Heather Gallagher

Heather Gallagher is a visionary leader and a distinguished expert in the realm of transformative events and the experience economy. For 17 years, Heather played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most iconic cultural events in the world—Burning Man. As a key member of the cross-functional event operational leadership and year-round executive teams, she was instrumental in leading the technology and design efforts that turned the vast, barren expanse of the Black Rock Desert into a vibrant, temporary city teeming with art, spectacle, and transformative experiences. Heather's work at Burning Man not only helped cultivate a global phenomenon but also provided her with unparalleled insights into how deeply impactful events can foster civic engagement, inspire communities, and spark profound personal transformation.

Her unique blend of expertise spans art, culture, technology, and humanity, making her a sought-after consultant and advisor in the immersive entertainment and experiential industries. With a deep-seated passion for innovation and a natural flair for leadership, Heather inspires and empowers teams to create extraordinary experiences that resonate on both an aesthetic and humanistic level.

Heather's influence at Burning Man extended beyond logistics and design; she was a trusted community leader, a strategic visionary, and a cultural ambassador. Her ability to tell stories visually and verbally made her a compelling public speaker and a respected voice within the organization. Her work has always been at the cutting edge of art and culture, positioning her as a thought leader in the industry.

After her tenure at Burning Man, Heather continued to break new ground in the evolving immersive and interactive entertainment landscape. She ventured into the burgeoning field of augmented reality, producing and designing trailblazing experiences for brands and consumer entertainment. Her work included creating these experiences and developing the venues that would host them. 

Heather also helped to launch TRANSFIX, an innovative entertainment startup that produced a monumental immersive art experience at Resorts World in Las Vegas in 2023. As part of the executive team, she contributed to every facet of the project, from conceptual development and artist recruitment to fundraising, venue management, and global launch strategy. 

Heather is also a Founding Circle Member of the World Experience Organization (WXO), where she continues to advocate for the growth and enhancement of the Experience Economy. This global institution is dedicated to improving the quality of experiences, providing opportunities for experience creators, and promoting the value of immersive experiences in today’s world.