The Experiential Edit, Vol. 2: MacKenzie Steffens, Executive Producer, Experiential at MC²
MacKenzie Steffens knows that creating unforgettable experiences takes far more than creativity alone. As Executive Producer of Experiential at MC², she brings brand stories to life through large-scale activations, global tours, and immersive events that leave lasting impressions on audiences around the world. Part strategist, part problem solver, and part logistics expert, MacKenzie thrives at the intersection of big ideas and flawless execution.
In this edition of The Experiential Edit, MacKenzie reflects on the moments, challenges, and lessons that have shaped her career in experiential. Her perspective is a reminder that while great experiences may start with a bold idea, they're ultimately powered by collaboration, resilience, and the people who make them happen.
What is your role, and how would you describe it to someone outside the industry?
I’m an Executive Producer. After many years of trying to describe my job, I tell people I plan big events for corporations (not to be confused with weddings), as a professional problem solver. We wear so many hats and produce such a variety of events; it's hard to describe in a sentence or two.
How do you approach turning a brand idea into a live experience?
The best activations don't just look impressive, they leave attendees with a lasting impression of the brand. We identify the brand's story, objectives, and goals to apply those to the consumer journey and experience, all within timeline and budget, which is harder than you may think! There's a fine balance between creativity and real-life execution that is essential to bringing the activation to life. We do this by working across account, creative, strategy, and production teams; all with the same goals in mind, leave an impact.
What’s a project you’re particularly proud of and why?
I've been fortunate enough to have been a project manager on two international tours in my career. The Game of Thrones Exhibition for HBO, one of my all-time favorite shows, and more recently, Caterpillar's Centennial World Tour. There is so much planning and logistics that go into a tour, let alone an international one. Everything has to go right and everyone must do their job. Both tours were challenging for all different types of reasons; working across different time zones, languages, and currencies, as well as the vulnerability of international shipping, customs, etc. Regardless, both tours were immense hits that touched hundreds of thousands of fans and employees. I'm so honored and proud to have been a part of both.
What’s your most “you had to be there” event story?
At Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco, our client, PayPal, had a 40′ x 40′ activation space for several consecutive years. Each year, we designed and built a completely new experience within their footprint, whether it was a convenience store or an arcade.
As exciting as it sounds to work at a major music festival surrounded by top artists, the reality was long, often wet days spent setting up and tearing down in the middle of Golden Gate Park. The workdays regularly stretched 15+ hours.
On one of our last load-in days, after about ten hours of work, we were ready to head to the hotel when we were informed that the park was temporarily locked down, no one could enter or leave for the next hour. The reason? Paul McCartney was doing his soundcheck.
So instead of fighting the delay, we grabbed seats on the patio we had just built and listened as Paul McCartney played for what was essentially a private audience. It was one of those completely unexpected moments that you never forget. As much as we were craving a hot meal and a soft bed, getting an impromptu Paul McCartney concert was a pretty incredible trade-off. Perks of the job!
What’s one lesson you’ve learned that has stayed with you throughout your career?
It truly takes a village to bring a large-scale event to life. No matter how great the concept is, success depends on the collective efforts of clients, creatives, producers, fabricators, vendors, venue staff, etc, etc. I've found over the years that building strong, respectful relationships with everyone involved not only makes the process smoother but definitely comes in handy when something unexpected happens. And of course, PIVOT!
What kind of legacy do you want to leave for women coming up in the experiential industry behind you?
That you can lead with strength but also kindness.
No matter who you are, you deserve to be in the room, you deserve to be heard, make yourself known.
Find and maintain a healthy work life balance; everyday is a gift, you never know how long you have with your people.
For MacKenzie, the most rewarding part of the job isn't just seeing an event come to life, it's knowing that hundreds of people came together to make it happen. Her career has been defined by adaptability, teamwork, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, whether that's navigating international logistics or stumbling into a private Paul McCartney soundcheck. As she looks ahead, her focus remains simple: do great work, support great people, and leave the industry better than she found it.
