The Basics: Andrew Roby is the CEO and creative director of Andrew Roby Events. Based in Washington, D.C., Roby has been designing and producing top-notch events through his eponymous business for over a decade, tackling corporate and social events, as well as weddings and everything in between for more than 1,000 clients. "I got in to the event industry as a way to transition out of being in the United States Army," explains Roby. "I volunteered with Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS), which resulted in planning Coca-Cola basketball tournaments, fundraisers, fashion shows, and other activities. My love for the thrill and rush led to me trying this out once I left the army. I have not turned back since."
2020 Highlight Reel: Roby isn't shy to speak for himself—and likely many event pros in the live event industry—and say, "The year 2020 could very well be put in a box, covered in cement, and dropped in the middle of the Pacific Ocean." But, he adds, "Even with all of that, I am personally proud of myself. I'm proud that I have been able to empower others to keep fighting their way out of this year. Whether dealing with their own businesses, starting a new one, understanding the power of self and mental health, and building diversity and inclusion via the National Events Council." (This year, Roby helped found the National Events Council alongside industry peer Darryl Moore, founder and CEO of D’Concierge Design. Read more about his accomplishment in diversifying the industry here.) To top it all off, the seasoned event pro landed a spot on 2020's The BizBash 500 list in addition to speaking on a panel at BizBash Orlando in October.
Event Philosophy: "To always question everything to see just how capable I am at being better than I was the event before."
Goals for the Future: Looking toward a hopefully better year for events in 2021, Roby has set high goals for his team in the coming year to make up for lost time. "My company's goals are to have a stronger presence in the Dallas and Los Angeles markets. I want to be in a position where we can have full-time representation in those markets, as well as D.C. generating closer to 1 million in annual sales," he says, adding, "It's also my goal to work with large corporate brands such as Netflix, Apple, and HBO for some of their premier corporate events. Lastly, having my own TV show has always been a dream. Not just showing the world how immersive events are created, but how they can change the lives of individuals and companies who use events to forward their agendas."
Back to the Most Innovative People in Events 2020 list, sponsored by Pathable
