Event Marketer Summer 2023 - 117

PRIDE IN EVENTS
SARA RAVID >> Creative Strategist | Industria Creative
The Bragging Rights: " I've always loved being in the room where 'it' happens-that special something-the
magic, energy, and excitement, " says Ravid, whose career began in theater, where she developed
the ability to dive deep into narrative development. That experience, which led to a role creating nightlife
and community events for the queer community, would eventually lead Ravid to her " home " as a creative
strategist with Industria Creative where she develops campaigns for clients like MAX, Showtime, YSL
Beauty and Old Navy.
Favorite podcast or book:
" Maintenance Phase, " hosted by
Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes
>> " They debunk and decode myths
and ideas about wellness and weight
loss. I love media that dives into
the origins of widely held societal
beliefs. It reminds me that things
we believe to be immovable are
in fact quite malleable, and that
the world is constantly changing
and can change again. Also, the
book 'Entangled Life,' by Merlin
Sheldrake. You can thank me later. "
How can the industry better encourage employees to bring their true selves
to work?
Embrace the unfamiliar with open arms and a sense of humor. Also, invest in it. Hire DEIA consultants,
bring training into the workplace, etc.
Describe the role of mentors in your work life.
I have been blessed with a ton of incredible mentors throughout my career-they have been integral
in helping me make connections and furthering my career, but the great ones function also as friends
and sounding boards. The best ones, however, were the mentors that didn't pull me up with them to
wherever they were-they led by example and empowered me to forge my own path.
Where do you predict the industry will be in the next five years?
The industry will continue to become more interdisciplinary, merging further with technology,
social media and art. As we continue to discover the possibilities of AI, we'll utilize it to create hyperpersonalized,
targeted work. A lot of people are fearful of this technology, but we were scared of the
internet, too, and now we can't imagine life without it. I also think that brands will lean even further
into authenticity by creating original content and experiences that aren't explicitly branded, but bring
consumers into the lifestyle or vibe of how the brand wants to be perceived.
CHARLIE STREIT >> Senior Associate Producer | GrubHub
The Bragging Rights: Amid the fluid nature of the business at Grubhub, colleagues say Streit has a
calm demeanor that keeps the entire team assured and confident that things are " handled. " Past experience
on the agency side across brand partnerships, events, multimedia content for social, web, radio and
OOH, no doubt, contributes to a well-rounded perspective. Recent work includes managing a sponsorship
footprint at League of Legends championship events and activating a partnership with Amazon to drive
consumer awareness for " Tune In & Takeout, " a concept created to help viewers figure out what to watch and
then what to eat (the program included a ghost kitchen, Marvelous Café and a pastrami-inspired martini
consumers still rave about). " It wasn't the project results or reception that made it my proudest professional
moment, it was the cross-functional collaboration it took to bring it to life, " Streit says.
Who or what inspires you?
I get inspired that an event can bring people from different backgrounds with differing views to one place to
experience a moment of togetherness, like rocking out to a collective favorite song, running at the same pace
in a marathon or enjoying the perfect meal in the perfect place. A big, unified, emotional response is inspiring.
How can the industry better encourage employees to bring their true selves to work?
Diversify the voices your cohort is hearing from. Not only within your workplace, but explore outside voices.
Bring in leaders to speak who may resonate with an audience differently. There doesn't always have to be
a direct correlation between a company goal and the speaker's background. Let the audience connect the
dots with how their success and techniques can relate to their current roles and ideal professional direction.
Your walk-up song:
" River (King Kavalier
Remix), " by Bishop Briggs
>> " I'd tell the team to start
specifically at 0:38 seconds. "
Greatest lesson you've learned so far in your career.
Don't say " no " in first-round brainstorms. There is a space for " no " further in the process, but initial brainstorms are for letting ideas run wild-ish.
Listen, let everyone speak, encourage ideas, find additional ways to gather ideas outside of sharing in a group setting, and then determine feasibility
and refine after with the core team.
117
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