Shawn (Yih-Hsiang) Cheng
Lead Event Strategist
Curious Bear Management
Shawn is an Events Nerd. Driven by decades of experience and a passion for crafting transformative experiences across sectors, making him one of the most sought-after strategists in the industry. Among other accolades, he was recognized as PCMA’s 2024 Digital Experience Strategist of the Year.
Candy Adams,
CTSM, CEM, CMP, CMM, VEMM
The Booth Mom®
With seven industry certifications, Candy is a veteran exhibit project manager, consultant, and trainer with extensive experience: managed over 500 exhibits, written over 400 articles (EXHIBITOR magazine, Exhibit City News), and trained tens of thousands of exhibit managers at EXHIBITORLIVE and FastTrak.
Paul Salinger,
Board Member, Society for Sustainable Events / Former VP Marketing, Oracle
In addition to the organizations named above, Paul donates his time and expertise to not-for-profit organizations focusing on sustainability and improving lives in East Africa. He has been inducted into the Experiential Marketing Summit and Event Marketer Hall of Fame.
Glenda Brungardt, CTSM Diamond
Retired, HP Inc.
Recently retired after 46 years at ,HP Inc., Brungardt is a recognized pioneer for her work in sustainability and raising HP Inc. to become one of the world’s most recognized brands. She continues to teach and present at major conferences, while holding advisory posts at ExhibitorLive, EDPA, and The Exhibit Advocate!
Kevin Carty
Executive Vice President
Classic Exhibits
Kevin Carty has stepped into every role at Classic Exhibits for the past 30 years – building exhibits. managing sales & operations, building the team that has steered the company’s expansion into new markets, continuing to fuel the growth of the organization. He serves on several organizational boards including TSEA, EDPA, and EEWDF.
John Chen
CEO, Engaging Virtual Meetings
Named PCMA’s Digital Strategy Expert of the Year, John is the author of the #1 Amazon Hot New Book Release, Engaging Virtual Meetings. Spanning an impressive 35 years, John has produced over 4,000 virtual meetings including the only 100% LIVE virtual conference in the training industry. With his charismatic style, John engages audiences like no other!
Joan Eisenstodt
Eisenstodt Associates, LLC
Joan has been honored by the hospitality industry many times over – including induction into the Events Industry Council (EIC) Hall of Leaders; recognized for life-time achievement as an educator by the PCMA Foundation. She has been a columnist for Meeting News and you can enjoy her blogs and past webinars at www.meetingstoday.com.
Tahira Endean
CITP, CMP, CED
Head of Program, IMEX
Author, Intentional Event Design: Our Professional Opportunity, named Head of Program at the IMEX Group, with hundreds of events on 4 continents (so far), Tahira is a creative visionary delivering people-centric, purpose driven events. Speaker, connector, mom, lover of bubbles, needs nature.
Alexander Great
Illusionist
Alexander Great has mesmerized audiences at Caesars Palace, Hollywood’s Magic Castle, and appeared on Fox Television, CBS, E Television, among others. He has enticed audiences to engage with brands at countless corporate events around the world.
Bruce B. Heller
LEGO Artist
Cornerstone Brick Designs
Since Bruce B. Heller’s childhood love of LEGO was rekindled, his original creations have been sold to celebrities, architects, film studios, and businesses around the world. Bruce is a talented animation artist whose credits include SpongeBob Squarepants and Disney’s Hercules.
Al Mercuro
Senior Account Director
Genesis Exhibits
With over 30 years in the event industry, Al brings an intuitive ability to match unique client needs to innovative solutions. His portfolio includes a soccer game at the UN, the ELMO roadshow, and the Super Bowl. He has a passion for educating clients how to produce events that are sustainable.
Tim Henkel
CEO
United Way Spokane
Tim dedicated his 43-year career in non-profit management, of which 14 years were held as the CEO of United Way in Spokane. Responsible for the organization’s strategy and development, he oversaw fundraising and numerous events, hosting donors and volunteers. Graduated from UC Santa Cruz. Go slugs!
Kimberly Kee – FORMER Senior Manager Event Marketing
TeamViewer and Recent Victim of Tech Layoffs
Kimberly is a high-energy marketing professional with decades of events and leadership experience. Kimberly has managed programs for MCI (Worldcom), Hughes, Boeing, and Arrow Electronics. Taught 20+ at ExhibitorLive.
Kyle Lang
Planner & Founder
Creative Consulting Partners
Kyle is the founder of Creative Consulting Partners. With over 25 years experience, he served as general manager over multiple music festivals including Wild Hare Music Festival, with Zack Bryan, winning Music Festival of the Year from the Oregon Festival.
Gayle Murphy
CEO, Global Green Events Ltd.
Gayle Murphy is CEO and founder of Global Green Events Ltd., a strategic roots sustainability consultancy with 15 years of international experience. She’s a highly-skilled member and representative of the Event Industry Council’s Sustainability and Social Impact Committee.
Charles Pappas
Senior Writer
Exhibitor Magazine
Charles Pappas has covered the exposition industry for Exhibitor magazine since 2002. His articles have won numerous national/regional ASBPE, MAGGIE, and TABBI awards. His books include “Flying Cars, Zombie Dogs, and Robot Overlords.
Wendy Porter
Chief Event Strategist
Wendy Porter Events, LLC
Wendy Porter, Founder of Wendy Porter Events, is a visionary event strategist with over 30 years of experience in marketing and events, known for creating unforgettable corporate events and fostering impactful partnerships with top national and international brands.
Tony Staser
Chief Development Officer at Major Charities
Tony is a seasoned non-profit executive with 20+ years of experience developing strategy with Meals on Wheels People, Special Olympics, American Heart Association, and others. Tony worked with NGOs to facilitate medical missions in Nigeria and Sierre Leone.
Oliver Wright
DThree Productions
Oliver works with DThree Productions in various capacities. Oliver’s role is comprehensive across numerous events: setting and operating AV, managing staff, working with equipment, and handling logistics. He works with clients, ensuring every detail is carried out to assure successful, flawless event.
Tey Young, CMP
Principal Strategist, BlaueXperiential
Winner of awards and scholarships including Exhibitor Magazines Allstar Award, Tey has spent over 3 decades in marketing at global organizations. He’s specialized in event experience and metrics. He previously worked in entertainment, earning memberships in the Screen Actors Guild and Actor’s Equity.
