Melissa A. Jurcan, CSEP, is the President of the International Live Events Association (ILEA), the global community for creative event professionals with more than 30 chapters across 35 countries. A passionate ILEA member for 23-plus years, Melissa brings not only extensive industry expertise but also a deep belief in the power of live experiences to connect people, spark creativity and create lasting impact.

An award-winning event producer and brand storyteller, Melissa has spent over two decades designing bold campaigns and unforgettable moments for top-tier brands, including Amazon, Microsoft, the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks—where she played a key role in launching both stadiums. Her portfolio spans some of the most high-profile events in the industry, including the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship, NCAA March Madness, MLB All-Star Game, movie premieres and major product launches.

Today, Melissa leads catering and experience at Compass One, where she and her powerhouse team produce more than 25,000 events annually across 16 campuses throughout North America.