Laura Hess

Laura Hess, experience strategist at Reuleaux, is recognised for her significant influence on the field through both creative innovation and community building.

This year, she launched the REMARKABLE report, summarising her visits to 500 attractions, theatrical shows, art installations, and more. Moving away from the often-covered theme parks, she concentrates on medium and small-scale installations worldwide. The report aims to develop a framework for analysing how these experiences contribute to guests.

It explores questions like why some feel more magical and whether agency is essential for transformation. Instead of ranking or seeking the'best,' the report highlights exceptional experiences and begins to examine how design choices generate meaningful moments for guests across manageable, sustainable scales.

Additionally, as a central figure in Everything Immersive, Hess has played a crucial role in developing a vital platform for immersive creators and fans, boosting voices, projects, and discussions that influence the medium's future.

Hess has previously said: “The goal of experience is not always to change someone. It can be to hold them. To meet them where they are. To help them feel more like themselves.”

One nominator said: "She bridges artistic vision and strategic production, empowering teams to realise ambitious, inclusive, and boundary-pushing projects across physical, digital, and hybrid formats. Through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for immersive storytelling as a powerful tool for human connection, Laura continues to redefine the landscape of experiential entertainment."