EventUp

Anuj Chhabra, Portfolio Lead at Pernod Ricard, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder at Innovate Marketing Group for a powerful conversation on brand evolution. Expect insights on experiential marketing, human-centered leadership, and how staying curious can future-proof your career. Listen now!

About the guest:

Anuj is a classically-trained brand marketer currently managing Pernod Ricard's industry-leading mezcal portfolio of Del Maguey and Ojo de Tigre. Prior to this role, Anuj served on the brand marketing teams of iconic billion dollar spirits brands including Johnnie Walker, Absolut Vodka and Malibu Rum. Anuj started his career at Procter & Gamble on Old Spice & Gillette.  He strives to be an empowering and inclusive people leader/champion, learning from and elevating those around him. He enjoys bringing others together through products and experiences as he’s done leading Absolut’s Coachella activation and launches like Malibu Peach.

Channing Hamlet, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss the rising "flight to quality" in the event industry. Learn how consolidation is transforming the landscape — and how event businesses can adapt, scale, and thrive in a shifting market.

About the guest:

Channing Hamlet is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation. He leads the firm’s Business Services & Life Sciences Practice. With over 25 years of experience in investment banking and business valuation, Channing brings deep expertise and strategic insight to Objective’s clients. His recent notable transactions include the sale of 360 Destination Management to H.I.G. Capital and Supreme to Trinity Hunt Partners. An active member of the Los Angeles advisor community, Channing has served on the boards of the Exit Planning Institute, ACG LA, and EO LA. He is also passionate about philanthropy, particularly through his involvement with Reality Changers.  Prior to joining Objective, Mr. Hamlet served as a Managing Director of Cabrillo Advisors, where he was instrumental in both leading their M&A execution and growing the valuation practice from inception into a national entity serving more than 700 clients in five years. Previously, he served as a Director at Vistage; Principal at LLR Partners, a $260 million private-equity firm; and member of Legg Mason’s Investment Banking group. He has a Master’s Degree in Operations Research and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63 and 79 licenses and is a Registered Representative of BA Securities LLC, Member FINRA SIPC.

Jill Manoff, Editor-in-Chief at Glossy and Modern Retail, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group in covering the future of fashion media, and elevating brand voices through editorial power. Tune in and get inspired!

About the guest:

Jill Manoff is the editor-in-chief of Digiday Media’s Glossy and Modern Retail, which explores the transformation of the fashion, beauty and retail industries through the lens of digital and technology. She oversees the editorial content and growth strategy of the media brands, launched in 2016 and 2019, respectively. Manoff joined Digiday Media from Mode Media, where she was the editor of Glam.com starting in July 2015. Prior, she was the editor of searsStyle and head copywriter in Sears’ apparel division. She spent the start of her career in St. Louis as the fashion editor of Alive magazine, the fashion director and co-founder of Saint Louis Fashion Week, and a freelance fashion stylist, working for brands including Anheuser-Busch and Caleres.

In celebration of International Women’s Month, we’re spotlighting the incredible women transforming the events industry. From redefining leadership to driving innovation, these trailblazers share their journeys, challenges, and the lessons that helped them break barriers.

In this special episode, we discuss:

🎤 How women in events are evolving from planners to strategic business leaders

🚀 The power of mentorship, sponsorship, and lifting the next generation

💡 Finding creativity, taking risks, and saying “yes” to growth opportunities

🔑 Why confidence, networking, and continuous learning are game-changers for career success

Join us as we repurpose powerful insights from past episodes, featuring voices that inspire, uplift, and pave the way for the future of the industry.

Tune in and celebrate the women making an impact!

Simona Ezell, Broadcast Marketing Lead at Experian, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group and learn how Experian leverages sponsorships with athletes and major events to craft compelling brand stories that resonate with audiences. Don't miss out!

About the guest:

Simona Ezell is the Broadcast Marketing Lead at Experian, where she oversees Direct-to-Consumer marketing strategies across Linear TV, Streaming and Audio. With six years of working at Experian, Simona has been spearheading branding initiatives and various product launches for both general market and multicultural marketing campaigns. Simona holds a Master's degree in Strategic PR from The George Washington University, and her background includes working with both PR and media agencies. Based in Orange County, Simona enjoys being a mom, traveling and streaming her favorite shows on the go.

Sacha Tani Ching, Director of Sales and Marketing at the LA Memorial Coliseum, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group as she shares her extensive experience in the event planning industry. Highlighting memorable events, challenges and innovations in event planning. Tune in now!

About the guest:

Sacha Tani Ching – Event Sales Leader, Hospitality Pro, and LA Enthusiast With over a decade of experience in event sales, marketing, and business development, Sacha Tani Ching is a dynamic leader in the events and hospitality industry. As Director of Sales & Marketing at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, she drives revenue growth and positions the venue as a premier destination for high-profile events. Known for her creative strategies and ability to build lasting relationships, Sacha thrives at blending innovation and hospitality. Her career includes impressive achievements at Universal Studios Hollywood, where she grew the inbound market by 91%, and at the LA Tourism and Convention Board, where she delivered unforgettable experiences for major clients like LinkedIn and Royal Bank of Canada. Whether she’s collaborating with industry professionals or managing large-scale events, Sacha brings passion, professionalism, and a touch of fun to every project. Outside of work, Sacha loves spending time with her young son and family, exploring LA’s hidden gems, sipping matcha lattes, or tending to her thriving plant collection. With a deep love for hospitality and the city she calls home, Sacha embodies the creative and vibrant spirit of Los Angeles in everything she does.

Deidra Green, VP, Field Performance and Inclusion at European Wax Center, joins Sara Rosas, Revenue Director at Innovate Marketing Group to discover how intentionality, curiosity, and inclusivity can transform workplace culture, create meaningful relationships, and celebrate the diverse identities we all carry. Listen now!

About the guest:

Deidra Green is a licensed esthetician, MBA, aPHR, author, former business owner and now VP of Field Performance and Inclusion at European Wax Center. In addition to driving performance of the Field Training team, Deidra also has oversight of the Industry Relations and Learning and Development functions which ensure EWC attracts top talent to our franchise locations and gives them the tools necessary to thrive once we have their commitment. On fostering inclusion, her role is to partner with leadership to set DE&I strategy, leading the organization's implementation of strategic DE&I action-orientated initiatives, goals, and measurement in alignment with our values: We Care About Each Other, We Do the Right Thing, We Delight Our Guests and We Have Fun While Being Awesome.

Join Amanda Ma, Founder & CEO, and Sara Rosas, Revenue Director of Innovate Marketing Group, to discover what’s driving experiential marketing this year: from AI personalization to the return of in-person events and the rise of authentic brand experiences. Tune in now on EventUp!

Shadi Nayyer, former Head of Creator Programs and Community at TikTok, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to unlock the evolution of creators and the future of creator marketing in 2025. Dont miss out!

About the guest:

Shadi Nayyer is a tenured leader in the creator space with extensive experience collaborating with and developing creators globally. As the former Head of Creator Programs and Community at TikTok, Shadi led the integration of creators in cultural moments like the Oscars, Super Bowl, Cannes, Fashion Month, and the Met Gala. She built diverse creator communities and developed educational tools to help users grow on the platform. She launched initiatives such as TikTok’s Black and LatinX Creatives program, Community & scholarships, the Diversity Collective, and the Creator Portal, supporting thousands of creators.

Prior to TikTok, Shadi led creator marketing and community at Twitch and founded the Twitch Creator Ambassador program and a Twitch Creator Camp, enabling creators to grow and connect with their communities.

Shadi is deeply passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs and creators. She played a key role in the first women’s Tech Accelerator in Silicon Valley and serves as a mentor and speaker for the US State Department’s TechWomen program. Her commitment to diversity, women’s empowerment, and human rights underscores her dedication to creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Amy Hills, former Vice President Product Marketing at Mastercard, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discover how marketers can balance bold creativity with strategic goals. Tune in now!

About the guest:

Amy Hills is a Marketing Executive with demonstrated success in leading and developing marketing strategies, branding and positioning for products and services for B2C and B2B companies. Proven ability in creating and operationalizing enterprise-wide strategic transformations including global brand positioning in a digital world. Experience building and leading teams to drive short and long-term business objectives. Passionate about learning and testing new technology in order to drive results without compromising business results.

Lisa Lee, former Director of Smirnoff Pre-Mix and Lone River at Diageo, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discover strategies for brand reinvention, cultural relevance, and inclusive marketing. Listen now!

About the guest:

Lisa is a Results-driven Marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in building and scaling brands. Expertise in brand strategy, innovation, digital marketing and consumer engagement. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, leading brand reinventions including enhancing brand equity, and leading high-performance marketing teams. Adept at leveraging data-driven insights to craft compelling marketing strategies in fast-paced dynamic environments.

Wendy Robino, SVP of Marketing Events & Regional Publicity at Warner Bros. Joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to unlock the art of big events. Don't miss out! 

About the guest:

Wendy Kupsis-Robino's expertise spans across several corners of the industry. Currently serving as the senior vice president of marketing events and regional publicity at Warner Bros. Pictures, Kupsis-Robino has been a driving force behind the success of numerous theatrical releases since joining the global publicity and marketing team in January 2019.  She oversees a dedicated team responsible for global premieres, press junkets, influencer and award events, as well as regional promotions and publicity across the U.S. Her strategic vision and leadership have played a pivotal role in the triumphs of Warner Bros. Pictures, contributing to the success of blockbuster films like Barbie, Elvis, and Dune.  Notable highlights of Kupsis-Robino’s illustrious career include orchestrating the Barbie world premiere, its experiential press junket, and regional publicity stunts that catapulted the film to a record-setting $1.4 billion global box-office success and becoming Warner Bros’ highest-grossing film of all time.   Before her tenure at Warner Bros., Kupsis-Robino ran her own experiential marketing and events agency, FlipTurn, boasting an impressive roster of more than 25 entertainment clients. Outside the boardroom, she is a proud member of the PR branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Jennifer Jasnoch, Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Sony Electronics,  joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discover how Sony’s Electronics crafts meaningful connections with their consumers. Listen now on EventUp!

About the guest:

Jennifer Jasnoch is the Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Sony Electronics. With 15 years of B2C and B2B Marketing Experience, she is currently responsible for strategy development and planning, marketing execution, and reporting for Sony’s Home Entertainment division in North America. This includes Sony’s TV, Home Audio, and Projector product categories. Since starting at Sony in 2017, Jennifer has developed successful go-to-market strategies and omni-channel marketing campaigns for award-winning premium televisions. Her effective communication plans drive awareness, purchase intent, and sales across all marketing touchpoints. Throughout her career, Jennifer has led numerous cross-functional projects that successfully achieved business objectives. She is passionate about marketing and enjoys building comprehensive strategies to engage consumers, achieve goals, and drive impactful results. Jennifer values giving back to her community through her involvement in the Junior League of San Diego and loves spending time with her husband and two young sons.

Alex Wang, Director of Brand Marketing at L'Oréal Group, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to unlock how L'Oréal is disrupting beauty marketing. Tune in now on EventUp!

About the guest:

Alex Wang is a passionate advocate for inclusive marketing, currently shaping the beauty landscape as Director of Brand Marketing at L'Oréal Group, where he has overseen go-to-market, strategy, and operations on iconic brands like Maybelline New York and Garnier. Recently, Alex spearheaded a first-of-its-kind partnership between L’Oreal and the non-profit Gold House to strengthen authentic and affirming Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in beauty.  Prior to L’Oreal, Alex was Brand Manager for Sally Hansen, the #1 US nail color & care brand, where he developed the brand’s strategic partnership with GLAAD. Alex began his career in finance across CPG leaders including Unilever, Newell Brands, and Coty.   Alex earned a MBA from New York University Stern School of Business and holds a BS in Applied Economics & Management from Cornell University.

Chris Schmicker, Director of Brand Marketing at Shopify, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to unlock how Shopify is using immersive experiences to engage fans in creative and impactful ways. Listen now on EventUp!

Chris Schmicker is the Director of Brand Marketing at Shopify, a global commerce platform. He leads various global brand marketing teams, including Shopify's brand campaigns, experiential, and community teams. Prior to joining Shopify, Chris spent over a decade in marketing at media brands that shaped business and cultural conversations, such as The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and Hearst. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Chris is currently based in New York City.

Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing at State Farm, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss what it takes to execute award-winning campaigns. Tune in now on EventUp!

Alyson Griffin is a Fortune 50 marketing executive and thought leader with over 25 years of experience leading Marketing and Global Brand teams at renowned companies, including HP, Intel, and currently State Farm. As State Farm’s Head of Marketing, she spearheads the effort to bring the 102-year-old company into the 21st century. She is guided by a mission to capture current demand, anticipate future demand, and retain loyal customers by crafting innovative marketing strategies that engage audiences nationwide, ultimately driving the brand’s cultural relevance. Under Alyson’s leadership, State Farm was named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024. Her career is marked by the creation of groundbreaking immersive experiences that seamlessly blend art with entertainment, gaming, music, social media, sports, and technology; her standout campaigns include the Emmy® nominated and Ad Meter-winning "Agent State Farm" campaign for Super Bowl LVIII and Intel's Cannes Lions-winning Drone Light Show at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics. Her work has garnered recognition from prestigious award programs including the ANA REGGIE Awards, the Clio Awards, The Drum, and the Shorty Awards. A Silicon Valley native with an affinity for emerging technologies, Alyson combines her natural storytelling abilities with executive leadership, making her a sought-after awards juror and keynote speaker. She has delivered keynotes at prominent events such as Cannes Lions, Advertising Week New York, and Gary Vaynerchuk’s VeeCon. Her areas of expertise include creativity, innovation, brand activations and experiences, social media and influencer engagement, technology, and entertainment and sports partnerships.

Rudi Anggono, Senior Creative Director at The LEGO Group, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss key elements to make any events resonate with both children and adults.  Listen now on EventUp!

Rudi has been leading, playing, and experimenting with a multi-disciplinary creative team to inspire the builders of tomorrow. He brings wealth of experience and a unique perspective on how to create engaging and unforgettable experiences through creativity and play.

Sara Rosas, Sales and Marketing Manager at Innovate Marketing Group, joins Amanda Ma to go behind the scenes of our DEIB Calendar's creation, exploring the inspiration, strategy, and goals that drove this project and how this calendar serves as a roadmap for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

DeLauren Everett, Director, Hospitality & Events at MKTG, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss essential skills for success in experiential marketing. Listen now on EventUp!

DeLauren Everett, a lover of creating meaningful experiences, she is a 15-year strategic events professional who has designed and executed hundreds of events particularly in the retail and financial services industries over the years. Throughout DeLauren’s 15-year career, she has worked for well-known corporations such as Sony Electronics, Lowe’s Home Improvement and LPL Financial. DeLauren now represents some of these same brands and others, serving as a Director of Hospitality & Events at MKTG, an entertainment & sports agency. With a passion for technology and inclusion, DeLauren bases the foundation of all she does on innovation, creativity and thought leadership, ensuring all goals, visions, perspectives and diversity of thought are considered.

Born and raised in California, DeLauren now resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband and two children.

Ikram Guerd, VP of Global Marketing – Managing Director US of Aspivix, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss marketing strategies in women's health. Tune in now on EventUp!

About the guest:

Ikram leads the US corporation and the global marketing strategy to raise awareness around innovative solutions to reduce pain for women in gynecology. With 18+ years of international experience, she excels in leading teams, managing product life cycles, and crafting impactful marketing strategies, driving growth and shaping organizational culture. As a judge for marketing & healthcare awards and a speaker in women’s empowerment and marketing talks, she advances marketing and Women’s Health practices and champions women in leadership. Beyond professional achievements, she uplifts women and young girls by working with multiple non-profit organizations. As a member of Inspiring Girls USA's Board of Directors, she breaks down gender stereotypes and provides role models for young girls. She mentors women in marketing and their career paths. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, traveling, and community service.

Monique Ruff-Bell, Chief Program and Strategy Officer at TED, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss how TED creates unforgettable event experiences and more. Tune in now on EventUp! 

Monique Ruff-Bell oversees TED’s flagship global events and conferences, TEDx programs and initiatives, global brand partnership sales, and key marketing verticals for the organization. She shapes and executes TED’s strategic plan, contributing to the advancement of its mission, operational excellence, and overall organizational growth. 

Van Lai-DuMone, Founder of WorksmART Advantage, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss the transformative impact of curiosity-driven leadership. Tune in now on EventUp!

About the guest:

Van is the founder of Worksmart Advantage where she develops teams and leaders uniquely through the use of creativity. Her work has impacted the cultures at companies like LinkedIn, Google, and Pandora. She is also a TEDx Speaker and published author on the topic of curiosity.

Lindsey Carnett, CEO and President of Marketing Maven and Megan Anderson, Director of Exhibits and Interpretive Planning at History Associates Incorporated (HAI), joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss common pitfalls that organizations face when planning anniversary projects. Tune in now on EventUp!

The Anniversary Collective ℠ is a unique consortium of specialists uniting to guide organizations in celebrating their key milestones in a truly impactful manner and creating an immersive and memorable experience that will captivate attendees and pay tribute to a company’s remarkable achievements.

About the guests:

Lindsey Carnett is the CEO and President of Marketing Maven, named to the 2017 and 2018 Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in America. In 2016, Marketing Maven was named to the Entrepreneur 360 list of Most Entrepreneurial Companies in America. With bicoastal operations, our clients are in the health, nutrition, hospitality, beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and consumer categories. Marketing Maven is a lifestyle and consumer marketing agency specializing in international and domestic Public Relations, Social Media, Reputation Management, Direct Response Marketing, U.S. product launches, SEO, Event PR, and Spanish Media. Our team pitches and books media coverage on national TV, radio, newspaper, magazine and online. Additional services include media tours, media training, byline articles, SEO press releases, nationally recognized PR stunts, booking speaking opportunities and tradeshow support.

Alia Aljunied, Executive Director of Event Programming at Fortune Media Group joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss the art and science of high-profile event programming. Listen now on EventUp!

Alia has worked across many industries from consulting, finance, museums, and media. Ahead of joining Fortune, Alia worked at The Wall Street Journal where she led a programming team and programmed such events as WSJ Tech Live, MarketWatch Best New Ideas in Money Festival, WSJ Women In Forum, and WSJ Future of Everything Festival. Previous to Dow Jones, Alia had held several positions at companies such a GLG, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Canyon Capital Advisors and Anchorage Capital Group. Alia is a rare Singaporean American who lives in Brooklyn with her husband. 

Celebrate with us our 3rd anniversary! Join us for a special episode packed with insights and wisdom from our amazing guests. We'll look back at some of the best moments, featuring diverse and trailblazing women from the events, PR, marketing, tech, and entertainment industries. Tune in for a mix of fun, inspiration, and a lot of heart as we honor the incredible journey and the brilliant minds that have graced our podcast.

Genny Hom-Franzen, Executive Director of Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF), joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group, to discuss the Power of Asian American Consumers in advertising. Tune in now on EventUp!

Jennifer Minzey, meeting planner at Kaiser Permanente, joins Amanda Ma, CEO and Founder of Innovate Marketing Group to discuss some of the most unforgettable events and share strategies behind every successful event. Tune in now at EventUp!

Marley Majcher, CEO and Founder of The Party Goddess joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group. Hear about VIP experiences and exciting behind-the-scenes stories for a peek as you've never had before. Listen now on EventUp!

Nadine Gamie, Creator Marketing and Partnerships Manager at Amazon, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group to discover how to stand out in the marketing world by tapping into the creativity and influence of creators. Listen now as we uncover the secrets to implementing influencer marketing to boost your brand and truly connect with your audience.

Uncover the secrets to elevating global events in the dynamic City of Anaheim as Mariles Krok, VP of Meeting & Partnership Sales at Visit Anaheim, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group. Join us for invaluable insights and strategies shaping unforgettable experiences.

Listen now on EventUp!

Join host Amanda Ma, CEO of Innovate Marketing Group, for an inspiring chat with Mai Lim, Director at LVCVA. With over two decades of experience, Mai shares insights from her leadership journey at MPI and her role as a Smart Woman in Meetings-Industry Leader. Discover Mai's passion for mentorship and her invaluable contributions to the world of events. Tune in for insights from a true hospitality trailblazer!

Embark on a journey of influence and passion with Denise Vitola, VP of Brand Integration at Bayer, and Amanda Ma, CEO of Innovate Marketing Group. Uncover the secrets of influencer marketing and cultivate your own passion. Tune in now on EventUp!

Denise Vitola is a highly accomplished leader in the marketing and communications world, with 20+ years of experience and expertise in branding, influencer marketing, PR, and social media. She currently leads these efforts for Bayer Consumer Health, driving influencer adoption and award-winning campaigns. She's known for taking risks, building campaigns with new media at their core, and delivering big results with sharp consumer insights and pop culture/social media understanding.

Join Amanda Ma, Founder & CEO, and Sara Rosas, Business Development Manager of Innovate Marketing Group, for an exclusive dive into the highly anticipated "State of the Events Industry 2024." Explore the trends, innovations, and strategic insights shaping 2024's events landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiast, this podcast is your gateway to understanding the pulse of the events world in 2024. Tune in now on EventUp!

Annette Gregg - CEO of SITE - Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, joins Amanda Ma, CEO of Innovate Marketing Group to explore her extensive expertise, latest trends, and unraveling secrets of incentive travel. Get ready for insights, stories, and a unique perspective on the power of incentive travel. Listen now on EventUp!

Annette Gregg has a wealth of experience in event planning, management, and industry leadership. She is recognized for her expertise in designing and executing successful meetings and events. Additionally, Annette is actively involved in industry associations, contributing to the advancement of best practices and innovation within the meetings and events sector.

Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE)