Event Innovators 2018: The Most Innovative People in Events & Meetings

These meeting and event professionals are forging new ground through technology, strategy, design and production, sustainability, and more.

Ian ZelayaClaire HoffmanMichele Laufik

November 13, 2018

Revised Innovative People Graphic V3web 1

Photos: (Top Row) Griffin Lipson; (Middle Row): Michael Becker/FX, Courtesy of Two Bit Circus, Cory Fontenot; (Bottom Row): Courtesy of Outstanding in the Field, Courtesy of Piera Gelardi

Ready to get inspired? This year's list of event innovators is changing the way we think about events. They include pioneers in event technology, leaders in event sustainability, and the minds behind the Museum of Ice Cream and Refinery29's 29Rooms—two events that continue to inspire countless imitators. Now in its eighth year, the innovative people list champions the creativity, strategic thinking, and new directions that make live gatherings so effective. Meet this year's class.

Nicky Balestrieri & Luigi Tadini, The Gathery
Brett Blumberg, Kilowatt Events
Erica Boeke, Liberty & Company
Maryellis Bunn & Manish Vora, Museum of Ice Cream
Lauren Burmaster, Oculus V.R.
Brent Bushnell & Eric Gradman, Two Bit Circus
Jim Denevan, Outstanding in the Field
Angie Fetherston, Drink Company
Piera Gelardi, Refinery29
Kenya Hardaway, FX Networks
John Legittino, Advoc8
Sarah O’Gleby
Adrian Scott, Go2 Productions
Mark Stewart, Wondermakr