The search for our Most Lovable Product is on — and we need your help. Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing details on what the future of XP Land could look like and asking you to weigh in. We’re calling it the Summer of Love and it kicks off right now with our latest labor of love. Introducing the XPOD.
XP Land exists to tell the stories of the people behind the world’s most unforgettable experiences. Now we’re pressing record with the XPOD, a podcast where founder Erica Boeke talks shop with the creatives, producers and strategists shaping what’s next in experiential. No fluff. No corporate panel voice. Just smart conversations with people who know how to deliver goosebumps on cue.
First in the hot seat: Rob Blasko, VP of Strategy and Brand at Public School. His approach is intentional and straightforward: Start with a story, design with curiosity and obsess over the details. It’s a framework that shapes everything from immersive activations to multi-platform strategy.
https://vimeo.com/1089227817
FROM STUDIO LOT TO STRATEGY LEAD
Blasko began his career at Universal Orlando Resort, hosting a special effects show that gave guests a glimpse into the mechanics of movie magic. “That was my first real taste of experience design,” he says. “It was about story, space and emotion all coming together in a single moment.” That foundation stuck. Now at Public School, he brings that same show-minded intentionality to brand strategy, aligning creative teams, designing from the guest perspective and leading with narrative.
We sat down with Blasko just as he and the Public School team wrapped Canva Create, the brand’s flagship event held in Los Angeles.
Listen to the full XPOD — or just skip to the parts that give you all the feels:
03:55 — EVENT MARKETING VS. EXPERIENTIAL. Rob explains the difference between getting people in the room and putting the story (and emotion) first.
08:02 — PANDEMIC PROGRAMMING. For COVID-era activation Race to Anywhere, Rob helped turn a Brooklyn warehouse into a live RC racetrack — and used mounted cameras on custom cars to let guests around the world race each other in real time.
15:00 — MAGIC AND MEASUREMENT. We chat about how to keep the magic alive while also delivering on all the KPIs. (Spoiler: Focus is key.)
21:17 — INTIMACY AND IMPACT. When budgets are limited, Rob explains why intimacy and impact are more important than foot traffic.
29:29 — THE RULES THAT MATTER. Rob’s approach to experiential is grounded in three core principles: start with a story, design with curiosity and obsess over the details.
32:56 — THE RULES THAT DON’T. Rob makes the case for going analog (sometimes) and reading the room.
40:54 — DONUTS, ALWAYS. We can all agree that snacks — especially donuts — make everything better.
