From AI's Transformative Role in Event Planning to Controversial Moments at the Paris Summer Olympics, 2024 has continued to bring rapid innovation to the events industry. In this dynamic and ever-evolving space, staying ahead of the curve requires paying attention to and participating in conversations with the best of the best in events.
Today, we’re celebrating the thought leaders who are not only shaping the future of events, but also setting the standard for excellence. The 50 people continue to distinguish themselves through their creativity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to elevating the events experience.
Join us as we recognize and amplify the voices of some of our favorite events industry leaders who are making waves and inspiring their peers in the world of events. Here they are:
Julius Solaris is a trailblazer in the event technology space, known for his pioneering work and influential insights. As the founder of Boldpush, he provides strategic consulting to major event industry players. Solaris has also founded EventMB, a platform that was acquired by Skift, and his content reaches millions on LinkedIn.
Follow Solaris on LinkedIn for insights on events, marketing, and technology. From event planning frameworks and cheat sheets to the latest industry news, discover how he challenges industry norms and fosters discussions on diversity, sustainability, and more!
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Akshar Patel is an award winning event and hospitality executive. Throughout his 20 years of experience in event management, hospitality, and strategy, he has led the creation and execution of The Hospitality Show, a marquee event of hotel owners in the country, and has overseen a portfolio of 200+ events with budgets exceeding $10 million. He currently serves as Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development at eShow Event Management Solutions.
Follow Patel on LinkedIn for events and hospitality insights that can help you increase attendance, revenue and satisfaction for your events!
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Rachel Andrews has extensive experience in managing global meetings and events at Cvent. Known for her innovative approaches to event management and her ability to lead large-scale events seamlessly, Andrews offers a wealth of knowledge on international event strategies. Her contributions to the industry are marked by her deep understanding of event logistics and global coordination.
Follow Andrews on LinkedIn to gain valuable lessons in handling the complexities of global event operations. Her posts reflect deep insights into event logistics and global coordination, making her a vital resource for event professionals!
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Jonathan Kazarian leads Accelevents, a one-stop solution for managing virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, uniquely combining enterprise-grade capabilities with ease of use to streamline your event planning process. His expertise offers practical guidance for enhancing event experiences through technology.
Follow Kazarian on LinkedIn for the latest trends in event marketing, management and tech. His posts provide actionable advice on implementing innovations effectively, making him an invaluable resource for event professionals!
Kathryn Frankson's role at Money20/20 positions her at the nexus of event marketing and global finance. Her expertise in the financial sector and event marketing is evident in her successful execution of large-scale, impactful campaigns.
Follow Frankson on LinkedIn for innovative marketing techniques, the latest trends in event promotion and personal branding tips. If you like candid, authentic posts that blend entertainment and education, she is a must-follow!
Huong Nguyen, CEO and Founder of Shiloh Events, delivers captivating experiences that boost brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty. Leading a team of event professionals, she ensures high-quality results and client satisfaction. Huong leverages her expertise in digital marketing and community relations to amplify event impact through social media, content creation, and influencer outreach.
Follow Nguyen on LinkedIn for insights into creative event planning.
Mike Ferreira is an expert in simplifying meeting planning complexities. As the CEO of Meetings Made Easy, he shares practical advice on streamlining event logistics and maximizing efficiency. His extensive industry experience and straightforward approach make his posts informative and actionable.
Follow Ferreira on LinkedIn for practical advice on event planning, from hotel site selection to social media strategies. Whether you're a business owner or an event professional, his posts provide valuable tips to enhance your events.
Zoya Khan is a visionary in the events industry, co-founding AfterWork to revolutionize networking and event experiences. Her expertise lies in blending technology with human connection to create meaningful interactions at events.
Follow Khan on LinkedIn for ideas on enhancing attendee experiences and valuable insights for event planning. Get a glimpse on the behind-the-scenes of a CEO of an event tech company.
Melissa Vilders leads global event strategies for SAP, a leading technology company. Her expertise in large-scale event management and strategic planning is invaluable for event professionals aiming to elevate their event experiences.
Follow Vilders on LinkedIn for best practices in event logistics, marketing, and attendee engagement. Her posts offer comprehensive insights for high-impact event planning plus event etiquette, professionalism and work-life balance for eventprofs.
Pedro Góes, CEO of InEvent, a Y Combinator venture backed company providing an event, marketing and sales platform for Forbes 2000 Global companies, including Amazon, Coca-Cola, KPMG, Santander, Unilever, Boeing, Embraer and Citibank. His expertise in virtual and hybrid event platforms is evident in his practical advice on leveraging technology to enhance event experiences.
Follow Góes on LinkedIn for the latest trends in event technology. His forward-looking approach makes him a key influencer in the industry.
Liz Lathan co-founded The Community Factory to foster community-driven event experiences. She is also the Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer of Club Ichi, the #1 place for B2B event marketers to connect. Her expertise in community engagement, experiential marketing, and event strategy provides valuable insights for enhancing attendee engagement.
Follow Lathan on LinkedIn for innovative ideas on community engagement and experiential marketing, making her a key resource for event professionals.
Alex Adkins leads event planning at Planwell, an event marketing agency focusing on seamless and engaging event experiences. Her posts provide practical tips on event logistics, attendee engagement, and planning techniques.
Follow Adkins on LinkedIn for actionable advice on improving event execution and marketing.
Recognized as Top Trade Shows Voice on LinkedIn, Dahlia El Gazzar, founder of DAHLIA+Agency, specializes in event technology, marketing strategy and personal branding. Her content is centered on leveraging technology to create impactful events.
Follow El Gazzar on LinkedIn for event technology and marketing knowledge. Tune into her "Cut the Sh*t. Cue the Genius." podcast, now with 100+ episodes, for tips and live LinkedIn webisodes with industry experts.
Shelley Williams, Director of Global Sales at Hard Rock International, is a leader in sales strategies and event planning. With a career dedicated to strategic sales development and business growth in the hospitality industry, she uses Hard Rock’s iconic brand to create unforgettable guest experiences. Her expertise in steering global B2B sales strategy has driven significant market growth and positioned Hard Rock as a top choice in hospitality and entertainment.
Follow Williams on LinkedIn to witness her journey as an expert in events and sales.
Colleen Brzozowski, a seasoned professional at Hard Rock International, provides unique insights into global sales strategies and event planning. Her posts highlight best practices in sales and event logistics.
Follow Brzozowski on LinkedIn for strategies to enhance event sales and client engagement.
Mark Tester, Executive Director at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), oversees operations, planning, marketing, and all activities, ensuring a positive economic impact on the community. The OCCC is the U.S.'s third-largest convention center, contributing $4 billion annually to the local economy. Tester has extensive experience, having served as Austin Convention Center Director and holding senior positions in the Chicago convention community. With a background in communication from Purdue University and a lifetime in the industry, he brings valuable expertise.
Connect with Tester on LinkedIn to expand your professional network and gain insights from one of the top leaders in the events industry.
Drew Holmgreen, Chief Brand Officer at Meeting Professionals International, applies his extensive marketing experience to elevate the global meetings and events industry. With over 20 years in marketing, he has worked with clients such as the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau and Hilton Austin, developing successful strategies across various industries. He is active in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion and frequently delivers keynotes at global conferences.
Follow Holmgreen on LinkedIn for expert insights into event marketing and strategies to enhance meeting professionals' impact worldwide!
Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer at the Visit Orlando, has over 25 years of experience in hospitality, focusing on hotel sales and event marketing. She thrives on developing talent and creating memorable experiences while driving innovation and success in the events industry.
Follow Messina on LinkedIn for a fun and engaging take on hospitality and event sales. Her passion for growth and positivity shines through as she shares insights into making events truly unforgettable.
Cory Elford, Director of Marketing at Meeting Professionals International, boosts event success with her strategic partnerships and digital innovations. She has launched successful digital meetings and e-commerce services, significantly increasing revenue and engagement. Cory is a pro at event planning and execution, with a focus on brand awareness and growth.
Follow Elford on LinkedIn for fun insights into crafting impactful event campaigns and effective growth strategies. Her expertise in marketing strategy and stakeholder management drives sustainable success for organizations.
Sam Lippman, President and Founder of Lippman Connects, has over 30 years of experience in producing exhibitions and conventions. He leads key industry events like the Exhibition & Convention Executives Forum (ECEF), Attendee Acquisition Roundtable (AAR), and Exhibit Sales Roundtable (ESR), providing insights and networking for professionals across the industry.
Follow Lippman on LinkedIn for a behind-the-scenes look at successful event production and management. As an active member of industry associations, he advocates for professional development and information sharing in the exhibition world.
Andrea Doyle, Executive Editor at Skift Meetings, (formerly EventMB), the first blog for event professionals, offering education, innovation and inspiration through daily articles, industry reports, and webinars. Her posts provide deep insights into the latest developments in the events industry.
Follow Doyle on LinkedIn to stay informed on what’s happening in the event industry!
Tagged as Top Entrepreneurship Voice on LinkedIn, Janice Cardinale, founder of Event Minds Matter, advocates for mental health awareness in the events industry. Her posts emphasize the importance of well-being for event professionals.
Follow Cardinale on LinkedIn for practical advice on maintaining mental health in event management.
Kimberly Hardcastle, President of mdg, leads strategic marketing initiatives and provides insights into event planning, attendee acquisition, and event branding. As the former owner, she drove significant growth before selling to A Freeman Company in 2018.
Follow Hardcastle on LinkedIn for expert advice on event marketing and engagement. Her leadership supports associations and trade show organizers in advancing marketing, membership, and revenue objectives.
Amy Garelick, CEO of POWER UP Productions, brings over 15 years of experience from Disney Media and Special Event Production, specializing in event production and audiovisual services with a focus on strategic storytelling. Her posts offer practical tips on integrating video into events for impactful content.
Follow Garelick on LinkedIn for advice on video for your events. Whether you need high-end camera equipment or just your iPhone, she has you covered.
Acknowledged as a Top Event Planning Voice on LinkedIn, Wendy Porter, founder of Wendy Porter Events, specializes in creating unique and memorable brand experiences. With over 30 years of experience, she transforms high-profile events into captivating in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences. Her expertise spans leadership meetings, trade shows, and award galas, delivering high-caliber results for both small startups and Fortune 5 organizations.
Follow Porter on LinkedIn for rich content on event planning and attendee engagement.
Joe Federbush, CEO of Evolio Marketing, brings extensive experience in event marketing and measurement. He helps businesses create impactful brand experiences, aligning events with business strategies for measurable results. Skilled in market research, analytics, and storytelling, he provides valuable insights into marketing strategies and ROI measurement.
Follow Federbush on LinkedIn for expert strategies to enhance your event marketing efforts.
Rachel Stephan, CEO of Snöball, empowers event marketers to attract the "right" attendees through the power of peer-to-peer referrals. Her innovative approach turns every participant into a promoter, scaling word-of-mouth to drive more registrations.
Follow Stephan on LinkedIn for high-quality infographics about event marketing and insightful webinars. Gain expert insights into creating engaging, impactful events that grow organically through trusted networks.
Celeste Kathleen, Event Marketing Director at LaunchBoom, is dedicated to helping product creators and entrepreneurs transform their ideas into 7-figure businesses. Her posts offer insights into attendee acquisition, engagement, and the power of authentic storytelling in event marketing and community building.
Follow Kathleen on LinkedIn for expert advice on authentic storytelling, event marketing, community building, and Canva tips. If you enjoy engaging "week-in-the-life" posts and exceptional writing (she’s also a published author), you won’t want to miss her updates.
Recognized as a Top Event Planning Voice on LinkedIn, Thorben Grosser, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Channel at EventMobi, is a seasoned event planner with over a decade of experience. Since joining EventMobi in 2012, he has built a multi-disciplinary team and established the company as a leading event technology brand in Europe. His expertise offers invaluable insights into leveraging technology and strategic partnerships for successful events.
Follow Grosser on LinkedIn for the latest trends in event technology and partnerships.
Tess M. Vismale, founder of iSocialExecution, Inc, is known as the "Event Rescuer" for her expertise in last-minute event tech support. With over 25 years in the industry, Tess specializes in integrating technology into events, ensuring smooth execution and innovative strategies. Her passion for event logistics and production has fueled a career supporting event professionals through training and ideation.
Follow Vismale on LinkedIn for expert advice on digital engagement and event technology insights. She frequently shares insights and updates on her podcast, "The Event Tech Pull Up."
Will Curran, Head of Klik at Bizzabo, is a leader in wearable event technology and attendee engagement. With experience collaborating with industry giants like Amazon, Google, and Uber, he continues to drive innovation in event tech. Recognized as one of the 40 under 40 event industry leaders, Will has significantly impacted the meetings and events sector. As the founder of Endless Events and creator of the #EventProfs Community, he offers valuable insights into the future of events through his podcasts #EventIcons, Event Brew, and Event Tech Podcast.
Follow Curran on LinkedIn to learn more about the future of events & community.
Megan Martin, CMP, DES, MPA, and Principal of Technology Enablement & Innovation at EMC Meetings & Events, is all about bringing people together and helping organizations reach their goals through creative community and event design. With 15+ years in hospitality and a PCMA Visionary Award under her belt, she’s your go-to for connecting humans.
Follow Megan on LinkedIn for awesome tips on strategic management, engagement strategies, and event planning. Whether you're into virtual, hybrid, or in-person events, she’s got the scoop on building strong communities and making your events unforgettable!
Joe Rivers, Director of Sales Enablement at Spiro, is your go-to guy for event marketing and engagement. With a background in experiential marketing and business development, Joe draws on his travels to 29 countries for unique insights into sales strategies and attendee engagement. He’s passionate about how experiences shape well-being and loves sharing his knowledge.
Follow Joe on LinkedIn for tips to boost your event sales and marketing. As a storyteller and thought leader, he shares industry trends through podcasts and panel sessions, and he's always eager to mentor others in the events world!
Bryan Funk, Event Marketing Executive at Sessionboard, crafts innovative event marketing strategies that empower people and organizations. With over a decade of experience, he’s led campaigns raising millions for causes like human rights and mental health, and has forged impactful partnerships with influencers and nonprofits. His expertise in event management has mobilized thousands and created lasting social change.
Follow Funk on LinkedIn for fresh insights on attendee acquisition and engagement techniques. When he's not sharing event tips, you can find him surfing, skiing, or exploring new films on his Letterboxd watchlist!
Beth Lawrence, CMP, Owner of Beth Lawrence Meetings & Events, is a Top Event Planning Voice on LinkedIn with a wealth of experience in crafting impactful events. With over 20 years in luxury hospitality and her Certified Meeting Professional credential, she excels at event logistics and stakeholder engagement. Beth has worked with clients like Independence Blue Cross and the American Journalism Project to create seamless live and hybrid events that boost audience engagement and ROI.
Follow Beth on LinkedIn for expert tips on event planning and attendee engagement. She also hosts The Type A+ Podcast, where she shares practical advice on balancing business and life, even during the busiest times!
Logan Clements, Event Producer at Logan Strategy Group, loves creating unforgettable live event broadcasts. She’s worked on everything from the Olympic Games to TEDx events, specializing in sports, conferences, and non-profit events. Fluent in Mandarin and thriving in multicultural settings, Logan ensures every detail is covered for a smooth event day. She also co-hosts the Better Events podcast, runs a YouTube channel with event planning tips, and leads EventProfs Book Clubs, offering a wealth of resources to make your events seamless and engaging.
Follow Clements on LinkedIn for top tips on event logistics and planning!
Vinnu Deshetty, Founder and CEO of EVA Event Tech Hub, is an expert in event tech and data. With nearly 30 years in the industry, she’s a pioneer in using AI and data-driven insights to boost event ROI. As a BizBash Event Tech Innovator, Vinnu has transformed the landscape of event planning.
Follow Deshetty on LinkedIn for the latest in event tech and strategic partnerships. She’s all about sharing knowledge and collaborating to create extraordinary events that exceed expectations.
Nick Borelli, Marketing Director at Zenus, is passionate about uniting people through purposefully designed event experiences. With over 20 years in digital marketing and live events, he focuses on creating thoughtful and impactful events. At Zenus, he’s committed to making them a leader in ethical AI, using facial recognition technology to capture valuable insights while prioritizing privacy.
Follow Borelli on LinkedIn for fresh perspectives on AI for events, event tech and marketing. His tips can help you craft more engaging events and boost metrics for sponsors and exhibitors!
Lisa Gregory, Founder of Gregory Event Services, is your go-to pro for crafting unforgettable events. With over 20 years in the biz, she’s a master at turning ideas into reality for tech, healthcare, and lifestyle brands. Whether it's a small gathering or a massive event with 10,000 attendees, Lisa brings passion and expertise to every detail.
Follow Lisa on LinkedIn for savvy tips on event planning and attendee engagement. Based in Portland, Oregon, she’s got a client list featuring big names like HashiCorp and Cisco, ensuring your event leaves a lasting impression!
Eric Rozenberg, President of Event Business Formula, empowers event professionals to take charge of their businesses. Since 1995, he’s planned 736 events in 50 countries, creating inspiring experiences along the way. Now, he's dedicated to helping event business owners build and scale their companies, so they can work smarter, not harder.
Follow Eric on LinkedIn for expert tips on advancing your event career and business. As an entrepreneur, podcaster, and author, he’s here to make sure you’re never alone or overwhelmed in the events industry!
Anca Platon Trifan, Gen AI Strategist at Tree-Fan Events, is bringing AI magic to events. Since 2022, she’s been leveling up event pros with AI consulting, offering workshops to boost engagement and decision-making with data analytics. Her goal is to keep events cutting-edge and unforgettable.
Follow Trifan on LinkedIn for cool AI insights and regular episode updates on her "Events Demystified Podcast," where she spills the secrets on event tech and production!
Mary Davidson, Founder and Event Director at EP Events LLC, crafts memorable fundraising, corporate, and community events. With over 12 years of experience, she’s known for her calm and effective management style, focusing on ROI for both in-person and virtual events. She co-hosts the Better Events Podcast and is the co-founder of the Event Pros On the Go Annual Retreat.
Follow Davidson on LinkedIn for event planning tips and engagement strategies!
Melissa Park, Founder of Melissa Park Events, transforms live events into unforgettable experiences that amplify brands and generate revenue. With over two decades of experience, she combines strategic planning with creative flair to produce seamless, high-impact events for 7 to 10-figure brands. Melissa is all about "The Mel-Factor," using her expertise to elevate your brand, drive transformation, and create epic attendee experiences.
Follow Park on LinkedIn for practical tips on event logistics and planning techniques.
Megan Powers, Sr. Program Manager at Oracle, expertly manages sponsorships for large-scale events, leveraging her extensive background in technology, events, and non-profits. A strategic marketer, writer, and podcaster (Making a Marketer podcast), she is passionate about creating exceptional experiences and driving growth through thoughtful approaches. Her focus on customer and community needs ensures that revenue follows naturally.
Follow Powers on LinkedIn for insights into sponsorship management and event marketing strategies!
Tagged as Top Event Planning Voice on LinkedIn, Miriam Wexler, Business and Mindset Coach at Elevate Event Coaching, is all about helping event professionals reach new heights. With 25 years in the biz, she guides planners through business strategy, leadership, and mindset mastery.
Follow Wexler on LinkedIn for practical tips on professional development and business growth in events. Her advice will help you optimize revenue, streamline operations, and lead your team to success!
Dianne Devitt is the founder of Dianne Devitt LLC. Dianne is an event industry personality, speaker and educator who continues to inspire, motivate and provide training for those in meetings and events.
Follow Devitt on LinkedIn for creative thinking and insights on personal and professional development.
Annette Naif, Founder of Naif Productions, designs unforgettable events that leave a lasting impression. With over 25 years in the industry, she combines creativity with expert negotiation and management skills to maximize ROI and align events with business goals. Her background in motion picture and corporate event production ensures every detail is on point.
Follow Annette on LinkedIn for creative tips and strategies to boost your event planning game!
Brad Langley, VP at Stova, is a leader in providing innovative event technology solutions. Named one of the Top 500 People in Events and Top 30 in Event Tech by BizBash Magazine, He excels in exceeding revenue and growth objectives through strong relationships and strategic partnerships. His proven ability to drive organizational effectiveness and inspire teamwork has led to success in competitive environments.
Follow Langley on LinkedIn for the latest insights into tech integration and strategic partnerships in the event industry. With expertise in business development, client loyalty, and operational efficiency, he shares valuable strategies to enhance your event planning and execution.
Tracy Grzybowski, Director of Marketing at Omnipress, leads a small but mighty team to drive demand for their products. With her theater and public speaking background, Tracy brings creativity and enthusiasm to event marketing, sharing fresh insights into attendee engagement and industry trends. She pushes her team to embrace new ideas, take calculated risks, and learn from every experience.
Follow Grzybowski on LinkedIn for top-notch event marketing advice and engagement tips. Her posts are packed with strategies to generate high-quality leads and create memorable attendee experiences.
Angus Clark, General Manager at SongDivision, brings the magic of music to events with 30 years of experience playing alongside legends like Cher and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He’s a pro at using music as a tool for leadership development and team building, making every event unforgettable. Whether it's crafting songs for major artists or brands, Angus knows how to hit the right notes.
Follow Clark on LinkedIn for creative tips on weaving music into your events. His posts are full of fresh ideas to boost engagement and make your events truly memorable.
Following these influential voices on LinkedIn will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and keep you updated on the latest in the events industry. Whether you're looking for inspiration, strategic advice, or the latest trends, these leaders offer invaluable insights to help you stay ahead in the game!
