Erika Speed

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Director, Live Programming at Forbes

New York City Metropolitan Area, United States

Overview

Erika Speed is the Director of Live Programming at Forbes, where she leverages over 15 years of experience creating impactful corporate and social experiences. A graduate of Hampton University, she is described as creative, kind, detail-oriented, and a community builder. She architected the end-to-end programming strategy for Forbes events.

Erika is passionate about fostering authentic connections and creating inclusive, engaging environments where people and ideas can thrive. She is deeply committed to impactful womens programming and believes in creating intentional spaces for connection, which she views as a personal, not just professional, mission.

She was named one of the Top 50 Power Players in the events industry by The Event Planner Expo 2025 and serves as VP of Professional Programming on the board of New York Women In Communications.

Personality Overview

Informal

Assertive

Charismatic

They are charming and can persuade others to support their decisions.  They are not against taking risks and can make tough decisions when required.
 A combination of speed and relationship gets the best response from them.

Topics They Care About

Experiential Events
Her entire career, from Chief Experience Officer to her current role at Forbes, focuses on designing and executing large-scale, impactful live and virtual brand experiences.
Women's Empowerment
She recently joined the board of New York Women In Communications as VP of Professional Programming and states she is extremely passionate about creating impactful women's programming.
Community Building
A core theme in her work, she aims to cultivate authentic connections and environments. She previously designed the community experience for a members-only club for global leaders.

Media Appearances

53. This is how Forbes does Events with Erika Speed. Featured in Apple Podcasts

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Curating Authentic Spaces of Diversity with Erika Speed, Forbes by .... Featured in Spotify (Creators)

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Work History

10-2020
Director, Live Programming at Forbes
10-2009
Chief Experience Officer at The Cre8tive Artisan
2-2020 - 5-2020
Programming Manager at Forbes
6-2018 - 4-2019
Community Manager, CLUB 75 at Convene
11-2015 - 3-2017
Lifestyle Director at One Sixty Madison / NFC Amenity Management

Education

Bachelor of Arts - BA from Hampton University
Education details unavailable from The Lexington School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 18 Location : New York City Metropolitan Area, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director, Live Programming at Forbes
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Insights For Selling To Erika

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too
  • Help them visualize the impact of their decision

DONT's

  • Avoid unnecessary negativity or slowness
  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product
  • Don't make any commitments that you might not be able to fulfill

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Erika is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Erika

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no though in a friendly way.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Erika move?

  • If you earn their trust and they develop faith in the product, they can make decisions quickly.
  • Can Erika take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they will be ready to take risks.

You And Erika

Personality Compatibility


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