Draft:360 Live Media

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360 Live Media is a full-service events agency with offices in Washington, D.C. and Chicago[1]. Founded in 2011, the company began as a boutique firm specializing in event strategy, marketing, and branding services for associations and membership organizations[2]. In 2018, the agency was acquired by association management company Smithbucklin[3]. In 2025, 360 Live Media announced that it had expanded its capabilities to include event management as well as exhibitor and sponsorship sales[4].

History

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Founding and Early Development

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360 Live Media was founded by Don Neal in 2011[2]. The agency initially specialized in experience design and marketing strategy for associations. One of its early standout projects was the creation of the Xperience Design Project (XDP) for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)[5]. By 2018, 360 Live Media had built partnerships with national and international associations and gained recognition in industry publications[2].

Acquisition by Smithbucklin

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In November 2018, professional services firm Smithbucklin acquired 360 Live Media[6]. After the acquisition, 360 Live Media continued to operate under its original name and remained under the leadership of Neal as CEO[6]. According to Smithbucklin leadership, the acquisition was a response to growing demand for immersive, innovative event experiences in the association sector[6].

In a joint press release, 360 Live Media and Smithbucklin announced that, effective January 1, 2022, 360 Live Media’s founder and CEO, Don Neal, had transitioned to the newly established position of Chief Strategy Officer at Smithbucklin[7]. At that time, Jack Macleod, who had served as Chief Growth Officer of 360 Live Media since 2019, became President of the agency[8].

Recent Developments

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In April 2025, 360 Live Media announced that it had expanded its services, positioning itself as a full-service agency offering end-to-end growth solutions for exhibitions and conferences[4]. According to the company, this expansion formalized the integration of Smithbucklin’s operations expertise with 360 Live Media’s creative and strategic expertise[4]. Leadership from both organizations described the initiative as a way to streamline event planning and improve efficiency for clients operating in a fast-evolving and competitive events landscape[4].

Services and Client Work

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360 Live Media offers strategic planning, event management, marketing and creative services, and sales services in support of association conferences, trade shows, and other professional events[9]. The agency has published case studies highlighting its work on events such as the American Transplant Congress (ATC) and NPE: The Plastics Show, as well as collaborations with organizations that include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), and American Beverage, among others[10].  

Industry Partnerships and Recognition

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360 Live Media has earned industry awards for its work in branding, marketing, and event design[11]. The agency has also won awards for its workplace culture, having been listed as a “Best Place to Work” by the Washington Business Journal[12] [13].

In 2022, 360 Live Media became an Event Partner in the ASAE Alliance Partnership Program. ASAE leadership praised the company’s role in advancing innovation in association events[14].

In 2025, 360 Live Media won a Bronze Stevie® Award at the American Business Awards for its marketing campaign for the American Transplant Congress 2024 [15]. The company also received several Hermes Creative Awards in 2024 and 2025, for projects such as “The Table” with The National Restaurant Association and NPE2024: The Plastics Show[16].

References

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  1. ^ "360 Live Media | About Us". www.360livemedia.com. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  2. ^ a b c "360 Live Media | Origin Story". www.360livemedia.com. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  3. ^ "SmithBucklin Acquires 360 Live Media | Meetings Today". www.meetingstoday.com. 2018-11-09. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  4. ^ a b c d Ryley, Maddy (2025-04-10). "360 Live Media Announces Expansion of Capabilities to be Full-Service Event Agency". Trade Show Executive. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  5. ^ ASAE. "ASAE Launched First Successful Xperience Design Project for Association and Industry Professionals". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  6. ^ a b c "SmithBucklin acquires experience design agency 360 Live Media". amimagazine.global. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  7. ^ "Smithbucklin Announces Executive Changes | Press Releases | Media | Smithbucklin". smithbucklin.com. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  8. ^ www.exhibitoronline.com https://www.exhibitoronline.com/news/article.asp?ID=19645. Retrieved 2025-09-15. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. ^ "360 Live Media | About Us". www.360livemedia.com. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  10. ^ "360 Live Media | Portfolio". www.360livemedia.com. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  11. ^ Ryley, Maddy (2025-04-10). "360 Live Media Announces Expansion of Capabilities to be Full-Service Event Agency". Trade Show Executive. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  12. ^ "2025 Washington, D.C. Best Places to Work". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  13. ^ "360 Live Media Voted a Top 10 Best Place to Work in DC". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  14. ^ "ASAE Welcomes 360 Live Media as New Event Partner". ASAE. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  15. ^ "Marketing Awards". Stevie Awards. 2019-05-02. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  16. ^ "Winners". Hermes Creative Awards. Retrieved 2025-09-15.