The XD Agency has recently hired two senior staffers amidst changing marketplace demands to support the agency’s growing digital experience portfolio. The XD Agency has been involved with several major digital experiences in 2020 including Cisco Live, which was awarded Best Virtual Event by Event Marketer.

“While digital events have supercharged the demand for innovative ways to connect with audiences, it has also been the catalyst for a more integrated approach to experiential programs,” said SVP of Client Development Matt Schrader. “As in-person experiences came to a screeching halt, we were able to weather the storm with our clients and are now in the fortunate position to grow our offering with these new talented hires.”

Director of Integrated Strategy Ben Shlansky, and Senior Account Director Megan Ferrara, both joined in December. Shlansky will lead the effort to support clients on acquisition marketing efforts and strategic research needs. Ben will also be leading XDA’s long-term efforts to improve the sustainability of experiential programs. Ferrara will support The XD Agency’s rich roster of technology clients, including RingCentral and Cloudinary, and will tap her network of luxury brands for new opportunities.

Shlansky is an accomplished strategist with global experience in big data analytics, AI and sustainability. Ben has a 10+ year history of successful collaboration with corporate clients, public utilities, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Ben’s consultative approach to experiential strategy highlights client initiatives in new and compelling ways ensuring projects strategically and creatively exceed goals and bolster brand impressions. Shlansky joins SVP of Integrated Strategy Andres Toro in the quest to bring strategic insights, performance marketing and measurement to experiential programs.

Ferrara is a powerhouse in the global experience design industry hailing from Jack Morton and Imagination. Megan has over 15 years of experience; spearheading award-winning strategic campaigns and experiential programs within the tech, luxury and automotive industries. She is an advocate for global brand development and has a passion for innovative storytelling. Ferrara’s charge is to continue the steady growth in XDA’s San Francisco office.

“There’s no doubt that the pandemic has been challenging for our industry, but the silver lining is that we’ve deepened our client relationships by engaging with strategic direction and integrated marketing…both of which may not have happened pre-COVID,” notes Schrader. The XD Agency continues on its growth trajectory in Q1 with open positions in strategy, creative and production.