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.

THIS CONFERENCE IS POWERED BY
4 WALL ENTERTAINMENT

BUILD BostonBoston, MA

00:00 / 03:07

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- 5:30PM Board of Governors Meeting Day Begins
3:00-6:00PM Registration & Badge Pick Up Open
8:00PM- 12:00AM Late Night at The Blueprint Lounge
Leadership Training Day
8:30AM-5:30PM Registration & Badge Pick Up Open
9:00AM-3:00PM ILEA Chapter Leadership Day
3:30-5:30PM ILEA Annual General Meeting
7:00-10:00PM Taste of Boston Welcome Event
10:00PM- 1:00AM Late Night at the ILEA Blueprint Lounge
BUILD Conference Education Day 1
8:30AM-12:00PM Registration & Badge Pick Up Open
9:00AM-10:00PM ILEA Blueprint Lounge Open for Networking
9:30AM-4:30PM BUILD Conference Education Sessions (click link for session & speaker bios)
9:30 AM (Liberty Ballroom) Conference Opening

10:00 AM (Liberty Ballroom) Having Fun Yet? The Power of Playful Mindset - Steve Gross

11:15 AM (Liberty Ballroom) Breakout Session: Energy Up, Egos Out: How the Feedback Loop Can Steer Your Brand (So You Don't Have to Chase It) - Stacy Scarsella

11:15 AM (Concord Ballroom) Seeking Brilliance: Being a Creative isn't a Job, It's a Way of Life - David Michael Rich interviewed by Chris Gasbarro

12:15 PM (Liberty Ballroom) Lunch

1:00 PM (Liberty Ballroom) The Visionary’s GPS™: The Speed Lane to Construct Creativity, Accelerate Change, and Drive Growth - Susan Robertson

2:15 PM (Liberty Balroom) Imagination Unleashed: Using Visual Storytelling to Elevate Event Design - Andrea Clark

2:15 PM (Concord Ballroom) Start at the Finish Line- Tailoring the Creative to the Client Goals - Bob Russo

3:30 PM (Liberty Ballroom) 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
8:00AM-11:00AM ILEA Blueprint Lounge Open for Networking

Drip-Campaign IV Experience
10:00AM-2:00PM BUILD Conference Education Sessions (click link for session & speaker bios)
10:00 AM (Liberty Ballroom) Feel Big, Live Bigger: The Emotional Reset for Creative Brilliance - Brian Green

11:15 AM (Liberty Ballroom) Elevating Events Through Tech Innovation - Mark Consiglio (moderator), Brian Acheson (panelist), Heidi Brumbach (panelist) and Bill Murray (panelist)

11:15 AM (Concord Ballroom) The Edible Experience: Unlocking Creativity Through Culinary Design - Lauren Loya

12:15 PM (Liberty Ballroom) Lunch

1:00 PM (Liberty Ballroom) From Kudos to Culture: Building Engagement Through Recognition - Carrie Campbell

1:50 PM (Liberty Ballroom) Conference Closing
6:00-8:00PM ILEA ESPRIT Awards Program
8:00PM-1:00AM ILEA BUILD Closing Celebration

BUILD Schedule of Events

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!

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

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

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

16 Garden St

Cambridge, MA 02138

🚧 ROOM BLOCK STATUS UPDATE 🚧
Our official room block for BUILD is now closed—but don’t hang up your hard hat just yet! If you're still looking for accommodations, there may still be availability at the Sheraton Commander. Please reach out directly to Shivani at: shivani.jain@sheratoncommander.com

to check.

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

SpotMyPhotos_Dark (1) - Lakshmi Shenoy_edited.png

Screenshot 2025-06-11 at 9.36_edited.png

Screenshot 2025-06-11 at 9.04_edited.png

ECF Entertainment OFFICIAL - Jeff Mader - DJ Shyne.png

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

THIS CONFERENCE IS POWERED BY 4 WALL ENTERTAINMENT