Deborah Elias, CSEP, CMP, CIS, is a highly experienced event planner with an impressive career spanning over two decades. She is the founder of Elias Events, LLC, based in Houston, Texas, and her expertise in event planning has led to the successful execution of a wide range of exceptional events in the United States and various international destinations. Deborah has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in her field. Deborah holds several distinguished designations that underscore her professional expertise, including Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Special Event Professional (CSEP), and Incentive Travel Specialist (CIS). Beyond her event planning prowess, Deborah has actively contributed to the event planning industry through involvement in various industry boards and organizations. She has served as the president of the Houston Chapter of the International Live Events Association (ILEA), where she played a pivotal role in shaping the local event industry. Additionally, she has been involved with the SEARCH Foundation and the Texas Meeting and Events Advisory Board, continuing to impact the industry significantly. Deborah's passion for sharing knowledge is evident through her contributions to industry publications. She has written for well-known publications such as Connect Magazine, The Special Event Magazine, Plan It Meetings Magazine, Meetings Management Magazine, and Texas Meeting and Events Magazine, further establishing her as a thought leader in event planning. Deborah has taken the stage at various industry conferences as a dynamic speaker, sharing her insights and expertise on Event Innovations. Her speaking engagements have included events such as The Special Event, ILEA Houston, SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence), PRSA (Public Relations Society of America), IMEX, and IBTM (Incentive Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition), where she passionately discusses innovative approaches to event planning. Deborah's dedication to her craft and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of event planning have solidified her reputation as a respected and influential figure in the industry. Her passion for creating memorable and impactful events shines through in every project she takes on, making her a true leader in event planning.