Experiential Exchange Series: How Saying "No" Drives Success
Thu Feb 05 2026
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
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/
Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/
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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 https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/ Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/