Meet Our Team
See the experience, feel the joy
Michelle Metter
Partner and CEO
Michelle is a nationally recognized leader in event production, business strategy, and brand innovation. With 26 years of experience spanning event launches, sales, marketing, operations, and logistics, she has built Fast Forward into one of the most respected event production firms in the industry. Under her leadership, the company has driven the success of large-scale festivals, trade shows, and conferences, shaping the future of live experiences. A sought-after keynote speaker and industry expert, Michelle is frequently featured in trade publications and panels, sharing insights on event growth, stakeholder engagement, and industry trends. She plays an active role in shaping the event industry’s future through her leadership positions, serving as a board member for SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers), where she chairs multiple committees, an ex-officio board member for IAEE (International Association of Events & Expositions) and chair of the Public Events Council, a board member of the San Diego Events Coalition (SDEC), and a board member of the San Diego Tourism Authority, one of the largest Convention and Visitor Bureaus in the US. Michelle holds a WSET Level 2 certification in wine and spirits and is a lecturer on event production at San Diego State University.
WHAT BRINGS ME JOY:
My family, my team, travel, martinis, yoga, hiking, running, stinky cheese, coffee, scuba diving
Ken Loyst
Partner and COO
Ken is a seasoned operations and event production executive with over 40 years of experience in event launches, large-scale logistics, and strategic vendor management. As the COO of Fast Forward, he has been instrumental in driving the company’s reputation as a leader in festival, trade show, and conference production. A former producer of one of the nation’s top 200 trade shows, Ken is the architect behind Fast Forward’s operations strategy, overseeing vendor partnerships, contract negotiations, and large-scale event logistics. His expertise in event launches and operational execution ensures that every Fast Forward event—from premier industry trade shows to high-profile food and wine festivals—is executed with precision, efficiency, and innovation. Beyond operations, Ken plays a pivotal role in the creative development of new event concepts, leveraging his four decades of industry experience to bring bold, successful experiences to life. He also holds a WSET Level 2 certification in wine and spirits.
WHAT BRINGS ME JOY:
My pups, gardening, San Diego Food + Wine
Think you’re one of us?
From Wellness Wednesdays to our Field Research Program, Floyd our Flying Pig, catered taco lunches, furry team members Annabelle and Pearl, life at Fast Forward is anything but ordinary. Take a look… we may be hiring!
Think you’re one of us?
From Wellness Wednesdays to our Field Research Program, Floyd our Flying Pig, catered taco lunches, furry team members Annabelle and Pearl, life at Fast Forward is anything but ordinary. Take a look… we may be hiring!