Speakers 2026
The education opportunities at Catersource + The Special Event feature presentations from more than 100 industry luminaries who have been there, done that, and are armed with content that’s trendy, thought-provoking, and always influential.
Holly Gray, Founder, anything but gray event
Anything But Gray Events is a full-service wedding planning and design company founded in 2012, specializing in bold, colorful, and creatively offbeat celebrations across Southern California and destination locations. Proudly aligned with LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and women-owned businesses, we champion inclusivity and collaboration in every detail. At the heart of it all is Holly Gray — Founder, CEO, extrovert, community builder, creative storyteller, and unapologetic Technicolor Queen. With a background in stage management for live theater and improv comedy, Holly brings fearless theatricality and flawless logistics to every celebration she touches. Her couples don't do basic — and neither does she. Known for her vibrant aesthetics and outside-the-box design, Holly creates weddings and events that are as expressive and unforgettable as the people they're for. Her work has been featured in Equally Wed, Green Wedding Shoes, Offbeat Bride, Black Bride, Love Inc., The Knot, California Wedding Day, and Rock and Roll Bride — just to name a few. An outspoken advocate for diversity and representation, Holly infuses her values into every aspect of her work — from the couples she celebrates to the vendor teams she builds. As National Director of Membership Retention for WIPA, she supports 22 chapters and over 3,000 members across the U.S. She's also a proud mentor through The Knot's Fellowship for Change program, helping shape the future of the wedding industry. A rescue-dog mom (shoutout to Betty and Veronica), believer in ghosts, three-time game show champion, and proud Dr. Pepper devotee — Holly's joy is infectious, her perspective refreshing, and her mission clear: "Let's make magic, color outside the lines, and plan a wedding that's anything but expected"