We shook things up at Connect Marketplace 2025, and we’re still buzzing from the energy at this years’ event. This year, we hit the stage not once—but twice—with two dynamic speaking sessions designed to spark ideas, challenge thinking, and show what’s possible when creativity meets strategy. We also kept the momentum going with Connect’s famous one-on-one networking, so there were plenty of chances to swap ideas and start new collaborations with the VDA team.
We kicked things off in the Innovation Forum alongside one of our most valued partners, Northeastern University, with The Experience Equation: Redefining Engagement in Higher Education. This collaboration celebrated over 20 years of partnership and showcased how creative thinking and shared vision can lead to unforgettable brand experiences.
The Experience Equation: Redefining Engagement in Higher Education.
Featuring David G. Breen, Principal Designer and Founder at VDA; Brian Loutit, Executive Creative Director of Interactive Experiences at Northeastern University; and moderated by Heather Munnell, Senior Director of Client Experience and Strategy at VDA.
Together, we pulled back the curtain on how mindful event design can transform milestone moments into experiences that resonate across generations, cultures, and channels. From commencements and leadership announcements to campus milestones, attendees learned how these moments become powerful catalysts for pride, connection, and long-term community engagement. Everyone walked away with inspiration for turning milestones into brand-defining experiences, practical strategies for inclusive, multi-audience events, and creative fuel for campuses, corporations, and communities alike.
The conversation continued the next morning with Designing Connection: Building Branded Moments That Last, a forward-looking panel featuring Heather Munnell alongside industry leaders. This session explored how to create immersive experiences that strengthen brand loyalty and spark long-term emotional resonance.
Designing Connection: Building Branded Moments that Last.
Heather and her fellow panelists dissected the tools, creative strategies, and design principles that help brands build moments people remember—and talk about—long after the lights come down.
Of course, Connect Marketplace wouldn’t be complete without its signature high-energy networking. We took part in some “speed dating”-style one-on-one meetings, with VDA represented by Pauline Choquet, Business Development Representative, and Susan Blyth, Senior Account Manager. These client-relationship powerhouses were eager to share ideas, explore opportunities, and discover how VDA can help you bring your vision to life.
And with another successful networking conference down, we look forward to our next one!