Shows / Creating The Perfect Experience
Creating The Perfect Experience
Creating the Perfect Experience explores how meaningful, culture-driven brand experiences are actually built. More than an event marketing podcast, it’s a conversation about creativity, strategy, and what makes experiential marketing truly connect.
Hosted by Mark Testa, Founder and Creative Director of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency, this experiential marketing podcast features candid conversations with CMOs, brand leaders, creatives, and producers shaping experiential marketing strategy…
Episodes
- Creating The Perfect Experience
What is Experiential Design?
In this solo episode, Mark Testa, founder of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency, explores the art and purpose of experiential design and how it goes beyond…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
The Event is the Easy Part
Event production is often described as one of the most stressful jobs in America—but is stress really the right way to describe it? In this solo episode, Mark…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Turning "No" Into a Brand Strategy
Dior George is a marketing executive with a career spanning Condé Nast, Nike, McDonald’s, agency leadership, and financial services. Today, she serves as VP of…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Inside Cannes Lions 2026: Brands and Experiential's Moment
What I Learned at Cannes Lions 2026 [00:00:00] Welcome back to Creating the Perfect Experience. I'm your host, Mark Testa, founder and creative director of…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Measure Event Success
Alicia Richardson is the co-founder and managing partner of Crowd Access, the first independent measurement company creating a standard for experiential…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
We Heard Events Are Hot!
In this episode, Mark Testa explores why the renewed excitement around live events is both an opportunity and a challenge for brands. Budgets are coming back…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
The Truth About Experiential Marketing
Erica Boeke is the founder and creator of XP Land, a platform dedicated to connecting, elevating, and defining the experiential industry. With a background…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Inside Celebrity Gifting at the Grammys
Lash Fary is the founder of Distinctive Assets and the visionary behind celebrity gifting as a global marketing platform. Known as the “Gift Guru,” Lash has…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Experiential Exchange Series: How Saying "No" Drives Success
The Experiential Exchange is a special speaker series within Creating the Perfect Experience, designed for marketing professionals building experiential…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Hard Falls, Getting Back Up & Recognizing Red Flags With Yvonne McNair
Yvonne McNair is a veteran event producer and behind-the-scenes leader shaping high-stakes live experiences across entertainment and culture. As Founder and…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
The Power Behind Experiences: Grit and Perseverance with Allie Galloway
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…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Build Dreams and Reclaim Purpose with Stephen Seidel
Stephen Seidel is a multi-hyphenate creative redefining how brands, leaders, and communities connect. A former engineer turned actor and storyteller, he blends…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Curiosity Mindset: Learning from Every Experience Mark Testa
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…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Carlos Benjamin: How Investing in People Shapes Experiences
With a career defined by cultural connection and creative leadership, Carlos Benjamin is a dynamic force in the experiential marketing industry. As the founder…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Give Me Feedback or Give Me Nothing: A Guide to Active Listening
With over 20 years of experience, Staci Hallmon is a respected business development strategist known for transforming brands through innovative experiential…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Embrace the Unexpected. Own Your Creative Journey.
James Aguiar is a celebrated fashion director, creative consultant, and television host with a dynamic career spanning over 25 years. From his early days…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How To Create Natural Conversations, in Unnatural Environments
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…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How Lighting Can Tell a Story in an Experience with Pamela Kupper
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…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
From Fashion to the Red Carpet: The Art of the Perfect Shot with Luciana Pampalone
In this episode, Mark speaks with Luciana Pampalone. Luciana is an award-winning photographer and artist with over 30 years of global experience. Her work has…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Create Bespoke Fashion Events While Empowering Women with Adrianne Mellen
In this episode, Mark speaks with Adrianne Mellen. Adrianne Owner and Lead Planner of Propeller US. She began her career in publishing from Vogue to Real…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Behind the Scenes of Event Security: From A-Listers to Gatecrashers with Ty Yorio
In this episode, Mark speaks with Ty Yorio. Ty a leader in event security. His company keeps high profile events safe and secure with a degree in criminal…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How Hyper-Growth Companies Leverage Events to Elevate Their Brand & Stand Out with Cate Lochead
In this episode, Mark speaks with Cate Lochead. Cate is CMO for Snorkel AI, that enables enterprises to develop AI that works for their unique workloads. Cate…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Beyond the Runway: Producing Global Fashion Events with Jarrad A Clark
In this episode, Mark speaks with Jarrad Clark. Jarrad is a passionate and experienced producer with over 30 years of experience producing events in more than…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Breaking Barriers: The Power of Persistence with Stephanie “NöNe” Dunivan
In this episode, Mark speaks with Stephanie NoNe Dunivan. Stephanie is an energetic Essence on-air personality whose hosted multiple shows and various events…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Beyond the Checkbox: Real Talk on Diversity in Experiential Marketing with Marty Tennant
In this episode, Mark speaks with Marty Tennant. Marty is an award-winning sales and marketing veteran with over two decades experience in the wine experience…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
From Creative Director to CMO: Balancing Art and Business with Courtney Brown Warren
In this episode, Mark speaks with Courtney Brown Warren. Courtney is the Chief Marketing Officer at Kickstarter. She's been the creative force behind some of…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Secrets of A Hollywood Costumer with Ric Spencer
In this episode, Mark speaks with Ric Spencer. Ric is a top costumer for film and television. His work has been seen in King Richard boys in the band and the…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Transform a Neighborhood: From Editor-in-Chief to Community Creator
In this episode, Mark speaks with Ariel Foxman. Ariel is the Vice President Brand Experience of Boston Seaport, formerly the Editor in Chief of InStyle…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Craft A Bespoke Fashion Brand with Gigi Burris Millinery
In this episode, Mark speaks with Gigi Burris. Gigi is one of fashion's top American hat designers. Gigi is a CFDA member and was named Forbes 30 under 30. Her…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Collecting Art in the Age of Social Media with Chris Quidley
In this episode, Mark speaks with Chris Quidley. Chris is the director and co-founder of Quidley and Company Galleries in Florida and Nantucket. Chris works…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Leaning Into Your Strengths & Creating Your Niche with DJ Ria (Maria Clifton)
In this episode, Mark speaks with Maria Clifton a.k.a DJ Ria. Maria is a successful well-known DJ for A list celebrity and events and major brands. Maria is an…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Pushing the Boundaries of Design with Franc Fernandez
In this episode, Mark speaks with Franc Fernandez. Franc is an artist, designer, and creative director with Shaping Pop Culture. He creates complete visual…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Develop Your Craft and Create Opportunities with Guy Torry
In this episode, Mark speaks with Guy Torry. Guy is a multi-talented actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Guy's credits range from acting in American History…
Creating The Perfect Experience2024 Preview with Mark Testa
In this special episode, Mark shares a quick glance of what to expect in 2024. Topics we’ll cover and highlight as we evolve the focus of Creating the Perfect…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How Storytelling Shapes Experiences with Ashaunna Ayars
In this episode, Mark speaks with Ashaunna Ayars, A multifaceted, forward-thinking professional, her true passion lies in her natural ability to transform…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How To Craft A Creative Career with Bonnie Smith
In this episode, Mark speaks with Bonnie Smith. Bonnie is the Senior Vice President and the Head of VIVI, the Culture Forward Division of Jack Morton…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How Diverse Experiences Create Success with Christine McBride
In this episode, Mark speaks with Christine McBride. Christine is the Senior Director of Logistics and Operations for the Essence Festival of Culture…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Harness the Power of AI to Elevate Your Creativity
In this episode, Mark speaks with Chaira Foma. Chaira is a designer on Mark’s team. Chaira enjoys and has experience experimenting and pushing Artificial…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Use Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) at Your Next Event with Maurice "Mo" Caicedo
In this episode, Mark speaks with Maurice “Mo” Caicedo Owner of Hey Mister! Mo is an award-winning 3D animator, his company, Hey Mister, is a full-service…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How Staffing is a Reflection of your Brand with Elizabeth Anne Frank
In this episode, Mark speaks with Elizabeth Anne Frank from Eye5. Elli is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eye5 a staffing agency for events and…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Behind the Scenes of a Broadway Experience with Jim Joseph
In this episode, Mark speaks with Jim Joseph. His theater career spans over three decades, on and off Broadway. Jim is currently the Director of Operations for…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Creating Unique Events that Drive Fund-Raising Efforts with Andrew Greene
In this episode, Mark speaks with Andrew Greene from Housing Works. Andrew is the Chief Operating Officer of Nonprofit. Housing Works mission is to end the…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How To Turn A Creative Concept Into Reality with Tom Williams
In this episode, Mark speaks with Tom Williams from Kadan Productions. Tom is a veteran of special event production. Thomas brought the vision of designers and…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Skills Needed to Create A Successful Wedding Event with Eva Clark
Eva Clark, who has planned over 500 weddings in the US and Europe, was named one of the best wedding planners in America by Brides Magazine. In 2003, she…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Event Tip #2: Do You Have the Correct Event Strategy?
In this second solocast, Mark discusses event strategies and shares some of the common issues marketers encounter in producing events. Sponsorships, finances…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
A Discussion with Christina Neault, Former Executive Producer of IMG Worldwide
Christina Neault has over 25 years of experience in fashion events and has been involved in New York Fashion Week from the start. She’s witnessed NYFW move…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Taking Risks to Creating Opportunities, a Discussion with Teena Mobley; Brand Experience and Events Manager at CBS
Teena Mobley is the Brand Experience and Events Manager at CBS. Her most recent project was "Summer of Ghosts," an immersive campaign to celebrate the hit CBS…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How To Provide The Highest Level Of Service and Give Customers What They Didn't Know They Wanted with Colin Cowie
Colin Cowie is a highly regarded expert in experiential design, high-end events, luxury, and style. Royalty, Oprah, Ryan Seacrest, and Jenifer Lopez make up a…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
The Value of Professional Relationships: Producing The Academy of Country Music Awards to the Olympics with Erick Long
Erick Long is the Vice President of Production at RedPeg Marketing, an independent brand engagement agency that creates memorable experiences. His exciting and…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Events Tip #1: How To Use "Time" to Increase an Event's Success Rate
In this special episode, Mark shares industry tips about ways to increase your event success rate time by using "time" to your advantage 1:15 Lack of control…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
A Discussion with Wendell Cruz: Sports and Event Photographer
In this episode, Mark speaks with Wendell Cruz, sports & event photographer. Wendell combines his love of sports and photography to become a highly…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
What It Takes To Execute, The Essence Festival of Culture with Carmen Jones
In this episode, Mark speaks with Carmen Jones, the Senior Director of Experiential of Essence. With over 20 years of experience, Carmen is responsible for the…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
What It Takes to Create the James Beard Awards & Other Non-Profits with David Bowen
In this episode, Mark speaks with David Bowen, the president and founder of Bowen & Company. His company produces spectacular high-profile events, including…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Public Relations & Events: The Evolution with James LaForce
James LaForce is the founder and CEO of LaFORCE, a highly regarded full-service marketing communications agency for the world’s top brands. Born in Wisconsin…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
Hear How Ford Stays Personal and Current with Dibrie Guerrero
On this episode Mark speaks with Dibrie Guerrero. "Dee" is the Focus Audiences Marketing Communications Manager at Ford Motor Company, where she’s worked since…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Bridge the Gap b/w Digital World & Live Events with Danny Shaw
In this episode, Mark speaks with Danny Shaw. Danny is an accomplished product strategist, multidisciplinary designer, business strategies, project manager…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Create a Memorable Experience in Fashion with Fern Mallis
Mark talks with Fern Mallis. Fern is the award-winning creator of New York Fashion Week and was the Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Make Food Part of the Experience with Michele Pokowicz
Mark speaks with Michele Pokowicz. Michele is the President and Partner at Mary Giuliani Catering and Events, a high-end catering boutique in NYC established…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Produce Events that Build Brand Loyalty with Candace Montgomery
Candace Montgomery is the Senior VP at The Atlantic and the GM of AtlanticLIVE. Previously, she headed the Essence Festival of Culture, the Nation’s largest…
- Creating The Perfect Experience
How to Produce International Events with Michelle Rago
Michelle Rago is the founder of Michelle Rago Destinations, a boutique planning firm that has been producing and designing weddings and international events…