This feature is sponsored by vFairs, your all-in-one event management platform for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. Host epic events of all sizes using vFairs's event technology, including a customizable mobile app, virtual event platform, and on-site event tech.
"I believe that if you are comfortable, then you are not trying hard enough," says Shawna Yamamoto, the event designer behind ENSO Creative, when asked about her approach to innovation. That attitude is a common thread for all of the talented event planners, designers, and producers featured on this list, who range from festival producers to traveling exhibition experts to sought-after designers. Click through the links below to meet our most recent class of Industry Innovators—and get inspired by their career journeys, their sources of inspiration, their most memorable moments, and more.
April Luca
CEO, Founder & Creative Director, Gold Sky Productions
Billy Butchkavitz
Founder, Billy Butchkavitz Design Inc.
Craig D’Amico
Founder, CEO & Executive Producer, CDE
Kate Levenstien
CEO & Founder, Cannonball Productions
Leah Harper-Lane
Principal & Executive Producer, Strong Brew
Lynzie Kent
Founder & Creative Director, Mad Bash Group & The Pop-Up Chapel Co.
Seth Dolan
Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Gladiator Productions
Shawna Yamamoto
CEO & Creative Director, ENSO Creative
Tom Zaller
President & CEO, Imagine Exhibitions Inc.
About the list: Our Industry Innovators features are compiled by our editorial team. The idea is to go beyond the biggest names in the biz—though it has plenty of those too—and dig deep into the industry professionals who are using truly innovative thinking to push the boundaries of live experiences. 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.
If someone has previously been named a BizBash Innovator, they are not eligible for the list. Check out our full Industry Innovators Hall of Fame here!
