11 XP pros to follow on social
Today, there’s really no “down time” for XP pros anymore — and, after the nearly full stop so many professionals experienced in 2020, you won’t hear us complaining about being too busy. However, traditionally, the last month of the year is a slower time for big, branded events as consumers focus on family holiday gatherings, office parties and local experiences.
This “slow period” (again, lol) is a great opportunity to catch up on all of those Post-It note to-do’s scattered around your desk, including everyone’s favorite procrastination subject, industry research. Luckily, there’s an entire world of #EventProfs on social media (yes, aside from us, and obviously you’re already following XP Land, right?!) who write, gather, analyze and share the latest in XP news to their Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. Basically, they do our homework for us.
We’ve dialed it up to 11 with our list of some of XP Land’s favorite events and experience industry influencers. Check out their qualifications and profiles below:
David Adler
First, the Chairman & Founder, BizBash Media. Adler shares his 40-plus years of experience working in media, events and nonprofits with his followers, largely highlighting BizBash’s events coverage.
- Twitter: @davidadler
- Instagram: @davidadler1
Shep Hyken
Next, the CSP/CPAE (Certified Speaking Professional/Council of Peers Award for Excellence) and self-proclaimed CAO (Chief Amazement Officer) of Shepard Presentations. Yes, while Hyken is technically a customer service expert, what is XP other than curating guest-focused experiences?
- Twitter: @Hyken
- Instagram: @shephyken
Be polite – Say please and thank you. Be nice to people. – Confidence-building habits will help you build an even stronger relationship with your customers as well as the people you work with.
— Shep Hyken (@Hyken) December 6, 2021
Priya Parker
Host and executive producer of the New York Times podcast, “Together Apart” and author of “The Art of Gathering.” Parker always asks thought-provoking questions about the nature of gathering in a pandemic world.
- Twitter: @priyaparker
- Instagram: @priyaparker
Miguel Neves
Editor-in-chief of EventMB. The Denmark-based digital event technology and strategy specialist is a well-known knowledge leader and sought after speaker.
- Twitter: @miguelseven
“Travel limitations” could soon overtake “safety of attendees” as the largest obstacle to in-person events. Do you agree? Are you seeing this trend? https://t.co/U1IWCpek6R
— Miguel Neves CMP, DES (@miguelseven) December 7, 2021
Claire Hoffman
BizBash executive editor. Hoffman’s social media is a go-to source for industry news, sharing the latest information impacting XP pros each day.
- Twitter: @ClaireHoffman
- Instagram: @clairehoffman
Simon Sinek
British-American author and inspirational speaker. He is the author of five books, including “Start With Why” and “The Infinite Game.” While not XP-specific, Sinek is an important follow that helps us remember the why behind our events and experiences.
- Twitter: @simonsinek
- Instagram: @simonsinek
The primary ingredient for progress is optimism. The unwavering belief that something can be better is what drives the human race forward.
— Simon Sinek (@simonsinek) November 19, 2021
Anh Nguyen
Head of community engagement at Twine. Nguyen is also the founder of Spark Event Management, an award-winning, full-service event management firm and the Spark Event Collective, a network of independent planners collaborating to deliver event experiences.
Keneisha Williams
Founder of the Black in Events Network, advocating for amplified DEI in the events industry and supporting community. Williams’ experience runs the gamut from conferences and trade shows to festivals and fundraisers.
- Twitter: @GetKayWill
- Instagram: @getkaywill
Does the event industry really want to change? And it’s not so much the industry as it is, people.
— Keneisha Williams 💫 (@GetKayWill) December 7, 2021
Just a question. The work can be done but if the vision isn’t received…
Julius Solaris
VP of marketing strategy and events at Hopin and former founder of EventMB and Showthemes. Solaris breaks down industry research into actionable insights for XP pros.
Lizzy Eaton
Founder and director of Oddity Events & Marketing. In 2021, Eaton was recognized in C&IT magazine’s Agency A-List, which is an exclusive selection of the top 35 under 35 agency-side event planners in the UK.
- Twitter: @Lizzybeth23
- Instagram: @lizzy.star.dust
I was delighted to write this piece on event accessibility for @meetpie! ✍🏻
— Lizzy (@Lizzybeth23) December 3, 2021
Published just in time for International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I hope many of my colleagues in the #eventprofs community find it insightful and useful. 🙏🏻https://t.co/jjW1VsrrdZ
Nick Borelli
Director of Marketing Growth for Allseated. Expert on all events virtual and hybrid, including how to bring the metaverse to IRL experiences.
- Twitter: @NickBorelli
- Instagram: @nick.borelli
Did we miss anyone you love to follow? Tweet us @xpland_news and we’ll add them to the list!
Join us in XP Land. A community for experiential creatives and experience-makers, brand leaders and IP-owners, space stewards and venue visionaries — all of those in the business of epic gatherings and live, immersive storytelling.