Alison Kieckhafer

Alison is the Owner and CEO, Chief Event Officer, at The Event Lounge where she is constantly encouraging her team to exceed client expectations … all the while having a great time! She was inspired to open TEL because she wanted to assemble a “Dream Team” of staff members that were creative, resourceful and fun!! Her tremendous sense for logistical details and her keen eye for design ensure that every project TEL handles is targeted, thoughtful and crowd-pleasing!

Alison is also the Founder of SIP, an annual gathering of business professionals striving to make their mark by taking a stand, inspiring others to do the same, and providing aid to those in need in their community. At the 2015 inaugural event, SIP raised over $11,000 for Share Our Strength No Kid Hungry. At the 2016 event, an additional $20,000 was raised for the same charity.

Alison is a 21-year veteran of the special event and meeting production industry. After obtaining a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Communications in 1996 from The University of San Diego, she immediately dove into the hospitality industry, and it has been her passion ever since!

Alison’s industry experience runs the full spectrum as she has served as a Meeting Planner, Event Producer, Creative Director, Project Manager and Account Executive. Alison has managed all segments of corporate events and production including travel logistics, destination management, food and beverage, special event décor, audio-visual production, and name and local entertainment. She was instrumental in launching the on-property supplier-partner relationship with the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona, managing their Event Production office for three plus years. In that three-year period alone, she personally produced over 1500 events – an amazing accomplishment by any standard!

Alison’s industry accomplishments are well recognized. She is currently a finalist for the 2017 Planner Of The Year Award for the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter. She was honored as one of Collaborate Magazine’s 40 Under 40 for 2013. She was also the proud recipient of the Mentor of the Year Award at the June 2010 Awards Dinner; a President’s Award for 2012-2013; and two Member Choice Awards for the Chapter at the June 2009 Awards Dinner: Outstanding Chapter Special Event of the Year and Outstanding Chapter Committee of the Year.

Away from the office, Alison is highly involved in Meeting Professionals International (MPI). She is the past president of the MPI Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter. Other past positions held include two terms as VP of Education and Events, VP of Membership, Co-Chair of the Chapter Charity Relations Committee and serving on the Chapter’s Corporate Social Responsibilities Committee and as the Co-Chair of the February 2009 Sustainable Event.