LIENE STEVENS

Founder & CEO
Splendid Communications, New York, NY

www.thinksplendid.com

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Where do you find inspiration?
I’m a water baby, so put me near a beach, lake or river and I’m happy. I get my best ideas when I’m near the water because it allows me to relax and frees my mind to do some creative thinking.

What excites you most about the year ahead in the events industry or your personal business?
I believe the year ahead will see more large brands participating in the event industry as vendors – and with money behind them -- which will really separate the true pros who can draw from experience and compete with the bigger brands from the people who are in the industry doing little more than playing “dress up” with their businesses. This is exciting to me because it forces the bar to be raised and everyone to step up their game, which only makes the industry better.

What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
There are two pieces of advice I’ve been given over the years that I literally think of every day while I’m working. The first: “Never doubt your ability to justify.” This one helps me recognize if I am talking myself into or out of a certain decision when I shouldn’t be. And on taking risks: “All they can say is no or hell no.” This one gives me the freedom to be bold in negotiations or other areas of my business when I might be tempted to shrink back.

What do you hope attendees will take away from your session?
I hope that attendees walk away with the understanding that social media is about old-fashioned communication rather than a race to keep up with the next big thing. I also hope that they walk away with a core vision that social media is not a standalone activity or department. Social media is not about being on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus or Foursquare but rather about developing a strategy to communicate via online platforms that intersects with every aspect of their business, resulting in tangible, offline goals being met.

BIO
Liene Stevens is the founder of Splendid Communications, a digital marketing firm specializing in the wedding and event industries. Liene studied intercultural psychology at Arizona State University and uses her education and cumulative expertise to analyze and forecast consumer behavior, with an emphasis on bridal marketing and online media. Having been active in social media for over twelve years and known for her "ability to communicate clear, definitive ways to increase and improve your business," Liene works behind-the-scenes with some of the industry's most influential brands, helping them to increase profits through strategic use of online media and remain innovators in their respective fields. 

In addition to running Splendid Communications, Liene authors Think Splendid, the most widely read blog on the business of weddings and events. She is also the author of the book, Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace: Marketing Your Wedding Business in Today's World. Liene has been featured and quoted in over 100 media outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Mashable, and The Wall Street Journal.