The BizBash 500 is sponsored by Hubilo, a leading virtual and hybrid event platform built to drive deep engagement with exceptional white-glove support yielding greater business results.
For its fourth 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.
Scroll through the list or jump to the section using the links below. You can also view the original feature in BizBash's fall 2021 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
Experiential Agencies
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.
Adam McCarthy, BlackOak Technical Productions, Managing Director, Chicago
Bart Kresa, BARTKRESA Studio, Founder & Master Projection Designer, Los Angeles
Bentley Meeker, Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging, Owner, New York
Blayne Candy, Showcall, Principal, Washington, D.C.
Bob Russo, VDA, Executive Director, Strategy & Creative, Salem, Mass.
Christien Methot, Design One Lighting Design, Principal Designer, New York
Drew Dalzell, Diablo Sound, President/Principal Designer, Los Angeles
Ira Levy, Levy NYC Design & Production, Owner & Creative Director, New York
Jon Retsky, Got Light, Owner & Lead Designer, San Francisco
Rachel Miller, Kinetic Lighting, Lighting Designer & Sr. Project Manager, Los Angeles
Raymond Thompson, Images by Lighting, Owner & Sr. Lighting Designer, Los Angeles
Sarah Soliman, Soliman Productions, Inc., President & CEO, Orlando
Washington Arias, Everlast Productions, CEO & Founder, Miami
CATERING
These chefs and decision-makers know how to please any eventgoer with their palatable plates.
Michele Polci, Caesars Entertainment, Director, Citywide Catering Sales, Las Vegas
Alice Garretti, Acquolina Catering & Event Management, Director, Catering, New York
Andrew Gerstel, Windows Catering, CEO, Great Falls, Va.
Bob Spiegel, Pinch Food Design, Owner & Executive Chef, New York
Bobby Stern, Riviera Caterers, President, New York
Brent Schumacher, Pink Avocado, Owner & Executive Chef, Austin
Carla Ruben, Creative Edge Parties, President & Creative Director, New York
Chappall Gage, Susan Gage Caterers, President, Washington, D.C.
Eric Michael, Occasions Caterers, Co-Founder & Sr. Advisor, Washington, D.C.
Frank Puleo, Catering by Framboise, Owner, New York
Jim Horan, Blue Plate, Founder & CEO, Chicago
Joann Roth-Oseary, Someone's in the Kitchen, President, Los Angeles
Joy Wallace, Joy Wallace Catering, President & CEO, Miami
Kris Reinhard, Bold Catering & Design, Owner, Atlanta
Lisbet Halvorsen, Ravishing Radish Catering, Owner & Creative Director, Bainbridge Island, Wash.
Liz Neumark, Great Performances, CEO, New York
Loni Paige, Mixology Mixer, Founder, Miami
Maggie Barton, Butler's Pantry, Chief Operating Officer, St. Louis
Matt Landes, Cocktail Academy, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Norm Bennett, 24 Carrots Catering and Events, Founder, Costa Mesa, Calif.
Olivier Cheng, Olivier Cheng Catering & Events, Founder & President, New York
Pamela Brunson, Wolfgang Puck Catering, Chief Creative Officer, Los Angeles
Pauline Parry, Good Gracious! Events, Founder & Owner, Los Angeles
Peter Callahan, Peter Callahan Catering, Owner & Creative Director, New York
Philip Noyes, Proof of the Pudding, Chairman & Owner, Atlanta
Robin Selden, Marcia Selden Catering, President, Stamford, Conn.
Ron Ben-Israel, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, Owner, New York
Rupali Amin, Levy Restaurants, Director, Catering Sales at Navy Pier, Chicago
Stephanie LeFrancois, Forks & Fingers, Catering by Design, Owner, Orange, Conn.
Susan Lacz, Ridgewells Catering, Principal & CEO, Chevy Chase, Md.
Thomas Whelan, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Director, Banquets, Boston
Thomas Preti, Thomas Preti Events to Savor, Co-Founder, New York
Zena Phillips, Hilton, Sr. Director, Catering & Events, Americas, Miami
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?)
Allison Galloway, Verizon Media, Director, Global Events, Denver
Adam Rosen, University of Southern California, Associate VP, Cultural Relations & University Events, Altadena, Calif.
Anna Robins, Keep Memory Alive, Sr. Director, Las Vegas
Azania Andrews, Anheuser-Busch, VP, Connections, New York
Candace Montgomery, The Atlantic, Sr. VP & GM, New York
Carly Slivinski, National Football League (NFL), Sr. Manager, Event Operations & Logistics, New York
Carmen Jones, ESSENCE, Experiential Director, Live Events & Growth Lead, New York
Carolyn Mack, NJ Transit, Director, Corporate Events & Social Media, Newark, N.J.
Cherri Macht, Target, Lead Associate Creative Director, Experiential, Minneapolis
Christina Waterman, Shorty Awards, Director, Marketing, New YorkColleen Bisconti, IBM, VP, Global Conferences & Events, New York
Crista Hassett, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, VP, Event Operations, Indianapolis
Danah Lee Wessels, Oracle, Sr. Director, Global Event Marketing, Redwood City, Calif.
David Stevens, Alation, Director, Global Events & Field Marketing, Redwood City, Calif.
Deidre West, Children's Health Fund, Director, Special Events & Celebrity Relations, New York
Emily Miller, Humane Rescue Alliance, Sr. Director, Development, Fairfax County, Va.
Helen Stoddard, Twitter, Head, Global Events, Experiential Marketing & Live Programing, New York
Holly Lemkau Doran, Bloomberg Media, Managing Director, Bloomberg New Economy, New York
Jessica Jennings, Cameo, Experiential Marketing Lead, Fairfield, Conn.
Jitter Garcia, Univision Communications Inc., Head, Events/Sr. Director, Event Marketing, New York
Judy Lee, Pinterest, Head, Global Brand Experiences & Programs, New York
Katja Keir, Audible, Director, Brand Activations & Sponsorships, New York
Kim Reilly, Fidelity Investments, Sr. Event Marketing Manager, North Kingstown, R.I.
Kudzi Chikumbu, TikTok, Director of Creator Community, Los Angeles
Kristina Parente Denson, National Basketball Association (NBA), Sr. Director, Event Management & Meetings, Secaucus, N.J.
Lawrence Sifuentes, NBCUniversal, Special Events & Premiums Manager, Los Angeles
Leanne McGowan, Electronic Arts, Sr. Manager, Global Events, Los Angeles
Lesly Simmons, Amazon Advertising, Global Head, Event Programming & Content, San Francisco
Lylle Breier, The Walt Disney Studios, SVP, Global Marketing Partnerships, Promotions, Synergy & Special Events, Los Angeles
Marcie Booth, ThinkLA, Director, Events, Los Angeles
Mark Henneberger, Walmart, VP, Event Solutions, Rogers, Ark.
Meighan McLafferty, Amazon, Head, Events, Sustainability and The Climate Pledge, Seattle
Michelle Rosen Sapir, Google, Head, Brand & Reputation, Events & Experiences, New York
Natalie Espinosa, Vans, Director, Global Brand Experiences, Los Angeles
Olivia-Jené Fagon, Vice Media Group, Group Creative Director, Branded Studio & Experiential, New York
Patrick Pickens, Delta Air Lines, Manager, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events, Atlanta
Rachel Gross Langley, Visa, VP, Meetings & Events, New York
Stephen Kipp, ViacomCBS, SVP, Special Events, New York
Tanesha Moody, Under Armour, Head, Global Corporate Events, Washington, D.C.
Tara Reilly, Vox Media, VP, Experiential & Partnerships, New York
Tara Swansen, Apartment Therapy Media, Special Projects Director, New York
Tomiko Iwata, FOX Entertainment, Executive VP, Creative Services, Los Angeles
Tracey Shechtman, Condé Nast, VP, Head, Global Experiences, 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.
Adam Burke, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, President & CEO, Los Angeles
Butch Spyridon, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, President & CEO, Nashville
Casandra Matej, Visit Orlando, President & CEO, Orlando
Charles Harris, Reno Tahoe, President & CEO, Reno, Nev.
Chinyere Hubbard, Events DC, Sr. VP, Communications & Marketing, Washington, D.C.
Craig Davis, Visit Dallas, President & CEO, Dallas
Danielle Phippen, ACCESS Destination Services, Partner, Denver
Elliott Ferguson, Destination DC, President & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Fred Dixon, NYC & Company, President & CEO, New York
Gabrielle Mourino, Imprint Events Group, Sr. Account Manager, Orlando
Jaclyn Bernstein, Empire Force Events, President & Partner, New York
Janet Holliday, The CE Group, Inc., President & CEO, San Antonio
Jeff Guaracino, Visit Philadelphia, President & CEO, Philadelphia
Joe D’Alessandro, San Francisco Travel, President & CEO, San Francisco
Julie Coker, San Diego Tourism Authority, President & CEO, San Diego
Laurie Sprouse, Ultimate Ventures, President, Addison, Texas
Lori Adlesick, Choose Chicago, VP, Strategic Partnerships & Events, Chicago
Martha Sheridan, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, President & CEO, Boston
Paul Mears III, Hello! Destination Management, President & CEO, Orlando
Richard W. Scharf, Visit Denver, President & CEO, Denver
Steve Hill, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA), President & CEO, Las Vegas
Tom Noonan, Visit Austin, President & CEO, Austin
Tom Norwalk, Visit Seattle, President & CEO, Seattle
William Pate, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, President & CEO, Atlanta
William Douglas Talbert III, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, President & CEO, Miami
ENTERTAINMENT
When it’s time to get guests out of their seats or engaged online, look no further than these entertainment experts.
Becca Kaufman, BeatMix Music, President & Founder, Northbrook, Ill.
Christina DeNee', Big Head Cartoon Caricature Art & Entertainment, Owner & Lead Artist, Nashville
Danny Bergold, About Entertainment, President & CEO, Los Angeles
Dave Green, Mystery Trip, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
David Buono, Spinner Music Productions, Owner & Managing Director, Boston
Donald Contursi, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, President, Las Vegas
J.B. Miller, Empire Entertainment, President & CEO, New York
Jason Wei, Discover Live, CEO, New York
Jeremy James, Entertainment Central Productions, Owner, Orlando
Jessica Shea, Cheers in a Box, Founder & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Joe Eitzen, Snapbar, Product Manager & Co-Founder, Seattle
Juliette Feld, Feld Entertainment, COO, Palmetto, Fla.
Kevin Weston, Float Hybrid Entertainment, CEO, Ross, Calif.
Leane Romeo, Overland Entertainment, President & CEO, New York
Linda Gierahn, Silent House, CCO & Head, Production, Los Angeles
Masha Berenboym, Artists Creating Entertainment, Owner, Los Angeles
Megan Taylor, Fig Media, Virtual Event Producer & DJ, Chicago
Meir Israel, The South Beach Photo Booth Co., CEO, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Miranda Anita, Official Lipstick Reader, Official Lipstick Reader, Burbank, Calif.
Patricia Dukofsky, Interactive Entertainment Group, VP, Woodbury, N.Y.
Rick Whetsel, G7 Entertainment Marketing, VP, Nashville
Rolando Espinoza, Champagne Creative Group, Creative Director & Co-Founder, Las Vegas
Sam Eitzen, Snapbar, CEO & Co-Founder, Gig Harbor, Wash.
Troy Adams, Carolina DJ Professionals, Owner, Charlotte, N.C.
Wayne Hoffman, Hoffman Entertainment, President & CEO, Estero, Fla.
EVENT INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Introducing the ringleaders who
continue to guide the meeting and
event industries.
Amy Calvert, Events Industry Council (EIC), CEO, Washington, D.C.
Dana Macaulay, International Live Events Association (ILEA), Immediate Past President, Santa Rosa, Calif.
David Audrain, Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), CEO, Atlanta
David DuBois, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), President & CEO, Dallas
David Jefferys, LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, Executive Director & CEO, Philadelphia
Denise Truso, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), President, Minneapolis
Don Welsh, Destinations International, President & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Jason Dunn Sr., National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), Immediate Past Chairman, Board of Directors, Cincinnati
Jim Digby, Event Safety Alliance, Co-Founder & President, Philadelphia
Julie Brakenbury, Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA), President, Raleigh, N.C.
Kate Patay, SEARCH Foundation, Chairwoman, Reno, Nev.
Kimberley Gishler, Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), President & CEO, Park City, Utah
Kimberly Araya, Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors—International (ACCED-I), President, Washington, D.C.
Latoya Lewis, EnventU, Founder & Executive Director, Washington, D.C.
Lawrence Leonard, National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), Executive Director, Washington, D.C.
Mark Cooper, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), CEO, Chicago
Nancy Shaffer, Live Events Coalition, Board President, Washington, D.C.
Paul VanDeventer, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), President & CEO, Dallas
Roger Dow, U.S.Travel Association (USTA), President & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Sally Webb Berry, Academic Event Professional (AEP), Chair, Durham, N.C.
Shawna Suckow, Senior Planners Industry Network (SPIN), Founder & Chairwoman, St. Paul, Minn.
Steve Bova, Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP), Executive Director, Naperville, Ill.
Susan Robertson, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, President & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Tonya Almond, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), VP, Knowledge & Experience Design, Chicago
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.
Agnès Canonica, MCI, VP, Corporate, Philadelphia
Amanda Ma, Innovate Marketing Group, Founder & CEO, Pasadena, Calif.
Bari Baumgardner, Sage, Founder, Murrells Inlet, S.C.
Bill Bissmeyer, Performance Marketing Group, Inc, VP, Business Development & Operations, Indianapolis
Bob Priest-Heck, Freeman Company, CEO, San Francisco
Brian Killian, Turnkey DOT, President, Chicago
Carol Galle, Special D Events, President & CEO, Detroit
Chad Tons, Infinity Marketing Team, CEO, Los Angeles
Charles Eide, EideCom + Second Stage, CEO, Minneapolis
Cheryl Gentry, Glow Global Events, Founder & CEO, New York
Chris Drury, Drury Design Dynamic, Inc., Owner, President & Chief Creative Officer, New York
Chris Janese, The Green Room, CEO, San Diego
Coltrane Curtis, Team Epiphany, Founder & Managing Partner, New York
Craig D'Amico, CDE Productions, Owner, New York
D. Channing Muller, DCM Communications, Principal, Chattanooga, Tenn.
David Calzaretta, Magnificent Events and Entertainment, President & Owner, Naperville, Ill.
David Landgraf, Make it Happen Management, Chief Experience Officer, New York
Denise Adam, HelmsBriscoe, Sr. Director, Global Accounts, New York
Dylan Shinholser, Experience Events and ViewStub, Co-Owner/Chief Experience Officer, Richmond, Va.
Elle Chan, Trademark Event Productions, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, New York
Erin Cook, e2 Destination & Event Management, President, Owner & General Manager, Orlando
Ernie Hahn, Dream Hahn, Co-Founder & Chairman, San Diego
Eyal Simko, The One Up Group, CEO, Los Angeles
Francesca Radabaugh, Paragon Events, VP, Operations/Director, Association Management, Delray Beach, Fla.
Heather Herrig, Every Last Detail, President & Chief Event Strategist, Roswell, Ga.
Heather Mason, Caspian Agency, CEO & Founder, Los Angeles
Herb Karlitz, Karlitz & Company, President, New York
Jan Levine, JSL Event Group, Founder & President, Raleigh, N.C.
Jeff Guberman, McVeigh Global Meetings and Events, Chief Executive Officer, New York
Jennifer Lucio Vargas, 305 Communications and Events, Founder, President & CEO, Miami
Jill Taub Drury, Drury Design Dynamic, Inc., Founder & CEO, New York
Joshua Greene, Throwing Star Collective, President & Sr. Project Manager, Annapolis, Md.
Jovanca Maitland, JANE Events Consulting, Founder, New York
Laurie DeJong, LDJ Productions, CEO, New York
Lesley Brandt, planit inc., Co-Founder, Principal & Sr. Event Producer, Omaha
Leslie Jones, Leslie Marie Events, Owner & Lead Planner, Los Angeles
Lynda Webster, Webster Group, Founder & Chairman, Washington, D.C.
Mark Dow, Wilson Dow, Co-Owner, President, Executive Creative Director, Chicago
Massah David, MVD Inc., Co-Founder, Los Angeles
Matthew Dunn, Raconteurs, President & CEO, St. Augustine, Fla.
Miatta David Johnson, MVD Inc., President & CEO, Los Angeles
Rebecca Linder, Linder Global Events, Founder & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Renee Black, planit inc., Co-Founder, Sr. Meeting Planner, Omaha, Neb.
Richard Attias, Richard Attias & Associates, Founder & Executive Chairman, New York
Robin Lickliter, Sparks, Chief Experience Officer, Philadelphia
Robyn Duda, RDC, Founder & CEO, Atlanta
Sarah Davidson, HUE by Sarah Davidson, Chief Strategist & Creative Director, Madison, Wis.
Sean Hughes Jr., Avenue Event Group, Managing Partner, Orlando
Stephanie Jayko, Knockout Productions, Owner, President & CEO, Nashville
Steve Wilson, Wilson Dow, Co-Owner, Chicago
Sue Bohlen, SKB Event Shop, Founder & CEO, New York
Tarin Wilson, plan A Events, Owner & President, Los Angeles
Todd Hawkins, The Todd Group, Founder & President, Los Angeles
Yvonne McNair, Captivate Marketing Group, Founder & CEO, New York
EVENT PLANNERS, DESIGNERS & PRODUCERS
From conferences and festivals to fund-raisers, award shows and much more, these event pros continue to set trends and raise standards for the ever-evolving industry.
A.J. Williams, AJ Events, President & Creative Director, Boston,
Adam Sloyer, Sequence Events, CEO, New York
Aja Bradley-Kemp, Conversate Collective, Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Sacramento, Calif.
Alana Guglielmo, Mixed Greens Event Design, Owner & Creative Director, New York
Aleana Conroy, ORO Event Co., CEO & Creative Director, Tampa
Alexandra Rembac, Sterling Engagements, Principal & Creative Director, Los Angeles
Alison Kieckhafer, The Event Lounge, Owner & Chief Event Officer, Dallas
Allison Pieter, Cassis Productions, Founder & President, Los Angeles
Amy Shey Jacobs, Chandelier Events, Founder & Creative Director, New York
Amy Ulkutekin, Catalyst Creative Events, Owner & Event Producer, San Diego
André Wells, Events by André Wells, Founder & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Andrea Eppolito, Andrea Eppolito Events, Wedding Planner, Owner, Las Vegas
Andrew Roby, Andrew Roby Events, Owner & Corporate Event Planner, Washington, D.C.
Annie Senatore, Design Foundry, CEO & Creative Director, Washington, D.C.
Annie Perezchica-Wood, The Brand Guild, SVP, Events, Washington, D.C.
Ben Slayter, CMO & CXO, Production Management One, Orlando
Beth Surmont, 360 Live Media, VP, Event Business Strategy & Design, Washington, D.C.
Billy Butchkavitz, Billy Butchkavitz Design, Founder, Los Angeles
Bobby Dutton, GBM6 (GrooveBoston/Mission Six), Director, Boston
Bonnie Smith, Studio B Entertainment, Founder & CEO, Chicago
Brad Levine, B. Levine Productions, President & Creative Director, Los Angeles
Brandon Treadway, Treadway Events & Entertainment, President & Creative Director, Portland, Ore.
Brian Worley, B. Worley Productions, Owner & Creative Director, Atlanta
Brian Riha, 82 South, Chief Experience Officer & Executive Producer, Orlando
Brooksie Hughes, BAH Productions, Executive Producer & President, San Diego,
Bryan Rafanelli, Rafanelli Events, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Boston
Caryl Lyons, Roar Events, Founder & Creative Director, Dallas
CeCe Todd, CeCe Designs, Owner & Lead Designer, Birmingham, Ala.
Charlie Venturi, Live It Productions International L.L.C., Sr. Director, Miami
Cheryl Cecchetto, Sequoia Productions, Owner & President, Los Angeles
Chrissy Thompson, Dynamo Events, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Christina Matteucci, David Beahm Destinations, Executive Director, New York
Christopher Confero, Confero, Owner, Atlanta
Cindy Brewer, LEO Events, Principal, Memphis, Tenn.
Colin Cowie, Colin Cowie Lifestyle, Owner & CEO, New York
Dan Parente, Bookem Danno Productions, President, New York
Danielle Couick, Magnolia Bluebird design + events, Principal & Creative Director, Gaithersburg, Md.
David Beahm, David Beahm Experiences, Founder, New York
David Merrell, AOO Events, CEO & Creative Director, Los Angeles
David Monn, David Monn LLC, Founder & President, New York
David Stark, David Stark Design, President & Chief Creative Officer, New York
David Tutera, David Tutera Inc., Celebrity Weddings & Celebrations Planner, New York
David Twigger, Vermilion Events and Design LLC, Creative Director & Founder, Phoenix
Dee Lee, Dee Lee Designs, Event Designer & Producer, Los Angeles
DeNeitra Burnett, Savvy Events, Creative Director & CEO, Los Angeles
Dera Lee, Dera Lee Productions, Founder & CEO, New York City
Ebony C. Stewart, EbonyCattouse Events, Founder, CEO & Creative Planner, New York
Eddie Zaratsian, Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle and Design, Creative Director & Founder, Los Angeles
Edgardo Zamora, Revelry Event Designers, CEO, Founder & Lead Designer, Los Angeles,
Emily Chalk Battaglia, East of Ellie, an events co., Founder & Sr. Managing Partner, Shelton, Conn.
Erica Maurer, EMRG Media, Partner/ Founder, New York
Erika Lohmar, akire productions, President & Executive Producer, Chicago
Evan Carbotti, Carbotti Experiences, Designer, Partner & Co-Owner, Newport, R.I.
Gary Solomon Jr., Solomon Group, President, New Orleans
Gary Radin, GMR Design, Principal Designer & Creative Strategist, Philadelphia
Greg Jenkins, Bravo Productions, Partner & Co-Founder, Long Beach, Calif.
Gretchen Culver, Rocket Science Events, Owner & Creative Director, Minneapolis
Hanna Kim, Reservedx, Co-Founder, Los Angeles
Hanna Benrosh, Bentop Events, Owner & Creative Director, Los Angeles
Heather Dwight, Calluna Events, Owner, Boulder, Colo.,
Hien Nguyen, Wink Design & Events, Creative Director & Co-Owner, New Orleans,
Jacin Fitzgerald, Jacin Fitzgerald Events, Owner & Creative Director, Atlanta
Jason Rhee, Rheefined Company, Director, Celebrations, Los Angeles
Javier Velarde, Triton Productions, CEO & Executive Producer, Miami
Jennifer D. Collins, JDC Events, President & CEO, Silver Spring, Md.
Jes Gordon, jesGORDON/properFUN, Owner & Creative Director, New York
Jodi Gold, Siagel Productions, Creative Event Designer & Event Planner, Boston
John Cooper, Sundance Film Festival, Director, Los Angeles
Joshua Spiegel, Birch Event Design, Creative Director, Brooklyn, N.Y
Karla Dascal, KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences, Founder & CEO, Miami
Karlet Hewitt, The Purpoint Group, Founder & Event Planner, Cary, N.C.
Kate Levenstien, Cannonball Productions, CEO & Founder, New York
Kathy Del Medico, Ember, Gathering VP & Owner, Newburyport, Mass.
Kelsea Olivia, East Olivia Creative, Founder & CEO, New York
Kevin Molesworth, Brass Tacks Events, President & Owner, Hillsboro, Ore.
Kim Xung Tran, Wink Design & Events, Creative Director & Co-Owner, New Orleans
Kristin Banta, Kristin Banta Events, Owner & Creative Designer, Los Angeles
Leah Weinberg, Color Pop Events, Owner, New York
Lee Kite, American Cancer Society, Regional Strategic Director, Distinguished Events, Northbrook, Ill.
Lenny Talarico, Blueprint Studios, Director, Corporate Sales, Las Vegas
Lewis Miller, Lewis Miller Design, Founder, New York
Lili Shadab, Elite Productions International, President & Creative Director, Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Lyn Stout, Bond Events, CEO & Founder, Washington, D.C.
Lynn Easton, Easton Events, Owner, Charleston, S.C.
Marc Wilson, The Style Marc, Founder & Creative Director, New York
Marcy Blum, Marcy Blum Associates, Owner & President, New York
Marissa Ain, Plate + Decanter, Founder & CEO, New York
Melisa Imberman, The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc., Owner & President, Millwood, N.Y.
Melissa Park, Melissa Park Events, Founder & Global Event Producer, New York
Melissa Andre, Melissa Andre Design Company, Owner & Creative Director, Beverly Hills, Calif.
Melva LaJoy Jones, LaJoy Plans, Owner & Lead Event Designer, Washington, D.C.
Mena Wright, Wright Productions, Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Los Angeles
Michael Cerbelli, Cerbelli Creative, CEO & President, New York
Michelle Edgemont, Michelle Edgemont Design, Owner & Creative Director, Tarrytown, N.Y.
Michelle Ellamae Chan, Ellamae Productions, Owner & Creative Director, Santa Monica, Calif.
Mindy Weiss, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, Founder, Wedding & Event Planner, Los Angeles
Mircea Manea, Blueprint Studios, Owner, Las Vegas
Moj Mahdara, Beautycon Media, Co-Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Natasha Miller, Entire Productions, Founder & Chief Experience Designer, San Francisco
Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Skybox Event Productions, Owner & Creative Director, Pasadena, Calif.
Nirjary Desai, KIS (cubed) Events, Chief Experience Officer, Owner, Founder, Atlanta
Philip Dufour, The Dufour Collaborative, President & Creative Director, Washington, D.C.
Preston Bailey, Preston Bailey Designs, Owner & Event Designer, New York
Raúl Àvila, Raúl Àvila Inc., Founder & President, New York
Rebecca Grinnals, Engaging Concepts, Co-Founder, Orlando
Renee Dalo, Moxie Bright Events, Owner & Lead Planner, Los Angeles
Renée Sabo, Urban Soirée, Founder, Boston
Ricky Kirshner, RK Productions, Founder & Event Producer, New York
Rishi Patel, HMR Designs, CEO, Chicago
Roger Whyte, RJ Whyte Event Production, Principal & Event Producer, Washington, D.C.
Russell Harris, Russell Harris Event Group, President & CEO, Los Angeles
Ryan Choura, Choura Events, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Sammy Caban, Innov8 Events Agency, Chief Experience Officer, Atlanta
Seth Dolan, Gladiator Productions, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Los Angeles
Shai Tertner, Shiraz Creative, President, Miami
Shantee Wright, Wright Productions, Chief Creative Officer, Los Angeles
Shawna Yamamoto, Shawna Yamamoto Event Design, Owner & Designer, Brea, Calif.
Stacy Heit, sassevents, Owner & Chief Event Officer, Washington, D.C.
Tammy Dickerson, TBG Events, Founder & CEO, Culver City, Calif.
Tara Melvin, Perfect Planning Events, Owner, Washington, D.C
Tedtra Wismer, Deckel and Moneypenny, Exhibit Designer, Louisville, Ky.
Thuy Diep, Haute Rock Creative, Sr. Experience Designer, Los Angeles
Tiffany Chalk, Tiffany Chalk Events, Owner & Lead Planner, New Castle, Del.
Todd Fiscus, Todd Events, Owner & Creative Director, Dallas
Tom Kehoe, Kehoe Designs, Owner & President, Chicago
Tony Schubert, Event Eleven, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Tony Conway, Legendary Events, Founder & CEO, Atlanta
Troy Williams, Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events, Principal & Event Designer, Los Angeles
William Miller, WP Miller Special Events, Owner, Los Angeles
Zev Norotsky, Enter, CEO & Founder, Los Angeles
EVENT TECHNOLOGY
These tech-savvy industry professionals are leading the way to innovation in their field.
Amanda Patterson Riso, The Call List, CEO, New York
Andrew Garcia, Goodshuffle Pro, Co-Founder, Washington, D.C.
Anna Rembold, Metavent, Owner & President, San Francisco
Ashlee Ammons, Mixtroz, Co-Founder & President, Birmingham, Ala.
Ben Hindman, Splash, Co-Founder, Executive Chairman & Head, Event Strategy, New York
Brett Boskoff, Splash, Co-Founder & CTO, New York
Chris Courtemanche, Renhaus Visualization Studio, Founder, Redondo Beach, Calif.
Dahlia El Gazzar, DAHLIA+Agency, Owner & Tech Evangelist, Boston
Dave Schools, Hopin, Head, Marketing, Richmond, Va.
Denis Vigo, Choose 2 Rent, President & Founder, Miami
Edo Segal, Touchcast, Founder & CEO, New York
Elizabeth Sheils, Rock Paper Coin, Co-Founder, Portland
Eran Ben-Shushan, Bizzabo, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
Fardad Zabetian, KUDO, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
James Parker, Digitell, CEO, Jamestown, N.Y.
Jeffrey Osuji, Eventnoire, CEO, Chicago
Jim Sharpe, Aventri, CEO, New York
Joe Schwinger, MeetingPlay, Founder, Washington, D.C.
Joe Mozden Jr., Sonic Foundry, CEO, Geneva, Ill.
John Shlonsky, Intrado Digital Media, President & CEO, Hauppauge, N.Y.
Jonathan Kazarian, Accelevents, Founder & CEO, Miami
Jordan Schwartz, Pathable, CEO, Bainbridge Island, Wash.
Katherine Frost, ORO, CEO & Founder, Boston
Kerry Schrader, Mixtroz, Co-Founder & CEO, Birmingham, Ala.
Kevin Iwamoto, Bizly, Chief Strategy Officer, San Francisco
Leonora Valvo, Swoogo, Founder, Warren, R.I.
Liz Caruso, Techsytalk, CEO, New York
Mark Johnson, eventcore, CEO, Seattle
Michael Buckley, Cadence, CEO & Co-Founder, New York
Michelle Paetz Wyatt, Cadmium, President, Forest Hills, Md.
Nora Sheils, Rock Paper Coin, Co-Founder, Portland
Patrick VanDusen, ViewStub, Founding Partner, Orlando
Reggie Aggarwal, Cvent, Founder & CEO, McLean, Va.
Ruben Castano, 6Connex, CEO, San Antonio
Ryan Simonetti, Convene, CEO & Co-Founder, New York
Sam Kolbert-Hyle, Brandlive, President & CEO, Portland, Ore.
Sandy Hammer, AllSeated, Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, New York
Steve Gottlieb, Shindig, Founder & CEO, New York
Tim Armstrong, Flowcode, CEO & Founder, New York
Vaibhav Jain, Hubilo, Founder & CEO, San Francisco
Will Curran, Endless Events, Founder & Chief Event Einstein, Phoenix
EXPERIENTIAL AGENCIES
Immersive experiences and activations
are the name of the game for these
industry pros.
Aaron Gaeir, GDX Studios, CEO, San Diego
Adam Richman, Medium Rare, Co-Founder, New York
Adette C. Contreras, TINSEL Experiential Design, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
Alisa Walsh, Haute Rock Creative + EventWorks, CEO, Los Angeles
Amber Ward, Invisible North, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
Amy Cotteleer, Duncan Channon, Partner & Chief Experience Officer, Los Angeles
Anika Grant, Idlewild Experiential, Founder & CEO, New York
Ann D’Ovidio, The Umbrella, Executive Producer, New York
Ashley Pulman, Amplified Marketing, Managing Partner, New York
Austin Johnston, AKJOHNSTON Group, Founder & CEO, Anaheim, Calif.
Bilal Kaiser, Agency Guacamole, Founder & Principal, Los Angeles
Brett Hyman, NVE Experience Agency, President, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Brian Mullin, Manifold, Founding Partner & Creative Director, San Francisco
Brian Feit, BMF Media, Partner & Owner, New York
Cara Kleinhaut, AGENC Experiential + Digital Marketing, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
CARTER REESE, Hatch.IM, President, Los Angeles
Cassandra Costello, MoonLab Productions, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Chad Hudson, CH Cre8tive, Founder, Los Angeles
Chris Meyer, George P. Johnson Experience Marketing, CEO, Los Gatos, Calif.
Craig Waldman, 15|40 Productions, President & Chief Creative Officer, Los Angeles
Diann Valentine, Exhilarate Experiential, Managing Partner, Los Angeles
Erica Taylor Haskins, TINSEL Experiential Design, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, New York
Erin Becks, Airlite, Founder & Principal, Los Angeles
Evan Korn, IDEKO, CEO & Managing Partner, New York
Hana Chughtai, Hana April Inc., Founder & CEO, Minneapolis
Jack Bedwani, New Moon, Founder & CEO, New York
Jay Rinsky, Little Cinema, Founder, CEO & Creative Director, New York
Jeff Consoletti, JJ|LA, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Jeff Snyder, Inspira Marketing Group, Chief Inspiration Officer, Norwalk, Conn.
Joe Silberzweig, Medium Rare, Co-Founder, Los Angeles
Jonathan Gomez, Brand Activation Services, Account Manager, New York
Josie Shepherd, Operant Media, Owner, San Diego
Justin Lefkovitch, Mirrored Media, Founder & CEO, Los Angeles
Kellie Hanley, SKTCH Events, Owner, Las Vegas
Kendyl Wright, Louder Experiences, Head, Experiences, Dallas
Kevin Vanegas, MartÃn & Vanegas Agency, SVP, Marketing & Brand Integration, Los Angeles
Kim Kopetz, Opus Agency, President, Portland, Ore.
Kyle Absolom, UNBOXED GROUP, Owner, Creative Director & Experiential Designer, Los Angeles
Lacy Maxwell, Lacy Maxwell Experiential, Founder, CEO & Owner, San Francisco
Larry Abel, Abel + McCallister + Abel, CEO, Nashville
Lauren Austin, MKG Experiential Marketing, Chief Creative Officer, New York
Liron David, Eventique, Founder & Executive Producer, New York
Liz Castelli, TINSEL Experiential Design, Co-Founder & COO, New York
Lucille Marie Essey, Jack Morton, SVP, Executive Creative Director, New York
Margaret Morici Schmidt, Giant Spoon, VP, Experiential Production & Operations, Los Angeles
Mark Testa, Mark Stephen Agency, Founder, Creative Director, New York
Mark Zablow, Cogent, Founder, New York
Marty LaSalle, Constellation Immersive, Co-Head, Los Angeles
Matt Stoelt, Stoelt Productions, CEO, Owner, Creative Director, Los Angeles
Matthew Glass, Allied Global Marketing, SVP, New York
Matthew David Hopkins, 360 Design Events, Owner & Creative Director, New York
Mia Choi, MAS Event + Design, Chief Creative Officer & Co-Founder, New York
Paul Charney, Funworks, Founder & CEO, San Francisco
Ross Resnick, RMNG, Founder, Los Angeles
Sarah Sebastian, Rose Gold Collective, Owner/Creative Director, Miami
Sohini Mitra, Impact XM, VP, Experiential Services, Philadelphia
Stacy Moscatelli, Superfly X, EVP, Brand Marketing & Creative, New York
Thao Nguyen, Constellation Immersive, CEO & Founder, Los Angeles
Tom Bussey, production glue, Founder & Principal, New York
Valerie Bihet, VIBE Agency, Owner & Meeting Planner, Miami
Yoana Obregon, Secret Sauce, Co-Founder & CEO, Miami
FABRICATION
Dream it up and these experts
can surely build it for your event.
Anthony Asaro, 11th St. Workshop, Production Designer & Set Builder, New York
Anthony Santiago, Pink Sparrow, Managing Director, New York
Chris Oliver, The Lab Fabrication, President, Glendale, Calif.
Elissa Blumstein, Surface Grooves, Co-Owner & Designer, New York
Eric Burg, Apple Rock, Owner, Greensboro, N.C.
Eric Winston, SFDS (Scenic Fabrication and Design Shop), Owner & Director, New York
Jacob Visoky, Liba Fabrics, VP, New York
Jason Riley, Black Ops Productions, Owner & Partner, New York
Moray Smith, Treehouse Fabrication and Scenic, President, Beverly Hills, Calif.
Nathan Martin, Deeplocal, CEO, Pittsburgh
Ryan Blumstein, Surface Grooves, Co-Owner & Fabricator, New York
Tim Bina, Nest Experiential, Creative Director, Los Angeles
Tom McPhillips, Atomic Design, Partner & Founder, Lititz, Pa.
HOSPITALITY
Leave it to these hospitality
doyens to help host your next
best fete.
Andrew Maturana, Rapt, Owner, New York
Anthony Capuano, Marriott International, CEO, Washington, D.C.
Barton G. Weiss, Barton G., Founder, Miami
Bill Walshe, Viceroy Hotel Group, CEO, Los Angeles
Chris Nassetta, Hilton, President & CEO, McLean, Va.
David Rockwell, Rockwell Group, Founder & President, New York
Lisa Messina, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, VP, Sales, Las Vegas
Mark Kaussner, Terranea Resort, Sr. Director, Catering, Conference & Destination Services, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, President & CEO, Chicago
Michael Dominguez, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), President & CEO, Plano, Texas
Michael Menis, InterContinental Hotels Group, SVP, Global Marketing Services, Atlanta
William "Chip" Rogers, American Hotel & Lodging Association, President & CEO, Washington, D.C.
RENTALS
These pros create Instagram-worthy environs thanks to their own cutting-edge event rentals.
Andrew Shortell, Hestia Harlow, CEO & Founder, Washington, D.C.
Brandon Ahlgren, Elite Events & Rentals, President & Owner, Safety Harbor, Fla.
Cam Petty, Render Co., Founder & CEO, Dallas
Gary Bordman, Amusement, Exhibit & Event Services (AE&ES), Chief Interactive Designer, Las Vegas
Heather Rouffe, Atlas Event Rental, Managing Partner & Director, Sales, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Jessica Latham, Social Studies, Co-Founder & CEO, New York
Jill Livingston, Eclectic Hive, Owner & Creative Director, Denver
Lauren Montgomery, Collective Rentals Design House, Creative Director & Design Director, Long Beach, Calif.
Lilian Shen, CORT Events, Director, Marketing, Las Vegas
Mike Arreaga, Shag Carpet Event Rentals, Creative Director, Dallas
Rheana Coon, Design Mode, Owner, Scottsdale,
Richard LoGuercio, Town & Country Event Rentals, Owner & President, Los Angeles
Russ Callahan, Quest Events, Director, National Operations, Las Vegas
Samatha Sackler, designer8* Event Furniture Rental, CEO, Los Angeles
Stuart Kohn, Miller's Rentals Inc., Owner, Edison, N.J.
Stuart Simble, Hire Elegance, Owner, San Diego
TRADE SHOW MANAGEMENT
Experts in all things trade shows, it’s safe to say these aces know their way around an exhibit booth.
Greg Topalian, Clarion UX, CEO, Norwalk, Ct.
Hervé Sedky, Emerald, President & CEO, New York
Jamie Eriksen, Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Special Events Director, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Karen Chupka, Consumer Technology Association, Executive VP, Las Vegas
Lance Fensterman, ReedPop, President, Wellington, Fla.
Mary Dolaher, Dolaher Events, Founder & CEO, Framingham, Mass.
Rachel Wimberly, Tarsus Group, Executive VP, Business Development, Milwaukee, Wis.
Robyn Davis, Exhibitors WINH LLC, Owner, Trade Show Trainer & Consultant, Charleston, S.C.
Stanley Pierre-Louis, Entertainment Software Association (ESA), President & CEO, Washington, D.C.
Tammy Covington Nagem, High Point Market Authority, COO, High Point, N.C.
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.
