Plan Ahead Events Boulder

12/02/2025

This time of year, everyone is talking about gratitude. I’ve been thinking about what meaningful appreciation looks like in our organizations, because a lot of what we see ends up sounding the same.

A few things that have stood out to me: Specificity means a lot, authenticity is more important than polish, and acknowledging the impact of my work is incredibly powerful.

"Thanks for everything you did this year" is nice, but the thank-you's that have stuck with me named a specific contribution that I offered, which makes me feel genuinely seen. Also, when this is heartfelt and timely, I don't care what the final product looks like! A heartfelt note sent today is more powerful than a 'perfect' message that doesn't get finished (I am super guilty of this trap, myself!) Everyone wants to feel like their work has impact, whether it's as a staff member, board member, volunteer, donor, or client. If you can, connect their effort to a real outcome to help your gratitude land.

So as we close out the year, remember that small gestures count. A handwritten card, a public acknowledgement in a meeting, even a quick voice memo - none of this requires any budget, just your attention. Taking a few minutes to express thoughtful appreciation strengthens relationships long after the holidays are over.

Who helped make your work possible this year, and have you told them, clearly and personally?

11/25/2025

I spent most of this past weekend working behind the scenes at a show at the Dairy Arts Center. And as we head into Thanksgiving week, I am overwhelmed at the many moments of gratitude I get to experience in this industry.

Event production happens in the quiet hours: the run-of-show revisions, the backstage cues, the hallway conversations with vendor partners, the last-minute adjustments that keep everything seamless for the audience.

I’m grateful for this craft . Grateful for the chance to create spaces where people can connect, be moved, and feel cared for. And I’m grateful for the clients and collaborators who trust me to take care of the details.

Here’s to the invisible work that makes meaningful moments possible, and to everyone in this industry who brings that work to life!

11/18/2025

Managing logistics or channeling compassion? Both!

One of the things I love most about producing events is that the logistics (the parts people rarely notice when everything goes smoothly) are actually an incredible act of care. Well-managed logistics say to attendees, “We thought about you. We respect your time, and want you to be truly comfortable here.”

Walking with the venue’s conference services manager early on at a conference event I was working this fall, I noticed a few attendees hesitating at a hallway intersection. I mentioned it to her and she shrugged and said, “It’s day one, they’ll figure it out.”

I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so when I had a few minutes, I repurposed a stanchion and added a small sign that labeled what rooms were in each direction. It was a very small sign, so I also commandeered a volunteer to stand there for the first transition to point people where they needed to go.

I watched as people’s shoulders literally dropped in relief when they arrived at the intersection and saw there was additional guidance. It reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful “event magic” comes from just removing a little bit of friction.

All of the details (signage placement, session flow, transportation timing, food & beverage offerings, lighting, seating configurations, etc. etc. etc.) aren’t just logistics. They’re intentions. When done well, attendees feel at ease, presenters feel supported, and the host team feels proud.

We’re not just managing details, we’re advocating for our clients and attendees, and creating the conditions for people to feel seen, valued, and taken care of. And to me, that’s at the heart of a truly successful event.

11/17/2025

While I was in Waikiki last month for an event at Pearl Harbor, I had the chance to tour the corporate event spaces at Hilton Hawaiian Village, and wow - they have so much to offer!

From sweeping oceanfront views to flexible indoor meeting rooms, the property is exceptionally well-suited for conferences, retreats, board meetings, incentive trips, and team-building events. The variety of venues open possibilities to host anything from an intimate executive gathering to a large-scale multi-day program, all within a resort that keeps guests engaged, inspired, and well cared for.

The versatile ballrooms and breakout spaces, incredible outdoor venues, variety of lodging offerings (and price points) provide a unique blend of natural beauty and hospitality that I’ve only found in Hawai’i. Even more, mahalo to Marcos, the sales manager who gave me the tour, who has been there for over 20 years! In this industry, with so much turnover, that loyalty speaks volumes to me about how the resort cares for employees as well as guests.

I’m always scouting locations that can elevate an event experience, and Hilton Hawaiian Village impressed me with its combination of amenities, atmosphere, and logistical ease. If you’re curious about hosting a corporate event in Hawai‘i, or want help evaluating locations, I’m always happy to share insights!

08/19/2025

In our industry, Vegas stats usually tell a vivid story. I'd heard about this anecdotally, but this article from Travel Weekly confirms that occupancy rates are down about 15% compared to last summer, and RevPAR (revenue per available room) is down almost 30%! This is reportedly due to a steep decrease in international visitors - particularly from Canada. With all of the international spectacles we have coming up in the next few years, this could become a very alarming trend.

Las Vegas hotels are experiencing occupancy and revenue declines due to weak international visitor numbers and economic uncertainties, prompting increased marketing and promotional strategies to counter the trend.