The Experiential Exchange is a special speaker series within Creating the Perfect Experience, designed for marketing professionals building experiential programs and brand activations. Each session brings together industry leaders, strategists, creative directors, producers, and brand innovators, for practical insights, real-world lessons, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on what it takes to deliver meaningful live experiences.

A trusted leader in business development and experiential strategy, Staci Hallmon has spent over two decades helping brands build innovative live event platforms that drive connection and growth. As founder of SHB Enterprises, she has led revenue-generating programs for Fortune 500 companies, media brands, and nonprofits, with leadership roles at Endeavor | IMG | On Location and BET Networks, alongside a deep commitment to community impact through Project Morry.

Adrianne Mellen, Owner and Lead Planner of Propeller US, began her career in publishing at Vogue and Real Simple before launching her event planning business in 2009. Today, she leads a purpose-driven company empowering women and recently expanded into bespoke experiences at New York Fashion Week.

With more than 25 years in the industry, Mark Testa is a leader in experiential design and production and the Founder and Creative Director of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency. His work spans global activations and large-scale cultural moments, including Essence Festival of Culture and Beautycon, grounded in curiosity, empathy, and innovation.

This episode we discuss:

• Staci, Adrianne, and Mark reflect on the career pivots and early creative roots that shaped their paths in experiential production.
• The importance of building experiences with intention—where audience connection, brand purpose, and community impact align.
• Adrianne shares how her background in publishing informed her approach to planning bespoke, high-touch events, including her newest work at New York Fashion Week.
• Mark and Staci unpack what it takes to scale major cultural moments, from sponsorship strategy to long-term brand partnerships.
• A candid conversation on leadership in live events—trust, collaboration, and knowing when to say “no” in order to protect the work.
• Advice for emerging professionals: stay curious, embrace feedback, and remain open to starting over as you grow.
• The value of mentorship, active listening, and building strong creative teams rooted in honesty and shared standards.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:

https://www.markstephenagency.com/podcast

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Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Yvonne McNair is a veteran event producer and behind-the-scenes leader shaping high-stakes live experiences across entertainment and culture. As Founder and Executive Producer of Captivate Productions, she brings over 20 years of experience navigating complex productions, high-pressure environments, and the realities that live behind the curtain. A two-time Emmy-nominated producer, Yvonne is known for her operational rigor, calm leadership, and ability to carry ambitious visions through uncertainty with integrity.

This episode we discuss:

• Yvonne’s path into live production and the moments that shaped her leadership style.
• What really goes into producing large-scale cultural events beyond the creative vision.
• Why learning when to say no is critical to risk management and long-term sustainability.
• Navigating financial exposure, stakeholder pressure, and public scrutiny.
• The emotional labor of leadership in experiential production and how to recover after setbacks.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:
https://www.markstephenagency.com/podcast

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Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Allie Galloway is a global event leader shaping how major brands show up in culture. As Senior Director of Global Events at Yahoo, she oversees the strategy and execution behind high-impact brand moments—from Cannes Lions to international tentpoles—bringing together storytelling, innovation, and operational precision. With experience across agencies and in-house teams, Allie is known for transforming complex ideas into experiences that resonate, scale, and deliver real business value.

This episode we discuss:

• Allie’s path from agency life to leading global events—and the skills that shaped her approach to creativity and leadership.
• How she designs standout brand activations in competitive environments like Cannes Lions.
• Building alignment inside large organizations and communicating the why behind experiential decisions.
• Navigating pressure, expectations, and the emotional labor of producing high-stakes events.
• What makes agency–client partnerships work: trust, transparency, and shared clarity.
• Lessons from producing international events and managing teams across cultures and time zones.
• Why understanding human behavior is the foundation of great experiential design.
• The future of brand experiences: personalization, community-building, and moments that extend beyond the event.
• Mark and Allie’s reflections on burnout, boundaries, and sustaining creativity in a demanding industry.
• The daily habits and leadership practices Allie uses to stay grounded and inspired.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:
https://www.markstephenagency.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Stephen Seidel is a multi-hyphenate creative redefining how brands, leaders, and communities connect. A former engineer turned actor and storyteller, he blends precision, empathy, and strategy to build platforms where purpose meets performance. As founder of his namesake agency and coaching practice, he’s partnered with Fortune 500s, startups, and cultural innovators—from Coca-Cola and Allergan to Clutch Coffee Bar and SeedLegals—bridging culture, commerce, and impact through authentic storytelling. A speaker, author, and men’s mental health advocate, he co-founded Gents Journey, hosts the hit podcast Wolves Among Us, and brings generosity, grit, and humor to every room—a Philly-raised #GirlDad who believes great leadership starts with listening.

This episode we discuss:

• Steven’s journey from engineer to actor to agency founder — and how each phase shaped his approach to leadership and storytelling.
• How growing up as a “people pleaser” led him to understand the power of connection — and what it means to recover from that tendency while still caring deeply about clients.
• The importance of setting clear boundaries in creative and service-driven industries to protect both integrity and outcomes.
• Why “connection is currency,” and how meaningful relationships drive business, creativity, and fulfillment.
• How Steven blends left-brain strategy with right-brain creativity to help brands and leaders tell authentic stories.
• Lessons from coaching CEOs and founders on vulnerability, alignment, and leading with purpose.
• The creation of The Gents Journey — a community helping men reconnect with themselves, their families, and their purpose through shared stories.
• Mark and Steven’s candid reflections on anxiety, resilience, and redefining success beyond constant hustle.
• Daily habits and frameworks — like “Eat Your Morning PIES” — to build focus, gratitude, and balance as a creative leader.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:

https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

With a career spanning over 25 years, Mark Testa has defined himself as a leader in experiential design and production. As Founder and Creative Director of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency, he has built a reputation for crafting culturally relevant, immersive experiences that connect with audiences across the globe. From producing international events during his early career at Condé Nast Traveler to leading large-scale activations for brands at Essence Festival of Culture and Beautycon, Mark’s work reflects a deep commitment to curiosity, empathy, and innovation. His philosophy—treating every project as both execution and experiment—has kept his agency at the forefront of the ever-evolving live experience industry.

This episode we discuss:

• Mark’s early career producing global events at Condé Nast Traveler.
• Curiosity as a discipline that fuels empathy, innovation, and cultural fluency.
• Adapting experiences to different audiences, from Beautycon to Essence Festival.
• How AI, AR, and social platforms are reshaping live events.
• Real-time learning: adjusting activations based on audience behavior.
• Building authenticity, inclusivity, and cultural relevance into every project.
• Why experimentation and adaptability are key to MSEA’s 20+ years of growth.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:

https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

With a career defined by cultural connection and creative leadership, Carlos Benjamin is a dynamic force in the experiential marketing industry. As the founder of High Profile Lifestyle, he builds elite, culturally aligned teams that bring brand stories to life through authentic, high-energy experiences. His work spans collaborations with Oprah Winfrey, Disney, the NBA, Pepsi, and the Essence Festival, as well as advocacy-driven initiatives like the AAPF’s HBCU Banned Books Tour. Beyond production, Carlos is a fierce advocate for freelancers, spearheading ventures like Freelancers Unplugged and The Ambassador’s Alliance to create stability, access, and opportunity for independent talent. Known as a connector, a mentor, and an artist in his own right, Carlos is reshaping the future of live experiences and the freelance economy.

This episode we discuss:

• Carlos shares his unconventional career path and the pivotal choices that led him into experiential marketing.
• Why mentorship has been a cornerstone in his journey, and how he now mentors others to pay it forward.
• The importance of investing in yourself — financially, creatively, and personally — to sustain growth in a demanding industry.
• How Carlos approaches building culturally aligned teams that embody the brands they represent.
• The story behind Freelancers Unplugged and The Ambassador’s Alliance, and how they aim to transform the freelance economy.
• Lessons on resilience: why going further often means going through more.
• Carlos’s advice to emerging professionals about creating your own opportunities and leaning into mentorship at every stage of your career.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:

https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

With over 20 years of experience, Staci Hallmon is a respected business development strategist known for transforming brands through innovative experiential and live event strategies that connect business lines, talent, and consumers. As founder of SHB Enterprises, she leads a firm that builds scalable, revenue-generating platforms for Fortune 500 companies, media brands, and nonprofits. Her leadership roles at Endeavor | IMG | On Location and BET Networks saw her launch groundbreaking programs, drive revenue growth, and pioneer hybrid event models. A recognized industry expert and frequent speaker, she is also deeply committed to community impact through her work with Project Morry.

This episode we discuss:

• Staci shares her creative roots in theater and how directing live performance shaped her approach to experiential events.
• She breaks down her “Golden Triangle” framework: aligning audience, brand, and community impact.
• We dive into the origin story of Essence Festival’s Beauty Carnival and what it took to scale it into a major success.
• She offers real talk on sponsorship strategy—why “cool” isn’t enough, and how brands can create meaningful, measurable engagement.
• Staci’s advice for young professionals: embrace feedback, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to start over
• Staci’s advice for clients: know your goals, trust your experts, and be honest about your thresholds for success
• The value of active listening, mentorship, and feedback culture in creative teams

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:

https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

James Aguiar is a celebrated fashion director, creative consultant, and television host with a dynamic career spanning over 25 years. From his early days dressing mannequins in Macy’s windows to becoming fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman and creative director of Isaac Mizrahi Live, James has helped shape the voice of fashion across print, television, and retail. He has worked with some of the world’s top luxury brands, appeared on major TV networks, and produced unforgettable fashion stories at Modern Luxury. Known for his theatrical flair and deep industry knowledge, James brings a singular perspective that blends glamour, grit, and authenticity.

This episode we discuss:

• James’ unconventional path from NYC nightlife to window dressing at Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman
• How he broke into fashion editorial without formal training
• His transition into television, hosting Full Frontal Fashion and red carpet coverage
• Leading Modern Luxury’s fashion direction across 18 titles and redefining regional luxury
• His current role with Isaac Mizrahi Live and lessons learned navigating between luxury and mass-market
• James’ perspective on patience, style identity, and owning a nonlinear creative journey
• Why he believes “jobs are rented, careers are owned”
• A preview of his upcoming podcast, Label Queen, exploring identity, perception, and style beyond designer tags

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Richelle Carey. Richelle Carey is an award-winning international journalist and moderator, known for her work with CNN and Al Jazeera America. With over two decades in journalism, Richelle has anchored major broadcasts, reported internationally, and now facilitates real conversations with global changemakers at leadership forums, summits, and events such as the Doha Forum. Today, she focuses on moderating major conferences across a range of topics, combining her sharp journalism skills with an authentic, conversational style that engages audiences worldwide.

This episode we discuss:

• Richelle’s unconventional path into journalism and her early career lessons
• How she transitioned from local news to CNN, and later Al Jazeera in Doha, Qatar
• The differences between American media and international journalism
• How moderating live events compares to traditional news anchoring
• Richelle’s approach to creating authentic conversations, even in high-pressure environments
• Her advice for creating better panels and interviews through preparation, empathy, and real connection

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Pamela Kupper. Pamela Kupper, Founder of Thesan, is a theatrical lighting designer with over 25 years of experience across theater, opera, events, architecture, and fashion. She brings a holistic approach to every project, balancing function and beauty. Pamela also has a background in project management and has worked on landmark façade lighting. She continues to design for live theater and events, staying current with the evolving needs of modern productions. She is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.
This episode we discuss:

• Pamela’s background and early career challenges
• Pamela shares her path from theater to corporate, fashion, and broadcast lighting.
• She explains how lighting shapes emotion and tells a story.
• Her process blends creativity with technical precision.
• Highlights a mountain lighting project driven by storytelling.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/