Trish Leonard, IOM
Owner & Founder, TLC Marketing & Creative Services Inc.
trish@trishleonard.com
Number of events in 2025: 8
Types of events: Awards, galas, festivals, symposiums, fundraisers, grand openings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, etc.
Average number of attendees in 2025: 200-3,000
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
As CEO and owner of TLC Marketing & Creative Services, I lead with vision, integrity, and collaboration. My role is to guide our team in achieving our goals, adopting best practices, and ensuring operations run smoothly. By providing the right tools and support, I empower my staff to thrive and succeed.
What skills do you think are essential for planning successful meetings and events?
Thorough research, knowing your audience, smart budgeting, and precise timing are key. Every detail matters when creating a successful event.
What is your philosophy or approach to challenges and unexpected issues?
Take a breath, focus, stay professional, solve the issue, and walk away with a lesson learned for future events.
How do you keep up with industry trends, changes, and cutting-edge developments?
As we continue to grow as a team, we will continue to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences, while staying engaged with industry resources and social media. I also encourage my staff to attend field-specific events to expand their expertise.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My team. Their passion for events and how they embrace challenges make everything possible. TLC is successful not only because of our team members but also the clients we have served and the relationships we have built.
How would you describe your biggest professional success?
The most significant rewards are client referrals and heartfelt testimonials. Peer recognition and industry awards further affirm our dedication and impact. We have won several awards throughout the years, which have shown our commitment to the industry we serve.
Please share an anecdote about a unique or unusual event that you organized.
Our Mother’s Day Jewelry Drive remains one of the most moving and rewarding projects we’ve led. Watching children carefully choose jewelry for the most important women in their lives—many for the first time—was a humbling reminder that community events can create lasting joy and connection.
What is the best professional advice you ever received, and what advice would you offer others in the industry?
Start with the end in mind. Always have a Plan B. Take a breath, stay calm, focused, and adaptable. Everything will be okay.
What do you hope to achieve or look forward to as you plan events in 2026?
I look forward to our team embracing new innovations in the event industry, mentoring future professionals, and continuing to grow a grateful, resilient, and creative team.
