Amanda Armstrong is recognized as a top five Woman of Influence by Meetings Net Magazine and one of the 50 Most Influential Meeting Professionals by Meeting Professionals International. As the Senior Vice President of Communications and Industry Relations at Encore, she oversees strategic communication development and enhances the company’s industry impact. Armstrong is active in industry roles, serving on the Event Industry Council’s APEX Critical Response Task Force and the Event Leaders 100 think tank. She chaired the International Board of Directors for MPI in 2018 and advised Hyatt Hotels and the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. Formerly, she led the global meetings and travel team at Enterprise Holdings for 14 years. Armstrong holds a bachelor's in International Relations from the University of Colorado and multiple certifications. Outside the office, she heads off into nature to ski, hike, camp, or surf. She enjoys traveling and sailing with her husband, Jon, who loves to plan travel and culinary adventures. If you ask her where she cut her teeth in our industry, it was at the tech table calling the show on comms with audio visual professionals who make it all happen.

As the Global Culinary Leader for the Customer Engagement Team, Cindy oversees culinary operations, storytelling, and design + build capital projects across executive briefing and experience centers located in Redmond, Singapore, Silicon Valley, and Munich. Her teams deliver premium culinary experiences, uphold global service standards, design innovative facilities, and highlight best practices in AI and sustainability. They maximize the investments in Their customer centers by serving dishes that represent cultural diversity and highlight sustainable culinary practices. By telling these stories, they share Microsoft’s commitment to actualizing its empowerment mission. Quality local ingredients, diverse suppliers, sustainable supply chains, and culturally inclusive menus are all paramount. Through food, hospitality, and doing good, they make every visit to our centers both pleasurable and educational.

Kelli Bielema has over 25 years experience in the events industry. During this time she cut her teeth in the entertainment department at Universal Studios Hollywood, owned her own production house, ran brand activations with Red Bull at EDC and Coachella and has helped raise millions for animal welfare causes. She currently is the Event Manager for Meta’s Reality Labs Research facility at the campus in Redmond, WA where she leads employee experience. Kelli was a previous VP of Programs for ILEA Seattle and is a multiple ECAA recipient and ESPRIT Award Nominee.  And because event people don’t care much for sleep, her side hustle is running a karaoke lounge in a vintage Airstream obviously named The AirScream. Kelli has 6 resident rescue pets and a rotating cast of foster cats and dogs she shares with her human spouse, Patrick in the Seattle area. 

Matt Bonavita, owner of Rhythm In Motion, is a DJ with over 25 years of experience, known for his theatricality and fresh music ideas. He's performed at top NYC venues and teaches at NYU’s School of Professional Studies. Matt is serving as a Director on the ILEA Board of Governors and is heading up the next generation/student efforts for the organization.

Baba Brinkman is a rap artist and science communicator renowned for his “Rap Guide” series of science-themed plays and albums. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, he has been based in New York since 2011. Baba has toured globally, with successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and off-Broadway. He was the 2019 Artist in Residence at Manhattan’s Soho Playhouse Theater.

Praised by the New York Times as “astonishing and brilliant,” Baba won the Scotsman Fringe First Award and received two Drama Desk Award nominations. He has performed on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” and shared stages with Stephen Hawking and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Baba also won the National Center for Science Education’s “Friend of Darwin Award” for popularizing evolutionary biology. In late 2020, he founded Event Rap, recruiting talented rappers to deliver custom virtual performances.

Nigel started his first business at 20 and sold it at 21. He then built one of Australia’s largest creative entertainment design companies within the Business Events Arena. Nigel was awarded outstanding contributions to Meetings and Events in Australia, was show director of Australia’s largest corporate event in 2005 and chair of Meetings in Events Australia during the COVID pandemic.

In 2013, armed with a video camera, Nigel set off on an initiative, solo on his motorbike, to discover ingenious Australians and share their stories. As founder of ‘Ingenious Oz Project’ and author of ‘Game of Inches’ he travels Australia finding the most ingenious business and professional success stories, takes out the key learnings and presents them back to you and your team.

His message is simple. Sustainable growth is ‘Game of Inches’ with a ‘Growth Mindset’.

Erin Combs is the founder and principal of Artio Strategies, a Seattle-based consultancy specializing in brand strategy, community engagement, and partnership marketing. Erin previously held leadership roles in marketing, CSR, and brand strategy for retail and technology brands including Amazon, Starbucks, and Lyft.

Zac Cramer put 15 years into living the sleepless nights, euphoria, and anxiety of small business ownership. Now, as a Certified EOS Implementer, Zac helps business owners get what they want from their businesses. EOS helped Zac regain their sanity and take control of their business, and now Zac is dedicated to helping others do the same. Ready to take a vacation without checking your email? Step one starts here. Zac's expertise in leadership coaching, team alignment, and business development empowers leaders to build strong, resilient organizations. Learn more about their work at EOS Worldwide.

Donatas from Vilnius, Lithuania has been building web apps since 2005. For the past 10 years working at Wix.com, he's had the chance to take part in many different products. Currently Donatas works as head of Wix Events - a platform for Wix users to create events, sell tickets, check-in guests and more.

​​Kerrell Dunsmore is the owner/operator of the next great event, LLC, a full-service conference and event management firm headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.  She was a founding member and Past President of ILEA Arizona Chapter and is the current President of HSMAI Arizona Chapter.  Her motto, borrowed from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is “this life is more than just a read through”, and she embodies that throughout her work and life choices.  the next great event, LLC celebrated its 18th birthday in June!

Audrey is a 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry, having started in sales & marketing at hotels such as Paramount Hotel and Grand Hyatt Seattle.  She has marketed the convention centers and all Seattle hotels and venues through Visit Seattle as the organization’s Corporate Account Director where she also negotiated a multi-year agreement with a large software company. For the past ten years, she has created, produced, and managed street festivals, community events, conventions for 20,000 people, exhibits, incentive programs both national and international, choreography and execution of FlashMobs, and a host of other engagements that maximized her diverse creative and logistical skills and experience.  In addition, she has managed onsite logistics for high level executives and talent at special events such as Super Bowls and major international sporting events.  In 2020, she is focusing on the positive opportunities that appear at any time of disruption, and providing support to an industry she loves. Audrey holds a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence from Stanford Graduate School of Business, Executive Education.

Richard has over 30 years of experience in the exhibition, live events, and experiential industry, leading global teams for brands like Ford, Shell, and Ericsson. A founding member of The Imagination Group, he served as a board director from 1998 to 2012 and continues to consult for them. His roles have included Production Director, Client Services Director, and Operations Director, with project delivery across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Richard was on the Board of Governors of the International Special Event Society (ISES), now ILEA, from 2011 to 2014, and was President of the UK Chapter in 2010. He has consulted for agencies like Go West Creative (USA) and VokDams (Germany). A Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP), Richard founded The Paradise Experiment, a consultancy for strategic and creative event insights, and co-founded The Thought-Cake Institute. In 2023, he co-authored “The Business Switch,” a book on leadership and creativity in business. Recognized as “Event Industry Personality of the Year” in 2012, Richard seeks the perfect work-life balance from his farm in South-West England.

Mark Freeman’s illustrious career in corporate foodservice and hospitality over the last few decades is marked by transformative programming and innovation. His strategic and forward-thinking approach has consistently elevated the dining and event experiences at several major global corporations, including Microsoft, Ford and most recently, LinkedIn. From spearheading an ingredient revolution, to drone delivery, biodigesters to usage of black soldier flies, digital transformation and robots to urban farming, Mark is a disruptor and futurist know for designing pioneering programs that makes an impact. Passionate about sustainability, Mark has advocated for the use of local, GMO- and chemical-free food, as well as launched a campus-wide program featuring hydroponic gardens, furthering his commitment to environmental responsibility. He has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his career in the food business, including the coveted IFMA Silver Plate Award, which honors the most outstanding and innovative talents in foodservice operations. In 2017, he was inducted into the Foodservice Hall of Fame by FE&S magazine, which recognizes the industry's most influential and accomplished leaders. He has also served in leadership positions within industry associations, including the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA).

For nearly 25 years, Meredith has worked as a renowned worldwide Evolutionary Astrologer, Intuitive Reader, Medium and Motivational Life Coach. She has studied astrology at Oxford University with today’s greatest astrologers.  Through her company Soul Navigation, she works to provide pragmatic tools that help people unlock their most powerful pathways, teaching how to manifest your best self. Almost three decades ago she quietly began growing her passion which has turned into an international and multifaceted business, giving over 85,000 readings to people around the globe. Meredith has more than 100,000 subscribers on her Soul Navigation YouTube channel where she teaches in-depth Astrology weekly, moving people past the clichés of sun sign astrology into deep understanding. Twice a year, Meredith hosts and produces astrology workshops stateside as well as in Spain. Recently, Meredith launched her first television pilot, "Murder Signs" with AMS Productions, probing the astrological dynamics at work between notorious murderers and their victims. She is deeply intuitive and enjoys sharing her gift and inspiring others to reach their highest calling. Meredith is an arts advocate – having worked in theatre and dance early on in her career where she oversaw marketing and events, and understands how tapping into intuition and creativity is vital for event professionals.  By reading your chart, Meredith unveils your past, present, and future selves, helping you navigate divine challenges. Specializing in love, relationships, and your soul's calling, she provides tools to manifest your highest self. Meredith's international business includes an astrology store and a membership program with over 1,000 members. She has conducted over 85,000 readings worldwide, passionately inspiring others through her work.

Jody Hall is the Founder and CEO of Wunderground Coffee, a company that aims to enhance the coffee drinking experience by adding adaptogenic mushrooms. Prior to this, Jody founded and served as CEO of Cupcake Royale/Verite Coffee, a popular cupcake bakery with multiple locations in Seattle. Jody was also the Founder and CEO of The Goodship, a premium edibles company that focused on creating high-quality cannabis-infused baked goods, confectionery, and chocolate products. Jody has experience working as a Marketing Promotions Manager for REI and held various marketing roles at Starbucks Coffee Company, including Hear Music Marketing Manager and Marketing Manager. She attended the University of Washington - Michael G. Foster School of Business in 2009-2010 for the Business Executive Development Program. Prior to that, from 1984 to 1988, Hall studied Business Administration and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University.

La Shanda Hurst, a Portland, Oregon native and Grambling State University alumna, is a Business Program Manager for Microsoft Philanthropies Employee Giving. She oversees events for the annual October Giving Campaign, disaster relief fundraising, Summer Intern participation, HBCU giving initiatives, and New Hire Orientations. Known for building strong community relations, La Shanda collaborates with prominent athletes and serves on multiple boards.

In 2023, she received the Distinguished 10 alumni award from Grambling State University for her exceptional contributions. She also chaired the Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Puget Sound Chapter. Her dedication to philanthropy led to a record-breaking $250 million fundraising milestone in 2023, benefiting nearly 35,000 organizations globally. La Shanda’s work exemplifies her passion for empowering communities and supporting meaningful causes.

​Ted Huetter is the Senior Public Relations and Communications Manager at the renowned Museum of Flight in Seattle. Representing the Museum he has spoken about aviation and space topics with media from around the world and has written dozens of articles on these topics. Huetter is the coauthor of the book Edwards Air Force Base, and is the author and photographer of a new book being published in October of this year, Waiting for Spaceships – Scenes from a Desert Community in Love with the Space Shuttle.

Bio coming soon!

Beth has produced large-scale, special events for 35 years as a producer and consultant in the events, sports and live entertainment industry. As president and CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission, she leads efforts to attract and host premier sporting events that shape the Puget Sound region, while providing valuable support to our professional and collegiate sports community. Through these efforts, Seattle has recently hosted the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regionals and MLB All-Star Game, the 2024 NHL Winter Classic and is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.   

Beth has held leadership roles with Seattle’s 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, Seafair, Bumbershoot, Summer Nights at the Pier concerts, Teatro ZinZanni and more. During her ten years leading Seafair, Beth helped bring the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon to Seattle and position the regional festival as a powerhouse in the community. She resurrected the City’s Fourth of July fireworks show in 2013, produced the Seahawks Super Bowl Victory Parade in 2014, and the Sounders FC 2016 and 2019 MLS Championship Cup March and Rally.  Beth is passionate about community and the power of sports to build a thriving region. 

Beth lives in Issaquah with her husband, Jim and is mom to twin 27-year old sons who both ended up in the events and hospitality business. 

With over 15 years experience in the global events industry, Cecilia has since the beginning of her career worked for a variety of prestigious events businesses including running her own events consultancy. Having worked in venues, catering and events production, Cecilia has spent the past 4 years in the events technology sector focusing on helping clients deliver innovative, creative and efficient events on a global scale with the help of event technology in the ever changing landscape. As the Global Strategic Growth Director for Evessio, a market leading events management platform for awards and conferences, Cecilia supports Evessio's partners and clients on a global scale ensuring they use event technology to provide efficiencies and being market leaders within the events space.  
 
Cecilia has for the past 12 years served in various regional and international positions within ILEA and she has currently been elected as the International President-Elect. 

Chloe Lee was raised in the Republic of West Papua, and calls Seattle her home in the USA. After a 13-year career as a corporate chef, Chloe began her journey into the healing arts. She became a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and co-founded Cascadia Forest Therapy, a non-profit cooperative. Years of personal practice of yoga and study of  Eastern mind sciences led Chloe to complete a Rasa Yoga teacher certification. Since then, she has been teaching yoga, meditation, and offering sound therapy, as well as maintaining a steady practice and studentship. Chloe is a primary contributor to Neo Myalo | New Mind, a company pioneering the use of plant and mineral essential oil formulas to enhance brain change. 

Chloe is a Medical Support and Clinical Hypnotherapist who specializes in helping her clients achieve mental freedom and physical healing. She is proud to be a fellow of the International Board of Hypnotherapy (IBH), which has the most stringent certification requirements of any hypnotherapy board in North America. Chloe is an expert in mind-change, lifestyle optimization, and whole-self healing. 

Denise Malo, DMCP, is Vice-President of Client Services for BBC Events in New Orleans, LA, and has over 30 years in the hospitality industry. She joined BBC Events 23 years ago, became a Director in 2004, and Vice-President in 2021. A graduate of the University of New Orleans, Denise has held various leadership roles, including President of ILEA New Orleans Chapter and 2024-25 ADMEI International President. Renowned for her skills in event production, program development, and logistics, Denise is passionate about educating future event producers and is known for her exceptional professionalism and enthusiasm.

An Emmy® and ADDY® award-winning producer with broadcast, branded content, and independent film experiences. As a documentary filmmaker, Stefanie has had her work featured at film festivals such as Big Sky and SIFF, and featured on PBS, Alaska Airlines, and National Geographic. Stefanie currently works with WETA Public Television as part of their National Programming team, working on strategic partnerships and engagement strategies around Ken Burns and Henry Louis Gates Jr programs. Stefanie is formerly the Executive Director of NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth), leading the operations and artistic direction of the festival for five years. Stefanie has her Master of Arts in Communication from Ohio University. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for NFFTY. She’s passionate about storytelling and loves connecting with people.

With over three decades of experience, Gwendolyn is a seasoned Regional External Affairs Manager at Comcast. She excels in leading employee volunteer programs and community impact events, fostering partnerships with nonprofits, and managing live events and sponsorships. Gwendolyn's dedication to the live events industry is evident in her role as president of the ILEA Board of Governors for the 2023-2024 term. Recognized among the Top 100 in Events for 2024 by the Black in Events Network and named one of the 2021 BizBash Connect Meetings Corporate 15 Over 50, she also received the 2019 NICE Lifetime Achievement Award. Her Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation and academic background in Speech and Corporate Communication underscore her expertise in event management. Additionally, she contributes to various industry publications highlighting her diverse talents and expertise.

Michael McMorrow is a renowned producer, musician, creative development and implementation leader of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most prestigious, innovative, large-scale civic and music events, television, music and film projects.  

His contributions to the Pacific Northwest run deep, from producing large scale civic events to concert productions featuring up-and-coming artists to world renown superstars. McMorrow’s work captures both a rich tapestry and unique perspective of the Pacific Northwest cultural landscape, while working globally to create art that moves and messages.  

Michael combines his passion for storytelling with his background in music, broadcast, large scale event production, film and television production with cutting edge technical production to create opportunities for other like-minded co-conspirators to collaborate and invent. 

For more Information: www.michaelmcmorrow.com     www.onetakellc.com   

Kevin began his career in NYC as an actor and director, eventually founding an award-winning theatre company. He worked with Tribeca Productions and transitioned to producing live events. In 2007, he moved to Austin, founded Brass Tacks Events, and later launched Celadore Creative and Celadore Innovation. Kevin is also a bestselling author and speaker.

Olivia Neal Howell is a seasoned professional with a deep passion for art, design, and
aesthetics. With a two-decade career in corporate apparel design, Olivia honed her skills in
project management, human development, and creative innovation before tapping into
entrepreneurial pursuits. She is known for her ability to break boundaries and think disruptively,
always pushing the envelope in her work and creative explorations, while preserving an
inclusive mindset that encourages collaboration and participation from others.
In 2019, Olivia founded The Olivia Neal Experience, Inc. (T.O.N.E.): a dynamic design studio and talent agency that focuses primarily on cultural productions. Under her leadership, T.O.N.E. has emerged as a one-stop destination for all things related to arts, culture, design, community, marketing, sourcing, and experiential events. Olivia's vision for the company is rooted in a 'CONNECT + CREATE' mindset, with the ultimate goal of bringing people together through
curated experiences that are truly unique and memorable.
With a commitment to fostering community and nurturing creativity, Olivia Neal Howell continues
to be a driving force who is dedicated to connecting people and cultivating distinctive, immersive experiences across various industries including fashion, music, tech, pop culture, athletics, and the arts. She is an active board member of the Allied Arts Foundation where youth arts and historic preservation reign supreme.

Elizabeth Nutting, CSEP graduated with a Degree in Drama from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. After working in the theatre industry as a set  designer and stage manager for 10 years, Elizabeth returned to school for a diploma in Event and Exhibit Design. Since joining the events industry, Elizabeth has become a passionate member of the International Live Events Association. In 2017, she was recognized for “her creative vision and determined execution” in her role as the ILEA Toronto President and was awarded the J. Robert Graves Pioneer Award.  Elizabeth now works as an Account Director at TK Events where she leads an award winning team of client relations experts.

Mary Ellen Reihsen is a national expert on legal issues impacting the hospitality and live events industry. She consults with business owners on business law and employment law from an industry-specific perspective. Mary Ellen is the Managing Partner of Hospitality & Events Law at Hellmuth and Johnson, PLLC.

With experience in corporate and employment law at a large national firm and a background as a high-end caterer, she understands the legal nuances of the events world. Since 2010, she has provided legal services to the events industry and contributed to professional groups and publications. She was named Notable Leader in Hospitality, Legal Counsel by Twin Cities Business Magazine in 2023.

Sarah has been in the food industry since her childhood, growing up and working in the garden with her family. A career with Beecher’s Handmade Cheese during and after college changed the way she thought about food and deepened her relationship to fully understand where food comes from. Going on with 8 years at Compass Group, she’s worked at both Microsoft and Amazon campuses. Sarah’s involvement in the event industry came as she propelled the marketing for Microsoft’s Eventions – the Event and Catering Department – on Campus. It led to her joining the Seattle ILEA Board as the Director of Communications from 2022 – 2023. Sarah also serves on the Board of Directors of Willamette Valley Vineyards in Oregon, a public winery with 10 outposts throughout Oregon and Washington.

Alison Sadel, Senior Customer Success Manager - Wix Enterprise. Alison got her start managing corporate events through partnership deals with law firms and banking institutions. In 2019 she pivoted into SaaS for both the Real Estate and Recruitment Marketing industries. For the last two years, Alison has been helping enterprise clients optimize their web presence at Wix.

With experience in corporate and employment law at a large national firm and a background as a high-end caterer, she understands the legal nuances of the events world. Since 2010, she has provided legal services to the events industry and contributed to professional groups and publications. She was named Notable Leader in Hospitality, Legal Counsel by Twin Cities Business Magazine in 2023.

Senter is an adjunct professor in the Hospitality Business Management program at Washington State University. She is also the event manager for the Carson College of Business and manages over 200 events a year. Senter is a member of the Samish Indian Nation and is a first-generation graduate holding a masters in post-secondary education. 

Paolo Tosolini is the founder of Tosolini Productions, an award-winning Seattle-based digital agency and innovation lab specialized in business storytelling with emerging media, including interactive touch screen solutions, 3D Virtual Tours, VR/AR, and AI. Before starting his own company, Paolo worked as Director of Emerging Media at RUN Studios, a major video production agency in Seattle. Prior to that, he was New Media Business Manager at Microsoft Corp, where he launched their internal YouTube platform for employee knowledge sharing. More information can be found at http://tosolini.com.

Storyteller. Spectacle designer. Teacher. World traveler. Inner journeyer.  

Long Island. Charlottesville. London. New York. Boston. Rhode Island. 

Big. Loud. Analytical. Involved.   

Marcus C. White, CMP, is CEO and Minister of Make It Happen at MCW Events, a boutique event agency specializing in making unforgettable moments. With over 30 years of expertise, Marcus specializes in crafting extraordinary experiences through collaboration and adaptation. A firm believer in the power of connection, Marcus has worked his magic across the globe for companies like GitHub, Salesforce, Slack, and Tableau. He finds his greatest source of inspiration in his incredible team and considers the humble Post-it Note an indispensable tool in his planning arsenal. When he’s not orchestrating remarkable events, you can find him indulging in his favorite treat: a classic maple bar donut. 

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