You Built It—Thank You for a Week of Creativity & Connection! 🛠️✨

 

Dear BUILD Crew and ILEA Community,

 

What a whirlwind of inspiration, innovation, and heart! Thank you for diving headfirst into BUILD: Constructing Creativity—a four-day odyssey where education sparkled, connections blossomed, and creativity came alive in every corner of the Sheraton Commander.

 

From the very first playful spark to the triumphant final toast, you were the magic that made BUILD unforgettable.

 

Highlights from Our Constructive Journey:

 

1. Play, Pause, Ignite

Steve Gross invited us to embrace the "power of playful mindset," reminding us that creativity isn't just a strategy—it’s a spirit that lights up our work and our impact.

 

2. Feedback Without Burnout

Stacy Scarsella taught us how to harness feedback loops that supercharge our brands—energizing, not draining modes of collaboration.

 

3. A Creative Life in Conversation

David Michael Rich, in dialogue with Chris Gasbarro, showed that creativity isn't just a job—it’s a way of life. A powerful reminder that our personal stories are the blueprints for bigger visions.

 

4. Finding the Fast Lane to Innovation

Susan Robertson handed us the Visionary’s GPS™ to outsmart resistance and accelerate change—creativity with clarity, strategy with soul.

 

5. Visual Storytelling that Speaks Volumes

Andrea Clark guided us through the art of imagination in design—where imagery isn’t just decoration, but the architecture of unforgettable experiences.

 

6. Creative Client Connections

Bob Russo taught us to always start at the finish line, designing creativity that’s not only inspired—but strategically aligned with client goals.

 

7. Culture as Creative Compass

Our powerhouse panel—Cecilia Lavin, Kunmi Ariyo, Elizabeth Nutting, Christian Seidenstücker, Armando Seledon, and Duntan West—explored how culture fuels creativity across borders and perspectives.

 

8. Emotional Brilliance Unlocked

Brian A. M. Green challenged us to Feel Big, Live Bigger, showing how emotional presence unlocks creativity beyond technique and tools.

 

9. When Food Becomes Story

Lauren Loya whisked us into the delicious realm of culinary design—where edible experiences become immersive storytelling that connects deepest.

 

10. Creative Tech in the Mix

Mark Consiglio, alongside Brian Acheson, Heidi Brumbach, and Bill Murray, led a powerful panel on tech innovation—showing how creativity and tech aren’t just tools—they’re partners in crafting the future of events.

 

11. Recognizing the Power of Appreciation

Carrie Campbell showed us how to elevate events—and cultures—through meaningful recognition. From kudos to culture, she reminded us that connection starts with gratitude. ILEA Boston

 

12. Bringing All The Blocks Together

Emcee Richard Foulkes helped us weave together

 

Let's Not Forget: The Nights That BUILT Memories

We worked hard by day—but oh, did we celebrate by night! The Blueprint Lounge was buzzing with music, laughter, and connections that flowed as freely as the cocktails. Taste of Boston wowed our taste buds with incredible local flavor, proving that even the summer heat couldn’t stop the fun (and only algae can stop the rowing!). The SEARCH Patrol brought coastal vibes, waterskishots, candles that smelled so beachy and a ball pit of fun—but most importantly, an electric wave of generosity for our industry peers in need. And then—the grand finale. We gathered to honor the artistry and grit of our own ILEA friends and colleagues who produced, designed, executed, and helped to BUILD jaw-dropping events into award-winning masterpieces. Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and ESPRIT 2025 winners—you’ve set the bar sky-high for what’s possible when creativity meets collaboration.

 

To You—for Making It Matter

Thank you for showing up with curiosity, boldness, and open hearts.

Thank you for sharing your stories, sparks, and strategies.

Thank you for turning BUILD from a conference into a living, breathing creative experience for everyone.

 

And thank you to our construction crew—the partners, sponsors, and behind-the-scenes heroes who made every detail possible. Your dedication, resources, and expertise laid the foundation for this entire experience, and we couldn’t have BUILT it without you.

 

Keep the momentum flowing! Revisit session highlights, connect with speakers, and dream about the energy that powered this week. We are already counting down the days till Chicago 2026!

 

Thank you for being the builders of creativity, collaboration, and community. We can’t wait to see what you construct next!

 

Creatively yours,
The BUILD Committee

Judy Brillhart Belcher CSEP, Jennifer Bertolino CMP, Amy Dearth CSEP, Jodi Gold, Tom Kura, Wendy Segal & Steven Way