FORMER SUPERNOVAS
These supernovas have moved on to new opportunities outside of independent event production, but they're founding members of this collective and we honor them.
FORMER SUPERNOVAS
These supernovas have moved on to new opportunities outside of independent event production, but they're founding members of this collective and we honor them.
Founder of Sobotka Events, Kathy has been an independent event producer since 2018. Prior to that, she worked as a Senior Event Planner for Vibrant Table Catering & Events, putting on more than 300 events a year. In her 15+ years of events experience, she has done everything from intimate dinners to artisan vendor markets with thousands of attendees to high-end corporate events.
PROJECTS
Tina’s been working in the event world for over a decade. She’s planned fundraisers and galas, TEDx events, multi-day conferences, large days-of-service, and small, intimate gatherings. Her background is in live theater where she worked primarily as a lighting designer and stage manager.
While she’s worked in almost every aspect of event production, her favorite places to be are managing a tireless crew of event day volunteers or sitting with spreadsheets coordinating behind-the-scenes logistics.
At the end of 2019 Tina moved from Portland to go hike, cycle, and climb in the big mountains of Colorado. She looks forward to continuing to plan events alongside her work for the wonderful folks at Hearken Inc.
Steph Barnhart is the co-founder and program director of Cultivation Classic, the most science-driven, organic cannabis evaluation and event on the planet. Motivated deeply by the need for fact-based cannabis information, she also co-founded Smart Cannabis in 2018. They use data to connect people to plants that promote maximum health benefit, and minimize risk. Steph runs operations for Smart Cannabis, meaning she wears all the hats.
Steph often moonlights as a volunteer coordinator or production lead for many other events. From intimate 20-seat dinners to thousand-person multi-day conferences, and every type of party in between, she especially loves an opportunity to organize a tiny trillion details into an experience that is meaningful and accessible for a diverse range of humans.
When not eventing, Steph is likely to be found on her yoga mat, volunteering as the communications director for her 8 year-old’s elementary school musical, or outside soaking up every available ray of vitamin D.
PROJECTS
Rachel, a self proclaimed “steam-rolling peacock,” is the Managing Director of Design Week Portland, as well as lead production manager for several other large-scale events. From event concept to budget closeout, she’s managed every part of an event’s timeline, and prides herself on details and follow-through. She’s difficult to overwhelm and thrives on the code-switching that great event work requires.
Outside of events, she has managed venues (Revolution Hall + the Evergreen), created custom leotards for a woman-owned leotard company (Destira), beatboxed her way through college at USC, written 3 children’s books, fronted a cover band, and most importantly: birthed a couple of super-cute kids.
PROJECTS
Shauna is a lover of spreadsheets, duct tape, and problem solving that leads to a good story...so is it any wonder she wound up in events?
With over 10 years in the events industry, Shauna has produced an array of events and programs including: multi track conferences for over 1,000 attendees, national book tours for best selling authors, city wide dining programs, open air markets for over 10,000 attendees.... and she throws a hell of a party!
With a background in hotels and a focus on supporting locally owned businesses, Shauna brings team work, attendee focused hospitality, and a true Portland experience.
When she’s not eventing, she’s trying new recipes with her husband, kiddo and dog or supporting local restaurants. Shauna always knows the best restaurants in Portland and is willing to share top picks!
PROJECTS
