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The BizBash 500: 2020's Must-Know Event Pros in the U.S.

From rising talent to renowned names, here are the United States’ most influential event professionals of 2020.

2020 Reimagined Editorial 500

The BizBash 500 is sponsored by SpotMe, a global digital experience and virtual event platform that has been utilized by brands such as L'Oréal, Johnson & Johnson, and SAP, among others. SpotMe has offices in New York, Chicago, Singapore, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. 

Register for SpotMe's virtual event Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. ET, featuring speakers selected from The BizBash 500, here

In its third edition, this year’s feature focuses on the meeting and event industry’s trailblazers, trendsetters, and up-and-comers. The influential executives, board members, and department heads featured are at the helm of some of the nation’s top events (think massive trade shows, galas, conferences, corporate bashes, pop-culture conventions and festivals, sporting events, and multimillion-dollar weddings—just to scratch the surface), while others continue to innovate with steal-worthy food and beverage concepts, state-of-the-art event technology, cutting-edge design, out-of-the-box entertainment, and noteworthy strategies. 

In a diverse and growing profession that’s chock-full of list-worthy creatives, it’s important we note that the industry’s talents are not restricted to these pages—rather, this annual compilation is meant to offer new opportunities to connect with key players to share ideas, inspiration, and guidance for future events. Until next year, event pros! 

Scroll through the list or jump to the section using the links below. You can also view the original feature in BizBash's fall 2020 print magazine here. 

Audiovisual & Lighting Design
Catering
Corporate Producers & Strategists
Destination Marketing & Management Organizations
Entertainment
Event Industry Leadership
Event Management & Consulting
Event Planners, Designers & Producers
Event Technology
Fabrication
Hospitality
Rentals
Trade Show Management


AUDIOVISUAL & LIGHTING DESIGN
These top innovators continue to raise the bar for audiovisual and lighting at events across the nation.

Washington Arias, Everlast Productions, President & CEO, Miami
Hyacinth Belcher, Onstage Systems, President, Dallas
Matt Clouser, Active Production & Design, President, Atlanta
Mike Gregorio, Partners in Sound Productions, Owner, New York
Bart Kresa, Bart Kresa Design, Owner & Master Projections Designer, Los Angeles
Ira Levy, Levy Lighting, Owner & Creative Director, New York
Adam McCarthy, BlackOak Technical Productions, Managing Director, Chicago
Bentley Meeker, Bentley Meeker Lighting and Staging, Owner, New York
Kevin Mignone, KM Productions, Founder & President, New York
Kamil Nawrati, VolvoxLabs, Founding Partner, Creative & Technical Director, New York
Jon Retsky, Got Light, Owner & Lead Designer, San Francisco
Ernie Ruiz, Light F/X Pro’s, Owner & Director, Miami
Benji Tschudin, Atmosphere, Partner, Silver Spring, Md.
Peter Vanek, Sound Investment, CEO, New York
Nick Whitehouse, Fireplay, Co-Founder & CEO, Nashville
Kirby Whyte, CVW Event Productions, President, Washington, D.C.

CATERING
These chefs and decision-makers know how to please any eventgoer with their palatable plates.

Ron Ben-Israel, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, Owner, New York
John Calihan, Calihan Catering, CEO, Chicago
Peter Callahan, Peter Callahan Catering, Owner & Creative Director, New York
Ro Cantrell, Cantrell Occasions, Owner & Chef, Atlanta
Olivier Cheng, Olivier Cheng Catering & Events, Founder & President, New York
Andrea Correale, Elegant Affairs, Founder & President, New York
David Covell, Avenue Catering Concepts, Owner, Atlanta
Mary Dearborn, CxRA, VP, New York
Chris Diviney, Abigail Kirsch, Executive Director, New York
La’Meeka Edwards, Cakes by La’Meeka, Owner & Designer, Atlanta
Mary Giuliani, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events, Owner, New York
Keyon Hammond, GetPlated Catering, Co-Founder & Executive Chef, Washington, D.C.
Alexandria Hammond, GetPlated Catering, Co-Founder & Director, Sales & Event Production, Washington, D.C.
Bill Hansen, Bill Hansen Luxury Catering and Event Production, CEO, Miami
Bill Homan, Design Cuisine, Vice Chairman, Washington, D.C.
Jim Horan, Blue Plate, CEO, Chicago
Dina Iglesias, Proof of the Pudding, VP, Sales & Marketing, Atlanta
Jean-Marie Lacroix, Brûlée Catering, Chef & Partner, Philadelphia
Susan Lacz, Ridgewells Catering, Principal & CEO, Bethesda, Md.
Anthony Lambatos, Footers Catering & Events, Co-Owner & CEO, Denver
Matt Landes, Cocktail Academy, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Robin Selden Marcia, Selden Catering, Managing Partner & Executive Chef, New York
Mark Michael, Occasions Caterers, Co-Founder & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Deborah Miller, Deborah Miller Catering & Events, Owner & Founder, New York
Liz Neumark, Great Performances, CEO, New York
Pauline Parry, Good Gracious! Events, Founder & Owner, Los Angeles
Clint Paton, Limelight Catering, Partner, Chicago
Matt Poley, Heirloom LA, Co-Owner & Chef, Los Angeles
Simon Powles, Constellation Culinary Group, Founder & CEO, Philadelphia
Kris Reinhard, Bold Catering & Design, Owner, Atlanta
Carla Ruben, Creative Edge Parties, Owner, New York
Holly Safford, The Catered Affair, Founder & President, Boston
Brent Schumacher, Pink Avocado, Owner & Executive Chef, Austin
Carl Schuster, Wolfgang Puck Catering, Managing Partner & CEO, Los Angeles
Bob Spiegel, Pinch Food Design, Owner & Chef, New York
Dan Stacy, Royal Fig Catering, Co-Owner & Executive Chef, Austin
Bobby Stern, Riviera Caterers, President, New York
Joy Wallace, Joy Wallace Catering, President & CEO, Miami
Lance Wright, RSVP Catering, Chief Operating Officer, Washington, D.C.

CORPORATE PRODUCERS & STRATEGISTS
From innovative internal meetings to over-the-top branded experiences, these industry professionals know how to throw a memorable bash for their respective biz (see what we did there?).

Andy Allman, Southwest Airlines, Director, Experiential Marketing & Sponsorships, Dallas
Damien Baines, Instagram, Experiential Marketing Lead, San Francisco
Bob Bejan, Microsoft, Corporate VP, Global Events, Production Studios & Marketing Community, Seattle
Colleen Bisconti, IBM, VP, Global Conferences and Events, New York
Lylle Breier, Disney, SVP, Global Marketing Partnerships,Promotions, Synergy, and Special Events, Los Angeles
Lauren Burmaster, Facebook, AR/VR Social Impact, San Francisco
Chelsea Cain Maclin, Bumble, VP, Marketing, Austin
Jenny Campbell, Tinder, Chief Marketing Officer, Los Angeles
Cara Crowley, Condé Nast, Executive Director, Events, New York
Chris Curtin, Visa, Chief Brand & Innovation Marketing Officer, San Francisco
Hollace Davids, Universal Pictures, SVP, Special Projects, Los Angeles
Chena Dederian, Bank of America, SVP and Head, Global Event Marketing, New York
Ned Duggan, Bacardí, Global SVP, Marketing, Miami
Maureen Elliot, ESPN, Director, Event Marketing, New York
Bette Ann Fialkov, Lyft, Director, Influencer Marketing & Entertainment Events, Miami
Vanessa Fontanez, Vox Media, VP, Experiential Marketing, New York
Shea Guinn, Turner Broadcasting, SVP, Turner Live Events and Turner Event Marketing & Production, New York
Susana Diharce Guzman, The Knot Worldwide, Senior Director, Shows & Events, Orlando
Chauncey Hamlett, Pepsi, VP & Chief Marketing Officer, Orlando
Kenya Hardaway, FX Networks, SVP, Integrated Promotions/Multi-Platform Marketing, Los Angeles
Kate Hefler, Netflix, Director, Events, Los Angeles
Mark Henneberger, Walmart, VP, Event Solutions, Fayetteville, Ark.
Judith Herrera, Verizon Media, Director, Global Events, New York
Tomiko Iwata, FOX Entertainment, Executive VP, Creative Services, Los Angeles
Rahsaan Johnson, United Airlines, Director, Sponsorships & Brand Activation, Chicago
Keyana Kashfi, Spotify, Global Director, Experiential & Content Production, New York
Susan Kessler, Forbes, Executive Director, Events, Jersey City, N.J.
Andrew Kilbourn, Condé Nast, Head, Experiences, New York
Ricky Kim, Nintendo, Senior Director, Experiential Marketing, Seattle
Kandra Lopez, Hulu, Senior Team Lead, Experiential & Events, Los Angeles
Danielle Lotardo, POPSUGAR, Senior Manager, Experiential, New York
Africa McClain, Time Inc., Live Events Coordinator, New York
Lindsay Meabon, The Hollywood Reporter/Billboard, VP, Events & Tentpoles, Los Angeles
Luke Miller, Amazon Web Services, Senior Event Marketing Manager, Alexandria, Va.
Candace Montgomery, ESSENCE, VP, Experiential, New York
Oswald Myers, Nike, Director, Live Experiences, New York
Zach Overton, Google, Director, US Marketing, Devices & Services, San Francisco
Zachary Papale, YouTube, Global Head, Brand Experience & Partnerships, San Francisco
Francesca Pedemonti, Goldman Sachs, VP, Global Co-Head, Events, New York
Eileen Quast, WarnerMedia Entertainment, VP, Special Events, Burbank, Calif.
Michelle Rosen Sapir, Google, Head, Brand & Reputation Events & Experiences, New York
Alessandra Sapiz, Cisco, VP, Global Events, San Francisco
Catherine Simmons, Salesforce, VP, Executive Events, San Francisco
Helen Stoddard, Twitter, Head, Global Events and Experiential Marketing, New York
Katherine Tooley, Vice Media Group, SVP, Experiential, New York
Deborah Yeh, Sephora, Chief Marketing Officer, San Francisco
Jennifer Yu, Apple, Senior Global Events Lead, High Touch Experiences, Cupertino, Calif.
Adrienne Wright Zdaniewski, Bustle, Director, Experiential, New York

DESTINATION MARKETING & MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS 
What’s a notable event without a stand-out location? These DMO and DMC leaders know what it means to be a good host.

Lori Adlesick, Choose Chicago, VP, Strategic Partnerships & Events, Chicago
George Aguel, Visit Orlando, President & CEO, Orlando
Brenda Bazan, Houston First, President & CEO, Houston
Jaclyn Bernstein, Empire Force Events, President & Partner, New York
Adam Burke, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, President & CEO, Los Angeles
Julie Coker, San Diego Tourism Authority, President & CEO, San Diego
Joe D’Alessandro, San Francisco Travel, President & CEO, San Francisco
Craig Davis, VisitDallas, President & CEO, Dallas
Fred Dixon, NYC & Company, President & CEO, New York
Elliott Ferguson, Destination DC, President, Washington, D.C.
Jeff Guaracino, Visit Philadelphia, President & CEO, Philadelphia
Steve Hill, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA), President & COO, Las Vegas
Chinyere Hubbard, Events DC, VP, Communications & Marketing, Washington, D.C.
Jennifer lovino, Corinthian Events, General Manager, Boston
Paul Mears III, Hello! Destination Management, President, Orlando
Steve Moore, Visit Phoenix, President & CEO, Phoenix
Tom Noonan, Visit Austin, President & CEO, Austin
Michelle Castady Orlando, 360 Destination Group Chicago, General Manager, Chicago
William Pate, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, President & CEO, Atlanta
Richard W. Scharf, Visit Denver, President & CEO, Denver
Martha Sheridan, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, President & CEO, Boston
Laurie Sprouse, Ultimate Ventures, President, Dallas
William Talbert, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, CEO, Miami

ENTERTAINMENT
When it’s time to get guests out of their seats, look no further than these entertainment experts.

Masha Berenboym, Artists Creating Entertainment, Founder, Los Angeles
Brad Berridge, Feld Entertainment, Director of Sound Operations, Palmetto, Fla.
James Cohn, Coco Events, Owner, New York
Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services, Owner, Livermore, Calif.
Chris Downey-Asher, Asher Entertainment, President & Executive Producer, Los Angeles
Rolando Espinoza, Champagne Creative Group, Creative Director & Co-Founder, Las Vegas
Michael Fiur, FIUR Productions, President & Executive Producer, New York
Linda Gierahn, Dick Clark Productions, Executive VP, Production, Los Angeles
Charlie Haykel, Don Mischer Productions, Partner & Executive Producer, Los Angeles
Fabiola Hesslein, Tryon Entertainment, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
Wayne Hoffman, Hoffman Entertainment, President & CEO, Estero, Fla.
Harris Lane, Hank Lane Music & Productions, President, New York
Toryn Lankford, Exquisite Sounds Entertainment, Owner & Principal DJ, Atlanta
Rossi Morreale, Event Host Live, Owner, Los Angeles
Darren Olarsch, On the Move Entertainment & Events, President, New York
Danielle Richter, Interactive Entertainment Group, Director of Special Events, New York
Amani Roberts, The Amani Experience, Chief Musical Curator, Redondo Beach, Calif.
Krislyn Rojas, Eklectic Entertainment, President & CEO, Orlando
Chris Ruffin, HiHat Productions, CEO, Los Angeles
Russell Wallach, Live Nation, President, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship, New York
Dannis Winston, DWP Live Factory, Owner & Band Director, New York

EVENT INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Introducing the ringleaders who continue to guide the meeting and event industries.

Tonya Almond, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), VP, Knowledge & Experience Design, Chicago
David Audrain, Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), Executive Director, Atlanta
Sally Webb Berry, Academic Event Professional (AEP), Chair, Raleigh, N.C.
Steve Bova, Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP), Executive Director, Chicago
Amy Calvert, Events Industry Council (EIC), CEO, Washington, D.C.
Mark Cooper, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), CEO, Chicago
Thuy Diep, International Live Events Association (ILEA), Los Angeles Chapter, President, Los Angeles
Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association (USTA), President & CEO, Washington, D.C.
David DuBois, International Association of Expositions and Events (IAEE), President & CEO, Dallas
Jason Dunn Sr., National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), Chairman, Cincinnati
Kimberley Gishler, Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), President & CEO, Park City, Utah
Daniel Hilbert, Global Experience Specialists (GES), Executive VP, GES Events Worldwide, Dallas
Jamie Huckleberry, Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA), President, Pittsburgh
David Jefferys, LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, Executive Director & CEO, Philadelphia
Tammy Koolbeck, International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), Chair of the Board & Executive Director, Ames, Iowa
Lawrence Leonard, National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), Executive Director, Washington, D.C.
Dana Macaulay, International Live Events Association (ILEA), President, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Susan Robertson, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, President & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Bhart Sarin, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), President, Washington, D.C.
Cal Seelye, Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors—International (ACCED-I), President, Fort Collins, Colo.
Nancy Shaffer, Live Events Coalition, Board President, Washington, D.C.
Shawna Suckow, Senior Planners Industry Network (SPIN), Founder & Chairwoman, St. Paul, Minn.
Paul VanDeventer, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), President & CEO, Dallas
Don Welsh, Destinations International, President & CEO, Washington, D.C.

EVENT MANAGEMENT & CONSULTING
As the industry’s multitaskers, these noteworthy namesakes can do it all, from production to event marketing to brand strategies and more.

Richard Attias, Richard Attias & Associates, Founder & Executive Chairman, New York
Evolyn Brooks, Evolyn Brooks Company, Founder & Experiential Event Producer, Los Angeles
Heather Brown, PRA Business Events, General Manager, Chicago
Mark Catuogno, MC Event Consulting, CEO, New Rochelle, N.Y.
Elle Chan, Trademark Event Productions, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, New York
Stephanie Cole, Cole Drake Events, Co-Owner & Principal Planner, San Francisco
Scott Cullather, INVNT GROUP, President & CEO, New York
Coltrane Curtis, Team Epiphany, Founder & Managing Partner, New York
Massah David, MVD Inc., Co-Founder, Los Angeles
Tammy Dickerson, The Baker Group, Principal Owner, Los Angeles
Jim Digby, Event Safety Alliance, Co-Founder & President, Philadelphia
Sarah Drake, Cole Drake Events, Co-Owner & Principal Planner, San Francisco
Chris Drury, Drury Design Dynamic, Inc., Owner, President & Chief Creative Officer, New York
Jill Taub Drury, Drury Design Dynamic, Inc., Founder & CEO, New York
Jon Forst, Trademark Event Productions, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, San Francisco
Andre Gaccetta, G7 Entertainment Marketing, CEO, Nashville
Matthew Glass, Allied Experiential, SVP, New York
Rachael Glaws, RGI Events & Public Relations, Founder & Principal, Washington, D.C.
Lorne Greene, VIVA Creative, Co-Founder & CEO, Rockville, Md.
Lori Hall, Pop’N Creative, Co-Founder & Head of Creative, Washington, D.C.
Kimberly Hardcastle, MDG, Chief Marketing Strategist, San Diego
Todd Hawkins, The Todd Group, Founder & President, Los Angeles
Miatta David Johnson, MVD Inc., President & CEO, Los Angeles
Devin Wilson Joyce, Passion8 Event Management, Founder & CEO, Cleveland
Herb Karlitz, Karlitz & Company, President, New York
Tonisha Landry, KāK & Co, Chief Event Strategist, Jacksonville, Fla.
Rebecca Linder, Linder Global Events, Founder & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Dave Lutz, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting, Founder & Managing Director, Orlando
Amanda Ma, Innovate Marketing Group, Founder & CEO, Pasadena, Calif.
Heather Mahoney, Haute Haus Agency, Founder & Creative Director, Rockville, Md.
Yvonne McNair, Captivate Marketing Group, Founder & CEO, New York
Chris Meyer, George P. Johnson Experience Marketing, CEO, San Francisco
Laurel Mintz, Elevate My Brand, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Frank Moran, The Experiential Group, Founder, New York
Allison Pieter, Cassis Productions, Founder & President, Los Angeles
Bob Priest-Heck, Freeman Company, CEO, San Francisco
Renee Radabaugh, Paragon Events, Founder, President & CEO, Delray Beach, Fla.
Falon Veit Scott, Evolution Event Solutions, Founder & CEO, Nashville
Marielle Shortell, Silver Lining Design Group, Principal & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Eyal Simko, The One Up Group, CEO, Los Angeles
Meryl Snow, SnowStorm Solutions/Feastivities Events, Owner & Founder, Philadelphia
Pharlone Toussaint, Audacity LLC, Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Atlanta
Kimberly Wander, Elevated Events, Owner & Event Planner, Tampa, Fla.
Chris Weil, Momentum Worldwide, CEO, New York
Thembi Wesley, Team Epiphany, VP, Experiential, New York
Britt Whitfield, The Revel Group, Partner & CEO, Chicago
Kedran Whitten, Brand825, Co-Founder, Nashville

EVENT PLANNERS, DESIGNERS & PRODUCERS
From packed conferences, sporting events, and festivals to nonprofit fundraisers, nationally televised award shows, and so much more, these event pros continue to set trends and raise standards for the ever-evolving industry.

Akeshi Akinseye, Kesh Events, Founder, CEO & Creative Director, Chicago
Frank Alexander, Frank Alexander NYC, Owner & Event Producer, New York
Marina Alexandra Birch, Birch Design Studio, Founder & President, Chicago
Crystal Anderson, Cherwell Software, Corporate Events Manager, Denver
Chris Anderson, TED, Curator, New York
Katie Anderson, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Director, Development & Signature Events, New York
Shaundra K. Anderson, B. Moore Events, CEO & Lead Event Coordinator, Atlanta
Kathryn Arce, Engaging Concepts, Co-Founder, Orlando
Lauren Austin, MKG Experiential Marketing, Executive Creative Director, New York
Raúl Àvila, Raúl Àvila Inc., Founder & Event Producer, New York
Preston Bailey, Preston Bailey Designs, Owner & Event Designer, New York
Kristin Banta, Kristin Banta Events, Owner & Creative Designer, Los Angeles
David Beahm, David Beahm Experiences, Founder, New York
David Beame, Global Citizen, Director, Events and Broadcasts, New York
Sneha Bhatia, MAS Event + Design, Executive VP, Experiential, New York
Valerie Bihet, The VIBE Agency, Owner & Director, Miami
Marcy Blum, Marcy Blum Associates, Owner & President, New York
Gary Bordman, Amusement, Exhibit & Event Services (AE&ES), Owner & Chief Interactive Designer, Las Vegas
Jessica Boskoff, Twenty Three Layers, Founder & CEO, New York
Aja Bradley-Kemp, Conversate Collective, Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Sacramento, Calif.
Chris Brahe, Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment (VWSE), SVP, New York
Cindy Brewer, LEO Events, Principal, Memphis, Tenn.
Tricia Smith Brown, TSB Planning and Design, Owner & Creative Director, Los Angeles
Scott Buford, Television Academy, Primetime Emmy Awards, Senior Creative Director, Studio City, Calif.
DeNeitra Burnett, Savvy Events, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Billy Butchkavitz, Billy Butchkavitz Design, Founder, Los Angeles
Adette C. Contreras, TINSEL Experiential Design, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
Lindsay Carroll, Robin Hood Foundation, Managing Director, Events & Production, New York
Cheryl Cecchetto, Sequoia Productions, Owner & President, Los Angeles
Mia Choi, MAS Event + Design, Chief Creative Officer, New York
Ryan Choura, Choura Events, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Emily Clarke, Emily Clarke Events, Founder & Creative Director, Dallas
Patrick Clayton, Patrick J Clayton Productions, Founder, Owner & Chief Creative Officer, New York
Deirdre Clemmons, Airports Council International, North America, SVP, Events & Strategic Partnerships, Washington, D.C.
Norma Cohen, Norma Cohen Productions, Owner, New York
Christopher Confero, CONFERO, Owner, Atlanta
Jeff Consoletti, JJ|LA, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Tony Conway, Legendary Events, Founder & CEO, Atlanta
Kayla Cook, Kayla Cook Events, Owner & Lead Planner, Seattle
John Cooper, Sundance Film Festival, Director, Los Angeles
Tricia Costello, Fresh Wata, Co-Founder & Owner, Las Vegas
Stefanie Cove, Stefanie Cove and Co., Founder, Los Angeles
Colin Cowie, Colin Cowie Lifestyle, Owner & CEO, New York
Deborah Curtis, NFL On Location Experiences, Chief Marketing Officer, New York
Dana Cyboski, Triton Productions, Partner, VP, Design & Production, Miami
Karla Dascal, KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences, Founder & CEO, Miami
Liron David, Eventique, Founder & Executive Producer, New York
Rick Davis, Amaryllis Floral & Event Design, Owner, President & Event Designer, Washington, D.C.
Alexandre de Betak, Bureau Betak, Founder, New York
Philip Dufour, The Dufour Collaborative, President & Creative Director, Washington, D.C.
Heather Dwight, Calluna Events, Owner, Denver
Pam Dzierzanowski, RE:EVENT Designs, Founder, Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Katie Easley, Kate Ryan Design, Owner, Founder & Principal Designer, Phoenix
Lynn Easton, Easton Events, Owner, Charleston, S.C.
Lane Echols, NASCAR, Director, Event Marketing, Charlotte, N.C.
Michelle Edgemont, Michelle Edgemont Design, Owner & Creative Director, New York
Andrea Eppolito, Andrea Eppolito Events, Owner & Wedding Planner, Las Vegas
Brittney Escovedo, Beyond 8, Founder, New York
Carla Eustache, Style Perfect Events, Owner & Principal Event Planner, Charlotte, N.C.
Russell Faibisch, Ultra Music Festival, Co-Founder & CEO, Miami
Brian Feit, BMF Media, Partner, New York
Todd Fiscus, Todd Events, Owner & Creative Director, Dallas
Kelly Flatow, National Basketball Association (NBA), Executive VP & Head of Events Group, New York
Chris Frederick, Out Leadership, Managing Director, Global Events, New York
Virginia Frischkorn, Bluebird Productions, Founder & Principal, Aspen, Colo.
Michelle Gainey, Lemiga Events, Owner, Atlanta
Valerie Gernhauser, Sapphire Events, Owner, Principal Planner & Designer, New Orleans
Bunmi Giwa-Bello, BlackHouse, Co-Founder & President, New York
Marian Goodell, Burning Man Project, Founding Board Member & CEO, San Francisco
Jes Gordon, jesGORDON/properFUN, Owner & Creative Director, New York
Amos Gott, AmosEvents, President & Creative Director, Nashville
Anika D. Grant, Idlewild Experiential, Founder & CEO, New York
Rebecca Grinnals, Engaging Concepts, Co-Founder, Orlando
Tom Haidinger, Advantage, President, Los Angeles
Damon Haley, Exhilarate Experiential, Managing Partner, Los Angeles
Russell Harris, Russell Harris Event Group, President & CEO, Los Angeles
Erica Taylor Haskins, TINSEL Experiential Design, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Event Design and Production, New York
Slomique Hawrylo, Carpe Diem Events, Owner & Event Stylist, Glendale, Calif.
Tara Higgins, Hargrove, President, Lanham, Md.
Meg Holderman, So Cool Events, Owner, Miami
Chad Hudson, CH Cre8tive, Founder, Los Angeles
Brett Hyman, NVE Experience Agency, President, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Chad Issaq, Superfly, Executive VP, Business Development & Partnership, New York
Amy Shey Jacobs, Chandelier Events, Founder & Creative Director, New York
Greg Jenkins, Bravo Productions, Owner, Los Angeles
Sabrina Jenkins, SJL 26 Event Productions, President & CEO, Atlanta
Jaclyn Johnson, Create & Cultivate, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Austin Johnston, AKJOHNSTON Group, Founder & CEO, Anaheim, Calif.
Leslie Jones, Leslie Marie Events, Owner & Lead Planner, Los Angeles
Nicole Kankam, United States Tennis Association (USTA), Managing Director, Marketing, New York
Tom Kehoe, Kehoe Designs, Owner & President, Chicago
Bryan Keplesky, C3 Presents, Creative Director, Austin
Katie Kirby, Revolution Event Design & Production, Creative Director, Washington, D.C.
Lee Kite, American Cancer Society, National Strategic Director, Distinguished Partners Events, Chicago
Cara Kleinhaut, AGENC Experiential + Digital Marketing, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Desirée Knight, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way (AREMA), Director, Education & Meetings, Lanham, Md.
Ty Kuppig, TYGER Productions, Founder & Creative Director, Boston
Anthony Larrisey, Industria Creative, Principal & Creative Director, New York
Gina Lawrence, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Director, Events Planning, Washington, D.C.
Justin Lefkovitch, Mirrored Media, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
John Legittino, Advoc8, Co-Founder, Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Leibow, Glow Events, Director, Corporate Events, San Francisco
Randi Lesnick, Randi Events, Owner & CEO, Nashville
Brad C. Levine, B. Levine Productions, President & Creative Director, Los Angeles
Ed Libby, Ed Libby & Co. Events, Founder, New York
Debi Lilly, A Perfect Event, Founder & Chief Eventeur, Chicago
Jill Livingston, Eclectic Hive, Owner & Creative Director, Denver
Erika Lohmar, Akire Productions, President & Executive Producer, Chicago
Jennifer Lopez Kunkel, UNICEF USA, Senior Director, Special Events, New York
Moj Mahdara, Beautycon, Co-Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Mircea Manea, Blueprint Studios, Owner, San Francisco
Angela Tormey Margolis, Sterling Social Events & Experiences, Co-Owner, Los Angeles
Tom McPhillips, Atomic Design, Partner & Founder, Lancaster, Pa.
Casandra Mead, BlackHouse, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
Tara Melvin, Perfect Planning Events, Owner, Wedding & Event Planner, Washington, D.C.
David Merrell, AOO Events, CEO & Creative Director, Los Angeles
Eric Michael, Occasions Caterers, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Washington, D.C.
J.B. Miller, Empire Entertainment, President & CEO, New York
Lewis Miller, Lewis Miller Design, Founder, New York
Marla Miller, Major League Baseball (MLB), SVP, Special Events, New York
Natasha Miller, Entire Productions, Founder & Chief Experience Designer, San Francisco
William Miller, WP Miller Special Events, Owner, Los Angeles
Blair Mitcham, BAM Events, Owner & Event Planner, Boston
David Monn, David Monn LLC, Founder & President, New York
Feyisola Ogunfemi, Statuesque Events, Owner & Lead Event Planner, Washington, D.C.
Peter O’Reilly, National Football League (NFL), Executive VP, Club Business & League Events, New York
Yifat Oren, Oren Co., Founder, Los Angeles
Yetunde Oso, The UpperRoom Events, Founder & Creative Director, New York
Melissa Park, Melissa Park Events, Founder & Global Event Producer, New York
Rishi Patel, HMR Designs, CEO, Chicago
Carlos Pelham, American Gas Association, Director, Meetings and Conference Services, Washington, D.C.
Molly Phillip, We Crush Events, Director, Events, Los Angeles
Gary Radin, GMRdesign, Principal Designer & Creative Strategist, Philadelphia
Bryan Rafanelli, Rafanelli Events, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Boston
Suzanne Reinhard, Suzanne Reinhard Events, Owner, Atlanta
Alexandra Rembac, Sterling Engagements, Principal & Creative Director, Los Angeles
Anna Rembold, Anna Marie Events, Owner & President, San Francisco
Dawn Roberson, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA), Executive Director, New York
Andrew Roby, Andrew Roby Events, Owner & Corporate Event Planner, Washington, D.C.
José Rolón, José Rolón Events, Founder & Owner, New York
Karleen Roy, The Vanity Group, Founder & CEO, New York
Tom Russell, Founders Entertainment, Co-Founder & Partner, New York
Tony Schubert, Event Eleven, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Annie Senatore, Design Foundry, CEO & Creative Director, Hyattsville, Md.
Brad Setting, Setting Entertainment, Founder & Senior Event Producer, Los Angeles
Pawntra Shadab, Elite Productions International, VP, Events & Marketing, Los Angeles
Lili Shadab, Elite Productions International, President & Creative Director, Los Angeles
Julie Shanklin, Syzygy Events International, President, CEO & Creative Director, Washington, D.C.
Michelle Sharp, Sharp Occasions, Owner & Lead Event Producer, Los Angeles
Leslie Short, K.I.M. Media LLC, President & CEO, New York
Letizia Silvestri, LSX LLC, Founder & CEO, West Hollywood, Calif.
Trish Simitakos, Trish Star Events, Owner & Event Planner, Washington, D.C.
Adam Sloyer, Sequence Events, CEO, New York
Bronwen Smith, B Floral, Owner & Lead Designer, New York
Devynn Smith, Edge Design & Decor, Co-Owner, Los Angeles
Jillian Smith, OneTouch Events, Founder, Managing Director & Event Strategist, Atlanta
Bonnie Smith, Studio B Entertainment, Founder & CEO, Chicago
Sasha Souza, Sasha Souza Events, CEO, Event Designer & Wedding Planner, San Francisco
Erin Sprinkel, Sterling Social Events & Experiences, Co-Owner, Los Angeles
Samantha Staples, High Beam Events, President, Austin
David Stark, David Stark Design and Production, President & Chief Creative Officer, New York
Bruce Starr, BMF Media, Partner & CEO, New York
Antwone Stigall, Course Hero, Head, Events, Emeryville, Calif.
Kelly Stoetzel, TED, Head, Conferences, New York
Lyn Stout, Bond Events, CEO, Washington, D.C.
Emily Sullivan, Emily Sullivan Events, Owner, New Orleans
Shai Tertner, Shiraz Creative, President, Miami
Mark Testa, Mark Stephen Agency, Founder & Creative Director, New York
Aisha Thomas, Aisha Thomas Events, Owner & Principal, Charlotte, N.C.
CeCe Todd, CeCe Designs and Events, Owner & Lead Designer, Birmingham, Ala.
Paul Tollett, AEG, CEO, Indian Wells, Calif.
Teissia Treynet, Firefly Events, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
David Tutera, David Tutera Inc., Celebrity Weddings & Celebrations Planner, New York
Jess Tyler, MJBizCon, SVP, Events and Strategic Development, Denver
Shalyce Tyson, Sensational Soirees, Owner, Lead Planner & Designer, Washington, D.C.
Diann Valentine, Exhilarate Experiential, Managing Partner, Los Angeles
Ella Gentry Vance, B. Worley Productions, VP, Marketing & Events, Atlanta
Bronson van Wyck, Workshop and Van Wyck & Van Wyck, Co-Founder, New York
Javier Velarde, Triton Productions, CEO & Executive Producer, Miami
Diane Vidoni, eMerge Americas, COO, Miami
Andrea Vigil, Sublime Event Designs, Creative Event Designer, Orlando
Marcia Villiers, Beautiful Kreations, President & Chief Creative Officer, Miami
Lisa Vorce, Lisa Vorce CO, Owner, Founder & Creative Director, Los Angeles
Craig Waldman, 15|40 Productions, President & Chief Creative Officer, Los Angeles
Leah Weinberg, Color Pop Events, Owner, New York
Mindy Weiss, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, Founder, Wedding & Event Planner, Los Angeles
Barton G. Weiss, Barton G., Founder, Miami
André Wells, Events by André Wells, Founder & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Deidre West, Children’s Health Fund, Director, Special Events & Celebrity Relations, New York
Roger Whyte, RJ Whyte Event Production, Principal & Event Producer, Washington, D.C
AJ Williams, AJ Events, Founder & Creative Director, Boston
Andrea Williams, College Football Playoff, COO, Dallas
Troy Williams, Simply Troy, Principal & Event Designer, Los Angeles
Marc Wilson, The Style Marc, Founder & Creative Director, New York
Scott Wlicox, SXSW Conference, Chief Innovation Officer, Austin
Jodi Wolf, Paulette Wolf Events & Entertainment, CEO, Chicago
Jordan Wolowitz, Founders Entertainment, Co-Founder & Partner, New York
Brian Worley, B. Worley Productions, Owner & Creative Director, Atlanta
Mena Wright, Wright Productions, Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Los Angeles
Shantee Wright, Wright Productions, Chief Creative Officer, Los Angeles
Shawna Yamamoto, Shawna Yamamoto Event Design, Owner & Designer, Los Angeles

EVENT TECHNOLOGY 
These tech-savvy industry professionals are leading the way to innovation in their field.

Reggie Aggarwal, cvent, Founder & CEO, McLean, Va.
Eric Amram, Evenium, Inc., CEO, Palo Alto, Calif.
Jake Anderson, FeteTech, Owner & Founder, Roanoke, Va.
Daniel Anisman, AllSeated, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, New York
Kerem Baran, Boomset, Founder & CEO, New York
Eran Ben-Shushan, Bizzabo, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
Dan Berger, Social Tables, Founder & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Oni Chukwu, Aventri, Executive Chairman, Board of Directors, New York
Lawrence Coburn, DoubleDutch, Founder & CEO, San Francisco
Chris Courtemanche, Renhaus Visualization Studio, Founder, Los Angeles
Will Curran, Endless Events, Founder & Chief Event Einstein, New York
Dahlia El Gazzar, DAHLIA+Agency, Owner & Tech Evangelist, Boston
Chuck Elias, 42Chat, Co-Founder & CEO, Salt Lake City
Les Goldberg, LMG, President & CEO, Orlando
Sandy Hammer, AllSeated, Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, New York
Julia Hartz, Eventbrite, Co-Founder & CEO, San Francisco
Scott Heiferman, Meetup, Co-Founder, New York
Ben Hindman, Splash, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
Mark Johnson, eventcore, CEO, Seattle
Peter Komornik, Slido, Co-Founder & CEO, San Francisco
Michael Nørregaard, Sonic Foundry, CEO, Madison, Wis.
Joe Schwinger, MeetingPlay, Founder, Washington, D.C.
Ian Seidenberg, Encore Event Technologies, Director, Event Technologies, Las Vegas
BJ Singh, EventEQ, President & CEO, Baltimore
Leonora Valvo, Swoogo, Founder, Newport, R.I.
Tess Vismale, iSocialX, Owner & Chief Event Executioner, Atlanta
David Wood, Eventene, CEO, Santa Monica, Calif.

FABRICATION 
Dream it up and these experts can surely build it for your next event.

Anthony Asaro, 11th St. Workshop, Production Designer & Set Builder, New York
Tim Bina, Nest Experiential, Creative Director, Los Angeles
Elissa Blumstein, Surface Grooves, Co-Owner & Designer, New York
Ryan Blumstein, Surface Grooves, Co-Owner & Fabricator, New York
Evan Frank, Rebel & Rogue, Partner & Executive Producer, New York
Joseph Jones, Rebel & Rogue, Partner & CEO, New York
Lacie Mackey, Black Ops Productions, Partner, New York
Chris Oliver, The Lab Fabrication, Director of Operations,  Los Angeles
Jason Riley, Black Ops Productions, Owner & Partner, New York
Anthony Santiago, Pink Sparrow, Managing Director, New York
Eric Tucker, Day 1 Collective Design, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Eugene, Ore.
Eric Winston, SFDS (Scenic Fabrication and Design Shop), Owner & Director, New York

HOSPITALITY 
Leave it to these hospitality doyens to help host your next best fete.

Arthur Backal, Backal Hospitality Group, CEO, New York
Cara Banasch, Omni Hotels & Resorts, VP, Sales, Dallas
Mike DeFrino, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, CEO, San Francisco
Paula Dirks, The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Director, Marketing, New York
Michael Dominguez, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), President & CEO, Las Vegas
Steve Enselein, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, VP, Catering & Convention Services, Chicago
Bob Gilbert, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), President & CEO, McLean, Va.
Pablo Henderson, W Hotels, Senior Marketing Manager, Atlanta
Danny Hughes, Hilton, Executive VP & President, Americas, McLean, Va.
Jami Kirk, The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Head, Global Experiential Marketing, New York
Michael Menis, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), SVP, Global Marketing Services, Atlanta
Pavan Pardasani, TAO Group, Chief Marketing Officer, Los Angeles
Diana Pavlov, Marriott International, Global Senior Director, Entertainment Marketing, New York
Tom Reeg, Caesars Entertainment, CEO, Las Vegas
Ian Schrager, Ian Schrager Company, Owner, New York
Jonathan M. Tisch, Loews Hotels & Co., Chairman & CEO, New York

RENTALS
These pros create Instagram- worthy environs thanks to their own cutting-edge event rentals.

Lois Bourne, Collection Event Furnishings, Director, Business Development, Atlanta
Chris Bray, Allied Party Rentals, General Manager, Washington, D.C.
Kevin Dana, CORT, Executive Director, Merchandising and Product Development, San Francisco
Natalie Eshkenasy, Ronen Rental Event Furnishing, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Miami
Alan Gottlich, Party Rental Ltd., Executive VP & CFO, New York
Peter Grazzini, Perfect Settings, Owner & Founder, Washington, D.C.
Matt Guelfi, Standard Party Rentals, President & Co-Founder, San Francisco
Meg Holderman, So Cool Events, Co-Owner & President, Miami
Dean Holderman, So Cool Events, Co-Owner, Miami
Richard LoGuercio, Town & Country Event Rentals, Owner & President, Los Angeles
Lauren Montgomery, Collective Rentals Design House, Creative Director & Design Director, Los Angeles
Kelly Murphy, Events on the Loose, Co-Founder & Chief Curator, Miami
Ronen Tamary, Ronen Rental Event Furnishing, Co-Founder, Miami
Randee Wechsler, Atlas Event Rental, President, Miami
Scott Weisberg, Everything Entertainment, President & CEO, New York

TRADE SHOW MANAGEMENT
Experts in all things trade shows, it’s safe to say these aces know their way around an exhibit booth.

Karen Chupka, Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Executive VP, Las Vegas
Tammy Covington Nagem, High Point Market Authority, COO, Greensboro/Winston-Salem, N.C.
Fae Desmond, Comic-Con International, Executive Director, San Diego
Mary Dolaher, Dolaher Events, Founder & CEO, Boston
Jamie Eriksen, Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Special Events Director, Los Angeles
Brian Field, Emerald Expositions, Interim President & CEO, New York
Noah Horowitz, Art Basel Miami Beach, Director, Americas, New York
Stanley Pierre-Louis, Entertainment Software Association (ESA), CEO, Washington, D.C.
Hervé Sedky, Reed Exhibitions, President, Americas, New York
Greg Topalian, Clarion UX, CEO, New York
Rachel Wimberly, Tarsus Group, Executive VP, Business Development, Milwaukee, Wis.

About "The BizBash 500": This annual feature is compiled by our editorial team using a variety of resources, beginning with sifting through thousands of public nominations and conducting internal research on all individuals nominated. To be eligible, nominees must be currently based in the United States. We accept nominations for both established industry experts and up-and-comers. While our features may be sponsored by standout companies, to ensure the list remains impartial, sponsors do not have the ability to review or curate any part of the list themselves. With this being a relatively new feature to BizBash's portfolio, it is certainly an art, not a science, and we are still perfecting our processes. We encourage you to subscribe to our BizBash Buzz newsletter and follow @BizBash on social media to stay informed when nominations for future BizBash lists and features go live. We welcome any feedback you may have—you can email us here.

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