The experiential world isn’t just evolving; it’s exploding. New ideas, boundary-pushing innovations and unforgettable moments are being dreamed up and executed daily. At the heart of this creative movement is the XP Land Council — a handpicked collective of the brightest minds shaping what’s next.
“We’re living in a time where experiences matter more than ever and the people on this Council are the ones redefining how we engage, inspire and connect,” says XP Land co-founder Erica Boeke. “The Council isn’t just driving XP Land forward — it’s driving the entire industry forward.”
They’re the movers and shakers reimagining how audiences connect, brands engage and culture comes to life. They’re the strategists, creatives and innovators who are rewriting the rules of engagement. They’re the storytellers, technologists and community builders, all united by one goal: to create unforgettable experiences.
Each of these trailblazers brings something special to the table. From crafting jaw-dropping immersive events to driving innovation in global marketing strategies, they’re leading the charge in making the impossible possible — and they’re part of our brain trust.
Who else would we trust to help identify the most creative visionaries in experiential and to help us stay connected with what’s going on across the experiential universe?
Here’s how the Council will make an impact in 2025:
- XLIST + XP Land Ambassadors: Each member will champion creativity, ensuring we uncover the most groundbreaking projects and the most creative visionaries of the year — and keep their eye on trends, cool projects and emerging talents to share with our editors.
- Casting a Discerning Eye on the XLIST: Council members will review semifinalist nominations and help identify the trailblazers redefining our industry. (With your help, of course. Our open call for nominations is coming soon.)
- Insights + Thought Leadership Year-Round: Through op-eds, Q&As and exclusive XP Land events, Council members will share their expertise, spark conversations and connect with peers to shape the future of experiential.
The exceptional leaders joining us this year include:
- Myriam Achard: Chief, New Media Partnerships and PR, PHI (Montréal)
- Michael Barclay II: Executive Vice President – Experiential, Essence Communications Inc. (Chicago)
- Neil Carty: Vice President, Head of Cosm Studios & Labs, Cosm (NYC)
- Jessica Charles: Vice President, Programming & Events, Forbes (NYC)
- Dr. Lee Francis: Founder and Chief Imagination Officer, Indigenous Imagination Workshop (Raleigh-Durham)
- Ron Goldenberg: VP, International Marketing & Innovation, BSE Global (NYC)
- Émilie F. Grenier: Head of Creative, THINKWELL, A TAIT Company (Montréal)
- Wendy Heimann-Nunes: Co-Founder/Co-Lead of Bldg Beyond, Nolan Heimann LLP (LA)
- KC Ifeyani: Executive Director of Editorial Programming, Fast Company (NYC)
- Jenna Isken: Global Group Director of Brand Experience, Siegel+Gale (LA)
- Harry Julmice: CEO, Never Was Average (Montréal)
- Joe Killian: Founder of Central Park SummerStage / Founder and President, Killian & Co. (NYC)
- Louise Murray: CEO, Lemuria Dreamer LLC (LA)
- Gabriela Neves: President, Factory360 (Miami)
- Jameka Pankey: Head of Events and Experiential for Artist, Amazon Music (NYC)
- Jamie Reilly: General Manager of Immersive Events & USA, Moment Factory (NYC)
- Lesly Simmons: Head of Community Innovation at Amazon (San Francisco)
- Louisa St. Pierre: Global Director of Art, Digital & Experiential at MA+ Group (NYC)
- Jessica Stacey: Senior Vice President, External Communications, Event + Experiential Marketing at Sephora (NYC / San Francisco)
- Kim Trieu: Global Events and Experiences Manager, Expedia Group (Austin)
- Alicia Yaffe: Senior Vice President of Creative Marketing, Warner Music Group (LA)
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.
