As Virginia prepares to welcome a new gubernatorial administration and new legislators in 2026, Easter Associates stands ready to assist associations in navigating this pivotal time. Our objective is clear: to equip these policymakers with a thorough understanding of the industries our clients represent, fostering informed legislative decisions.

Few things spark more anxiety among event planners than food and beverage. Running out of meals, overspending on alcohol or missing dietary needs can leave attendees frustrated and budgets strained. Fortunately, with careful planning, these challenges are among the most preventable.

Technology and space logistics are the backbone of any event. When they work well, attendees barely notice them. But when things go wrong, they can quickly become all anyone remembers. That’s why anticipating technology and venue challenges is one of the most important parts of planning.

When it comes to conference planning, people are the heart of every program. They’re also often the source of the biggest surprises. Speakers cancel, attendees arrive unprepared, or someone raises a concern that requires immediate attention. These “people challenges” are inevitable, but with preparation and composure, they don’t have to derail your event.

If you’ve ever planned a conference, meeting or large gathering, you know that “last-minute issues” are more common than true surprises. At Easter Associates, we’ve learned that anticipating the unexpected, and preparing for it, makes all the difference.

Association annual events are core to each organization’s function. They strengthen member relationships, create learning opportunities, keep traditions alive, and typically serve as a source of non-dues revenue. Sometimes making a change, even a small one, can yield big results for your attendees.

It doesn’t happen often, but when two client events occur at the same time, it’s a true test of our meeting planner skills. But with a collaborative team, plenty of resources, and constant communication, we’re able to support both events and deliver excellent results.

Leadership transitions in associations don’t happen every day, but when they do, they deserve thoughtful planning. A new board member stepping into their role should feel welcomed, prepared, and ready to contribute; not like they’re trying to figure it out on the fly. Over the years, I’ve developed a process that helps associations maintain momentum while giving new leaders the tools and confidence they need to succeed. It’s structured enough to keep things running smoothly, but flexible enough to adapt to each group’s needs.

When Easter Associates begins working with a new association, planning their next conference is often one of the first major projects we take on. Whether it’s a 50-person retreat or a 500-person annual meeting, the goal is the same: understand what’s worked in the past, improve what hasn’t, and give the board confidence that their event is in good hands.