Spotlight Series: Chris DeMoulin

Chris DeMoulin is a lifelong nerd whose 35-year business journey brought him fulltime to Los Angeles Comic Con in 2018. He started in advertising out of college, then moved to LA to work for Disney managing their licensing business in 1994. This being LA, after Disney Chris spent 6 years in the movie business, handling marketing and publicity for the company that made "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," "Ray," "Bridge to Terabithia" and other films grossing over $2B, then spent 10 years in the trade show business running events such as MAGIC and the Licensing Expo. Today he oversees the annual gathering of fans that is Los Angeles Comic Con, welcoming 125,000+ nerds to South Park every year to celebrate all things pop culture. Highlights -- getting to work with Stan Lee for 5 years, and meet all 4 hobbits at last year's Con.

Los Angeles has many diverse neighborhoods, and you’ve chosen to invest here. Why The Social District?

We're fortunate to have a world class event facility, the Los Angeles Convention Center, i South Park. We launched L.A. Comic Con there in 2011, and can't imagine any other place as our home.

When you’re not working, what do you love to do in The Social District?

So much! The events at Crypto.com Arena, restaurants and shows at L.A. Live and Peacock Plaza, just strolling the streets looking for new restaurants or shops, or enjoying a little break in one of the many neighborhood parks.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of The Social District in the next 5-10 years? What are your hopes and aspirations for the community?
South Park is the entertainment hub of Los Angeles, and the LA creative community leads the world. I'd like to see more world-class destination events centered in South Park around the LACC and L.A. Live which celebrate the creative arts on LA.

How are you a part of shaping the future of The Social District?

Los Angeles Comic Con is proud to be held in South Park, and every year we bring 125,000+ fans into the district to express themselves and celebrate culture. That helps shine a big spotlight on one of LA's best neighborhoods. In a small way, me personally being a part of the BID Board helps me see ways to contribute to the vitality and the personality of the district.

The Social District hosts a lot of events, from awards shows to sporting events to concerts. What’s an event you’d want front row seats to attend and where in The Social District would you go before or after the big event?

The Grammys aren't just an awards show, but also a galactically amazing concert. Front row at the Grammys, please, with a late dinner afterwards at Fleming's or Katsuya!