Your Partners
With some of the most seasoned and unflappable event professionals around, it is truly the people of Sound Planning who make us shine. No matter how large or small your project is, we tailor your assigned team to best align with your event’s format and objectives, and we are confident that you will thoroughly enjoy working with each and every one of us.
Jessica Ludders, CMP
Jessica is Sound Planning’s Co-Owner and Manager focused on the company’s operations — its team, current clients and infrastructure. Since 2003, when Jessica began with the company, her focused, efficient work style and thoughtful, easy-going attitude have earned her an excellent reputation across all lines of our business — speakers, content, conference and event logistics, project support, and sustainability endeavors. Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts in American History from Bates College in Maine as well as an MBA from Bainbridge Graduate Institute, now Presidio. She unwinds either with her hands in the dirt of her vegetable garden or with her Kitchen Aid mixer, butter, and flour. And if she’s lucky, she has the assistance of one of her two sons.
- jessica@sound-planning.com
- (206) 851-6730
Robert Hickey
Rob brings more than 30 years of business and technical experience to his role as Co-Owner and Manager, focused on business development and marketing. A 15-year Microsoft veteran before joining Sound Planning in 2014, his broad experience in global business development and owning large international events give him a deep understanding of the complex needs of our clients. In addition to his leadership abilities, humor, and passion for the attendee experience, he brings a combination of creativity and critical thinking to every project. Rob has a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from San Diego State University, where he met his wife. Together they enjoy travel, music, and anything related to food and wine.
- robert@sound-planning.com
- (206) 409-9126
Kari Brown
Kari uses her full-service approach to manage events ranging from high tech conferences for 13,000+ attendees to smaller executive briefings for 20 attendees. Kari has high standards, a great communication style and executes events with aplomb. She attended the University of Idaho and graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. She spends her free time traveling, winetasting and volunteering for various foundations.Ramona Canan
She specializes in event technology and data management for both in-person and digital experiences. She’s great at building consensus, managing teams, fostering positive working relationships and, ultimately, delivering high quality results on time. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Cornell University. In her free time she enjoys dancing, reading, and watching her son and daughter discover the world.Emmy Carter
Her passion for project management led her to pursue further education and in 2017, she earned a Project Management certificate from the University of Washington. This certification has helped her hone her skills in project management, providing her with a solid foundation to handle complex projects with ease. Emmy is a committed and driven professional who is always seeking to deliver exceptional results. She possesses keen attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a sense of humor. When she is not working, you can find Emmy digging in the dirt (gardening), spending time with her furry entourage, or exploring the great outdoors with her hubby and two canine sidekicks in tow.Abby Crossen
With degrees in Architecture and Interior Design from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Abby applies a broad creative toolkit to every challenge. Away from the office, Abby enjoys walking, cooking, fabric arts, and spending time with her husband and kids.Cindy Dabbs, CPA
As a Certified Public Accountant who’s held every position from staff accountant to chief financial officer, she is able to advise, consult and perform all functions of accounting. In addition to understanding the financial picture of the company, Cindy has the ability to communicate and work well together with management, clients and vendors to get a positive result. Cindy has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Washington State University. She enjoys her family and friends, long walks, and good wine.Kelsey Davis
She has experience managing digital tools for events ranging from large tradeshows with 180,000+ attendees to smaller networking events, specializing in the management of event websites, mobile apps, technology integrations and CMS setup and administration. Kelsey has been a senior lead of digital events with Sound Planning since 2020. Kelsey graduated from American University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She currently lives in Charlottesville, VA and enjoys spending time cooking and exploring the outdoors with her husband, two children and rescue pup.Maggie Douglas
Maggie specializes in providing support to Sound Planning event leads by handling specific tasks related to onsite event logistics as well as speaker and event management. Maggie adds that special flair to each and every event she works on. She graduated from the American University in International Relations with a concentration in Russian Studies. She enjoys traveling, photography and cooking.Morganne Dykeman
Her refined skillset ranges from overall event logistics, strategic planning, graphic design, business development, marketing, and project management. Morganne has worked with a wide range of clients from tech startups, law firms, non-profits, to outdoor apparel companies. Due to Morganne’s diverse experience and training, she possesses the ability to work in the virtual, in-person, and hybrid event settings. She is known for being a dynamic team player and quick on her feet to create high end solutions for her clients and their events. Morganne graduated from Sonoma State University in 2016 with a degree in Communications. In her spare time, Morganne enjoys backpacking, camping, and training horses.Jenny Goupil
She spent 5 years at Amazon, where she planned event programs for Amazon Web Services, including portions of their annual user conference, hosting over 30,000 attendees, and intimate C-Suite events. Jenny also held an integral role in launching some of Amazon’s first live events, managing logistics for concerts and college campus programs for Amazon Student Prime. Jenny excels in high touch, high energy environments with a penchant for detail and a can-do attitude. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Psychology. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys traveling, baking, and adventures with her husband, two young sons, and two dogs.Raymond Gutierrez
Raymond started off his events career in sales and quickly learned that his love for high stress and complex problem solving was best suited for event strategy and production. When the pandemic hit, Raymond made a huge pivot and went into Emergency Management for the Migrant Border Shelters. He is glad to have experienced Emergency Management but is happy to be back to event strategy. Raymond enjoys theatre, cooking, personal training, and traveling.Stacie Hart
She has worked in non-profit development and education and brings a sharp focus to managing processes and communication. Stacie executes complex tasks with precision while maintaining flexibility to adapt to the needs of colleagues and clients. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Stacie enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, attending and performing live theater, and exploring the Pacific Northwest in her MINI Cooper.Sydney Healey, PMP
She specializes in all phases of project and program management from conceptual development through close-out with particular focus in venue and supplier sourcing, space planning, exhibit hall planning and booth sales, attendance strategy and management, housing management, onsite registration and overall logistical execution.. She is experienced in events both large and small and for both internal corporate or third-party or association conferences, corporate meeting rhythms, and smaller C-Suite offsites. Sydney has a passion for tackling each project with enthusiasm, consensus building attitude, critical thinking, and a razor-sharp sense of humor while wearing her heart for hospitality on her sleeve. She is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Services/Hospitality Management and Business Administration. Her favorite pastimes include goofing off with her family and friends, horsing around with their two beloved rescue dogs, flying over the beautiful Puget Sound skies with her favorite pilot (husband), and subpar cooking antics.Addison Horn
She was a Senior Technical Project Manager at eventcore, specifically focused on event registration technology and worked on many of the same Tier 1 Microsoft events she does now with Sound Planning. Addie brings a love of organization and process improvement and thrives in the fast-paced, collaborative world of the event industry. Her calm and level-headed approach to challenges makes her an asset to the team. A Seattle native, Addie enjoys everything the city and surrounding mountains have to offer including hiking, backpacking, rowing on Lake Union and exploring the city on foot with her French Bulldog pup, Gryffin.Brian Knaack
While always advocating for face-to-face events, he believes strongly in the power of digital events to lower participation barriers for attendees while increasing ROI for everyone. As a Texas native who got too much sun, he now thoroughly enjoys the rain of the Pacific Northwest, calling Portland home. When he isn’t plotting out successful events, he enjoys finding new eateries, overanalyzing his gym routine, and spending quality time with good friends.Cat Koehn
She holds a Management Information Systems degree from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, and her experience spans both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Cat has worked with Microsoft’s Tier 1 events, was a consultant with Arthur Andersen, Enform Consulting, and Cascadia Consulting Group, and was a Program Manager overseeing a diverse slate of project portfolios in both global health (Cambodia and Cote d'Ivoire) and community and economic development (Alaska and Washington).Marie Lazzaro
She believes a strong story is essential to event success and dedication to the details is the only way to ensure a flawless execution. Marie’s professional career comprises corporate, non-profit and government events, including live performance, conferences, product and program launches, screenings, festivals, and fundraisers. Her varied experience has left her a wizard of logistics and her unflappable sense of humor can rescue any challenge. She graduated from the University of Houston with dual degrees in history and theatre and followed with a master’s degree in directing from NYU. Outside of planning events, she is writing scripts, designing a passive house, and travelling abroad with her beloved husband.Angela Marini
Her extensive background in managing projects that involve both logistics and technology combined with her diverse skillset and leadership experience make her an asset to any team. Angela is happiest when she is working with a team towards a shared goal and prides herself on being an advocate for all stakeholders involved in a project. Angela was born and educated in Europe, starting her events industry career at the International Congress Centre in Davos, Switzerland. In her free time, you can find her outside amongst the trees or spending time with family and friends, enjoying a good glass of wine.Cyndi Marriott
She is a team player and sticks with any challenge that comes her way until it is fully resolved. Cyndi graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne (Go Illini!) and in her free time enjoys traveling, running, reading, and spending time with family and friends.Emily Matthews
Her experience includes a wide variety of projects for both non-profit and corporate clients, including high-level executive conferences. Emily faces organizational and logistical tasks with determination and a creative perspective. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Visual Arts and enjoys spending time with her two young children and playing on a local hockey team.Chase McMahon
She started her career in Bozeman, Montana where she assisted in the planning and execution of over 30 annual non-profit events and coordinated online marketing for hundreds of local events each year. She then spent 2 ½ years on the Sound Planning team learning just how much technology can enhance and change an event experience while navigating a pandemic and the new world of digital events. Now Chase is exploring another side of the industry as an events florist and is continuing to follow her passion for community and connection. Chase graduated from Carroll College with a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in management and marketing. In her spare time, she loves getting out to hike, paddle board, and mountain bike with her family, friends, and dog.Nate Miller
His main work focus is ensuring each client’s project is delivered exactly as they envisioned. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his two dogs, lovely wife, and a good book.Libby Mines
Whether it is pre-event and onsite registration, space acquisition, budget management, food/beverage facilitating, trade show booth production or event logistics, she can handle it! Libby is also an active producer of virtual meetings. She works well with others to produce flawless events for some of our largest clients. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business. She loves movies, her son Matthew and food (not in that order!).Ann Plana
A hands-on and collaborative partner, Ann’s breadth of experience and attention to detail is an asset to any team. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Minor in Leadership Studies and is a life-long learner, ever curious to expand her repertoire. Ann loves spending time with her husband and three sons in the PNW outdoors, rooting for Seattle’s underdog sports teams or enjoying a good movie.Krista Ritums
She brings 15+ years of experience in consultation and project management of registration websites, attendee tools and platforms for complex conferences and high-touch programs, both digital and in-person. With a focus on the attendee end-to-end experience, Krista is able to see both the big picture of a program and also ensure the finer details of attendee experience are always in the forefront. In her free time, she enjoys working in her garden, DIY projects and exploring the great PNW.Stacey Roberts
Stacey thrives on creating an environment where we can grow beyond what is expected. She enjoys working with different clients and partners and finding creative solutions to problems. In addition to her many years of logistics management, Stacey also works in the digital events and tools space. Stacey loves spending time with her two sons, exploring the world around us, and soaking up music and creativity.Jill Seidel
She began her career as a meetings and convention specialist for the Canadian Tourism Commission and is a past board member of the Washington State Chapter Meeting Professionals International. Jill is someone you will enjoy working with on your event’s budget, logistics and strategy. She graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science. She enjoys supporting child advocacy, gardening, and mixed media art.Lita Spratt
She provides content and speaker management as well as end-to-end project and logistics management on many large, high-touch events. Lita is no nonsense and very trustworthy. Clients simply adore working with her and know that she always has their best interests at heart. She attended Cornish Institute of the Arts and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts. Lita loves spending time with family and friends, exploring Seattle on foot, cooking, gardening, traveling to warm and sunny climates and supporting animal welfare.Amy Taylor
She has a passion for the events industry and project management with an ability to create long lasting relationships with vendors and clients. Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Hotel/Restaurant Management, her Master of Business Administration and is Project Management Professional certified. She works with her local Woman to Woman Mentoring program acting as a mentor for women within the local college STEM programs. Her free time is spent with friends and family, working in her extensive gardens and listening to a good podcast.Jen Waak
She uses her process background to focus on the end-to-end digital experience, believes that teams succeed or fail together, and that to the attendee any failure along the way is a failure of that experience as a whole. Jen graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BBA in Finance, plus certifications in International Business and German as well as an MBA in Marketing and Management from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Now living in Salvador, Brazil, she spends her time soaking up as much of the local culture as she can — learning the language, the foods, the music and rich Afro-Brazilian culture.
