Meet our Main Stage Industry Panel
Vivian Eickhoff, CMM
General Manager, Event Production & Studios, Microsoft Corporation
Vivian Eickhoff is the General Manager of Microsoft’s Event Production & Studios Team, where she oversees the development, production, and execution of global events and media projects. With over 25 years of experience in event marketing, Vivian has led the strategic evolution of major events (in person and digital), including the inception of the Microsoft Ignite conference. She is recognized for her strong leadership, focus on attendee experience, and ability to build successful relationships.
Vivian’s passion for the event community is evident through her dedication to enhancing the attendee experience and her continuous efforts to foster and grow successful relationships within the industry. She has been honored with several awards, including the Event Marketer B2B Dream Team in 2021. Vivian actively participates in the broader meetings and events industry, serving on several advisory boards for hotels, destinations, and third parties. Most recently, she joined the advisory committee of the prestigious Event Leaders Exchange (ELX).
Beyond her professional endeavors, Vivian is an adventurer at heart. She loves traveling with her family, hiking scenic trails, and creating fun and unforgettable experiences for friends and family alike. A proud graduate of Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast and Communications, Vivian resides in Redmond, Washington with her husband, two wonderful sons, and an adorable senior dog.
Jimmy Knowles
Global Head Experiential Marketing, Canva
Jimmy Knowles leads Global Experiential Marketing at Canva, crafting dynamic, culture-driven experiences that connect with communities worldwide. Since joining, he spearheaded Canva Create, the brand’s flagship event, which attracted a staggering 2.5M online registrants and over4.5K IRL attendees at SoFi Stadium in April 2025. Under his leadership, Canva launched its first-ever Developer Conference, Canva Extend, and has made its mark on the global cultural scene, from Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras to Cannes Lions, elevating the brand for over 230+ million monthly active users.
Prior to Canva, Jimmy spent a decade as a senior leader at CIVIC Entertainment Group, driving campaigns for Fortune 500 clients like Airbnb, Disney, and Meta, including winning the prestigious Grand Ex Award for the Airbnb Open 2016. A proud Ithaca College alum, Jimmy now calls Los Angeles home after many years spent on the East Coast.
Monique Ruff-Bell
Chief Program & Strategy Officer, TED
As an experienced executive leader with a demonstrated history of working in the media, events and publishing industry, Monique Ruff-Bell has over 20 years’ experience within brand leadership, marketing, and strategic growth.
As Chief Program & Strategy Officer for TED, she oversees TED’s flagship global events and conferences, TEDx programs and initiatives, global partnership sales and key marketing verticals for the organization. She plays a vital role in shaping and executing TED’s strategic plan, contributing to the advancement of its mission, operational excellence, and overall organizational growth.
Her former roles have included Head of Events for TED and leading one of the largest Fintech shows in the USA as Vice President for Money20/20 USA.
Monique is also a public speaker, podcast host and mentor based out of the New York City Metro Area in which her speaking engagements include strategy and business development for organizational growth, career sponsor and mentorship, and ways to become a successful leader.
Shawn Wagner
VP, Global Events, Hewlett-Packard
Shawn Wagner is the Vice President of Global Events at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), bringing over two decades of expertise in event strategy and program management. Her career at HPE began in 2001, where she played a pivotal role as a Senior Program Manager, notably leading the session program for the company’s flagship event, HPE Discover.
After 16 years, she expanded her horizons at i4D Event Services as Director, focusing on content and communications strategies. In 2022, Wagner joined Amazon Web Services as a Senior Event Content Manager, before returning to HPE in 2023 to assume her current leadership position.
She is a certified Digital Event Strategist (DES) through PCMA. Wagner is recognized for her innovative approach to global event experiences and her ability to drive engagement across diverse audiences