Lois Wilkins, CMP, CED 
Partner/Executive Producer, WSQ Productions

Q: Which event trend did you love last year, and which trend were you happiest to leave in 2024?

A: Love – Intentional and personalized gifting experiences.
Leave – AI-based customer engagement experiences (e.g., AI-generated photos).

Q: What was the most memorable event you planned in 2024, and why?

A: NYC Climate Week 2024 – The opening ceremony featured 45 speakers and 1,000+ in-person attendees, with thousands more streaming live globally. The conference spanned multiple days, featuring six simultaneous stages, 200+ speakers, 100+ sessions, and over 4,000 attendees. This was my most challenging event to date, with numerous moving parts, high-caliber speakers—and their entourages! It was a blast!

Q: What was the most memorable event you attended in 2024, and why?

A: We were invited to attend the Dorchester Collection Fall FAM Trip in Paris and London. Experiencing four of their properties—Le Meurice, Plaza Athénée, The Dorchester, and Coworth Park—was a real treat. They curated the trip of a lifetime, showcasing luxury and sparkle—it was incredible. Being with like-minded industry colleagues was the cherry on top.

Alexandra (Sandy) Thomas
Global Event Management Lead, Consumer and LS/H&PS Industries, Accenture

Q: How many years have you been in the industry?

A: Dare I say it? This year I am celebrating 35 years!

Q: What is the most favorite part of your job?

A:  The thrill of working with others to create an experience that excites people and gets them to feel more present in their lives. I love it when it all finally comes together, and people arrive, and the event takes on a life of its own and it’s great. Having the event be great and under budget is an even bigger adrenaline boost. I also really love mentoring people and sharing what I know about our glorious/crazy industry.

Q: Trade secret— what’s your must have tool at your events (could be as simple as markers or tape)?

A: In the old days I would have said a box cutter or a sharpie or double-sided tape but now it’s all about comfortable shoes and pockets to hold my two cell phones!

Q: When you’re not running events what do you do in your personal time?

A:  I like to hike, eat, cook, and dance, not necessarily in that order. Oh, and I am a big-time recovering news junkie as well.

Christine Laspalakis
Director, Special Events & Corporate Citizenship Societe Generale

Q: How many years have you been in the industry?

A:  Too long!  I’ve been an event planner for over 25 years!  I’m joking about too long.  In actuality, I’m grateful for this career.  If I have to work, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Q: What is the most favorite part of your job?

A:  I still get jazzed researching new venues and luckily NYC has so many to offer.

Q: Trade secret— what’s your must have tool at your events (could be as simple as markers or tape)

A:  Always make it look easy and carry lip gloss.

Q: When you’re not running events what do you do in your personal time?

A:  I’m a big fan of Bikram yoga, aka, hot yoga.  It’s like taking a shower on the inside.  A great remedy for the stressful life of a planner!

Rory Romine 
Director, Administrative Operations, NY

What kind of events do you plan?

Predominantly internal business meetings and office parties for 12 - 200

Tell us about your likes and dislikes. Which do you prefer?

• Sun or Ski – local conference centers, restaurants and hotels, so neither!
• Domestic or International – Domestic
• Rooftop or Poolside – Rooftops have been the big winner, especially during the pandemic
• Hybrid or IRL – IRL is more complicated but so much more fun! Have been doing lots of both.
• Nametags or None – Nametags please! There are always too many people to recall all the names!
• Coffee or Tea – Strong coffee, please!
• Early Mornings or Late Nights – I am so not a morning person, late nights for me
• Wine Tasting or Whisky Tasting – I like both!
• Workout or Nap – I never have time for either
• Cats or Dogs – neither!

What advice would you give someone just entering the event industry?

My advice to someone new to the industry would be to join EventFluence and/or other event planner networks. The opportunity to meet and mingle with other planners is invaluable – get ideas, trade info, learn about and visit new event spaces. I met my COPE sponsor at an event I attended solo – and have since enjoyed many years of friendship and camaraderie while discovering many new venues (shout out to Karen Ford!). It’s made my role as an event planner much more successful – and enjoyable.