ImPACKful Productions

There is power in the shared experience. 

In an age where connection often comes through the screen, there is nothing more comforting, inspiring or affirming than the power of the shared in-person experience. Allin Foulkrod ’92 recognized this early in life and founded the event production company Creative Visions from his Metcalf dorm room in 1989. 

“Thirty five years later, Allin is an industry leader and an award-winning strategic event producer who has poured countless hours into elevating special events at NC State,” said Ellen Klingler, assistant vice chancellor for University Special Events and Experiences. 

For outstanding contributions to his chosen profession, his community and his alma mater, the NC State Alumni Association recently honored Foulkrod with the Meritorious Service Award. With this accolade, he joins an honored group whose members have reached the pinnacle of Wolfpack alumni achievement and engagement.  

He has become an inspiration and a mentor for many Wolfpack alumni and friends.”

Ellen Klingler

Assistant vice chancellor for University Special Events and Experiences

“He has become an inspiration and a mentor for many Wolfpack alumni and friends. His commitment to fostering a sense of pride and unity has been felt at events in every corner of NC State, from the annual Watauga Medal Celebration to building dedications, panel discussions, the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign celebrations, and Red and White Night,” said Klingler.

Extraordinary Events

Over the course of his career, Foulkrod has produced events in more than 15 countries, overseeing productions at iconic venues including the UNESCO World Heritage site Château de Versailles in France, the 13th-century Hofburg Imperial Palace in Austria and the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia. He has earned the globally recognized professional designation of Certified Special Event Producer and received multiple international and regional awards on behalf of Creative Visions. 

In 2017, the company’s work on NC State’s Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign kickoff gala garnered the prestigious International Live Event Association’s “Best Event for a Nonprofit Over $150,000” award.  

The event was ambitious, innovative and compelling, integrating cutting-edge technology that included LED walls and dynamic projection screens, along with personal stories and high impact presenters. It closed with a pyrotechnic-flanked performance by country music star, and former NC State student, Scotty McCreery.

“Feedback I received was that everyone in attendance was impressed, and it helped elevate their thinking about NC State,” said Foulkrod in a 2017 press release. “This will encourage friends of NC State to support the university through the successful completion of the campaign.”

By the time the Think and Do the Extraordinary campaign closed at the end of December  2021, it had rocketed past the $1.6 billion goal, raising over $2.1 billion from 128,000 donors around the world. The funds are – and will continue to be – used to support students through scholarships and fellowships, athletics, outreach programs and more; to attract and retain talent through endowed distinguished professorships, and to improve and expand infrastructure, among other goals. 

Impact Beyond NC State

Foulkrod is “deeply committed to making a positive difference in his community,” said Klingler. “Whether through philanthropic initiatives, volunteer work or advocacy efforts, he consistently demonstrates his dedication to creating a better world for all. By leveraging his platform and resources, he inspires others to join him in his mission of affecting meaningful change and leaving a lasting impact on society,” she said.

Whether through philanthropic initiatives, volunteer work or advocacy efforts, he consistently demonstrates his dedication to creating a better world for all.”

Ellen Klingler

Assistant vice chancellor for University Special Events and Experiences

“Overall, his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to mentorship, community-building and social impact serve as a guiding light for others, empowering them to realize their full potential and contribute positively to the world around them,” Klingler added.

Foulkrod has served on the boards of Friends of Arts NC State, the Wake Tech Community College Foundation and was a co-founder and organizer with the Triangle Leadership Foundation. In 2009, he became a founding member of the faith-based equine therapy program Hope Reins, which pairs mentors and rescued horses with trauma-affected children. The program, now situated on a 38-acre Triangle area ranch, has helped over 2,000 children.

Foulkrod has been leading from an early age when he served as president of DECA, a national student group whose mission is to develop entrepreneurs and marketing professionals. During that time he attended and spoke at more than 100 events. 

His first client had enough confidence in his abilities and drive that she hired him as an undergraduate before he had even named his company. Foulkrod went on to share his skills as a faculty member with Duke Continuing Studies. In 2017, he was one of 60 people worldwide invited to a four-day program at Harvard Business School, where he earned a certificate in Governing for Nonprofit Excellence, attending on a full scholarship as part of the Harvard 100, a leadership development program.

In early 2021, he co-founded the consulting firm Pinnacle Business Coach to help others sharpen their leadership and communication skills. 

“He is a seasoned presentation coach, sharing his expertise with elected officials, CEOs and University administrators across the state,” said Klingler. “But he is also dedicated to sharing his expertise and experiences with event producers and communications teams across campus to push their creative boundaries and use live events more strategically to elevate NC State as a whole.”

To that end, Foulkrod and his wife, Barbara, recently created the Foulkrod-Klingler Special Events and Experiences Endowment to support professional development activities for the Office of University Special Events and Experiences staff in perpetuity, cementing what Klingler calls “a legacy that will pay it forward to the university in myriad ways.”