Event curation

Engaging Formats. True Collaboration.

Speakers and formats so boring that the audience secretly scans the room for the emergency exit are personal pet peeve of mine.

If you're planning an event that engages all participants and compels them to take action, I'm happy to help!

Untitled design (4)

Conference Development

I've developed conference formats that lasted from one to three days.

  • In May 2023, my team and I at SCCF hosted the Startup Champions Network Summit in the Shenandoah Valley. The agenda was geared towards collaborative problem solving, building trust across differences and taking a deep dive into our regional ecosystem. Attendees went on bus and walking tours, explored their shared roots and finished the night out on the dancefloor. Read a recap here.
  • When conceiving of RebelleCon in 2017, we focused on four content pillars. Day 1 revolved around inspiration and learning through keynotes, engaging panel discussions and hands-on talks. Day 2 offered participants several workshop tracks to explore the topics that most interested them in more detail.

Content Curation and Speaker Onboarding

I believe that ensuring that speakers understand what's expected and deliver tangible take-aways is key to an impactful speaking engagement.

I develop onboarding guides, templates and checklists for speakers and facilitators to prepare them for their time on stage.

I host speaker trainings, content development sessions and practice sessions to develop meaningful conversations on- and off-stage.

I pay attention to the little details that ensure hospitality and care: Conference materials that add value, nourishing the audience mentally and physically, and delightful facilitation techniques.

Untitled design (5)
CMKalela-8

Event facilitation

Do you need a moderator or event facilitator?

I have hosted 50+ ecosystem work sessions, networking events, speed mentoring nights, Women's Day celebrations, and dozens of virtual and in-person panel discussions.

I take the stage monthly at CreativeMornings Shenandoah Valley and I host my own podcast show.

Not only do I LOVE to talk to people. I truly enjoy having meaningful conversations that bring people together and encourage them to take action.

Previous & Current Partners

What others say about me

I didn’t know what to expect from the Shenandoah Valley but after spending a few days there I am absolutely smitten with the area and really impressed with the connectedness and support in each of the ecosystems you showed us.

I believe this is my favorite SCN Summit that I’ve ever attended – excellent job!

Marco

Marco Johnson
Ecosystem Builder, 2022 SCN Summit host

My Startup Champions Network Summit experience was profound.  As a newcomer to the scene professionally, I wanted to be bashful but was encouraged to sit around at the collective table and share and collaborate.

The tilt-shift that has me thinking deeply is how diversity exists in my rural community and acknowledgment might be necessary before amplification. I can't wait to attend the next one.

Untitled design (7)

Brian McKee
Entrepreneur & Rural Ecosystem Builder

Interested in working together? Reach out and let me know how I can help!

I'm on a mission to see you succeed.