JENNIFER KELLOGG
Executive Director
MeetingPlay

GLENN STRESS
Senior Director of Global Marketing
Marriott

When the world is in the midst of a global pandemic, and you’re in the business of live events and meetings, how do you safely bring back in-person experiences? It’s simple; you mix the best of in-person and virtual! Join Jennifer Kellogg of MeetingPlay and Glenn Stress of Marriott as they share strategies and solutions for developing a fully immersive hybrid experience. From AI matchmaking to virtual seat selection technology, find out how these teams joined forces to instill confidence and prove that, whether onsite or online, all attendees can have an outstanding, connective experience.

Finalist: Best Event Technology/Product/Service (Live Events & Experiences)

SHANNON GURLEY
Senior Director of Design & Business Development
Blueprint Studios

When your team has been the exclusive designer of the world-renowned San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Night Gala for 12 consecutive years, it’s more important than ever to shake it up and create an iconic event. Listen as Shannon Gurley, Senior Director of Design & Business Development, uncovers how Blueprint Studios transformed this annual celebration into a unique evening packed with receptions, dinners, and after-parties for 2,600 guests. Gurley will reveal how they designed visually stunning, multisensory experiences all centered around the glamour and stardom of the Symphony and their musical director, Michael Tilson Thomas, for his 25th and final season.

Finalist: Best Event Decor (Best Events of the Decade)

DENISE ROBINSON SIMMS
Assistant Director of Special Events
National Museum of African American History & Culture

How do you celebrate the opening of a museum that took 100 years—yes, 100 years—to come to fruition? With a week of monumental festivities for media, donors, sponsors, VIPs, and the community. Listen as Denise Robinson Simms, Assistant Director of Special Events, goes behind the scenes of the grand opening events for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Simms will share how these 20 historic celebrations—open to 5,000 invited guests and live streamed worldwide—drove the museum’s purpose, allowing people to learn, collaborate, and participate in the first national museum dedicated to African American life, history, and culture.

Finalist: Best Awards Show/Ceremony and Best Nonprofit Event Concept—Budget Over $250,000 (Best Events on the Decade)

JEFF CONSOLETTI
Founder, Principal & CEO
JJ|LA

At the forefront of two iconic experiences for the LGBTQIA+ community—LA Pride and OUTLOUD: Raising Voices—Jeff Consoletti knows what it takes to create engaging in-person and virtual experiences. From headlining talent to big name sponsors, these events bring together the most talked about artists, celebrities, and brands for inclusive experiences that create a buzz around the world. Join Consoletti, Founder, Principal, and CEO of JJ|LA, as he divulges what it takes to pull off these epic gatherings, the true power of community and events, and how things have transformed in this virtual landscape.

Finalist: Best Fair/Festival (Best Events of the Decade) and Best Virtual Cultural/Multicultural Event (Virtual Events & Experiences)

Boozy Butter Beer

24 Carrots Magic

Join finalists 24 Carrots Catering & Events as they lead you in a quick lesson on curating specialty cocktails. Click here for the ingredients to make cocktails alongside our mixologist!

Presented by

ALYSSA MASON
Founder, The Conversation Truck
Head of Accounts, RMNG

As people across the US—and around the world—protested against racial inequality and police brutality, Alyssa Mason and her team asked themselves, “what does our community need” and “what can we do NOW to provoke change?” With no budget and no new technology, they found a solution: The Conversation Truck, a mobile safe space for uncomfortable conversations around the Black Lives Matter movement; a place for all to share and be heard. Alyssa will uncover how this pro-bono program went from idea to reality in just 72 hours, bringing together local leaders, artists, and celebrities to educate the community and share their stories of pain, struggle, and hope.

Finalist: Best Nonprofit Event Concept—Budget Under $250,000 (Live Events & Experiences)

LUIGI TADINI
Co-Founder
The Gathery

NICKY BALESTRIERI
Co-Founder
The Gathery

As one of the most iconic publications in the world, Playboy’s transformative editorial was due a brand reevaluation by mainstream viewers. By 2019, the storied brand was ready for the next groundbreaking chapter in its evolution. Listen as Nicky Balestrieri and Luigi Tadini, Co-Founders of The Gathery, discuss how they brought Playboy’s mission to life: to create a culture where all people can pursue pleasure. Balestrieri and Tadini will uncover how their meaningful, immersive experience—spanning across race, gender identity, and sexual preference—encouraged powerful conversations advocating for civil rights, reproductive rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Finalist: Best Corporate Event Concept—Budget Over $500,000 (Live Events); Best Event Decor (Live Events & Best Events of the Decade)

Close out an eventful virtual day with a live performance, (virtually) right in your home, by The Spazmatics.

Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to tell the band what songs YOU want to hear! So tune in to find out if they play one of your favorites.

Presented by