Wendy Porter Events, LLC

03/06/2026

Laura McLeod-Palker

It's been a rather busy, sometimes stressful couple of months getting the rewrites done both on my book 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗔 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 and my website. But they're both now done and ready for viewing (website) and/or purchasing (book). Someday I'm going to pen a story on why it took me so long to get this all going again but first things first....

I am really happy with the changes I made to the book from the slight cover change to give it a little "pop" of color to the new and expanded information to some of the chapters as well as the website redo itself.

You can go to Amazon and check out the book if you'd like -- but you can also get to the book directly from my website at https://www.maryjowiseman.net/. You see, my 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 page was designed to tell you up front who I am, what it is I do or am selling, the benefits to you the buyer -- and what you need to do to find it/learn about it/hopefully buy it. (I heard this was a very important step in creating a website from people who know.)

On the 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 page you'll learn a little more about me, my thoughts on what a meeting planner is and the benefits planners bring to an organization and to the planning process, who will benefit from reading the book and why.

And then there's the 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 page. It continues to make me proud every time I read through the testimonials (reviews) to hear what people have said about the book and the person behind the book.

Finally, I have to say if/when you do go to Amazon, do definitely check out the "Read Sample" on the print version of the book. It reads well and the Table of Contents shows all the chapters so you can easily see what's covered on the inside.

Take care. Be well. Share this post and information about the book with anyone you think could benefit from reading it.

25/04/2026

Okay folks... here's the garden progress this week. Lots of stuff now up and blooming IN the garden. That happened fast!

The pink tulips in the windowbox have just a hint of color today. Should be full color tomorrow or Monday?

And the damn rabbits bit the heads off several newly blooming tulips in the beds. Gotta get back out with my rabbit repellent. Hate them!!

21/04/2026

BIG NEWS! I’m officially a published author.

Grab The Book on Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/WHAT-FRAK-Fractional-Revolution-Businesses-ebook/dp/B0GX315H3Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LAOK7NZLXIYZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-rNPzdl03FIwX6z3RunIthXm8y0zb90ZO9e8fEP-g2CIpKxx31tZogrEZelGyJ-7-GtPpwzsyXLCwJf94DWrH4_rznfz2ikttmNxf75cO24R_BpZXVDBOEZmieU3s3K4G4s79gLzbtglKg-Z1O6AiuAs49sD3wXi4lhK7YuJPGk.OKAA6PBj4RSZAB6u2DsLnvLofhCJZj5ed3Q_CEOqh3c&dib_tag=se&keywords=what+the+FRAK%21&qid=1776793538&sprefix=what+the+freak+%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1

I’m honored to be one of 11 contributors to WHAT THE FRAK, a book that brings together the voices of fractional leaders who know how to step in, bring order to chaos, and help businesses grow smarter.

My chapter is centered on something I’ve seen firsthand for years: events are not just logistics. They are business infrastructure. When they are led well, they build trust, strengthen brands, create momentum, and drive growth.

That is exactly why I built my Fractional Head of Events model. Not every company needs a full-time event executive. But plenty need senior-level leadership, strategic direction, and someone who can make the wheels stop wobbling.

Grateful to The HOW Companies, Inc. for publishing this book, and proud to be part of a group that is helping expand how companies think about leadership today.

If you need event strategy, experienced support, or an outside perspective with real-world scars and wisdom, I’m here.

It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with my fellow authors: Austin Spencer, Dara Hartzler, Jenn Rose, CPPM, Lisa Zufall, CUA, Michele Leach, Nicki Leritz - MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Shelly Dretzka, SPHR, Stephanie Elliston, CPC, Tim Voit, and Kelly Jahner-Byrne.

Wendy Porter Events, LLC

24/07/2025

So proud of our fearless leader, Dwayne Thomas, Chair of Government Affairs at LEC!!

Tariff disruption ripples through event industry businesses!

The Live Events Coalition is proud of our Chair of Government Affairs, Dwayne Thomas, who was interviewed by Jake Tapper on CNN "The Lead with Jake Tapper" last night to discuss the impact of tariffs on small businesses—a conversation that couldn’t be more timely or vital.

Last night on CNN, Dwayne—the owner and CEO of Greenlight Creative—shared a deeply personal account of how evolving tariffs are affecting his boutique business, known for crafting standout weddings and fundraisers with creative flair.

With 12 full- and part-time employees across Oregon and beyond, Dwayne isn’t just building events—he’s building livelihoods. And the ripple effects are real. One vendor has raised prices five times since the tariffs were announced, a signal that the full economic impact may not be felt until 2026.

What stood out most wasn't just the numbers—it was Dwayne’s transparency, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his team and clients. He’s doing what so many small business owners do best: adapting, advocating, and leading with integrity.

The challenges are many. But voices like Dwayne’s remind us that behind every policy are real people. And that every creative detail, every job retained, every event brought to life… matters.

As an industry built on agility, creativity, and countless small businesses, this spotlight was a powerful step in amplifying our voice on the national stage.

Let’s make sure policymakers hear him and us—because the live events industry isn’t just about celebration. It’s about resilience, innovation, and the backbone of countless communities.

Check out the entire interview here: https://lnkd.in/dvipbRZE

Events Education & Workforce Development Federation
Wendy Porter Events, LLC
BizBash
CNN
Jaclyn Bernstein
Nancy Shaffer
Anthony Gerardi
Live Events Coalition (National) Group
Live Events Coalition New York / New Jersey

23/07/2025

TUNE IN TODAY, Wed 7/23, AT 3:45PT / 5:45CT / 6:45ET to CNN and Jake Tapper, where Dwayne Thomas, Chair of Government Affairs with the Live Events Coalition will be talking about Tariffs and the impact on the Live Events Industry.

This is a BIG WIN for the LEC to get some national attention on this issue. We hope to have more national conversations as it relates to other policy impacts we are feeling with the recently passed Federal legislation.

11/11/2024

Today, we honor the bravery and dedication of all veterans.

For me, this day is personal. My family’s legacy is steeped in military service—a line of heroes who’ve each answered the call to serve in their own ways.

My dad, a career Army officer who graduated from West Point and retired as a Lt. Col., dedicated his life to defending the freedoms we hold dear. In addition to being in the Army Corp of Engineers with assignments all over the US and in Germany, he was a guard of the 3 remaining N**i war criminals (of the original 7) housed in the Spandau Prison in Berlin, was an Army Ranger and served 2 tours in Vietnam, and he headed up various ROTC programs in Iowa and Wisconsin.

My grandfather served as a Colonel in the Army in both WWI and WWII, and my dad’s sisters and their spouses continued that proud tradition in their own service in the US and abroad. And even now, my cousin on the Porter side —a retired Navy Lt. Col. himself —continues to serve in a contractor role, ensuring that support and protection never waver.

On my mom's side, my uncle retired as a Lt. Col. in the Air Force and flew Jolly Green Giant helicopters in Vietnam, risking his life to bring the wounded to safety.

To all those who’ve served, and to my family members, past and present, who have shown me what true dedication looks like, thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

Today and always, we honor and celebrate you.

05/11/2024

Today is voting day in the US! Have you made your voice heard? 

As the daughter of a career Army officer educated at West Point, I grew up knowing that freedom isn’t free. Our right to vote is one of the most powerful freedoms we have, and it’s not just a privilege; it’s a duty.

During COVID, I learned firsthand that every voice matters. As Vice Chair of Government Affairs at the , I joined a small but mighty group that GOT LOUD for our industry. Meeting with over 100 Members of Congress, we fought for our livelihoods when the Live Events Industry went dark. We could have given in to the moment, but instead, we chose action. 

One by one by one, we pushed to make a difference—and had success. We got a bill passed through the House of Representatives (which, sadly, died in the Senate… but still). Work that takes other groups DECADES to achieve, we accomplished in 18 months. Why? Because we, as individuals, made the effort and stood up to make a difference.  

Would I do it all again? You bet I would, even though we didn’t quite get the funding we so desperately needed for the 2 million small businesses in our industry, many of which sadly closed down because of the pandemic. That foundational work is still being used today to take our industry forward. Our efforts were not in vain.

When we stay silent, we hand over our power and leave decisions about our future in someone else’s hands. Voting is how we honor the generations who sacrificed for our freedom. It’s how we ensure that the ideals of our Constitution—equality, justice, and the pursuit of happiness—stay strong and meaningful.

Every vote is a voice for a stronger, more inclusive nation, and I truly believe that each one matters. Our freedom and democracy is too important to ignore.

So, if you haven’t already voted early and think your voice won’t make a difference—trust me, it does. Stand up for what matters, just like those before us who fought for our freedoms. Today, be part of the action. Go vote, and let your voice be heard. And let’s not forget—it’s a privilege many around the world still fight for.

VOTE! 

05/11/2024

Today is voting day in the US! Have you made your voice heard?

As the daughter of a career Army officer educated at West Point, I grew up knowing that freedom isn’t free. Our right to vote is one of the most powerful freedoms we have, and it’s not just a privilege; it’s a duty.

During COVID, I learned firsthand that every voice matters. As Vice Chair of Government Affairs at the Live Events Coalition, I joined a small but mighty group that GOT LOUD for our industry. Meeting with over 100 Members of Congress, we fought for our livelihoods when the Live Events Industry went dark. We could have given in to the moment, but instead, we chose action.

One by one by one, we pushed to make a difference—and had success. We got a bill passed through the House of Representatives (which, sadly, died in the Senate… but still). Work that takes other groups DECADES to achieve, we accomplished in 18 months. Why? Because we, as individuals, made the effort and stood up to make a difference.

Would I do it all again? You bet I would, even though we didn’t quite get the funding we so desperately needed for the 2 million small businesses in our industry, many of which sadly closed down because of the pandemic. That foundational work is still being used today to take our industry forward. Our efforts were not in vain.

When we stay silent, we hand over our power and leave decisions about our future in someone else’s hands. Voting is how we honor the generations who sacrificed for our freedom. It’s how we ensure that the ideals of our Constitution—equality, justice, and the pursuit of happiness—stay strong and meaningful.

Every vote is a voice for a stronger, more inclusive nation, and I truly believe that each one matters. Our freedom and democracy is too important to ignore.

So, if you haven’t already voted early and think your voice won’t make a difference—trust me, it does. Stand up for what matters, just like those before us who fought for our freedoms. Today, be part of the action. Go vote, and let your voice be heard. And let's not forget—it's a privilege many around the world still fight for.

VOTE!

02/11/2024

The podcast with Heather Hansen-O'Neill is live. Check it out!

Enhance your brand with a flawless event experience, ensuring seamless ex*****on and memorable moments that leave a lasting impact on attendees.

22/10/2024

Time's running out! ⏰
Don't forget to vote for me for Eventex 2024's Most Influential People in Events Awards!

🗓️ Voting closes this Friday, October 25 at 4:59PM CT (23:59 CET).

THANK YOU!