As Director of Programs for the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Chris is driven by the challenge and reward that comes with planning and managing successful meeting and events for the association. To Chris, event planning is like a puzzle, and he is passionate about putting each piece together seamlessly including the preparation of contingency plans.

Before joining the local AIA chapter, Chris held many roles and positions from project manager to business development. Though his career path to meeting planner was not as direct or linear as imagined, he believes all his obtained work experiences has made himinto to the versatile, highly accomplished and goal-focused professional he is today.

For Heather, it’s all about bringing people together, and helping organizations achieve more as a result. Her planning philosophy is rooted in delivering, above all, strategic value – striving to make the most of every minute, interaction, and investment – for every event.

Heather is deeply committed to the meetings and events industry and seizes each opportunity to give back. She has served on the Board of MPI (Meeting Professionals International) Georgia Chapter, contributes to the SPIN (Senior Planners Industry Network) community, and is on the teaching team for Emory University’s Continuing Education Certificate in Event Planning, where she has discovered a deep passion for mentoring the next generation of event professionals. Most recently, she has joined the Board of Advisors for the Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals.

In addition, she has co-created The Business Bootcamp for Independent Planners, which builds on her passion to support this industry’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Heather’s achievements within the hospitality industry are recognized by BizBash, as she was named to their list of the Top 500 Most Influential Event Professionals.

Steve’s career in Live Events has spanned over two decades and his work has been featured in many national publications including The Knot, Martha Stewart, Ebony, and People Magazine. He believes ‘giving back’ is a must in the event industry. His hospitality career began with A Divine Event Catering Company where he earned “top seller” in his Account Executive role.

With his accumulating expertise, Steve later joined Palate Catering & Design as Managing Partner, managing a team of six, including the culinary and operation departments, he also managed the day-to-day operations for the Venetian Room. In 2019, Steve joined AFFAIRS to REMEMBER as Account Manager and quickly established new accounts and grew full event production opportunities.

Steve tells us, “The Fox Theatre was the first Atlanta landmark that I ever attended when I moved here in 1991. I remember thinking how iconic that moment was and I’m excited to contribute my skills and talents to further produce monumental events there.

As Director of Programs for the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Chris is driven by the challenge and reward that comes with planning and managing successful meeting and events for the association. To Chris, event planning is like a puzzle, and he is passionate about putting each piece together seamlessly including the preparation of contingency plans.

Before joining the local AIA chapter, Chris held many roles and positions from project manager to business development. Though his career path to meeting planner was not as direct or linear as imagined, he believes all his obtained work experiences has made himinto to the versatile, highly accomplished and goal-focused professional he is today.

For Heather, it’s all about bringing people together, and helping organizations achieve more as a result. Her planning philosophy is rooted in delivering, above all, strategic value – striving to make the most of every minute, interaction, and investment – for every event.

Heather is deeply committed to the meetings and events industry and seizes each opportunity to give back. She has served on the Board of MPI (Meeting Professionals International) Georgia Chapter, contributes to the SPIN (Senior Planners Industry Network) community, and is on the teaching team for Emory University’s Continuing Education Certificate in Event Planning, where she has discovered a deep passion for mentoring the next generation of event professionals. Most recently, she has joined the Board of Advisors for the Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals.

In addition, she has co-created The Business Bootcamp for Independent Planners, which builds on her passion to support this industry’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Heather’s achievements within the hospitality industry are recognized by BizBash, as she was named to their list of the Top 500 Most Influential Event Professionals.

Steve’s career in Live Events has spanned over two decades and his work has been featured in many national publications including The Knot, Martha Stewart, Ebony, and People Magazine. He believes ‘giving back’ is a must in the event industry. His hospitality career began with A Divine Event Catering Company where he earned “top seller” in his Account Executive role.

With his accumulating expertise, Steve later joined Palate Catering & Design as Managing Partner, managing a team of six, including the culinary and operation departments, he also managed the day-to-day operations for the Venetian Room. In 2019, Steve joined AFFAIRS to REMEMBER as Account Manager and quickly established new accounts and grew full event production opportunities.

Steve tells us, “The Fox Theatre was the first Atlanta landmark that I ever attended when I moved here in 1991. I remember thinking how iconic that moment was and I’m excited to contribute my skills and talents to further produce monumental events there.