About NOLA MusiCon

Since relocating to the New Orleans area over seven years ago, Melissa O’Brien has produced a range of music-focused events alongside NOLA MusiCon, including NOLA MusicTech, a conference exploring the intersection of music and technology. Prior to that, she spent more than two decades at South by Southwest Conferences & Festivals, ultimately served as Head of the SXSW Music Conference from 2012 to 2017. Melissa is actively involved in media production as the co-owner of Five 24 Productions. She is a professional member of the Recording Academy, and for the past several years, has supported the Folk Alliance International Conference as Programming Coordinator.

Kirk O’Brien is a veteran media and event producer with over three decades of experience capturing the rhythm and spirit of cultural storytelling. As the co-owner of New Orleans-based Five24 Productions, Kirk has spent his career at the intersection of music and media, bringing an artist’s perspective to every project he leads. His extensive portfolio spans the full experiential spectrum—from the strategic development of OTT networks and producing original series showcasing arts and culture, to executing the intense logistics of live music events. The foundation of Kirk’s creative vision is rooted in his life as a musician. He remains sonically active as the owner and operator of “The Shop,” his recording studio in the greater New Orleans area. This dual perspective—as both a producer and artist—gives Kirk a resonant approach to media and event production that is as technically precise as it is authentically inspired.

Dericka Miller is the founder of Story Arc Collective, where she specializes in helping brands, entrepreneurs, and creators turn narratives and numbers into clear positioning, compelling stories, and aligned offers. With a keen ability to infuse creative storytelling into her marketing and finance strategies, Dericka has assisted over 15 industries, brands, and non-profits in establishing unique online presences and solid financial positions while amplifying awareness of their missions, visions, and causes. For over 10 years, she has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their brand identity and financial strategies. Her passion for the fundamentals of business, marketing, and finance flourished during her college years, leading her to realize that creative storytelling can significantly enhance communication and finances across both personal and professional contexts. This insight led her to align her expertise and passion to help brands, entrepreneurs, and creators improve their operations, expand their online presence, and navigate the current shift in marketing and finance, using storytelling as the key.