SHAWN HUGHES

Shawn Hughes is an accomplished experiential marketing and operations leader with more than 25 years of experience developing, managing, and executing award-winning brand activations, experiential marketing programs, and live events. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for delivering innovative consumer experiences, leading complex national programs, and helping brands connect with audiences through strategic event marketing and sponsorship activation. His expertise spans account leadership, operations, production, logistics, and program management across a wide range of industries and properties.

Shawn has held a variety of leadership roles throughout his career on both the Account Services and Operations & Production sides of the business. During his time with Momentum Worldwide (IPG) and Marketing Werks (Crossmark), he successfully led cross-functional teams, managed large-scale experiential campaigns, and oversaw the execution of complex national marketing programs. His ability to balance strategic planning with operational excellence has consistently helped clients achieve their marketing objectives while delivering seamless, high-quality experiences.

Over the course of his career, Shawn has partnered with many of the world's leading brands, including Gatorade, Nike, the U.S. Army, Oscar Mayer, and U.S. Cellular. He has also led activations across some of the nation's most recognized sports and entertainment properties, including the NFL, PGA Tour, NASCAR, and the Kentucky Derby. Whether supporting sponsorship activations, mobile tours, experiential campaigns, or large-scale consumer events, Shawn is known for bringing brands to life through thoughtful strategy, flawless execution, and memorable customer experiences.

As Managing Director at Evolve Activation, Shawn oversees the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of experiential marketing programs across the agency. He works closely with clients, account teams, finance, and creative to ensure programs are delivered efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and client service. His leadership helps translate creative concepts into scalable operational plans that produce meaningful results for clients and exceptional experiences for consumers.

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Shawn brings the discipline, integrity, and leadership developed during his military service into every aspect of his professional career. Outside of work, he remains actively involved with charitable organizations that support military service members and veterans, as well as programs benefiting Special Olympics. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Shawn continues to help brands create impactful experiential marketing campaigns that strengthen consumer connections, build lasting brand loyalty, and deliver measurable business results.