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Blog Posts by Samantha T. Marie, CMP
Get inspired and get connected!
Blog Posts by Samantha T. Marie, CMP
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7/28/2025 0 Comments Stop Talking, Start Walking: Why Event Wellness Still Isn't Happening (And How to Fix It)Picture this: You're sitting in an education session about the importance of diverse, healthy food options at events. The speaker shares compelling data about how highly rated these offerings are among planners and attendees. Everyone nods along, taking notes about dietary restrictions and inclusive catering. Then you walk into the evening reception and find... fried everything, processed meats galore, and barely a vegetable in sight. Welcome to too many situations recently where I've experienced this exact disconnect firsthand. Despite warm welcomes and great networking, the food situation is a perfect storm of everything we've been learning not to do. If you're a vegetarian or gluten-free, you are often staring at an empty plate. This is the wellness gap in events and hospitality in a nutshell: lots of talk, not enough walk. We know what to do. We have the research. We understand the benefits. So why aren't we doing it? The Five Excuses (And Why They Don't Hold Water) 1. "It's Too Expensive" I hear this one constantly, and honestly? It's the laziest excuse in the book. Wellness doesn't require hiring celebrity yoga instructors or serving $30+-per-plate superfood salads. Some of the most impactful wellness touches cost virtually nothing: guided breathing before sessions, strategically placed hydration stations, or simply offering a quiet room for introverts to recharge. Here's what really gets me excited about this rebuttal: wellness initiatives actually *reduce* costs in the long run. When you prevent burnout and increase satisfaction, you're looking at lower costs related to staff turnover, sick days, and disengaged attendees who don't return next year. Think of it as an investment in ROI, not just an added expense. Energized, present attendees engage more, stay longer, and become your best ambassadors. 2. "It Won't Appeal to Our Audience" Oh, you mean human beings with bodies and brains that need fuel, movement, and rest? Those humans? Wellness today isn't just for the yoga-and-kombucha crowd. Stretch breaks, natural light, ergonomic seating, nutritious snacks, and calm environments benefit every single person in your venue. We're talking about basic human needs here, not asking everyone to chant mantras (though if that's your vibe, go for it). The beauty is in the options. Some attendees will love a morning hike; others prefer journaling or simply having a cozy space to decompress. This is where strategy—my specialty—makes all the difference. Tailoring wellness options to match your specific culture and demographic is an art, not a one-size-fits-all approach. 3. "We Don't Have Time in the Agenda" This is backwards thinking. Integrating wellness doesn't replace your agenda—it enhances it. Short mindfulness or movement breaks of just 3-5 minutes actually increase retention, focus, and energy, making your sessions more effective. It's not time lost; it's time optimized. Bonus points: wellness breaks create natural transition points and help manage timing more smoothly. Your speakers will thank you, your attendees will be more engaged, and you'll look like the planning genius you are. 4. "We've Never Done It Before—We Don't Know Where to Start" An honest concern we can work with! This is exactly where having an expert guide makes the difference. You don't need to reinvent the wheel or risk a wellness experiment gone wrong. Start with small, low-risk pilots: a wellness welcome gift, guided breathing at opening, or one simple activation that fits your event's personality. Our background bridges both event flow and wellness strategy, which means we help teams adopt something new with confidence, not confusion. We're talking strategic implementation, not throwing wellness spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. 5. "Wellness Feels Too 'Woo-Woo' or Not Aligned with Our Brand" I get it—some brands are more buttoned-up than others. But here's the thing: wellness is science-backed, not just spiritual. Stress management, sleep hygiene, hydration, and emotional regulation are business-critical skills. Frame it as performance optimization or human-centered design if "wellness" feels too fluffy. Customize your language and activations to match your brand tone. Wellness can be sleek and techy, polished and co The ROI That Actually Matters Here's what gets me most excited about wellness-integrated event design: the return on investment isn't just about attendee experience and retention (though those benefits are substantial). It impacts your actual bottom line. Healthy alternatives often cost less than their processed counterparts. Many wellness activities can be implemented at low or no additional cost. When you thoughtfully weave wellness offerings throughout your event, you meet attendees where they are with their individual needs and preferences, maintaining energy and motivation throughout the entire program. At those nutrient-poor receptions that fall flat, providing even basic dietary alternatives won't cost significantly more—but it will prevent numerous attendees from feeling excluded, uncomfortable, or literally sick. That's not just bad hospitality; it's bad business. The Inclusive Design Imperative "Event design with wellness in mind" is incomplete if it's not planned holistically and inclusively. This means meeting attendees where they are, acknowledging that we all have different wellness needs, preferences, and limitations. The goal isn't to create a wellness retreat (unless that's specifically your event type). It's about weaving considerate, energizing, and inclusive elements throughout your existing program design to enhance rather than overshadow your core objectives. When event planners miss this mark—like serving exclusively processed, gluten-heavy, meat-centric options at a reception for event professionals who just spent the day learning about dietary inclusivity—it's a missed opportunity that affects real people in real ways. Let's Stop Talking and Start Walking
Wellness-integrated event design isn't just a trend—it's the future of creating experiences that truly serve our attendees. I'm passionate about helping event professionals discover practical, budget-friendly ways to implement these strategies without the overwhelm or guesswork. The disconnect between knowing and doing doesn't have to continue. With the right approach, any event can incorporate wellness elements that feel authentic to the brand, valuable to attendees, and feasible within budget and timeline constraints. Ready to bridge the gap? I'd love to chat about how wellness integration could transform your events. I'm offering complimentary 20-minute consultations to discuss specific strategies for your attendee demographic, brainstorm inclusive design solutions, or simply explore what's possible for your next event. No sales pitch—just genuine conversation between professionals who care about creating meaningful experiences that actually serve the humans in the room. Because at the end of the day, isn't that what great events are really about?
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7/21/2025 0 Comments Beyond Pride Month: The Year-Round Impact of LGBTQ+ Professionals on the Events IndustryRainbow flags may have been packed away until next June, but the influence of LGBTQ+ professionals on the meetings, events, and hospitality industry? That's a 365-day-a-year phenomenon that's reshaping how we do business—and your bottom line. Let's talk numbers, because data doesn't lie. While some folks are busy debating diversity initiatives in boardrooms, the LGBTQ+ community is quietly (and not-so-quietly) revolutionizing the events industry with their wallets, their expertise, and their innovative approaches to creating experiences that actually work for everyone. The $300 Million Reality Check Here's a fun fact that might make your CFO perk up: The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association's 1,200 members alone spend approximately $250,000 per event, totaling more than $300 million annually. That's not monopoly money, folks—that's real economic impact driving real business decisions. And before you think this is just about "niche markets," let's get something straight: one-third of these professionals plan six to 10 events per year and spend over $2 million annually. These aren't weekend Warriors planning bake sales—these are seasoned industry veterans with serious purchasing power and even more serious expertise. Experience That Money Can't Buy (But Definitely Pays For) Speaking of expertise, 34% of LGBTQ+ meeting professionals have 11 to 20 years in the industry. They're not just participants; they're the ones setting standards, creating innovations, and—plot twist—they've been quietly making your events better for decades. David Jefferys, founder of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, puts it perfectly: "We're a community that is educated, we're well compensated, we've been in the industry a long time, we plan a lot of meetings and we spend a lot of money." Translation? These professionals aren't just asking for a seat at the table—they're often the ones designing the table, catering the event, and making sure everyone feels welcome when they get there. The Inclusion Advantage: When Doing Right Does Right by Your Revenue Here's where it gets really interesting (and profitable): According to Temple University's School of Hospitality, 45% of planners make destination decisions based on diversity and inclusion factors. That's not a small subset of "woke" planners—that's nearly half the industry making business decisions based on inclusive practices. What does this mean for your venue, destination, or service? Simple: If you're not actively creating inclusive experiences, you're literally leaving money on the table. And in today's competitive landscape, can you really afford to alienate nearly half your potential market? Innovation Through Inclusion: The Ripple Effect The LGBTQ+ community hasn't just brought dollars to the industry—they've brought innovation. From pioneering inclusive registration forms and bathroom policies to creating speaker diversity standards and content that reflects varied experiences, these professionals have raised the bar for everyone. And here's the beautiful part: these innovations don't just make events better for LGBTQ+ attendees. They make events better, period. When you design for inclusion, you create experiences that work for introverts and extroverts, different cultural backgrounds, various accessibility needs, and yes, different sexual orientations and gender identities. It's not about special treatment—it's about smart event design. The Business Case for Year-Round Commitment Let's address the elephant in the room: political uncertainty. While some companies might be tempted to pull back on diversity initiatives when the political winds shift, the smart money is doubling down. Why? Because the LGBTQ+ community and their allies represent a massive, loyal, and growing market segment that values authenticity over lip service. Organizations like the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), founded in 1983, have created dedicated networks of welcoming businesses that consistently outperform their less inclusive competitors. These aren't feel-good initiatives—they're revenue-generating strategies that create sustainable competitive advantages. Where Soul Meets Strategy: The OmniEra Difference
Here's the thing about OmniEra: inclusivity isn't a marketing strategy for us—it's literally in our DNA. Born in 2002 by a couple of artistic misfits from the San Francisco Bay Area rave scene, the mantra "Peace, Love, Unity & Respect" was embedded in our culture. From renegade dancers to visual artists pushing boundaries, our team emerged from spaces where diversity wasn't debated—it was celebrated. While most of our events turned corporate in our second decade, we've kept that same soul. We don't think it's radical to be nice and treat others with respect; we think it's smart business. When we talk about the $300 million impact of LGBTQ+ professionals, we're not just citing statistics—we're recognizing our community. When we design events where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and seen, we're not checking boxes—we're creating the conditions for real ROI. The LGBTQ+ community has been shaping this industry for decades, bringing expertise, innovation, and significant economic impact. The question isn't whether you can afford to embrace this community—it's whether you can afford not to. Because while Pride month may be over, the business impact of inclusive practices is just getting started. And frankly, that's something worth celebrating every month of the year. Ready to plan and create profitable experiences that reflect real respect? Let's talk about how OmniEra can help you tap into diverse professional networks and create moments of light that drive real ROI—no matter what darkness the world throws our way. 7/14/2025 0 Comments Florence & Tuscany: Ancient Magic Meets Modern Luxury – Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable ExperiencesThe first time I laid eyes on the city of Florence, I declared, "the word 'beautiful' must have originated in Firenze!" – and every moment I've spent there since has held true to my original thoughts. There's truly no other location in the world I've yet encountered that emulates such beauty with passion, culture, art, architecture, history, proudness, strength, inspiration, and delicate thought. There's something absolutely magical about stepping into Florence that never gets old, no matter how many times I walk these Renaissance streets. The jaw-dropping moment people have when they first turn a corner to lay eyes on the majestic Duomo with its mesmerizing green and white marble, the breathtaking panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo, walking through piazzas filled with charming shops and osterias – and knowing it's the perfect homebase for taking just a short drive through the Tuscany hillside to Chianti regions of some of the most charming yet majestic wine regions in the world. Envision the way the golden light hits the Duomo's façade at sunset, the excited whispers when your group first glimpses Michelangelo's David, or watching colleagues bond over a perfectly aged Chianti in a centuries-old cellar – these are the moments that transform ordinary trips into extraordinary experiences. The pride and care that go into curating delicious wine and food can whet anyone's appetite and immerse them completely in Tuscan fare. After curating bespoke adventures throughout Tuscany, I can confidently say this region offers everything discerning travelers seek: world-class culture, exclusive culinary experiences, and that perfect blend of sophistication and authentic Italian charm that makes incentive and group travel truly rewarding. Whether your group is looking for a retreat, the next milestone location for your incentive travel program, or just to celebrate any of life's monumental occasions, Florence and Tuscany need to be on your must-have travel list. Florence: Where Renaissance Meets Remarkable Group Experiences The Views That Stop Conversations Mid-Sentence Let me paint you a picture: your group arrives at Piazzale Michelangelo just as the sun begins its descent over Florence. Suddenly, the chatter stops. Everyone reaches for their phones, but then puts them down again, realizing some moments are meant to be savored. This panoramic vista – with the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and terracotta rooftops stretching to the Tuscan hills – is the perfect setting to start evening receptions. There's something about this view that instantly elevates any group dynamic, and it's my favorite view in Firenze! For corporate events, arrange a private sunset aperitivos here with a local sommelier who shares stories about the families behind those distant vineyard lights. It's intimate enough for executive retreats yet spectacular enough to wow larger incentive groups. Art That Inspires (Without the Crowds) The Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia are non-negotiable stops, but here's the insider secret: skip the lines and the crowds with exclusive after-hours access. Arrange private viewings where groups have the entire Uffizi to themselves, champagne in hand, while our expert guide shares stories about the Medici family's power plays and artistic patronage. Standing alone with Michelangelo's David is a profoundly moving experience that your group will discuss for years. These aren't just museum visits – they're carefully orchestrated moments that create lasting bonds between colleagues and friends. Gardens Where Business Becomes Pleasure The Boboli Gardens offer something special for groups seeking a more relaxed setting. Host everything from strategic planning sessions among the Renaissance sculptures to elegant lunch receptions in the garden's hidden grottos. The amphitheater provides a natural venue for team-building activities with a view that spans the entire city. Tuscany: Where Wine, Wisdom, and Wonder Converge Chianti Adventures That Go Beyond the Ordinary Tuscany's rolling hills aren't just postcard-perfect – they're the backdrop for some of the most meaningful experiences I've ever curated. My favorite route winds through historic estates where families have been perfecting their craft for generations. Tenuta Torciano offers more than exceptional wine tastings. Their olive oil and balsamic experiences can turn into impromptu cooking classes where your group learns to create the perfect bruschetta while sharing stories over glasses of their acclaimed Sangiovese. The warmth of the family owners creates an atmosphere where business relationships naturally deepen into genuine friendships. At Grieve in Chianti, history comes alive. The estate's medieval towers and Renaissance courtyards provide an incredible setting for intimate dinners, while their wine cellars – some dating back 500 years – offer the perfect venue for exclusive tastings. Imagine watching your group discover rare vintages while learning about the estate's role in centuries of Tuscan history. The Wine Windows: A Pandemic Story with Renaissance Roots Here's a conversation starter your group will love: Florence's famous "wine windows" (buchette del vino) were originally created during the 1600s plague to allow wine sales without human contact. During our recent pandemic, these Renaissance-era solutions were resurrected, creating a delightful bridge between past and present. We can incorporate these charming details into our walking tours, showing how innovation and adaptation are timeless Tuscan traits – perfect inspiration for forward-thinking corporate groups. Culinary Experiences That Create Lasting Memories Food & Wine Tours That Feel Like Insider Secrets Let me give you access to exclusive food and wine walking tours that reveal Florence's hidden culinary gems – the family-run trattoria where locals gather after work, the century-old salumeria where they'll slice prosciutto paper-thin just for your group, and the wine bar tucked into a medieval alley where you'll taste regional varieties unavailable anywhere else. These aren't tourist traps; they're carefully curated experiences that showcase authentic Florentine culture while providing natural opportunities for team bonding and meaningful conversations. Dining in Ancient Caves: Where History Meets Haute Cuisine One of the most requested experiences takes groups into centuries-old caves beneath Florence for an authentic food and wine journey. These underground chambers, carved from living rock, create an atmosphere unlike anything your group has experienced. Local chefs prepare traditional Tuscan dishes while sommelier guides share wines from the region's most prestigious estates. The acoustics are incredible for toasts and speeches, and the unique setting sparks conversations that continue long after the evening ends. It's particularly popular for milestone celebrations – imagine marking a major corporate achievement or a 50th birthday in a setting that's remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. Luxury Accommodations That Elevate Every Moment Where Your Group Calls Home The right hotel can transform a good trip into an unforgettable experience. For groups seeking the ultimate in Florentine luxury, I recommend properties: Portrait Firenze - This luxury property stands out among Florence's most prestigious hotels, offering intimate sophistication perfect for executive groups. Located steps from the Ponte Vecchio, it provides exclusive access to private terraces overlooking the Arno River, ideal for cocktail receptions and strategic planning sessions with unparalleled views. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze - Set within two Renaissance buildings (Palazzo Della Gherardesca and La Villa) surrounded by one of the city's largest private gardens, this property offers a 2-floor spa and Michelin-star restaurant. Every suite is a masterpiece featuring ancient paintings and sculptures, with options like the Royal Suite with original Baroque frescoes and the Presidential Suite with its windowed hallway. The 11-acre private park provides an exclusive setting for group events, while their iconic Ponte Vecchio terrace offers gourmet dining experiences curated by Michelin-starred chefs. Hotel Davanzati - A beautifully restored medieval palace in the heart of Florence, where your group can enjoy exclusive use of private salons for meetings or receptions. The rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the Duomo and serves as an ideal venue for welcome dinners or farewell celebrations. Villa San Michele - Perched in the hills above Florence, this former monastery offers breathtaking views and unparalleled privacy for executive retreats. Their private gardens and terraces can be exclusively reserved for your group, creating an intimate atmosphere for strategic planning sessions or celebratory events. Each property I work with understands the unique needs of group travel – from flexible dining arrangements to private meeting spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration. Why Your Group Deserves the Insider Advantage
After years of perfecting experiences, I've learned that the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one lies in the details. It's knowing which winemaker will share their family's secret recipes, which restaurant will prepare a private tasting menu, and which hidden courtyards offer the perfect setting for group photos. Whether you're planning a corporate incentive trip, an executive retreat, or celebrating a milestone birthday extravaganza with your closest friends and family, Florence and Tuscany offer unlimited possibilities for creating meaningful connections and lasting memories. The Renaissance masters understood that great art requires both vision and meticulous execution. Your group travel deserves the same attention to detail. Ready to explore how Florence and Tuscany can transform your next group experience? Let's discuss the possibilities – I'd love to share more insider secrets and help you create something truly extraordinary! I just wrapped up my 7th World Education Congress by Meeting Professionals International—my first time in St. Louis, Missouri—and it reconfirmed its place as one of my favorite conferences to attend every year. As a lover of our events industry and admittedly obsessed with learning (okay, committedly obsessed!), I get genuinely excited scanning the sessions and planning my schedule each year. This year, with some transitional direction in my career, I focused more on marketing, branding, and AI topics, with some DEIA and communication sessions thrown in for good measure. Of course, I can't forget about all those wonderful networking receptions—meeting new people, sharing ideas, and catching up with peers who have grown to become genuine friends. Getting There: The 5 AM Struggle is Real Flying from the San Francisco Bay Area to St. Louis with a 5 AM alarm was pretty painful (if you know me at all, you know I'm not a morning person). But I was thankful to arrive the day prior to the start of the three-day congress. Landing at STL, I was greeted with the welcoming WEC branding at the host airport, as usual. Pro tip from someone who's learned the hard way: I've arrived on the day of kickoff a couple of times, and it makes for a very tired and jet-lagged experience that I never seem to recover from. Arriving at my hotel—Embassy Suites downtown—shortly after 4 PM worked perfectly, giving me time to grab something to eat and settle in for the evening, waking up fresh-faced and ready to go! Day 1: Stadium Lights and Learning Curves Day 1 kicked off with registration and meetups as we eased into educational programming. I sat in on sessions covering current and upcoming trends in meetings and events, what planners are looking for in venues and event design, sustainability, food and beverage options, and checked out the trade show to get the lay of the land. The opening reception took us to Busch Stadium with a fun welcome featuring cheerleaders and dancers that paved the way to our entrance. Unfortunately—and ironically after sitting through sessions about what planners and attendees are looking for, particularly regarding food and beverage and healthier options—there wasn't much I could eat without getting sick. If you didn't eat red meat or gluten, I'm sure you would have starved. Fried, processed meat foods were everywhere with nary a vegetable in sight. I broke my fast with a large scoop of guacamole before attempting to partake in foods that don't agree with me (like meatballs and a hot dog), and subsequently felt like a rock was in my stomach fairly quickly. Note to event planners everywhere: This was a perfect example of not knowing your audience. I met someone who also couldn't eat dairy or tomatoes, and I couldn't estimate how many vegetarians were present who couldn't eat much either, or my fellow gluten-free friends who have a much more difficult time processing gluten—if they're even allowed to have it touch anything else. Hopefully, enough people gave feedback on the lack of food options so mistakes like this won't happen in the future. That said, it was enjoyable to be on the field, see some fireworks, and experience a live performance by Digital Underground—I've been a fan since I was a kid—with Shock G's son performing to carry on his father's torch. The warm rain came pouring down just as we were making our way to the shuttles back to our hotels. Thankfully, I grabbed my WEC jersey to put over my head while waiting for the shuttle drivers to open the doors. A post-reception snack was definitely in order, where I was able to grab a very yummy sandwich with actual non-processed food, and topped off my night with a rosé with a good friend and peer. Day 2: Education Reigns Supreme Day 2 was all about education. While many of my sessions focused on marketing and branding with a bit of AI, I was able to sit in on a particularly impactful session: "When DEIA is a 4-Letter Word & Why Belonging Still Matters." With everything going on in our current political climate, it was refreshing to hear how our industry is still keeping focus on the important matters of inclusion and diversity. As long as there are people, there will be diversity. We are all not the same, and celebrating our differences while including everyone not only makes us unique but makes us stronger companies and creates more innovative events. And if common sense and decency doesn't convince you—DEI is good for your ROI. Let's chat about ways you can celebrate and get creative with DEI in your work or events! I also had a one-on-one chat with the fabulous career strategist and executive coach, Vimari Roman. Vimari and I originally met at MPI's WEC in 2020—yes, pandemic WEC, where the usual June conference moved to November and was held in Grapevine, Texas (it also happened to be held over election day—fun times, but that's a story for another day). Vimari has given me great support and advice over the years, and I love recommending her to others looking for new or clearer direction in their careers. You can reach out to her on LinkedIn, or I'll be happy to share the inside scoop on a special promo she's having for a limited time if you message me quickly enough. 😉 One of my favorite sessions was on branding and social media with Tisha Holman that afternoon. I enjoyed her talk and content so much I picked up her book "The Social Media Makeover" and am looking forward to diving into it! Whether we do marketing as part of our job description, own our own business, or are just looking to advance in our industries, having a personal brand and clarifying what that is—and who your target market is—will take you far! After Tisha's session, I joined one of the biggest thought leaders currently in meetings and events, Eric Rozenberg of Event Business Formula. He gave great reminders on how to manage our time efficiently and what our focus should be—not to get lost in the minutia. I jotted down notes to design my ideal week and to start listening to his podcast of the same name. This day is usually reserved for a variety of receptions including the President's dinner and the MPI Foundation's Rendezvous, and this year was no exception. I began my evening walking a couple of blocks to the DEI/Pride reception, passed by the Southwest Pacific reception with a bunch of my Northern California Chapter comrades, and headed to the Destination California reception at a pseudo-rooftop sky lounge before dinner with See Monterey at Ruth's Chris just outside of the St. Louis Arch—which made for a great photo opportunity before settling in for our long evening. Needless to say, three hours later I was ready for bed and ready for our final day. Day 3: Storytelling, Leadership, and Learning to Say No Leanne Calderwood, another great industry thought leader best known for her LinkedIn strategies, held two sessions I was able to join: one on Storytelling (because how do you create a memorable brand story or catch your audience's attention—even if it's an audience of one?) and another on Thought Leadership. Knowing your strengths is key to developing the type of leader you want to be! Ironically, one session I thought was going to be perfect for me turned out not to be. There's so much great education at WEC, it's hard to pick just one when three great options overlap. I switched one of my picks to a topic on how to say "no" more often... Having not too long ago served on three boards of directors in different industry associations while being an active volunteer for two others, saying no is something I perpetually have to work on—especially since I juggle multiple contracts, maintain multiple certifications, and continue to take at least one class per semester. Unfortunately, the main theme was aimed at people who felt like they needed to be people pleasers, not for this overachiever who needs to learn to say no to herself and not believe she can do everything at once—no matter how hard she wants to believe and try. So into another session I went after about 15 minutes. Though I had to fly back that evening and miss the closing reception (sorry, Nelly!), I did attend the closing lunch sponsored by next year's WEC host, San Antonio. The entryway of branded water and mini margaritas in tiny Patrón bottles were a nice touch. I have yet to visit San Antonio, though I have sourced there before, and am looking forward to attending next year. I'm thankful to have sat down with a representative from their CVB this past year to ask some tough questions that my clients have regarding holding meetings and events in that state—particularly if you're a woman or in the LGBTQ+ community—and I was grateful to hear about the positive support systems that San Antonio has in place to make those marginalized communities feel safe, welcome, and secure. More on that another time! The Takeaway All in all, my 7th WEC experience was a great one, with fabulous education, decent networking experiences, and thankfully—enough sleep. I love taking what I've learned and the connections I develop back to my peers and clients. As someone who's passionate about creating inclusive, innovative, and impactful events, I'm always eager to share insights and strategies that can elevate your meetings and events. Whether you're looking to incorporate more DEI elements, need help with venue sourcing, or want to discuss the latest trends in event design and attendee experience, I'm here to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. Did anything I shared peak your interest? Let's talk! 🎉 Ready to elevate your next meeting or event? I'd love to help you create something extraordinary. Reach out to discuss how we can bring your vision to life while ensuring every attendee feels valued and engaged. |
AuthorSamantha Marie Archives
September 2025
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