Candace Charpentier is a seasoned Creative Director with more than 25 years of experience shaping live events and brand experiences for some of the world’s most influential organizations. Since joining Freeman in 2011, she has led the creative strategy and environmental design for high-profile conferences and exhibitions including Essence Fest, Afrotech, L’Oreal, TwitchCon, Duke University and many others. Her work blends storytelling with design thinking to craft immersive spaces that drive connection, discovery, and impact.

A recognized voice in experiential design, Candace is known for creating environments that are human-centered, memorable, and strategically aligned with client goals. She has guided the design of stages, activations, and event experiences that bring clarity, creativity, and purpose to complex conferences.

Beyond her client work, Candace is a driving force behind Freeman’s Design Lab and outreach programs, which introduce high school and college students particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds to design thinking and career pathways in the creative industry. Her initiatives, from hands-on workshops to mentorship programs, reflect her commitment to investing in the next generation of designers while strengthening Freeman’s role as a community partner.

With a career built on creativity, collaboration, and purpose, Candace continues to push the boundaries of what live events can achieve, helping brands tell their stories, inspire audiences, and shape the future of design.