Meet Wendy Porter

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wendy Porter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Wendy, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My resilience comes from a blend of life experiences, a strong sense of purpose, and the values instilled in me by my family. Growing up as the daughter of a career Army officer, I witnessed firsthand the strength, discipline, and adaptability required to face challenges head-on. As a youngster, I had to adapt to life without my father while he was on his second tour of duty in Vietnam, which taught me the importance of perseverance and independence.

And then there’s the age-old question of nurture versus nature. I’m adopted, and in the last six years, I discovered my biological family. One of the most stunning revelations was that my mother, three of my siblings, and I were all #1 in our high school classes. It’s clear that drive and determination run in my DNA, and I’ve learned to embrace and channel that energy into everything I do.

Finally, I draw resilience from the belief that obstacles are opportunities in disguise. Whether in my professional world of event planning or personal life, I’ve learned to lean into challenges, trust my instincts, and keep moving forward, one step at a time. Resilience is a muscle, and life has certainly given me the chance to keep it strong.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Wendy Porter, Founder and Chief Event Strategist at Wendy Porter Events LLC, a Minneapolis-based events agency founded in 2015. Our team of event pros brings nearly 100 years of event management experience to the table, creating unforgettable experiences, for both corporate and non-profit clients, that connect people, build trust, and deliver results.

Since 2022, research has shown that events are the #1 marketing channel for driving ROI and trust, and we’re passionate about helping our clients harness the full potential of this powerful medium. What excites me most is focusing on “the how behind the wow”—ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned to create seamless, engaging experiences that leave lasting impressions.

One unique service we offer is our Fractional Head of Events (FHOE) Service. This is ideal for companies needing expert event leadership without committing to a full-time hire. It’s also invaluable for organizations with junior talent or newer event professionals who may not know what they don’t know. Our FHOE services provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and hands-on expertise to help teams develop and deliver events with confidence and success.

As we head into 2025, we’re working on exciting projects and finding innovative ways to help clients make the most of their events and their budgets. At Wendy Porter Events, we ignite the magic of events.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been incredibly impactful in my journey: adaptability, attention to detail, and strategic thinking. These aren’t just skills—they’ve been the foundation for navigating challenges and creating success.

1. Adaptability
The world of events is full of surprises, and being able to pivot quickly has been crucial. Whether it was adapting to last-minute changes or shifting strategies entirely during the pandemic, staying flexible has made all the difference.
Advice: Early in your journey, embrace uncertainty and look for opportunities to problem-solve creatively. Volunteer for roles or projects that push you out of your comfort zone—you’ll develop adaptability by facing challenges head-on.

2. Attention to Detail
Great events aren’t just about the big moments; they’re about getting the little things right. From ensuring flawless execution to anticipating attendee needs, attention to detail can make or break an experience.
Advice: Practice this skill by breaking projects into small components and triple-checking your work. Learn to think like your audience or client—what would delight or frustrate them? This mindset will help you sharpen your ability to focus on details that matter.

3. Strategic Thinking
The ability to see the big picture and connect the dots between goals, actions, and outcomes has been transformative. It’s not just about planning an event; it’s about aligning every element with the client’s broader objectives.
Advice: Cultivate strategic thinking by asking “why” behind every task. Learn to tie your work back to larger goals, and take time to reflect on the outcomes of your projects. Consider seeking mentors who can challenge you to think more strategically.

For anyone starting their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and keep learning. The events industry is constantly evolving, and success often comes from staying ahead of the curve. Developing these skills isn’t an overnight process—it’s about committing to growth and embracing every experience as a stepping stone.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely, we’re always looking to collaborate with companies that recognize the power of events to drive ROI and build trust. As previously mentioned, current research shows that events are the #1 marketing channel for delivering these results—but only when they’re done right. That’s where we come in.

At Wendy Porter Events, we specialize in helping companies maximize the impact of their events. Whether it’s a product launch, sponsorship activation, or a key tradeshow, you don’t want just any warm body running the show—you need a professional. Partnering with experienced event planners doesn’t just ensure a smooth execution; it also saves money. Research shows that professional event planners can save organizations up to 25–30% by optimizing budgets, leveraging vendor relationships, and avoiding costly mistakes.

Beyond cost savings, hiring a professional allows your team to stay focused on their core priorities. Instead of being pulled away by the demands of event planning, your resources remain dedicated to the projects and goals that drive your business forward.

We’re looking to collaborate with companies that want to elevate their events—businesses ready to invest in making their experiences impactful and strategic. If that sounds like you, let’s connect! You can reach us through our website, WendyPorterEvents.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn. Together, we can ignite the magic of your events and help you achieve your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wendyporterevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyporterevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyPorterEvents/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyporter/

Image Credits

Scott Amundson Photography
Luis Garcia Photography
Wendy Porter Personal Photography