ninteen Unfiltered USA | Kim Kopetz

The latest episode of our nineteen Unfiltered USA series is now live, featuring Brett Hyman, founder and CEO of NVE Experience Agency.In this episode, Brett reflects on his unconventional route into the industry, from promoting nightclubs in Hollywood to building a global experience agency, and why understanding the people in the room remains fundamental to how NVE approaches its work.We explore why NVE has chosen to remain independent at a time of widespread industry consolidation, the agility that gives the agency, and why Brett believes protecting the craft should remain the North Star for growth.He also shares why he believes the traditional definition of ‘experiential’ is too narrow for the role experiences play today, and how brands are increasingly putting experience at the centre of the marketing mix to build cultural relevance and connect with audiences in ways other channels cannot.The conversation also touches on NVE’s approach to talent, the importance of curiosity and diverse world views, international growth plans, and the LA28 Olympic Games.Watch the episode now. And stay tuned for more conversations with some of North America’s leading agency CEOs and founders.

The latest episode of our nineteen Unfiltered USA series is now live, featuring Tina Madden, CEO of Meetings & Incentives Worldwide (M&IW).In this episode, Tina reflects on her journey from a finance background into the meetings and events industry, and how staying true to your values, putting people first and creating a genuine sense of belonging have shaped her approach to leadership.As CEO of a female-owned business, Tina also shares her perspective on female leadership, the strengths women bring to the table, and the importance of leading authentically, even when making the values-led choice isn’t necessarily the easiest one.We also explore the changing expectations of clients and audiences, how the industry can better demonstrate the impact of face-to-face experiences, and the trends Tina believes will shape meetings and incentives over the next five to ten years.Watch the episode now. And stay tuned for more conversations with some of North America’s leading agency CEOs and founders.

The latest episode of our Unfiltered USA series is now live, featuring Kristina McCoobery, global president of INVNT.In this episode, Kristina reflects on why INVNT has always positioned itself as a brand storytelling agency rather than a traditional events business, and why creating meaningful connections between brands and audiences has never been more important.We also discuss the thinking behind INVNT’s recent merger with Nth degree, how the agency has maintained its culture through rapid global growth, and the opportunities the partnership creates for the future.The conversation also explores the changing expectations of brands and audiences, and where Kristina believes the industry still has work to do as live experiences continue to evolve. Watch the episode now. And stay tuned for more conversations with some of North America’s leading agency CEOs and founders.

The latest episode of our nineteen Unfiltered US series is now live, featuring Fiona Bruder, global CEO of GPJ.Fiona shares her insights on stepping into the global CEO role after more than two decades with GPJ and how experiential marketing has evolved into a strategic business driver.We discuss why technology should be an enabler rather than the centrepiece, what authentic brand experiences look like today, and how client expectations of live experiences continue to evolve.Fiona also explores attracting and developing the next generation of talent, creating more inclusive agency cultures, and the opportunities she sees for the future of experiential.A real conversation with real takeaways — from leading a global agency to keeping people at the heart of experiences.Watch the episode now. And stay tuned for more conversations with some of North America’s leading agency CEOs and founders.

With Opus having recently undergone significant expansion through acquisitions, international growth and a new private equity partnership, Kim shares the thinking behind the group’s ambitious strategy, the lessons learned from integrating new businesses, and the importance of investing in talent and culture.We also discuss the wave of consolidation sweeping the agency sector, why experiential marketing is entering a new era of strategic importance, and what she believes will separate the agencies that thrive over the next five years from those that don’t.As always, it’s a real conversation with real takeaways — from navigating rapid growth to leading with clarity through change.Watch Episode 1 now. And stay tuned as we bring you more conversations with some of North America’s leading agency CEOs and founders.

The latest episode of our nineteen Unfiltered video series is now live, featuring Laura Pace, CEO of Yellow Fish and Blue Panda, hot on the heels of the agency group’s recent leadership restructure,In a candid conversation, Laura shares the thinking behind the changes and how Yellow Fish is evolving while protecting the culture and identity that have defined the agency’s success so far.We also discuss the importance of strong, visible female leadership and understanding the role of events in the marketing mix, alongside the leadership lessons she has learned since buying out the business and guiding it through a period of rapid momentum and transformation.With more news on the horizon, Laura offers insight into what’s next for Yellow Fish and what it takes to lead with pace, purpose and ambition in today’s evolving brand experience landscape.Watch the episode now. And stay tuned for more nineteen Unfiltered episodes landing soon.

The latest — and final — episode in our first nineteen Unfiltered series features Anna Green, managing director of Broadsword.Filmed just after the launch of the Power 30 Most Sustainable Agencies 2025–26 at micebook EXPO, Broadsword was recognised for the second year running and named Biggest Climber — highlighting its continued commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.Anna reflects on why sustainability has become such an important anchor for her and the wider Broadsword team, and how the agency’s B Corp status has helped reinforce a culture built around purpose, accountability and values-led leadership.We also discuss the realities of leading an events agency through the highs and lows of the past year, the importance of optimism and resilience in the face of challenges and staying true to yourself and leading with empathy.Anna also shares her passion for championing female leadership and mentoring the next generation, and why creating space for future talent is essential for the long-term health of the industry.As always, it’s a real conversation with real takeaways – from leading with purpose to navigating the rollercoaster of agency life. Watch the episode now.

The latest episode of our nineteen Unfiltered video series is now live, featuring Matt Franks, MD of DRPG UK and chief operating officer of DRPG Group.In a candid conversation, Matt reflects on stepping into his new leadership roles following the group’s recent board restructure, and what it means personally to manage the UK business – taking the reins from founder Dale Parmenter in the role.We discuss how DRPG is navigating a period of international expansion and organisational change, the importance of communication and culture as businesses scale, and the leadership challenges that come with making difficult decisions.Matt also shares his perspective on the differences between the UK and US markets and staying focused on DRPG’s own goals in the rapidly evolving agency landscape.Watch the episode now. And stay tuned for our final nineteen Unfiltered episode of Series 1 next week.

Event agencies are struggling to navigate an increasingly challenging RFP process. Clients are sending RFPs to too many agencies, often with little research or vetting. Responses to questions are slow to come. Quality proposals take time and resources, yet when an agency is finally chosen, many clients don’t notify those who lost out; and if they do, it’s often with little to no feedback. Worst of all, many agency leaders continue to report seeing their ideas being executed by other firms. In this no-holds-barred session, we’ll dive into the challenges being face, share best practices for navigating the process while being efficient with proposal resources, and explore the idea of developing RFP standards for the industry.

The latest episode of our nineteen Unfiltered video series is now live, featuring Gavin Farley, CEO of asembl.group — filmed straight after the agency landscape panel at micebook EXPO.In a candid conversation, Gavin shares his perspective on the changing agency landscape and why he believes the collective model offers something different for clients and talent alike.We also delve into what the asembl group model unlocks, how the business is building for the future, and Gavin’s views on culture, leadership and assembling the right people to drive meaningful growth.Watch the episode now. And stay tuned for more nineteen Unfiltered episodes landing soon.