Meet the Team Behind Your Exceptional Events
Our team is our greatest asset—a diverse group of seasoned professionals united by a shared passion for creating extraordinary events. Each member contributes a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and dedication, working together to ensure every event we produce exceeds expectations. From strategic planning to flawless execution, our team’s combined experience and commitment make us the trusted partner you need for exceptional event management.
Want to work with our event team? Get started today!
Our Founder: Michelle Manire
For three decades, Michelle Manire has provided time and cost-saving solutions, comprehensive conference and event management, and consulting services for a wide range of clients nationwide. Michelle is a high-achieving professional with extensive experience in the event and hotel industries. Michelle graduated from Leadership Long Beach, Goldman Sachs 10ksb, and MDE from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, and most recently, the WBENC Tuck Capstone Program, Cohort 2024. She has also earned her certification as a Senior Certified Meeting Manager (CMM).
Following her success as the first woman hired as General Manager for two major hotel chains, she launched Coast to Coast Conferences & Events in 1994. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Michelle quickly pivoted and earned her certifications in Virtual Event & Meeting Management and Pandemic Meeting and Event Design from the Event Leadership Institute.
Michelle excels at simplifying the event planning process and has developed her own proprietary systems to save clients time and money. She is also passionate about mentoring up-and-coming meeting planners and mentors women business owners in her position as the past chair of the OC Forum for Women Business Enterprise Council West.
Michelle Manire
Founder & President
Chief of Staff
With over a decade of experience in event and project management, Calli expertly oversees operations and streamlines internal workflows for maximum efficiency. She has a proven track record of leading high-impact events, from large-scale conferences to intimate gatherings, ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly. Her passion for organization and leadership fuels efficiency, empowering her team to tackle more projects while delivering outstanding results.
Guilty Pleasure:
Trader Joe’s Mini Vanilla Sheet Cake with a side of any Reality TV show!
Susannah d’Arcy
Executive Producer
At CTC, Susannah applies her extensive film and event production expertise, including significant international experience, to deliver high-quality conferences and events. She specializes in large-scale stage design and production, ensuring seamless execution and creating memorable experiences for attendees around the globe.
Fun Fact:
Photographer, writer, and world traveler.
Talisha Brantley
Event Manager
With over 10 years of event planning and 9 years in marketing, Talisha brings a creative, detail-oriented approach to CTC. She leads events from start to finish, specializing in speaker, AV, and vendor management, as well as event marketing and branding to ensure every event makes a lasting impact.
Personal Achievement:
Completed a Spartan Race.
Maia Nantais
Event Manager
Known for her attention to detail, adaptability, and collaborative spirit, Maia brings a positive energy and people-focused approach to every project she takes on. She’s passionate about creating meaningful experiences through events and thrives in environments that encourage growth, creativity, and teamwork.
After Hours Activities:
Pilates class or relaxing at the beach!
Sara Kiper
Business Development Manager
With over 15 years in the events industry, Sara brings a relationship-driven, strategic approach to business development at CTC. She specializes in connecting clients with solutions that elevate their events, drawing from experience with brands like Little Caesars, Kimberly-Clark, and Super Bowl LVIII to anticipate needs and deliver strong results.
Fun Fact:
Loves the spiciest foods and visits Sedona to reset and spark new ideas.
MadeleineMonroe
Marketing Manager
Madeleine oversees all company branding, ensuring consistency across platforms and leading marketing efforts for webinars and events. She collaborates with the sales and event teams to align projects with CTC’s vision and drive business growth.
Top Weekend Activity:
Hosting a dinner party for my friends!
Krystal Bordner
Registration & Technical Manager
Krystal builds, executes, and manages event registration while developing customized event apps with schedules, speaker details, and real-time updates. Her technical expertise ensures seamless attendee experiences and streamlined operations for large-scale events.
Greatest Achievement:
Earned her yoga teacher certification in Indonesia.
Manny Estrada
Sales & Event Coordinator
Manny supports the sales team by managing client communications, leads, and the proposal process, ensuring the team stays on target. He collaborates with marketing on sales initiatives and assists the event management team in maintaining timelines and project tasks.
Fun Fact:
He shares the same birthday with Robert Downey Jr.
Zia Bella Blair
Event Coordinator
Zia Bella specializes in sourcing and housing, expertly managing projects, venues, and clients with sharp attention to detail. She excels in contract negotiations, saving clients time and money while bringing a blend of efficiency and creativity to her role.
Fun Fact:
Growing up, she never had less than 3 pets at a time!
Brooke Abel
Event Coordinator
With a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and an Events Certificate from Northern Arizona University, Brooke brings a warm, organized, and people-first approach to her role as Event Coordinator. She has supported more than 400 events, and her experience mentoring new team members strengthened her communication skills and ability to create smooth, positive event environments.
Fun Fact:
A theater kid who would have loved to pursue a career on Broadway (if only I could sing).
Nate Peters
Event Coordinator
Nate manages client proposals and ensures a smooth transition from sales to event onboarding. With over 5 years of event coordination experience, he excels in team management, logistics, and sponsor relations.
Favorite Pastime:
Bombing hills on a longboard. It’s a pastime for a reason, he values his life too much to do this now.
Want to work with us?
Connect with us today to discuss how our team can bring your vision to life.