Wendy Porter Events, LLC

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! 🥰

29/08/2024

Exciting News!

I had something really FUN and unexpected land in my LinkedIn messages today!

I’m honored to be recognized as one of the 50 Top Voices in the events industry by Gather Voices! 🎉

This recognition is a true testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication my team brings to every event, and I'm thrilled to share this moment with all of you. A huge thank you to Gather Voices for this acknowledgment.

It’s an incredible feeling to be highlighted alongside so many talented professionals who are shaping the future of our industry, many of whom I engage with on a routine basis!

Check out the full list of top voices and get inspired by the leaders who are making waves in events: https://lnkd.in/g4f8-Nsv

To my amazing clients, colleagues, and followers—thank you for being a part of our journey at Wendy Porter Events, LLC!

Cheers to igniting the magic of events, together! LET'S GO! ✨

Wendy Porter Events, LLC

26/08/2024

It’s National Dog Day, and I’ve got to give a shout out to the star of my life—Sophie, our 5-year-old red merle Australian Shepherd. 🌟

She’s got more energy than a double shot of espresso and a heart full of love that fuels me, even on the busiest days. Sophie keeps me grounded and brings a burst of joy to every challenge I face.

Here’s to all the dogs who make our lives better—especially this beautiful Aussie who’s always by my side. 🐕❤️ 🐾

28/05/2024

Incredible Fact: In 2024, events are the best way to build trust among consumers—outperforming all other marketing channels! But there's a catch...

Are you ready for it? A whopping 74% of employees in the tradeshow sector are stepping into their roles for the first time, with 65% completely new to the live events industry (Freeman 2024). This influx of new talent poses significant challenges:

📉 Decreased ROI: According to EventMB, events managed by junior marketers alone can see up to a 20% drop in ROI.

👥 Lower Attendance Rates: Bizzabo reports that such events typically attract 15-20% fewer attendees.

🧠 Limited Strategic Vision: Cvent found that approximately 70% of businesses report a lack of strategic vision in events run by junior staff.

🎉 Ineffective Engagement: Analysis by Eventbrite shows that events lacking senior marketing expertise are 30% less effective at engaging attendees.

💼 Missed Sponsorship Opportunities: SponsorMyEvent notes that junior-led events are 25% less likely to secure high-value sponsorship deals.

📉 Brand Dilution: Forbes highlights that events managed solely by junior staff can lead to a 10-15% decrease in brand perception.

💰 Difficulty in Budget Management: Deloitte revealed that poor budget handling often leads to overspending or misallocation of resources, resulting in up to a 25% increase in costs.

Facing these hurdles, how can you ensure your marketing dollars are achieving the best possible return?

✨ Introducing Wendy Porter Events' Fractional Head of Events service. With over two decades of live event industry experience, I am here to guide young professionals through the complexities of event management, ensuring every dollar spent is a dollar earned. We don’t just plan events; we create magical experiences that captivate, convert, and yield measurable returns.

Let Wendy Porter Events help you overcome these challenges and ignite the magic of your next event, ensuring it’s not only memorable but monumentally effective.

👉 Ready to transform your event strategy and harness the full potential of your marketing investments? Connect with us today! Click the button in the profile section at top to schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation today and make every event dollar count!

27/05/2024

Honoring my favorite veteran today. Lt. Col. John G. Porter. 1/17/32 - 1/18/23.

'54 West Point Graduate
Army Ranger
Guard of N**i criminals at the Spandeau Prison in Berlin
Army Corp of Engineers
2 Vietnam Tours
Head of ROTC at UWSP
21 years of service

Thank you, Dad. Miss you every day. 💖

25/05/2024

Look who is 5 today! Where does the time go? Happy birthday to our baby girl, Sophie!

23/05/2024

Excited to share some from the latest piece from Claire Hoffman in BizBash, where I had the chance to discuss how transforming event transitions can create unforgettable moments for guests! 🌟

In the article, I share how we at Wendy Porter Events, LLC approach transitions not just as a necessity but as an opportunity to amplify the event theme and engage attendees more deeply. For example, imagine turning a simple walk from a meeting to a dinner into a dynamic, interactive journey that keeps everyone entertained and connected to the event's narrative. That's exactly what we did for an event in New Orleans.

🚶‍♀️➡️🎭 From strategic use of decor to surprising attendees with performers, every element is an opportunity to "Ignite the Magic of Events"!

Read the full article for more insights on crafting these seamless transitions.

➡️ Link to article in comments!

11/05/2024

Northern Lights over my parents house in Stevens Point, WI. I took these because we could see the rays in the sky (but not color) and the shots came back like this!