Pro to Pro

My Roundabout Road to a Career in Experiential

As back-to-school season finds us again, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the winding paths that led those of us in the experiential industry to where we are today. Some of today’s top leaders discovered their experiential talents in the back of theaters, supper clubs — and even a tanning salon. Breaking into this field is rarely straightforward. Instead, it’s about embracing unexpected opportunities and recognizing a passion for storytelling and human connection. Keep reading to discover eight of our favorite experiential origin stories told by those who lived them. “It all started in a tanning salon called Electric Beach. I met so many different people — celebrities, entertainers, artists, and advertising execs — who expanded my view of the world. The owners even let me have a studio in the back, where I’d do illustrations and writing, and that led to my big break when I connected with those execs and hosted a major exhibition. Through those relationships, I got a job as an agent at a talent management agency, where I helped clients bring their artwork to life with events that were more than just pictures on walls. We’d brainstorm creative ways to engage audiences, like art...