Wendy Porter Events, LLC

24/07/2025

So proud of our fearless leader, Dwayne Thomas, Chair of Government Affairs at LEC!!

Tariff disruption ripples through event industry businesses!

The Live Events Coalition is proud of our Chair of Government Affairs, Dwayne Thomas, who was interviewed by Jake Tapper on CNN "The Lead with Jake Tapper" last night to discuss the impact of tariffs on small businesses—a conversation that couldn’t be more timely or vital.

Last night on CNN, Dwayne—the owner and CEO of Greenlight Creative—shared a deeply personal account of how evolving tariffs are affecting his boutique business, known for crafting standout weddings and fundraisers with creative flair.

With 12 full- and part-time employees across Oregon and beyond, Dwayne isn’t just building events—he’s building livelihoods. And the ripple effects are real. One vendor has raised prices five times since the tariffs were announced, a signal that the full economic impact may not be felt until 2026.

What stood out most wasn't just the numbers—it was Dwayne’s transparency, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his team and clients. He’s doing what so many small business owners do best: adapting, advocating, and leading with integrity.

The challenges are many. But voices like Dwayne’s remind us that behind every policy are real people. And that every creative detail, every job retained, every event brought to life… matters.

As an industry built on agility, creativity, and countless small businesses, this spotlight was a powerful step in amplifying our voice on the national stage.

Let’s make sure policymakers hear him and us—because the live events industry isn’t just about celebration. It’s about resilience, innovation, and the backbone of countless communities.

Check out the entire interview here: https://lnkd.in/dvipbRZE

Events Education & Workforce Development Federation
Wendy Porter Events, LLC
BizBash
CNN
Jaclyn Bernstein
Nancy Shaffer
Anthony Gerardi
Live Events Coalition (National) Group
Live Events Coalition New York / New Jersey

23/07/2025

TUNE IN TODAY, Wed 7/23, AT 3:45PT / 5:45CT / 6:45ET to CNN and Jake Tapper, where Dwayne Thomas, Chair of Government Affairs with the Live Events Coalition will be talking about Tariffs and the impact on the Live Events Industry.

This is a BIG WIN for the LEC to get some national attention on this issue. We hope to have more national conversations as it relates to other policy impacts we are feeling with the recently passed Federal legislation.

11/11/2024

Today, we honor the bravery and dedication of all veterans.

For me, this day is personal. My family’s legacy is steeped in military service—a line of heroes who’ve each answered the call to serve in their own ways.

My dad, a career Army officer who graduated from West Point and retired as a Lt. Col., dedicated his life to defending the freedoms we hold dear. In addition to being in the Army Corp of Engineers with assignments all over the US and in Germany, he was a guard of the 3 remaining N**i war criminals (of the original 7) housed in the Spandau Prison in Berlin, was an Army Ranger and served 2 tours in Vietnam, and he headed up various ROTC programs in Iowa and Wisconsin.

My grandfather served as a Colonel in the Army in both WWI and WWII, and my dad’s sisters and their spouses continued that proud tradition in their own service in the US and abroad. And even now, my cousin on the Porter side —a retired Navy Lt. Col. himself —continues to serve in a contractor role, ensuring that support and protection never waver.

On my mom's side, my uncle retired as a Lt. Col. in the Air Force and flew Jolly Green Giant helicopters in Vietnam, risking his life to bring the wounded to safety.

To all those who’ve served, and to my family members, past and present, who have shown me what true dedication looks like, thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

Today and always, we honor and celebrate you.

05/11/2024

Today is voting day in the US! Have you made your voice heard? 

As the daughter of a career Army officer educated at West Point, I grew up knowing that freedom isn’t free. Our right to vote is one of the most powerful freedoms we have, and it’s not just a privilege; it’s a duty.

During COVID, I learned firsthand that every voice matters. As Vice Chair of Government Affairs at the , I joined a small but mighty group that GOT LOUD for our industry. Meeting with over 100 Members of Congress, we fought for our livelihoods when the Live Events Industry went dark. We could have given in to the moment, but instead, we chose action. 

One by one by one, we pushed to make a difference—and had success. We got a bill passed through the House of Representatives (which, sadly, died in the Senate… but still). Work that takes other groups DECADES to achieve, we accomplished in 18 months. Why? Because we, as individuals, made the effort and stood up to make a difference.  

Would I do it all again? You bet I would, even though we didn’t quite get the funding we so desperately needed for the 2 million small businesses in our industry, many of which sadly closed down because of the pandemic. That foundational work is still being used today to take our industry forward. Our efforts were not in vain.

When we stay silent, we hand over our power and leave decisions about our future in someone else’s hands. Voting is how we honor the generations who sacrificed for our freedom. It’s how we ensure that the ideals of our Constitution—equality, justice, and the pursuit of happiness—stay strong and meaningful.

Every vote is a voice for a stronger, more inclusive nation, and I truly believe that each one matters. Our freedom and democracy is too important to ignore.

So, if you haven’t already voted early and think your voice won’t make a difference—trust me, it does. Stand up for what matters, just like those before us who fought for our freedoms. Today, be part of the action. Go vote, and let your voice be heard. And let’s not forget—it’s a privilege many around the world still fight for.

VOTE! 

05/11/2024

Today is voting day in the US! Have you made your voice heard?

As the daughter of a career Army officer educated at West Point, I grew up knowing that freedom isn’t free. Our right to vote is one of the most powerful freedoms we have, and it’s not just a privilege; it’s a duty.

During COVID, I learned firsthand that every voice matters. As Vice Chair of Government Affairs at the Live Events Coalition, I joined a small but mighty group that GOT LOUD for our industry. Meeting with over 100 Members of Congress, we fought for our livelihoods when the Live Events Industry went dark. We could have given in to the moment, but instead, we chose action.

One by one by one, we pushed to make a difference—and had success. We got a bill passed through the House of Representatives (which, sadly, died in the Senate… but still). Work that takes other groups DECADES to achieve, we accomplished in 18 months. Why? Because we, as individuals, made the effort and stood up to make a difference.

Would I do it all again? You bet I would, even though we didn’t quite get the funding we so desperately needed for the 2 million small businesses in our industry, many of which sadly closed down because of the pandemic. That foundational work is still being used today to take our industry forward. Our efforts were not in vain.

When we stay silent, we hand over our power and leave decisions about our future in someone else’s hands. Voting is how we honor the generations who sacrificed for our freedom. It’s how we ensure that the ideals of our Constitution—equality, justice, and the pursuit of happiness—stay strong and meaningful.

Every vote is a voice for a stronger, more inclusive nation, and I truly believe that each one matters. Our freedom and democracy is too important to ignore.

So, if you haven’t already voted early and think your voice won’t make a difference—trust me, it does. Stand up for what matters, just like those before us who fought for our freedoms. Today, be part of the action. Go vote, and let your voice be heard. And let's not forget—it's a privilege many around the world still fight for.

VOTE!

02/11/2024

The podcast with Heather Hansen-O'Neill is live. Check it out!

Enhance your brand with a flawless event experience, ensuring seamless ex*****on and memorable moments that leave a lasting impact on attendees.

22/10/2024

Time's running out! ⏰
Don't forget to vote for me for Eventex 2024's Most Influential People in Events Awards!

🗓️ Voting closes this Friday, October 25 at 4:59PM CT (23:59 CET).

THANK YOU!

21/10/2024

You know that saying:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”?

If that’s true, I’m grateful to have superheroes on my team!

Surround yourself with the ones who make you feel invincible, who nurture your garden of growth, and help ignite your magic.

Who’s on your team? Tag them and spread some Monday motivation!

16/10/2024

We are buzzing with excitement over here at Wendy Porter Events!

I’m joining the incredible Heather Hansen O'Neill on her podcast, “From Fear to Fire” this Thursday, 10/17.

If you're looking to release fear, overcome challenges, and power up your life with more freedom, energy, and results, this episode is for you! Heather’s weekly podcast is all about helping you move forward, and I can’t wait to share my insights and stories in this empowering conversation about the value of events.

Tune in on Thursday—it's going to be a game-changer!

15/10/2024

VOTE FOR ME!

I’m honored to be nominated in the Eventex Index of The Most Influential People in the Events Industry for 2024! Now it’s time to shine a light on the brightest stars in our industry—and I’d be so grateful for your vote.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Cast Your Vote: Head over to the Eventex 2024 Voting Page: https://eventex.co/people2024 show support for the people you believe are driving the future of events.

2. Spread the Word: Every vote counts, and only those with the highest votes will make the final list—so feel free to share with your network!

🗓️ Voting closes soon, so be sure to get your vote in before October 25 at 4:59PM CT (23:59 CET).

Let’s highlight the magic makers of our industry!

26/09/2024

And we are off!! (Well sort of.... they just delayed our flight 1.5 hours while they attend to a mechanical issue... but hopefully by 7pm!)🚀🌍

I will be off the grid (the work grid anyway) until 10/14, soaking up some much-needed vacation magic with Steve Nyberg, to celebrate 20 years together, as I take my 2nd trip to Europe in a year! It's been 7 years since Steve has been back, and we are excited to see some new areas!

First stop: Amsterdam (where it looks like we’ll be embracing the rain and chilly weather). We’re planning an evening canal cruise, a visit to the quaint towns of Zaanse Schans and Volendam, a stop at the Van Gogh Museum, and, of course, a visit to the floating flower market on a barge—because I can’t resist! (You know, flowers.)

Then it’s off to the Barefoot Business Retreat ON A YACHT with the crew at Club Ichi in Croatia—ready to with fellow event pros! It’s the best of both worlds… a "bleisure" trip combining business and vacation! Rumor has it there will be floating unicorns?? 🦄 I will do my best not to get sunburned.

While I am sailing, Steve will be meeting Matthew Nyberg in the Dolomites of Italy for some long discussed hiking in the Alps! They are hoping for good weather and glad the storm that dropped 6 feet of snow in Austria a few days ago missed that area, for the most part.

Next, Tuscany is calling with pasta and wine, hill towns like Montepulciano (home to my favorite pottery store), and a chance to add to my pottery collection that I started 17 years ago on our first trip to Tuscany.

Finally, we’re off to Villa Murat, just outside of Sorrento—a historic gem that was once home to Napoleon’s general and King of Naples, Gioacchino Murat. The villa even has an ink-stained table from the Napoleonic reconquest of Capri! The room where General Murat signed a pivotal document on October 14, 1808 (216 years ago, just one day after we leave) still boasts its original frescoes and floor tiles. Pictures forthcoming! 📸

We’ll have 8 of us in the villa, and we will be boating to Capri and road-tripping along the Amalfi Coast, joined by our MN and Italian Nyberg/Poscia cousins from Rome, Matthew and Greg Nyberg and Meredith Faubel Nyberg. We will celebrate a milestone birthday for Greg, their October anniversary, and Matthew's soon-to-be PhD in Nuclear Engineering from UW Madison! 🥳🎉

It's a bonified Nyberg European Family Vacation (except we will be missing Abby Nyberg and Martin Sigalow this time around....)

We will post photos as we go... assuming we get there at some point after this delay... (They just brought out snacks. That doesn't feel like a good sign.)

Watch for updates soon! 🥰