Alena first started in film production working on such projects like, Steve Buscemi’s directorial debut, Trees Lounge. She eventually transitioned to events within the film, television, nonprofit and corporate industry. A couple of highlights includes scheduling 550 meetings in four days to creating a flawless event featuring His Holiness the Dali Lama. Alena has worked with clients like: the New York Food & Wine Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, The Rockefeller University, Tribeca All Access, CineWomen NY, Burson-Marsteller, and HBO.

She holds an Executive MBA in Media Management from the Metropolitan College of New York and a certificate in Producing at New York University.

Alena is currently working on a conference at the Trinity Institute, followed by the Harlem EatUp Festival. She is also transitioning her expertise online to teach others how to create personal events for their friends & family by using some of the lessons she learned over the last 20 years.

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as (name):  Alena Powell

I am wicked good at (brag!): Compartmentalizing

Least favorite house chore:  Washing Dishes

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: New York Style Cheesecake w/vanilla ice cream a la mode

Favorite App: Exit Strategy (Tells you which NYC subway car to sit in to get to the closest exit)

Favorite quote: “Book Smart doesn’t mean anything, if you don’t have Common Sense” – Bettye Powell (Mom)

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Event Planner

Professional Superpower:  Queen of Logistics

My primary role in the events industry is: Production Logistics

Years in the events industry: 20 years

To me, being an event hustler means: Finding a way to get it done

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: how small the event world is and how many people are willing to help out and pitch in for the betterment of the event

How did you get your start in the events industry? I was hired to work as a production assistant at a corporate production company

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Printing Name Badges

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I’m an introvert

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Guy – 1st Album and Depeche Mode – Music for the Masses 

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: Model or Lawyer

Text or phone call?: Both

Android or iphone?:  iPhone of course!

Toilet paper roll – Over or under?: Under

Connect with Alena

Social links Website: StressFreePartyPlanning.com
Instagram:.instagram.com/alenapowell/
Facebook: facebook.com/StressFreeParty
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alenapowell

Executing the creative license, and expanding beyond the box.

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Janine Just

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: JJ

I am wicked good at: Connecting emerging brands to the right audiences.

Least favorite house chore: Doing the dishes.

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Fried chicken, anything with sugar, ice cream….oh wait, did you just want one?

Favorite App: YouNow since I’m obsessed with watching BS and Glory every Thursday night @ 9pm.

Favorite quote: “I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” — Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, Steel Magnolias

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Chief Connectologist

Professional Superpower: “Connecting” brands to the right media outlets and marketing partners.

My primary role in the events industry is: Showcasing emerging brands to our media relationships and garnering some great press placement for them. Putting together event experiences has been the best way to make those achievements.

Years in the events industry: 14, yikes!

To me, being an event hustler means: Carrying boxes in heels, picking up empty glassware all while greeting guests and making sure you have constant attention of the room.

he top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: The ever evolving technology you need to keep with to make sure you stand out from the rest and long-wearing lipsticks don’t last. Can I put in a request?

How did you get your start in the events industry? I was working full-time at Del Frisco’s during college and assisted with the Special Events Department. I always need to “create” and love creating a memorable experience.

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Just one??? Party crashers and the inevitable of hearing, “where’s my gift bag?”

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I’m a decent dancer, just not with ballet. I’m not flexible like that.

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: That’s really tough to do JUST two, but I might go with Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill and Billy Joel’s The Complete Albums Collection.

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: An artist selling my artwork in a gallery. I still have time to revisit.

Text or phone call? Text

Android or iPhone?  iPhone

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? Under. I freak when I see “over” and have to correct immediately.

Connect with Janine:

Email:  janine@janinejust.com

Telephone: 646-543-6301

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@JanineJustInc or https://twitter.com/TechStyleNYC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JanineJustInc or https://www.instagram.com/TechStyleNYC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanineJustInc/ or https://www.facebook.com/techstylenyc/?fref=ts

Jenise Fryatt has been using social media platforms to implement consistent and comprehensive content marketing strategies since 2009.

As Content Marketing Strategist for digital marketing and content management company, Smarter Shift, she has employed these methods, in addition to in-person outreach, speaking and education, in furthering the marketing goals of the company as well as its clients.

She has served as moderator for three regular Twitter chats and founded the popular #ContentChat which focuses on topics of interest to content marketers.

She has been a regular blogger on various sites (including Cvent & Smarter Shift) on the topics of social media and events as well as on applied improvisation and sustainable living.

Her conference presentations and workshops have focused on the topics of social media for business and events; applied improvisation and content marketing.

She co-authored two research papers for Meeting Planners International (MPI): one on The Strategic Value of Virtual Events and another on Hybrid Events.

Currently she is co-host of The Sustainable Living Podcast providing tips, tools and tactics for living a heart-centered life that honors Mother Earth and her inhabitants.

She is also preparing to launch an online course entitled, “A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Yearly Event Online.”

A yoga instructor and long-time meditator, Jenise seeks to integrate a mindful approach to all of her work. She believes the key to this, and to virtually every other problem humans encounter, lies in cultivating a heart-centered life.

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Jenise Fryatt

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: lyksumlikrish, Jenise Stout

I am wicked good at: content marketing strategy, yoga, sustainable living

Least favorite house chore: picking up my dog’s “accidents”

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: rhubarb pie

Favorite App: Instagram

Favorite quote: Everybody has a right to make an ass out of themself. You can’t let the world judge you too much – Maude, Harold & Maude

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Content Marketing Strategist

Professional Superpower: Consistency, analytics tracking, the ability to learn new things

My primary role in the events industry is: Educating event professionals about how to market events online.

Years in the events industry: 30+ (as part owner of an audio visual company)

To me, being an event hustler means: Listening to attendees and using what you learn to make their event experience more valuable.

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: #1 – Event planners are fun and amazingly creative. #2 – Planning an event is hard work but thoroughly rewarding.

How did you get your start in the events industry? My husband and I started an audio visual business in 1990.

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: When organizers will not consider the value of encouraging social media use by attendees at their events.

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I am a former improv performer. I’m also co-host of The Sustainable Living Podcast.

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: A scientist or an actress

Text or phone call? Text

Android or iPhone?  iPhone

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? Over!

Connect with Jenise:

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Maribel Rivera

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: Mari, Mar, Bella, Maribella

I am wicked good at: Putting on a great event. Problem solving. Social media including posting inspirational quotes daily. Being a beach bum. I’m also a phenomenal networker connecting with people and connecting them with others daily. I almost forgot shopping. I am wickedly good at shopping.

Least favorite house chore: Ironing. It seems to be a project and that’s why I bought a steamer.

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Chocolate chip cookies for the win. I can eat a whole box of Chips Ahoy in one sitting.

Favorite App: Influenster, but I also like LinkedIn and am now getting into Snap Chat. It’s the face filters.

Favorite quote: Only one? I did say I am wicked good at inspirational quotes. “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” – Paulo Coelho

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Principal but I may have to borrow Chief Unicorn. Better yet just call me Chief Make-It-Happen.

Professional Superpower: Shape Shifting. In events its great to be organized and by the book but flexibility is often necessary. Shape shift to fit the needs of the event, attendees, etc.

My primary role in the events industry is: Event Management and marketing. I build it and promote it before, during and after.

Years in the events industry: 9 years.

To me, being an event hustler means: Doing everything it takes to make sure that every person in that room walks away feeling like they were special. You hustle to make that happen.

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: 1) No event is ever 100% perfect or the same even if it is a cookie cutter event. Things can go wrong; you just have to be flexible enough to plan for every possible problem. 2) Herding! It’s an invaluable skill and you become an expert at rounding up people and getting them to where they have to be.

How did you get your start in the events industry? My eagerness to learn and expand my skills got me started. I was an executive assistant and wanted to take on new responsibilities. The global marketing team tasked me to work on internal events and sales events. I took on the task and was instantly hooked. There was never a dull moment and there was always a new learning opportunity. And I think my organizational skills played a big part in me continuing to grow in the industry. It still hasn’t changed.

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Venues that are supposed to serve hot food but it is always very cold. That is biggest pet peeve.

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I have 8 sons – two of my own and 6 others that came to live with me when they were each pre-teens or early teens and now they’re all in their early 30s to early 20s and they tower over me.

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Any Marc Anthony album and Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller.

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: A lawyer. My dad told me I loved to argue a point. I also wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.

Text or phone call? Phone call

Android or iPhone?  Android is life.

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? It should always be over. I’m OCD and will walk into a bathroom and fix it if it isn’t. And if you look at the original patent submission it’s supposed be over.

Connect with Maribel:

Email

Telephone: (347) 871-6632

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Shannon is very passionate about events and technology! With a decade of paralleled experience in both the event and tech industries, she comes with a wealth of sales and marketing experience working with some major technology giants such as Blackberry, SAP, and EventMobi. She was also a social event entrepreneur for 9 years specializing in south asian weddings in Toronto, until 2015 when her company got acquired. In 2010, she graduated with a Masters in Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology from Canada’s #1 Ivy League university (University of Waterloo), which propelled her further into the strategic realm of emerging technology.

Today, Shannon is the Director of Sales & Industry Relations for the event technology provider Attendease in Vancouver, BC. She works with customers around the world like Adobe, SXSW & Pivotal to elevate their event strategy to effectively meet their organization’s global event objectives. This year, it was with great excitement Shannon received PCMA’s meeting industry accolade “20 in their 20’s”.

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Shannon DeSouza, MBET

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: Fancy D, Desouza, Shan, Shandy, ShanGirl, Dee

I am wicked good at: I’ve honestly become outstanding at planning a supremely stylish wedding, so much so I can whip one up within a month! I would say it’s one of those things I could “do in my sleep”.

Least favorite house chore: Dishes – I’m soooo spoiled, my husband is amazing and never lets me touch the dirty ones; some how I have even gotten away with unloading the clean ones! LOL

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: President’s Choice Ketchup Chips – this is a Canadian specialty. When you come to Canada be sure to buy at least 5 bags, they are insanely addictive!

Favorite App: Since moving across Canada, SnapChat has been my life line to keep in touch with my friends all across the globe! It makes me feel like I still am a big part of their lives, as they share the moments that are too intimate for mainstream social media.

Favorite quote: “The pain you feel today, will be the strength you feel tomorrow”

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Director, Sales & Industry Relations, Attendease

Professional Superpower: Focus – When I make a decision to do something, I am committed and focused on a successful execution – no matter what!

My primary role in the events industry is: Event technology educator & solution sales person

Years in the events industry: 3 years in corporate events, 9 years in social events (parallel)

To me, being an event hustler means: Getting the job DONE! From tear down to closing the deal, having the right attitude and work ethic will ensure the objective is met.

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: 1) How amazingly nice EVERYBODY is! 2) All the ego’s are checked at the door.

How did you get your start in the events industry? I would say my passion for event design, and wanting to be a part of ever lasting love is the real reason I started my wedding planning business 9 years ago. Once I got the process and flow of that down, I continued to stay in the industry as I really enjoyed creating and growing a business. In my transition to the corporate events industry, Bob Vaez gave me my start at EventMobi 3 years ago – after writing (what I could now foresee as a completely insane) cover letter; he created a unplanned role for me as he believed I had a very unique background in events, tech, sales and marketing which he then fostered and harnessed into the #eventprof I am today 🙂

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Chicken as the only entree option at events – I’m a red meat kind of gal!

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I became an entrepreneur at the age of 20, and my business was able to get acquired 9 years later.

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Ne-Yo: Year of the Gentleman & Ginuwine: The Life

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: Oh my gosh – best question ever! I don’t think anyone (who has ever met me today) will really believe me – I wanted to be a Catholic Nun! At the time I was very close to my mother’s brother who was a priest. I became quite religious at a young age, and had been putting in a lot of volunteer time at a Catholic nun childcare facility – needless to say I had a great experience and saw them as positive and productive role models in society. My aspirations at the age of 10 even went as far as wanting to complete my Masters in Social Work before heading to the convent. Wow, that was a #WayBackPlayBack

Text or phone call? Phone call

Android or iPhone?  Android

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? I’m not that particular, doesn’t matter as long as there is some lol

Connect with Shannon:

Email: shannon@attendease.com

Telephone: 604-332-4475

Twitter: @Fancie_D //@Attendease

Instagram: @Fancie_D

Facebook

Kreg builds stuff. He is best know for founding SpinGo – Event Engine. SpinGo has gathered and distributed content for more than 5 million events nationwide. SpinGo is dedicated to providing integrated solutions for 200,000+ event makers to efficiently list, promote, and manage their events.

SpinGo was named Internet Company of the Year, Tech Startup of the Year, and Fastest Growing Tech Company of the Year in 2014.

Prior to SpinGo, Kreg founded Spin Media Marketing, Inc. providing clients with strategy, product development, marketing, and technology solutions to drive innovation and growth. He has a proven record for success, developing and managing strategies and products for a variety of clients including Bonneville International, Media News Group, Broadweave Networks, FreeLinc, Navteq, and Experticity.

Kreg has taught and lectured at Brigham Young University and sat on panels for Invented in Utah and the Chinese Association for Science and Technology. He has participated in a variety of associations including the Utah Technology Council, Digital Cinema Initiatives, Audio Engineering Society, and Apple Developer Community. Kreg was a member of Governor Herbert’s China Trade Delegation and traveled with him to China to support various community, education, business, and technology initiatives.

Kreg began his production reputation with Academy Award-winning sound design for the BYU Animation Department. While in college he ran an indie station, KRAP Radio, from his dorm room.

His first entrepreneurial venture was in California at age 12 – avocados, a cardboard sign, and a busy intersection.

He’s been gathering fresh content and making guacamole ever since.

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Kreg Peeler

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: Kreg, Kregorio, “Hey-sound-guy”

I am wicked good at: Fixing stuff, seeing opportunities.

Least favorite house chore: Washing windows

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Fish ‘n Chips

Favorite App: Photos

Favorite quote: The future is already here — it’s just not very evenly distributed.

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Founder, CEO

Professional Superpower: Seeing underserved opportunites.

My primary role in the events industry is: Providing tools for event makers to make their events successful.

Years in the events industry: 15

To me, being an event hustler means: You make events happen.

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are:

1. The event industry has been classified as a $1 trillion dollar industry worldwide.
2. Event software and marketing is completely fragmented.

How did you get your start in the events industry? Running the sound system for my middle school assemblies.

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Bad sound reinforcement at live events.

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I’m very shy.

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Bob Marley – Legend, Red Hot Chili Peppers – Greatest Hits

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: A filmmaker.

Text or phone call? Text

Android or iPhone? iPhone

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? Over.

Connect with Kreg:

Email

Telephone: 801.310.3030

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

A passion for supporting the success of my clients’ events is what drives me.

My career in the events industry began in 2001 in Virginia Beach, VA. Working with local clubs, restaurants and by designing & producing private events.

Fast-forward to 2010, following my instinct I relocated to South Florida where I had the distinct pleasure of being a part of the So Cool Events team as their Director of Sales. An eye-opening opportunity that built lasting friendships and has further inspired my standards of excellence. From 2014 to 2015 I traveled the world and created amazing relationships with some of the finest in the Corporate Planning World working as the Corporate Sales Manager for Worldwide Destination Management.

Continuing to follow this passion is what has led me to New York City where I am currently developing my capacities further as the Northeast Regional Sales Manager for AFR (American Furniture Rentals). On a never ending quest to bring value to each new engagement with my contagious enthusiasm working with an amazing team!

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Lauren Goldberg

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: LG and Kid

I am wicked good at: Taking Photos and Dancing

Least favorite house chore: Doing Laundry…the best part of living in NYC is having someone do it for me! This is a Quality of Life Issue!

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Pizza…mmmmm

Favorite App: I have two…Instagram and Hotel Tonight

Favorite quote: “Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t so you can live the rest of your life like most people can’t”

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Northeast Regional Sales Manager at AFR

Professional Superpower: My Super Power is Getting Shit Done

My primary role in the events industry is: Connecting people to help make business/event magic happen! I get such a rush from making the right connections for people who can benefit from one another.

Years in the events industry: 10

To me, being an event hustler means: Being an Event Hustler to me means Inspiring and Motivating people to think outside of the box and to not be afraid to try new things. Always going with your gut and no matter what stay true to who you are! Never Settle!

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: How trends are forever changing and how technology is really forcing people to take new approaches to all aspects of events from design to attendee interaction.

How did you get your start in the events industry? I used to plan themed birthday parties for myself after I turned 20. Every year the party became larger and people always asked when the next party was and what the theme would be. This was when I learned that I really had a passion for creating experiences for people.

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Not responding in a timely manner to emails and phone calls! If your a hustler then there should be no excuses and you should be on top of your email and messages game! Another pet peeve is when people call you the wrong name in an email…Oye Vey!

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I pretty much sang my way through school in choir! Singing is something I have always loved but only special people get to actually experience it!

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Music is Life! This is like asking would l rather have air in my lungs or food to survive! This is an impossible question to ask a Music Junkie.

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: A famous singer or actress! I was thinking more actress than singer but I was open to either opportunity!

Text or phone call? A phone call makes it personal

Android or iPhone? Android All Day!!!! I have both and I am not an iPhone person the photo quality is nothing compared the Samsung Galaxy!

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? I always say there are two types of people in this world…people who put the toilet paper under and the people who put it over. Obviously it must be over and if it’s under then you can tell a lot about that person!

Connect with Lauren:

Email

Telephone: 973-508-2421

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Social Media & Tech Geek | Event Hustler | Music Lover | Travel Addict | Food Aficionado | Tequila Enthusiast | Proud Daddy | NACE & ILEA Advocate

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Jose D. Ramirez

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: kOOKiE & David

I am wicked good at: Social Media Strategy & Building Bridges For Relationships

Least favorite house chore: Garden work!

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: I’ve been known to chase my favorite gourmet food truck down the street.

Favorite App: Instagram

Favorite quote: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
-T. S. Eliot

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Marketing Manager

Professional Superpower: Make It Happen!

My primary role in the events industry is: I view the event industry as my matrix. Within it, I see trends, opportunity for partnerships, awesome creativity, and bridges to build between people that should know one another.  I use all of those as building blocks to grow my network and create a great event community for everyone.

Years in the events industry: 7

To me, being an event hustler means: An event hustler is the person who never becomes complacent with where they are at…with where technology is at. The standard should never be the finish line, the standard should always be the starting line. To create the standard, you have to hustle.

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: You have to stay out there in front of your colleagues to succeed. It’s really about the time, effort and energy that you put into your career and the event community…the more you hustle the more you achieve. I’m driven by the energy and ever-changing landscapes of events.  Every day, every project and every client is different.  Hustling while remaining flexible is key.

How did you get your start in the events industry? I started out in sales and marketing at a scenic backdrop company.  I call it my events gateway drug…I got to see everything that was out there through that opportunity and I discovered that I’m totally infatuated and intrigued by the world of events.  There are so many facets to the profession.  Boredom will never be an option.

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Oh don’t get me started on follow up.  I do this myself so I can rant about it.  Following up and acknowledgement is important.  We’ve become such a truncated communication culture that we forget that a short answer is always less than 140 characters.  It’s not that hard. And, being on the phone in the trade show booth. Booth time is a REAL Facetime opportunity to connect with your clients.  A little etiquette never hurts anyone.  Put down the phone and let’s talk – old school style.

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I’m self-sufficient.  I can clean.  I can cook – I mean, I can cook really well.  I can iron my own shirts better than any dry cleaner I’ve ever met.  My parents taught to me be a self contained unit. Today, that’s a big deal.

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: I never like to use the word impossible, but in this case narrowing down love of music to two albums is impossible.  I love music so deeply that it’s a part of my DNA and if you know anything about genetics there are many strands and each one is a different characteristic.  That’s how music is for me.

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: I always thought I’d be a doctor.  Little did I know I hate writing term papers and I faint at the site of blood.

Text or phone call? Both have their time and place.

Android or iPhone?  iPhone, is there anything else out there?!

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? Over, it’s easier to find in the dark!

Connect with Jose:

Email

Telephone: 760-541-6984

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Along the winding wine-fueled journey from Creative Director to Wine Professional to Entrepreneur, I discovered a need to redefine the way we experience wine. I found many wine tastings to be a bit stuffy, overly technical, and (dare I say) boring. I created VIN SOCIAL to voraciously explore the world of wine though my creative lens and spotlight wines and winemakers that excite and inspire me – handcrafted, sustainably-produced wines with a story – a sense of place – a heartbeat.

We design innovative, multi-sensory experiences for the curious and the open-minded – gatherings that spark conversation and leave an impression.

We believe wine is a journey. We simply create opportunities for exploration and discovery. I invite you to travel through the glass with us.

-Sara Moll

Wine Credentials:
Certified Sommelier – Court of Master Sommeliers
Certified Specialist of Wine – Society of Wine Educators

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Sara Moll

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: Sar-Bear, Curly

I am wicked good at: Making the complex (and often intimidating) subject of wine accessible and friendly. I can also rock it in the kitchen and my Champagne sabering skills are pretty on point.

Least favorite house chore: toilets…enough said

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: A Shake Shack burger and a bottle of Beaujolais – best pairing ever! Try it!

Favorite App: Right now? Toss up between Yelp and OpenTable – dining in NYC is my favorite sport.

Favorite quote: “Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.” Amen, Ben Franklin.

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Founder & Wine Experience Curator

Professional Superpower: Collaboration.

My primary role in the events industry is: Designing and executing wine-focused events and experiences for corporate and private clients in NYC and beyond..

Years in the events industry: 3

To me, being an event hustler means: Pushing myself to continually up my game with creativity and innovation to provide my clients with unique, memorable and engaging experiences every time. I also firmly believe that word of mouth is the most powerful form of marketing there is, so be the type of person other people enjoy working with – kind, generous, reliable, and always cool under pressure..

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: 1. Events are freaking exhausting. I now always try to plan a light work day post-event so I can re-charge. 2. You have to be just a tiny bit crazy to work in the events business.

How did you get your start in the events industry? I guess I technically gave myself my first job in the events business with the creation of Vin Social, so it’s been a lot of figuring it out as I go, asking for a lot of advice and help, and simply striving to design events that I would want to attend myself.

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Rude people. Just. Be. Nice – it goes a long way.

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: When I started college my major was Musical Theatre, when I left it was Fashion Design.

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation and Mariah Carey Music Box – both take me right back to my childhood spent mostly in dance class.

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: On Broadway

Text or phone call? TEXT. It’s so much more efficient.

Android or iPhone?  iPhone – I live in a Mac universe

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? Over…is under a legit option?

Connect with Sara:

Email: events@vinsocial.co

Telephone: 917-602-2414

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Nick Borelli, President and Strategist of Borelli Strategies, has been in the event industry since he was 14 years old. He specializes in digital marketing strategies through consulting, coaching, and brand communication management for events and event companies.

Nick has been awarded CBC Magazine’s Networking Star of the Year, Smart Business Magazine’s Social Media Impact Award, and the ISES WOW Award for Best Marketing Campaign over $75,000. In 2015, Nick was selected by Special Event Magazine as one of the 25 Top Young Professionals to watch. He speaks internationally on topics ranging from event technology, digital and live engagement, trade show exhibiting, and leadership.

He has held multiple positions with the International Special Events Society (ISES) including Chair of Digital Strategy, Midwest Brand Champion, ISES Live Conference Technology Chair as well as Cleveland Chapter VP of Communication and President. Nick is the Chair of Public Relations and Marketing for the SEARCH Foundation and is on the advisory council for the Student Event Planners Association & Events Uncovered.

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Nick Borelli

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: Event Social Media Guy

I am wicked good at: Utilizing Live & Digital Engagement To Accomplish Big Goals

Least favorite house chore: Folding laundry. I’d rather clean toilets

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Cheeseburgers…oh so many cheeseburgers…

Favorite App: Right now? Snapchat.

Favorite quote: “…I agreed that what really matters is what you like, not what you are like… Books, records, films – these things matter. Call me shallow but it’s the f*n’ truth…” High Fidelity, Nick Hornby

“The Hustle”

Job Title: President / Strategist

Professional Superpower: The best there has ever been at doing me.

My primary role in the events industry is: Helping event companies and events create digital marketing strategies and tactics that help them reach their goals and objectives.

Years in the events industry: 20 (started when I was 14 and don’t know anything else)

To me, being an event hustler means: Never being a hack. Learning about, being inspired, and debating about what’s next for our industry 7 days a week.

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: 1. How small a global community it is. 2. How approachable even the industry giants are.

How did you get your start in the events industry? Washing dishes and food prep for the catering division of an amusement park. I served a few thousand guests per weekend in grade school and haven’t looked back.

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Close minds. If you aren’t collaborating with anyone and everyone and trying to innovate you’re like Bruce Willis in The Sixth Sense (spoilers)…you’re dead but you just don’t know it yet.

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I listen to Nerdcore Hip Hop

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Vampire Weekend’s Contra (Deluxe) & Postal Service’s Give Up

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: Lawyer

Text or phone call? Txt!!!

Android or iPhone?  iPhone (all Apple everything)

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? Coin flip, I’m adaptable.

Connect with Nick:

Email: Nick@NickBorelli.com

Telephone: 814.746.1522

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook