Summer is flying by, but as we continue to take refuge from the heat here in DC, we've got a new edition of The Spotlight for you. This month, we're looking at: a meeting planner's biggest obstacles, how we recently helped a client celebrate a major milestone using graphics, and how to ace your venue search. Plus, we're offering a little showcase of the essentials for on-site work.
An event stage isn’t just a presenter’s platform, it’s the central point of the event’s theme, aesthetic, and overall mood. Since it’s the focal point for most of the event, it’s important that your stage embodies these qualities.
No matter how small, contemporary, or budget-friendly your event planning may be, consider incorporating new stage design ideas into your event planning. Adding cardstock cutouts, rustic décor, or led tape are great ways to enhance your event space.
Matthew Jones is the president and chief executive officer at Leading Authorities Inc., one of the nation’s most prominent event design and lecture…
Kate Burns is the chief operating officer at Leading Authorities. With a 10+ year background with LAI, Kate is involved across the company in executing our plans for growth, helping build a company that creates value and opportunity for all of us in the years ahead.
Helena Lehman is responsible for building the company’s business in content marketing strategy among its clientele.
With more than 20 years of experience as an event producer, Shannon has produced everything from multi-million dollar, nationally-televised events to a nationwide…
Katie Nesbit-Blackburn joined LAI Live with over a decade of experience in all facets of event production.
Elizabeth has over 10 years of experience working with LAI customers in all aspects of our business. She maintains production schedules, manages workflow and tracks…
With over a decade of experience designing a wide variety of engaging visual media solutions, Benjamin McGeever brings a refined eye and a fresh approach to…
With a background in marketing, PR, event logistics, and video content creation, Grace Dearing brings a holistic perspective to live production.
With extensive knowledge of event and production industries, she supports LAI Live in managing workflow, tracking deliverables, assisting clients and serving as an onsite stage manager.
Having worked in broadcast, digital, and social media, Melinda offers a range of skills that the LAI Video and LAI Live programs rely on.
Megan Weinknows that finding the perfect event strategy for a client can move hearts and minds—that’s why she was drawn to working at LAI in event sales.
Katherine Bentley loves the speaking business because she has the opportunity to hear insights from experts in many fields and personal stories from some of the most interesting people in the country.
Rainey Foster is executive vice president and partner of Leading Authorities, Inc, serving on the company’s Management Committee.
Mimi Hair has worked at Leading Authorities since 1993. She assists corporate and association clients in securing speakers and top quality event production.
Tony is a certified meeting planner, and works with dozens of corporations and trade associations all over the country, helping to design world class meeting experiences.
Ned and the LAI Mid-West team based in Chicago, Illinois, assist our clients in securing speakers and entertainment for national trade and professional associations as well as corporate clients.
Katy Foster started at Leading Authorities as an intern and quickly rose up the ranks, serving as a production assistant and then the digital marketing coordinator before ultimately taking her skill set to event sales.
Jonathan Lane first came to Leading Authorities as an event coordinator in charge of logistics, drawn to the position by his interest in current events and the prospect of working with major players in politics, business, and innovation.
Andrew Gibbons has been working with LAI clients for their major event needs for 5 years now and his focus is the still the same when he started at LAI--provide great customer service and candid, transparent advice to his clients.
Debbie Saylor is a marketing and public relations professional with more than 18 years of experience, including 14 years working directly in the events industry.
Mike works tirelessly with clients to identify the right expert for their audience and event based on their goals and ensures that events offer audiences an unforgettable experience.
Jeff Robbin works on the sales team as a Vice President for Leading Authorities.
Susy Shaw is a Senior Account Director for Video and Live Production. She works closely with her clients, from the first call to the big day, in order to ensure they…
Lisa McFadden loves the energy of meetings and events.
For over fourteen years, Lisa Raines has helped clients design programs that engage, excite, and inspire meeting attendees.
James Major joined Leading Authorities in January 2019 and looks after business development in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
With 14 years’ experience in the marketing realm ranging from print advertising to experiential marketing, Judy has worked alongside national brands to…
Originally hailing from London, James Cohen is passionate about people and unlocking their fullest potential.
As a former political consultant, I was drawn to Leading Authorities because of my interest in politics, current affairs and the importance of a good event.
Brooke Scott came to Leading Authorities, Inc. after years working in the events industry, working on events, conferences, exhibits, and experiential marketing at Hargrove, Inc.
Ryann McDonald joined Leading Authorities, Inc. as a Program Consultant in the Spring of 2021. She brings over 6 years of hospitality and event planning experience to the firm.
Sanetra Payne is a DMV native who enjoys the many opportunities marketing presents to explore her curiosity, write, and get creative.
Kevin Williams is the Marketing Content Manager at Leading Authorities. He is responsible for creating promotional copy for our roster of talented keynote speakers.
Hanh Nguyen (she/her/hers) is the Marketing Email and Data Coordinator, tackling lead distribution, CRM reporting, and email campaigns.
David Catchings graduated from Old Dominion University in the spring of 2021, with a major in Marketing and minor in Business Analytics.
Ron Moffitt is a C.P.A. and the Controller of Leading Authorities. He came to Leading Authorities in 2013 after twelve years in senior finance positions with…
Tim joined Leading Authorities as the Controller in the summer of 2021. He comes to LAI with 15+ years accounting and finance leadership experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors. Before joining LAI, Tim was the finance director of an international youth exchange organization.
Harjeet has been a senior accountant at Leading Authorities since April, 2016. She offers more than nine years of experience in public and nonprofit sector.
Alma started with Leading Authorities in early 2014 as an accounting assistant, specializing in Accounts Payable and Receivable. Originally from Lithuania, she has…
Anlyn has been with Leading Authorities since 2007. She is an accounting assistant and has worked in accounts receivable during her time here at LAI.
My name is Parabhdeep. I have recently joined Leading Authorities as an Accountant.
Having previously interned at NBC News Channel, Kate’s no stranger to multi-tasking and handling the most obscure tasks while remaining unreasonably positive and effective
Matthew Jones is the president and chief executive officer at Leading Authorities Inc., one of the nation’s most prominent event design and lecture…
With extensive knowledge of event and production industries, she supports LAI Live in managing workflow, tracking deliverables, assisting clients and serving as an onsite stage manager.
Helena Lehman is responsible for building the company’s business in content marketing strategy among its clientele.
With more than 20 years of experience as an event producer, Shannon has produced everything from multi-million dollar, nationally-televised events to a nationwide…
Elizabeth has over 10 years of experience working with LAI customers in all aspects of our business. She maintains production schedules, manages workflow and tracks…
Katie Nesbit-Blackburn joined LAI Live with over a decade of experience in all facets of event production.
Kate Burns is the chief operating officer at Leading Authorities. With a 10+ year background with LAI, Kate is involved across the company in executing our plans for growth, helping build a company that creates value and opportunity for all of us in the years ahead.
Susy Shaw is a Senior Account Director for Video and Live Production. She works closely with her clients, from the first call to the big day, in order to ensure they…
With over a decade of experience designing a wide variety of engaging visual media solutions, Benjamin McGeever brings a refined eye and a fresh approach to…
Having worked in broadcast, digital, and social media, Melinda offers a range of skills that the LAI Video and LAI Live programs rely on.
With 14 years’ experience in the marketing realm ranging from print advertising to experiential marketing, Judy has worked alongside national brands to…
Ron Moffitt is a C.P.A. and the Controller of Leading Authorities. He came to Leading Authorities in 2013 after twelve years in senior finance positions with…
Harjeet has been a senior accountant at Leading Authorities since April, 2016. She offers more than nine years of experience in public and nonprofit sector.
Alma started with Leading Authorities in early 2014 as an accounting assistant, specializing in Accounts Payable and Receivable. Originally from Lithuania, she has…
Anlyn has been with Leading Authorities since 2007. She is an accounting assistant and has worked in accounts receivable during her time here at LAI.
Rainey Foster is executive vice president and partner of Leading Authorities, Inc, serving on the company’s Management Committee.
Mimi Hair has worked at Leading Authorities since 1993. She assists corporate and association clients in securing speakers and top quality event production.
Tony is a certified meeting planner, and works with dozens of corporations and trade associations all over the country, helping to design world class meeting experiences.
Jonathan Lane first came to Leading Authorities as an event coordinator in charge of logistics, drawn to the position by his interest in current events and the prospect of working with major players in politics, business, and innovation.
Mike works tirelessly with clients to identify the right expert for their audience and event based on their goals and ensures that events offer audiences an unforgettable experience.
Ned and the LAI Mid-West team based in Chicago, Illinois, assist our clients in securing speakers and entertainment for national trade and professional associations as well as corporate clients.
Debbie Saylor is a marketing and public relations professional with more than 18 years of experience, including 14 years working directly in the events industry.
Katherine Bentley loves the speaking business because she has the opportunity to hear insights from experts in many fields and personal stories from some of the most interesting people in the country.
Andrew Gibbons has been working with LAI clients for their major event needs for 5 years now and his focus is the still the same when he started at LAI--provide great customer service and candid, transparent advice to his clients.
Katy Foster started at Leading Authorities as an intern and quickly rose up the ranks, serving as a production assistant and then the digital marketing coordinator before ultimately taking her skill set to event sales.
For over fourteen years, Lisa Raines has helped clients design programs that engage, excite, and inspire meeting attendees.
Jeff Robbin works on the sales team as a Vice President for Leading Authorities.
Lisa McFadden loves the energy of meetings and events.
Originally hailing from London, James Cohen is passionate about people and unlocking their fullest potential.
As a former political consultant, I was drawn to Leading Authorities because of my interest in politics, current affairs and the importance of a good event.
James Major joined Leading Authorities in January 2019 and looks after business development in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Megan Weinknows that finding the perfect event strategy for a client can move hearts and minds—that’s why she was drawn to working at LAI in event sales.
Kevin Williams is the Marketing Content Manager at Leading Authorities. He is responsible for creating promotional copy for our roster of talented keynote speakers.
Hanh Nguyen (she/her/hers) is the Marketing Email and Data Coordinator, tackling lead distribution, CRM reporting, and email campaigns.
Ryann McDonald joined Leading Authorities, Inc. as a Program Consultant in the Spring of 2021. She brings over 6 years of hospitality and event planning experience to the firm.
Having previously interned at NBC News Channel, Kate’s no stranger to multi-tasking and handling the most obscure tasks while remaining unreasonably positive and effective
Brooke Scott came to Leading Authorities, Inc. after years working in the events industry, working on events, conferences, exhibits, and experiential marketing at Hargrove, Inc.
My name is Parabhdeep. I have recently joined Leading Authorities as an Accountant.
David Catchings graduated from Old Dominion University in the spring of 2021, with a major in Marketing and minor in Business Analytics.
Tim joined Leading Authorities as the Controller in the summer of 2021. He comes to LAI with 15+ years accounting and finance leadership experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors. Before joining LAI, Tim was the finance director of an international youth exchange organization.
Sanetra Payne is a DMV native who enjoys the many opportunities marketing presents to explore her curiosity, write, and get creative.
With a background in marketing, PR, event logistics, and video content creation, Grace Dearing brings a holistic perspective to live production.
MAPI, the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation, saw an opportunity to build a new event, for CEOs and senior executives in the manufacturing industry.
It’s an event so large, it only happens every four years! LAI LIVE led the creative direction of the general session programming, Sentinels of Safety Awards luncheon and US Department of Interior Awards Luncheon at MinExpo International.
Knowing just how versatile our team can be, The American Roll-On, Roll-Off Carrier company or ARC, chose Leading Authorities’ “Live” team to help them christen a ship with an event that would be as big as their new boat. This was a very unique event compared to the LAI LIVE team’s past portfolio but they were ready to take on the challenge.
Every year, the Electronic Retailing Association hosts it’s “Moxie’s Awards” which celebrates various achievements in the retailing and marketing industries, and is the premier event attendees and companies involved in direct response marketing. ERA was tired of the same unvaried and dull scripting, repetitive award winners, and overall lack of excitement in what is supposed to be a night of fun and celebration. As attendance levels started to drop, ERA looked for a solution to bring the excitement and energy back into their awards. They chose the LAI LIVE team to come in to shake things up and had great success from start to finish.
LAI LIVE works with CEO Update each year to produce the association sector’s most prestigious award program, The Association Leadership Awards. The objectives for the show every year are for the presentations to be fast-paced, include enjoyable content, and deliver a program that showcases the association community and creates anticipation for the next years’ event.
