Sailing Through Choppy Political Waters: The Savvy Event Planner's Guide to 2026
Planning amazing experiences in today's climate requires more than just knowing the perfect appetizer pairings or how to negotiate with venues. Today's successful event planners need to be part diplomat, part crisis communicator, and part advocate for our attendees' wellbeing.
Finding Healing: My Experience at San Damiano's Grief Retreat
Nothing prepared me for this sudden deep loss. Nothing. All my tools, education, expertise - none of it meant anything facing grief this deep. Logic goes out the door. Thankfully, San Damiano had a grief retreat weekend planned for late November: "Pathways Through Grief: A Healing Journey" exactly when I needed it most.
The 8 Dimensions of You: A Self-Care Letter Before the Holidays
The holidays are coming, and while everyone's posting about gratitude and joy, many of us are quietly white-knuckling our way through overcrowded stores, draining bank accounts, awkward family dynamics, and a to-do list that somehow keeps multiplying. Wellness isn't just about what you eat or how many burpees you can survive. It's about all of you: the parts you celebrate, the parts you're working on, and the parts you didn't even know needed attention.
The Holidays Are Here - Let's Gift Like We Mean It
Gifts should feel human. They should spark genuine connection, support well-being, and reflect the thought you put into them.
Assisi Awaits: Your Next Unforgettable Italian Adventure
Forget the crowds of Rome and Florence (though they are a couple of my favorite cities in the world!) Assisi, perched dramatically on an Umbrian hillside, offers something increasingly rare: authentic Italian charm without the overwhelming tourist masses. The reward? Stunning medieval architecture, world-class cuisine, and that intoxicating sense of stepping back in time.
Healthy & Inclusive Food at Events Isn't Optional Anymore
there's one thing that can make or break an event, it's the food. A poor food experience can cast a dark shadow over an otherwise perfect gathering. When done right, food as entertainment can become the most memorable highlight: caviar bumps washed down with Veuve, or building your own Instagram-worthy s'mores station..
The Island That Teaches You to Breathe: A Maui Guide for Incentive & Wellness Programs
From luxurious properties that redefine relaxation to learning how to actually slow down (we all desperately need more of this), and yes, surviving my first snorkeling experience (more on that adventure below), I'm excited to share insights that'll help us craft your next unforgettable Maui program.
The Independent Advantage: Why Small Business Event Planners Deliver Big Results
Independent planners and small agencies operate with a fundamentally different business model than their larger counterparts. Without massive overhead costs or corporate quotas to meet, they can focus entirely on what matters most: delivering exceptional experiences for their clients (while saving money too!).
Stop Talking, Start Walking: Why Event Wellness Still Isn't Happening (And How to Fix It)
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.
Florence & Tuscany: Ancient Magic Meets Modern Luxury – Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Experiences
There's something absolutely magical about stepping into Florence that never gets old, no matter how many times I walk these Renaissance streets. 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.
The Wellness Intersection: Transforming Events Through Intentional Design
Skift Meetings' webinar "The Wellness Intersection" – a conversation that perfectly marries my two greatest passions: events and wellness. I was thrilled to dive deep into what wellness integration actually looks like when you're designing meaningful experiences for meeting and event attendees.