A NEW ERA
Level5 Events by The Expo Group creates strategic experiences to engage and transform audiences. Fueled by imagination, innovation and integrity, we are detail-obsessed and service-driven.
About Level5 Events by The Expo Group
The Level5 Events team has been designing, producing and managing compelling and measurable events for over 25 years.
We have an unyielding commitment to exceed our clients’ expectations TODAY, bringing them confidently into an ever-changing TOMORROW and doing so in personal partnership, TOGETHER.
From top universities across the country to some of the biggest brands in business, Level5 has had the opportunity to partner with many diverse organizations.
Our sweet spot? Translating messages into meaningful experiences that energize, engage and activate audiences…and making the entire process both seamless and enjoyable.

Meet Level5 Events Leadership

Gary Wokas, EVP, Operations, Level5 Events
Working on both the client and agency side with brands like Intel, Walmart, Chase, Dunkin’ Brands, National Association of Broadcasters, NACS and Prudential, Gary really understands what it takes to deliver a program on time, on budget and on message.
Gary’s been able to move the conversation beyond gear, using his unique insight into combining strategy, creative and his production knowledge, to create fully-integrated audience experiences. You can contact Gary here: GWokas (at) L5.theexpogroup.com

Sarah Winkler, VP Higher Education
With over 25 years of experience in event strategy and program design, Sarah creates long-term strategies that move audiences to deeper engagement. In addition to serving clients in industries as varied as corporate, national defense, and the professional sports fan experience, she has developed a nationally renowned university practice. Sarah has helped both public and private institutions realize the full potential of such milestone events as campaign launches, regional tours, centennial and sesquicentennial celebrations, and campus visit experiences.
Sarah co-founded Educe with JoAnn Peroutka in 2013 to focus on higher education. She has been published in national and regional press, has been a frequent speaker at professional association conferences, and has been recognized for her work by both PRSA and CASE. She is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland and achieved the rank of Certified Special Events Professional. Sarah chaired the 2017 CASE National Conference on Special Events and served on the 2014 CASE Summit Advisory Team. She has recently completed her term on the CASE Industry Advisory Council and the board of Business Volunteers Maryland. You can contact Sarah here: SWinkler (at) L5.theexpogroup.com

JoAnn Peroutka, VP, Strategic Services
Specializing in creative strategy and communications, JoAnn focuses on helping clients understand their most important audiences and how to engage with them successfully. She brings more than 25 years of experience as an expert in marketing for such diverse industries as commercial banking, sports marketing, and higher education. JoAnn has written for industry and institutional publications alike and has presented at conferences for the Public Relations Society of America, CASE, and the American Marketing Association.
She co-founded Educe with Sarah Winkler in 2013 to assist colleges and universities in creating long-view event strategies that are authentic, intentional, and effective. JoAnn holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, graduated from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She volunteers her time for initiatives focused on animal welfare and community health and wellness. She is an associate trustee on the board of Sheppard-Pratt Health Systems. You can contact JoAnn here: JPeroutka (at) L5.theexpogroup.com

Michael Preston, EVP National Accounts
Michael Preston, EVP, National Accounts, has dedicated his 20+ years in the communications industry to digging deeper and truly understanding the critical issues facing his clients. A passionate advocate for the power of face-to-face engagements, Michael has applied his background in journalism and media production to helping create successful engagement solutions for Sprint, Hospira and JP Morgan Chase in the corporate space.
Most recently, Michael helped guide The University of Chicago’s $4.5B capital campaign launch and the University of Washington’s $5B comprehensive campaign launch, and is currently partnering with the University of Florida on the public launch of their campaign scheduled for October 2017.
When not on the road with his clients, Michael and his family- wife Kim, sons Koby and Joe, and daughter Emma, love to tour baseball stadiums around the country. You can contact Michael here: MPreston (at) L5.theexpogroup.com
What We Do
Expert in both in-person and virtual productions, Level5 Events helps forward-thinking institutions activate their communities in ways that heighten connections and move people to action.
• Educate – Finding the most effective and intentional ways to inform and inspire.
• Celebrate – Shining a light on your best and brightest people and accomplishments.
• Elevate – Ensuring that how you tell your story is as distinctive and powerful as possible.
Case Studies
Click to open these one-page recaps of our impact on these communities.
The George Washington University
The George Washington University
When George Washington University’s annual Alumni and Parent Weekend, CW 2020, moved online, Level5 was on-hand to ensure a seamless transition to an upbeat, professional digital program.
University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
Leveraging many of the university’s existing outreach vehicles, Level5 Events helped the University of Rhode Island develop a multi-channel digital approach for its campaign, Big Ideas. Bold Plans.
Grinnell College
Grinnell College
Production is underway to bring the Campaign for Grinnell College to key stakeholders. Following a series of in-person events, the tour has been recreated as a unique online experience. Click below to learn more.
Johns Hopkins
Johns Hopkins
The goal of this evening was to immerse the 600 VIP guests in gratitude for their philanthropic vision and service, while highlighting the global reach of a campaign that raised over $6 billion.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech
Discover how Level5 Events designed and produced the “Boundless Impact” capital campaign launch and captured the spirit of Virginia Tech’s legacy and military DNA with a detailed insight into their future. Click below to learn more.
Auburn University
Auburn University
A-Day Weekend provided a wonderful opportunity to share the launch of the university’s first billion-dollar campaign with the entire Auburn Family. Click below to learn more about this perfect blend of classic black-tie elegance and captivating surprises..
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Level5 Events worked with the University for Kentucky from strategy through design and delivered the capital campaign launch event for “Kentucky Can – The 21st Century Campaign for UK. ” Click below to learn more.
U. S. Naval Academy
U.S. Naval Academy
Our team collaborated with USNA Foundation and Alumni Association partners to produce launch events that highlighted the impact of private philanthropy and its role in ensuring the safety of the nation and the world.
DEDICATED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
“Level5 has helped us deliver programs in truly powerful and authentic ways.
From multiple in-person campaign events to a virtual Presidential Announcement, we hear over and over that the impact of our events, the clarity of our content and the professionalism of our delivery has risen to an entirely new level.”
- Grinnell College -
“I really enjoy partnering with you on these events, and I feel like this one took us to the next level.”
-Yale University-
“Can’t begin to thank you all for making it HAPPEN!
Thank YOU does NOT begin to capture it, but it’ll have to do. No words! Wow!
– University of Washington –
“This is absolutely one of the most amazing productions I have ever seen for a university. Wow.”
– University of Kentucky –
“From the initial conversation all the way through the actual kickoff, our experience with Level5 was Level 6!
When we say Go Gators, Go Greater, Level5 helped us Go Greater.”
– University of Florida –
“You not only set the standard for campaign launches, but you changed the entire perspective
on what an event should look like and how to capture storytelling in everything we do.”
– University of Illinois –
“We count on you to bring a fresh, creative approach to the Hopkins story, and you never fail to deliver. Importantly, you are strong partners in the strategy and planning process as well as the execution.”
– Johns Hopkins University –
“You were the right partner to create an authentic, memorable evening for our top donors and campaign volunteers. You accomplished what we asked with just the right level of professionalism, energy, passion and festivity. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Auburn.”
– University of Illinois –
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. We so changed the game on Saturday night and couldn’t have accomplished it without you. Can’t wait to see where the future takes us!”
– University of Connecticut Foundation –
“From the load in to today it’s just absolutely amazing.
The confidence, the professionalism, hearing the schedule, the lack of problems
— it’s unlike anything I have ever experienced.”
– Virginia Tech –
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Tips From Our Thought Leaders
Two speaking engagements on December 9 showcased our thought leadership.
“Wired for Wonder” Shows How Awe Experiences Transform Audiences
Brain science principles from our new e-book can lead to more compelling, memorable, positive experiences in events and trade shows.
Big Ideas and Bold Plans
Leveraging many of the university’s existing outreach vehicles, Level5 Events worked with URI Foundation and Alumni Relations partners to develop a multi-channel approach to launching Big Ideas. Bold Plans.
STRATEGY
• Message Development
• Engagement Consultation
• Audience Journey Mapping


CREATIVE
• Content Development
• Presentation Support
• Speech Coaching & Writing
PRODUCTION
• Production Management
• Virtual Events/Webcasting
• Experiential Design & Implementation
