I make an uber-delicious chocolate chip cookie.
What is the nerdiest thing about you?
I have a Xander action figure in my cubicle. And I love it.
Stalk Me!
Twitter - twitter.com/jmartin4183
Facebook - www.facebook.com/jmartin4183
Email - Jenny@ReedPOP.com
MIKE ARMSTRONG
Mike is the Sales Manager for NYCC, C2E2, Star Wars Celebration and STGCC. When he's not working, he enjoys thinking about work and practical jokes to play on those that he works with. He also enjoys teasing portions of his really funny upcoming stand-up comedy debut. He wishes that he had more wall space to hang posters and that Larry would stop bringing such sad sandwiches to work. Mike just started playing video games again after all of these years and would love some suggestions.
Do you have any famous relatives?
Mike is not related to either Lance or Neil, but his Dad told him once that he may or may not have some distant relation to General George Armstrong Custer. This has served as motivation for Mike to wake up every day and try not to be such a disappointing failure.
What’s your favorite ReedPOP memory?
Serving as stage security for an AKB48 show at NYAF in 2009. It was difficult to look like a tough guy while I was jamming out to their tunes.
Stalk Me!
Twitter - twitter.com/armstrongmike
Last.fm - www.last.fm/armymets
Facebook - www.facebook.com/mjayarmstrong
Email - Mike@ReedPOP.com
LANCE FENSTERMAN
Lance is Group VP of Reed Pop which means he oversees the team and events on a day to day basis. He also works on business development expanding ReedPOP domestically and globally, but really, he just tries to keep himself employed so he can keep feeding his Lego obsession. He's been known to accidentally punt from the opponent's 10 in Super Tecmo Bowl, he prefers striped or argyle socks, and he's tall enough that if you recline your seat on a flight in front of him, he'll offer you hard cash not to. Speaking of flights, he flew 140,000 miles last year around the globe growing ReedPOP on all corners of the earth. He joined Reed in 2006 as a former indie bookseller.
Do you have any pets?
I have two cats that tell the funniest jokes.
What was your first job?
My first first real job was as a professional puppeteer.
Stalk Me!
Blog - www.mediumatlarge.net
Twitter - twitter.com/Lfensterman
Gamertag - SuperPants76
Email - Lance@ReedPOP.com
GREG TOPALIAN
Greg's the Senior VP of Reed Pop and the dude that conceived of New York Comic Con way back in the day. He was also the dude with the bull horn that first year screaming “disperse” as the show was overrun by fans boys and fan girls. Reed Pop has come a long way from the fertile crescent of pop culture insanity, and Greg thinks it's pretty cool to watch something he helmed grow to what it is today. He oversees the entire pop culture operation for Reed but most impressively, he's been beat but twice in Super Tecmo Bowl on the NES. Which he has in his office. And plays a lot. Greg also spends about 50% of his time making sure Lance does not get us sued. He's on top of all of the events but focuses his time particularly on PAX, PAX East, UFC Fan Expo and growing the brand around the world. He joined Reed 13 years ago in sales and even met his wife here so he guesses he owes them. What else? He's such a rabid Yankees fan that he named my son Derek, he once got to introduce Bill Clinton at an event, and his father helped invent Stove Top Stuffing. Reed Pop has a lot of great events in the works, so if you like them, Greg's the guy to thank, and if you don't, feel free to email Lance on his blog.
How many times have you seen Star Wars?
At least 343 times.
What's an SVP at Reed Pop drive?
A minivan.
Stalk Me!
Email - Greg@ReedPOP.com
BRIAN STEPHENSON
Brian is Reed Pop's minister of propaganda and resident expert on snowboarding, skateboarding, ghost hunting, sasquatch spotting, storytelling and all things related to marketing. He is the guy that makes our shows look, sound, and feel cool. Brian is proud to say that he tries to avoid real work and the real world at all costs. He loves good food, good music, and long walks through the enchanted forest. He is happiest when he is sliding down a mountain, chasing shadows in Gettysburg, PA and hanging out with his family.
What is your favorite band?
The Smashing Pumpkins
What do you fear most?
Muthaf%&$*n Snakes and Muthaf#$%&n Airplanes
Stalk Me!
Twitter - twitter.com/briansteez
Email - bstephenson@ReedPOP.com
KHAHIL “HEELS” WHITE
Khahil originally hails from Seattle Washington and works closely with our friends over at Penny Arcade in planning events, special projects, concerts, content, and the general madness that makes up the PAX shows. He has been a part of PAX as long as the show has existed, previously working as an Enforcer prior to joining the team at Reed Pop. Outside of PAX, Khahil maintains his geek street cred by posting under the moniker heels, reading, plotting evil, oh, and playing lots of video games.
Favorite game?
Starcraft
Favorite authors?
Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, and Isaac Asimov
Stalk Me!
Twitter - twitter.com/h_e_e_l_s
Email - Khahil@ReedPOP.com
BILL BUTLER
In his tenure with Reed Exhibitions, Bill has worked primarily on event launches, including a sales management role on the inaugural New York Comic Con in 2006. More recently, following Reed’s partnership with Penny Arcade, Bill accepted a position to run the exhibition sales and marketing efforts on PAX Prime (named the Fastest Growing Consumer Event of 2009 by Trade Show Week Magazine) as well as Reed Pop's PAX East in Boston. Putting customer service at the forefront, Bill has earned the trust of the gaming industry and the outlook and expectation for our future PAX events is very strong. When not working, Bill enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, riding one of his many bicycles, watching boxing and UFC, rooting on his beloved New York Yankees and Giants and -- of course -- playing video games. While Bill has enough recent XBOX and Wii titles to fill a PAX console freeplay room, his true love for classic gaming was recently acknowledged through his recent induction into New England Chapter of Super Tecmo Bowl Enthusiasts.
How many years have you been at Reed?
Eight.
What's your title?
Director of Sales & Industry Development
Stalk Me!
Gamertag - BUTZNUTZZ
Email - Bill@ReedPOP.com
PETER TATARA
Peter oversees the panels, screenings, special events, guests, concerts, contests, and all the other wibbily-wobbily stuff outside of the show floors at New York Comic Con, the New York Anime Festival, C2E2, and Star Wars Celebration. He's left handed, a vegetarian, and his blood type is A. He likes cartoons, cashews, penguins, rice cookers, NPR, Doctor Who, and the New York Rangers. He dislikes Sylvia Plath. His previous goal in life was to meet Alan Alda. Which happened last year. He's current goal is to become a published novelist. And completely whore his book at NYCC. (Just a head's up, Lance.)
Where do you live?
New York City
What's your favorite vacation spot?
New York City
Stalk Me!
Blog - giantrobotsfightinggod.com
Twitter - twitter.com/petertatara
Gamertag - MurdersaurusNYC
Email - Peter@ReedPOP.com
KIM MUELLER
Kim Mueller is Programming Manager behind the New York Comic Con, New York Anime Festival, and C2E2. In other words, she actually does most of the work. Up to her neck in guest outreach, Artist Alley, Kids Day, and so, so much more, Kim’s creates Reed Pop’s ten ring circuses – and then keeps ‘em running on (or close to) schedule. Kim’s a Lost fan and knows way too much about the show, but her Lost knowledge and general pop culture fixation both take a back seat to her first love. Cats. Her cube’s decked out in cat photos, cat calendars, and cat doodles… At times, the team worries about her.
What did you major in?
Drama
What's it like working next to Larry Settembrini?
Remember kindergarten?
Stalk Me!
Twitter - twitter.com/NYCCKIM
Email - Kim@ReedPOP.com
Brian Bernstein
I graduated from Springfield College and worked in the Fitness industry for 10 years before coming to Reed Exhibitions. I have been working at Reed Since 2002 and I am one of the founding members of the UFC® Fan Expo. I have competed in athletics all my life. In my past I have played footbalI, competed in bodybuilding and boxing so I am very happy to work on events that I am passionate about.
When I am not working, I enjoy working out, watching the UFC®/WEC®, 
cheering for the Colts, watching movies, and hanging out with my dog, Shayna.
Yes, I did have long hair…lol!
What is your favorite cheat meal?
Pizza from Sally's Pizza in New Haven.
What one celebrity would you most like to hang out with for a day?
Dana White
Stalk Me!
Email - bbernstein@ReedPOP.com
Danielle Vastola
Danielle Vastola is the director of marketing for Star Wars Celebration, UFC® Fan Expo.
Unlike Kim, Danielle hates cats and prefers to stay as far from Kim's cube as possible.
She has worked at Reed for over five years, but when she's not in the office, she enjoys shopping, working out, going to the beach, and watching UFC®/WEC® fights...and teeny bopper reality shows on MTV.
Danielle has also become known for quoting lines from movies such as The Hangover, Office Space, and Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter is Dead throughout her work day.
What did you major in?
Business & Management
What's it like having an office next to Bill Butler?
Do you mean when he's not playing video games in there?
Stalk Me
Facebook - www.facebook.com/DanielleVastola
Email - Danielle@ReedPOP.com
Mark Fitch
Mark is an Account Executive with the New York Comic Con, New York Anime Festival, and the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. His connection is obvious—with real sales blood in his veins and a powerful exhibitor list, he is always trying to create a great customer experience. He looks carefully at the products, the people, and the ethics to characterize a balanced exhibitor floor that's right for our events. Do not confuse his excitement and enthusiasm (as he plays 311 operator) for recklessness, it's only a mask for his talent and guts.
Likes: comics, graphic novels, business publications, video games, all things Apple, BBQ, nonsensical humor like watching publicly intoxicated people, old BMWs, being outdoors with the family and playing with the kids.
What are you reading now?
- DAR Vol I&II by Erika Moen
- Cla$$war by Rob Williams and Trevor Hairsine
- The Littlest Bitch by Quinn, Davis, and Devereaux
- anything by Scott McKain or Larry Winget
- Wilson by Daniel Clowes
- WIRED and Roundel magazines
What was one of your biggest mistakes in life?
Either buying a car site unseen or telling a District Attorney I had two weeks vacation time left.
What are some of your next goals?
Hmmm. Vicariously via my two sons, be able to successfully moon walk now the new game Michael Jackson: The Experience is out. Get better at first person shooter games. Help expand the ReedPOP brand and portfolio. Get better at realizing great opportunities are far and few between—good times.
Stalk Me
Email - Mark@ReedPOP.com
Kristin Heise
As the Community Coordinator, Kristin's domain stretches across all of Reed Pop's social media channels, volunteer and retailer programs. Additionally, she collaborates on special projects with the Marketing, Sales and Programming teams. Consider her Ancient Rome at its most diverse and frightening.
Kristin pairs her sunny disposition with a fierce determination to streamline and spread the news about upcoming events, and motivate the masses to the show. She also has a tendency to practice corporate parkour (or "corpour") when given copious amounts of caffeine.
When Kristin isn't working, she channels her inner nomad by exploring domestic and international cities as much as possible. Given her petite stature, she is also one of the few people who can sit in front of Lance on long flights (and survive). When she is home-bound, you can find her watching documentaries, reading, cartooning, telling stories, baking and playing video games.
Hidden talent
After breaking my right arm at age 7, I had to be in traction for a month. The nurses wheeled a Nintendo game system around the pediatric ward, but they wouldn't let me play because I couldn't apply pressure to my arm. So I trained myself to play Nintendo games with my right foot, thus jumpstarting my gaming obsession…and drop-kicking habit.
What's it like working with Milton?
OMFG...zombies...
Childhood dream job:
2-D animator
Favorite comic:
Calvin and Hobbes
(un)stalk me!
Twitter - twitter.com/henchling
Email - kristin@ReedPOP.com
Milton Montaque
I'm the eBusiness Manager here at Reed Exhibitions. Basically that means I lead the Reed Exhibitions eBusiness Specialist team, and I design/build/run all of the ReedPOP websites that we do in Norwalk (C2E2, NYAF, NYCC, Star Wars Celebration, all of the UFC Fan Expos, and this ReedPOP site). I joined Reed in 2007 and I've been doing the Pop thing ever since.
Ok enough about that…on to the good stuff. I get my geek card first and foremost for being a gamer. I'm currently playing a combo of Fable III and Mass Effect 2. Also I'm a TV/movie/anime/comic fanboy. Besides my geekness, I love to travel, listen to music and cook.
…and like Brian, I had long hair too.
Best video game ever
…anything Zelda…yes anything
What's it like to work with Kristin?
You mean Heise?? It's great to have someone who is equally afraid of zombies as I am, and yet is compelled to constantly watch zombie movies…
Stalk Me!
Twitter – twitter.com/kaifire7
Gamertag (and PSN) – kaifire7
Email – Milton@ReedPOP.com
Jackie Williams
Jackie is a Marketing Manager, trendsetter and pop culture goddess who works on New York Comic Con, New York Anime Festival and the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2). She knows what it's all about and passes that on to the look and feel of our shows.
Hailing from the land of the Skins and Caps (DC), Jackie has swagger, creativity, a voice that doesn't need a microphone and a personalized koozie in her purse at all times (you never know when the need arises).
She spends her time away from the ReedPOP world jumping for joy when it's Tuesday and Glee is on, cheering on sparkling vampires and hiding under blankets when Ghost Hunters gets too scary. She also enjoys traveling the east coast to visit family and friends.
Tell us about your latest tattoo:
I'm proud to say that I was the first person ever to get a tattoo at C2E2.
Finish this sentence: When I visit my family I travel by ____
This time by car. Last time by train. The time before that by plane. I wish I could just click my heels together, say "there's no place like home" and be there. It's just not that easy.
Who is better as a superhero: Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man or Christian Bale as Batman?
Robert Downey Jr. has the entertaining personality. Christian Bale's badassness glares on the screen. RDJ wins house. CB wins vehicles. Tie on flying. Touch choice. RDJ wins with the facial hair.
Stalk Me!
Twitter - twitter.com/jackiewilliams
Email - jackie@ReedPOP.com
MK Nagurney
MK is ReedPOP's programming coordinator for New York Comic Con and C2E2. She's best known for her bone crushing hugs, her tendency to trip over her own feet, and her inclination to break out into song and dance at random times in random places. MK insists on watching scary movies and making Brian tell her ghost stories even though they scare the sweet bejeezes out of her. She's a big scaredy-cat and people come from far and wide (far being one floor up and wide being down the hall) to play mean tricks to frighten her. She's currently plotting multiple acts of revenge.
MK is at her happiest when she's eating grilled cheese, hugging something or someone, playing with glitter, or entertaining her crushes on fictional characters like Disney's Aladdin or Kermit the Frog.
What's your favorite color?
Sparkly!
What is something not a lot of people know about you?
I only do my laundry during daylight hours. Everyone knows that dark basements are favored sites of evil convergence. That ghost/monster/homicidal maniac isn't going to get me, NO SIRREE!
Which ReedPOP team member do you trust the most?
Peter or Lance. Cause they wear glasses. You can always trust a man in glasses. Unless he's wearing them crooked. Then you run.
Stalk Me!
Twitter - twitter.com/MKatLovesYou
Email - MK@ReedPOP.com
Colleen Griffin
Colleen Griffin is the ferociously savvy Marketing Manager of UFC Fan Expo and Star Wars Celebration. Having been with both shows since their inception, she has a weighty, perceptive knowledge of the brands and works to create an explosion of pop culture madness surrounding the events.
Don't let her mellow smile fool you. This Massachusetts native is tough as nails. She bleeds Patriots blue and anyone who thinks it wise to talk junk should reconsider – she's also an avid boxer-in-training who will gladly knock the naysayers on their a$%es. That being said, she spends her specks of free time away from ReedPOP traveling, shopping, and watching Mad Men, Jersey Shore & Dexter.
Favorite memory from a UFC Fan Expo?
Being the security guard for Chuck Liddell's cell phone while it charged in the back of the exhibit hall... I got to sit in a chair keeping an eye on his cell while everyone else ran around working!
If you could dress as any Star Wars character to the Celebration VI, who would you be?
An ewok
Stalk Me!
Email - colleen@ReedPOP.com
Tom Fagan
Tom is the Consigliere for the ReedPOP group, meaning that he has the privilege of working across the portfolio of ReedPOP events – looking for new ideas, new shows and concepts.
New events for ReedPOP are concepts that allow communities of fans to come together in an experiential setting to celebrate their passion. We are constantly looking at events that exist (or that could exist).
Do you have an idea about one of our existing shows? Maybe a show idea that you think we should launch? Or maybe you've been to a good show this year and wonder if ReedPOP might be interested in working with the current event producer?
If you have a great event idea and want to talk about it – send me a note, or give me a call. We may not launch every idea that comes our way – but we will investigate every one of them!
What's it like working with the ReedPOP group?
This is a group of intensively focused professionals that work day to day on projects that they feel passionate about. This team, they are fans and players – they get as excited about our events as anyone that is out there on the show floor. I love working with a group that cares this much as about the fans and our events.
Stalk Me!
Email - tfagan@reedexpo.com