Know Before You Go! | ILEA Boston

THIS CONFERENCE IS POWERED BY
4 WALL ENTERTAINMENT

Sun 8/10 -- 8PM - 12AM
Mon 8/11 -- 10PM - 1AM
Tue 8/12 -- 9AM - 1AM
Wed 8/13 -- 9AM - 11AM

The Blueprint Lounge

Suggested Attire: Cozy Vibes Welcome
Rock your athleisurewear or keep rocking your daytime outfit—whatever makes you feel chill.

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.

Let's BUILD Your Best Stay!

Breakfast:
While the conference itself doesn’t include breakfast, guests staying within the official hotel room block will receive breakfast vouchers. Vouchers are provided based on the number of registered guests per room. If you booked outside the block, breakfast is not included in your rate.

Need to update your guest count or move into the block? We’re happy to help! Just email shivani.jain@sheratoncommander.com so we can BUILD the best stay experience for you.

Parking:
Valet parking is available for overnight guests at $45 per car, per night, and includes in and out privileges.
Attending for the day? Valet is validated to $25 per car (no in and out access for day parking).

And just a friendly reminder: please don’t try to “pahk ya cah in Hahvahd Yahd” — it’s legendary, but not legal. Let us handle the parking right here at the hotel.

Neighborhood Vibes:
You’re in the heart of Harvard Square — one of the most iconic, walkable, and historic spots in Cambridge. All you have to do is turn right out the front door of the hotel and take a straight 5-minute walk to the main gates of Harvard and the square itself.

It’s perfectly safe to explore at night, with no shortage of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques to enjoy.
Please just remember — we’re surrounded by residential homes, so be kind and keep noise down after dark.

Getting Here from the Airport:
You’ve got options — choose what works best for your style and budget:

We’re located on the Red Line, Harvard stop, if you’re taking public transportation (a.k.a. the T, as we Bostonians call it). It’s a direct ride from South Station or easily accessible from Logan via the Silver Line.
An Uber or Lyft from Logan Airport typically costs around $45, depending on time and traffic.
Want to arrive in style? Consider booking with our BUILD transportation partner, AOT Global — a proud member of our Rhode Island chapter — for a more upscale and seamless experience.

Early Check In? Late Check Out?

Need to lay the foundation early with an early check-in? Hoping to add a few bricks with a late check-out? Looking to explore the neighborhood and build out your free time? Click here for everything you need to know.

Custom Builds. Limitless Possibilities.

TUESDAY AUGUST 12:

Go Running - 7:30AM-8:30AM

Taste of Boston Welcome Event at CRI Boston

Monday, August 11, 2025

7:00PM - 10:00PM

CRI: Community Rowing, Brighton MA

We’re kicking off the ILEA BUILD: Constructing Creativity Conference with an unforgettable evening celebrating the heart and flavor of Boston! Join us at the stunning Community Rowing, Inc. (CRI) in Brighton, MA, for a high-energy welcome event produced by CID Event Productions, with dazzling entertainment curated by Two if by Land Productions.

Get ready to taste your way through the city with incredible bites from The Sauce Catering, Johnny Burke Catering, Latte Boston, Max Ultimate Food, Bakers’ Best Catering, and the coolest treats from Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream. Sip, savor, and snap memories with photography by Kataram Studios, a fun photo booth experience from Crush Activations, and live performances from Fluxion Entertainment that will set the tone for the creative days ahead.

With stunning AV by High Output and design accents from BBJ Linen, this welcome celebration promises to be an inspired gathering of energy, creativity, and community. Don’t miss your first BUILD moment—see you there!

Suggested Attire: Rep Your Roots & Keep It Casual

This night’s all about local flavor and laid-back fun—so rock your hometown team gear (jerseys, hats, or colors welcome!) and dress comfortably for both indoor and outdoor moments. Think casual layers, sneakers, and anything you won’t mind wearing on a rowboat or while dancing later at The Blueprint Lounge. Let your city pride shine!

WEATHER NOTE: August in Boston is warm, vibrant, and often perfect for summertime events. You can typically expect daytime highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s°F (25–30°C), with sunshine and humidity. Evenings are comfortably cooler, often dipping into the lower 70s and 60s°F (16–20°C), so it’s smart to keep an eye on the forcast and plan accordingly!

Want to get moving? Rowing experiences will be available onsite, so we encourage you to dress comfortably for indoor/outdoor activities—including time on the water!

Transportation:

AOT Global will provide roundtrip transportation for BUILD Conference attendees from the Sheraton Commander Hotel. Event transportation will start boarding at 6:30pm and will continue a service loop approx. every half hour. Please meet in the hotel lobby.

Parking:
For those driving directly to CRI, there is plenty of free on-site parking.

You Are The Jewel of Our Design!

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

8:00PM - 1:00AM

Sheraton Commander Hotel, 16 Garden Street, Boston, MA

ESPRIT Awards - Independence Ballroom *please note: entry to the awards was a complimentary reservation that is now SOLD OUT and does NOT include reception entry.

Closing Reception - Revolution and Liberty Ballroom

Building plans may lay the foundation—but you are the masterpiece.

Join us Wednesday night for the Esprit Awards Celebration, the dazzling grand finale of the ILEA BUILD Conference. We’re closing out with a night that honors bold ideas, bright minds, and brilliant originality—in true sparkling style.

Think vibrant emeralds, radiant sapphires, dazzling rubies, and all the glitter and glam you can bring. Gems, shimmer, sequins—this is your time to shine.

This isn’t your typical sit-down dinner—it’s a feast for the senses. Enjoy a flowing spread of decadent hors d’oeuvres, savory chef-curated stations, and handcrafted cocktails designed to delight. Mingle, sip, nibble, and sparkle into the night!

Produced by CID Event Productions, this celebration will be bursting with entertainment—from electrifying performances by Hot Mess Band and DJ Chris Profenna of Siagel Productions, to roving acts by Fluxion Entertainment. The mood will be set with immersive AV and lighting by 4Wall, dreamy décor from Chase Canopy, BBJ Linen, Boston Event Furniture Rentals, and CID’s visionary design.

Kataram Studios will be capturing every unforgettable moment and Crush Activations is bringing the photo booth fun. A glam shout-out goes to Jenny Luu Hair and Makeup and Your Makeup Face for beautifying our attendees.

Come celebrate creativity, community, and the brilliance of you. Let’s end BUILD with a bang—and a little sparkle.

Suggested Attire: Jewel Tone Glamour

Dress to dazzle in rich jewel tones—think emerald, sapphire, ruby, and amethyst. Whether it’s a statement dress, a sharp suit, or bold accessories, bring your sparkle for a night of celebration, performances, and all-out revelry. This is your moment to shine—literally!
Pinterest Attire Inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/cideventproductions/ilea-build-closing-celebration-fashion/

And just a friendly reminder: please don’t try to “pahk ya cah in Hahvahd Yahd” — it’s legendary, but not legal. Let us handle the parking right here at the hotel.

SEARCH Patrol Event

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE HERE

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

6:30PM - 10:00PM

Castle Island Brewery & Bardo's Pizza - South Boston

Join us for the SEARCH Patrol—an unforgettable evening celebrating resilience, generosity, and the incredible power of our community.

The SEARCH Foundation exists to support event, meetings, and catering professionals in times of crisis. Whether facing illness, natural disasters, or unforeseen hardships, SEARCH steps in with direct financial assistance when it’s needed most. This event is more than just a party—it’s a rally of hope, unity, and action.

By purchasing a ticket, you're helping us bring the community together for a vibrant evening of networking, entertainment, and purpose. While your ticket supports the event production, there will be meaningful opportunities to give back onsite—from a thoughtfully curated silent auction to raffle experiences and donation stations throughout. Every additional dollar raised goes directly to those in our industry navigating difficult times.

Hosted with support from Boston Event Furniture, AV by ATR Treehouse, DJ beats from Black Diamond Entertainment, and steel drum vibes from Entertainment Specialists, the night will feature a laid-back beachy atmosphere crafted by Elevated Impressions decor, accented with linens from BBJ La Tavola. We invite you to feast on delicious bites from Bardo’s Pizza and Off The Vine Catering by Lombardo’s Hospitality, and raise a glass of custom-brewed SEARCH beer from Castle Island Brewery. Capture the memories with Kataram Studios and Artistic Wedding Films, take a spin in the photo experience from Crush Activations, and dive into fun (literally) with a ball pit from Perfect Parties.

Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to SEARCH, this is your moment to stand up for the people who make our industry thrive.

Let’s come together to make a difference—and have a little fun while we’re at it.

Can’t attend? You can still make a difference
If you’re unable to join us in person, donations are always welcome and deeply appreciated. Every contribution helps provide meaningful support to those in need. And for those attending, there will be plenty of opportunities on site to give additional support, with all proceeds going directly to individuals in crisis.

Suggested Attire: Beach Chic Meets Boardwalk Cool

We’re channeling Tommy Bahama vibes with a splash of Baywatch fun—but let’s keep it classy, not cheeky. Leave the bikinis and banana hammocks at home and instead rock your breezy linens, bold prints, and beachy sundresses.

Think effortless coastal cool: tropical shirts, flowy fabrics, crisp whites, pops of sunset color, and a touch of that laid-back, seaside swagger. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail, bidding on a silent auction item, or diving into the ball pit, you’ll look (and feel) fabulous. It’s summer style—elevated, playful, and event-pro ready.

Transportation:

AOT Global will provide roundtrip transportation for BUILD Conference attendees from the Sheraton Commander Hotel—so you can focus on the celebration and the cause.

Buses will start boarding at 5:45pm for 6pm departure and will continue a service loop approx. every hour. Please meet in the hotel lobby

Map Out Your Blueprint to Creativity

Suggested Attire: Business Casual (with a comfy twist)
Keep it polished but relaxed—think jeans with a nice top, casual dresses, or chinos and button-downs. No need for suits or ties, but let's leave the leggings and workout gear for the gym.

Monday August 11, 2025 - Leadership Training Day

9:00AM-3:00PM at The Sheraton Commander Hotel in Independence

Lunch will be provided

Dress is business casual.

Tuesday August 12, 2025 - Education Day 1

9:30AM-4:30PM at The Sheraton Commander Hotel in Liberty, Revolution and Concord

Lunch will be provided.

Dress is business casual.

Wednesday August 13, 2025 - Education Day 2

10:00AM-2:00PM at The Sheraton Commander Hotel in Liberty, Revolution and Concord

Lunch will be provided.

Dress is business casual.

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

THIS CONFERENCE IS POWERED BY 4 WALL ENTERTAINMENT

Sun 8/10 -- 8PM - 12AM Mon 8/11 -- 10PM - 1AM Tue 8/12 -- 9AM - 1AM Wed 8/13 -- 9AM - 11AM

The Blueprint Lounge

Suggested Attire: Cozy Vibes Welcome Rock your athleisurewear or keep rocking your daytime outfit—whatever makes you feel chill.

Welcome to Boston!

Leadership Training Day

BUILD Conference Education Day 1

BUILD Conference Education Day 2

THIS CONFERENCE IS POWERED BY
4 WALL ENTERTAINMENT

Sun 8/10 -- 8PM - 12AM
Mon 8/11 -- 10PM - 1AM
Tue 8/12 -- 9AM - 1AM
Wed 8/13 -- 9AM - 11AM

Suggested Attire: Cozy Vibes Welcome
Rock your athleisurewear or keep rocking your daytime outfit—whatever makes you feel chill.