We had the good fortune of connecting with Dennis Walthers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dennis, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started my own business, the decision really came from two intersecting points in my life. On one hand, I had already built a small side business with the vision of creating something my family could be part of long term. On the other hand, after years in executive leadership roles—including serving as President of the Americas at D-Link—I felt it was the right moment to come back to Texas and fully invest my energy into building something of my own.

I knew I wanted to take the 20+ years of experience I had gained in sales, marketing, and technology at companies like Cisco, Polaroid, and D-Link, and apply it to an industry that thrives on creativity, innovation, and measurable impact. That’s what led me to launch Interactive Dallas
, a company that delivers cutting-edge experiential activations for corporate events, trade shows, and sponsorships.

The thought process was simple but powerful: instead of continuing to grow someone else’s vision, I wanted to channel my expertise into creating a business that could be both family-owned and industry-leading. That combination of personal purpose and professional ambition is what pushed me to turn a side business into a full-time career.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Interactive Dallas was built on the idea that events should be more than just gatherings—they should be unforgettable experiences that connect people to brands in powerful, lasting ways. What sets us apart is that we don’t just provide photo booths or tech add-ons; we design immersive, technology-driven brand activations that fuse creativity, innovation, and measurable impact. From AI-powered photo and video booths, to immersive LED walls, aura photography, and projection mapping, every activation we deliver is designed to spark engagement and create content people want to share.

What I’m most proud of is our commitment to continuous improvement. I love watching people interact with our activations—seeing where they engage easily and where they might get confused. Those observations help us refine workflows so the experience feels effortless, intuitive, and fun. That focus on the guest journey is a big reason why we now have dozens of 5-star Google reviews, reflecting the trust and excitement we’ve built with clients and attendees alike.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Starting a business later in life, with two kids in college and stepping away from the security of an executive career, was a leap of faith. The challenges were real: breaking into a competitive industry, building brand recognition, and investing in state-of-the-art technology while scaling responsibly. I overcame those challenges by leaning into my 20+ years of leadership in sales and marketing, focusing on relationships, and never losing sight of innovation as a driver for growth.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that authenticity and adaptability win. Clients don’t just want the flashiest new tech—they want a partner who listens, understands their audience, and delivers results that elevate their brand.

At the end of the day, what I want the world to know about Interactive Dallas is this: we’re not just in the event business, we’re in the business of creating unforgettable moments. Every activation we deliver is designed to inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression.

If you want to see what that looks like in action, you can explore our work at InteractiveDallas.com
.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want them to experience the full flavor of Dallas–Fort Worth—the energy, the food, the culture, and the hidden gems that make this area so special.

Day 1 – Arrival & Downtown Dallas
We’d kick things off downtown with dinner at Pecan Lodge for legendary Texas BBQ, followed by drinks at Midnight Rambler, one of the coolest craft cocktail lounges in the city.

Day 2 – Arts & Culture
Spend the day exploring the Dallas Arts District—from the Dallas Museum of Art to the Nasher Sculpture Center—and then catch live music at The Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff.

Day 3 – Sports & Local Flavor
Start with a tour or game at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, and if the season lines up, catch a Dallas Stars hockey game at the American Airlines Center—an electric experience that shows another side of Dallas sports culture. Dinner afterward could be Tex-Mex at Mi Cocina or margaritas at Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano.

Day 4 – Fort Worth Day Trip
Drive over to Fort Worth to stroll the Stockyards, watch the longhorn cattle drive, and enjoy Tex-Mex at the iconic Joe T. Garcia’s. Cap it off with honky-tonk dancing at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk.

Day 5 – Grapevine & Uptown Dallas
Stop in Grapevine for some award-winning BBQ at Meat U Anywhere, then head back to Uptown Dallas for shopping and people-watching. Dinner at Nick & Sam’s is a must—it’s a Dallas institution.

Day 6 – Trendy Neighborhoods
Spend the day in Deep Ellum, with its street art, breweries, and live music, then hop over to Trinity Groves for dinner with skyline views.

Day 7 – Classic Dallas Fare
Wrap up the week with a stop at Campisi’s on Mockingbird Lane, a legendary Dallas Italian spot that’s been serving locals for generations. It’s the perfect way to close out a trip with true Dallas flavor before heading home.

What makes Dallas–Fort Worth so exciting is that you get the best of both worlds—world-class dining and culture alongside true Texas heritage and hospitality. Whether you’re into sports, arts, or nightlife, there’s always something happening here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without question, my biggest shoutout goes to my wife, Laura. She was the one who encouraged me to make the move back from California to Texas and fully commit to starting something new—even at a stage in life when most people are looking for stability, not new challenges.

Launching a business with two kids in college and beginning this entrepreneurial journey at 55 wasn’t an easy decision, but her unwavering support and belief in both me and the vision made all the difference. She didn’t just accept the challenge—she embraced it alongside me. Having that kind of partner gives you the courage to take risks, the resilience to push through setbacks, and the motivation to keep building for the future.

Laura’s encouragement reminded me that building a company isn’t just about revenue or market share—it’s about creating something meaningful for your family, your community, and the clients you serve.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/dwalthers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwalthers/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswalthers/

Twitter: https://x.com/InteractiveDall

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwalthers1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dwalthers

Image Credits
Dennis Walthers

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