Gianna's Gem: How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything

hi there!

I recently got into a conversation with my son about making his bed. It went something like “what’s the purpose of making it if I’m just going to get back into it tonight”?

My response to him: "Show me someone who makes their bed every morning, and I'll show you someone who becomes a CEO."

At first, he thought I was joking. A made bed? How could that translate into life success?

But then I explained: "It's not about the bed. It's about how you approach the small things when no one's watching. Because how you do anything is how you do everything."

That conversation changed how my son perceived excellence—and I find that I’ve been repeating this phrase to him, my clients, and also myself all week long.

Gianna's Gem: The small, invisible choices you make when no one is watching reveal how you'll show up when everyone is.

The Power of Small Acts of Thoroughness

Think about the people in your life you truly trust. The ones you turn to when it really matters.

I'd bet money they're the same people who:

• Actually floss their teeth (not just the night before a dental appointment)

• Respond to emails thoughtfully, not just quickly to zero out their inbox

• Remember your birthday without a Facebook reminder and send a thoughtful text or email rather than a quick instagram like

• Proofread before hitting send

• Show up five minutes early instead of five minutes late

• Follow through on what they say they'll do no matter what

These aren't coincidences. These are patterns.

Because here's the truth: Excellence isn't an isolated act. It's a habit.

When you take care in the small, seemingly insignificant moments—making your bed, writing a thoughtful thank-you note, double-checking the details—you're training yourself for thoroughness. You're building the muscle of follow-through.

And that muscle? It shows up everywhere.

Gianna's Gem: Thoroughness isn't about perfection—it's about intentionality. It's asking yourself, "Does this reflect my standards?" even when the stakes feel low of maybe when not any people would even notice.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

Let me give you a personal example.

A few days ago, I hosted a small dinner party—nothing fancy, just eight people catching up. The day after, I sent every guest a personalized thank you for coming, and not a generic email to everyone, instead I wrote something unique to each guest such as:

“Carly, I loved hearing about your daughter's performance in The Nutcracker ballet last night. I can tell how proud you are of her dedication. Also, I found that book recommendation you mentioned about interior design—just ordered it. Thanks for always bringing such thoughtful conversation and recommendations to our gatherings."

That text took maybe two minutes to write instead of 20 seconds.

But here's what it did: It made her feel seen. It told her I was actually listening, not just hosting. It showed her that that I cared about curating her as part of my inner circle and appreciated her contributions and even her presence.

Not three hours later, she recommended me for a major consulting opportunity. Why? Because she likely recognized that if I’m that thoughtful about a casual dinner party, I'll be meticulous with a client's million-dollar project.

Not because the email was anything extraordinary. Because it signaled how I operate. How you do anything is how you do everything.

The Translation: How Brands Reveal Themselves Through Events

Now, let's talk about what this means for brands—and why your events are sending signals you might not even realize.

Every event you host is a preview of what it's like to work with you.

Your attendees aren't just evaluating your product or your keynote speaker. They're watching how you operate. They're noticing the details. They're asking themselves: Is this a company that takes care of people? Is this a partner I can trust?

And here's the uncomfortable truth: attendees are making judgments about your brand based on things you might consider "small."

The registration email that felt generic and rushed? That signals you're transactional.

The swag that was clearly chosen because it was cheap, not because it was meaningful? That signals you don't value quality.

The name badge with a typo? That signals you don't sweat the details.

The staff member who didn't know the answer to a basic question? That signals you don't invest in your people.

These aren't isolated incidents. They're data points that attendees use to predict what working with you will be like.

If you cut corners on the event experience, they assume you'll cut corners on customer support. If your follow-up email is thoughtless, they assume your account management will be too. If your branded materials feel like an afterthought, they assume your product might be one as well.

Gianna's Gem: Events don't just showcase your brand—they are your brand in action. Every detail is a promise you're making about how you treat people.

The Difference Between Checking Boxes and Creating Experiences

I see this all the time: companies that approach events like a checklist.

✅ Secure venue

 ✅ Book keynote speaker
✅ Order swag
✅ Send registration link
✅ Done!

But here's the question they never ask: Why?

• Why this venue? (Not just: Did we book a venue?)

• Why this speaker? (Not just: Did we get a speaker?)

• Why this swag? (Not just: Did we order something?)

When you're just checking boxes, you're not thinking—you're executing.

And attendees can feel the difference.

Let me give you a concrete example. I recently attended two tech conferences in the same month. Both had:

• 500+ attendees

• Branded swag

• Networking receptions

• Keynote speakers

But the experiences couldn't have been more different.

Conference A: The Box-Checkers

The swag? Cheap pens and cheaper notebooks with the logo printed low quality—items I've seen at a dozen other conferences.

The welcome email? A wall of text with logistics but zero personality or excitement.

The registration desk? Understaffed, with volunteers who couldn't answer basic questions.

The networking reception? Poor quality generic wine and cheese in a poorly lit ballroom with no icebreakers, no structure, no intentionality. Just people awkwardly standing around.

What this signaled to me: This company doesn't think deeply about experience. They do the minimum. If I become their customer, I'll probably get the minimum too.

Conference B: The Thoughtful Operators

The swag? A beautifully designed leather-bound notebook with logo embossed and an insert with writing prompts related to the conference themes, plus a high-quality water bottle that “cleans itself” that I actually now use every day. They also gave us a choice of one high quality item to select on the website and have shipped home after the conference - a win win for getting something you actually want and not having to carry a heavy item home with you

The welcome email? Personalized with my name, a note about why they were excited I was attending, a curated "top 3 sessions" recommendation based on my profile along with a personal introduction to another attendee they thought I’d enjoy connecting with and a human’s cell phone to contact in case I needed onsite support.

The registration desk? Appropriately staffed with team members who greeted attendees warmly, answered questions confidently, and handed out a one-page "day-of guide" with everything I needed to know.

The networking reception? Structured with "conversation starter" cards at each table, thoughtfully paired small bites and healthy buffet stations (not just cheese cubes), and staff circulating to make introductions between attendees with common interests.

What this signaled to me: This company thinks about every detail. They care about how I feel, not just whether I showed up. If I become their customer, they'll probably anticipate my needs before I even ask.

One of these companies earned my business. Guess which one.

Quality Over Quantity: Why "More" Isn't Better

Here's a trap I see brands fall into constantly: they think more is better.

More swag items. More speakers. More networking events. More, more, more.

But attendees don't want more. They want better. They want intentional.

I'd rather receive one thoughtfully chosen, high-quality item than five cheap ones. I'd rather attend one well-curated session than sit through three mediocre ones. I'd rather have one meaningful conversation than collect 50 business cards or badge scans I'll never follow up on.

Gianna's Gem: Abundance without intention is just noise. Quality always beats quantity when it comes to creating memorable experiences.

Think about the last event you attended that truly impressed you. I'm willing to bet it wasn't because they gave you the most stuff or packed the most activities into the day.

It impressed you because someone asked "why" at every decision point:

• Why are we including this session? What value does it provide?

• Why this particular swag item? Will attendees actually use it, or will it end up in a landfill?

• Why this flow for the day? Does it respect attendees' energy and attention spans?

• Why this vendor? Do they share our values and standards?

When you ask "why" before you act, you eliminate the meaningless and amplify what matters.

The Human Moments That Make or Break Trust

Let's talk about the moments that attendees remember most—and they're rarely the ones you think.

It's not the keynote speech (though that matters). It's not the swag (though that's nice).

It's the human moments where they felt seen, valued, and cared for.

The Welcome Email

You have two choices when someone registers for your event:

Option A (Box-Checking): Subject: Registration Confirmed

"Thank you for registering for TechConf 2025. Your confirmation number is 847392. The event will be held on March 15 at the Marriott Downtown. Check-in begins at 8 AM. See you there!"

Option B (Thoughtful): Subject: We're So Glad You're Coming, [Name]!

"Hi [Name],

We just saw your registration come through and wanted to say—we're thrilled you're joining us at TechConf 2025!

We know your time is valuable, so we've built this day specifically for people like you: [job title] who are trying to [solve relevant challenge]. We think you'll especially love the session on [relevant topic]—we built it based on feedback from folks in your role.

A few things to make your day easier:

• Check-in opens at 7:45 AM (we recommend arriving early to grab coffee and settle in before things kick off)

• Lunch is included, and we've got options for every dietary need

• Our team will be in bright blue shirts—flag us down if you need anything

Looking forward to meeting you on March 15!

[Name]
[Title]"

Which email makes you feel like a valued guest vs. a registration number?

The second version takes three extra minutes to write. But it signals: We see you. We thought about you. We care that you're coming.

The Onsite Introduction

Here's another moment that matters more than you think: how your staff introduces attendees to each other.

I've been to events where staff would say: "Oh, you should meet Sarah—she's in tech too."

Cool. Now what? We awkwardly exchange pleasantries and move on.

Compare that to: "Sarah, meet Mark—he's the VP of Product at [Company]. Mark, Sarah just gave the most interesting presentation on AI-powered analytics. Given your focus on data strategy, I thought you two would have a lot to talk about. I'll leave you to it!"

That's a human moment. Someone took the time to understand both people, saw a genuine connection, and facilitated a meaningful introduction.

That's not checking a box. That's creating value.

The Follow-Up

Post-event follow-up is where most brands completely drop the ball.

The typical approach: Send a generic "thanks for attending" email with a link to session recordings. Maybe throw in a "let us know if you have questions."

The thoughtful approach: Send a personalized note referencing something specific about their experience.

"Hi [Name],

It was great to meet you at TechConf last week! I loved our conversation about [specific topic]—I've been thinking about your point on [insight they shared].

I wanted to follow up with a few things:

• Here's that article I mentioned: [link]

• You expressed interest in [topic]—we're actually hosting a smaller roundtable on that next month if you're interested

• I'd love to hear how you're thinking about [challenge they mentioned] now that you've had time to reflect

No pressure to respond—I know your inbox is probably buried. But I genuinely enjoyed our conversation and wanted to keep the connection going.

Best,
[Name]"

One of these follow-ups gets deleted. One gets a response and builds a relationship.

The difference? Five minutes of thought.

What This Means for Your Brand (and Your Life)

Whether you're planning an event or packing your lunch for tomorrow, the principle is the same:

Excellence is a habit, not a one-off occurrence.

The way you approach the small, unsexy, behind-the-scenes work reveals how you'll show up when it counts.

If you rush through your registration emails, you'll rush through customer onboarding.

If you pick swag based on price alone, you'll probably make other decisions based purely on cost, not value to your attendees which ends up wasting money in the end (penny saved, pound foolish!).

If you don't train your staff to be helpful and knowledgeable, you're signaling that people aren't a priority.

And attendees—just like colleagues, clients, and partners—are always watching.

They're asking: "Is this someone who cares? Is this someone who's thorough? Is this someone I can trust?" And you're answering with every decision you make and action you take.

So here's my challenge to you—both personally and professionally:

In Your Personal Life:

Ask yourself:

• How do I show up in the moments when no one's watching?

• Do I respond to emails thoughtfully or reactively?

• Do I follow through on the small commitments I make to myself? (The made bed. The flossed teeth. The morning routine.)

• Am I building the habit of thoroughness, or am I cutting corners because "it doesn't matter that much" and I “don’t have time”?

Because here's the truth: It does matter. The small things are never small and believe e, they do and will pay off.

In Your Events:

Ask yourself before every decision:

• Why are we doing this? (Not: Are we doing it?)

• What does this signal about our brand? (Not: Is this good enough?)

• Does this create genuine value, or are we just checking a box?

• Would I want to experience this if I were an attendee?

• Have we taken the time to be human—to see people, not just registrants?

The Made Bed Moment - at the very least, get your kid to start making theirs!

I'll leave you with this.

After that conversation with my son, he started making his bed every morning. 

But here's what really shocked me - he shared with me what he discovered after doing this for a week: It really wasn’t about the bed.

It's about starting his day with a small act of completion that creates a ripple effect on the success he has through the rest of his day. It proves to himself that he’s someone who finishes what he starts—even the insignificant stuff. It's about creating order where he has control  (which for 8 years olds can some times feel like not a lot).

And you know what? That 90-second habit changed how he’s now approaching everything else.

He’s responding to my questions more thoughtfully. He’s preparing for his spelling test instead of winging it. 

Because once you commit to excellence in one small area, it bleeds into everything else.

Remember - your attendees are no different: They're asking: "Is this a brand that sweats the details? That thinks before acting? That cares about how I feel, not just whether I showed up and agreed to scan my badge?"

How you plan your events is how you run your business.

How you write your emails is how you'll treat your customers.

How you do anything is how you do everything.

So: What are your small moments signaling?

Start Here: If you're feeling overwhelmed, start with one thing. Not ten. One.

Personal:

• Make your bed tomorrow morning

• Write one thoughtful email this week instead of firing off a quick response

• Floss your teeth tonight (even though you're tired)

Professional:

• Rewrite one attendee outreach email to feel warm and personal

• Ask "why" before adding the next thing to your event agenda or 2026 plans

• Spend five extra minutes writing compelling marketing copy instead of the standard boring text.

Excellence isn't built in grand gestures. It's built in the accumulation of small, intentional choices.

Start with one. And watch how it changes everything.

XX,

Gianna

p.s.

What I’m loving this week: And for all my top vendors and partners, check out my Gianna Recommend’s Page.

I have to give a shout out to one of my favorite companies. I not only am a proud advisor to them, but I use them frequently for my own events (everything from holiday parties to multi-million dollar celeb evens!) Women-ownedEva is my favorite one-stop platform to book whatever it is I need to make an event more entertaining: From comedians to musicians, unique team-building activities to A-List speakers, even dress-up party costumes and makeup artists…I can find and book it here. I use Eva for both inspiration and new ideas as well as to handle logistics like payment, insurance and riders for me. And since I’m a fangirl, they’ve provided me with my own discount code to give you 10% off any booking with the code: EVAGVIP. Or, DM me for a personal connect.

What I'm Loving This Week: Monet

Speaking of revolutionizing the events industry, I'm thrilled to announce that I've joined an early stage but very hot event tech startup, monet.io as an advisor.

Here's what really blows my mind: Monet can generate entire showfloor layouts for conferences and expos—something that traditionally takes weeks of back-and-forth with venue teams, agencies, sponsors, and operations. The platform doesn't just create a generic floor plan; it uses intelligent algorithms to recommend optimal sponsor booth placements based on traffic flow, sponsor tier, and strategic visibility.

Think about what this means for event planners managing large-scale conferences: instead of manually juggling sponsor requirements, attendee flow, and venue constraints in CAD software or PowerPoint, Monet does the heavy lifting while you focus on the strategic decisions. It's like having an expert event designer and operations manager working 24/7 on your team.

For sponsors, this means better ROI—their booth placement isn't arbitrary, it's data-driven. For attendees, it means better navigation and experience. For planners, it means hours (sometimes days) of work condensed into minutes.

If you're managing complex events—especially in the enterprise space where showfloors, sponsor management, and multi-stakeholder coordination are involved—I encourage you to check out what the Monet team is building. They're not just creating software; they're creating space for event professionals to do what we do best: design experiences that matter. Drop me a line if you want an intro and a Gianna’s Gems VIP discount on their product.

Learn more at monet.io

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results. For more insights on creating exceptional events, visit GiannaGaudini.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Interested in having your event or venue featured in Gianna's Gems? Reach out at gianna@gaudini.com

Gianna’s Gianna's Gem: How We Cut Through 60,000 Attendees at AWS re:Invent With a Poker Tournament

Hi there,

Last week, I attended the “Super Bowl of tech events”, AWS Re:Invent. An event I formerly planned while on the AWS Training and Cert team, and now as a consultant, help clients attend and stand out in meaningful ways. It’s an event that is a necessary evil (IMHO) as there’s the cost in NOT showing up when your competition is there, but it’s also extremely challenging to get attendee attention in an event with 60K attendees and 500 events happening simultaneously.

This year, I wanted to try something different…an executive event so magnetic that attendees would remember it days later. The concept? A poker tournament that proved sometimes the best business conversations happen when you're betting on a pair of jacks. 

There's a reason why tech executives—from the All-In podcast hosts to Silicon Valley's most successful founders—are obsessed with poker. It's not just a game; it's a masterclass in decision-making under uncertainty, reading people, managing risk, and knowing when to go all-in. Poker mirrors the executive experience itself: incomplete information, calculated bets, and the ability to maintain composure when the stakes are high.

Let me break down why this event succeeded in executive engagement—and how you can apply these principles to your next high-stakes gathering.

The Hook That Actually Hooked Them

Here's the thing about executive events during massive conferences like re:Invent: your audience is drowning in dinner invitations and cocktail hours. Everyone's offering drinks. Everyone's promising "networking." So how do you stand out?

Gianna's Gem: The best event invitations don't promise networking—they promise an experience that’s engaging and offers a clear CTA (call to action).

This event led with a poker tournament, and the prize was worth playing for: two US Open tickets and VIP hospitality (valued at $3K). As one attendee shared with me during the cocktail hour, "That's what got my attention." Not another wine-and-cheese reception. Not another "please come network with us" ask. An actual, competitive, engaging activity with a prize that signals "we know you're successful, and we're offering something worthy of your time in an intimate setting where we’ll also feed and entertain you."

Poker is also a "birds of a feather" signal. When you invite executives to a poker tournament, you're not just offering entertainment—you're curating a room of people who share a common language, appreciate strategic thinking, and understand the thrill of calculated risk. It's instant bonding through shared values.

The psychology here is brilliant. Poker tournaments create what behavioral economists call "active participation"—you're not just showing up, you're invested. You're thinking. You're engaged. And most importantly? You're sitting next to someone for extended periods, which is how real relationships actually form. 

Layering Delight and elevating emotion strategically: The Magician Element

But here's where this event went from good to unforgettable: we brought in a magician. Not just any magician—a skilled performer who wove card tricks into the poker theme and created awe and delight before the tournament got started.  The laughter and delight that rang out in the air when he shocked and awed the most discerning and cerebral executives set the mood that this was going to be a memorable event of Executive caliber. PS - Dennis is my favorite magician in residence from The Battery and you can book him using a discount code for my Gems here.

Second, we had an AI-generated portrait station where attendees could get custom caricature drawings generated by a bot in real-time. This wasn't just entertainment; it was experiential. While guests waited for their portraits, they naturally networked and filmed the cute bots (and then shared on their social feeds). When they received their drawings, they immediately pulled out their phones to share on social media—tagging the event, tagging each other, creating organic buzz that extended far beyond the room.

Gianna's Gem: The best events create moments of unexpected delight that disrupt the "just another corporate dinner" narrative and elevate emotions which later translate to brand affinity as your brand is associated with positive emotions and experience.

Think about the emotion this creates. You're at a business event, but suddenly you're experiencing genuine wonder. That magician isn't just entertainment—he's a pattern interrupt. He's creating that "you had to be there" moment that makes attendees want to share the experience. It's story-telling-worthy without trying too hard. It's memorable without being gimmicky.

The tie-in to the poker theme shows intentionality. This isn't random entertainment; it's curated to enhance the narrative of the evening. Cards. Strategy. The element of surprise. It all coheres.

The Psychology of Premium Food & Drink

Now let's talk about what happened before and after the tournament during the 7-8pm and 10-11pm reception windows. This is where the strategy is in the details and execution. The menu was enticing and premium:

• Raw bar

• Grilled and carved tomahawk steaks, salmon

• Poke Bar

• High quality passed appetizers

• Premium wines, cocktails and ports

Gianna's Gem: Exceptional food and wine aren't luxuries at executive events—they're neurochemical strategies for building trust and closing deals.

Here's what most people miss: when we share exceptional food and drink, our brains release oxytocin—the bonding hormone. Cortisol drops. People feel like they’re being taken care of and feel gratitude. That executive who was skeptical about your pitch? They just shared a perfectly seared tomahawk steak and bourbon with you while discussing their favorite vacation spot. You're no longer vendor and client—you're two people who just had a memorable experience together.

The raw bar and premium wines signal something else crucial: "We value quality, and we value you." These choices say, "We're not cutting corners on this relationship."

And let's be honest—at a massive conference like re:Invent, where attendees are running between sessions and grabbing whatever they can, offering a genuinely excellent meal solves a real pain point. You're not just feeding them; you're rescuing them from another mediocre beer and pizza experience.

The Intimate Architecture of Poker Tables

Here's something I love about a poker tournament for Executive event design: poker tables force intimate conversation.

Unlike cocktail receptions where people drift and network superficially, poker creates what I call "enforced intimacy"—you're literally sitting shoulder to shoulder next to people for extended periods. But here's the magic: rather than feeling stuck at a dinner table next to people, you actually start to bond at these tables and get to know the other players in a more authentic (rather than forced) networking setting.

Gianna's Gem: The best business relationships aren't built in 30-second elevator pitches—they're built in 30-minute conversations where business happens to come up naturally.

While you're focused on your cards, conversations naturally spring up around your kids, your company challenges, your golf game, your thoughts on the keynote you just saw. The poker becomes the vehicle for the conversation in a subtle way.

The reception windows (7-8pm pre-tournament and 10-11pm post-tournament) were strategically set as well and intended to give our sales and leadership opportunities to circulate, make introductions, and capitalize on the goodwill created by the experience. People who just had fun together are far more receptive to business conversations and naturally start inquiring more about the products (people psychologically feel a need to repay positive gestures).

Giveaways That Keep Giving

The event didn't stop when guests left. Three smart takeaways ensured the evening had durability for our brand:

1. AI-generated caricature drawings - Every attendee left with a personalized piece of art. This wasn't just a standard giveaway; it became another interactie component of the experience that delighted people, generated social posting/videos of the cute AI drawing bots, and became a conversation starter that sits on someone's desk for months after the event, reminding them of the positive experience they had wth our brand.

2. Custom card decks - Branded but tasteful, these reinforce the poker theme while serving as a practical item people will actually use and see regularly (and over the years) as a reminder of our event, whether they’re used for playing card games or performing magic tricks!

3. The US Open tickets prize - This created social sharing opportunities throughout the event ("Who's winning?" "What's at stake?") and post-event as the winner celebrated their prize on social and via word of mouth.

4. We created a physical prize for the Poker Tournament winner (DM me for a photo of what this was!) so they could place it proudly on their desk and likely share about it on social and with many other people they encountered daily in meetings, etc.

Gianna's Gem: Great event swag isn't about randomly placing your logo on merchandise that will likely be chucked —it's about creating physical reminders of the emotional experience you created together.

These weren't random tchotchkes. Each item tied back to the experience and served as a memory anchor. Months from now, when that executive sees their caricature or shuffles those custom cards, they're not thinking about your product—they're remembering how you made them feel.

The ROI of Experiential Executive Events

Let's talk business impact. Events like these cost more than a standard dinner. The magician, the premium food, the prizes, the custom giveaways—it adds up. So why is it worth it?

Because you're not buying dinner—you're buying mindshare.

At a conference with 60,000+ attendees and hundreds of competing events, you created the one people actually attended and talked about / shared about afterwards. You created the one that felt exclusive without being exclusionary (we had different levels so everyone felt they could participate, and others who just wanted to watch as spectators which was also entertaining). You created real conversations, not forced networking.

And here's what research consistently shows: deals happen when relationships exist. Relationships happen when shared positive experiences create trust. Trust happens when people let their guard down. And people let their guard down when you create an environment that's genuinely enjoyable—not transactional.

Key Takeaways for Your Next Executive Event

If you're planning a high-stakes executive event, here's what this poker tournament teaches us:

1. Lead with the hook, not the ask

• Don't invite people to "network." Invite them to compete, experience, enjoy.

• Make the experience the story, not your company.

2. Layer your experience strategically

• Activity (poker tournament) = engagement and enforced conversation

• Surprise element (magician/AI photo bot) = delight and shareability

• Premium F&B = trust-building and pain point elimination

• Structured timing (pre/post reception) = sales opportunities

3. Design for the story they'll tell

• "We went to another vendor dinner" vs. "You won't believe the poker tournament they threw"

• Which story would you rather have attendees telling?

4. Create memory anchors

• Physical items (caricatures, card decks) that trigger positive recall

• Prizes that generate social proof and aspiration

• Moments (card tricks, winning hands) that become "you had to be there" stories

5. Solve real problems

• At a massive conference, great food solves the "I'm exhausted and haven't eaten well" problem

• At a week of networking, structured activity solves the "another awkward cocktail reception" problem and adds some play, delight and awe into the long week

• Memorable experiences solve the "how do we stand out" problem

The Bigger Picture

What I love most about this event is that it understood something fundamental: in an age where everyone's doing "immersive experiences" and "activations," sometimes the most innovative thing you can do is create genuine human connection.

Poker isn't new. Magic isn't new. Great food isn't new.

But combining them thoughtfully, with strategic timing, premium execution, and authentic hospitality? That creates something your competitors can't easily replicate—because replication requires understanding not just what you did, but why it worked.

Gianna's Gem: The best events aren't the ones with the biggest budgets—they're the ones where every dollar spent ladders up to a cohesive experience that makes people feel something.

This poker tournament didn't just feed executives and hope for the best. It created an emotional journey: anticipation (the invite), excitement (the competition), delight (the magic), connection (the intimate table conversations), satisfaction (the food and wine), and lasting impression (the takeaways).

That's not event planning. That's experience design. And in the world of high-stakes executive engagement, that's what separates the forgettable from the unforgettable.

In a world where AI can automate so much, the experiences we create—the moments of genuine connection, delight, and human warmth—become more valuable, not less.

So the next time you're planning an executive event, ask yourself: Am I designing an obligation or an experience? Am I offering another dinner or a story they'll want to tell?

The answer to that question might just determine whether your event gets forgotten by Tuesday or remembered for years.

What I'm Loving This Week: Monet

Speaking of revolutionizing the events industry, I'm thrilled to announce that I've joined an early stage but very hot event tech startup, monet.io as an advisor.

Here's what really blows my mind: Monet can generate entire showfloor layouts for conferences and expos—something that traditionally takes weeks of back-and-forth with venue teams, agencies, sponsors, and operations. The platform doesn't just create a generic floor plan; it uses intelligent algorithms to recommend optimal sponsor booth placements based on traffic flow, sponsor tier, and strategic visibility.

Think about what this means for event planners managing large-scale conferences: instead of manually juggling sponsor requirements, attendee flow, and venue constraints in CAD software or PowerPoint, Monet does the heavy lifting while you focus on the strategic decisions. It's like having an expert event designer and operations manager working 24/7 on your team.

For sponsors, this means better ROI—their booth placement isn't arbitrary, it's data-driven. For attendees, it means better navigation and experience. For planners, it means hours (sometimes days) of work condensed into minutes.

If you're managing complex events—especially in the enterprise space where showfloors, sponsor management, and multi-stakeholder coordination are involved—I encourage you to check out what the Monet team is building. They're not just creating software; they're creating space for event professionals to do what we do best: design experiences that matter. Drop me a line if you want an intro and a Gianna’s Gems VIP discount on their product.

Learn more at monet.io

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results. For more insights on creating exceptional events, visit GiannaGaudini.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Interested in having your event or venue featured in Gianna's Gems? Reach out at gianna@gaudini.com

Gianna's Gem Sexy Property Spotlight: Sardinia Beckons at Forte Village Resort

Mediterranean Elegance Meets Self-Contained Paradise

I've been fortunate to celebrate milestone events and experiences at some of the world's most exceptional properties…Forte Village Resort in Southern Sardinia didn't just meet my high expectations for my husband Garrett's 50th birthday—it surpassed them in ways I didn't anticipate. This isn't just another luxury resort; it's a 116-acre self-contained Mediterranean island paradise where Italian sophistication, world-class wellness, dining and entertainment, and genuine hospitality create something truly extraordinary.

But first…a story: I learned in social psychology at UCSD that one should "never let a good crisis go to waste”. In fact, it’s been proven that when you can solve a customer’s issue (even if it’s your own fault), the customer will feel more favorably about your brand. That’s exactly what happened with my first experience at Forte Village. Imagine the stress when my husband and I arrived in Sardinia for his 50th where we were hosting other international couples, with NO LUGGAGE. That’s right - our checked bags didn’t make it to the island and we were unclear when we’d receive them. Not to mention, the drama delayed our arrival to the resort to 10pm so we were exhausted and concerned about how we’d manage the next day.

The GM of the resort, Marco, went above and beyond. He got on the phone and had the hotel’s shops opened for us (at 11 pm!) so we could buy workout clothes, swimsuits and toothbrushes, and had room service dinner delivered and waiting at our hotel room when we arrived. It was such a thoughtful gesture that it moved me to tears. That kind of kindness and above and beyond welcome when we were stressed and tired turned a nightmare into an experience that comforted me that all would be ok (and it was!)

Why Forte Village Is Unlike Anything Else

Let's address what makes this property genuinely unique apart from the exceptional customer service and hospitality: Forte Village offers eight hotels in different styles and at different price points, all on one sprawling property, giving you flexibility without sacrificing access to the resort's incredible amenities. Whether you choose the adults-only retreat at Villa del Parco & Spa, the beachfront elegance of Le Dune, or the family-friendly Bouganville, every guest can access the resort's 21 restaurants (up to 23 in peak season), numerous pools, pristine beach, and world-renowned Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa.

This is the beauty of Forte Village: you get all the benefits of exploring Sardinia's stunning coastline and rich culture, but in a beautifully self-contained environment where everything you need is at your fingertips. No car required. No worrying about dinner reservations across town. Just pure, uninterrupted indulgence which was perfect for hosting a group holiday…less time coordinating, less room for hiccups with transportation, and more time to bond and relax in the sun together.

The Hotels: Something for Everyone

Eight Hotels, One Seamless Experience

The genius of Forte Village's multi-hotel concept is that it allows different guests to curate their ideal experience while sharing access to exceptional facilities. Traveling with multi-generational family? Book the kids at Bouganville with its proximity to Leisureland and the waterpark, while grandparents enjoy the tranquility of Villa del Parco. Planning a corporate retreat with varying budgets? Mix and match hotels while everyone accesses the same caliber of dining and activities.

The adults-only Villa del Parco & Spa, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, sits adjacent to the spectacular spa complex—perfect for couples or executives seeking serenity. Meanwhile, families gravitate toward the welcoming energy of Le Palme and Castello, where kids' facilities are just steps away. My husband and I loved Castello which had a patio overlooking the cerulean water, had a private adult-only pool just steps away from the water, and its own restaurant.

Planning a Milestone: My Husband's 50th Birthday

When it came time to celebrate Garrett's 50th, I wanted something that combined intimacy, spectacular setting, and flawless execution. I researched hosting his main dinner off property, and there was no other venue that came close to the beauty of Forte Village’s oceanfront views, so I was thrilled that they offered two Michelin-star pop-up oceanfront restaurants where I could customize everything from the menu to the decor and even a custom 5-0 Italian cheesecake.  I paired it with a professional photographer to get group and couples shots (who doesn’t want their family photo taken in this paradise?!) and a Jeffersonian Dinner format, and guests were literally moved to tears as we celebrated with a Red Italian moon (it’s unreal) and then dancing in the moonlight at a pop up disco overlooking the water. EPIC.

Working with the culinary team, we created a custom menu that told the story of Garrett's favorite flavors—from local Sardinian seafood to Italian classics reimagined with modern molecular gastronomy techniques. The setting was pure magic: a private table at the water's edge, the Mediterranean as our backdrop, the sound of waves providing the soundtrack to our evening.

But it was the details that elevated it from special to spectacular. The culinary team didn't just execute a menu; they created theater. Each course arrived with the chef's personal explanation of its inspiration, the sourcing of ingredients, and the technique behind it. The wine pairings showcased perfect Sardinian vintages I'd never encountered (and as a certified Court of Master Sommelier, that's saying something). The staff's attention to our preferences—and attention to every detail, and the whole restaurant our own…it was priceless.

Pro tip for event planners: This bespoke dining experience isn't just for personal celebrations. Forte Village's ability to create intimate, high-touch culinary moments makes it ideal for executive dinners, board retreats, or client cultivation events where you need to impress without trying too hard. It’s why dignitaries from around the world visit the property on a regular basis.

Culinary Excellence: 21 Restaurants, Endless Possibilities

With 21 restaurants on property (expanding to 23 during peak summer months), Forte Village has solved the age-old resort problem: dinner fatigue. You could spend three weeks here and never repeat a restaurant (although the Italian lunch was so amazing I went back to one restaurant three times).

The diversity is staggering: Start your morning with the breakfast buffet at Le Dune, grab lunch at the Fish Market with its impossibly fresh daily catch, experience Michelin-starred cuisine at Beachcomber by Heinz Beck, savor traditional Sardinian specialties at Bellavista and Belvedere, enjoy high protein Brazilian churrasco at the Ristorante Brasiliano (like a pro soccer team I spotted did), or indulge in Asian fusion flavors at one of their international concepts.

What impressed me most? Even the "casual" dining here is exceptional. The pizza at the resort's pizzeria rivals what you'd find in Naples. The poolside lunch options feature locally sourced ingredients prepared with care—this isn't your typical chlorine-scented burger situation. Even the gelato is insane. There’s a wine bar open in the center of the property that’s perfect for pre-dinner aperitifs and a gelato cart near the ocean for afternoon delights.

For event planners: The sheer variety means you can host multi-day programs without attendees experiencing restaurant fatigue, and dietary restrictions are handled with Italian grace rather than reluctance. Each restaurant features a different vibe and decor and the food and service at each was 10/10!

The Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa: A World-Class Wellness Sanctuary

Let's talk about what might be Forte Village's crown jewel: the Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa. This isn't your standard hotel spa with a few treatment rooms and a sauna. This is a medical-grade wellness destination that has revolutionized thalassotherapy.

The Revolutionary Six-Pool Thalassotherapy Circuit

The spa's signature experience is its six-pool thalassotherapy circuit, featuring pure Sardinian seawater drawn from 100 meters offshore at a depth of 10 meters. I only wish I had experienced it before my last day there so I could have planned a group experience. 

Here's what makes it extraordinary:

The first three pools operate at high temperatures with elevated saline concentrations—particularly rich in magnesium and sodium. The magnesium pool is so dense you literally float, creating a zero-gravity massage effect while the minerals work their anti-inflammatory magic on your muscles. The heat creates vasodilation, and combined with the high saline density, it increases metabolic exchanges through osmosis, providing powerful detoxification and drainage. You walk out of that pool feeling like your skin is smooth as silk and your muscles feel like butter!

The final three pools feature lower temperatures and reduced saline concentrations, completing the regenerative program by stabilizing mineral salt exchanges in your body. The cold plunge effect provides vasoconstriction, toning your entire body and leaving you feeling energized and renewed.

The entire circuit, developed 25 years ago by Dr. Angelo Cerina and his medical team, is unlike anything else in the world. It's not just relaxing—it's clinically effective for everything from muscle recovery to skin rejuvenation.

Beyond the Pools: A Complete Wellness Ecosystem

The 30 treatment rooms offer everything from traditional massages to cutting-edge aesthetic medicine treatments. The Ayurvedic Park, tucked in the most secluded corner of the gardens, provides yoga, Pilates, and authentic Ayurvedic massages using aromatic Indian oils and traditional techniques.

The new Arctic Sauna—an open-air, seafront sauna—provides a stunning wellness experience with ocean views. There's also a Turkish hammam, steam rooms, sensory showers, and a private spa area that can be reserved exclusively for families or small groups with its own four thalasso pools, sauna, hammam, and treatment spaces.

The Forte Lab: Where Wellness Meets Science

What sets Acquaforte apart from every other luxury spa? The Forte Lab—a state-of-the-art diagnostic center led by Dr. Cerina and Dr. Joanna Hakimova. Before recommending treatments, they conduct comprehensive health assessments, creating fully personalized programs based on your actual needs rather than generic spa menus.

This medical approach means athletes (and professional sports teams regularly train here) can work with physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors on performance optimization and injury recovery. Regular guests benefit from customized nutrition plans, targeted treatments, and fitness programs designed around their health data.

The Gym & Performance Center: Pro-Level Fitness

Speaking of athletes: the Performance Center is why so many professional sports teams choose Forte Village for training camps. This isn't a hotel gym with a few treadmills and dusty dumbbells. It's a two-story, 310-square-meter facility with cutting-edge equipment, personal training programs, and integration with the spa's thalassotherapy treatments for optimal recovery.

The Sports Academy programs are legendary—offering professional-level coaching in soccer, tennis, rugby, cycling, boxing, fencing, climbing, go-karting, and more. Parents, imagine your kids training with pro soccer coaches while you're getting a thalasso massage. That's the Forte Village magic.

The Pools: Multiple Options for Every Mood

Beyond the spa's therapeutic pools, Forte Village features numerous swimming pools scattered throughout the property—each with its own personality and purpose.

Whether you want an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean, a family pool with activities for kids, a quiet adult pool for uninterrupted reading, or the excitement of the Aquapark with its slides and water features, you'll find your perfect spot. The poolside service is impeccable, with spa water infused with citrus, plush loungers, and lunch service that's genuinely delicious.

The Beach: Private Paradise

The resort's pristine white sand beach stretches along the property with dedicated sections for different hotels. Sun loungers and parasols are included with your stay, and the beach staff provides the same attentive service you'll find poolside. The water is that impossible Mediterranean blue that looks Photoshopped until you're standing in it.

The beachfront walking and jogging path became part of my daily ritual—there's something restorative about starting your day with ocean views and the sound of waves, knowing that an exceptional breakfast and a day of possibilities await you back at the resort. And you could walk endlessly - in fact, I never made it to the end of the beach…which made exploring an adventure each day. We even made it to a few different off-property beach restaurants that were just a walk away from our resort. No car needed!

For Families: A Paradise for All Ages

While Garrett and I experienced Forte Village as a couples' retreat, I was struck by how brilliantly they've designed the property for families without compromising the adult experience.

Children's Wonderland is a miniature paradise with a Barbie House, Mario's Village, a vegetable garden, children's theater, science academy with hands-on experiments, and two monitored pools. The cinema and creative filmmaking adventures keep kids engaged and learning.

Leisureland caters to teenagers with bowling, go-karts, and evening discos—giving parents peace of mind that teens are entertained in a safe, supervised environment.

The Aquapark features multiple slides and water features that keep kids (and let's be honest, adults) entertained for hours.

Sports Academy programs allow children to train like pros in soccer, tennis, and other sports—creating memories and skills they'll carry for life. The soccer camp, in particular, is world-renowned, with professional coaching that would cost thousands at dedicated sports facilities.

Evening entertainment in Piazza Luisa brings families together with circus shows, musical performances, and family-friendly entertainment that's sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy.

The genius? All these family amenities are strategically located so that parents choosing the adults-only Villa del Parco never feel like they're at a kids' resort, while families at Bouganville have everything at their fingertips.

Location & Setting: The Best of Sardinia, Self-Contained

Forte Village is located in Santa Margherita di Pula on Sardinia's southern coast, about 48 kilometers from Cagliari Airport. The location offers the perfect balance: you're close enough to explore Sardinia's treasures—including the ancient Roman ruins at Nora just eight miles away—but you're never obligated to leave the resort's 116 acres of subtropical gardens and Mediterranean beachfront.

This is what I mean by "self-contained paradise": you have access to authentic Sardinian culture, cuisine, and natural beauty without the logistical headaches of navigating a foreign country, finding restaurants, or coordinating transportation for your group. Everything you need is here, executed at the highest level.

For corporate groups, this eliminates the risk of attendees getting lost, late, or distracted by outside options. For families, it means you can truly relax without planning every moment. For couples, it creates a cocooned romance where the rest of the world fades away.

Service: Italian Hospitality at Its Finest

Here's what separates good properties from great ones: service that feels genuine rather than scripted. Forte Village's staff embodies Italian hospitality—warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in your experience.

They remember your name. They anticipate your preferences without you asking. When you return to your room after dinner, you'll find it's been turned down with care—fresh towels arranged, lights dimmed perfectly, perhaps a small treat on your pillow that actually makes you smile rather than roll your eyes.

The concierge team can arrange anything from private boat excursions to in-villa chef services to surprise celebrations. Nothing is too much trouble, and everything is handled with efficiency and grace.

For Event Planners: Why Forte Village of with Checking out

As someone who's planned events for Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and other F500 companies, I'm always assessing properties through the lens of: "Could I host a successful corporate event here?"

Forte Village is exceptional for:

Executive Retreats & Board Meetings: The combination of privacy, luxury, and comprehensive amenities means executives can focus without distraction. The adults-only hotel options provide quiet spaces for strategic thinking, while the variety of restaurants allows for different meeting formats—from formal dining to casual beachside strategy sessions.

Incentive Travel: The range of hotels at different price points allows you to reward different performance tiers while keeping everyone on property. The activities and sports facilities create team building opportunities, and the spa provides the relaxation that makes incentive travel memorable.

Family-Friendly Corporate Events: This is rare—a property sophisticated enough for C-suite dinners that also accommodates families. Your executives can bring spouses and kids without worry, knowing everyone will be well cared for.

Multi-Day Conferences for International Groups: With 21+ restaurants, multiple pool options, extensive activities, and world-class spa facilities, you can keep attendees engaged and energized throughout a multi-day program. No one leaves early because they're bored. They were hosting an International Film Festival (we spotted White Lotus actors) while we were there.

Wellness-Focused Programs: If your company culture emphasizes wellness, Forte Village's medical-grade spa and fitness facilities allow you to walk the talk with substance rather than token yoga sessions.

Seasonal Considerations

The resort is now open 10 months a year (a significant expansion from the original 5-month season), with the spa's thalassotherapy pools covered from October through May to maintain warmth and comfort year-round.

Peak season (July-August) offers the full 23 restaurants and maximum entertainment options, but shoulder seasons provide a more intimate experience with milder weather and fewer families—ideal for couples or corporate groups.

Communication - my only concern through the year-long planning process was the delayed response time in planning Garrett’s birthday, but that was due to it being off-season and some of the pop-up restaurants details coming closer to summer. Knowing the Italian timeline and seasonality now, I don’t think I would worry as much in the future, especially having seen the flawless execution.

The Bottom Line

Forte Village Resort delivers something increasingly rare in luxury hospitality: a completely self-contained experience where every element—from dining to wellness to activities to service—operates at the highest level. You're not making trade-offs or compromises. You're not wishing the spa was better or the food was more diverse or the beach was prettier. Everything is exceptional.

For Garrett's 50th birthday, I wanted a property that could create a once-in-a-lifetime celebration without too much time wasted in transit and options for every preference. Forte Village not only met that brief—they exceeded it in ways that made me, a professional event planner with impossibly high standards, feel truly taken care of.

The property has earned its reputation as one of the world's leading resorts and its collection of World Travel Awards. It's been awarded the "Family First" award by Condé Nast Traveller, and multiple hotels within the resort are members of The Leading Hotels of the World. These aren't marketing claims—they're recognition of genuine excellence.

Would I return? I'm already planning our next visit, this time with my son Giacomo who’s dying to train with the pro soccer team!

Would I recommend it for your next event or personal getaway? Without hesitation. Whether you're planning an executive retreat, an incentive program, a milestone celebration, a family holiday, or a wellness-focused escape, Forte Village has the sophistication, facilities, and service to make it extraordinary. Just make sure to carry on (not check) your bags!

Rating: 10/10

For more information about Forte Village Resort and to be put in touch with their exceptional sales team, contact me for a direct introduction and to discuss how this property could be perfect for your next corporate event, social celebration, family holiday, or incentive program.

Want your property to be featured in Property Spotlight? We'd love to visit and feature your property - there are limited spaces left for 2026, inquire at gianna@gaudini.com.

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.

Vitamin G: The daily dose you can never have too much of

Hi there and Happy Thanksgiving week!

In the spirit of giving thanks, let’s talk about the science-backed superpower you're probably underusing.

I call it Vitamin G, and it's one of the few things in life you truly can't overdose on. Unlike supplements that need careful dosing or habits that require moderation, gratitude is the rare practice where more is always better (for those of you who know me, this is music to my ears!). The science backs up what ancient wisdom has always known: a consistent gratitude practice doesn't just make you feel good—it literally rewires your brain for success, health, and deeper connections.

My Daily Dosage of Vitamin G

Every night before dinner, my family takes turns sharing what we're grateful for. It's become our sacred ritual—a moment where phones are nonexistent, distractions fade, and we genuinely connect over the good in our lives. Some nights it's profound ("I'm grateful for having been born and getting to experience this world"- spoken by my 8 year old), other nights it's simple ("I'm grateful for Mom’s roast chicken"), but every night it matters.

My morning practice is equally non-negotiable. Before my feet hit the floor, while I'm still wrapped in the warmth of my bed, I say three things I'm grateful silently in my head, followed by a simple spoken "thank you!” as I jump out of bed. It's my way of setting the energetic tone for the day—choosing abundance over scarcity before the world makes any demands on me.

These bookend practices frame my days in gratitude, and I genuinely believe they're as essential to my wellbeing as exercise, sleep, or nutrition.

I use gratitude intermittently through the day too…in fact, I use a practice calling “popposites” where when a worry or negative thought creeps into my brain, I have trained my brain to "counter it” with a gratitude or even a “why is this happening FOR me, not TO me”?  

I’ve also implemented a complaint penalty in the house where if one of us is caught complaining (usually my son), we have to immediately follow it by something we’re grateful for.

I also make sure that every day, I ask myself “what have I done for someone else today” and “who have I sent a note of appreciation to today”? And make sure I make good on that daily. It makes me feel good, realize how much I have to give and how many people I have in my life to be grateful for, and it lifts others up as well - a win win, my favorite formula!

Finally, before bed, I write in my journal about what went well and what my intention for the next day is. Yes, I’d rather be sleeping or reading a book, but this practice really helps me reflect on my life every day and remember that no matter what stressors occurred, there were always an abundance of good moments to be grateful for and a fresh start the next morning.

These practices are simple, easy, free…but have had a profound effect on the quality of my life and of those around me.

What Happens in Your Brain When You Practice Gratitude

Here's where it gets fascinating: gratitude isn't just a feel-good emotion—it's a neurochemical event. When you genuinely feel grateful, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the same neurotransmitters targeted by antidepressants. You're essentially giving yourself a natural mood boost without a prescription.

But it goes deeper. Regular gratitude practice strengthens neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex, the area of your brain responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and cognitive function. Think of it as a workout for your brain's positivity muscles. The more you practice gratitude, the easier it becomes to notice and appreciate the good—even in challenging circumstances.

Research has also shown that gratitude reduces activity in the amygdala, your brain's threat-detection center. This means you become less reactive to stress and more resilient when life throws curveballs. You're literally training your brain to default to optimism instead of anxiety.

How Gratitude Transforms Your Health

The health benefits of gratitude extend far beyond brain chemistry. Studies have shown that people who maintain regular gratitude practices experience:

• Better sleep quality: When you fall asleep thinking about what went well instead of what went wrong, your nervous system calms, and sleep comes easier.

• Stronger immune function: Grateful people have higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that plays a crucial role in immune defense.

• Lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation: Gratitude activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which counters the stress response that causes inflammation and cardiovascular strain.

• Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety: Gratitude shifts your focus from what's lacking to what's present, interrupting the negative thought loops that fuel mental health struggles.

When you're grateful for your body and your health, you're also more likely to make choices that honor them—eating well, moving regularly, and prioritizing rest. Gratitude creates a positive feedback loop where appreciation leads to better care, which leads to more to be grateful for.

Gratitude as a Manifestation Accelerator

Here's something I've experienced firsthand: gratitude is one of the most powerful manifestation tools available. When you elevate your mood through genuine appreciation for what you already have, you shift your energetic frequency. You move from a state of lack ("I don't have enough") to a state of abundance ("I have so much"), and that shift changes everything.

The universe—or whatever you believe in—responds to the energy you put out. When you're vibrating at the frequency of gratitude and abundance, you naturally attract more experiences, opportunities, and people that match that frequency. It's not magical thinking; it's energetic alignment.

When you're genuinely grateful for your current relationships, you show up as a better friend, partner, and colleague—which naturally deepens those connections. When you're grateful for your work, you bring more creativity and enthusiasm to it—which often leads to recognition and new opportunities. Gratitude doesn't just help you appreciate what you have; it multiplies it.

Beware of The Dark Side: What Happens When We're Ungrateful

The flip side is equally powerful—and far less pleasant. When you operate from a place of ingratitude, complaint, and focus on what's missing, you're essentially programming your brain for dissatisfaction. Your neural pathways strengthen around negativity, making it easier to spot problems and harder to recognize blessings.

Chronic ingratitude is associated with:

• Higher levels of stress hormones: Your body stays in fight-or-flight mode, which suppresses immune function and accelerates aging.

• Weaker relationships: People don't enjoy being around those who constantly complain or take things for granted. Ingratitude erodes connection.

• Missed opportunities: When you're focused on what's wrong, you become blind to what's right—including opportunities sitting right in front of you.

• A scarcity mindset: Ingratitude trains your brain to see the world through a lens of "not enough," which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The cost of ingratitude isn't just emotional—it's physical, relational, and professional. It keeps you stuck in patterns that repel the very things you're hoping to attract.

Why Gratitude Is the Exception to Every Rule

We're told that balance is key. Too much of anything—even good things—can become problematic. Except gratitude. Gratitude is the rare exception where excess is impossible. You can't be too grateful. There's no upper limit on appreciation.

The more grateful you become, the richer your life feels—not because your circumstances necessarily change, but because your perception does. And perception is reality. Two people can live the same life and have wildly different experiences based solely on whether they've cultivated gratitude or complaint.

Your Vitamin G Prescription

If you're not already practicing gratitude daily, consider this your prescription for Vitamin G:

• Start small: Three things before you get out of bed. Three things before dinner. That's it.

• Be specific: Instead of "I'm grateful for my family," try "I'm grateful for the way my son loves my terrible jokes and the way her laugh makes me light up"

• Feel it and share it: Don't just list things. Pause and actually feel the warmth of appreciation. That's where the brain chemistry shift happens. Bonus if you then share that thought with whoever may have ignited it. You’ll light up their day in the process.

• Stay consistent: Like any practice, the benefits compound. A week won't change your life, but a year will transform it.

Gianna’s Gem: Gratitude isn't just a nice idea or a fluffy self-help concept. It's a scientifically validated practice that changes your brain, improves your health, strengthens your relationships, and helps you manifest more of what you truly want. It's medicine, magic, and momentum all wrapped into one simple practice.

And the best part? It costs nothing, requires no equipment, can be done at any time, and you can start right now.

So here's my challenge: What are three things you're grateful for in this very moment? Say them out loud. Feel them. And then watch what happens when you make this a daily, non-negotiable practice.

And to all of you Gem readers, thanks for taking the time to read and share my Gems. Thanks for your feedback, and direct notes when one of them resonates with you. Your genuine engagement is what keeps me writing week after week and I am grateful for each of you. 

Drop me a note about what you’re grateful for and I’ll send you one back! Let’s get in the holiday spirit of giving together.

What I'm Loving This Week:

And for all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Short and sweet this week - Here are my two favorite podcasts that give me a spark of gratitude when I need a mental jump start:

• The Mel Robbins Podcast

• Feel Better, Live More Podcast

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.

GIANNA'S GEM: GIANNA'S GEM: Why Smart Event Leaders Never Source Venues Alone

Hi there,

As you read last week, finding the right venue can be more strategic than one might think for events. As I’m thinking about the coming year and kicking off strategic planning with my clients, Third Party Event Contracting and Venue sourcing are top of mind! Let’s break down how to make your venue search more time and cost efficient, effective, and strategic so you can spend more time on the things you love.

Now…Here's what separates sophisticated event leaders from overwhelmed ones: they understand that venue sourcing isn't a task to muscle through on your own—it's a strategic opportunity that demands the right partner at the right time. Whether you're evaluating 15 cities for a leadership summit or negotiating complex event meeting space for a multi-day conference, how you source determines not just what you pay, and what contract terms you secure, but what you're able to create.

The most successful planners I know approach venue sourcing like master architects approach construction: they know when to leverage technology for efficiency and when human expertise becomes non-negotiable. Let me break down why going it alone costs you more than just time—and how the right sourcing strategy actually costs you nothing.

Your Strategic Partner Is Your Secret Weapon for Budget Optimization and Seamless Execution. 

When you try to source venues directly without a strategic intermediary, you're leaving money on the table in ways that compound quickly:

You're paying retail rates. Hotels price differently based on who's asking. A planner calling directly gets standard rates. An experienced intermediary with established hotel relationships and volume leverage gets preferential pricing that can mean 15-30% savings on your total budget.

You're missing negotiable concessions. Waived resort fees, complimentary meeting space, food and beverage minimums converted to cover room rental, early check-in for VIPs, upgraded suites, complimentary site visits—these aren't advertised perks. They're negotiated wins that require knowing what's possible, what's standard, and what language unlocks them. And often, the relationships involved matter when these concessions are requested.

You're absorbing hidden time costs. Every hour you spend comparing proposals, chasing down availability, clarifying contract terms, and managing revisions is an hour you're not spending on the strategic work that actually moves your event forward. 

You're navigating without market intelligence. Which properties over-promise and under-deliver? Which sales teams are responsive versus those that ghost after signing? Which venues have hidden costs that appear only in final invoices? Intermediaries carry this intelligence—you're starting from scratch every time. Many of these intermediaries have site visited the properties or helped other clients with events and have insights that will prove golden when it comes to decision and execution time.

The Real Estate Agent Model: Premium Service That Costs You Nothing

Here's what transforms sourcing from expense to advantage: like real estate agents, professional venue intermediaries are paid commission by the hotel, not by you. The hotel has already budgeted for this commission as a standard cost of doing business—it's baked into their sales structure whether you use an intermediary or not.

When you work with an intermediary (like my sourcing partners and I) you get:

• Preferential rates we negotiate through our relationships and volume

• VIP treatment and concessions that aren't available to direct bookers

• Expert guidance through complex venue vetting and contract negotiation

• Complimentary site visit coordination and on-property support

• Protection and advocacy if issues arise before or during your event

The hotel pays our commission from their existing budget. Your rate doesn't increase—in fact, it typically decreases because of the leverage we bring. This isn't an added fee; it's a standard industry practice that works in your favor when you know how to use it.

Think of it this way: would you buy a house without a real estate agent simply because "it's free to contact the seller directly"? Of course not—you'd miss critical negotiation opportunities, market insights, and protective advocacy. The same logic applies to venue sourcing, where the financial stakes are often just as significant.

When to Use AI Platforms: The Power of Exploratory Efficiency

Not every sourcing scenario demands a human intermediary—and knowing when to leverage technology is part of strategic sophistication. This is where AI-powered platforms like BoomPop, become invaluable (p.s. check our Gianna Recommends section below for more on why they are my fave online venue/event planning platform).

I’m prud to say I’m an advisor to BoomPop because they've solved a specific sourcing pain point brilliantly: they're perfect for smaller, less complex events where speed and efficiency matter more than intricate negotiation. That’s why sometimes I recommend an intermediary human planner to my clients, and other times I recommend BoomPop. No need to compete here - below is a breakdown on when to use AI and when to go with a human touch:

Use an ai platform for sourcing like BoomPop when:

You're in exploratory mode. Comparing pricing and availability across multiple regions or cities to determine feasibility? BoomPop's AI can surface options across geographies instantly, giving you the market intelligence you need to make strategic location decisions without spending days chasing down quotes.

Your event is straightforward. A one-day offsite with a single meeting space, AV, and standard F&B? This is BoomPop's sweet spot. Their platform streamlines sourcing for events that don't require complex breakout configurations, multiple function spaces, or extensive customization.

You don't need (or don't have time for) site visits. For secondary events, recurring team meetings, or situations where you're familiar with the market and just need efficient booking, BoomPop removes friction and saves you valuable planning hours.

Budget and time efficiency are top priorities. BoomPop can save you both money and coordination time for straightforward events, giving you a clear comparison of options without the back-and-forth of traditional sourcing.

The platform works beautifully as your first pass for exploratory research or your complete solution for simpler events. It's smart technology doing what technology does best: making straightforward processes faster and more transparent.

When Humans Become Non-Negotiable: Complex Events Demand Expert Partners

But here's where the equation changes: as your event complexity increases, human expertise shifts from "nice to have" to "essential for success." This is where my partner and I step in—and where the return on working with experienced intermediaries becomes exponential.

You need a human intermediary when:

You require significant concessions. Waiving meeting space rental fees, converting F&B spend to cover room costs, eliminating resort fees, securing complimentary suite upgrades—these aren't checkbox requests. They require relationship capital, market knowledge, and negotiation finesse that only comes from years of partnership with properties. We know which properties have flexibility, which concessions are realistic, and how to structure requests so hotels say yes.

Your venue needs are complex. Multiple breakout rooms, varied function space configurations, intricate AV requirements, phased arrivals, VIP accommodations, welcome receptions, closing dinners—when your event has layers, you need someone who can vet venue capabilities thoroughly and ensure operational feasibility before you commit.

VIP treatment matters. Site visits with decision-makers require white-glove coordination. Key stakeholder accommodations need to be flawless. Leadership expects seamless experiences. When reputation is on the line, you need an intermediary who commands respect at properties and ensures your group receives priority treatment.

You're navigating high-stakes negotiations. Contract terms, attrition clauses, cancellation policies, force majeure language—these aren't boilerplate details. They're risk management tools that protect your budget and your organization. We negotiate these terms as advocates for you, not as neutral parties hoping for a quick close.

You need a strategic advisor, not just a booking agent. Which venue aligns with your event objectives? How do you evaluate trade-offs between location, cost, and experience? What hidden operational challenges should you anticipate? These aren't transactional questions—they're strategic ones that benefit from seasoned perspective.

The Strategic Sourcing Decision Tree

Here's how sophisticated event leaders think about sourcing partners:

For exploratory research planning simple offsites and creating event websites/reg all in one platform → BoomPop
👉 Fast, efficient, budget-friendly, perfect for straightforward needs and executing a straightforward platform all in one

For complex, high-stakes, or VIP events → Human intermediaries (like us)
👉 Negotiation power, concession expertise, relationship capital, strategic guidance

For multi-phase programs → Hybrid approach
👉 Use BoomPop to explore options and narrow the field, then bring in human expertise to negotiate final terms and manage complex logistics

The common thread? Never source alone when partnership creates measurable advantage. And since that partnership costs you nothing—just like a real estate agent—the question isn't whether you can afford an intermediary. It's whether you can afford not to have one.

What This Means for Your Next Event

Every venue decision is actually three decisions in one:

1. Where should we host this event? (Market selection)

2. Which property best serves our objectives? (Venue evaluation)

3. How do we optimize budget while maximizing experience? (Negotiation strategy and relationship)

The right sourcing partner—whether AI platform or human intermediary—transforms these from overwhelming variables into strategic advantages. You gain market intelligence, preferential pricing, expert negotiation, and time back to focus on what actually makes your event successful: the experience you're creating for attendees.

The most successful events don't just happen—they're sourced strategically, negotiated expertly, and executed with the kind of partnership that makes complexity look effortless.

Questions about this? Book time here: 👉 intro.co/giannagaudini

Take my venue negotiation Master Class: 👉https://www.giannagaudini.com/learn-from-me

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.

What I’m Loving This Week: And for all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Better Events Podcast Curious about what it really takes to succeed in the world of corporate events? I had the pleasure of chatting with industry peers and leaders, Logan Clements and Mary Davidson on their Better Events Podcast to discuss:

• How to design with intention.

• Attendee journey frameworks

• Common gaps hotels overlook when serving planners

• Career shifts for those looking to level up

• What sets corporate events apart and how to break into the space

  Whether you’re a nonprofit pro or an event planner eyeing corporate gigs, have a listen for practical advice and behind-the-scenes insights from my career.
  
  Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gKqYTpRN or
  Apple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gac2Qzhr
  
  Psst - listeners also can get 20% off my masterclass with the code: GiannaVIP applied at checkout. https://lnkd.in/g7dby54r

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.

GIANNA'S GEM: How We Pulled Off a User Conference in Brazil with 60 Days sans Site Visit

Why the Best Events Aren't Built on Perfect Plans—They're Built on Trust and Team

Here's a story about what happens when you cancel a user conference, get acquired by a company, and then decide to plan a last-minute event in said company’s first market, Brazil, with barely two months of runway. Spoiler: it taught me more about what truly matters in event planning than a decade of perfectly executed programs ever could.

The Challenge That Changed Everything

Picture this: Windsurf gets acquired by Cognition AI. We cancel Windsurf's planned user conference slated for San Francisco, November 2025. Then, in a plot twist worthy of a telenovela, we decide to host a user conference in São Paulo with a planning timeline so compressed it would make even seasoned planners break out in hives (not that I did, but may have sprung a few gray hairs along the way). Two months. In Brazil. A country we'd never worked in before that takes no less than two days of plane travel (each way) from San Francisco.

The math was brutal: as flights take two days each way, a traditional site visit would consume a full week of our already impossible timeline. We had to launch registration immediately, which meant committing to a venue we'd never physically seen and locking it in within a week of kicking off a search (!). Every event planner reading this just felt their stomach drop—I know, because mine did too.

Why This Story Matters: The Success Formula Nobody Talks About

We pulled it off. Not just pulled it off—we exceeded our attendance goals, delivered an experience that had attendees showing up in custom Cognition-branded polo jerseys they'd competed for against Devin in a math game activation onsite, and created the most engaged user conference audience I've seen in my entire career. One attendee even brought his wife to teach her about AI agents. When was the last time that happened at your conference?

But here's what made it work, and it wasn't perfect planning or unlimited budgets or even divine intervention (though I'll admit to some heavy manifesting). It was four things that matter more than any venue or vendor contract:

• A United Team

• Unwavering Positive Attitude

• Seamless Collaboration

• A Trusted Agency Partner

Let me break down why these four elements transformed what could have been a disaster into one of the most memorable events I’ve planned recently:

The Power of Partnership: Why a Decade of Trust Made the Impossible Possible

I've worked with my production agency for over a decade (message me if you need an intro!). That relationship became the bedrock of this entire production. When we couldn't do a site visit, they activated their local agency partner in São Paulo—boots on the ground who knew the market, spoke the language, and understood the cultural nuances we couldn't possibly grasp from California.

But here's the critical learning: even trusted partners can't replace your own eyes on complex venues. We thought we had it figured out remotely. We booked what looked like a perfect historic venue—the Jockey Society—with a second floor perfect for an executive track. Then one of our team members traveled to Brazil for work a month before the event and discovered that second floor wasn't up to our standards.

Crisis? No. This is where trust and collaboration turn problems into solutions. We pivoted fast—launched a new venue search, moved the executive track to a different venue and different day. Did it create extra work? Absolutely. But our agency partnership and team unity meant we could adapt without panic. And pivot we did! Within just a few days, we’d locked in the Rosewood on an even more optimal date (day before F1) and had a contract signed in less than a week before someone else could swoop in and challenge it.

Learning #1: Build relationships with agencies, and any partners before you need them. 

When you're planning an event in an unfamiliar market with an impossible timeline, decade-long partnerships become your insurance policy. I also had my favorite photographer I’ve worked with for close to two decades onsite. I didn’t have to micromanage him - every time I wanted a shot captured, he’d already taken it. That’s the power of working with trusted team members and building relationships that last decades and through many companies and clients. You learn each other's preferences and can start working even more seamlessly anticipating each other's needs.

The Brazil Reality Check: What They Don't Tell You in Planning Guides

Let's talk about what working in Brazil actually means for event planners:

The Response Time Reality

Brazilians operate on a different timeline. Vendor responses that take hours in the US can take days in Brazil. There's a language barrier, yes, but there's also a cultural approach to efficiency and quality standards that differs from what we're accustomed to. This isn't good or bad—it's just different, and you need to plan for it. I didn’t get our menus for the event until the week prior, but I relaxed and trusted that this was normal and low and behold, food/beverage was one of the highest rated aspects of the experience.

The Buffer Principle

We built substantial buffer time into every deadline, and we needed every minute of it. For two days straight, we worked around the clock—literally overnight shifts—to deliver the exceptional experience we'd promised. Would I recommend working 48 hours straight? No. But I would recommend building in twice the buffer time you think you need when working internationally. Not to mention, Government shutdown in the US caused half of our team’s flights (including my own) to be severely delayed or canceled, so definitely leave yourself and speakers buffer as well. We had to rejigger a few speakers and staff members as a result, but luckily it still worked out seamlessly.

The Load-In Reality

Load-in in Brazil requires significantly more time than comparable US events. The infrastructure, processes, and logistics simply move differently. Budget extra time, extra hands, and extra patience.

Learning #2: International events require international-sized buffers. Triple your timeline estimates. Double your team. And accept that "normal" doesn't translate across borders.

Why Unique Venues and Exceptional Food Still Matter—Maybe More Than Ever

Despite the compressed timeline and logistical challenges, we didn't compromise on two things: a unique and venue that paid homage to local culture, and food quality. And these small details matter.

The Venue Choice

We chose the Jockey Society—historic, distinctive, and completely unlike any convention center or hotel ballroom. Open-air terraces overlooked the horse track with sweeping views of São Paulo - it’s cool and classy (like our Cognition brand!). During keynotes and meals, attendees could step outside, feel the breeze, and remember they were in this beautiful, vibrant city. The venue wasn't just a backdrop—it was part of the experience.

The Food Philosophy

We curated a diverse, healthy menu that honored local favorites: great wines, caipirinhas, fresh coconuts you could drink from straws, and authentic Brazilian cuisine alongside international options. We treated our attendees like royalty, and they noticed and were so happy, we had virtually no attrition.

Learning #3: People remember how you made them feel, and nothing makes people feel valued like exceptional food and hospitality or a friendly greeting in a memorable setting. Don't cut corners here, even when timelines and budgets are tight. We had translation and the most exceptionally talented (and might I say gorgeous) brand ambassadors supporting the experience onsite. They truly went above and beyond and having staff that actually cares and is helpful and informative is a major signal of hospitality and also of how your company treats its customers and community.

The Audience That Changed My Perspective on Engagement

Here's what stunned me most: the Brazilian audience repaid our investment with the highest level of engagement I've ever witnessed at a user conference.

Minimal attrition throughout the entire day—from morning keynotes through afternoon breakouts, hands-on labs, demos, and evening networking. Every seat filled in the keynotes. Every breakout full. People actually showed up to absorb the experience, not just check the boxes, or grab the swag and part of the session and jet.

In the US, we're accustomed to networking-focused conferences where learning sometimes takes a back seat to deal-making and socializing. In Brazil, attendees came to learn. They wanted to understand our products, see real use cases, test features hands-on. They asked questions. They stayed for every session. They wore those Cognition jerseys with genuine pride, not ironic detachment. They did our “man on the street” video interviews, stood and kindly practiced their English when I asked them what we could do better (see my blog on why I love feedback), and one of them even asked if I was going to be sending out an event survey!

Learning #4: Different markets have different motivations. Understanding what your audience truly values—and delivering on that—creates engagement that no marketing budget can buy.

The Real Lessons: What Two Months Leading up to in Brazil Taught Me About What Matters

After a decade of planning events, here's what this compressed, chaotic, completely imperfect Brazil conference planning sprint clarified for me:

Trust Beats Timelines: A trusted agency partner with local expertise is worth more than a perfect project plan. When things go sideways (and they will), relationships are what save you.

Team Unity Is Your Superpower: A collaborative team that can pivot gracefully when the unexpected happens will outperform a larger team with perfect processes every time. Our team stayed positive, adapted constantly, and supported each other through two days of round-the-clock work—that attitude made everything possible, and might I say FUN?

Cultural Intelligence Trumps Assumptions: What works in San Francisco or New York doesn't automatically translate to São Paulo. Respect the local market, work with people who understand it, and be humble enough to learn from what surprises you.

Excellence Is Universal: Despite language barriers and cultural differences, people everywhere recognize and appreciate when you've invested in creating an exceptional experience. The food, the venue, the care we took—it all communicated respect, and our attendees responded with enthusiasm and engagement.

Buffer Time Is Event Insurance: When working internationally, especially in markets with different operational rhythms, build in buffer time you think is excessive. Then add more. You'll use it, and you'll be grateful you have it.

The Bottom Line: What Actually Delivers Unforgettable Events

Perfect planning is overrated. Perfect partnerships are priceless. You can have the most detailed project plan in the world, but if you don't have a team that trusts each other, maintains positive attitudes under pressure, and can collaborate through chaos, your event will suffer. And if you don't have agency partners who know you, understand your standards, and have local expertise you can rely on, you're flying blind.

The Brazil conference succeeded not because we had more time or resources (we had less of both), but because we had the right people in the right relationships approaching challenges with the right mindset - which was, we would succeed (if humbly) at all costs with determination and grit and a bit of humor and levity too.

For Planners Considering International Events:

• Build agency partnerships before you need them

• Invest in local expertise—you can't Google (Or Claude/GPT) your way through cultural nuances

• Budget significantly more time and expense for travel and logistics

• Don't compromise on venue uniqueness and food quality—they're worth the investment and try to focus on what’s important locally even if it’s different from what you’re used to

• Understand that your audience's motivations may differ from your domestic expectations

• Assemble a team that values collaboration and maintains positivity under pressure

• Accept that some things won't go as planned, and that's okay—flexibility is a feature, not a bug

The Brazil Bottom Line:

Would I do it again with two months' notice? Honestly? Probably not—the overnight shifts and stress took years off my life. But would I encourage planners to take calculated risks on international events with the right team and partners? Absolutely.

Because sometimes the events that push you furthest outside your comfort zone teach you the most valuable lessons. And sometimes—when you have trust, team unity, and a little bit of samba in your soul—the impossible becomes not just possible, but extraordinary.

Ready to discuss how the right partnerships and team can transform your next event from logistically challenging to genuinely unforgettable? Always happy to chat. 

What international event challenges have pushed you to grow as a planner? I'd love to hear your stories—drop me a note and let's compare notes on what we've learned in the field.

Book me here 👉 intro.co/giannagaudini

Let me guide your team 👉https://www.giannagaudini.com/learn-from-me

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.

Gianna’s Gem: Stop Running Events. Start Building A Portfolio That Moves The Needle.

Hi there,

If you're reading this in Q4, you're in the perfect position to get ahead of the curve. While most event teams are scrambling to close out this year's calendar and reactively filling next year's dates, the truly strategic organizations are using this window to step back and build an intentional portfolio for the year ahead. 

This is exactly why Q4 is my favorite time to work with clients—there's still time to influence budgets, challenge assumptions, and architect a portfolio that's tied to business priorities before you're locked into legacy commitments and resourcing pressures. The difference between organizations that plan their portfolios in Q4 versus those that piece them together in Q1? About six months of strategic advantage, clearer ROI stories, better sponsorship opportunities and pricing, and the confidence that comes from knowing every event on your calendar has a defensible reason for existing. Let's talk about why that matters and how to make it happen

The Business of Events vs. The Events Business: Why Strategic Portfolio Planning Is Your Competitive Edge

Here's something that I’m thinking a lot about lately: the difference between just running events and strategically deploying a portfolio of experiences that moves the business needle. After years of leading events at Google, Airtable, AWS, and now consulting with AI, VC and tech companies of all sizes, I've seen too many organizations treat their event calendar like a random collection of activities rather than what it should be—an integrated, purposeful channel designed to guide audiences through every stage of their relationship with your brand.

Let me tell you why this matters more than ever, and how to get it right.

The Fundamental Shift: Speaking Business Language, Not Just Event Language

Most event teams are stuck in what I call "the events business"—focused on logistics, budgets, task lists, and execution. Yes, those things matter. But they're table stakes. The transformational leap happens when you shift to "the business of events," where strategy leads, outcomes drive decisions, and every single experience is purposefully designed to achieve specific business results.

This isn't semantic wordplay. It's the difference between being seen as a cost center and being recognized as a revenue and relationship driver. When you speak in business language—pipeline acceleration, customer lifetime value, market penetration, brand equity—now you’re driving real outcomes for your company, not just executing someone else's vision. I’ll never forget at my very first agency role, my CEO, Dave Mana, told me “Never be an order taker”. 22 years later, I have never forgotten that and help my clients and agencies also think more strategically rather than tactically.

Your Event Portfolio Is Not Just A Calendar—It's An Integrated Ecosystem

Let’s clear up a misconception: An event portfolio isn't a calendar of things happening. It's an integrated series of events, specifically selected and engineered to motivate audiences to act at each stage of their relationship with your company.

Think about that. Every event should have a strategic reason for existing based on where your audience is in their journey with you. The customer journey has fundamentally changed, and we're now responsible for the entire lifecycle—pre-sale and post-sale, acquisition through expansion, awareness through advocacy.

Your flagship customer conference? It's phenomenal for deepening relationships with existing customers, building community, and driving adoption. But it's actually one of the least effective ways to reach new prospects. That reality should fundamentally shape how you allocate resources, when you plan hosted conferences during your sales cycle and the split between your brand and business goals and how you’ll achieve them with each type of events.

Regional roadshows? They're your secret weapon for prospect acquisition. Go to where your customers and prospects are instead of expecting them to travel to you.

Third-party industry conferences? Fish where the big fish are. They’re powerful for brand awareness, thought leadership, meeting new customers and nurturing your executive prospects and also  reassuring existing customers that you're still relevant in the market. Plus, there’s an opportunity cost of NOT showing up to these when your competitors are there in a big way.

The Portfolio Planning Process: Three Strategic Steps

After conducting countless portfolio assessments with different size organizations, I've refined this into a systematic approach that actually works. To distill it down into a high level overview:

Step 1: Current State Assessment—Know Where You Stand and What Else is Happening in the World

This is where brutal honesty meets strategic opportunity. You need two critical inputs:

The Macro Environment: What are the industry trends? What are competitors doing with their event strategies—where are they exhibiting and at what level? What's their hosted event approach? What geographical and event marketing trends are shaping the landscape?

The Internal Assessment: Your current event strategy, goals, and actual results. The reality of your portfolio by event type and customer journey stage. Your spend distribution between owned and third-party events, and within sponsorships, your ratio of booth investment to activation investment.

The intersection point between these two assessments is where your event strategy should be built. Complete an honest portfolio assessment for your current mix. Are you too heavily invested in one area? How does your current distribution compare to your overall marketing objectives?

This moment of clarity is gold. I've watched organizations realize they're spending 70% of their budget on customer-focused events while their biggest business challenge is new logo acquisition. That's a strategic misalignment that no amount of execution excellence can overcome.

Step 2: Develop Clear Portfolio Objectives—Connect Events To Business Strategy

This is where you get rigorous about prioritization and allocation. The key question isn't "What events should we do?" It's "Given our business priorities, where should we concentrate our investment?"

Pick your priorities. Choose two primary dimensions from: Product, Objective, Industry, Audience Type, Geography, or Department. You cannot be all things to all people. The companies that try to evenly distribute their event investment across all dimensions end up creating mediocre impact everywhere instead of market-moving momentum somewhere specific.

Ask yourself the hard questions (or have someone like me guide you through them):

• What's the right balance of objectives? (Awareness vs. lead generation vs. pipeline acceleration vs. customer adoption vs. brand awareness, vs. loyalty and advocacy)

• Who are our priority audiences?

• What are our priority industries and geographies?

• Which press and/or analysts matter most? Which partners and competitors?

• Which products or solutions are most important right now?

• What about pure brand plays?

• What other marketing campaigns are we planning for the year that events can feed into?

Once you have clarity on prioritization, establish your recommended distribution. I typically see effective portfolios allocating investment between owned and third-party events based on their acquisition vs. retention goals, then layering in spend by marketing objective to ensure balance. 

Gianna’s Gem: A general rule of thumb is that earlier stage companies typically spend 60% of their budget on third party hosted events and 40% on owned events, whereas more mature companies switch to 60% budget spend on owned events vs. 40% spend on third party events.

Step 3: Select Appropriate Events—Format Matters More Than You Think

Now comes the tactical execution of your strategy. Three critical steps here:

Select the correct event formats based on what you're trying to achieve. Roadshows for prospect acquisition. Customer conferences for community building and expansion. Third-party conferences for awareness and ecosystem alignment. Digital events or field marketing training days for scalable education.

Invest time and budget in activating accordingly. A strategic portfolio with poor execution is just an expensive plan. Your activation approach should be as thoughtfully designed as your strategy.

Establish consistent evaluation criteria so you're comparing events against objective standards rather than gut feelings or political pressure. Every event should be measured against the same framework aligned to your portfolio objectives. 

Gianna’s Gem: There is NO BAD DATA, so no matter what, measure what happens at your events and you will walk away learning something - marketing gold!

Why This Matters: The Value Proposition of Strategic Portfolio Planning

When you approach your event program as a strategic portfolio rather than a collection of activities, everything changes:

• Your investment decisions become defensible because they're tied to business priorities

• Your team can communicate impact in language executives actually care about

• You can identify gaps and redundancies that are draining resources

• You create a framework for saying no to events that don't serve your strategy

• You shift from reactive to proactive, from tactical to strategic, from cost center to growth driver

The organizations I work with that embrace portfolio planning don't just run better events—they fundamentally transform how their companies view and value the event function. They earn seats at the strategy table because they speak strategy language and deliver measurable business outcomes.

The Bottom Line: Strategy + Execution = Sustainable Event Excellence

Strategic portfolio planning isn't about making your event calendar more complex. It's about making it more intentional and repeatable. It's about having the clarity and conviction to invest heavily in the experiences that will genuinely move your business forward, and the discipline to divest from those that won't and optimize along the way based on what you learn.

This is the work that separates good event programs from truly exceptional ones. This is how you build sustainable excellence rather than scrambling event to event, quarter to quarter, wondering if your events are really achieving the results you desire and are worth the investment.

Some strategies are worth the investment in getting right. This is one of them.

What I'm Loving This Week: And for all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey

I love playing tennis… but that’s not what drew me to this book. The Inner Game of Tennis revolutionized my understanding of performance under pressure, and it's become one of the most influential books in my approach to both events and strategic planning. Gallwey's central insight is that your biggest opponent isn't external—it's the interference you create in your own mind.

He introduces the concept of Self 1 (the conscious, telling self) and Self 2 (the unconscious, doing self). Self 1 is the voice that judges, criticizes, tries to control every detail, and creates performance anxiety. Self 2 is your natural ability, trained reflexes, and intuitive capacity to execute at a high level when you get out of your own way.

Why I loved it: This framework completely transformed how I approach high-stakes planning and execution. The best event strategists I know have learned to quiet Self 1's anxiety and trust their trained judgment. They've done the work (the portfolio assessment, the stakeholder interviews, the data analysis), and then they trust themselves to synthesize that into clear strategic direction without overthinking it into mediocrity.

They know that peak performance comes from relaxed concentration rather than tight control. That's the mindset shift that allows you to present bold portfolio recommendations to executives without hedging, to make tough prioritization calls and to execute with conviction.

For anyone managing complex strategic initiatives, this book offers a mental framework that reduces interference and amplifies your natural strategic capability. It's taught me that confidence isn't the absence of doubt; it's the ability to act decisively despite it. Read it. Trust yourself. Execute brilliantly.

Ready to assess your current portfolio and build a strategic roadmap that connects your events to business impact? Let's discuss how portfolio planning can transform your program from successful to indispensable.

Book me here 👉 intro.co/giannagaudini

Let me guide your team 👉https://www.giannagaudini.com/learn-from-me

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.

Gianna's Sexy Property Spotlight: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Chic, Thoughtful Design Meets Hawaiian Paradise

I've stayed at countless Hawaiian hotels in my life (it was a favorite family vacation spot growing up and also a favorite incentive trip for companies I’ve worked for), and the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort isn't just another beachfront property—it sets a gold standard in how a modern resort should think about the entire guest experience and is a 10/10 for the overall experience and value. Whether you're planning a corporate event, milestone birthday or wedding, or personal escape, this renovated gem delivers on every level and for relatively reasonable cost.

Why This Property is a Standout: The Details Matter

Let's talk about the things that make or break a hotel stay. You know what's annoying? Arriving before your room is ready with nowhere to go. The Andaz Maui gets it. Their arrival Lounge features showers, a microwave, cold beverages, and a comfortable “living room” like lounge to decompress—because your vacation (or work trip) shouldn't start with sitting awkwardly in the lobby for three hours.

And can we discuss the room amenities? Every guest receives a beach bag and two reusable water bottles. Forgot yours at home? No problem. They've thought of it. The rooms themselves are intelligently designed to maximize every square foot—think carved-out storage under the bed for shoes, extra wall-rack right by the door for hanging towels and wet swimsuits and complimentary Hawaiian snacks and beverages you need stocked and replenished throughout your stay… the water stations and ice on every other floor and “spa water” infused with citrus at every pool…It's this kind of smart space planning and thoughtfulness about what guests want and need that makes you wonder why other hotels haven't figured this out yet.

But here's where they really won me over: premium Nespresso pods (not generic coffee) and DryBar hairdryers in every room. As someone who has suffered through countless bad hotel coffees and hairdryers that turn my hair into a frizz disaster, these were welcome surprises I don't even find at supposedly "luxury" properties. The little things? They're actually the big things. Case in Point: I’ll never forget this past year I was planning a Milestone Birthday for a dear client at a luxury hotel in Napa, and she showed up to the final evening event (where I had scheduled a photographer to take professional photos of the couple and their guests), with WET HAIR! When she told me it was because the hotel’s hairdryer was so bad it wouldn’t dry her hair, I was appalled. So hotels - don’t do this to your guests! They deserve better.

Sophisticated, Smart, Timeless Design 

The Andaz Maui has done an A+ job on maintaining classic Hawaiian traditions and aesthetics and upgrading them to be fresh, modern, chic and versatile. The aesthetic is clean, natural, and unmistakably Hawaiian—but in a sophisticated fashion that uses clean neutrals, wood, fres, neutral-toned carpet (with a delicate, light pattern) with pops of color introduced only via art and Hawaiian orchids. The traditional “welcome moment” as you arrive and approach the breathtaking Lobby still boasts a welcome with Hawaiian Lei and specialty fruit juice, and sweeping open-aired views of the ocean, with a fun upgrade which is a sand-feature that groups can use to “draw” a welcome message to guests. Clever, subtle, and understated natural without needing print signage to obstruct the view - so smart! Everything about this property feels intentional, from the materials to the layout. It's the kind of design that makes you feel relaxed the moment you walk in.

The Rooms: Where Smart Design Meets Comfort

Every room at the Andaz Maui is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and comfort. In the room I stayed in, the dual tub/shower combo and under-bed shoe storage were brilliant touches that make life easier. The large soaking tubs in every bathroom in the villa I toured are perfect for unwinding after a day of meetings or beach time—there's nothing quite like a good soak while looking out at Hawaiian views.

The Suites: Next-Level Luxury

But if you really want to experience something special, the villas are where it's at. Let me tell you about what made me fall in love with them:

The Stunning Glass-Bottom Dipping Pool
The Ilikai Penthouse Villa I toured feature an outdoor dipping pool with a see-through bottom—yes, you read that right. It's the kind of feature that makes you do a double-take and then immediately post about it. It's sexy, it's unique, and it's perfect for those sunset cocktail moments with friends (or colleagues if you dare).

Built for Entertaining
These villas come with large kitchens and outdoor Viking grills, making them ideal for entertaining. Whether you're hosting your executive team for a private dinner or traveling with family and want to cook a few meals in (or have one of their recommended private chefs cook for you), the setup is perfect. It's rare to find accommodations that actually make self-catering feel luxurious rather than like a compromise.

Perfect for Groups
The multi-bedroom configurations make these villas ideal for families or corporate groups who want communal space but still need privacy. The 'Ilikai Three Bedroom Garden View King, Queen, Queen/Queen offers plenty of space for larger groups, while the 'Ilikai Penthouse Villa takes luxury to another level entirely.

Stunner Event Spaces That Embrace Hawaii’s Natural Beauty

The Andaz Maui doesn’t take away from the most beautiful part of the property - the stunning views of the ocean. It embraces this as a natural backdrop for group events with several different lawns all overlooking the water—which can be transformed with tenting and an array of configurations. But here's the smart part: they also have indoor backup space featuring a Solarium that floods the room with natural light, so you never feel like you've been relegated to a windowless conference dungeon if weather doesn't cooperate.

One of the coolest features? The Studio kitchen in the indoor event space. Use it for catering service, live cooking demonstrations, or even team-building competitions. It's this kind of thoughtful, flexible design that makes planners' lives easier and events more memorable.

The property also features a Luau (The Feast at Mokapu) 3 nights a week. While dining alfresco at the property’s Morimoto restaurant, I was fortunate to get a taste of the performance and it was delightful to be able to hear the music and sneak peaks of the dancers while dining alfresco.

The Attendee Journey, Perfected

What I loved most is how they've thought through the entire attendee journey—not just the meeting itself. From that Ohana Lounge for early arrivals to the seamless flow between event spaces and resort amenities, they understand that corporate travelers are still human beings who want to enjoy their surroundings. Which leads me to something every resort needs and why the Andaz does it better

The Pools: A Multi-Tiered Paradise for every guest

The pool situation here is next-level. Three infinity-edged pools cascade down the front of the property like a waterfall, offering stunning ocean views. The pools offer the same sweeping views as the lobby and you can swim to the infinity edge and feel completely at peace looking off into the horizon.

Below these infinity pools, there is a large kids' wading pool for families, and—bless them—in a completely different wing of the property with no kids in sight (or sound), a serenity pool for adults only, ideally located right near the gym and spa, but with a full lunch/service menu available.

At every pool, you'll find spa water infused with citrus (a refreshing touch), and the lunch service features high-quality, fresh local flavors. That’s right - chicken that actually tastes flavorful and a variety of healthy and indulgent treats. This isn't your typical poolside burger-and-fries situation—the food is genuinely delicious, fresh, and locally sourced with friendly service the cherry on top of the lava flow.

Culinary Excellence

Ka'Ana Kitchen

I loved Ka'Ana Kitchen so much I ate there twice on my visit. The restaurant showcases local Hawaiian fare with skill and creativity, and they even offer a Chef's Table experience for those who want something extra special (I hope to try this next time). The flavors are authentically Hawaiian comfort food inspired but elevated through fresh ingredients, preparation and service with a chic, welcoming atmosphere that overlooks the stunning property and setting sun. 

Morimoto Maui

Morimoto, a favorite of mine both in Napa and here, doesn’t have the views of Ka’Ana, but has its own stunning location, bordering the lower level pool and offers its own magic. I had dinner there and was treated to views of the setting sun while the sounds of the resort's Lu'au drifted into the restaurant. It was one of those unplanned perfect moments that make a trip memorable. Morimoto boasts a Japanese menu that delights guests both for lunch and dinner, a nice enhancement to the local flavors of Ka’Ana with an upscale yet approachable environment for groups, families and couples, and a lively bar as well.

The Spa: A Sanctuary

The spa is gorgeous and thoughtfully designed, featuring a full steam room, plunge pool and sauna. The boutique is beautifully curated (dangerous for your wallet, delightful for your senses), and the service menu is impressive. One detail I loved: they offer vitamin C after-sun lotion as a massage option instead of traditional oils—perfect for a day spent soaking up Hawaiian sunshine.

Location, Location, Location

The Andaz Maui is ideally situated with direct beach access and a long jogging/walking path that I took advantage of every morning. Whether you're a runner, walker, or just someone who likes to start the day with ocean views, this path is a gem because it offers not only stunning views of the coast, but a long enough path to create a solid hour-long run without having to detour to the street - an underlooked highlight when wanting to stay fit in Hawaii while enjoying the natural ambiance.

If outdoor running isn’t your jam, the fitness center is state of the art, clean, and airconditioned, with has brand-new equipment (and more peloton bikes than I’ve seen in any resort gym), yoga mats, and weight equipment. The also offer fitness classes and yoga overlooking the water. No excuses here—you can maintain your routine with ease.

The Service

Great service is invisible until you need it, and then it's everything. The Andaz Maui team strikes that perfect balance of being attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without being stuffy, and genuinely warm in a way that feels authentically Hawaiian. Text service is available and anecdotally, I was texted one day to notify me that my “do not disturb sign” was up and inquired if I wanted my room cleaned. There’s nothing like returning to your room only to find it wasn’t serviced to sour the mood, so I appreciated this small attention to guest satisfaction and preference. At one point, something I had delivered to me was hard for me to locate, and the general manager himself hand-delivered it to me since I was told the bellmen were all tied up. A+ for going above and beyond to solve a guest’s request!

And the thoughtfulness doesn’t end there. I was asked in advance what my preferences were for their profile, and as I entered my room, there was a bouquet of pink roses (my favorite color and flower), healthy snacks, champagne and bottled Fiji water. That’s right - all the way down to the water brand I prefer. That, paired with a thoughtful tour of the property and a handwritten welcome note made me feel welcome and comfortable from the very first hour on the property. Thank you Andaz for your hospitality!

The Bottom Line

The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort gets it right in ways that matter. It’s not obnoxious, it’s understated but chic. It’s fresh and modern while honoring Hawaiian traditions that people expect and love. From the thoughtful amenities (those water bottles! the coffee! that hairdryer!) to the stunning event spaces, world-class dining, and prime location, this property delivers an experience that works for personal travel, corporate groups, and everything in between.

It's the kind of place where the details are so well-executed that you don't have to think about what might go wrong—you can just enjoy what's going right. And in the hotel world, that's exactly what makes a property a true gem.

Would I return? Absolutely. Hope to do so before long and also plan a corporate event here.

Would I recommend it for your next event or personal getaway? Without hesitation. I observed a social event, a corporate event and a wedding while on property and all were having a blast and so well executed, I took photos for my own notes.

Rating: 10/10

For more information about Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and to be put in touch with their Allstar sales team, contact me for a direct intro and to discuss how this property could be perfect for your next corporate or social event, wedding, or incentive program.

Want your property to be featured in  Property Spotlight? We’d love to visit and feature your property - there are limited spaces left for 2026, inquire at gianna@gaudini.com.

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.

Want your property to be featured in  Property Spotlight? We’d love to visit and feature your property - there are limited spaces left for 2026, inquire at gianna@gaudini.com.

Gianna's Gem: The Feedback Paradox: Why The Best Use it as an Advantage

Hi there,

This week's Gianna's Gem tackles something I see play out repeatedly in the events industry and in business in general: the fascinating divide between how top performers and struggling performers approach feedback. 

Spoiler alert—the difference isn't about talent or intelligence. It's about growth mindset, and it's one of the clearest predictors of who will rise to the top and who will sink or plateau at best.

Gianna's Gem: The best performers don't just tolerate feedback—they actively hunt for it. They know that feedback is the breakfast of champions, and they're hungry.

Let me share a couple of stories that crystallized this principle for me based on my own career.

Example 1: The Executive Who Changed How I Think About Feedback Forever

I was planning an inaugural and very high profileCEO/Investor Summit, and like most planners, I'd carefully crafted our post-event survey with the usual questions: "What did you enjoy most?" "How would you rate the overall experience?" "What was your favorite session?" You know the drill—questions designed to generate positive testimonials and high NPS scores that we could proudly present to leadership to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of our event.

While onsite, literally the day before the event started, my executive sponsor reviewed the survey draft. He handed it back with a simple but game-changing note: "Redo this. I want you to focus exclusively on critical feedback. Ask attendees what we could improve, what fell short, what frustrated them, what we missed. We already know this event is going to be good—we hired you and invested properly. What I need to know is: where are our blind spots? What can we learn? How can we make the next event three times better"

My initial reaction? Panic. What if people only focus on negative despite all the good I knew would come from the event? What if it looks like we didn’t have a positive ROI? And then, my own ego - who doesn’t like a pat on the back?

But here's what happened: We restructured the survey to ask things like "What's one thing we could have done better?" and "If you could change one aspect of this event, what would it be?" and "What prevented this from being a perfect 10 experience?" And then of course, open response format so people could share anything else” along with the standard NPS score because afterall, that was one of our KPI measurement criteria.

The results? Our NPS still hit it out of the park—people loved the event. But more importantly, we got incredibly actionable intelligence. Events are pure gold for collecting valuable attendee data in that regard.

That executive taught me something profound: top performers (and companies in this case) don't ask for feedback to stroke their ego—they ask for it to find their edge.

And that mindset difference? It separates the legends from the merely good.

Example 2: When No One's Evaluating You, Evaluate Yourself

Years later, I experienced the power of proactive feedback-seeking firsthand in an unexpected way while running my own business where nobody is giving me performance reviews.

I was consulting as a fractional Head of Events for a startup—a fast-growing company where I was leading their entire events strategy on a six-month contract. The work was exciting, the team was talented, and I was fully immersed in building their events program from the ground up.

Three months in—halfway through my contract—I realized something: No one had checked in on my performance. Not once.  

This wasn't neglect. It was startup reality. They were a young company that hadn't yet built out formal HR processes, and performance reviews simply weren't part of their culture yet. Everyone was moving too fast, heads down, building.

But here's the thing: I needed to know how I was doing.

Not because I was insecure. Not because I needed validation. But because I genuinely wanted to know if there were blind spots I was missing, areas where I could deliver more value, or ways I could better align with their evolving needs.

So I did something that might sound unusual: I created my own performance review.

I drafted a comprehensive self-assessment that included:

• What I'd accomplished in the first three months

• Key metrics and outcomes from processes I’d established, value I’d added, contracts negotiated, events I'd led, etc.

• Areas where I felt I'd excelled and honest request for feedback on where I could improve

• Suggestions for how I could add even more value in the remaining three months

I sent it to my main point of contact with a simple note: "I know formal reviews aren't part of your process yet, but I'd love your candid feedback on how I'm doing and where I can improve to better serve the company's goals."

The result?

Not only did I receive incredibly valuable feedback that helped me recalibrate my approach for the second half of the contract, but something unexpected happened: I was offered a substantial raise—immediately—and my contract was extended for another six months before the original contract had even expired.

Why? Because proactively seeking feedback demonstrated something they valued even more than the work itself: ownership, self-awareness, and a genuine commitment to excellence.

They told me later that my initiative in creating that review showed them I was treating this fractional role like it was my own company—because that's exactly how top performers think.

Now, contrast that with a completely different story.

I have a colleague—let's call him Mark—who likes to joke that he "doesn't believe in performance reviews." He's talented, technically strong, and has years of experience. But when it came time for annual reviews, he'd purposely ignore them and joke that he didn’t need to do them.

"It's all just corporate theater," he'd say with a laugh. "I know I'm doing fine."

Until the day he wasn't.

Mark was blindsided when his manager informed him he was being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Suddenly, all those reviews he'd dismissed as meaningless became very meaningful—because he had no documentation, no record of feedback received or addressed, no paper trail showing his contributions or growth.

When he tried to argue against the PIP, pointing to projects he'd worked on and value he'd delivered, he had nothing concrete to reference. No feedback sessions. No documented wins. No evidence of continuous improvement. Just his word against a mounting file of concerns his manager had been documenting all along.

The irony? If Mark had been proactively seeking feedback throughout those years—asking "how am I doing?" and "what could I improve?"—he would have seen the warning signs long before they became a PIP. He would have had opportunities to course-correct. He would have built a track record of responsiveness and growth.

Instead, his avoidance of feedback cost him not just the PIP, but ultimately his job.

Two people. Two opposite approaches to feedback. Two radically different outcomes.

I got a raise and extended contract by creating feedback opportunities that didn't even exist.

Mark lost his job by avoiding feedback opportunities that were handed to him.

Gianna's Gem: When you avoid feedback, you're not protecting yourself—you're blindfolding yourself. And you can't dodge bullets you never see coming.

This is the heart of why top performers hunger for feedback while average performers avoid it. It's not about being criticized or praised. It's about having the clearest possible picture of reality so you can navigate it successfully.

And that mindset difference? It's often the single biggest predictor of long-term success.

And you can do this for your personal life as well. I not only ask my clients for reviews, I also take inventory every New Year on what goals I’m setting for the year and I revisit them every week to see how I’m tracking and to hold myself accountable. Why do this only once a year and hope for the best - it’s better to be consistent and ultimately leads to really awesome end of year self reflection as opposed to another year of misalignment on your priorities.

The Psychology Behind the Feedback Divide

Let's talk about why top performers seek feedback while struggling performers avoid it.

Why Top Performers Actively Seek Feedback:

Growth Mindset Over Fixed Mindset Top performers believe their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Feedback isn't a judgment of their worth—it's data they can use to get better. They see themselves as perpetual works in progress, which makes feedback feel like fuel rather than criticism.

Confidence Rooted in Self-Awareness Counterintuitively, the best performers are often more confident AND more willing to hear hard truths. Why? Because their confidence isn't fragile—it's not based on being perfect but on their ability to learn and adapt. They know one piece of critical feedback doesn't negate their overall competence.

Competitive Advantage Through Intelligence Gathering Top performers understand that feedback is insider information about their performance that others might not see. It's like having a coach reviewing game tape—you can't improve what you can't see. They treat feedback as competitive intelligence.

Relationship Building Seeking feedback signals respect, humility, and a genuine desire to improve. It actually strengthens relationships because it shows you value the other person's perspective and are invested in delivering value to them.

Future-Focused Rather Than Past-Defensive High performers are more interested in "how can I be better tomorrow?" than "was I good enough yesterday?" This forward orientation makes feedback feel productive rather than threatening.

Why Low Performers Avoid Feedback:

Fear of Exposure When performance is already shaky, feedback feels like a spotlight on inadequacy. There's often a hope that if they avoid feedback, weaknesses won't be "officially" noticed or documented.

Fixed Mindset Low performers often believe talent is fixed—you either have it or you don't. From that perspective, negative feedback confirms their worst fear: that they're simply not cut out for this. It feels like an identity threat rather than a development opportunity.

Fragile Ego Protection When self-worth is tied to being seen as competent, any criticism threatens the entire identity. Avoiding feedback becomes a defense mechanism to protect a fragile sense of self.

Lack of Agency Struggling performers often feel powerless to change their circumstances. If you believe you can't improve anyway, why seek painful feedback? This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Short-Term Comfort Over Long-Term Growth Avoiding feedback feels better in the moment, even though it guarantees stagnation. It's the professional equivalent of avoiding the scale when you know you've gained weight.

Gianna's Gem: The irony is —the people who most need feedback are the most resistant to it, while those who least need it can't get enough. Breaking this pattern is how average performers become exceptional.

How to Ask for Feedback Like a Top Performer

Asking for feedback is an art. Done poorly, you'll get vague platitudes. Done well, you'll get gold. Here's how the best do it:

Make It Specific and Actionable: Instead of: "How did I do?" or "Any feedback?"

Try:

• "What's one thing I could have done differently in that presentation to make it more compelling?"

• "If you were planning this event again, what's the first thing you'd change?"

• "What's one skill you think I should focus on developing in the next quarter?"

• "Was there a moment in that meeting where I could have been more effective?"

Specificity gives people permission to be honest and makes it easier for them to give you something useful.

Ask in the Moment (or Soon After): The best feedback is fresh feedback. Don't wait six months to ask about a project from January.

Right after an event, presentation, or project: "Hey, do you have five minutes? I'd love to hear your thoughts on what worked and what I could improve while it's still fresh."

Strike while the iron is hot and details are memorable.

Create Psychological Safety for the Feedback Giver: Make it easy and safe for people to be honest with you.

Strategies:

• Normalize imperfection: "I know I have blind spots, and I'd rather hear about them from you than be blindsided later."

• Show genuine curiosity: "I'm really trying to level up in [specific area], and your perspective would be invaluable."

• Thank them in advance: "I really appreciate you taking time to help me improve."

• Respond with gratitude, not defensiveness: "That's so helpful—I hadn't considered that angle."

Pro tip: If someone gives you critical feedback and your immediate response is defensive, you've just trained them never to be honest with you again. Bite your tongue, say thank you, and process your feelings later.

Ask Different People for Different Perspectives: Each perspective gives you a different lens on your performance.

• Your manager: Career trajectory, leadership presence, strategic thinking 

• Your peers: Collaboration, communication, team dynamics

• Your direct reports (if applicable): Leadership style, clarity, support 

• Your clients/partners/vendors: Value delivery, experience, pain points, communication

• Your mentors: Big-picture patterns, industry positioning

Follow Up on Feedback You've Received: This is where most people fail. Asking for feedback is step one. Acting on it and closing the loop is what separates real growth from performative curiosity.

After implementing feedback: "Remember when you mentioned I should improve my presentation openings? I've been working on that—here's what I tried in yesterday's meeting. I'd love to know if you think it landed better."

This shows you actually listened, value their input, and are committed to growth. It also makes people more willing to give you feedback in the future.

Don't Ask Questions You Don't Want Answers To

If you're going to ask for feedback, be prepared to hear things that sting. Don't ask if you're just fishing for compliments. People can smell inauthenticity, and fake feedback requests damage trust.

Gianna's Gem: The quality of feedback you receive is directly proportional to how safe you make it for people to tell you the truth. Create that safety, and watch the insights flow.

How to Use Feedback to Strengthen Performance and Relationships

Getting feedback is useless if you don't do anything with it. Here's how to transform feedback into fuel:

• Listen Without Defending: Your only job when receiving feedback is to understand it, not debate it. 

• Instead of: "Well, actually, the reason I did it that way was because..."

• Try: "Tell me more about that. Can you give me an example?" or "What would you have wanted to see instead?"

• Curiosity > defensiveness, always.

• Look for Patterns, Not Isolated Comments

• One person's feedback might be their unique perspective. Three people saying the same thing? That's a pattern worth addressing.

• Keep a feedback journal. When multiple sources mention the same theme, prioritize it.

• Separate Facts from Feelings

• Sometimes feedback is factual ("You were 10 minutes late to the meeting"). Sometimes it's interpretive ("You seemed disengaged"). 

• For factual feedback, acknowledge and commit to change.

• For interpretive feedback, seek to understand the perception while recognizing it may not be the full picture. "I appreciate you sharing that I seemed disengaged. That wasn't my intention—I was processing complex information. How can I better signal I'm actively listening in future meetings?"

• Create an Action Plan

• After receiving feedback, ask yourself:

• What's the core truth here, even if delivery was imperfect?

• What's one specific behavior I can change?

• What support or resources do I need?

• How will I measure improvement?

• Who can hold me accountable?

• Use Feedback to Deepen Relationships

• Here's something most people miss: asking for and acting on feedback doesn't weaken relationships—it strengthens them.

• When you ask someone for their honest input and then visibly improve because of it, you're telling them: "Your opinion matters. You made me better." That's powerful relationship currency.

• After acting on someone's feedback, circle back: "I took your advice about [specific thing] and applied it to [situation]. The results were so much better. Thank you for pushing me to improve."

This creates a virtuous cycle where people become invested in your success.

Creating a Feedback Culture: The Ripple Effect

Here's the beautiful thing about embracing feedback: it's contagious.

When you consistently ask for feedback, receive it graciously, act on it visibly, and give feedback thoughtfully, you create an environment where:

• People feel psychologically safe to speak up

• Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, not career enders

• Excellence becomes the norm because everyone is constantly improving

• Relationships deepen because people feel heard and valued

• Innovation flourishes because people aren't afraid to experiment and refine

I've seen this play out in my own teams. Once feedback became normalized—not something to fear but something to seek—performance skyrocketed. People started proactively asking, "What could I have done better?" after projects. Team members gave each other real-time feedback without it feeling like an attack. And guess what? Employee satisfaction went up, not down.

Why? Because people want to grow. They want to know they're improving. They want to feel like their work matters enough for someone to invest in making them better.

I do this with my husband and son as well about once a quarter. We all tactfully share what we love about each other and areas for feedback. This not only demonstrates to my son that it’s not just him that needs to improve (yes, we still catch him eating with his hands and he’s eight!), but teaches him that everyone can improve at any age with a growth mindset.

Your Feedback Action Plan

Ready to join the ranks of top performers who actively seek and leverage feedback? Here's your game plan:

This Week:

1. Identify three people whose perspective you value (manager, peer, client, mentor, family member, etc.) and ask each one a specific feedback question about a recent project or interaction.

2. When you receive feedback, resist the urge to defend or explain. Just listen, ask clarifying questions, and say thank you.

3. Pick one piece of feedback and create a concrete action plan for how you'll apply it.

This Month:

1. Follow up with at least one person who gave you feedback and share what you've done with their input.

2. Give thoughtful feedback to someone else—both a top performer (helping them level up) and someone who's struggling (with clarity and support).

3. Reflect on patterns. Are there themes emerging across different people's feedback? Those are your highest-leverage growth areas.

This Quarter:

1. Make feedback a habit, not an event. Build it into your regular rhythms—after every event, presentation, or major milestone.

2. Measure your progress. Are you seeing improvement in the areas people flagged? Are relationships stronger because of these conversations?

Remember: The gap between top performers and everyone else often comes down to this: top performers treat feedback like rocket fuel, while average performers treat it like kryptonite.

But here's the good news: seeking feedback is a skill, and like any skill, you can develop it. You don't need to be naturally thick-skinned or supremely confident. You just need to decide that growth matters more than comfort.

Gianna's Gem: Every piece of feedback is a gift. Some gifts are beautifully wrapped, and some come in ugly packaging. But if you're willing to unwrap them all, you'll find the insights that transform good into legendary.

So go ahead. Ask the hard questions. Seek the critical feedback. Act on what you learn. And watch yourself grow in ways you didn't think possible.

That's the secret of the top performers. And now, it's yours too.

What I'm Loving This Week:

For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Book Recommendation: Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen. This book completely changed how I think about feedback—not as something to endure but as a skill to master.

Need some feedback or mentorship? 

Book me here 👉 intro.co/giannagaudini

Let me guide your team 👉https://www.giannagaudini.com/learn-from-me

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.

Gianna’s Gems: Color Psychology - A Strategic Approach to Design

Hi there,

The changing season has me obsessed with color. Color has such an important psychological impact on us both personally and also for our brands. For event professionals, it impacts your attendees' emotions, decisions, and memories from the moment they receive your invitation—yet most planners treat it as an afterthought. I planned one major private event this past year for a couple (the wife being from Holland) and her only thematic direction to me when conducting my client intake was “lots of orange!” as a homage to her homeland. I ended up creating a beautiful experience across three days that all tied back to this one color (more on that below) and you can view photos of the event here.

Color isn't just aesthetic window dressing. It's psychology. It's strategy. It's the invisible force that can make someone feel energized or calm, trusting or skeptical, hungry or creative—often without them even realizing why. True story - I find heart-warming pink so calming that when planning my own wedding 14 years ago, every time I felt stressed,  my husband would just say “think pink” and I instantly remembered my why (love) and it took the stress level down ten notches.

After years of planning events for Google and Amazon, private clients, Ai companies and startups, VC’s and their portfolio companies, I've learned that understanding color psychology is like having a secret superpower. You're not just choosing pretty palettes—you're architecting emotional experiences that align perfectly with your event goals.

Gianna's Gem: When you master color psychology, you don't just decorate spaces—you design feelings. And feelings drive actions, which is ultimately what makes events successful.

Let's dive into how to wield this power intentionally.

Understanding the Emotional Language of Color

Every color speaks. The question is: are you saying what you actually mean through your brand and event palette? Below are some examples of what your color choice inspires emptionally:

Red: The Activator

What it means: Passion, energy, urgency, excitement, appetite, power

When to use it: Product launches that need buzz or are making groundbreaking announcements, events where you want high energy or to drive urgent action, networking events where you want to break the ice quickly, food-focused events (red stimulates appetite—there's a reason so many restaurants use it)

Pro tip: Red is powerful but can overwhelm and excite rather than calm and connect. Use it as an accent—think red napkins on white tablecloths, red uplighting on one statement wall, or red signature cocktails. At one Google product launch, we used red only in the product display area to draw eyes and create excitement around the reveal. When not to use it: Greenrooms (speakers are amp’d up enough), wellness retreats, any event that is intended to create a relaxing vibe where people can let their guard down and connect.

Blue: The Trust Builder

What it means: Trust, calm, professionalism, stability, intelligence, communication

When to use it: Corporate conferences, financial services events, healthcare summits, technology showcases, any event where credibility matters more than excitement. I also see blue as a very durable signal so when you want to build a brand, or relationships  for the long term, it’s a solid choice.

Pro tip: Blue is corporate America's favorite for a reason—it builds instant trust. But don't make everything blue or risk appearing cold or overly corporate. I love pairing navy or shades of cerulean or turquoise with warm metallics like copper, gold and dark wood accents to maintain professionalism while adding warmth, depth and balance. At a healthcare conference I designed, we used varying shades of blue—from sky to navy—to create depth and hint at longevity while maintaining that trustworthy, healing vibe.

Green: The Harmonizer

What it means: Growth, health, harmony, nature, sustainability, renewal, balance, tranquility

When to use it: Wellness retreats, sustainability summits, organic product launches, team-building offsites, anything eco-conscious or growth-oriented. I also like using it for women’s summits as an accent to pink to reduce the “overuse of feminine palettes” while adding calm for connection and community. And the obvious reason why a green room used to literally be painted green to relax speakers before getting on stage.

Pro tip: Green bridges the gap between warm and cool colors beautifully. It's calming without being sedating. For a tech company's Executive Event, we used living walls (actual greenery) as backdrops and sage green linens—it encouraged our most prized customers and prospects to let their guard down and connect with us and our brand and feel taken care of in a world full of compressed scheduling. Bring the outdoors in whenever possible with real plants, not just green décor.

Yellow: The Energizer

What it means: Optimism, creativity, happiness, clarity, innovation, warmth, positivity

When to use it: Creative brainstorms, innovation workshops, festivals, celebrations, morning keynotes where you want to energize

Pro tip: Yellow is tricky—too much can cause anxiety or eye strain. Use it strategically as an accent. I love yellow accent pillows, floral accents, or yellow lighting washes rather than yellow walls or signs. I also love mixing yellow into food displays to signal brightness and health - think lemon spa water, make your own lemonade carts, etc.

Orange: The Connector

What it means: Enthusiasm, confidence, warmth, social connection, adventure, luxury

When to use it: Networking events, team socials, outdoor adventures, premium brand activations, food festivals

Pro tip: Orange is the most social color—it literally makes people want to talk to each other. It's warmer than red but more energetic than yellow. At a joint milestone birthday I used Orange to create beautiful floral displays (paired with yellows, pinks and blues), custom pillows, cocktail napkins, and of course displays of ripe citrus. We also had a daily specialty orange cocktail (Aperol spritzes, Negronis)—the room buzzed with conversation all night and people delighted in the custom pillows so much they took them home. 

Purple: The Luxury Signal

What it means: Luxury, creativity, wisdom, spirituality, sophistication, ambition

When to use it: VIP experiences, awards galas, creative industry events, wellness retreats with a spiritual component, fundraisers

Pro tip: Purple has historically been associated with royalty—use it when you want attendees to feel special and elevated. Deep purples (eggplant, plum) signal luxury, while lighter purples (lavender, lilac) feel more spiritual and calming.  I used eggplant and the palest blush pink for my own wedding which were close to “black and white” but more “premium and unique” as a color palette. 

Pink: The Playful and Positive Creative

What it means: Playfulness, compassion, youthfulness, modern femininity, creativity, unconventional thinking

When to use it: Women-focused events, beauty launches, creative conferences, millennial/Gen-Z targeted events, fundraisers

Pro tip: Pink has evolved beyond traditional femininity—millennial pink and hot pink signal bold, modern, unapologetic energy. For a women's leadership summit, we used dusty rose with Navy and brass—sophisticated, feminine without being precious. Pink can be powerful when done right. And side note, it’s my signature color (just take a look at my website or my office wallpaper)

White: The Minimalist and Peace Maker

What it means: Purity, simplicity, cleanliness, minimalism, possibility, vision, peace

When to use it: Tech launches (think Apple, Google), medical conferences, minimalist brands, weddings, any event where you want the content or product (or people) to be the star

Pro tip: White isn't absence—it's intentional space. It lets other elements breathe and attendees focus. However, all-white can feel sterile. I love white as a base with one bold accent color. At a product launch for a minimalist tech brand, we used all white with one emerald green wall—the product popped, and the aesthetic perfectly matched brand values.

Black: The Sophisticate

What it means: Elegance, power, sophistication, formality, luxury, exclusivity, gravitas

When to use it: Black-tie galas, luxury brand events, evening affairs, high-stakes corporate dinners, exclusive experiences

Pro tip: Black makes everything feel more formal and expensive instantly. But use it wisely—too much black can feel heavy or depressing so I limit it for corporate events. I love black tablecloths with bright florals or metallics for social events or evening galas. For a movie premiere dinner, we used black tables with gold chargers, silverware and gold-painted florals—elegant, powerful, unforgettable (and very Hollywood)

Neutrals (Gray, Beige, Taupe): The Balancers

What it means: Sophistication, professionalism, timelessness, balance, neutrality, casual luxury

When to use it: As your base palette for corporate events and retail, to let jewel-toned accent colors shine, when you want timeless elegance

Pro tip: Neutrals are your foundation—never boring when layered with texture and strategic pops of color. For a tech conference, we used varying shades of ivory and taupe linens with brass accents and emerald green florals—sophisticated without being stuffy.

Creating Your Event Color Story: A Strategic Approach

Now that you know what each color means, let's talk about how to combine them strategically.

Your event isn't one-dimensional, and neither should your color palette be. Think of color as a journey that evolves throughout the event experience or can even be a signal to attendees about what’s to come.

For our Airtable Leader’s Forum in New York, we used alternating palettes (warm tones vs cool tones) to signal to attendees whether a keynote or a breakout session was happening. It was subtle but when used across signage as well created a beautiful way to create a non-verbal message to attendees to “move”. 

Gianna's Gem: Be mindful when selecting “signaling colors” to make sure color-blind attendees can se the variance (i.e. my father is red-green colorblind so using a red palette and a green palette would just look the same to him). We always aim to be inclusive at events, so symbols/textures/designs to signal change also work in this regard.

The 60-30-10 Rule for Event Color Palettes

Professional designers swear by this ratio, and it works beautifully for events:

• 60% Dominant color: Your primary brand or theme color that sets the overall mood

• 30% Secondary color: Complements and supports your dominant color

• 10% Accent color: Your pop of surprise and delight

This creates visual harmony while keeping things interesting.

Color Temperature: Warm vs. Cool

Understanding color temperature helps you set the right emotional tone:

• Warm colors (red, orange, yellow): Energizing, social, appetite-stimulating, urgent

• Use for: Networking events, food-focused gatherings, creative sessions, evening celebrations

• Cool colors (blue, green, purple): Calming, professional, trustworthy, contemplative

• Use for: Corporate conferences, wellness events, focused work sessions, serious content

Color Psychology Through the Day: Designing for Circadian Rhythm

Your attendees' brains respond differently to color depending on the time of day. Design with intention:

Morning (7am-11am): Energize and Focus

• Best colors: Yellow (energy), blue (focus), white (clarity), green (renewal)

• Avoid: Red (too aggressive pre-coffee), dark colors (too heavy)

• Application: Bright, clean spaces with natural light. Yellow florals at breakfast, blue tones in morning session rooms

Midday (11am-2pm): Balance and Nourish

• Best colors: Green (balance), orange (social), warm neutrals (comfort)

• Avoid: Deep purples or blacks (too formal for lunch)

• Application: Lunch spaces should feel inviting and social. Orange accents encourage conversation, green elements add refreshing energy

Afternoon (2pm-5pm): Re-energize and Engage

• Best colors: Orange (warmth), teal (alertness), green (renewal), strategic red accents (attention)

• Avoid: Heavy dark tones (will emphasize the afternoon slump)

• Application: Combat the 3pm energy dip with color. Bright signage, colorful break areas, energizing accent lighting

Evening (5pm+): Connect and Celebrate

• Best colors: Deep jewel tones (sophistication), metallics (glamour), warm lighting (intimacy)

• Embrace: Blacks, deep purples, rich reds, golds

• Application: Evening is when you can go bold and dramatic. Deep colors + candlelight + metallic accents = magic

Real-world example: At a full-day corporate retreat, we intentionally shifted our color story throughout the day. Morning sessions featured white and blue (focus). Lunch was in a space with natural wood and green elements (rejuvenation). Afternoon breakout rooms had orange accent walls (energy). Evening reception transformed with deep purple uplighting and gold accents (celebration). Attendees felt energized at the right times and ready to unwind when needed—all through strategic color design.

Building Your Event Brand Through Color

Your event isn't just happening once—it's a brand that lives across multiple touch points and possibly multiple years. Your color strategy should reflect that.

Gianna's Gem: Consistency across touchpoints isn't boring—it's how you build a brand that attendees recognize and trust year after year.

Establishing Your Event's Color DNA

Consider these questions:

• What emotion do you want attendees to feel when they think about your event?

• What's the primary action you want them to take? (Network? Learn? Be inspired? Commit to something?)

• What industry are you in, and what colors does your audience already associate with trust in that space?

• What differentiates your event from competitors?

Example: A Women's Leadership Summit

• Primary emotion desired: Empowered

• Primary action: Connect and commit to growth

• Industry: Professional development (traditionally blue/corporate)

• Differentiator: Modern, bold, unapologetically feminine approach

Color solution: Dusty rose (modern femininity, strength) + charcoal (sophistication, power) + brass metallics and greenery (luxury, warmth) = A palette that signals "this isn't your typical corporate conference"

Applying Your Color Brand Across Touch points

Once you've established your palette, deploy it consistently.

Pro tip: Create a brand style guide with your exact color codes (Pantone, RGB, CMYK, HEX) so every vendor is literally on the same page. I include mood boards, do's and don'ts, and real examples. This prevents your elegant navy from turning into random blue across different applications.:

Pre-Event:

• Save-the-dates and invitations

• Event website

• Email communications

• Social media graphics

• Teaser videos

On-Site:

• Registration area

• Signage and wayfinding

• Stage design

• Linens and florals

• Lighting

• Food presentation

• Branded swag

• Staff uniforms

Post-Event:

• Thank you emails

• Event recap videos

• Social media content

• Next year's "save the date"

Advanced Color Strategies: Cultural Considerations and Accessibility

As we become more globally connected and inclusive, sophisticated planners must think beyond basic color psychology.

Cultural Color Meanings

Colors mean different things across cultures. If you're planning international events, do your homework:

Red:

• Western: Passion, excitement, danger

• China: Luck, prosperity, celebration

• South Africa: Color of mourning

• India: Purity, fertility, beauty

White:

• Western: Purity, weddings, cleanliness

• China/Korea/India: Death, mourning

Green:

• Western: Nature, growth, money

• Middle East: Sacred, Islamic color

• Ireland: National color, luck

Pro tip: When planning global events, I often use universally positive colors (blues, teals, certain purples) or rely heavily on neutrals with international metallic accents.

Color Accessibility: Designing for All

Approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women have some form of color blindness. Inclusive design matters.

Best practices:

• Never use color alone to convey information (add text, icons, or patterns)

• Ensure high contrast between text and backgrounds

• Avoid red-green combinations as primary signage (the most common form of color blindness)

• Test your designs with color blindness simulators

• Use multiple visual cues for wayfinding (color + symbol + text)

Example: Instead of "Red Room" and "Green Room" for breakout sessions, use "Ruby Room" and "Emerald Room" with distinct symbols on signage—ruby gem icon vs. emerald leaf icon. Everyone can navigate successfully.

Gianna's Color Psychology Cheat Sheet

• Want to inspire action? Red, orange, yellow accents

• Need to build trust? Blue, green, white base

• Creating luxury experiences? Purple, black, gold, metallics

• Encouraging creativity? Yellow, orange, unexpected combinations

• Promoting wellness? Green, soft blue, neutrals with natural elements

• Energizing tired attendees? Warm tones, bright lighting, orange/yellow accents

• Calming anxious attendees? Cool blues, greens, soft lighting

• Making food irresistible? Red, orange, warm lighting

• Signaling exclusivity? Black, deep jewel tones, metallics

• Creating approachability? Orange, yellow, warm neutrals

Putting It All Together: Your Color Action Plan

Ready to become a color psychologist? Here's how to start:

For your next event:

1. Define your goal: What's the ONE emotion or action you want to inspire?

2. Choose your dominant color based on that goal and your brand

3. Select complementary colors using the 60-30-10 rule

4. Map color to time of day: Plan how your palette evolves throughout the event

5. Create your style guide: Document your exact colors and how to use them

6. Test in the space: Colors look different under different lighting and in photos—always test

7. Think inclusively: Ensure your choices work across cultures and abilities

8. Tell your story: Make sure your colors align with your content and message

The magic happens when every color choice is intentional. You're not just picking what looks pretty—you're architecting an emotional experience that guides attendees exactly where you want them to go.

The Bottom Line

Color psychology isn't about following rigid rules—it's about understanding the tools at your disposal and using them with intention. The same color that energizes a morning keynote might overwhelm an evening reception. The palette that builds trust in healthcare might look generic in fashion.

Gianna's Gem: Great event designers don't just see colors—they feel them, understand them, and wield them like the powerful psychological tools they are.

When you master color psychology, you're not just making events pretty. You're creating environments where people feel exactly what you want them to feel, do exactly what you want them to do, and remember your event long after the last guest leaves.

What I'm Loving This Week: For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Slick Ride: Anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed with Waymo (and secretly hope to someday purchase one for personal use!) Waymo for Business, which JUST LAUNCHED, will completely transform how you think about event transportation logistics. Available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hailing service solves one of events' biggest pain points: reliable, consistent transportation that actually shows up on time with polite (or rather non-existent) drivers and a luxury experience. What I love most is this premium experience it delivers—attendees can use transit time productively (catching up on emails, making calls, or simply decompressing between sessions) rather than dealing with unpredictable drivers or a funky smell or playlist - seriously, pick whatever you want to listen to from spotify to Waymo’s own mix!

The driverless electric fleet helps meet sustainability goals without compromising on service quality, and the enterprise tools (business portal, customizable promo codes, reporting dashboards) make managing event transportation ridiculously simple. For event organizers juggling VIP arrivals, speaker shuttles, or attendee transportation, Waymo for Business isn't just convenient—it's the kind of innovative, friction-free experience that sets the tone for your entire event from the moment guests arrive. Plus, who are we kidding - there's something undeniably impressive about offering autonomous vehicle transportation that signals you're not just hosting an event—you're curating a forward-thinking experience. Learn more at waymo.com/business or email me for an intro to the team.

Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.

Gianna’s Gems: The Last Event You'll Ever Need to Justify to your CFO

Hi there,

From speaking to podcasting to planning…I'm buzzing with energy about the conversations around experiential design and measurable ROI. Here's the truth that every tech leader needs to hear: your attendees are drowning in sameness, and traditional conferences aren't cutting through the noise anymore.

The companies winning today aren't just hosting events—they're taking attendees on a journey that offers transformation, catharsis, and true value for the time their attendees dedicate to attending.

Why "Elevated Experiential" Isn't Just Buzzword Bingo

The difference between a traditional tech conference and an elevated experiential event isn't about adding fancy installations (though those help with certain brandbuilding and social sharing objectives). It's about fundamentally shifting how attendees interact with your content and each other.

Traditional tech conferences are information-focused. Attendees sit, listen, network awkwardly over watered-down, luke-warm coffee (if it hasn’t run out), and forget 80% of what they learned by Tuesday.

Elevated experiential events prioritize immersion and meaningful connections. They create emotional resonance with attendees that translates into lasting business impact.

Think multi-sensory experiences that reinforce key messages, unexpected moments of delight, white space in the agenda to reflect and connect, and event spaces designed for authentic relationship building. Success isn't measured by how many butts were in seats or scanned—it's measured by engagement quality and lasting impact.

Here's why this distinction matters: People remember experiences far better than presentations. When attendees participate rather than just observe, they retain more and apply learnings back at work. In a crowded conference landscape, experiential events stand out and create buzz that extends well beyond the event dates.

The Google Cloud Next Blueprint: Turning Conferences into Destinations

At Google Cloud Next, we didn't just host a conference—we built a world for attendees to enter and explore. Every year, we ideated a red thread theme to guide the entire experience. In 2018, our World's Fair theme transformed Moscone Center into a "campus" that invoked the energy, innovation, and promise of the future. The concept was to instill exponential hope and potential for a Google Cloud-empowered enterprise.

The magic was in the details: We created cohesion between disparate spaces through strategic branding and human-based wayfinding. Every environment was dynamic and celebratory, elevating the usual keynote-demo-training formula. Attendees encountered imaginative art installations, local culinary delights, and hands-on experiences like an AI MBA basketball demonstration.

The Showcase strategy: We divided the expo into 7 intentional zones with 80 custom interactive vignettes. Each installation provided product overviews through contextual narratives designed to evoke curiosity and conversation. These weren't just product demos—they were story-driven experiences that connected keynote content to real-world applications.

The Avenues concept: Inspired by effective civic planning, we created pathways within expo halls that hosted mini breakout pods, bookable meeting spaces, sponsor activations, and communal networking lounges. This wasn't accidental—it was architected community building.

From Demo to "Holy Sh*t" Moment: The Dev Conference Code Constellation

Want to see how we transform standard product demos into experiences that people can't stop talking about?

At our dev conference for one of my AI startup clients, we wanted to bring AI coding power to life in a way that was tactile, interactive, and left a lasting impression—all created with the help of their ai product.

The Code Constellation: We created a large fabric surface embedded with soft glowing constellations, where each star represented a function, variable, or coding language. As attendees pushed the fabric surface, their touch "connected" stars to reveal their own personalized code constellation. This installation perfectly mirrored how the company helps people connect ideas faster, clean up complexity, and accelerate clarity—turning scattered thoughts into beautiful, working logic.

The result: Attendees could literally feel the magic of AI amplifying their personal powers. We didn't just tell them about the product—we let them experience transformation in their hands.

This is what I mean by moving from "what" to "why" before tackling "how."

The Data-Driven Experience Design Framework

Here's how I use analytics not just to measure success, but to design better experiential moments from the start:

The Four-Bucket Strategy: I assess each of the below four buckets and how they impact what we want to invest time and resources into.

• Business goals

• Attendee goals/ROI

• Macroeconomic environment

• Historical data

Then, I establish clear weighting between brand goals and business goals so teams understand investment priorities as we map the experience (i.e. we want 80% brand and 20% business-related).

Real-time optimization: I track engagement through event apps, social listening, and direct feedback. Remember my Diet Coke example at Google Think events? When an attendee started posting about wanting Diet Coke, we pivoted quickly and made it happen. Listen to what your attendees are saying in real-time and lean into that energy.

Personalization at scale: Like how TED allots a certain dollar amount ot attendees to spend on “buying” their own swag from their premium store to take home in a gifted suitcase (which they ship home for you). When you make attendees feel seen individually within a large-scale experience, that's when magic happens and why they remember you for years to come.

Historical data as crystal ball: I use past event data to predict what will create memorable moments and eliminate pain points. The Google Next food court redesign came from analyzing three years of attendee complaints about lunch logistics.

Beyond Vanity Metrics: What Actually Matters

ROI-driven decision makers want proof that experiential investments drive business results. Here's what I track beyond traditional attendance numbers:

• Social proof and word-of-mouth: Are you getting organic social mentions? How are people describing your event when no one's asking them to? I got a quote from a Leader I support saying other marketing leaders were asking how we created such an impressive experience on budget—that's gold.

• Relationship temperature: Are executives from prospect companies still talking about how much they enjoyed the event months later when deals are up for renewal? Are analysts and press writing positive things about you after the event?

• Next-step optimization: How does the event improve subsequent interactions? Are people more likely to attend demos, read emails, or take meetings after your experiential touchpoint?

• Community amplification: What is your community saying organically? Brand affinity is a leading indicator of customer lifetime value.

• Look beyond vanity: Sure, you can track social shares and demo completions, but dig deeper. What is that engagement really doing for pipeline and revenue?

Breaking the Panel-and-Keynote Prison

Tech events default to panels and keynotes because they feel safe. But safe doesn't stand out, and standing out is more valuable than blending in.

My framework for format innovation:

• Don't make your event another meeting: How do you make experiences co-creative and exciting for people to choose to attend?

• Energy-driven scheduling: People are more creative at night. That's why we served champagne, caviar, and chocolate before the opening keynote at our women's summit.

• The 70:30 rule: 30% prepared content, 70% audience-led content. Read audience energy and engagement cues, then adapt.

• Un-conference formats: Fishbowl discussions and Customer Share Circles create space for authentic peer learning that attendees can't get anywhere else.

• Surprise and delight: At Goop events, they didn't announce special guest speakers for the closing keynote so people stayed engaged until the end.

The Trust Economy: Why Venue Partnerships Make or Break Experiences

Working with amazing properties like The Four Seasons or Auberge and other brands I love isn't just about prestige—it's about partnership that elevates every touchpoint.

• Build relationships before you need them: I invest time in understanding venue capabilities, challenges, and goals before event planning begins.

• Create win-win scenarios: We gave venues positive exposure, donated items they needed that we purchased anyway, and made their jobs easier by understanding approval processes upfront.

• Collaborative enhancement: Utilize hotel partnerships for enhanced F&B experiences, bringing outdoor elements indoors and vice versa. Attendees are happy, and I’ve often had the hotel decide to adopt the requests we made into their evergreen menus and experiences for guests.

• Proactive problem-solving: No last-minute requests. Every detail planned and communicated in advance so the focus onsite is on attendee experience, not logistics firefighting. De-risking and scenario planning is good for the hotel, for your team and your attendees.

• Share the success: I always allow venues and agency partners to share in the recognition. Success is never a zero-sum game. Every event manager who’s ever gone above and beyond will receive an email to their manager from me, and other tokens of gratitude for their teamwork and effort.

The Cost of Playing It Safe

Here's what analytical, ROI-driven decision makers need to understand: the cost of NOT creating memorable experiences in competitive markets is exponentially higher than the investment in getting it right.

Breaking through the noise is more valuable than making zero impact in a crowded space. There's no such thing as "bad data" when you dare to be different, test, and iterate based on results.

• Ruthless editing and prioritization: What will drive the most ROI, and what can you cut? Maybe breakfast or florals aren’t worth the budget if you can invest in an unforgettable closing experience instead.

• Scale beyond the investment: Ensure your experiential elements can scale beyond the event through video content, case studies, campaigns, and roadshows. One great installation can fuel marketing for months.

• Word-of-mouth multiplication: When you show executives something they've never seen before that inspires awe while using your product, they become your most credible salespeople.

This is why people invest in art—because beauty, surprise, and emotional connection create value that compounds.

The Transformation Formula

At the core of every successful experiential event is a simple truth: we're not just moving people from Point A to Point B. We're creating space for them to have catharsis and transformation.

Start with your event brief focused on what you want attendees to feel before everything else. Where are they emotionally when they arrive, and where do you want them to be when they leave? After you nail the feeling, then focus on what you want them to think, and finally, what you want them to do.

Moving from 'what' to 'why' before tackling 'how' is the difference between events people attend and experiences people can't stop talking about.

Your competitors are still hosting conferences. You have the opportunity to architect transformation.

The question isn't whether you can afford to invest in elevated experiences. The question is whether you can afford not to.

What I’m Loving this week:  For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Event Platform and podcast: If you're serious about creating experiential events that drive measurable business impact (and keeping your sanity while doing it), Bizzabo deserves a look. They're not just a registration platform—they're a true Event Experience Operating System that supports the entire journey from planning through post-event analysis.

Learn more:Bizzabo.comand Listen to my episode that dropped last week:Experiential Event Planning & Cognition

Gianna's Gems: How AI is Transforming Event Planning - Creating More Magical Moments

Hi there,

As someone who's spent over two decades crafting unique experiences for global brands, I'm fascinated by how AI is fundamentally changing our approach to event planning. Let me share what I'm seeing working with my top clients (three of which are AI companies).

The Magic Question That Started It All

In its best form, the magic happens when we use AI to answer that fundamental question I always ask: "How can I make this moment more magical?" Now we have more data to guide those decisions, and AI frees up more bandwidth for us to make it happen.

What excites me most is how AI is shifting us from reactive to predictive planning. Instead of scrambling to accommodate last-minute changes, we're now anticipating attendee needs before they even articulate them. We're seeing 45% of event organizers and directors actively using AI tools to enhance operations and personalize attendee experiences.

AI platforms can suggest personalized sessions, activities, and networking opportunities to create custom agendas, while automated systems handle attendee registration, check-in processes, and badge printing, greatly reducing wait times and human error. It also opens up new ways to surprise and delight attendees through immersive technology and personalization.

My Top AI Tools (Yes, I'm Naming Names)

I am naming the companies that I think are the best (and happen to also advise) because I am highly selective in who and what tools I work with. Aside from using Claude by Anthropic almost daily for everything from content outlines to research and contract comparison, what makes the companies below exceptional is their ability to handle the heavy lifting while preserving the human touch that creates memorable experiences.

BoomPop - I love the integrated ai-powered features like an AI-powered Itinerary Builder that builds your itinerary in minutes, and their AI-powered guest support that lets their AI Text Assistant answer guest questions. Their AI learns from past activity to improve future recommendations, pricing predictions, vendor availability forecasts, and RFP responses so it feels like like having an event planning assistant by your side, 24/7. They still have the personal touch with dedicated account managers, but those account  managers are more efficient and responsive due to the AI support.

Gradual - Love GRadual’s all-in-one community platform that supports everything from small intimate roundtables to multi-day (and stage) conferences with engaging and robust event capabilities. What sets them apart is their ability to support events with up to 100,000 concurrent users with robust content delivery and infrastructure. Their attendee matching features are also highly useful for what people want both virtually and in person at events right now making networking much more engaging, relevant and personal.

BookwithEva (EVA) - This streamlined platform makes booking quality entertainment and speakers quick, easy, and reliable, with more than 500 vetted entertainers ready to place offers on virtual or in-person events EVA - Entertainment made easy. Their AI-driven platform allows you to easily find entertainers through a variety of filters and search options, communicate directly with entertainers through their secure messaging system, and quickly narrow down options based on genre, price range, location, and availability.

Events.com ecosystem - While Events.com itself isn't a single AI platform, I love that it’s broader ecosystem includes powerful tools like Eventbrite Boost, an AI-driven event marketing tool that optimizes social media ads, email campaigns, and audience targeting to increase event attendance with AI-optimized paid advertising and predictive analytics for ticket demand and pricing recommendations.

Where AI Is Eliminating the Friction Points

The algorithms of AI help event planners automate things like venue selection, logistics management, content and email/social copy, task management, and scheduling tasks. The key is using AI to eliminate friction points so attendees focus on the content and connections, not the logistics. Here's where I've seen the biggest impact:

Venue Selection: AI search engines like BoomPop automatically narrow down venue options based on your specific criteria, saving weeks of manual research and back and forth with venues.

Contract Review: Here's where AI is becoming a game-changer for those of us juggling multiple vendor contracts. AI compares and negotiates proposals in real time by quickly analyzing contract terms, identifying potential red flags, comparing pricing across multiple vendors, and even suggesting negotiation points based on industry standards. This means less time buried in paperwork and more time focusing on the creative elements that make events memorable.

Attendee Flow and Predictive Planning: AI-powered systems using QR codes or facial recognition technology reduce wait times and improve attendee flow at entrances. AI will predict event attendance more accurately, manage food and beverage requirements based on real-time data, and monitor energy usage at large events.

Content Development: One area where AI is particularly transformative is content creation. AI can draft social media calendars, campaigns and posts, generate emails, and aid in sourcing different assets, from speakers and sponsors to events and vendors. Whether it's written or visuals, AI is incredibly useful for creating event content and pre-and post-event communications, with email templates and welcome packets. I've even seen companies using it to generate names for new conferences and event logos!

The Magic of Personalization

This is where AI truly shines in creating those magical moments. AI platforms can tailor event experiences by using attendee data to create custom agendas and personalized communication based on attendees providing preferences at registration.

For example, Brella's AI-powered matchmaking algorithm analyzes hundreds of data points to find highly relevant matches for each person, creating higher attendee engagement and satisfaction by curating a fulfilling event experience for each attendee.

I also think AI, when incorporated elegantly into events, can enhance the experience and inspire attendees or create a sense of awe. I work with an experiential agency called De-Yan, who always incorporates AI coding into immersive, art-like experiences. They work with all the fashion houses because people can't help but engage and share these on social. Other examples I've done range from creative AI photobooths that turn people's photos into works of art based on AI filters, or the time I hired a famous conductor to generate a musical score using the AI coordinates of the company I had invited to the event.

The impact is undeniable: 78% of event planners who have used AI in their planning report a higher return on investment. When people feel the event was designed specifically for them, they become advocates, not just attendees.

But Let's Keep It Real: The Limitations

I don't think event planners will ever be replaced by AI as it requires a high level of emotional intelligence and orchestration/teamwork and leadership that are hard to program. I remember attending TED Vancouver in 2019 and AI scientist Kai Fu Li flashed up a slide that had ten professions he thought were AI-proof, and Event Planner (along with CEO) was on there. However, here are a few challenges with AI I've experienced personally:

Generic Responses: AI pulls from known information on the internet, making it hard to be innovative when you're pulling from things that have already been done before. Plus, the lack of attention to detail leaves room for error. Overreliance on AI for creative copy and/or design can result in repetitive and uninspired themes and lower open/response rates. People love my newsletter and I have a high open rate because I create emotional connection through personal stories and use anecdotes from my career which an LLM could never have generated. The human touch remains irreplaceable for creating emotionally compelling narratives and storytelling throughout the experience.

Human Oversight: AI misfires require always double-checking automated outputs, and human oversight is key - AI assists but doesn't replace thoughtful planning and customer service. My recommendation is for planners to use AI as your strategic partner, not your replacement. AI should be thought of as a complement to your skillset and creativity, not something that can replace what you do. It can be a great brainstorming tool, or a starting point when you need an outline for a program, but when it comes to planning a personalized event that's innovative, creative, and engaging, it's lacking - you'll always need a human touch for that.

Looking Into My Crystal Ball: The Next 5-10 Years

The future is incredibly exciting. The next five years promise AI-powered real-time attendee insights, automated event logistics, hyper-personalized networking, and advanced predictive analytics to enhance decision-making.

I'm particularly excited about:

• Immersive Experiences: AI integration with Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality will lead to even more immersive event experiences, with AI personalizing virtual environments and making them more interactive. It can even democratize access to content and speakers - making having famous artists/people from past and future show up at your event or give a speech for much less than it costs today.

• Real-time Sentiment Analysis: AI will assess attendee satisfaction in real-time through sentiment analysis, analyzing facial expressions, social media posts, and feedback to provide immediate insights. (Hopefully companies like AWS will stop limiting this at their events!)

• Sustainability Optimization: AI will help optimize resources and reduce waste by predicting attendance accurately and monitoring energy usage to improve sustainability efforts. I just keynoted for a Tech Leaders Summit hosted by the Four Seasons and one problem that attendees brought up was the issue of food waste, so the challenge is on to crack that!

• Strategic Partnership: AI systems will start functioning as strategic business partners, helping executives make informed decisions and automate complex tasks with real-time data analysis and personalized insights.

My Final Gem

I love the limitless potential AI opens up by giving planners more time for strategic planning and creativity. The key will be staying curious and experimental while never losing sight of what makes events truly magical—the human connections and emotional experiences that technology can enhance but never replace.

The best AI, like any technology, feels invisible and elegantly enhances an experience. It should amplify your creativity and strategic thinking, not replace the heart of what we do.

What I'm Loving This Week: For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

I’ve always loved videos - from the 3,000 video playlist I have running on YouTube of my son’s top moments (we watch them several mornings a week and it always reminds me of the most important things in life), to the videos I captured of my own wedding, and then all those event sizzle reels that crystalize the hours of work that went into creating magic moments…That’s why I wanted to share (again) my favorite video platform for crafting timeless memory capsules in minutes - VidDay. I have shared my love for them before, but this week am tickled to share an interview I did with VidDay’s founder about designing thoughtful events with intention, for connection and impact. Read it here. Take 10% off with my discount code: ViddayGVIP10

GIANNA'S GEM Sexy Property Spotlight: Four Seasons Napa Valley

When Excellence Meets Terroir: Why This Calistoga Sanctuary Commands Its Premium

Four Seasons Napa Valley isn't just another luxury resort—it's a one of a kind gem of a property that captures the complete essence of wine country through the lens of uncompromising Four Seasons excellence. This is where Napa's agricultural soul meets hospitality perfection, and why world class travelers and businesses will pay premium rates without question to experience this majestic resort.

Here's what lights me up about this property: It is truly a sanctuary that will drop your cortisol level as soon as you drive up the vineyard lined driveway. It's not trying to be Napa—it is Napa, distilled into its most refined form. I can say with full honestly that this was the one property I have been to in Napa where I felt 100% present at every moment and savored the tranquility of the natural surroundings, the peace and calm of the resort and genuine care the staff took to ensure every need was tended to. It was a slice of paradise that left me feeling inspired, restored, and even looking into their private residences because I truly would love making this property a home. Read on to get intrigued.

Why Four Seasons Napa Valley Is Worth Every Premium Dollar

While other properties offer wine country accommodations, and let’s face it, at inflated rates, The Four Seasons in Calistoga has created something genuinely rare: a resort that wraps you in Napa like a cozy cashmere, bringing the best to you so you can relax stress free in the best of this magical place. They thought of everything and spared no detail - for instance, its own working winery, Elusa, and tasting room where guests can taste library wines just steps from their casitas. As we checked in, we were also invited to feel free to sample the grapes ourselves off of one of the vines that bordered the resort. What a special and inviting experience. This isn't tourism—it's terroir-driven hospitality that only Four Seasons could execute with such seamless sophistication. And of course, we were welcomed to our room with a bottle of Elusa’s wine paired with chocolate and a charcuterie board - a perfect wine country welcome.

The property commands its rates because it delivers experiences money typically can't buy: direct access to vineyard-to-glass storytelling, an open-air Michelin-starred restaurant, Auro, featuring a pristine glass exhibition kitchen to view the magic making, legendary mountain views, and a Mexican chef to honor the many workers who work hard to bring the harvest to table every year. We were greeted at the restaurant entrance by the sommelier who offered us an amuse bouche and glass of sparkling wine - a simple but important detail. I remember a pain point for me at The French Laundry was having to wait 30 minutes for a glass of wine at my first time dining there - they nailed this pain point by offering a snack and a welcome drink before we were even seated. Watching a full harvest moon rise over the mountains like a show before our eyes made it even more special. No fancy art needed!

What Makes This Property Genuinely Irreplaceable

Bringing Wine Country to Guests Seamlessly: 

What sets Four Seasons Napa Valley apart is how masterfully it delivers the entire wine country experience within its borders. Guests can taste estate-grown grapes steps from their accommodations, dine on Michelin-starred cuisine while gazing at the same vineyard and Calistoga mountains that produce their wine, and transition seamlessly from poolside relaxation to farm to table dining in indoor/outdoor country-chic settings without the logistics of having to even board a bus or car the entire time. This isn't just convenience—it's curation at the highest level, where every element of the quintessential Napa experience has been thoughtfully integrated into a single, cohesive destination to save time and pain so attendees can spend more time savoring the experience, relaxing, and mingling with eachother. For busy executives and discerning groups, this means maximum immersion with minimal coordination—the luxury of experiencing wine country's soul without the typical touring complexities.

Event Spaces Built for Community: The two main event spaces beautifully combine outdoor space with indoor space, each with a private lawn for a reception, dinner or wedding ceremony, and indoor space for those late night dance parties or winter months. The Vineyard Barn and lawn is inspired by rustic architecture and overlooks the Cabernet Vineyard and Palisade, while the Calistoga Ballroom and Terrace overlook the lake and fountains and can be access privately and completely distinct from any other hotel guests for the most private and discreet celebrations and events. The outdoor terrace capitalizes on those golden hour moments that make presentations memorable, while indoor venues feature built-in bars that keep networking flowing seamlessly. And…there are a couple of smaller “dining room” vignettes set in the vineyard on property with overhangs - a perfect way to bring your guests to the vineyard without having to drive off property. Plan a memorable company picnic lunch or executive dinner that guests don’t even have to travel off property to reach, yet feel miles away nestled within the cabernet vines. 

The Culinary Adventure: Two spectacular restaurants, Truss and Auro, showcase panoramic mountain vistas that serve as natural conversation starters for deal-making. The Michelin Star Auro isn't just about prestige—it's about offering clients and executives dining experiences that match the caliber of the finest restaurants Napa has to offer without having to leave the property. For an intimate, rarefied experience, vineyard picnics can be arranged in the middle of the property vineyard. Truss is a vibrant brasserie-style all-day dining experience with American-Mediterranean flavors and Napa Valley’s finest ingredients. With sweeping vineyard and Palisades Mountain views, guests can sample bold, seasonal dishes, renowned pizzas, handcrafted cocktails. The poolside Mexican restaurant, Campo,  offered fresh, local flavors as bright as the lemon-colored decor that lend well to more casual, healthy comfort dining and relaxed relationship building. The open-air poolside restaurant is conveniently located between the Resort Pool and the adults-only infinity pool serving California-inspired favourites that change with the seasons and showcase Napa Valley’s freshest ingredients. 

Adult-Focused Luxury: The adults-only infinity pool creates that coveted space where serious conversations happen organically in the pristine infinity pool surrounded by sweeping wine country views and bordered by grapevines, while the main infinity pool accommodates mixed groups without compromising sophistication. There is a bocce court and other activities like s’mores kits available for children, yet plenty of quiet spaces like the spa sanctuary, pristine gym, and adult pool for those who want an adult-only experience. This dual-pool approach is strategic hospitality at its finest providing inclusive and enjoyable options for anyone.

Accommodations That Deliver Impact: These aren't hotel rooms—they're vineyard-view sanctuaries with oversized soaking tubs, Le Labo bath product, and waterfall showers that ensure your VIPs (and you) arrive to meetings genuinely rejuvenated. The casita-style layout provides privacy for sensitive discussions while maintaining the communal energy essential for team cohesion. Every detail is seamless…rooms come with a wine fridge - perfect for storing Napa wine purchases after a tasting, or enjoying a selection of Napa’s local wines, and the rooms are spacious enough with tall ceilings and sweeping views to make you feel as though you are home away from home.

Gianna’s 10/10 Rating

This property succeeds because it understands something fundamental about modern luxury hospitality: today's executives and discerning clients aren't impressed by amenities alone—they're moved by authentic experiences that reflect sophistication without pretense.

The chic, refined minimalist design doesn't compete with Napa's dramatic setting; it enhances it. The spa experience caters to the longevity-focused crowd featuring a small but tranquil outdoor space with a cold plunge and cedar sauna that complement Calistoga’s traditional wellness culture. The spa offers the kind of sophisticated recovery experiences that allow executives to return from retreats genuinely renewed, a key part of my success formula: Stress + Rest = Growth and Success. 

As always, the impeccable Four Seasons service anticipates needs without hovering. This is hospitality intelligence that justifies premium investment. A text message to check if I wanted turn down service since my do not disturb sign was on…another text to see if my room was suitable to my needs and if anything else to make my stay special. When I arrived and was interested in moving my reservation to the Michelin Star restaurant, I received a phone call accommodating the request. Every staff member I engaged with was genuinely helpful, offering me tips on where to run in the morning to what to order on the lunch menu. The helpfulness of the Four Seasons brand isn’t lost on me, a former Google Event Leader, where “helpfulness” was synonymous with our brand.

For planners seeking venues that elevate and expand what’s possible with hospitality rather than merely accommodate, Four Seasons Napa Valley delivers something increasingly rare: an authentic sense of place wrapped in operational excellence that makes complex logistics look and appear effortless.

Some experiences are worth the premium. This is one of them.

Ready to explore how Four Seasons Napa Valley can transform your next gathering from successful to unforgettable? Let's discuss making wine country magic happen at the level your vision deserves - reach out to learn more via a discovery call: intro.co/GiannaGaudini

Gianna's Gems: Mental Fitness: The Game-Changer Every Professional Needs

A Gianna's Gem on Why Training Your Mind is Just as Critical as Training Your Body

Hi there,

With school starting this past week, my son told me his favorite class was “PE”. Not surprising for an eight year old boy, right? But it got me thinking - why aren’t we teaching mental fitness in school at a young age? I’ve started working with my own son on mental fitness in the mornings before school to build his resilience and I’ve already noticed a huge difference. So let me ask you think - what is the difference between mental health and mental fitness?

Here's what I've learned after orchestrating events from intimate C-suite dinners to record-breaking stadium experiences: Your physical stamina can get you through the 18-hour event days, but your mental fitness determines whether you thrive or merely survive in this industry, and really in any life situation.

Gianna's Gem: Mental Fitness vs. Mental Health - Know the Difference

Let me be crystal clear about something that gets confused all too often. Mental health is about addressing challenges, managing conditions, and seeking support when you're struggling. Mental fitness? That's about proactively training your mind to perform at its peak, just like an athlete trains their body.

T

hink of mental fitness as your psychological gym routine. You wouldn't expect to run a marathon without months of cardiovascular training, right? Yet we expect ourselves to handle high-pressure client presentations, manage complex logistics under tight deadlines, and lead diverse teams through inevitable curveballs—all without training the organ that makes it all possible: our brains.

Mental fitness is about building resilience before you need it, not just recovering after you're depleted.

The Four Pillars of Mental Fitness for Event Professionals

Pillar 1: Nutritional Input (What You Feed Your Mind)

Just as junk food creates sluggish energy and crashes, consuming the wrong mental "food" can leave you anxious, overwhelmed, and creatively depleted.

Mental nutrition includes:

• Morning content consumption: Start your day with inspiring podcasts, industry thought leadership, or educational content instead of diving straight into your inbox or doom-scrolling news

• Curated learning and career development: Follow innovators in event tech, design, and experience creation rather than getting lost in comparison-driven social media. I consider this “expanding” rather than comparing and happy to share recommendations for some industry expanders with you (message me back).

• Boundary-setting with information: Designate specific times for industry news and client communication rather than being "always on"

Gianna's Gem Action Step: For the next week, replace the first 30 minutes of your morning phone time with something that genuinely inspires or educates you. Notice how this shifts your mental state for the entire day.

Pillar 2: Rest and Recovery (Your Mental Sleep Training)

Event professionals are notorious for burning the candle at both ends, but peak mental performance requires intentional recovery periods.

Essential mental rest practices:

• Meditation or mindfulness: Even 10 minutes daily can significantly improve focus and stress management

• Quality sleep hygiene: Creating wind-down routines that help your brain process the day's information

• Digital detox windows: Scheduled breaks from phones and laptops to let your mind truly rest

• Nature connection: Studies show that time outdoors literally resets our mental processing capabilities

Remember that white space I always talk about? Your brain needs it just as much as your calendar does. Otherwise you’re going to get that “force shutdown message” or death spiral literally and figuratively!

Pillar 3: Mental Strength Training (Building Cognitive Muscle)

This is where the real magic happens. Just as physical exercise builds muscle memory and strength, certain practices build your mental resilience and problem-solving abilities.

Mental strength exercises include:

• Visualization: Mentally rehearsing challenging scenarios (difficult client conversations, technical failures, last-minute changes) so you're prepared rather than reactive

• Manifestation with strategy: Not just wishful thinking, but combining clear intention-setting with actionable planning

• Cognitive reframing: Training yourself to find positive opportunities within challenges rather than defaulting to stress responses

• Decision-making practice: Regularly making small, low-stakes decisions quickly to build confidence for bigger choices

Pillar 4: Mental Exercise (Keeping Your Brain Agile)

Physical exercise keeps your body flexible and strong; mental exercise keeps your brain sharp and creative.

Brain-boosting activities:

• Puzzle-solving: Crosswords, sudoku, or logic games that challenge different cognitive pathways

• Creative movement: Dancing, especially learning new choreography, builds neural connections and has been proven as the #1 way to reduce cognitive decline (I shared this with my husband when pitching we start dance lessons together!)

• Complex problem-solving: Taking on challenging projects that stretch your strategic thinking

• Learning new skills: Whether it's a language, instrument, or technology tool, novel learning keeps your brain adaptable

Gianna's Gem: The same mental agility that helps you solve a Rubik's cube will serve you when you need to completely reimagine an event setup 48 hours before go-live.

Why Mental Fitness Can Make or Break Your Career

Let me share a story that illustrates this perfectly. Two years ago, I was working with a incredibly talented event planner—let's call her Sally. She could coordinate logistics like a symphony conductor and had an eye for design that consistently wowed clients. But Sally had never trained her mental fitness.

When a major client demanded significant changes three weeks before their annual summit, Sally's lack of mental resilience showed. Instead of seeing the challenge as an opportunity to showcase creativity under pressure, she spiraled into overwhelm. Her team and I picked up on her stress, vendor relationships became strained, and what should have been a career-highlighting project became a source of burnout.

Contrast this with another event planner I know who faced an even bigger last-minute crisis—a venue roof actually falling in on 48hours notice. Because she had trained her mental fitness through regular visualization, stress management practices, and cognitive flexibility exercises, she was able to stay calm, think creatively, and lead her team through an incredible recovery. That "roof falling in" became the story that landed her the next promotion.

Gianna’s Gem: In our industry, your technical skills get you in the door, but your mental fitness determines how high you rise and how long you last.

Mental Fitness and Leadership: The Multiplier Effect

When you're mentally fit, you don't just perform better—you elevate everyone around you and build durable teams that succeed for the long term. 

Mentally fit leaders:

• Stay calm under pressure, which allows their teams to focus on solutions rather than managing up anxiety

• Make clearer decisions faster, reducing the analysis paralysis that kills momentum

• Communicate with greater emotional intelligence, building stronger client relationships and vendor partnerships

• Bounce back from setbacks quickly, modeling resilience for their entire organization

• See opportunities where others see only obstacles, driving innovation and competitive advantage

Gianna's Gem: Your team's stress level will never be lower than yours. If you want a high-performing, resilient team, you must model mental fitness first.

Creating Events That Support Mental Fitness

Here's where this gets really exciting: Once you understand mental fitness, you can design events that actually contribute to your attendees' mental well-being rather than just delivering information. By elevating their mindset, you will not just become an industry leader, but you’ll put attendees into a better frame of mind to be receptive to new ideas, and in a generous state of wanting to share about your brand by word of mouth. 

Event elements that support mental fitness:

• Environment Design: Create spaces that feel psychologically safe and energizing rather than overwhelming. This means thoughtful color choices (I love bringing in natural wood tines, lighter colors, greens rather than red tones that signal danger), warm, natural lighting where possible, and layouts that encourage both connection and moments of quiet reflection and rejuvenation between sessions and networking.

• Programming Structure: Build in "brain breaks"or “digital detox hours” between intensive sessions. The human attention span isn't designed for back-to-back content consumption. Include movement, meditation moments, or simply unstructured restorative time. Trust me, your attendees will be so grateful! I’ve NEVER had an attendee upset about not enough content - it’s usually the opposite - they feel overwhelmed.

• Content Delivery: Mix high-energy presentations with reflective, smaller workshops. Include high performance technique training such as mental rehearsal coaches, visualization exercises, breathwork, and opportunities for attendees to practice new mental models in real-time.

• Nutrition Choices: Offer brain-healthy, nourishing food options that sustain energy rather than creating sugar spikes and crashes. Your catering choices directly impact attendee mental performance. I love offering colorful spa waters for attendees to sample throughout the day that also offer pops of color to the environment and are environmentally friendlier than bottled water.

• Recovery Spaces: Designate quiet zones where introverted attendees can recharge, get a foot massage or a “sound bath”, meditate, have an aroma therapy blend created for them, or where anyone feeling overwhelmed can reset their mental state.

The Business Impact: Why Mental Fitness Events Win

When you create events that support mental fitness, something remarkable happens: Your attendees don't just learn—they transform. And transformed attendees REMEMBER your event and then become raving fans who drive real business results far more than any other marketing channel.

I've seen this play out repeatedly. Events that prioritize attendee mental well-being consistently achieve:

• Higher engagement scores because attendees feel energized and taken care of rather than drained

• Better retention rates as people actually implement what they've learned and remember your product better

• Stronger word-of-mouth marketing because the experience felt genuinely valuable

• Increased client loyalty as organizations see measurable impact on their team's performance

• Premium pricing opportunities because you're delivering transformation, not just information

Gianna's Gem Action Step: For your next event, ask yourself: "How can I design this experience to leave attendees feeling more mentally fit than when they arrived?" Then build those elements into your programming from day one, not as afterthoughts.

Your Mental Fitness Training Plan Starts Now

Ready to begin your mental fitness journey? Here's a practical starting point:

• Week 1-2: Focus on mental nutrition. Clean up your information diet and establish a inspiring morning routine.

• Week 3-4: Add daily mental rest practices. Even five minutes of meditation or a brief walk outside counts. Heck, even take a bathroom break without your phone (you know you do it!)

• Week 5-6: Introduce mental strength training through visualization, mental rehearsal  and cognitive reframing exercises.

• Week 7-8: Incorporate mental exercise—try a new puzzle type, learn a dance move, or develop a new creative skill.

• Week 9 and beyond: Make mental fitness a non-negotiable part of your professional development, just like staying current with industry trends or technology.

In an industry where the unexpected is expected and pressure is the norm, mental fitness isn't a luxury—it's a competitive necessity. The event professionals who thrive in the coming years won't just be those with the best technical skills or vendor relationships. They'll be the ones who have trained their minds to stay calm in chaos, see opportunities in challenges, and lead with clarity when others are overwhelmed.

Your career deserves the same intentional training you'd give your body if you were preparing for a marathon. Because in many ways, that's exactly what you're doing—preparing for the long game of a fulfilling, sustainable career in an industry you love.

The strongest leaders aren't those who never face challenges—they're the ones whose minds are trained to handle whatever comes their way with grace, creativity, and unwavering focus on what matters most.

What I’m Loving this week:  For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Mental Fitness Through Heart Rate Variability (HRV): I'm absolutely fascinated by Garrett Gaudini's deep dive into the Morpheus heart rate monitor and how it's reshaping the way we think about mental fitness. What struck me most was his insight about shifting from an "all gas, no brakes" mentality to training smarter through data. The Morpheus system uses Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to measure the balance between your body's stress and recovery systems - essentially giving you a daily "readiness score" that tells you when your nervous system is primed for challenge versus when it needs restoration. This isn't just about physical performance; it's about building the mental discipline to listen to your body's signals rather than pushing through regardless of your internal state.

What I love about Garrett's approach is how he frames this as a paradigm shift in mental fitness - moving from the toxic "mind over matter" mentality that leads to burnout and injury, to a more sustainable philosophy of working with your body's natural rhythms. The ability to have concrete data about your nervous system's readiness feels like such a game-changer for anyone trying to build resilience and optimize their mental performance. The core concept of using biometric feedback to guide your daily intensity is brilliant. Check out more of Garrett's thoughtful takes on health tech and longevity - his "Product Guy" perspective on optimizing healthspan is exactly the kind of evidence-based approach to wellness we all need more of.

XX,

Gianna

P.S. Ready to make mental fitness your secret weapon? Need help training your team in this area? I’d love to help! Reach out to this email and we can discuss your specific needs and transform you to your optimal state of thriving.

Want more? Take My Master Class or Book a 1:1:intro.co/GiannaGaudini

Gianna's Gems: What Executives Want from Events - Cracking the C-Suite Code

Hi there,

Last week I had coffee with a CMO who told me "I get 50 event invitations every month. I attend exactly three."

This conversation reinforced a topic I love to discuss - what truly motivates C-suite executives to not just attend events, but to engage, connect, and ultimately take action with your brand. After working with dozens of executives and analyzing the most successful corporate events I've planned, I've uncovered the secret sauce that transforms good events into game-changing experiences for the corner office crowd.

Getting Inside the Executive Mind: Understanding the C-Suite Personality Matrix

Here's the truth about executives: they're not all cut from the same cloth. Each C-suite role comes with distinct motivations, pressures, and success metrics that directly impact what they find valuable in an event experience.

The CEO: The Visionary Connector CEOs are constantly balancing strategic oversight with the need to stay ahead of industry disruption. Research shows that only 10 percent of Fortune 250 CEOs have marketing experience, which means they're often looking for ways to understand markets and customers better. They attend events to:

• Gain strategic insights that could reshape their industry landscape

• Position themselves as thought leaders and in their space

• Build relationships with other visionary leaders

• Stay informed about disruptions that could impact their long-term strategy

The CMO: The Growth Unifier CMOs are being moved to executors of strategy rather than being the ones to help create the strategy, making them hungry for content that elevates their strategic role. They're seeking:

• Data-driven insights that demonstrate marketing's ROI impact

• Networking and partnership opportunities with other growth leaders

• Cutting-edge tools and technologies that can transform customer experiences

• Validation of their strategies from successful peers

The CTO: The Innovation Scout CTOs attending events focused on artificial intelligence may learn about potential applications of AI in their industry, enabling them to explore new avenues and drive innovation. They're motivated by:

• Technical insights with authorities in the space on emerging technologies before they hit mainstream

• Peer discussions about implementation challenges and solutions

• Opportunities to scout talent and partnership opportunities

• Understanding how technology trends will impact business strategy

The CRO: The Revenue Accelerator Today, only 11 percent of Fortune 100 companies have a CRO, making this role particularly focused on proving value. They attend events to:

• Learn about tools and strategies that can directly impact pipeline growth

• Network with potential customers and partners

• Stay ahead of sales and marketing technology trends

• Share best practices with other revenue leaders

The Executive ROI Equation: What Motivates Attendance

The Bottom Line Truth: A little over half of CEOs believe that event marketing generates more ROI than other marketing channels. But what does ROI mean to executives attending events?

Time ROI: Executives value their time like gold. They need to know that attending your event will deliver insights they can't get elsewhere, in a format that respects their packed schedules.

Relationship ROI: The connections they make must be at their level and directly relevant to their challenges. Meet your peers at your career level for 4–5 hours in a private environment with high-quality content.

Learning ROI: The content must be immediately actionable and ahead of the curve. They want to walk away knowing something their competitors don't or getting access to someone they couldn’t get access to otherwise.

Strategic ROI: Everything must tie back to business outcomes. Abstract concepts and experiential without clear business applications simply won't cut it.

Making Events Irresistibly Memorable: The Magic Multiplier Approach

Remember my mantra: "How can I make this moment more magical?" This question becomes even more powerful when applied to executive events, because these leaders experience dozens of events that all start to blur together.

The Arrival Transformation: Instead of standard check-in, create a moment of recognition. Have a concierge approach them by name before they even reach registration. "Ms. Chen, we've been looking forward to your insights on AI transformation." This simple acknowledgment that you know who they are and why they matter sets the entire tone.

The Content Elevation: Executives don't want to hear about what happened last quarter—they want to understand what's coming next year. Structure content around:

• Exclusive data and insights not available elsewhere

• Peer-to-peer case studies from comparable organizations

• Interactive scenarios where they can apply learning in real-time

• Access to thought leaders they couldn't normally reach

• Stories from other CXO’s who have gone through challenges and how they navigated them (crisis stories are always hot here, even though controversial, i.e. the CEO whose company was cyber-hacked)

The Network Navigation: The main goal is to find those CEOs who inspire and motivate you, believe in what you believe in, share similar values and know your industry. Create structured networking that goes beyond cocktail hour:

• Curated introductions based on shared challenges or interests

• Small group dinners with specific topics and skilled facilitators - I love a Jeffersonian Style to ensure everyone at the table is engaged

• "Office hours" and book signing with keynote speakers for intimate Q&A sessions

• OCTO (Office of the CTO) members setting up meetings to delve into personal strategies

• Follow-up facilitation to help maintain valuable connections

• High-End Networking Activities in the am before content such as group biking, racing, etc.

Creating the Next Action Catalyst

The difference between a good event and a great one isn't just what happens during the event—it's what happens after. Here's how to create momentum that leads to business action and will make sure your investment drives real impact:

The Strategic Takeaway: Design a personalized action plan for attendees. I once did this for Google Performance Ad marketing and we created a custom website for every Exec with relevant videos, use-cases specific to their vertical, industry, region, etc. and a vanity link. To make it EXTRA special, we made a custom bobblehead of their “Androidified” self (email me to learn more about this separately) with a link to the website on the base, so they could sit it prominently on their desk and be reminded of us daily. What exec can resist putting a custom Android version of themselves on their desk? It worked brilliantly and we won a marketing Gold award plus closed more business than any other Exec event had that year. 

A simplified version could be a personalized debrief / action document for them with:

• Three key insights they gained

• Two strategies they want to implement

• One person they want to continue conversations with

• Specific next steps with timelines

• What they want you to check in with them on in 3 months, 6 months, 12 months.

The Continuation Strategy: Within 48 hours, send a personalized follow-up that includes:

• Any photos of their specific participation moments or of them (they will use, share, etc and best if your logo is also somewhere in there!)

• Contact information for the people they connected with (with permission)

• Relevant resources based on the sessions they attended

• An invitation to an exclusive follow-up meeting, event or community (more on this below)

The Community Connection Create an ongoing executive community that extends far beyond the event. CEO peer advisor board meetings offer a comprehensive suite of opportunities for growth and leadership development. Here’s further proof by Fast Company that these communities really drive business impact. This could include:

• Monthly peer advisory sessions

• Exclusive private slack channel or Whats app 

• Early access to industry insights

• Quarterly intimate dinners

• Mentorship or Coaching Cohorts

De-Risking Executive Attendance: The Guarantee Strategy

Executives are risk-averse with their time. Here's how to remove every barrier to their attendance:

The Value Guarantee: Offer a specific, measurable value promise: "If you don't walk away with at least three actionable strategies that could impact your quarterly results, we'll personally conduct a follow-up strategy session at no cost."

The Agenda Transparency: Share detailed learning objectives and outcomes for each session. Let them see exactly what they'll gain and why it matters to their specific role.

The Peer Validation: Share attendee lists (with permission) showing other executives at their level. Successful CEOs understand that networking is essential, and they want to know the quality of their peer group.

The Incentive: Offer something they must attend to receive (i.e. we won’t be record the session as it’s chatham house rules), or I’ve once sent attendees one bespoke cufflink or shoe (really anything with a pair works here) but they had to attend the event to receive the other.

Successful Event Formats by Executive Type

For CEOs: The Strategic Salon

• Intimate groups of 12-15 CEOs maximum

• Half-day format respecting their time constraints

• Chatham House rules for candid conversations

• Focus on long-term trends and strategic challenges

• Anything that focuses on de-risking and expanding company growth and building partnerships and alliances

• Include a private dinner component for deeper relationship building

Example: A "Future of Ai" breakfast series where 12 CEOs spend 3 hours discussing industry disruption, followed by quarterly follow-up dinners.

For CMOs: The Growth Lab

• Interactive workshops with real-time application

• Case study deep-dives with peer Q&A

• Lots of networking - CMO’s tend to be more extroverted and into experience/mingling than some other C levels (CHROs as well)

• Demonstrations with hands-on experience

• ROI measurement and other workshops

• Remember - CMO’s plan events, so the experience should be high quality and top notch and potentially also offer content about event strategy and marketing mix

Example: A "Marketing ROI Accelerator" where CMOs work through real scenarios using new attribution models, with immediate takeaways for their teams.

For CTOs: The Innovation Showcase

• Technical deep-dives with live demonstrations

• Peer-to-peer troubleshooting sessions

• Early access to emerging technologies

• Security and implementation-focused content

• Small group problem-solving sessions

• Access to “Office Hours” with your technical team and products

Example: An "AI Implementation Intensive" featuring live coding sessions, security workshops, and peer advisory groups tackling real implementation challenges.

The Ripple Effect of Executive Event Excellence

When you create truly magical experiences for executives, the impact extends far beyond the event itself. These leaders become advocates who:

• Refer other high-level executives and their teams (champions) to your future events

• Engage more deeply with your brand and solutions

• Provide case studies and testimonials that attract similar leaders

• Become advisors and partners in your continued growth

70% of consumers expect tailored experiences, and executives are no different—except their expectations are exponentially higher. They want experiences that honor their expertise, respect their time, and deliver value that matches their investment.

The most powerful feedback I've ever received from an executive event wasn't about the celebrity speaker or the luxury venue. It was from a CEO who said: "For the first time in months, I left an event feeling energized instead of drained. Every conversation was valuable, every session was relevant, and every connection was meaningful. This is what executive events should feel like."

That's the ultimate power of understanding what executives truly want from events. It creates experiences that don't just fill calendars—they transform businesses.

What I’m Loving this week:  For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Calistoga Motor Lodge

Don't let the "motor lodge" name fool you – this Hyatt property is a masterclass in casual luxury that perfectly captures Calistoga's laid-back wine country + hipster vibe. I had the pleasure of visiting the property this past weekend and was pleasantly surprised by this little known gem. What makes this place so special is how thoughtfully they've reimagined the classic motor lodge concept with young, hip touches that don't feel forced or trendy. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by genuinely warm service and delightful surprises: pour-over coffee setups in every room, a wood-fired pizza oven that's actually put to good use, fresh local food programs, and evening s'mores kits paired with a cozy bonfire. The property strikes that rare balance of being sophisticated yet approachable, with both adult and kids' pools ensuring everyone in the family (or your team) feels welcome.

The rooms themselves are spacious and impeccably clean, featuring sleek furnishings that feel more boutique hotel than roadside motel, plus private patios that make you want to linger with your morning coffee or evening wine. For companies planning offsites or families seeking that wine country experience without the Four Seasons or Solage price tag (both literally less than two blocks away), this is your sweet spot. The Calistoga Motor Lodge proves that affordable doesn't mean sacrificing style, service, or those special touches that make a stay memorable – it's exactly the kind of place that makes you want to extend your trip by another night.

Gianna's Gems is a weekly exploration of ideas that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. If you found this valuable, please share it with a fellow event professional, and subscribe for more insights delivered directly to your inbox.

Want more? Take My Master Class or Book a 1:1: intro.co/GiannaGaudini

Gianna's Gems: Build Better Habits (and Events) Using Systems

Hi there,

At a family dinner this week, we were playing "conversation jenga” (it’s fun when you need a way to get your kids to be more cogent) and one question was “what warning sign would you come with”? We joked that my husband’s would be “warning: I won’t remember any of this or arrive on time” but that did launch us into a conversation about why our house runs so smoothly despite this funny fact. (p.s. email me if you want to know what my warning label would be according to my husband!)

So why some of us seem to effortlessly stick to our goals and stay highly organized at work and in life while others struggle to make it past day three of our latest "transformation" and can never seem to juggle it all effortlessly? The secret? It's not a superpower... It's systems.

The Magic in Making It Visible

Here's your first gem: make your goals impossible to ignore. I'm talking about that water bottle sitting pretty on your desk, the meditation cushion in the corner of your bedroom, the vision board above your desk or that "PAUSE" sticky note on your laptop screen. 

When our goals are visible, they become part of our environment's conversation with us. Every time you see that water bottle, it's a gentle nudge saying "hey there, let's hydrate." No mental energy required - just a simple visual cue that keeps you on track. I recently wanted to start drinking more pure water rather than bottled water, so I started filling a pretty mug with clear, filtered water and leaving it in my fridge. Every time I opened the fridge, I saw that cute mug, and took a sip rather than grabbing a bottle - so simple!

Your Future Self is Your Best Decision Maker

Harvard Business School dropped some serious research that changed how I think about planning: when we make decisions for our future selves, we make better decisions.

Think about it - when you're planning your meals on Sunday for the week ahead, you're choosing grilled salmon and roasted vegetables. But when you're hangry at 7 PM on Tuesday? Hello, Uber Eats! Your future-focused self has clarity that your in-the-moment self simply doesn't have.

This is why successful people batch their decisions. They choose their outfits the night before, meal prep on Sundays, and yes - they plan their events and habits in advance when their judgment is crystal clear. This is also why I engage in mental rehearsal and micro-intention setting. When you have a pre-mortem about how you want a day, a meeting, a tennis match to go in advance, you mentally prepare your body to perform optimally the way you want it. 

Planning = Your Secret Weapon Against Decision Fatigue

Every decision we make throughout the day depletes our mental energy - from what to wear to what to eat to whether we should work out. By the time evening rolls around, we've run out of “adaptation energy” or the equivalent of fumes and can’t perform/respond at our best or make smart decisions.

But here's where planning becomes your superpower: it eliminates micro-decisions and lowers what researchers call "activation energy." The less energy it takes to start something, the more likely you are to actually do it.

When you plan your day / week ahead of time, you're not deciding if you'll work out or meditate - you're just showing up to the appointment you made with yourself. The decision was already made by your clearer, more intentional past self.

The Simple System That Doubles Your Success Rate

Ready for this? Setting a simple alarm for what you want to do makes you twice as likely to follow through. Seriously - studies on everything from quitting smoking to starting exercise routines show this works. 

Chevron used to have an ergonomic practice of locking their employees out of their computers once an hour so they’d be forced to take a break. Genius!

Have you ever noticed how spas and acupuncture never have good wifi (hint…it’s intentional because they want you to tune out and get zen!)

It's not just about remembering (though that helps). It's about creating a moment where you consciously choose your goal over whatever else is competing for your attention. That alarm becomes your accountability partner, your gentle coach, your reminder that this matter to you. I also create calendar alerts for things I want to remember because I know myself well enough to know I’ll be checking my email and will see the alert. It’s sadly true but it works for me!

Environment Design: Make the Right Choice the Easy Choice

Here's the truth: willpower is overrated and unreliable. The real strategy for success is in designing your environment so well that good choices become automatic.

Get the tempting stuff out of sight, out of reach, and out of mind. If you're trying to eat healthier, don't keep ice cream in the freezer and expect to win that battle every single night. If you don’t want to scroll instagram, get it off the home screen of your phone!

The same principle applies to your plans. If you want to work out in the morning, lay out your workout clothes the night before, pre-set the coffee and pre-pack your lunch to save am time and set an alarm to get to bed early enough so you’ll have energy in the morning. If you want to read or journal more, keep a book on your nightstand and charge your phone in another room.

How This Transforms Your Event Planning Game

Let's talk about how these same systems completely revolutionize your event planning, whether you're hosting a dinner party, planning a birthday, or organizing a corporate event.

Project Management Systems 

Tools such as Asana, Monday.com, Airtable, or Google Suite enable event teams to track tasks, deadlines, and dependencies across multiple stakeholders, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks and maintaining clear accountability throughout the planning process.

Instead of keeping your event ideas floating around in your head, or on a multitude of emails, slacks and documents, create a planning hub. I use this as a central source of truth for all collaborators to contribute to to manage simultaneous workstream deadlines, run-of-show, assets that need to be shared, calendars, and documents all in one centralized location so nothing gets missed. 

The key is to re-iterate one source of truth and consistently direct people to keeping everything there. It pays off in spades when you’re trying to find something in a hurry, or needing to reference an obscure piece of information from the previous year’s event.

Your Future Event-Planner Self Knows Best

Remember that Harvard research? It's everything when it comes to events. When you're planning your friend's baby shower three weeks out, you're choosing thoughtful games and a beautiful brunch spread. When you're planning it the night before? You're panic-ordering pizza or trying to get your brother-in-law to be the photographer and praying for the best.

I like to conduct a pre-mortem with my clients a week in advance of the event to walk through the event plans minute by minute and poke holes in all aspects of the attendee journey and team onsite roles. This gives us time to make any last minute changes to maximize success onsite and nothing slips through the cracks.

Plan your events when you're in your most creative, unstressed headspace - not when you're already feeling the pressure. Your future-self decisions will always be more thoughtful, more personal, and honestly, more fun.

I intentionally block time on my calendar for writing (these Gems!) and building creative and strategic plans. I found that when I used to try to do this at the end of the day, I didn’t have the “adaptation energy” left for it, so I now save all my less strenuous tasks and emails for that time and it’s made a huge difference in my productivity and creative output.

Templates That Eliminate Event Decision Fatigue

Here's where event planning gets genius: create templates for different types of events to repurpose. I have my product launch brief template, my "Milestone Birthday Celebration" template, and my "Trade Show Brief" templates in addition to various others and can repurpose then time and time again to kick start strategic planning.

By creating a template every time you need to create something new, you’re no longer starting from scratch and getting overwhelmed by infinite possibilities in the future. You’re pulling from proven systems and customizing from there. It's like having a personal event-planning assistant who knows exactly what works.

The Event Alarm System That Actually Works

Set specific alarms for your event planning milestones! "Send Invites Today" calendar alert two weeks out. "Grocery Shopping for the Dinner Party" calendar alert three days before…It’s a simple tool to ensure you don’t miss it on your to-do list.

This isn't just about staying on schedule - it's about breaking down what feels like one enormous task into manageable, timed actions, setting a date to be reminded when to do them, and clearing that mental space for what’s most urgent and timely. 

Pro-Tip: build some “flex time” so each alarm is a gentle nudge keeping you on track without the last-minute panic.

Environment Design for Effortless Hosting

Set up your spaces in advance so hosting feels effortless. The night before your event, arrange the furniture, set out menu cards, test your playlist (and charge your devices), and prep whatever you can do in advance.

When your guests arrive, you're not frantically finishing last minute touches and can greet them as the serene host you aspire to be and your guests deserve. Your environment is designed for success, and you get to actually enjoy the event you worked so hard to create. 

When hosting dinner parties, I purposely prep items that can “cook” while I’m socializing with guests like a roasted chicken and veggies. I have a dessert like a cheese and chocolate board I can whip out of the downstairs fridge and have ready in an instant rather than having to pre-plate everything. This maximizes what my guests and I want out of the experience - more quality time together!

Your Challenge:

Pick one area where you want to build a better habit or improve your planning and apply these systems:

1. Make it visible in your environment

2. Plan it when you're feeling clear and motivated

3. Set a simple alarm or reminder

4. Design your space to support success

5. Remove obstacles and temptations

Remember, sustainable change isn't about perfection - it's about creating systems that work with your human nature, not against it. You're not broken if willpower alone hasn't worked for you. You just needed better systems.

What I’m Loving this week:  For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

EVA Entertainment - A Rising Star Worth Your Attention

My followers have been asking about the entertainment booking platform I frequently use, and there's exciting news to share! EVA has just been named to the prestigious 2025 Inc. Magazine Inc. 5000 list, ranking an impressive #1,149 overall and #123 in software. What started as two college students' bold vision to disrupt entertainment booking has now become one of America's fastest-growing private companies. This incredible milestone showcases what happens when innovative thinking meets a fearless team and a community ready to revolutionize events. The best part? EVA can now book talent nationwide, even if your city isn't currently featured on their platform. Ready to experience their game-changing service? Reach out using my exclusive PromoCode EVAGVIP to receive 10% off your booking plus VIP customer service. Trust me, this is the future of entertainment booking, and you'll want to be part of it!

XX,

Gianna

P.S. Check out my book, The Art of Event Planning or book a session with me here 👉 intro.co/giannagaudini

Gianna's Gems: The Happiness Formula - Creating Events That Feed the Soul

Hi there,

Summer’s a great time to ponder the meaning of happiness…and how to get more of it.

This week I've been obsessed with a question that’s been on my mind since a conversation I had recently with a happiness researcher: What if we could actually engineer joy? Not the fleeting, superficial kind that comes from a perfect Instagram moment, but the deep, lasting happiness that transforms how people feel about themselves and the world around them.

As event planners, we're essentially happiness architects—but are we building the right foundation? After diving deep into positive psychology research, I've discovered something that's completely revolutionized how I approach event design: true happiness isn't one-size-fits-all. It's actually made up of three distinct ingredients that people need in different proportions, like a custom cocktail (or mocktail) for the soul.

Gianna’s Gem: Let me introduce you to The Happiness Trifecta: the Engaged Life, the Pleasant Life, and the Meaningful Life. Understanding these three pillars and weaving them into your events doesn't just create better experiences—it creates transformation.

The Engaged Life: When Time Disappears

The Engaged Life is about flow states—those magical moments when you're so absorbed in an activity that you lose track of time entirely.

You know that feeling when you're completely absorbed in something challenging yet perfectly within your abilities? That's engagement. It's the programmer at 2 AM who forgot to eat dinner, the musician who plays for hours without noticing, the puzzle solver who can't put it down. In events, this translates to experiences that challenge attendees' skills while keeping them in their sweet spot of capability.

How to Build Engagement Into Your Events:

• Interactive Problem-Solving Sessions: Instead of passive presentations, create collaborative challenges. At a recent tech conference I designed, we replaced traditional breakout sessions with "CSI style breakouts" where teams of 4-6 people worked together to solve real business challenges like cyber-security hacking using new tools they learned that day. The energy was electric—people were so engrossed they didn't want to break for lunch.

• Gamification That Actually Works: Skip the basic point systems. Create compelling narratives. For a sales summit, we designed a "Mystery of the Missing Revenue" experience where attendees gathered clues throughout different sessions to solve a complex case study. Each session revealed new pieces of the puzzle and points, keeping people fully present and engaged. Everyone was able to redeem points for swag at the end. Win-win for all!

• Skill-Building Workshops: Offer hands-on learning experiences that stretch attendees just beyond their comfort zone. Think coding bootcamps, improv classes, or collaborative art projects. The key is calibrating difficulty—too easy and people zone out, too hard and they shut down.

• Live Music and Performance: Not as background entertainment, but as participatory experiences. I once organized a "Corporate Talent Show" rather than A-List talent which ended up being the most engaging and popular concert we ever had plus inspired awe and inspiration at people’s talented colleagues - and new connections made through shared talent that was revealed during the tryouts and performances.

The Pleasant Life: Indulgence as Strategy

Pleasant experiences aren't frivolous—they're neurologically necessary. They create positive emotional states that make people more creative, collaborative, and open to new ideas.

The Pleasant Life is about sensory delight and luxury experiences that make us feel pampered and cared for. This isn't shallow—it's strategic. When people feel physically comfortable and emotionally elevated, they're primed for better learning, networking, and decision-making.

How to Curate Pleasure at Your Events:

• Elevated Food Experiences: Move beyond standard catering. Create food stations that surprise and delight—think liquid nitrogen ice cream made to order, home-made chocolate chip cookies cooked fresh at your booth, or a "build your own charcuterie masterpiece" station with a professional guide. The act of creating something delicious together creates positive emotional anchors. And an excellent espresso lounge - always the most popular activation at any conference is certain to draw in attendees and keep them alert for your content.

• Sensory Luxury Touches: Incorporate unexpected moments of luxury. Hand or neck massages during networking breaks, essential oil stations, weighted blanket relaxation pods, or even a champagne and chocolate pairing during registration. These small indulgences signal that attendees are valued and help them relax so they will stay at your event longer to be pampered rather than retreat to their hotel room.

• Entertainment That Elevates: Instead of generic background music, curate experiences that truly entertain. I recently hired a mentalist who worked the networking hour, creating moments of wonder and delight that became conversation starters for weeks after the event. Or consider the custom leather-branding station or engraved water bottles for a personalized swag moment that draws people in and helps them remember you after the event.

• Beautiful Environments: Invest in creating Instagram-worthy moments not for social media, but because beauty genuinely elevates mood. Fresh flowers, live soft music, delicious smells, interesting mood lighting, unexpected art installations—these details create an atmosphere where people feel special simply by being present.

The Meaningful Life: Purpose as the Ultimate Connection

Meaningful experiences connect people to something larger than themselves. They transform attendees from passive participants into active contributors to positive change.

This is where events can become truly transformational. When people feel they're part of something bigger—whether that's solving important problems, helping others, or contributing to positive change—the experience resonates long after they've left your event.

How to Weave Meaning Into Your Events:

• Give-Back Components: Partner with local charities or causes that align with your event theme. At a leadership summit, we organized teams to shop for the wish list of local Napa fire victims—it became the most talked-about part of the entire event. People connected with each other through service and it made us all feel gratitude.

• Mentorship Circles: Create structured opportunities for experienced attendees to share knowledge with newcomers. Not just networking, but intentional knowledge transfer that makes both sides feel valued and connected to a larger community. I did this with Googles Women Leadership Summit and took it a step further by having female Google women leaders bring copies of their favorite books and sign them for a local women’s shelter with words of encouragement to the recipients.

• Problem-Solving for Good: Design sessions where attendees use their skills to tackle real social or environmental challenges. A marketing conference I organized included "Pro Bono Fridays" where teams created campaigns for local nonprofits. The energy was incredible because people felt their expertise was making a real difference.

• Google Marketing Events Academy: When we had an event cancel abruptly and our team felt lost with so much time on their hands, I created a marketing events academy where members of my team each presented on a specific event topic they had expertise in (i.e. brainstorm sessions, product launches, influencer marketing). It became a great way for our team to learn and grow during the slow period and kept us all feeling productive and engaged.

• Legacy Projects: Give attendees ways to continue making an impact after the event ends. Create collaborative documents, resource libraries, mentor programs, or ongoing volunteer opportunities that extend the meaningful connection beyond the event itself.

The Magic Formula: Blending All Three

Here's where it gets interesting: everyone needs different proportions of these three types of happiness. Some attendees crave the high-energy challenge of engagement, others need the comfort and pleasure of luxury experiences, and others are motivated most by meaningful connection and purpose.

The secret? Layer all three into every major event touchpoint.

Opening Session Example:

• Pleasant: Welcome attendees with exceptional expresso and wellness smoothies, and a beautiful environment that engages all the senses.

• Engaged: Interactive opening exercise (ie standing yoga or group breathing) that gets brains working immediately

• Meaningful: Frame the event's larger purpose and how attendees will contribute to positive change

Networking Breaks Example:

• Pleasant: Elevated food and drink experiences, maybe featuring local artisan vendors or something attendees can engage in with all their senses like make your own trail mix

• Engaged: Structured networking lounges or demo stations

• Meaningful: Opportunities to meet with a coach or mentor, or share with others through unconference style attendee-led share circles

Closing Experience Example:

• Pleasant: Celebration with live music, champagne toast, or gift store

• Engaged: Collaborative reflection on key learnings and next steps such as choosing one person who attended each breakout to share a one-two sentence summary for the rest of the attendees on stage in rapid-fire lightning format.

• Meaningful: Have attendees write a note to their future selves about something they want to remember from the event and mail it to them afterwards.

The Ripple Effect of Happiness-Centered Events

When you intentionally design events that feed all three dimensions of human happiness, magic happens:

For Attendees: They don't just gain information—they gain energy, connection, and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the event. They become advocates who can't stop talking about their experience.

For Organizations: You create deeper engagement, stronger loyalty, and more powerful word-of-mouth marketing. People don't just attend your events—they actively look forward to them and bring others along.

For Society: You model what's possible when we prioritize human flourishing alongside business objectives. Your events become examples of how commercial gatherings can contribute to positive change.

Making This Your Method

Start by auditing your next event through the Happiness Trifecta lens. For each major element, ask:

• How does this engage people's skills and create flow?

• How does this create pleasure and positive sensory experiences?

• How does this connect to meaning and larger purpose?

The goal isn't to check boxes, but to weave these elements together so naturally that attendees feel the full spectrum of human happiness without even realizing it's by design.

Remember, we're not just planning events—we're creating experiences that can genuinely improve how people feel about their work, their relationships, and their ability to make a positive difference in the world.

What if your next event didn't just inform or entertain, but actually made people happier long after they went home? That's the kind of magic worth creating.

What I’m Loving this week:  For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Don’t Be a Jerk Podcast: I am obsessed with leaders who care about making the world better and lead by example.  Healey Cypher, CEO of Boompop, a friend and genuine example of said leader, just launched his own podcast, aptly named “Don’t Be a Jerk”, a great follow on to this blog about how to create a better life and make others’ lives better as well. In his words: My brother once said all CEOs are inherently bad—and I get it. Headlines glamorize ruthless success, but there’s another story: leaders who win because they’re good people. “Don’t Be a Jerk” explores real-world examples and tactical insights proving kindness and integrity aren’t just nice—they’re strategic advantages. Each episode reveals actionable lessons to build success without compromising values. Let’s rewrite the narrative of leadership, one story at a time.

XX,

Gianna

P.S. Check out my book, The Art of Event Planning or book a session with me here 👉 intro.co/giannagaudini

Gianna's Gems - What is Experiential Marketing and how to do it on any budget?

"How can I make this moment more magical?" 

This question, which I've been asking myself daily, isn't just about adding sparkle to life (though I do love sparkle). It's the golden thread that weaves through every successful experiential marketing event I've ever planned or attended.

After more than two decades creating events for Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, Airtable and Windsurf, I've learned that the difference between a standard marketing event and a truly experiential one comes down to this: Are you creating a moment people experience, or are you creating an experience people remember forever?

The Magic Behind Experiential Marketing Events

Experiential marketing events go beyond traditional event marketing tactics. Instead of allowing guests to simply move from one session to another, experiential creates immersive interactions that surprise and delight attendees and tie into the theme of the content with a cohesive red thread. These events are designed to create a memorable and emotional connection between attendees and the brand, often through interactive activities, sensory stimulation, and storytelling.

The goal isn't just brand awareness—it's about creating advocates. When people are moved emotionally by an experience, they don't just remember the content of your event—they remember how you made them feel and are compelled to share about it.

Standard Marketing Events vs. Experiential Marketing Events: The Key Differences

Traditional Marketing Events Focus On:

• Information delivery - PowerPoint presentations, product demos, training

• Mass communication - One-to-many messaging

• Passive consumption - Attendees sit, listen, and leave

• Metrics like attendance - Numbers over engagement quality

• Standard touchpoints - Registration, sessions, networking, meals, departure

Experiential Marketing Events Create:

• Immersive experiences - Interactive or augmented reality to enhance the experience and bring a product or brand to life

• Emotional connections - Moments that make people feel things like awe, delight, joy, nostalgia, inspiration and connection

• Active participation - Attendees are active participants in the experience. For instance, at one opening to a Google Cloud Security Summit, we had attendees put on special glasses to view a secret message as they walked through a portal into the general session.

• Memory creation - Experiences people can't help but share, like the time I had Olympic athletes lead morning group swim, run and cycle for CEOs.

• Transformative touchpoints - Every moment becomes an opportunity for magic, pain points become moments of delight instead.

Gianna's Gem: Think about approaching every touchpoint with the question: "What do I want attendees to feel, think and do after the event, and how can I inspire them through this experience”?

Real-World Examples from My Event Portfolio

Since anecdotes are always helpful, below are a few samples - photos can be found in my portfolio.

Google's Self-Driving Car Experience

Back when I worked at Google and the very first self driving cars were in beta (pre-Waymo, pre Tesla), I hid golden tickets under just a few general session seats. Those lucky attendees got to take test drives of the car during the lunch hour. Instead of just talking about innovation, we let attendees experience the future firsthand and it also solved the problem of how to offer just a limited number of rides to the audience (given the team’s capacity) and a fair yet delightful way to do it.

The World Record Yoga Session

At Google, I turned a massive event for tens of thousands of employees into an opportunity to create a world record for "the largest yoga session" by having a yoga instructor lead the keynote room in some standing poses before the content began. This helped awaken the audience, captivate them for what other surprises we might have in store for them (one of them was our CEO dressed as Elvis  swapping into an elvis impersonator performance before his keynote!) and became an energizing, shared, memorable moment.

CEO Summit AI Orchestra

At Softbank, I hired a famous musician to use AI to compose a score for a quartet from the geolocation points of all of our portfolio companies. We had the quartet perform in different places throughout the venue at breakfast, lunch, breaks, and then finally introduced the composer during the afternoon keynote and had him explain the custom created score, which we later gifted digitally to all the CEO’s. Since our portfolio companies all focused on ai, this theme tied into them and also created a memorable moment that could be relived through the gifted score after the event.

The Value of Experiential vs. Standard Events

For Attendees:

• 65% of people think that live events help them understand a product better

• Emotional connection creates deeper brand loyalty

• Memorable moments they actively want to share with others

• Hands-on learning that sticks long after the event

For Brands:

• Unparalleled word-of-mouth marketing - People can't help but talk about magical experiences and share about them on social as well.

• Higher return attendance - Memories of magic create powerful FOMO for future events

• Stronger participant engagement - Attendees who feel delighted participate more fully

• Increased perceived value - Magic-infused experiences justify premium pricing

• Brand differentiation - Being the "magical" choice sets you apart

The most powerful event feedback I ever received wasn't about the celebrity speaker or the gourmet food. It was from an attendee who wrote: "For three days, I felt completely seen. Every detail made me feel like someone had thoughtfully considered how to make my personal experience perfect and special which made me feel this is how they would treat me as a customer".

Creating Experiential Events on Any Budget

The beauty of experiential marketing is that magic doesn't require massive budgets—it requires intentionality and thoughtfulness. Some of the most magical moments I've created came from thoughtfulness rather than expenditure.

Low Budget ($500-$2,500): The Thoughtfulness Approach

Transform Registration into Recognition Having staff greet attendees by name the moment they approach the check-in desk (like The Battery private club or Four Seasons Hotel staff masterfully do) immediately signals they matter. Cost: Training and preparation time.

Hidden Surprises Throughout the Journey For long sessions, I sometimes leave waters or snacks under people's seats so they don't feel the need to get up and leave the room mis-session, or we’ll have hawkers pass coffee and protein balls or donuts at registration or long keynote lines.. Cost: $5-$10 per person.

QR Code Learning Experiences Transform waiting areas with educational content or surprises that tie to your event theme. Cost: Design time and printing.

Attendees Intention Notes Instead of the standard "thank you for coming" email, I’ve asked attendees to write down what they want to remember from the event and well mail it to them 6 months after the event. It just costs os shipping and is always a helpful way to get back in touch with customers or prospects while offering them a way to remember their intentions (and you!)

Medium Budget ($10-$100K): The Technology Integration

Pop-up Experiences

• Interactive installations with branded 3D backdrops and props designed to promote social sharing. For example, a "3D movie poster" activation for Google Lunar X Prize where attendees could step into the scene and take photos ($15-30K)

• Mobile food trucks or cocktail bars with custom branding, such as a "bulletproof coffee bar" created for a Google Capital security summit ($20-50K)

• Multi-sensory product sampling stations that engage attendees beyond just taste or touch. An example would be a virtual reality windsurfing activation at a Windsurf Lounge during Google Next, combining physical product demos with immersive digital experiences ($25-75K)

Tech-Enhanced Activations

• VR/AR experiences with 2-4 stations that allow groups to participate simultaneously ($30-60K)

• Interactive digital walls, touchscreen displays, or custom apps that enable virtual reality experiences and real-time interaction ($20-40K)

• Social media contest hubs with live feeds, potentially incorporating emerging tech like Meta glasses for enhanced sharing capabilities ($15-35K)

• Event apps featuring interactive challenges, scavenger hunts, or badge collection systems that encourage exploration throughout the venue. Attendees can accumulate points and redeem them for tiered swag rewards, creating ongoing engagement throughout the event ($25-50K)

Hands-On Workshops

• Branded maker spaces designed for networking and learning, featuring activities like pottery, cocktail mixing, or Iron Chef-style competitions that bring people together around shared experiences ($20-50K)

• Wellness activations including contrast therapy (infrared sauna, cold plunge), pop-up acupuncture, wellness shots, and other health-focused experiences that provide immediate value to attendees ($25-60K)

• DIY product customization stations with custom vignettes or demo pedestals that allow attendees to create personalized takeaways while learning about your brand ($15-40K)

High Budget ($100,000+): 

Immersive Environments

• Multi-room branded experiences with themed environments that showcase product portfolios, such as a Google Home activation designed to demonstrate Google's full range of hardware devices to key influencers ($150-500K)

• Large-scale interactive installations featuring projection mapping or kinetic sculptures, like a projection-mapped dinner experience where each course is accompanied by different seasonal visual themes that transform the entire dining environment ($200-800K)

• Pop-up restaurants or bars featuring celebrity chefs, such as a female chef and sommelier collaboration dinner in Los Angeles designed to create an exclusive culinary experience for high-value guests ($100-300K)

Technology Spectacles

• Holographic displays and advanced AR experiences that create memorable, shareable moments through cutting-edge visual technology ($150-400K)

• Interactive gaming tournaments with professional-grade setups, similar to large-scale hackathons that bring together top talent in competitive, branded environments ($100-250K)

• AI-powered personalization experiences across multiple touchpoints, such as an AI sommelier that provides customized recommendations based on individual preferences and creates a unique experience for each attendee ($200-600K)

Exclusive Experiences

• Private concerts or performances by notable artists, creating once-in-a-lifetime entertainment experiences that generate significant buzz and lasting impressions ($100-500K)

• Luxury transportation experiences including helicopter rides or exclusive test drives of unreleased vehicles, such as competitions where driving brand-new Teslas before market launch serves as the ultimate prize ($200-1M+)

• VIP meet-and-greets with top athletes or musicians before shows or games, providing intimate access that money typically can't buy ($150-750K)

Bonus Activation Ideas If your event features renowned speakers, consider creating a "library" activation stocked with their books that attendees can take home for free after the event. As a surprise element, some books can be pre-signed by the authors, adding unexpected value and creating lasting branded touchpoints beyond the event itself ($5-15K).

Gianna's Proven Framework for Experiential Success

• Start with the Attendee Journey Map: Map every single touchpoint from initial invitation to post-event follow-up. At each point, ask: "How can I make this moment more magical?”

• Create Moments of Surprise and Delight:This is about intentional presence and the commitment to elevating every experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Design for Shareability. Every experiential moment should be so remarkable that attendees naturally want to document and share it.

• Connect Experience to Purpose: Ensure every magical moment ties back to your brand story, product benefits, or event objectives.

• Measure What Matters: Track engagement quality, emotional impact, and long-term brand connection—not just attendance numbers.

Getting Started: Metamorphize your next Event into an Experiential Activation

Gianna's Gem Action Step: Choose one upcoming event and identify three touchpoints where you can ask "How can I make this moment more magical?" Start small—magic often lives in the details, not the budget.

Remember, your attendees are ready to be delighted - doesn’t everyone crave delight? The question isn't whether you have enough budget for experiential marketing—it's whether you're ready to commit to creating memories that matter.

What I’m Loving this week:  For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Best online holistic health practitioner: Parsley Health. To say I’m a fangirl of Parsley Health is an understatement. I’ve been using Parsley Health since 2021 for the personalized, comprehensive I'd been searching for years to find. Unlike traditional doctors who spend just 20 minutes a year with patients, Parsley's functional medicine approach gives me over 200 minutes annually with a dedicated medical team, including both a doctor and health coach and Functional Lab Testing for less than $80 a month membership. What sets them apart is their commitment to uncovering root causes rather than just treating symptoms—using advanced diagnostic testing with 100+ biomarkers to reveal hidden imbalances that other providers miss. The holistic approach addresses everything from nutrition If you’d like to give them a try, you can use my code here to get $150 off your membership so you can give yourself the gift of energy, clarity, and vitality all from the comfort of your home.

XX,

Gianna

P.S. Want to dive deeper into creating magical event experiences? Check out my book The Art of Event Planning or Book a 1:1: intro.co/GiannaGaudini .

Gianna's Gems: The Art of Slowing Down - Why Are We All Rushing Through Life?

Hi there,

Last week, I caught myself speed-walking through the farmers market while simultaneously checking emails and making a phone call. I realized I was treating a simple walk that was intended to bring joy and presence like an Olympic sport of time optimization. When did buying produce become a race against time?

This moment of self-awareness made me pause (literally, right there among the tomatoes and green beans) and ask myself a question that's been haunting me lately: Why are we all rushing through life, and what are we missing when we move at warp speed?

The Why Behind Our Need for Speed

We live in what I call the "optimization obsession era." Our phones buzz with productivity apps promising to help us squeeze seventeen tasks into a ten-minute window. Social media feeds showcase people apparently accomplishing more before 7 AM than most of us do all day. I don’t think any of us are immune to multi-tasking on a zoom call. We've somehow convinced ourselves that being busy equals being important, and moving fast equals moving forward.

But here's what I've discovered through years of event planning and life observation: the most meaningful moments happen in the spaces between the rush.

Gianna’s Gem: Leave white space in your day and in your life - it’s in the space that you can welcome in opportunity, rest, and even fun.

Think about it—when someone asks about your favorite memory from last year, I guarantee it wasn't the day you efficiently completed twenty-three items on your to-do list. It was probably a lingering conversation over dinner, an unexpected laugh with a colleague, or the ten minutes you spent engaging with your child so deeply that you both were smiling, laughing and bonding.

Our culture has created what I call "hurry sickness"—a chronic condition where we feel perpetually behind, constantly chasing an imaginary finish line that keeps moving further away. We rush because we think there's not enough time, but the irony is that rushing actually makes time feel more scarce.

The Hidden Cost of Living in Fast-Forward

The impact of constant rushing extends far beyond simply feeling anxious and distracted. When we operate in perpetual hurry mode, we miss the very experiences that make life rich and meaningful.

Creativity suffocates under pressure. Some of my best event ideas have come during slow hikes through nature or while meditating or doing something new and inspiring like visiting an art gallery or enjoying a tasting menu at a restaurant (designed to be savored) —never while racing between meetings. Guess what? Our brains need white space to make unexpected connections.

Relationships become transactional. When we're always thinking about the next thing, we can't fully engage with the person in front of us. I learned this the hard way when my eight-year-old son asked me a question and I realized I had given him three "uh-huh" responses without actually listening to a word he said. This led to so much guilt over my subpar engagement that I wasted more time ruminating than I would have if I just paused and fully engaged with him for that one minute.

We develop what I call "presence amnesia." We become so focused on getting to the destination that we forget to notice the journey. This is particularly devastating in our work—we plan beautiful events but forget to pause and appreciate the magic we're creating, or to celebrate the win afterwards…AND to actually review how the event went and properly host a post-mortem to optimize for the next event based on the feedback and results.

Decision-making deteriorates. When we're rushing, we default to quick fixes rather than thoughtful solutions. Some of my only regrets happened when I felt pressured to decide immediately rather than taking time to consider all my options, or not taking the time to “sleep on things” and responding before my subconscious had time to appraise the situation and find the best solution. Fortunately these are few and far between these days now that I’m aware of the benefits of leaving space to pause, meditate, reflect, and attract what it is that I want to happen.

The Surprising Benefits of Strategic Speed

Now, before you think I'm completely anti-efficiency, let me acknowledge that there are genuine benefits to moving quickly—when it's intentional rather than habitual. As my clients know, I am the queen of efficiency, but that doesn’t mean I sacrifice being present.

Momentum creates energy. A burst of focused action can break through procrastination and generate positive momentum. I've seen teams come alive during intense eventworking sessions when everyone is moving with purpose toward a shared goal. Also, like energy attracts like, so when you’re in a positive mood, being generous with your time and spirit and winning by lifting others up, you too will continue to win.

Deadlines foster creativity. Constraints can spark innovation. Some of my most creative event solutions emerged under tight timelines because conventional approaches weren't possible.

Quick decision-making prevents overthinking. Sometimes the first instinct is the right one, and analysis paralysis is more dangerous than imperfect action. I love the phrase “no bad data” as sometimes it’s best to go for it, gather the intel, and then use the information gathered through calculated action to optimize and improve rather than ruminate over whether you have the “perfect strategy”

The key distinction is choosing to move quickly versus feeling compelled to rush. One empowers, the other enslaves.

The Event Planning Paradox: What Happens When We Rush Our Guests

This rushing epidemic has infected our events in ways that directly undermine our goals as experience creators. When we pack agendas too tightly or rush attendees through transitions, we're essentially telling them their presence doesn't matter—Could you imagine having a dinner party where you rushed guests from course to course, cutting off conversation, and didn’t give people enough time to even use the bathroom or have casual conversation?

I've witnessed this countless times: speakers who race through content or worse yet, skip the Q&A or breaks to squeeze ii more slides... networking sessions cut short to stay on schedule, and meals treated as fuel stops rather than connection opportunities. Have I mentioned, I really don’t care for ”lunch and learns”? Attendees leave feeling efficient but empty and probably won’t remember much about the event either.

Here's what I've learned about creating space in events:

The most powerful moments happen in the margins. At a recent conference I planned, the most talked-about experience wasn't the keynote speaker—it was the extended 1.5 hour lunch where attendees naturally clustered into deep birds of a feather conversations and could experience experiential demos and self-driving car test drives we had planned for people to engage with on their own time. We had originally planned a 45 min lunch but extended it to an hour and a half when we realized the connections made at our events were the most valuable ROI for attendees, not squeezing in another session that they could simply view on demand.

Transitions can be transformations. Instead of herding people quickly between sessions, I’ve done experiential “portals” that create excitement as people move from one space to the next. I’ve used local school bands to help galvanize thousands of attendees at Google into a general session, and I’ve offered hawked coffee and donuts to people queued up for a keynote to give them delight and a reason to talk to each other and the local vendors as they’re waiting for what’s next.  I add in "breathing breaks"—intentional pauses that allow ideas to settle and connections to form and people to get a sense of place in the venue or city they’ve traveled to the event for so they don’t feel rushed and overwhelmed. Sometimes this means scheduling fewer sessions, but the depth of engagement increases dramatically.

Meals become memory-makers. When we treat dining as mere sustenance, we miss opportunities for organic relationship building. I love offering hosted tables where people can meet with product experts or “birds of a feather” to have deeper conversations in a casual and relaxed setting. I also love a Jeffersonian style format to foster a “shared conversation” between executives so they aren't stuck talking just with those next to them. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—people felt connected rather than programmed and learned more about each other as a result. It also benefited us by inspiring more connections between customers and prospects and out own team that wouldn’t have happened without intentionality.

The Google Approach: The Power of White Space

Google's brand aesthetic isn't minimalist by accident—it's strategic. That clean, uncluttered design you see on their homepage as well as in their event experiences communicates clarity, focus, and ease. When we apply this philosophy to our lives and events, something magical happens: space creates possibility.

In event design, white space might look like:

• Generous transitions between sessions

• Unstructured time for organic interactions

• Visual breathing room in signage and materials

• Quiet spaces for reflection and processing

• “Create your own adventure” style programming so people can choose what type of experience they want based on their mood and needs

In life design, white space might mean:

• Margins in your calendar for unexpected opportunities, rest and fun 

• Evening routines that transition you from work mode to personal time

• Weekend mornings without an agenda

• Phone-free time in your home or schedule

Gianna’s Gem: White space isn't empty—it's unlimited potential - a canvas ready for paint!

Space on Our Plates: The Literal and Figurative Art of Less

This concept extends beautifully to how we literally fill our plates and figuratively fill our lives. At events, I've started embracing what I call "curated abundance"—fewer menu items but each one exceptional, rather than overwhelming buffets where quality gets lost in quantity.

The same principle applies to our daily lives. Instead of cramming seventeen activities into a weekend, what if we chose three meaningful experiences and gave each one room to breathe? Instead of accepting every networking opportunity, what if we were more selective and showed up fully present to the ones we choose?

I recently implemented "plate management" in my own life. Just as a beautifully plated dish has white space that makes each element more visually appealing, my calendar now has white space that makes each commitment more meaningful and gives me time to pause and reflect (or make a helpful connection for that person) before rushing to the next.

Practical Magic: How to Cultivate Mindful Presence

The transition from rushing to presence doesn't happen overnight, but it can start with small, intentional shifts:

Create arrival rituals. Before entering any space—whether it's your office, an event venue, or even your own home—take three conscious breaths. This signals your nervous system to shift from transit mode to presence mode.

Practice the "one-thing rule." When engaged in conversation, close your laptop. When eating, put down your phone. When walking, resist the urge to simultaneously check emails. Single-tasking is a radical act in our multitasking world.

Design buffer zones. Build fifteen-minute cushions between meetings, arrive ten minutes early to events, leave for appointments with extra time. These margins eliminate the stress of rushing and create space for unexpected moments of connection.

Embrace strategic slowness. Deliberately move slower in certain contexts—walk leisurely to the coffee shop, take your time reviewing proposals, sit quietly before beginning presentations. This isn't inefficiency; it's intentional presence.

Ask different questions. Instead of "How can I get this done faster?" try "How can I make this experience more meaningful?" Instead of "What's next on my list?" ask "What am I noticing right now?"

The Ripple Effect of Slowing Down

When we choose presence over speed, the impact extends far beyond our personal experience. Attendees at our events feel more valued when we're not rushing them through experiences. Colleagues feel more heard when we're fully present in meetings. Family members feel more connected when we're genuinely available during our time together.

I've discovered that slowing down doesn't mean accomplishing less—it means accomplishing things that matter more. The events I plan with generous time margins consistently receive higher satisfaction scores. The relationships I nurture with presence rather than efficiency grow deeper and more fulfilling.

The most profound shift happens when we stop asking "How can I fit more in?" and start asking "How can I be more present with what I've already chosen?"

What I'm Practicing This Week

I'm implementing what I call "micro-moments of mindfulness"—three-second pauses throughout the day where I simply notice what I'm experiencing right now. The taste of my coffee, the feeling of sunlight through the window, the sound of laughter from another room, how my body feels when I take a deep breath. These tiny moments don't add time to my day, but they add depth to my experience of time.

Your Invitation

This week, I invite you to experiment with just one area of strategic slowing down. Maybe it's taking a longer route to work that allows for a more peaceful transition. Perhaps it's scheduling one fewer meeting each day to create breathing room. Or simply practicing eating one meal without multitasking.

Notice what happens when you give yourself permission to be present rather than productive, to be mindful rather than busy.

Remember: In a world obsessed with speed, choosing slowness is a revolutionary act of self-care and conscious living.

The most magical moments of life—whether in our events or our everyday experiences—happen not when we're rushing toward the next thing, but when we're fully awake to this thing, right here, right now.

What I’m Loving this week:  For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Vagus Nerve Deck: 75 Exercises to Reset Your Nervous System. I’ve always been obsessed with brain science (and was a former bio minor at UCSD!) Only recently however, have I realized just how important “vagal tone” is for regulating the nervous system which is critical for high-stress careers in events, startups, (or both!) I have been reading and practicing vagus nerve exercises and fin them just as critical to my wellbeing and vitality as my physical exercise and sleep routine. I love this deck

The vagus nerve, plays a special role in our autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS regulates many bodily processes, including our stress response. When we encounter an external threat, our stress response kicks in, triggering a cascade of physiological changes to help us adapt and protect ourselves. Like a helpful friend, the vagus nerve steps in to restore balance. It exerts anti-inflammatory effects, promotes relaxation, and supports immune system regulation. With the exercises in Vagus Nerve Deck, you’ll learn to harness this power and foster resilience in the face of life's challenges. Enjoy!

Gianna's Gems is a weekly exploration of ideas that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. If you found this valuable, please share it with someone who might need permission to slow down.

XX,

Gianna

P.S. Want to pick my brain? Book a session with me here 👉 intro.co/giannagaudini (check out the feedback from others who have worked with me as well in the reviews!)

Gianna's Gems: Sexy Property Spotlight - Four Seasons Westlake Village

Due to overwhelming requests from my instagram travel feed, I'm now dedicating at least one Gianna's Gems feature per month to luxury properties ideally suited for corporate events and bleisure (business-leisure) travel. Properties interested in being featured can inquire with me directly.

I had the pleasure of spending my birthday weekend in the golden sun of Los Angeles as a guest of the Four Seasons Westlake Village. It was a trip I had been looking forward to for months and couldn’t have come at a better time with the whirlwind news of the Windsurf acquisition and much needed R&R. I tend to suffer from disappoint due to high expectations, but in this case, the property exceeded my expectations and I am already manifesting the perfect wellness program to bring to the property so I can partner with them this year!

The Bottom Line: Four Seasons Westlake Village isn't just a hotel—it's a wellness-forward corporate sanctuary that seamlessly blends California's laid-back luxury with serious business capabilities, all while delivering an experience so elevated it feels like a private estate retreat. Imagine a Canyon Ranch meeting the luxury and world-class service and amenities of a Four Seasons and is even family friendly (they have an arcade and soccer field!) and there’s not much left not to love.

A Visionary Legacy Nearly Two Decades in the Making

Since opening in 2006, the Four Seasons Westlake Village and its on-site Center for Health & Wellbeing has been pioneering the integration of luxury hospitality with comprehensive wellness—nearly 20 years before it became a mainstream concept. The property was born from the visionary partnership of David H. Murdock, chairman and owner of Dole Food Company, Inc. geneticist Andrew Conrad, PhD. and Wellpoint, Inc., who recognized that the future of hospitality lay in addressing the whole person, not just providing a place to sleep.

Murdock developed the Dole headquarters campus in Westlake Village and later hired Jack Nicklaus to build the golf course at what would become Sherwood Country Club. The Dole campus would come to include the Four Seasons Westlake Village and wellness and longevity center that became the focus of his endeavors in later years. This wasn't just a hotel development—it was designed as a destination where people would travel specifically for the Center For Health & Wellbeing (Formerly Center for Health and Longevity).

The Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, California was created in November 2006 with the purpose of providing those in search of a healthier lifestyle all the medical, nutritional and physical resources they needed to promote a longer life span. So smart!

Why This Property Makes Me Swoon

Nearly two decades later, this prescient vision has created something extraordinary: a property that seamlessly blends California's laid-back luxury with serious business capabilities and revolutionary wellness infrastructure. This isn't your typical business hotel—it's a transformative destination where deal-making happens against a backdrop of waterfalls and botanical gardens, originally designed to support guests traveling from around the world for comprehensive health and longevity programs.

What light me up about this property is how effortlessly it marries serious business infrastructure with California's wellness culture. The Grand Ballroom spans an impressive 11,600 square feet, easily accommodating large corporate gatherings, while the property offers a total of 77,533 square feet of meeting space with 11 breakout rooms. But here's where it gets interesting—the resort features such unusual elements as a fully soundproof television broadcast studio, making it perfect for companies needing to broadcast events or conduct high-level virtual presentations (although I heard it’s also perfect for afterparties!).

The Highlights

Event Spaces That Wow: The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1000 guests, making it ideal for major corporate events, product launches, or company celebrations. The real magic happens with the seamless indoor-outdoor flow—guests can gather in the regal Grand Ballroom or choose from breathtaking outdoor spaces including the spectacular Waterfall Lawn and scenic Activity Lawn featuring dramatic views of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Wellness Revolution: The Center for Health & Wellbeing is the first of its kind – a luxury wellbeing destination offering one-on-one consultations, group workshops and daily classes with on-site accredited health experts. For companies prioritizing wellness, or wanting to offer longevity summits for executives, this isn't just amenity—it's a competitive advantage. The $50 million wellness center houses hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities including MRI and CT body scanning equipment and 28 spa treatment rooms.

Culinary Excellence: The Wellness Kitchen offers hands-on cooking experiences with expert wellness chefs and registered dieticians, perfect for team-building events with a healthy twist. Guests can dine at five distinct venues, including Coin & Candor (California brasserie), ONYX (Japanese restaurant), Prosperous Penny (late-night bar), Stir (coffee and pastries) and The Cove (poolside Mediterranean dining). Fun Fact: I canceled my dinner reservation off property on Day 2 of my stay so I could eat at Coin and Candor a second night…the food was that good!

Accommodation Luxury: All 269 guest rooms, including 27 luxurious suites, feature high ceilings, magnificent chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and finely crafted custom mahogany furniture. These aren't just rooms—they're retreats designed for the discerning business traveler who demands both comfort and sophistication. I stayed in a luxury suite which was beautifully appointed, had more storage space than I could even use, a beautiful parlor that was large enough for me to practice yoga in the morning, and views of the hills. The bed was soft and dreamy and the deep tub relaxing and sumptuous.

Recreation That Impresses: The property features three pools, including the adults-only Serenity Pool, an indoor pool, and the expansive grand pool: The Cove. For active groups, there's a 16,000 square foot fitness center and a comprehensive Center for Health and Wellbeing offering guided hikes, interactive cooking classes and complimentary daily wellness activities.

Who This Property Serves Best

Corporate Executives seeking a venue that combines serious business capabilities with unparalleled luxury and wellness focus

Fortune 500 Companies planning major events, product launches, or executive retreats where the venue itself becomes part of the brand experience

Tech Companies and forward-thinking organizations that prioritize employee wellness and want to showcase their commitment to work-life balance

International Corporations needing sophisticated broadcast capabilities and proximity to both Los Angeles business districts and entertainment industry connections

Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Companies that can leverage the unique wellness facilities for educational events or product demonstrations

Leadership Organizations And Retreats: Think events for YPO and Hampton groups, Chief, Vistage, and other organizations who want a turnkey wellness luxury experience for members.

Comparable Properties & What Makes This Unique

While you might compare it to other luxury California resorts like The Resort at Pelican Hill or Montage Laguna Beach, Four Seasons Westlake Village stands apart with its unique corporate-wellness fusion. Unlike traditional business hotels that treat wellness as an afterthought, this property was designed from the ground up to integrate health and business seamlessly.

The television broadcast studio is a game-changer for companies or studios needing professional-grade production capabilities. Meeting rooms are wired to the television production studio for satellite broadcasts, offering capabilities you simply won't find at typical luxury hotels.

Why I'm Absolutely Obsessed

What makes me passionate about recommending Four Seasons Westlake Village is how it redefines what corporate hospitality can be. This isn't about choosing between business functionality and wellness luxury—here, you get both without compromise. The property understands that today's most successful companies recognize employee wellbeing as a business imperative, not just a nice-to-have.

The location is strategically brilliant—close enough to Los Angeles for convenience, yet far enough away to feel like a true escape. Just 15 minutes from Malibu and 45-60 minutes from LAX and Burbank, it offers easy accessibility while providing the kind of inspiring environment where breakthrough thinking happens naturally.

For companies ready to invest in experiences that truly reflect their values and ambitions, Four Seasons Westlake Village isn't just a venue choice—it's a statement about who you are and where you're headed. I’d be honored to connect anyone with a direct introduction to the incredible team there - just respond “connect me” to this email.

What I’m Loving this week:  For all my favorite vendors, partners and products, visit: https://www.giannagaudini.com/gianna-recommends

Dolly Parton's return to Vegas is magic!

The country legend just announced "Dolly: Live in Las Vegas" - a six-show residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this December, and tickets sold out in just 90 minutes. This marks her first extended Vegas run in over 30 years and her return to regular performing since her "Pure & Simple" tour wrapped up in 2016 - nearly a decade ago.

Still going strong at age 79, Dolly remains one of music's most iconic figures with an estimated 100 million album sales, a successful film career, and her very own theme park Dollywood. She's one of an elite group of individuals to receive at least one nomination from all four major annual American entertainment award organizations; Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony. From "Jolene" to "9 to 5" to "I Will Always Love You," her catalog of hits spans generations and genres, making her truly one of America's most enduring entertainers.

And what’s even more magic? The chance to book her for a private corporate event. EVA, a company I advise, and one of my favorite platforms for booking entertainment has the exclusive ability to book Dolly for private corporate events. If your brand is aligned with Dolly and you’d like a connect, message me by responding directly to this email.

XX,

Gianna

P.S. Want to pick my brain? Book a session with me here 👉 intro.co/giannagaudini (check out the feedback from others who have worked with me as well in the reviews!)