World-class adventurer, renowned actor, and top NBA marketing executive set to bring their inspirational stories to San Antonio, Texas, next month

Cvent, a global market-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, is thrilled to announce the keynote speakers for this year’s Cvent CONNECT conference. The event will feature Erik Weihenmayer, a world-class blind adventurer; James Van Der Beek, an acclaimed American actor; and Melissa M. Proctor, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena.

More about the Cvent CONNECT keynote speakers:

• Erik Weihenmayer, World-Class Blind Adventurer: Despite losing his vision at 14, Erik became the first blind person to summit Mount Everest and has climbed the Seven Summits. His adventures include kayaking the Grand Canyon and competing in rigorous races like Primal Quest. As a speaker, Erik shares insights on harnessing adversity and building strong teams, resonating with diverse audiences from CEOs to students. He co-founded No Barriers USA, empowering individuals to overcome challenges. Erik's story and mission continue to inspire global audiences.
• James Van Der Beek, American Actor: James is an acclaimed American actor celebrated for his iconic role as Dawson Leary in the hit series "Dawson's Creek" and as Johnny "Mox" Moxon in "Varsity Blues." Known for his versatility, James has captivated audiences in recent projects, including the ABC sitcom "Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23" and the Emmy-nominated FX series "Pose." He also showcased his comedic chops in the Viceland series "What Would Diplo Do?". As a keynote speaker, James brings his unique experiences in Hollywood to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
• Melissa M. Proctor, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena: Melissa's journey from a determined 15-year-old writing letters to the Miami Heat to becoming the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Atlanta Hawks is a testament to resilience and innovation. Starting as the Heat's first female ball attendant, Melissa's passion for basketball and creativity set her on a trailblazing path. Her career spans impactful roles, including her transformative work at Turner Broadcasting and leading the Hawks' groundbreaking initiatives like the MLK Nike City Edition uniform. An artist, author, and advocate for social change, Melissa continues to redefine leadership in the NBA and beyond, inspiring future generations with her visionary approach.

"We are thrilled to welcome such inspiring keynote speakers to this year’s Cvent CONNECT main stage,” said Rachel Andrews, Senior Director of Global Meetings & Events at Cvent. “Their remarkable personal achievements, compelling stories of resilience, and monumental career milestones will undoubtedly inspire all our attendees.”

Each year, Cvent CONNECT brings together thousands of industry leaders and marketing, event, and hospitality professionals to share insights, network, and explore the latest trends in event and hospitality technology.

For more information and to register for Cvent CONNECT 2025, please visit Cvent CONNECT.

About Cvent

Cvent is a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with 5,000+ employees and ~24,000 customers worldwide as of December 31, 2024. Founded in 1999, the company delivers a comprehensive event marketing and management platform and offers a global marketplace where event professionals collaborate with venues to create engaging, impactful experiences. Cvent is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C., and has additional offices around the world to support its growing global customer base. The comprehensive Cvent event marketing and management platform offers software solutions to event organizers and marketers for online event registration, venue selection, event marketing and management, virtual and onsite solutions, and attendee engagement. Cvent’s suite of products automates and simplifies the event management lifecycle and maximizes the impact of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Hotels and venues use Cvent’s supplier and venue solutions to win more group and corporate travel business through Cvent’s sourcing platforms. Cvent solutions optimize the event management value chain and have enabled clients around the world to manage millions of meetings and events. For more information, please visit Cvent.com.

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A world-class adventurer, renowned actor, and top NBA marketing executive will share their inspirational stories as keynote speakers at top industry conference, Cvent CONNECT, next month in San Antonio, Texas.