Alison (Kieckhafer) Blackwell, CMP is the Owner and CEO, Chief Event Officer, at The Event Lounge, a third-party meeting management, event production and fulfillment logistics firm founded in November 2010. Alison is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business, leading her team and their involvement in 1,000+ events annually.
Alison is a 28-year veteran of the special event and meeting production industry. Alison’s industry experience spans the full spectrum as she has served as a Meeting Planner, Event Producer, Creative Director, Project Manager and Account Executive. 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 and personally produced over 1,500 events – an amazing accomplishment by any standard!
Alison is a Past President of the MPI Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter (2013-2014), 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. Alison 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 enjoys spending time with her husband Stephen. She loves traveling, cooking, volunteering and can be found on her occasional spare weekend enjoying a day on the lake with her family and friends.
