Photo: Courtesy of Anika Grant
How she got her start: Grant started her career in the sports industry at New York's Madison Square Garden, where she handled sponsorship marketing and promotions for everything from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the NCAA Basketball tournaments to Harlem Globetrotters games and Sesame Street Live.
"One day I was running a half-time promotion or seat giveaway, and the next day I was coming up with new and fun ways to help brands engage with fans!" she remembers. "This is how my love for fan and consumer engagements at live experiences started."
What innovation means to her: "As an experiential leader, innovation is something that can only be truly tapped into when you deploy the diversity of thought," Grant explains. "It's only through diverse perspectives that we can tap into ideas that have the potential to drive meaningful impact for end users. I have been really encouraged over the last few years, seeing more brands intentionally engage with diverse agencies and creatives to drive deeper levels of innovation."
How she stays inspired: "By trying to always surround myself with a diverse set of people, and remembering that creativity can be found within all departments and skillsets within your company," she notes. "I've seen some of the best ideas come from accounting and legal team members!" 
The Bravo event allowed fans to enjoy food and cocktails along with floral-filled photo ops. There was also a meet-and-greet with the cast, a sit-down chat with the show's producers about the new season, and a first look at the season premiere.Photo: Courtesy of Idlewild Experiential
Memorable moments: "Every in-person event post-COVID was memorable as everyone—staff, vendors, and attendees—was just so happy to be back in the swing of things and producing live events, in person!" Grant says. "Our first in-person consumer screening event that wasn't virtual or a drive-in was for Bravo's Real Housewives of Potomac, [and] our first big convention center conference with Galileo at Money 20/20 Conference in Las Vegas, were special moments."
Her favorite thing about the experiential industry: "I enjoy the challenge of helping brands create experiences for diverse consumers that build trust, establish connections, and create long-lasting memories," she explains. "A consumer might easily forget a commercial or an ad they saw on TV, but will never forget an amazing activation."
Back to the full list: 20 Experiential Experts Changing the Future of Consumer Events
