Steve Gross, MSW is a clinical social worker and the Founder of The Life Is Good Playmaker Project, a nonprofit dedicated to providing training, resources, and ongoing support for childcare professionals — enabling them to use the power of play to build healing, life-changing relationships with the children in their care. For over 30 years, Steve has pioneered innovative, play-based, trauma interventions for communities around the world. Steveʼs work is rooted in his belief that play is the universal language of children and that adults must speak it fluently in order to help them heal, grow, and thrive. His unique approach has been instrumental for communities around the world facing large-scale trauma events. Steveʼs work has been celebrated by international trauma experts and was featured as an example of how play can be used in therapy in the longtime #1 New York Times Bestseller, The Body Keeps the Score. Steve believes that how we care for our kids, especially our most vulnerable and wounded kids, will influence how far we evolve as a society. Join Steve in his mission to transform childrenʼs lives by investing in the professionals who serve them. Learn more at lifeisgood.com/playmakerproject.

Stacy Scarsella is a seasoned advertising producer with over 20 years of global experience leading award-winning campaigns from concept to completion. A former college athlete and fashion model turned production powerhouse, she's worked in major markets including New York, LA, Chicago, and Boston. In 2015, she founded Plaid Pony Productions, growing it into a multi-city operation with clients across commercial, experiential, and live event spaces—including Disney, Hulu, Bose, SXSW, Samsung, AT&T, American Express and more. Known for her strategic approach, creative problem-solving, and ability to thrive under pressure, Stacy now also consults and teaches on production, branding, and the business of creativity—helping others build systems that support strong work without the burnout.

David Michael Rich started his creative life enamored of four creative disciplines, puppetry, music, drawing, and theatrical magic. From that springboard, starting in his teens, he has alternatively been a television, stage and close-up magician; a literary agent, an agent, booker, and producer of speakers and celebrity performers; a large scale live event (1,000 to over 100,000 pax) creative producer, and as 20 year Senior Vice President at George P. Johnson Experience Marketing, the largest such agency in the world, the founder of the first global experiential strategy practice leading the development of event marketing creative and portfolio strategies for clients as diverse as IBM, Cisco, Toyota, Under Armor, and many others. His event marketing work includes programs with Formula 1 racing, the PGA, the Olympic games, and World Expos, events featuring Bruno Mars, Aerosmith, Jon Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, and John Mayer, and programs throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. After 40 years in the college and corporate live events industry, David left that work to form Corstoria, LLC with his wife Tami, and film school grad son, Jameson, where they develop stories from the heart of social importance into movies, television, and theatrical projects. David is an associate producer on the recently released dramatic feature film, Lilly, about fair pay activist Lilly Ledbetter, which stars Academy Award nominated actress Patricia Clarkson; an investor in Broadway's current smash hit musical Gypsy starring Audra McDonald, and is co-lead producer and originator of the Broadway bound Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou, a play with music about the legendary poet, author, and activist Maya Angelou, with whom he worked for over a decade. David has been quoted, published or written about in over 100 publications including "USA Today," "China Daily," "Fortune," Forbes," "AdWeek," "Ad Age," "Event Marketer," "B2B," "Trade Show Week," "Event Magazine" (UK), "The Meeting Professional," "The Boston Globe," etc. Rich's work has garnered dozens of awards including the EX Award for Best Global Event Marketing Program, a Hermes, a Stevie, a Business Communicator, and a Biz Bash award, among many others. He is also the recipient of Meeting Professionals International's (MPI) RISE Award for "visionary industry leadership" and its Global Paragon Award for strategic meetings excellence, one of the most prestigious awards in the events industry."

​

With 25+ years in the meeting & events industry, Chris Gasbarro energizes some of North America's most unique and powerful meetings.  As President of Ember, a forward thinking gathering agency, he helps to influence the meeting and event portfolios for wicked awesome brands that include Bauer Hockey, The North Face, Saucony, Footjoy, Titleist,  Hanover Insurance and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. From a humble beginning as a touring guitar tech to now shutting down Wall Street for an IPO launch event or collaborating with Taylor Swift, Keds and Nordstrom's to launch a new shoe for the 1989 Tour, Chris has been lucky to assemble and lead a team of the best meeting and event producers in the industry.  As an active member of the meetings industry, Chris is a past President of both Meeting Professionals International New England and International Live Events Association New England chapters, and also served on the MPI International Board of Directors.  He is a recipient of Collaborate Magazine's "40 under 40" and BizBash's  "Innovator of the year" and about a dozen other industry awards including MPI New England's "Planner" and "Supplier" of the year award (different years). Chris recently joined the Boston Chapter of Entrepreur's Organization (EO) and serves on their Board of Directors Prior to Ember, Chris grew up in several meeting and event industry firms including Party by Design and massAV.  Even before that, Chris was a roadie, sound engineer and tour manager for some very obscure bands - touring North America in Jeep Cherokees and the occasional converted 1974 MCI tour bus.

Susan Robertson is a Possibility Architect & Change Agent, equipping leaders and teams to live in possibility — shifting mindsets, expanding thinking, and enabling meaningful change. A Harvard instructor and former Fortune 500 innovation leader, she blends cognitive science, business strategy, and actionable creative thinking tools to help people think more expansively, solve complex problems, and drive lasting transformation.

Andrea Clark is an award-winning creative director, visual artist, designer, and founder of NATO, a creative company specializing in branding and visual storytelling for events. With over a decade of international experience, Andrea’s artistic soul and imaginative approach have shaped projects and events in São Paulo, New York, Orlando, and beyond. Her portfolio spans collaborations with Fortune 500 companies, world-renowned theme parks—including The Walt Disney Company, where she helped bring seasonal magic to the parks and resorts—as well as innovative projects for industry associations, high-profile festivals and galas, corporate events, and major conferences. Andrea believes that imagination is the heart of unforgettable experiences, and she brings the perspective of an artist to every project, helping event professionals break through creative barriers and transform ordinary moments into extraordinary stories.

Bob Russo has over 35 years of experience in event and theatre design. After a brief stint as an actor, he realized his shortcomings and moved to the production side of the business. His work as an award-winning event designer, stage combat choreographer, and Emmy nominated costume designer, affords him the unique ability to interpret a client's vision. His work in the museum and corporate world has been seen all across the Continental US and as far away as South Korea, Tokyo, Alaska, and Hawaii. You can catch Bob speaking at numerous industry organizations such as Meeting Professionals International (MPI), International Live Events Association (ILEA), The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), The Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS), a recurring guest speaker at The Special Event, Connect Florida, Connect Georgia, and as a Keynote Speaker at the Global Pharma & Medical Meetings Summit. After years helping other agencies succeed, Bob launched his own shop in 2022.  Working with start-ups and fortune 500 and 100 companies, running his own agency gives him the freedom to mentor the younger design generation and still find some time to ride his motorcycle.

Cecilia Lavin: With over fifteen years of experience in the global events industry, Cecilia Lavin has built a dynamic career supporting clients with innovative thinking and strategic event solutions. From launching her own events consultancy to working with a diverse range of organisations, from boutique startups like Purple Grape Catering to international powerhouses such as Sodexo, she has consistently delivered exceptional results across bespoke celebrations, high-end corporate experiences, and large-scale conferences. In her current role as Global Strategic Growth Director at Evessio, an award-winning events management software platform specialising in awards programmes, Cecilia partners with global brands, associations, and media companies. She brings a creative and strategic approach to helping clients overcome challenges and maximise the impact of their events worldwide. A committed advocate for the industry, Cecilia has been actively involved with the International Live Events Association (ILEA) since 2012, serving at local, regional, and international levels. She will assume the role of International President for the 2025–2026 term, where her passion for education, connection, and elevating the industry will continue to drive her leadership vision.

​

Kunmi Ariyo: Official Bio Kunmi Ariyo is a visionary event strategist, global event management consultant, and the Founder & CEO of Mirus Events, a leading event management company based out of Nigeria. With over a decade of experience, Kunmi has built a reputation for delivering world-class corporate and tech events, seamlessly blending creativity, strategy, and execution. Under his leadership, Mirus Events has successfully managed and executed over 200 high impact events, working with global brands like Google, YouTube, Spotify, Mastercard Foundation, Facebook, DHL, CAF Awards, and Infinix, among others. His ability to translate brand visions into immersive, data-driven experiences sets him apart, making him a sought after name in the industry. Recognized as one of the 60 Most Influential Event Professionals in the 2024 Event Industry Power List, Kunmi’s passion lies beyond aesthetics and entertainment. He believes that events are powerful experiential tools - a means for brands to connect meaningfully with their target audience, drive engagement, and achieve key business objectives. His approach is deeply rooted in data analytics, strategic storytelling, and audience integration, ensuring every event he curates goes beyond spectacle to deliver measurable impact. A dynamic leader, Kunmi currently serves as the President of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Nigeria Chapter, where he is driving innovation, collaboration, and next-level growth within the industry.

​

Elizabeth Nutting, CSEP: Elizabeth graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Drama from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Upon graduation, Elizabeth was accepted into the prestigious workstudy program at The Banff Centre where she studied Theatre Craft, Stage Carpentry, and Stage Management. Later, she furthered her education at the Toronto School of Art; pursuing her dream to work as a set designer. After working in the theatre industry for 10 years, Elizabeth returned to school for a diploma in Event Management - Event and Exhibit Design at Seneca College. Since joining the events industry, Elizabeth has become a passionate member of the International Live Events Association. In 2017, she was recognized for "her creative vision and determined execution" in her role as the ILEA Toronto President and awarded the noteworthy J. Robert Graves Pioneer Award. Working as an event producer has allowed Elizabeth to combine her natural inclination to manage with her desire to design. And while she sometimes misses her homegrown theatre roots, Elizabeth thrives on the fast paced large scale productions that corporate events are expected to create. 

​

Christian Seidenstuecker: Christian studied business administration and has been self-employed in the events industry since 1992, when he founded JOKE Event AG. The agency specializes in staging brands, creating memorable experiences and inspiring audiences whether live, hybrid, or online. From the initial creative spark to full-scale implementation, JOKE Event delivers tailor-made solutions with in-house production and logistics. The agency operates across all formats and industries in Germany, Europe and around the world.

Today, with more than 140 employees and six offices across Germany and one in Vienna (Austria), JOKE Event ranks among the leading agencies for live communication. From 2010 to 2023, Christian served as President of ILEA Chapter Europe. ILEA (International Live Events Association) is the world’s largest network of creative event professionals, united by their passion for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

​

Armando Seledon CSEP:  Armando is an award-winning event management professional with over 17 years of experience in creative event design, production, and management. Armando has produced a wide range of events—from weddings and corporate gatherings to large-scale trade shows, conference and conventions—earning local, national, and international recognition for his exceptional production work. A Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), he has led major projects, operated his own floral and design business, and contributed his expertise to leading destination management companies. Currently, Armando serves as Associate Director of Membership Engagement at Visit San Antonio, where he champions the city's vibrant tourism and events industry.

​

Duntan West:  Duntan West is an internationally respected event strategist, wellness advocate, and the Founder of WonderWorks, a leading global event management company with a presence in the UK and Nigeria. With over 25 years of experience, she has curated and delivered more than 350 world-class events across Europe, Africa, Mexico, and the U.S., consistently merging excellence with empathy. Her portfolio spans high-level investor summits, international sports tournaments, nonprofit initiatives, and luxury brand activations—including, over 15 years of production of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious sporting events. Duntan holds a Professional Certificate in Event Management from The George Washington University Business School and is deeply embedded in global industry leadership. She currently sits on the leadership board of ILEA EMEA, is the Founding President of ILEA Nigeria, and served as the Global DEI Chair for ILEA Worldwide, championing inclusion across the global events industry. Through every stage she designs, Duntan brings her signature blend of purpose, precision, and care. Her events don’t just impress—they restore, connect, and transform.

Brian A M Green CMP, CMM, is a globally recognized, award-winning event planner with over two decades of transformative experience in the international events industry. As the Chief Event Architect and Creative Visionary of By briangreen LLC (Atlanta) and Crown Events (Barbados), he has pioneered exceptional social and corporate event experiences across six continents.A distinguished former Diplomat for Barbados, Brian brings a unique international perspective and diplomatic finesse to event design and execution. His expertise garnered national recognition when he was featured as the expert guest on The Steve Harvey Show's annual Wedding Hour, and he has been prominently published in premier industry publications.Recognized as a thought leader, Brian is a distinguished weddingpro Educator and Advisor for The Knot/Wedding Wire's Fellowship For Change Program. In 2024, he was nominated for Speaker of the Year at the NACE One Awards. He is also the co-founder of Resilient By Design, a Workshop Series for Wedding pros that takes you beyond the Conference to find community and work on your business in real-time. Committed to advancing industry representation, Brian is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board for the National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals, championing Diversity, Equity, and inclusion initiatives that transform professional landscapes.

Lauren Loya is a dynamic leader in the hospitality and events industry, serving as the Director of Sales at Thomas Caterers of Distinction, a premier catering company known for its innovative cuisine and exceptional service. With a passion for creating unforgettable and unique guest experiences, Lauren brings over a decade of expertise in event planning, client relations, and strategic sales. In addition to her role at Thomas Caterers, Lauren currently serves as the Vice President of Programs and Education and President Elect for the Indiana Chapter of the International Live Events Association (ILEA), where she champions industry education and professional development. Her commitment to excellence extends to her active involvement as a member of both the Leading Caterers of America and the International Caterers Association, connecting her with top professionals and forward-thinking trends in catering and events nationwide. Lauren’s leadership, creativity, and dedication to elevating the guest experience make her a respected voice in the industry and a driving force behind some of Indiana’s most memorable events.

Mark Consiglio: Mark Consiglio is a seasoned live and virtual event professional with 20+ years of experience in the event technology industry. He is currently an Account Executive at 4Wall Entertainment, where he provides innovative and customized solutions for clients' audiovisual needs. He is also a Consultant-at-large, where he applies his creative and strategic thinking skills to help clients design and execute impactful events across various platforms and markets. Mark has a diverse and extensive background in event technology, spanning from electronic engineering and troubleshooting, to arena event production, concert production, corporate AV, AV installation, broadcast television, project management, application development, global product management, and business development. He has worked with some of the leading AV providers and partners in the industry, such as PSAV, PRG, Rentex, arkaos, and AVIXA. He has also contributed to multiple publications and certifications, showcasing his expertise and passion for the field. Mark's mission is to deliver exceptional and memorable experiences for his clients and audiences, using the latest and greatest technologies and best practices.

Brian Acheson, CSEP: Brian is a certified, award winning producer of corporate meetings and live events throughout North America. Brian is an expert on large-scale, high profile and logistically complex events, having produced shows and meetings internationally for 30 years with his company, VIP Events. As the proud owner of only a cell phone, laptop and an AMEX card, his success relies on creating the right team for every event. Working with unions, vips, celebrities, C-level executives, national security agencies, clients and tech crews is just another day in the life of this Producer. Brian's experience allows him to speak both "Tech" and "Client" languages bridging the gap between the two. Brian travels the country producing everything from 20 person dinners to technical productions for 250,000. He is passionately involved in the Industry having served on the Special Events Magazine Advisory Board, the SEARCH Foundation and 12 years on the ILEA International Board of Governors including serving as the International President.

​

Heidi Brumbach CMP: Heidi is not only a gifted event professional but has been recognized as a leading woman-owned business in the events technology industry. Her remarkable achievements and contributions have established her as a prominent figure in the field. With a global reach, Heidi has produced exceptional events around the world, leaving her imprint on diverse cultures and locations. Her extensive experience spans continents, bringing a rich tapestry of international perspectives to her work. Recognizing the public's need for information regarding healthy living, Heidi founded "Be Well TV", an innovative online television network. This platform serves as a hub for inspiring and educational content, empowering viewers to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Heidi's dedication to her craft and commitment to excellence have propelled her career to new heights. Her accomplishments have been recognized not only through prestigious awards and accolades but also through the respect of her peers and clients alike. As an influential figure in the events industry, Heidi continues to shape the landscape and inspire others through her creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences. Her legacy as a trailblazer and innovator serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the industry she so passionately serves.

Bill Murray, CTS: With over 40 years in the Audio-Visual Production industry, Bill Murray has worn just about every hat—Technician, Project Manager, Business Manager, Designer, and Producer. He played a key role in building atrtreehouse from a backyard start-up into a respected force in the industry, sharpening his production skills across hundreds of performances and live events over the years. During the first decade at atrtreehouse, Bill served as the Technical Producer for First Night Providence, helping grow the New Year's Eve celebration into a citywide festival featuring over 200 performances in more than 45 venues. His career eventually turned toward Corporate Event Design and Production, where he made a name for himself in both live experiences and virtual streaming, long before "virtual" became the norm. Bill's career has been the perfect passport for his love of travel—his technical and creative expertise has not only shaped standout events, but also taken him across the U.S. and around the globe. From Europe to Singapore to Australia, his work has allowed him to explore the world while doing what he loves. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Rhode Island, is an AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS); served as Vice President of the former I.A.T.S.E. Local 538; and has completed two terms on the Board of ILEA RI—during which the chapter earned Chapter of the Year honors.

Carrie Campbell is the Senior Vice President of Fenway Park Events at the Boston Red Sox, leading the year-round marketing, sales, and execution of private and public events. With over 30 years in hospitality and tourism, she has played a pivotal role in transforming Fenway Park into one of New England’s premier event venues—and a standout among major league ballparks. Before stepping onto the Fenway stage, Carrie honed her expertise at Boston’s most iconic properties. She spent six years at the Boston Harbor Hotel as Director of Catering and later Director of Sales & Marketing. Prior to that, she served as Director of Catering at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, crafting unforgettable experiences for seven years. Beyond the hotel world, Carrie has a deep history of engaging top donors and orchestrating high-profile charity walks, fundraisers, and golf tournaments for nonprofit organizations. More than a seasoned hospitality executive, Carrie is a dynamic leader known for building strong, engaged teams and fostering a culture of excellence. She believes that investing in people is the most important business decision, and her leadership legacy is defined by mentorship, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to recognition and gratitude. A passionate advocate for the meetings, events, and entertainment industry, Carrie was recently recognized as an Industry Leader in Smart Meetings Magazine’s 2024 Smart Women in Meetings. Her career has been a love letter to Boston’s most storied venues, from her early days at The Hampshire House to her leadership at the Boston Harbor Hotel and now Fenway Park. She also lends her expertise to the Board of Directors for Meet Boston, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and Skål Boston.

​