Julius Solaris

Boldpush

Boldpush is a vertical agency helping corporate teams and associations with their event strategy.

Go-to-market, content, registration and sponsorship strategy.  

Past clients include: SAS, Swoogo, Kaltura, InEvent, Smartsource, BW Events Tech, IMEX, Bizzabo, Tourisme Montreal, Visit Newport Beach.

Founder

Hopin

I looked after Hopin's go-to-market strategy for the meetings and events industry. I learned a lot about tech, they learned a lot about events.

VP of Marketing Strategy, Events

Swapcard

My first tech role after 15 years in media. We figured out a complex content machine in a few weeks. I loved the team and had a lot of fun.

Head of Engagement

EventMB

EventMB (now SkiftMeetings) was the point of reference for the event industry. Bootstrapped and sold in 2019 to Skift. We revolutionized the way to do content in the event industry, influenced trends, and had fun while doing it. Millions of readers and numbers never seen before in our industry.

Editor In Chief - EventMB, a Skift brand

Showthemes

I thought the market needed WordPress themes specifically made for events. Turns out I was right. 6,000 customers later I sold the business.

RS Components

The first proper job I had in the UK. Set up a social media strategy when it was just a buzzword. Loved the boss and the team.

e-Commerce Marketing Executive - Social Media

blur Marketing

Crazy first work experience in London. Creating a crowdsourced marketplace from nothing and turning in a revenue. Unbelievable.

Head

amiando

Evangelised and developed business for amiando in the UK as well as online.

UK and online evangelist

ecoCamp

A user-generated conference covering ecology, the environment, sustainability, and green consumption (http://barcamp.org/ecoCamp).

Organizer

Natuzzi

I was checking the compliance of advertising across the world with branding guidelines. Plus: seeing the founder, who is a genius, stopping by the office, the team, the scope of the company. Minus: a boring task.

Worldwide Retail Advertising Supervisor

My free weekly newsletter read by 20k event professionals -> insights.Boldpush.com

I am obsessed with media, content, and events. I sold two businesses, a tech company and a media business, worked in fast-paced environments, keynoted worldwide, planned iconic virtual events during the pandemic, and wrote reports downloaded 300k times. 

Longer story:

I founded EventMB (exited to Skift in 2019) and Showthemes, exited in 2018, and worked for technology companies and tech events. 

I have been in senior marketing positions in hypergrowth tech companies. Recently, I founded Boldpush, a management consulting agency for the event industry. 

In 2023, 8 million LinkedIn users read my content and I became a Top Voice, an invite only program for top content creators on LinkedIn.

The government of the United States granted me an EB1 visa as an alien of extraordinary ability for my contribution to the event industry and research on event technology.

Many publications have nominated me as the most influential individual in the event industry for several years.

300,000 event professionals downloaded my books.

Boldpush is a vertical agency helping eventtech, corporate teams and agencies grow.
Go-to-market, content, registration and sponsorship strategy.  


Every trade show I go to, I ask 2 exhibitors how it was. Every time one says it is awesome, the other says it is horrible.

We’ve seen it all.

Those on their laptops.
Those giving away pens.
Those (94%) not downloading leads from the app.

It’s with them, right?
Is it?

I mean, you can’t educate every brand on how to do events.  
But their success is your success.

If you think about it.
Their ability to close business means repeat business for you.

Should we provide an exhibitor coach at every trade show?

Forget about those resources that nobody has the time to read. 
What about an actual human who spends the time sharing best practices?

Someone who actually explains how the hell that hosted buyer program works. Or why you need to get on those leads within 24 hours.

A stretch? Feasible?

P.S. If you spend $$$ exhibiting at events, let me send you the best strategies and tactics every Wednesday.

35K event marketers and planners cannot be wrong.

Look at what’s on top next to my name. That is my free newsletter.

Events Consultant and Creator | Follow me for insights on events, marketing and technology.

Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, got served a subpoena on stage while participating in a panel.

Olivia Wilde experienced the same thing at CinemaCon in 2022.

This is a concerning trend.

Serving subpoenas at public events is indeed legal. 

What concerns me is how easily accessible the stages are.

When hosting high-profile speakers and celebrities, security should prevent anyone from stepping onto the stage. 

At CinemaCon the following year, there was a tight grip on the first rows when celebrities were on stage. 

Making security visible is also needed in many cases.

Stage accessibility can open up a nightmare of security issues and emulation.

I often discuss how in-person events are serving as an antidote to online polarization. How they connect opposing views.

But that polarization does not magically disappear.

Should we do more to protect the safety of our speakers?

No alternative text description for this image

Andrew Roby - Event Planner

Andrew Roby Events

We’ll bring the expertise. You show up and enjoy!

As a busy professional, you’re pouring your energies into advancing your company and your career. Leave the hassle and fuss of corporate event planning to our expert team. That way, you can focus on what you do best without feeling stressed out or overburdened–or like you suddenly need to become an expert in corporate event planning! We have it covered.

What Sets Our Corporate Planners Apart
Whether you’re interested in an employee training, trade show, community event, business conference, or holiday party, here’s how Andrew Roby Events is transforming corporate event planning in DC, Dallas, Los Angeles, and beyond.


Creating experiences, not just events. When people attend a corporate event as passive observers, they’re less likely to be engaged in the event and to continue engaging with your company over time. We help people immerse themselves in an experience—not simply attend an event.

If you would like to learn more about how Andrew Roby Events can meet your company or individual goals, please contact me.

Corporate Event Planner

It's a privilege to be able to speak around the country on things that affects the event and wedding planning industry. 

Topics have consisted of:

Event Trends
Communication and Marketing of Events
Design
Risk Management
Team Building
Social Media


Speaking Engagements:
Premiere Planner's Experience - Sept 2020
The Cannoli Coach Podcast - April 2020
Association of Bridal Consultants State Conference - February 2020
The Planner's Suite - Jan 2020
WUSA 9 December 2019
Fox - November 2019
Good Day DC November 2019
Floral Business International  - May 2019
George Washington Black Alumni Association - April 2019
Fox - November 2018
Intrigue Teaches Marketing Masters - Aug 2018
The Knot Pro Workshop - Aug 2018
The Association of Wedding Professionals of Greater Washington, DC - Feb 2018

Motivational Speaker

Saving Your Event from being a Fyre Festival | Building Creative Events With Your Audience In Mind | Posts About The Process

I am an Event Producer and Strategist for organizations struggling to curate the best events for their audience.

🡲 I identify the disconnect between client KPIs, sponsor goals and attendee needs
🡲 I build the overall event that is never one sided
🡲 I help event professionals understand the event objectives for flawless execution
🡲 I create community between events hosts, attendees and the cities they are hosted in

This isn't a Event Planner skilled in logistical work.
This is me offering my gift to ensure your event is one-of-a-kind to your audience

What Do I Bring To The Table?

🡲 Saved a client $164,357.54 in overspending to apply that to other programs
🡲 Created strategic event plans for clients hosting multi-year events to aid decision makers
🡲 Advised CEOs on ways to build partnerships with cities to best scale their event
🡲 Develop ways to streamline the planning/production process using event tech
🡲 Helped charities raise more than $25,000,000 in donor support

Who Do I Work With?

🡲 Nonprofits seeking ways to increase donations beyond annual galas
🡲 Associations who desire creative ways to educate and hold annual meetings
🡲 Boards or Committees who seek long-term solutions
🡲 Brand events that need creativity, accountability and proven success

Why Should You Hire Me?

🡲 Because your team, while amazing at what they do, are not experienced Event Planners
🡲 Because you want more than event awareness, but increased sales and lasting results
🡲 Because your event needs a leader who builds community and diverse event vendors around it

My experience is in creating the events that build communities

What Others Had To Say?

"Andrew was personally attentive.  He not only answered any questions we had, Andrew made relevant and invaluable recommendations that we had not considered – he had a sense for what we needed even when we did not!"  
—The American College Conference for Financial Professionals

"There was a noticeable increase in the customer service level that our attendees received during this event. Having additional staff working with identifying speakers proved to be a tremendous help to the ITSMF team for this event. The team was very responsive to on-site changes and requests from them."
—ITSMF Planning Committee

Andrew & his team put together an incredible brand event for our second-annual Underdog Fantasy "Dawg Bowl". From the the initial reach out until event conclusion, there was clear and constant communication and all vendors he brought in were heavily vetted and surpassed expectations.
—Underdog Fantasy

This week I talked about brand impact. Let me give you a great example.

Keith Lee a food critic who has 17.3 million followers on TikTok challenged brands this week to one simple thing. 

How many brands could comment on his video to help him give away meals for those who are struggling to feed their families during the holidays. 

The result? 

Dozens of brands from DoorDash to Topgolf  commented stating their willingness to support. 

Keith made it clear. This was about providing meals to SNAP recipients and others who needed it. 

This wasn’t a brand deal. 
This wasn’t sponsorship.
This wasn’t him asking for money he is doing it out of empathy and kindness. 

So when you are coming up with ideas on how your brand can support the communities you serve, it doesn’t always have to require a strategy session. 

Sometimes simple wins the race.

Andrew Roby

Saving Your Event from being a Fyre Festival | Event Planner Creating Events With Your Audience In Mind | Posts About The Process

Our country is in shambles, but that doesn't mean you have to be.

This weekend a small group of my friends got together to enjoy Friendsgiving. Everyone one of us pitched in and it was the best escape from the noise. 

During dinner I reflected on a few things:

1 - Many people are facing financial difficulty. Having my friends contribute one item versus putting the burden on one person was a smart move.

2 - We had leftovers and was able to feed one of my friend's extended family who is facing hardship.

3 - The world might be in shambles, but the more I can focus on the things I can control, the better off I am. 

4 - Seasonal depression is already starting and I'm currently looking for new ways to remain happy, volunteer and donate to those in need. 

I also realized how much of our conversation was about politics which I really hate to write, but it reminded me to not be consumed by social media and the news. 

As Thanksgiving nears, I really hope you all find things to be thankful for.

Holiday Parties: The Place Where Leadership Gets It Wrong Every Single Time.

Here I am standing in the back of the ballroom at the A/V table as the CEO, slightly buzzed, makes his speech.

The speech? It prioritizes company accomplishments, sales goals for 2026 and the celebration of bonuses most employees wont get.

I look around the room, which looks stunning, but what catches more of my attention are the employees and their faces.

It felt like a video in slow motion. Right before my eyes where 300 smiles turned to resting bitch faces with people feeling like spectators versus valued participants.

What is crazy about this moment is what came to my mind next.

This was awfully familiar to that man in DC who decided to throw lavish parties at his Florida estate during a government shutdown.

This certainly is no dig at hosting lavish holiday parties as who wants basic and boring?

However, if you are going to host such a party, leaders must create a space where their employees feel seen and appreciated for who they are, not just for their work.

For many employees, the holidays are a reminder of loss, stress, financial pressure, and mental health challenges.

So when your CEO gets on stage for their grand speech, this should be the event’s grounding moment.

The point where everyone understands why they’re there: to be celebrated as people, not just for what they’ve done.

The Lesson: You can host a great event, but it must also ensure emotional connection. Lavish doesn’t have to mean tone-deaf. A CEO clueless about the importance of their people is.

Leadership isn’t about hosting the biggest party. It’s about making sure your people know they matter.

Here’s how Scammers are targeting your business during the slow times.

I know for many event professionals, this year has been diabolical, but I imagine for other industries too. 

When things get slow and cash flow begins to crawl, it’s easy to be vulnerable to scams. 

Here’s what I’ve noticed lately. 

No longer are you getting those long emails about my auntie in some African country who just died and decided to leave you $500,000. 

Now you’re getting:

1- “Inquiries” about your services that are pretty detailed in their ask. 

These fake inquiries are easy to spot because they tend to include:

- A we can do our event on any day you’re available
- Has a specific dollar amount but still flexible by 20-30% of that. 
- The potential client has limited ability to communicate due busy schedule so needs to act fast

2- Inquiries that lead with downloading a document. 

These fake inquiries are masked as a Request for Proposal that you have to download to read. 

You have to log in to a masked “Microsoft” site which essentially is taking your email credentials and now sending emails to anyone you’ve ever emailed. 

3 - Inquiries where you pay all vendors involved. 

This fake client is so busy that they rather send you their entire event budget to handle. 

They will give you $100,000 and the only ask is that you have to book one vendor they have selected. 

It can be a band, a DJ, florist, you name it. 

Once you pay that person your “client” goes ghost and the account they used to pay you is now contacting you for their money which is gone to some fake band. 

Simple ways I figure out fraudulent attempts. 

1- Tell them you only allow wire payments for new clients if you think it’s a scam.

2- Require a virtual initial meeting and let them know you’ll record it for notes. 

3- Tell them you don’t pay vendors (which you shouldn’t be doing anyway) and that all vendors involved contracts and payments are made directly by the client. 

4- Always ask for attachments and ensure your email system scans those before you download. 


BONUS: for wedding professionals if you are getting some man saying he’s throwing a surprise wedding or anniversary for his wife it’s a SCAM beloved. 

Seeing previous posts from Lola Bakare  and Miguel Neves sparked this post. 

P.S. What other attempts have you seen?

To all of my fellow Veterans, no matter what branch of service you are from, HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!

We talk a lot about affordable housing in this country, but we rarely honor the people those buildings are meant for.

A few shovels.
A press release.
A quick handshake for the cameras.

Then everyone goes home feeling like they “did something.”

But that’s not what happened with Fairstead. They didn’t show up for optics. They showed up for the community.

Fully. Intentionally. And without shortcuts.

Here’s the part the industry avoids admitting:
Most developers talk about impact.
Few are willing to put in the work to prove it.
Fairstead did.

They invested in a moment that actually meant something not because it was convenient, but because the people who will live in that building deserve more than a ceremony slapped together in 48 hours.

We designed a celebration that honored the neighborhood, the diverse stakeholders, the families, and the future they’re building toward.

Not a stage for speeches — a stage for truth.
Not a set of chairs — a place where people felt seen.

Mission alignment isn’t a tagline. For them or for me.

It’s how you treat communities when no one’s watching.
It’s how you communicate your values without saying a word.

Most companies think events are an opportunity to announce what they’re doing.

Leaders understand events are an opportunity to prove who they are.

This is why we at Andrew Roby Events were honored to execute this event.

So here’s the question I keep coming back to:

When’s the last time your event was more than a backdrop and actually honored the people you claim to serve?

Clients in 2025 aren’t asking about centerpieces—they’re asking about AI, sustainability, and personalization. 

If you’re planning an event, here are the top questions shaping your industry right now:

✅ 1. How do you make events sustainable?
Eco-friendly practices are no longer optional. Think zero-waste initiatives, carbon tracking, and green-certified venues.

✅ 2. Can you create hybrid experiences that feel seamless?
Hybrid events now include interactive digital lounges, AR/VR features, and exclusive content for remote attendees.

✅ 3. How do you personalize attendee experiences?
Hyper-personalization is key. Think curated agendas, AI-driven matchmaking, and tailored content for every guest.

✅ 4. What tech do you use for engagement?
AR/VR, immersive apps, and AI-powered networking are the new standard.

✅ 5. How do you measure success beyond attendance?
Engagement scores, social media impact, and ROI analytics matter more than headcount.

✅ 6. What accessibility measures do you provide?
Inclusivity is non-negotiable. Compliance and thoughtful design are essential.

Why does this matters?

Events are evolving fast. If you’re not addressing these questions, you’re behind.

Your Turn:

Which of these questions do you hear most often? Or what would you add to the list? 

Drop your thoughts below! 👇

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Julius Solaris

Andrew Roby - Event Planner

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The Battle

Julius Solaris

Andrew Roby - Event Planner

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