We are a Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBEs), owned by a hands-on entrepreneur who is involved with every account.
Our team consists of highly qualified meeting professionals. Our staff members hold certifications in the following areas:
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC)
Cvent Certified in Event Management Advanced
Cvent Certified in Event Management
Cvent Certified in Venue Sourcing
Cvent Certified in Virtual & Hybrid Events
Pandemic On-Site Protocol Certified
Katie Balke
Program Manager
Katie’s experience runs the gamut from advisory board meetings to product launch meetings. Her reliability, detailed nature and rapport with attendees make her an invaluable resource for our clients. Katie has a firm handle on all facets of her programs from start to finish as well as a dogged dedication to make meetings pleasant and successful.
Mary Ann Doherty
President
As company founder and President, Mary Ann brings extensive knowledge and experience in all facets of the hospitality industry to River West Meeting Associates. For over 30 years, Mary Ann has worked closely with Fortune 500 clients to design and implement business meetings, incentive travel programs and special events. In recent years, Mary Ann’s emphasis has been oversight of company operations and business development. Her deep commitment to first-class service permeates through the entire River West team and sets the foundation for our customer-driven organization.
Tressa Lotito, CMP
Senior Program Manager
Tressa has been managing corporate meetings and events for over 20 years. She is a Certified Meeting Professional with experience in strategic meetings management. She prides herself as being a quality-oriented individual with a great sense of customer service and capability of focusing on end results. Tressa has a proven ability to manage all aspects of event coordination from concept-to-execution, budget reconciliation and ROI.
Morgan Linville, HMCC
Program Manager
Over the course of her career, Morgan has been responsible for the logistics planning and onsite execution of meetings and events ranging in size from 25 – 6,000 attendees within the healthcare and technology industries. Her strong project management skills, financial acumen and attention to detail have ensured events she owns and oversees are successful, cost-efficient and exceed client and attendee expectations. She is an expert at managing all event aspects, including F&B, AV, contracting, housing and vendor management.
Mary Calkins
Director of Accounting & Operations
Mary has over 30 years of experience in accounting, finance and the hotel industry. She manages all areas of the River West accounting department and assists in internal operations. Her attention to detail and work ethic ensures accurate and timely client billing.
Lauren Dubinoff , HMCC
Program Manager
With a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Missouri, Lauren brings an array of experience with her to River West. She has worked on a variety of programs, including Advisory Board Meetings, large medical Congresses and internal sales and marketing meetings. She spends most of her time building registration websites, managing attendees' housing, travel and transportation schedules, preparing printed materials and completing compliance reporting. Lauren is a team player and always ready to assist the team with a positive attitude.
Katie Verfurth, HMCC
Program Manager
Katie has worked on a variety of meetings of different scopes and sizes throughout her career in meeting and event management. Her attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and drive for results have contributed to the success of her meetings. Katie is a great project manager and always over delivers on projects. She continues to improve processes and brings new ideas to the table.
Laura Hanrahan
Senior Program Manager
Laura has worked with a variety of clients in the financial, technology and healthcare sectors. Her energy, attention to detail and customer service skills make Laura a valuable asset to River West. Our clients appreciate that her communication style is clear and concise and can always be counted on to produce quality work and creative problem solving on the go.
Caitlin Callahan
Senior Program Manager
Caitlin has a multifaceted background in the hospitality industry, having worked with first-class restaurants and hotels in major metropolitan destinations such as Chicago, Seattle and Las Vegas. Her extensive industry knowledge enables her to execute flawless program logistics, consistently planning successful events for clients. She is always up-to-speed on industry trends and serves as a point person for contemporary meeting and event planning know-how.
Katie Gallagher
Account Director
With dedication and attention to detail, Katie has developed strong client relationships and overseen the growth of River West’s management of sales meetings and advisory boards for a business unit of a biotechnology company. With a degree in English and Communications from John Carroll University, Katie has strong writing and people skills. She is an invaluable communications resource for our clients as well as for all of us internally.
Christine Sain
Vice President, Finance & Internal Operations
Christine has over 27 years of experience in every facet of the conference planning industry, focusing on the financial side of the business for the past 20 years. Christine is responsible for River West’s cash management/accounting function, while ensuring we are in compliance with industry regulations and IRS guidelines. We are delighted to have her expertise in helping grow the company in a financially sound manner.
Audrey Glander
Program Manager
Audrey contributes a variety of skills and experience to River West having studied Hospitality Management and Business at the University of Missouri. She works closely with Program Managers to manage registration, attendee travel and compliance reporting. Audrey’s superior organization skills and attention to detail make her a valuable member of our team.
Heather Wamsley, HMCC
Account Director
Heather coordinates and executes all sizes and types of meetings; from advisory boards to product launches. Her ability to look at the overall picture and close attention to detail make her an invaluable resource to clients. The leadership she provides to the client, hotels and other vendors is integral to the overall success of the program.