Lauren Gray has joined T3 Expo as their new Vice President of Client Experience. Gray brings more than a decade of strategic growth, experiential partnership leadership, and high-impact client management to T3 Expo. Her background is a rare blend of creative vision, operational excellence, and executive-level relationship building. During her career, Gray has partnered with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including the NFL, Disney, Google, Workday, SAP, Qualcomm, Kaiser, and the Golden State Warriors.
This experience reflects the evolving landscape of experiential events — where innovation, technology, and immersive storytelling come together. She has led partnerships using advanced new technologies such as AI, VR, AR, and XR to elevate engagement — including producing the first-ever experiential AI bartending expert for Angel’s Envy Whiskey.
Gray also brings a strong foundation in event operations, having directed large-scale corporate programs at SAP, overseeing 106 events in six weeks, managing SAP’s Super Bowl 50 corporate sponsorship program, and leading hundreds of contributors to deliver premium experiences for high-profile partners.
For more information about T3 Expo visit their website www.t3expo.com.
Michael Freyer has joined Blue Sky EXP as Co-Owner and Chief Technology Officer. Business ownership is nothing new for Freyer, as he was owner of Auburn Oak Ventures LLC from 2022 to 2025, and was co-founder and CEO of oveRNight RN Inc for six years prior. Freyer even owned a business, Technical Event Equipment, an AV rental and installation company, before pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design & Tech at the University of Connecticut. He was a technical services associate at Meyer Sound before getting his Master of Science in Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business.
As Tim Kelley, owner and chief experience officer at Blue Sky said, “Michael brings a lifetime of experience in live events, operations, and technology, and there couldn’t be a better moment to bring his talent and perspective into our leadership team. I’m genuinely excited about what we can build together.
“Michael said it best,” said Kelley, quoting Freyer: “Nothing replaces the trust built face-to-face or the magic of a well-executed show. My goal is to make those moments more meaningful and scalable as we grow.”
For more information about Blue Sky see their website www.blueskyexhibits.com.
Pinnacle welcomed Michele Schneider as president of its San Francisco operation, a move that signals a bold new chapter for the agency’s footprint on the West Coast.
“We actively recruit leaders who have done the heavy lifting,” said Brad Hogan, CEO at Pinnacle.
Schneider joins Pinnacle after 15 years leading global experience strategy at Salesforce. As senior vice president of global workplace services and vice president of strategic events, she helped shape one of the industry’s most respected experiential portfolios. She led teams behind the Salesforce World Tours and Dreamforce, as well as executive, community, and cultural programs across 120+ world-class Salesforce spaces. Her work brought world leaders, CEOs, nonprofit partners, and customer communities together, and demonstrates a deep understanding of how space, story, culture, and motivation come together on a massive scale.
“Pinnacle chases the ‘holy smokes, they actually did that’ moments,” Hogan said. “Michele has spent her career inventing those. She understands that experiential is about building worlds that people want to live in and explore. Bringing her energy to our San Francisco team gives us a massive advantage.”
Schneider, who recently founded Montecito Consulting Group, sees this as the perfect collision of big ideas and craft.
“My time at Salesforce shaped my belief that the best experiences are thoughtful, built with intention, and considered at every level,” said Schneider. “That’s why Pinnacle resonated with me. Their refusal to settle for ‘good enough’ and their ‘never satisfied’ mentality come from a desire to create work that truly connects with people. The team brings a thoughtful, ambitious energy, and I’m looking forward to bringing my global experience into a culture centered on curiosity, integrity, and high standards.”
For more information about Pinnacle visit their website: www.pinnacle-exp.com.
Eric Shaffer has joined Catalyst Exhibits as senior account executive. Prior, Shaffer was director of business development at Synergy Design Group, Inc. For more information see their website www.catalystexhibits.com
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Announces Ryan Reynolds as director of operations. Reynolds has been with Hyatt companies for nearly 17 years, most recently serving as director of operations at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina. For more information about Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach see their website www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/clearwater-beach
The Eastside Rooms has promoted experienced industry professional Vicky Howe as its new director of sales. Previously, Howe was Eastside Rooms’ business development director. For more information about Eastside Rooms visit their website www.eastsiderooms.com.
The Seattle Convention Center announced the appointment of Michael McQuade to senior advisor, commercial strategy, reporting directly to Jennifer LeMaster, president & CEO. McQuade has been with Seattle CC for over 41 years, back when the venue was called the Washington State Convention Center. For more information about the Seattle Convention Center visit their website www.seattlecc.com.
Neill Santos has joined Willwork Global Event Services as account manager. Previously, Santos was event sales manager at Encore. For more information about Willwork see their website www.willwork.com.
Shepard Audio Visual (AV) has announced Maci Moore as their new national sales manager. Prior, Moore was senior account manager at Grit Productions & Expositions. For more information about Shepard Audio Visual (AV) see their website www.shepardes.com.
