Upcoming gatherings
The next gathering will be announced soon. Members get the invitation by email.
Past gatherings
Every speaker who has joined us keeps a dedicated place here: their story, their session and the photographs from the day.
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About Fausto:
Co-founder of Blue Elephant Events and Catering, Maine Venue Partners, and Co-owner of Real Maine Weddings magazine, Fausto began his career in catering and event planning 40 years ago in Philadelphia. He has an eye for detail and production and is passionate about creating high-quality, memorable events for his wedding and corporate clients. Fausto is a member of the Leading Caterers of America, sits on the board of directors of the International Caterers Association and Seeds of Hope Community Center, and is a past President of the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club. He recently published his first book: Temporary Friends: A Caterer’s Guide to the Perfect Day.
Topic: Preferred Professional Currency is the idea of using strong professional relationships as a kind of goodwill currency. In this session, Fausto will share this concept that turns good professional relationships into a kind of collaborative currency you can draw on when needed. This exciting session will teach you how to turn your professional network into a resource that benefits everyone.
SUMMARY:
Learning Objectives: What knowledge, skills, or tools will attendees gain?
1. How to identify your own PPC network.
2. How to leverage your PPC network.
3. Take a bird’s eye look at PPC and understand that we all are equal in this equation.
4. Learn how to leverage your PPC network into a network of trusted industry partners.EVENT RESOURCES
Photo Gallery: HERE
Professional photography provided by Amanda Kluesner Photography. Members are welcome to use and share images with proper photo credit to @amanda_kluesner_photography.Videography: HERE
Professional videography provided by Dax Victorino Films. Members are welcome to use and share footage with proper credit to @daxvicctorinofilms.Full Audio Recording: HERE
Incase you couldn’t make the speaker presentation, members may enjoy the benefits of hearing our featured guest teaching audio on their own free time.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2026 · Tannenbaum Event Center
TWIG at Tannenbaum
Featuring Guest speaker Loni Peterson
About Loni:
Ready to turn your vision into reality? In this engaging and interactive session, CU Boulder professor Loni introduces the powerful GOST framework—Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics—to help you create a clear path forward. Through guided exercises and real-world examples, you’ll leave with your own personalized roadmap and actionable steps to achieve your next big goals. https://www.lonipeterson.com/
Topic:
Turn vision into action using GOST framework-Goals, Objectives, Strategies & Tactics-to create a clear roadmap & achieve meaningful results.
SUMMARY:
Ready to step into your next chapter with clarity and purpose? This interactive session will guide you through the art of setting meaningful Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics (GOST)—a powerful framework for turning vision into reality.
Led by CU Boulder professor Loni, this engaging talk blends inspiration with hands-on practice. Together, we’ll explore strategic thinking, measurable outcomes, and practical planning—then craft your own personalized GOST roadmap.
What you’ll gain:
• A clear understanding of the GOST framework
• Tools to think and plan strategically
• Methods to measure progress and success
• A practical roadmap to achieve your goals while avoiding scope creepEVENT RESOURCES
Photo Gallery: HERE | Password: Tannenbaum
Professional event photography was provided by Keoma Zec Weddings. Members are welcome to use and share images with proper photo credit to @keomazecweddingphotography.
Videography: HERE | Professional event photography was provided by Dax Victorino Films Members are welcome to use and share images with proper photo credit to @daxvictorinofilms
Presentation Resources
📄 Loni Peterson Presentation Slides: HERE
🎧 Audio Recording of the Full Presentation: HERE
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About Ryan:
Ryan O’Neil, is a thought leader in the special events industry, known for helping event professionals understand and apply technology and AI in practical, business-ready ways.
Ryan and his wife, Rachael, founded Twisted Willow Design in St. Louis, Missouri, where they experienced firsthand the operational challenges common to event businesses. That experience led Ryan to create Curate, a software platform that modernizes and automates the traditional event folder by connecting sales, proposals, and operations into a single system. He is also the creator of Prompy.app, a tool designed to help teams capture and reuse AI prompts at scale.
Having worked directly with thousands of event professionals, Ryan brings a candid, experience-driven perspective. His sessions focus on where the industry is headed, how AI is changing daily workflows, and what owners can do now to build stronger, more resilient event businesses.
Topic:
Topic: "From Inquiry to 5-Star Review — AI at Every Step"
Summary:
What if AI could make every stage of the client experience smoother, faster, and more personal? In this session, we’ll walk through the entire client journey — from first inquiry to final review — and show you exactly where AI can do the heavy lifting. Whether you’re a planner, coordinator, venue, or vendor, you’ll walk away with a practical roadmap for weaving AI into your workflow without losing the human touch that makes your business special.
"Tie the Knot in Tahoe."
What started as a fun collaborative exercise quickly became an anthem celebrating the creativity, innovation, and friendships that make our industry so special.
It was a reminder that when talented people come together, amazing things happen.
We’d love if you use our new Tahoe Anthem for IG, Tic Tock and more! You can use it on Instagram or on Tic Tock HERE
EVENT RECOURSES
Photo Gallery HERE I Password: Kirkwood
Professional event photography was provided by Keoma Zec Weddings. Members are welcome to use and share images with proper photo credit to Keoma Zec Weddings or @keomazecweddingphotography.
Presentation Resources:
💻 Ryan O’Neil Presentation Slides HERE
🎧 Audio Recording of the whole presentation HERE
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Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · Edgewood Tahoe
TWIG at Edgewood
Featuring Guest speaker Annie Lee (Daughter of Design)
Annie Lee
Principal Planner of Daughter of Design
About Annie:
Annie Lee, principal planner of Daughter of Design, author of Learn to Speak Wedding: Flashcards for Beginners, and founder of PLANNIE which is a global network of event planners that can be hired on an hourly basis. Annie Lee has been recognized in The 100 Most Influential Wedding Professionals index and named a top planner by The Knot, Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart, Brides, and PartySlate.
With 20 years of experience in the wedding industry, Annie is a passionate entrepreneur and problem-solver, driven to not only grow her businesses but also to transform the event industry. A champion of education and innovation, she strives to improve the industry’s landscape through creative business practices and empowering the community.
Annie, aka Annie Plannie, has earned the title of "The Wedding Doctor" by Refinery29, "The Party Planner" by New York Magazine, and has been recognized as a celebrity entertaining expert by People Magazine. She was also named “Woman in Action – Entertaining Expert” by Shape Magazine and featured in Modern Luxury Miami’s “Women of Style.” Her expertise has been highlighted in Vogue and on The Today Show.
According to her social media algorithms, Annie is a lover of K-dramas, history, life hacks, cats, home renovations, human rights, and eating food.
Annie is originally from Los Angeles and has since lived in New York City, Miami, and San Francisco.
Follow and get to know Annie before we meet!
IG: @PLANNIEevents @daughterofdesign
Website: www.daughterofdesign.comTopic:
The Customer Is Not Always Right: Modern Customer Communication and 3 Contract Edits Every Hospitality Business Needs
Summary:
The hospitality industry is facing a major shift in customer expectations, communication norms, and workforce dynamics. As demand for events is projected to grow by 18%, businesses can no longer rely on outdated “customer is always right” philosophies that strain teams and erode long-term sustainability.
This talk examines how customer service has evolved, where common policies are breaking down, and how unclear boundaries impact team morale, retention, and operational success. Attendees will learn how to balance exceptional client experiences with protecting their business and staff—and will walk away with three practical contract edits they can implement immediately to set healthier expectations, manage client relationships, and build a resilient workforce.
EVENT COVERAGE:
FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE
Professional event photography by Amanda Kluesner Photography. You are welcome to use the images for personal or professional sharing with proper photo credit to Amanda Kluesner Photography or @amanda_kluesner_photography. Please log in as a guest to access the gallery.FULL AUDIO RECORDING HERE
Members-only access to Annie Lee’s full presentation recording.ANNIE LEE PRESENTATION SLIDES HERE
Video coverage from Honey I Do Videography will be shared soon on our social channels: @Tahoe.Engaged
PLANNIE + PARTNER RESOURCES
JOIN THE PLANNIE APP HERE
Join as a planner or day-of producer.FREE PARTNER DIRECTORY + PERKS HERE
Follow: @PLANNIEevents
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Wednesday, October 1, 2025 · The Chateau at Incline Village
TWIG at The Chateau
Featuring Guest speaker Meghan Ely (OFD Consulting)
Meghan Ely
OFD Consulting
About Meghan:
OFD Consulting owner, Meghan Ely combines in-the-trenches event experience with a love of wedding PR to empower her clients to take their businesses to new heights.A long-time industry speaker and writer, she has regularly earned clients’ pressing such outlets as theNew York Times, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, People, Bridal Guide, Architectural Digest and Style Me Pretty, among many others. More recently, Eventex named her one of the most influential Wedding Professionals in theIndustry, and RSVP Club honored her as the 2025 Educator of the Year.Meghan is a past national president WIPA and is a member of the Allied Council for theNational Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals.
Topic:
2026 Wedding Trends
Get ready for a deep dive into the ideas, aesthetics, and innovations shaping weddings in 2026. In this session, Meghan Ely breaks down the trends that are poised to influence wedding pros everywhere—offering fresh insights and practical takeaways you can put to use immediately. Takeaways include: Influencer-driven looks and their real impact Trends that are shifting from “emerging” to “essential” Fresh approaches to décor, food, florals, and entertainment
EVENT COVERAGE:
FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE The full collection of photos from the event, just be sure to credit Amanda Kluesner Photography or @amanda_kluesner for usage.
FULL AUDIO RECORDING HERE
Access to Meghan Ely’s full presentation recording. -
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 · Sugar Bowl, Royal Gorge Scandinavian Tent
TWIG at Sugar Bowl
Featuring Guest speaker Brian Green (Bespoke Weddings)
Brian Green
Bespoke Weddings
About Brian:
INDUSTRY TRAILBLAZERS. DETAILED-FOCUSED. EXCEPTIONAL.By BrianGreen is an award-winning, global special events production firm + design company, connecting corporate and social event hosts to their audiences.WE ENGAGE AND INSPIRE – FOSTERING CONNECTIONS, AND SURPASSING OUR CLIENTS’ GOALS – THROUGH PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICES, CUSTOMIZED DESIGNS, CREATIVE IDEAS, GREAT PARTNERSHIPS AND ATTENTION TO DETAILWhether you are planning a retreat for 50, a luxury wedding for 200, a product launch for 300, gala for 500, or a conference for 1,500 – we ensure that each event is exceptionally managed and fabulous!
Topic:
From Breakdown to Boundaries – Better boundaries for your business
EVENT COVERAGE:
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Thursday, June 26, 2025 · Zephyr Lodge, Northstar
TWIG at Northstar
Featuring Guest speaker from Your Jubilee
Ashley & Meghan
Your Jubilee
About Ashley & Meghan:
Ashley Allan and Meagan Pinney are the dynamic duo behind Your Jubilee, a premier wedding and event planning company based in Arizona. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of weddings planned, they’ve built a reputation for creating meaningful, stylish events while empowering other creatives to grow profitable businesses on their own terms. Their success is rooted not only in their creative vision but in their ability to market, sell, and build relationships—even as self-described introverts. Whether planning a wedding or coaching a creative, Ashley and Meagan believe that you don’t need to be loud to be powerful—it just takes the right approach. In this talk, they’ll share how introverted entrepreneurs can sell with confidence, authenticity, and ease.
Topic:
Selling for the Introvert Entrepreneur
We’ll explore how to leverage your natural strengths to build authentic connections and drive sales without feeling overwhelmed.. This engaging presentation will uncover the unique qualities introverts bring to the sales table—like active listening, empathy, and thoughtful communication. You’ll learn practical strategies to craft compelling brand stories while developing a sales approach that feels genuine and effective.
EVENT COVERAGE:
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Thursday, May 8, 2025 · The Landing, South Lake Tahoe
TWIG at The Landing
Featuring Guest speaker Christie O. (Mountainside Media)
Christie Osborne
Mountainside Media
About Christie:
Christie Osborne is the founder and owner of Mountainside Media, a marketing consulting agency based in Mammoth Lakes, California, that specializes in data-driven marketing and analytics for event industry professionals and brands.
She helps clients develop scalable marketing strategies to increase inquiries, leads, and ROI by leveraging market research, ideal client development, and conversion optimization rather than relying on vanity metrics.
Osborne is a recognized national educator and thought leader who frequently speaks at major industry conferences such as NACE Experience, Catersource + The Special Event, WIPA, and the ABC Conference.
She is a regular contributor to top industry publications including Special Events Magazine, Catersource, Wedding Business Magazine, and NACE, where she shares insights on social media algorithms, Facebook ads, and crisis recovery for event pros.
Her professional background includes serving as the Director of Interactive Marketing for Mammoth Lakes Tourism, where she managed a million-dollar advertising budget, as well as bootstrapping the Mountainside Bride blog into a top-wedding resource.
Osborne is known for her "data nerd" approach, combining web metrics with social media data to create actionable frameworks that help service-based businesses supercharge their marketing efforts and achieve sustainable growth.
Topic:
Fix What’s Broken, Find What Works
EVENT COVERAGE:
