Mary Baird Wilcock,President

Stacey Hoyt, CSEP  Immediate Past President

Stacey Hoyt began her career as a stage manager for professional dance companies. She worked for such notable companies as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theater, Atlanta Ballet and Ballet Austin.

Melissa Lee Robinson, VP-Membership/President Elect

Born in the Deep South, Melissa Robinson is no stranger to hospitality; so moving into the event industry was a natural fit.

Melissa has been a member of ISES for one year and this her first time to serve on the board. She was this year’s recipient of the EventWorld scholarship. In addition, Melissa submitted the winning proposal for the Spirit of Excellence Award in Special Projects for the 2010 CulinART event.

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Matt Stephans, Director of Finance

Matt has been coaching and training people since 1996.  His love of learning and desire to make a difference in the lives of other has been a driving force in his own personal development.  He also has a tremendous entrepreneurial spririt, havin founded multiple thriving business and non-profits. Read more >

Blossom Braemer, VP of Communications

Knowing from a very early age that she wanted to be the boss, Blossom persued her MBA from the University of Central Florida.  Having a bit of Interior Design knowlege lead her to explore her love for flora.

Blossom began her training as an apprentice to one of the leading floral design firms in the Central Florida Wedding and Event industry.  Inspired by her mentors creativity and influence she then attended the Floral Design Institute of New Orleans and futhered her expertise by becoming a member of the Central Florida Florists Association. 

Her commitment to continued education has inspired her growth and challenged her to excell at event desgin and business management.

Robyn Chovanetz, Director of Communications

Robyn started in sales before she found her calling in the event planning and culinary industries eleven years ago.  She attended Scottsdale Culinary Institute, did and externship at French Bistros and catering companies in Vail, Beaver Creek and Austin where she quickly moved up teh ranks from catering chef?servicer to senior event planner.  She is details driven in planning and executing events.  She creates casually elegant events for her coporate clients and weddins/social events. Read more >

Carolina Pennoni, Recording Director

At a young age, Carolina realized she could combine her gift of gab with her interest in bringing people together, and set out for a career in public relations.  As a publicist, Carolina discovered a love of event planning and has been fortunate enough to produce exciting corporate and social events throughout the United States.

After earning her Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, she joined the publicity department of Little, Brown and Company, a prestigious New York City publishing house. Carolina is currently the owner and senior producer of Confab PR, a boutique public relations firm in Austin specializing in small business promotions and events. Read more >

Liz Walton Director of Membership

Like most people, Liz got into the hotel business by accident. She started out as an administrative assistant in the public relations department. Realizing pretty early on that what she enjoyed was being the mastermind behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera. She has been working for the Hyatt for 22 years and currently holds the  position as Director of Catering / Convention Services.

Each event is like a puzzle and Liz prides herself on understanding the full picture.  She asks many quesitons that help her put all of the pieces together to create a successful event. Read more >

Vanessa got her start in event planning at the age of 16, when she landed her first job as a party planner at Chuck E. Cheese. Since then she has spent 14 years working in the hospitality and event industry, and is currently the Events Coordinator for County Line BBQ Restaurants.

She is most passionate about working hard to achieve her goals and is a true believer that when you have a strong work ethic, the fruit of your labor will bless you ten fold. Her favorite thing about planning events is seeing the final product and being a part of people’s lives in a fun and exciting way. Born and raised in Texas, Vanessa is proud to bring true Texas hospitality to all her events. Read more >

Olivia "Liv" Sharratt - Director of Education & Programs

Event & Wedding Specialist, Olivia Sharratt (Liv), has been planning parties all her life, assisting with events at her parents’ Fort Worth art gallery since the age of 12. Today, she is the proprietor of LIV by Design, the premier special events planning & design boutique in Austin, TX.

Liv attended Texas Tech University, graduating with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing in 2000. During school, she spent a summer interning with Bob Gail Special Events, one of L.A.’s most respected event planning firms, where she gained valuable experience in a wide range of social, corporate and entertainment industry functions. Read More>

Katrina Woolery - Director of Student Involvement

Katrina grew up in Charleston SC in the midst of southern hospitality and charm. The love of her life is a Texas native and upon visiting she fell in love with Austin as well. 

She has worked with many University across the central Texas field, each putting her in touch with the biggest names.  Chancellor Mark Yudof who oversees the largest university system in California.  She has worked with Rod Caspers, Executive Director of Creative Services for the University of Texas System and was on his tem for large events in Austin.

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Delores owns and, together with her family and the Premiere team, operates Premiere Party Central and Premiere Tents and Events. Delores provides overall company leadership, helps chart Premiere’s course and sets the organization’s direction. Delores is ultimately responsible for ensuring that Premiere is executing its mission, accomplishing its goals and achieving its objectives.  Read more >