This month’s CXLive! episode features an inspiring conversation with one of the true legends of the customer engagement and briefing industry: Russ Fowler, Vice President of Marketing Environments at Derse.
From his first role in experience design to more than three decades of shaping unforgettable brand experiences, Russ reflects on the defining moments, lessons, and leadership principles that have guided his remarkable 32-year career. He shares his perspective on how both briefing programs and live events have evolved, offers practical strategies for elevating customer engagement programs, and discusses how teams can demonstrate value and secure future investment.
Throughout our conversation, Russ’s passion for people shines through. He speaks with genuine appreciation for the GACEP community that has helped shape the industry and for his Derse family, where his visionary leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting legacy. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this episode is filled with timeless insights from a man who has helped define what exceptional customer experiences look like.
Highlights
- Learnings from early job experiences
- Building diverse teams and expanding portfoliosStorytelling across venues and industries
- Using architecture and physical graphicsHuman storytelling, building trust and closing deals
- DOTS - Derse Old Timers - 10+ years and annual dinnersRuss 32 years, Susan 35 years, Pete 20+ years, Brad 20+ years
- Similarities, differences and latest trends
- Professional, non-selling org, strong emotional connectionsDerse First Impressions & Newcomer orientation
- ‘Funding Strategies’ for long term impactROI to justify investment
Resources
- “A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness” - Michael Pollan“Four Points of a Compass” - Jerry Brotton“The Best Strangers in the World” - Ari Shapiro“Unruly Places: Lost Spaces, Secret Cities, and other Inscrutable Geographies” - Alastair Bonnett
Guest Thought Leader
Russ Fowler, Vice President of Marketing Environments, Derse
Over 32 years Russ has helped global brands create immersive customer experiences through exhibits, experience centers, branded environments, and live events. He has helped expand the agency's capabilities beyond trade shows and championed the philosophy of "accountable creative". An active industry leader, Russ served on the GACEP board and is a frequent session leader. His contributions have earned multiple EXHIBITOR Design Awards, an EX Award, and the 2006 EDPA Designer of the Year honor.
Most recently Russ earned the 2026 GACEP President's Service Award recognizing more than three decades of leadership and service. To quote Elizabeth Simpson, President of GACEP, ‘his sessions and workshops have become must-attend events: creative, brilliant and always leaving people thinking differently than when they walked in.’ She continues, ‘It’s leaders like Russ who make GACEP not just an organization, but a community worth belonging to.’