Building Strategic Event Success: Michelle Manire’s Journey from Hotels to Nationwide Event Planning

Michelle Manire’s story is one of growth and a commitment to building strategic partnerships. What began as a small venture working with Catalina Island clients has now evolved into Coast to Coast Conferences and Events, a national event management company specializing in conferences, trade shows, and corporate events across the U.S. With over 30 years of experience, Michelle leads a team that not only executes flawless logistics but also focuses on delivering substantial ROI for their clients. 

From Hotel Management to Event Planning 

Michelle’s career began in an unexpected industry—hotels. After taking a year off post-graduation to work on Capitol Hill, Michelle was encouraged to explore the hotel industry. Initially resistant, she took a chance and entered a training program at Westin Hotels in Washington, D.C. That decision set her on a path that led her to become the first female general manager for both Stoker Hotels and Resorts and DoubleTree. However, after years of opening new hotel properties, Michelle longed for stability and a new challenge. That’s when Coast to Coast was born, capitalizing on her years of hotel experience but with the flexibility to stay put and focus on nationwide conference planning. 

A Strategic Approach to Event Planning 

One of the key differentiators of Coast to Coast Conferences and Events is its focus on strategic partnerships. Michelle and her team are not just event planners; they are collaborators who work closely with clients to ensure their events meet clear, measurable goals. From venue sourcing to scriptwriting, logistics, and post-event reports, they handle all aspects of an event. They even assist clients with sponsorship development and management, ensuring a holistic approach to each project. 

Adapting to the Pandemic with Virtual Solutions 

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the event planning industry was among the hardest hit. Michelle’s company, however, managed to pivot successfully. With in-person events canceled, Coast to Coast quickly embraced the virtual event space. By participating in a certification program for virtual event management, Michelle’s team learned the ins and outs of hosting online conferences, trade shows, and fundraisers. The company’s ability to adapt allowed them not only to survive the pandemic but to thrive, gaining new clients and expanding their offerings in the virtual realm. 

The Return of In-Person Events 

As the world began to emerge from the pandemic, the demand for in-person events surged. Attendees, excited for the face-to-face interactions that had been missing for so long, flocked to conferences and trade shows. Coast to Coast’s ability to manage both virtual and in-person components has been a significant advantage, allowing them to create hybrid events that meet diverse client needs. Despite the challenges of rising costs and a labor shortage in the event industry, Michelle and her team continue to deliver top-tier events while saving their clients significant costs—up to 40% on event budgets. 

Educational Value for Clients 

A key aspect of Michelle’s approach is educating clients. She frequently works with organizations that are new to event planning, helping them understand the complexities involved in producing successful conferences. Through one-on-one consultations and detailed planning guides, Michelle empowers clients to set clear, measurable goals and expectations. Her company’s proprietary strategic planning guide helps ensure every event has a clear purpose and desired outcomes, preventing wasted resources and efforts. 

Post-Event Reports and Continuous Improvement 

Another standout feature of Coast to Coast is their post-event analysis. While many event management companies provide minimal feedback, Michelle’s team goes above and beyond with detailed reports that include data, analytics, and debriefs with clients, sponsors, and speakers. This commitment to continuous improvement helps clients refine their strategies for future events, ensuring that every conference or trade show is more successful than the last. 

Tips for First-Time Conference Planners 

For organizations considering hosting their first conference, Michelle has some key advice. She emphasizes the importance of developing a realistic budget and understanding the scope of the event before jumping in. Establishing clear, measurable goals from the start is crucial to avoiding common pitfalls, such as overspending or low attendance. She also advises potential clients to consult with experienced professionals to ensure they have the support they need to make their event a success. 

Looking Ahead 

Coast to Coast Conferences and Events has become a trusted partner for clients across various industries, providing not only exceptional logistics but also a focus on measurable outcomes. Whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid, Michelle and her team are committed to making every event a success and ensuring that clients achieve their desired results. For organizations looking to plan their first event, Michelle’s team at Coast to Coast is ready to guide them every step of the way. 

About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)        

WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.