Paxahau spreads wings, plans to use staff of about 380 for Movement

Putting on one of North America’s top techno festivals isn't a one-man or even a one-company show. That's why Paxahau plans to employ 378 people to make this year’s Movement possible.

That number crosses a lot of lines, including 75 production and staffers, 100 security personnel, 80 bartenders and food vendors, 23 ticket takers/sellers and 100 artists/entourages. And then are the people aren't really being paid, such as the 20 interns from Northwood University and 150 volunteers who will serve as everything from greeters to runners.

"Our goal by involving them (the interns) is they get acclimated to Detroit and involved," says James Canning, a spokesman for Movement.

That's just for Memorial Day weekend. Paxahau is expanding the festival's brand internationally, forming a partnership in Italy to create Movement Torino. "It's sort of a year-round push for Movement," Canning says.

The home grown version is doing quite well so far. Ticket sales are up significantly with 1,789 weekend passes sold as of the end of April, compared to 838 in 2008. VIP pass sales are also up over last year.

Source: James Canning, spokesman for Movement
Writer: Jon Zemke
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