From ideation to event activation
We are experiential and execution experts. Our team of event management connoisseurs keep our satisfied and loyal client base coming back. We are dedicated to bringing your vision into fruition – with stellar design, strategic conception-to-execution planning, and unparalleled attention-to-detail. No matter what, our projects are always on time, on budget, and on point.
the FM Process
Strategy
Our process begins with a strategy session with our team to discuss goals, budget, timelines and the overall vision
Design
Our team of event curators formulate an entire design scheme, handle the logistics, and craft a seamless experience that aligns with the client’s vision.
Refine
During this stage we confer with the client to solidify and refine last minute details, and to ensure the event is unfolding the way that the client imagined.
execute
This is where vision and hard work comes into fruition. The end result: a fully loaded event production experience that guests are sure to never forget.
EVENT INNOVATORS
We specialize in immersive brand experiences
We provide executive-level client services by creating unforgettable experiences. We’ve successfully done just that for many of our clients – ranging from small, intimate experiences to vast spaces and large events that is sure to fit your budget, brand, and vision.
What we offer
Top-Notch Execution
We understand that events are time consuming financial investments. We have successfully managed more than 500 event experiences for our clients by connecting both strategy and design with innovative technology to drive brands and businesses forward. Our results continue to bring in consistent, repeat, and long-term business. Click on the services listed below to learn more about what we do.
Make Your Next Event Pop!
Let us do the heavy lifting. literally. book a strategy sessionjoin our email listThe proof is in the production
Creative Curation
Evok BEPrint Tour | Mixer & Workshop
This 2-day event centered on new life transformation service for women – by women. We garnered hundreds of emails, sold merchandise and shared the overview of the service with a room full of supporters. This event spanned across 5 cities.
Elegance Remixed
General Motors | NCAA | Shadow League Mixer
In 2017, we brought music, sports and more than 400 car enthusiasts together to revel in the luxury of the brand new GM Buick Lacrosse.
Hi, I’m Nina Payne!
In 2000, Foundation Management, LLC, was birthed as an Artist & Event Management Company. With pure focus and drive, FMLLC quickly grew from a single LLC to a company managing more than 20 independent contractors – grabbing the attention of national artist management and event companies across the map.
I’ve also spearheaded event productions for General Motors, Detroit Police Department, Buick, Detroit Public Safety Foundation, Detroit Grand Prix, Delta, Shell, ASAE Conference, City of Detroit, Chene Park, EvokLife, DAPCEP, and many more.I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world and collaborate with some amazing talent in the areas of Artist, Road, Tour, Project, Production and Event Management. I’ve worked with a bevy of powerhouse artists such as KEM, Vickie Winans, Anthony Hamilton, Avery Sunshine, Anthony Anderson, Jay Moss, Ledisi, Steve Harvey, Nephew Tommy, Dorinda Clark, along with a host of many local, up-and-coming rising stars
Our Clients Trust Us
Explore more of our events
Our visual brand experiences have helped us to generate high client retention rates through high quality execution and word-of-mouth initiatives. This serves as the core of our success and can be highly attributed to our unparalleled strategy, partnerships, production, technology innovation, and dedicated staff.
Dilla Youth Day
Overview: An event designed around the Super Producer JDilla to expose youth to STEM education by using music, interactive projects, poetry, break dancing, cyphers, etc to get their attention.
Results: Dilla Youth Day has created a brand that is the only one of it’s kind in the country and has impacted the lives of over 20,000 youth and adults in the last 7 years.
Mack and Third
Overview: A signature fundraising event for Motown Recording Artist KEM – to help the homeless and hungry communities by celebrating life through music.
Results: The first event brought out 20,000 attendees, over 75 days. The community was in need of a celebrity to step up and give back to the city of Detroit. The second event grew by 300%, with more than 60,000 attendees, and 1800 meals served.
ASAE Conference
Overview: This annual conference that moves from city to city, focuses on sharing information regarding the event industry. provided project management and transportation logistics for 5 days.
Results: Organizing transportation for all 180,000 attendees was a challenge. But we were able to develop and execute a system that simulated the MDOT pickup strategy; for more than 180,000 attendees. This included multiple pickups and drop-offs at hotels, the airport and main conference venue. We contracted 92 buses and over 14 different bus companies.
United Shore Event Staffing Support
Overview: United Shore throws the best events for their staff. US hired FMLLC to provide Event Support and consulting at three of their annual events; Carnival, Leadership Retreat and the US Annual Staff Holiday Party.
Results: With a team of 26 Staff, FMLLC Scanned almost 4000 Employees using a new electronic check-in scanners within 1 hour and 30 mins while also providing drink tickets and wristbands to the United Shore Signature Holiday Event.
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Above and Beyond Awards
Overview: One of 4 signature events for the Detroit Public Safety Foundation, A&B is an amazing event that focuses on honoring women and men of the Detroit Police and Detroit Fire that have gone over the call of duty to keep the citizens of Detroit safe.
Results: FM is contracted each year to produce this event where we honor over 30+ Men and Women with Medals of Valor and Purple Hearts in front of their families.
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The Detroit Grand Prix
Overview: The iconic annual event turns Belle Isle Park into a race track and welcomes 50K attendees over it’s 3-day weekend. We managed the logistics so that people can move safely on and off the island
Results: We were able to successfully transport all attendees, employees and vendors to and from their vehicles without any incidents. This effort required 58 buses, 18 bus companies and 14 Parking lots.
Detroit Rocks the Runway
Overview: This signature event within the Charles H. Wright African World Festival showcases some of Detroit’s best designers, models and music.
Results: Detroit Rocks the Runway has become an anticipated event that welcomes a variety of models, photographers, designers and makeup artists. The veterans teach the newcomers. The event offers workshops and training leading up to the event for new models that may not fit into the “typical industry look”.
Let an experienced team help
Years of Experience
Clients Served
Event Experiences
Our Team
At Foundation Management, we understand we are only as good as the sum of our parts. Our amazing team of hardworking, creative, and driven curators are what separates us from the rest of the competition. We band together rain or shine, no matter how complex the task may be – to get it done. Meet the squad below. #squadgoals
founder & ceo
The visionary and fearless leader of the bunch. She is always on the move making sure she is going the extra mile for her clients. 24 hours is never enough time for all that she does.
Strategic Partnership coordinator
With a seasoned background in massage, sales, and events -she’s never met a stranger and always adds the perfect touch when cultivating connections.
operations COORDINATOR
This educator may be new to the team, but she’s no stranger to putting her strong attention-to-detail and organizational skills to great use. And she always does it with a smile on her face and a good cup of Joe in hand.
EVENT LEAD
This self-proclaimed foodie is able to perfectly balance a client base that’s as diverse as her food palette.
event LEAD
This musician may cook up hot dishes in the kitchen, but his management style creates the perfect recipe for a productive run-of-show.
Production cOORDINATOR
She’s all about the “lights, camera, action!” Like, literally. Her native language is technology and she speaks it quite fluently as she creatively leads in this area.
Content Manager
She may analyze insightful metrics and best practices by day, but she’s the ultimate roller derby queen by night.
marketing & social media coordinator
When she’s not saving the world, one engaging post at a time, she’s generating exposure in other ways.
Client Testimonials
For more than 20 years, we've been able to foster long-term partnerships and relationships with a diverse roster of clients through referral-based efforts. Our quality of work and passion truly speaks volumes and helps to keep our clients coming back to fulfill their events-based needs. But, don't take our word for it.
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Dana Harvey
Marketing Director
Great Lakes Crossing -
Patti Kukula
Executive Director
Detroit Public Foundation -
Charlie Beckham
Retired, Executive
The City of Detroit
Dana Harvey | Marketing Director | Great Lakes Crossing
Through my first hand experience in working with Nina and her team at Foundation Management over the past 10 years, I can truly say they are the exception when it comes to superior event management and production. From client accommodations, planning, logistics and execution, no detail is missed. Nina puts maximum effort on producing stellar events and ensuring her clients are completely satisfied. ![](https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.71.97/9jm.1f8.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ice_screenshot_20200112-225447-e1578851750320.png")
Patti Kukula | Executive Director | Detroit Public Foundation
Nina Payne is the first person I think of when I need to get something done the right way. Whether the event is small or large scale her and her team handle all the details. I can now enjoy the event with our guests and not worry about behind the scenes. 
Charlie Beckham | Retired, Executive| The City of Detroit
Foundation Management, led by Nina Payne, is one of the premier event management and production
companies in metro Detroit! While performing my "one man's autobiographical play last year, Foundation Mgmt's production assistance literally brought the play to life to the delight of the packed house! Outstanding Production work!
Take the first step. Fill out the form below today!
Join our team.
We have a passion to provide future team members with opportunities to experience all aspects of the professional events industry while earning a competitive wage. Our hope is that the skills that are learned as an FMLLC team member are transferable to any industry and in return results in a more impactful ecosystem and community.
Our Open Positions
EVENT SUPPORT STAFF
We are seeking experienced, motivated, and dependable event support staff for 2020! We have some exciting opportunities for those seeking contractual work and we are looking to grow our team. We are building a team who is excited about providing an over the top customer service experience for our clients. Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Event set up & tear down
- General cleanup
- Signage placement
- Merchandise Sales
- Greeting guests
- Client facing responsibilities
- Registration and Check-in
- Pre Planning
- Site Visits
- Client Meetings
Traits for Success
- Dependability and punctuality
- Attention to detail
- Self motivated
- Determination to complete difficult tasks
- Positive and professional appearance
- Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
Essential Required Skills
- Exceptional Customer Service and Hospitality
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
- Working knowledge of Google Drive, DropBox, Eventbrite and spreadsheets
- Ability to work independently with little supervision, as well as part of a team
- Ability to handle varied levels of multitasking and to adapt to rapidly changing environments.
Other requirements
- Active Drivers License
- Reliable transportation
- Cell phone for work related use
- 1-2 years of event experience
Compensation $12 – $15 per hour (Based on experience)
ApplyEVENT MANAGER
We are seeking experienced, motivated, and dependable event managers for 2020! We have some exciting opportunities for those seeking contractual work and we are looking to grow our team. We are building a team who is excited about providing an over the top customer service experience for our clients. Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Event set up & tear down
- General cleanup
- Signage placement
- Merchandise Sales
- Greeting guests
- Client facing responsibilities
- Registration and Check-in
- Pre Planning
- Site Visits
- Client Meetings
Traits for Success
- Dependability and punctuality
- Attention to detail
- Self motivated
- Determination to complete difficult tasks
- Positive and professional appearance
- Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
Essential Required Skills
- Exceptional Customer Service and Hospitality
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
- Working knowledge of Google Drive, DropBox, Eventbrite and spreadsheets
- Ability to work independently with little supervision, as well as part of a team
- Ability to handle varied levels of multitasking and to adapt to rapidly changing environments.
Other requirements
- Active Drivers License
- Reliable transportation
- Cell phone for work related use
- 1-2 years of event experience
Compensation $15 – $20 per hour (Based on experience)
Apply
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
We are always in search of top-notch talent as we continue to expand our team. We are building a team of event specialists who are dedicated to providing great experiences for our diverse clientele. If this sounds like you, please submit your resume and we will review it and get back with you if we think you are a great fit.
Apply
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ABOUT
Foundation Management LLC is a full-service event management company specializing in both small and large-scale events – with “can-do” fervor and stellar results to match. We specialize in getting the job done right, the first time. We pride ourselves on offering simplistic pricing, smooth processes, and even greater experiences.
FM OFFICE
Send all inquiries to:
1420 Washington
Suite 301
Detroit, MI 48076
CONTACT
(248) 797-9311
events@fmllcevents.com
