Piera Gelardi

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Piera Gelardi, co-founder and executive creative director of Refinery29 – a leading next generation media and entertainment company—will be the keynote speaker for this year’s EYE2EYE Series, according to an announcement from show organizers. Gelardi will share her experiences and approach to cultivating creativity in her presentation, Courageous Creativity with Piera Gelardi, in the new Exhibit Hall destination the BRIDGE on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. Gelardi was recently honored as one of Ad Age’s 50 Most Creative People of the year, Entrepreneur magazine’s 50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs and Adweek’s 37 Women Who Are Disrupting the Status Quo and Championing Gender Diversity in Advertising and Tech.

Additionally, Gelardi and her team at Refinery29 have won numerous awards including spots on Inc. 500 and Fast Company’s lists of most innovative companies.

During her presentation at Vision Expo West, Gelardi will explore the challenge of maintaining a childlike wonder while building a multimillion dollar global business. Gelardi will also speak to her op-ed “10 Secrets for a More Creative Life” and how she’s held onto the passion, purpose and optimism that helped her launch Refinery29 over 14 years ago.

“Piera Gelardi is a true creative trailblazer and her work with Refinery29 has changed the way women are represented, portrayed and spoken to in the media,” said Joanne Mohr, Vision Expo event director, Reed Exhibitions. “Vision Expo is thrilled to hear her advice on cultivating creativity, harnessing entrepreneurial spirit and creating an inclusive workplace.”

Gelardi is the creative architect behind 29Rooms, Refinery29’s interactive and traveling exhibition that showcases multi-sensory installations, performances and workshops celebrating culture, cause and creativity. Additionally, Gelardi is a frequent public speaker and is often requested to lecture as an expert on creativity, new media and entrepreneurship.

Gelardi is passionate about using storytelling and creativity as tools to empower women. In her mission to create a more inclusive, imaginative and beautiful world, Gelardi enjoys contributing to the Lower East Side Girls Club, an organization that sets girls up for success with well-rounded learning experiences and access to creative expression, political education and mentorship.

For more information on the event, click here. 

To register for Vision Expo West 2019, visit west.visionexpo.com.