Welcome to The Blueprint Lounge — the heartbeat of connection at the conference, where event professionals gather to network, recharge, and build the relationships that power the industry.
By day, The Blueprint Lounge is a sleek, welcoming space designed for intentional networking. With ambient lighting, comfortable seating pods, and curated music to keep the energy just right, it's the go-to spot for coffee-fueled conversations, impromptu meetups, and strategy huddles between sessions. Plug in, grab an espresso, and connect with fellow pros over shared visions and upcoming projects. Whether you're collaborating on your next big activation or simply exchanging contacts, this is where plans begin to take shape.
But everyone knows the real magic happens after hours. As the sun sets, The Blueprint Lounge transforms. The lights dim, the music turns up, and the espresso is swapped for cocktails and crafted drinks. It becomes the unofficial after-party—the place where guarded pitches become honest stories, where competitors become collaborators, and where deals are toasted over laughter, not laptops.
This is where event legends are made and partnerships are born—not just on the conference floor, but in the early hours of the morning, when trust is built and barriers fade. Because in this business, relationships aren't formed at the booth—they're formed late night, at The Blueprint Lounge.
GET READY TO REIMAGINE CREATIVITY: BUILD IS COMING TO BOSTON.
Why does creativity seem effortless when we're young, yet elusive in the boardroom? Why is it so often viewed as the gift of a select few, instead of a skill we can all access and develop?
These questions sparked the creation of BUILD: Constructing Creativity—a bold, forward-thinking industry conference presented by ILEA Boston and powered by 4Wall Entertainment. Designed specifically for creative event professionals, BUILD is not just another conference—it’s a call to action.
We’re flipping the narrative on creativity. BUILD will dive deep into the foundations of creative thinking, uncovering the essential mindsets, habits and tools which fuel innovation. We’ll explore how to make creativity second nature—in our work, our leadership, and our lives - through immersive experiences, hands-on learning, and inspiring speakers including Carrie Campbell (Boston Red Sox) and Steve Gross (The Life Is Good Playmaker Project).
But that’s just the beginning.
Our host hotel, the Sheraton Commander, will also be home to the ILEA Blueprint Lounge - a comfortable hub available for conversation and connection all day which transforms after the sun sets into a vibrant celebration space. Because let's be honest, some of the best relationships are built after hours.
BUILD is taking place alongside a powerhouse lineup of ILEA events - Chapter Leadership Day, the Annual General Meeting, and the prestigious Esprit Awards - and the always anticipated SEARCH Foundation's SEARCH Patrol event. It’s three unforgettable days of connection, inspiration, and celebration in the heart of Boston.
ARE YOU READY TO BUILD SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY WITH US?
Welcome to Boston!
9:00AM Board of Governors Meeting Day Begins
3:00-5:00PM Registration & Badge Pick Up Open
8:00PM- 12:00AM Late Night at The Blueprint Lounge
Leadership Training Day
9:00AM-5:30PM Registration & Badge Pick Up Open
9:00AM-3:00PM ILEA Chapter Leadership Day
3:30-5:30PM ILEA Annual General Meeting
7:30-10:30PM BUILD Conference: Welcome Event
10:00PM- 1:00AM Late Night at the ILEA Blueprint Lounge
BUILD Conference Education Day 1
9:00AM-12:00PM Registration & Badge Pick Up Open
9:00AM-11:00PM ILEA Blueprint Lounge Open for Networking
9:30AM-4:30PM BUILD Conference Education Sessions (click link for session & speaker bios)
General Session: Having Fun Yet? The Power of Playful Mindset - Steve Gross
Breakout Session: Energy Up, Egos Out: How the Feedback Loop Can Steer Your Brand (So You Don't Have to Chase It) - Stacy Scarsella
Breakout Session: Seeking Brilliance: Being a Creative isn't a Job, It's a Way of Life - David Michael Rich interviewed by Chris Gasbarro
Lunch
General Session: The Visionary’s GPS™: The Speed Lane to Construct Creativity, Accelerate Change, and Drive Growth - Susan Robertson
Breakout Workshop: Imagination Unleashed: Using Visual Storytelling to Elevate Event Design - Andrea Clark
Breakout Session: Start at the Finish Line- Tailoring the Creative to the Client Goals- Bob Russo
General Panel: Cultural Influences on Creativity - Cecilia Lavin (moderator), Armando Seledon (panelist), Liz Nutting (panelist), Christian Seidenstücker (panelist), Kunmi Ariyo (panelist), Duntan West (panelist)
6:30-10:00PM SEARCH Foundation - SEARCH Patrol Event
10:00PM - 1:00AM Late Night at the ILEA Blueprint Lounge
BUILD Conference Education Day 2
9:00AM-2:00PM ILEA Blueprint Lounge Open for Networking
10:00AM-2:00PM BUILD Conference Education Sessions (click link for session & speaker bios)
General Session: Feel Big, Live Bigger: The Emotional Reset for Creative Brilliance - Brian Green
Panel Discussion: Elevating Events Through Tech Innovation- Mark Consiglio (moderator), Brian Acheson (panelist), Heidi Brumbach (panelist) and Bill Murray (panelist)
Breakout Session: The Edible Experience: Unlocking Creativity Through Culinary Design - Lauren Loya
Lunch
General Session: From Kudos to Culture: Building Engagement Through Recognition - Carrie Campbell
6:00-8:00PM ILEA ESPRIT Awards Program
8:00PM-1:00AM ESPRIT Closing Celebration
BUILD Schedule of Events
Pour The Concrete - RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
Disclaimer:
Please note that all speakers, sessions, and schedules are subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances. While we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, last-minute adjustments may occur. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
The Blueprint Lounge:
Where Connections Are Crafted
Host Hotel: The Sheraton Commander – A Century of Inspiration
Sheraton Commander
Celebrate 100 years of history at the Sheraton Commander Hotel, the official host of BUILD: Constructing Creativity.
Located in vibrant Harvard Square, this timeless landmark is the perfect setting for a conference rooted in innovation. Our iconic spot puts you in the heart of the action — surrounded by vibrant shops, buzz-worthy restaurants, and world-class institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Tufts. Just like BUILD, this hotel honors the past while boldly embracing what’s next.
From its revolutionary-era charm to its sleek, tech-enabled meeting spaces, the Commander offers a seamless balance of inspiration and functionality. Guests will enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi, plush bedding, and thoughtful amenities—ideal for reflecting on the day’s ideas or connecting with fellow attendees. Savor creative spins on New England cuisine at Nubar, the hotel’s acclaimed on-site restaurant, or gather for networking in one of five stylish event spaces.
Whether you're engaging in BUILD's immersive sessions or toasting to new ideas at the SEARCH Patrol, the Sheraton Commander is more than a place to stay—it's part of the creative journey.
Sheraton Commander Hotel isn’t just a place to stay — it’s where your next big idea kicks off. Let’s make your event unforgettable.
Build Welcome Night Sponsors
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ESPRIT Celebration Sponsors
Guest Experience & Blueprint Lounge Sponsors
Behind every unforgettable event is a team of visionaries, planners, and doers—those who take the spark of an idea and blueprint it into something bold, tangible, and transformative. The BUILD Conference isn’t just a gathering—it’s a carefully constructed experience. And this is the crew that is making it happen.
They are the creative contractors and structural strategists of BUILD. Each brings a unique set of tools to the table, from storytelling and strategy to logistics and leadership. Together, they lay the foundation, raise the beams, and polish the final details to create an environment where inspiration can thrive.
Together, this team doesn’t just build a conference. They build possibility. They build momentum. They build a space where creativity meets community—and the future of events takes shape.
This is the BUILD Team and the scaffolding is just getting started.
Judy Brillhart Belcher, CSEP - The Structural Strategist
Judy brings seasoned leadership, inventive solutions, and a deep understanding of how to build events that don’t just impress—they endure.
Jennifer Bertolino - The Deal Closer
Jen is the powerhouse behind BUILD’s cash sponsorships, crafting smart, strategic partnerships that provide the vital fuel behind the experience.
Amy Dearth, CSEP - The Creative Engineer
A champion of experience-driven design, Amy sketches bold concepts and brings them to life with signature flair and CSEP-certified excellence.
Jodi Gold - The Vision Integrator
Known for connecting the dots others don’t see, Jodi ensures the blueprint meets the moment—with empathy, energy, and an eye for every detail.
Tom Kura - The Foundation Setter
Equal parts tech whisperer and logistics wizard, Tom turns abstract dreams into flawless execution with precision and purpose.
Wendy Segal - The Brand Architect
Wendy shapes the narrative of BUILD with impeccable taste and strategic clarity. Building guest experiences, she crafts the identity that frames the conference.
Steven Way - The Production Foreman
Steve grounds the vision of BUILD with strategy, structure, and steadfast leadership. He ensures every element rests on solid ground and nothing goes up without intention.
The Architects of Experience
Jenni
Jennifer
Still Interested in Partnering?
Thank you for your interest in participating in BUILD: Constructing Creativity for the 2025 year.
We are excited to bring an international audience to Boston for this event!
If you are interested in partnering for in-kind services, please click below to fill out the interest form.
Our committee will be in touch!
*please e-mail ILEABUILD2025@gmail.com if you are interested in cash sponsorship opportunities.