Most Innovative People in Events 2020: Bonnie Smith

The Basics: Bonnie Smith is the founder and CEO of Studio B Entertainment, a diversity-driven brand experience agency based in Chicago with local teams in New York and Los Angeles. With an impressive portfolio that includes events for brands such as CoverGirl, ESSENCE, Sally Hansen, P&G, and more, Smith continues to use her agency to curate immersive events that are inclusive to women, especially women of color.

"I've always been passionate about creating experiences that make people feel seen, valued, and empowered," says Smith. Following her time at iHeartRadio's 103.5 KISS FM, the powerhouse moved into event marketing at Time Inc., where she developed high-profile events for Entertainment Weekly, People en Espanol, and ESSENCE—including Sundance Film Festival, the Pre-Emmy Party, and the Island Def Jam Grammy Party. 

During the Ask Me Anything virtual event, part of the Community Cohesion Project and produced in partnership with interactive virtual event platform BigMarker, Smith says, "The event featured a candid conversation and Q&A with Fayetteville Police Chief Mike Reynolds, discussing everything from social justice to building and developing intentional relationships grounded in dialogue and transparency, and everything in between. Due to considerable community demand, follow-up included additional post-event media and branded content with Chief Reynolds."Photo: Courtesy of Studio B Entertainment2020 Highlight Reel: While the pandemic hit pause on Smith's in-person experiential brand activations, she's used this year to partner with brands that share her soft spot for philanthropy. "We're incredibly proud of two particular programs that focus on supporting, uplifting, and celebrating the lives of underrepresented communities," says Smith, who was featured in this year's The BizBash 500 list as one of the top event pros in the United States. "First was launching an integrated campaign platform designed to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all, for a new initiative called the Community Cohesion Project with our client partners, P&G and Walmart. Second was accelerating equity for moms of color with our client partner, The Mom Project, by launching RISE, their new scholarship and upskilling initiative." 

Like many event pros this year, Smith switched gears to virtual in order to stay afloat. "The Community Cohesion Project was set to include a year of live event programming. After COVID, we pivoted to virtual event programming with a series of events: Ask Me Anything, CCP Town Hall, and Small Business Spotlights," she explains. And as gathering restrictions began to lift, Smith dipped her toe in the pond of socially distant events: "We were also able to produce a safe drive-in movie event with a special screening of the academy award-winning Marvel mega-hit Black Panther and outdoor retail activations at Walmart giving away face masks and hand sanitizer."

Event Philosophy: "Ensuring meaningful, diverse, and intersectional expression is authentically and strategically woven throughout each and every touchpoint. It challenges us to see the world through our audience's eyes, not through a checklist or single brushstroke."

Goals for the Future: Looking toward 2021, Smith says she hopes to "continue to design and produce purpose-driven events and branded content that celebrates the lives and contributions of underrepresented communities, both virtually and IRL. Additionally, expand our client portfolio to include companies within the tech, nonprofit, and finance industry."

Back to the Most Innovative People in Events 2020 list, sponsored by Pathable