Is this you?

If you find yourself nodding along to any of the following points, then The TEN Collective might just be the community you've been searching for:

You are a full-time small business owner or solopreneur in the Event Industry.
You're seeking a collaborative community where sharing knowledge, resources and support is the fundamental purpose.
You desire meaningful connections with other event professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the industry.
You value the importance of networking with peers who are also committed to ethical business practices, innovation and mutual growth.
You're looking for exclusive access to tools, templates and resources designed to streamline your event planning process and enhance your business operations.
You're interested in contributing to a positive, dynamic community atmosphere where every member's success is celebrated and supported.

The TEN Collective is more than just a membership—it's a dedicated effort to build a supportive community for small business owners in the event industry. Our goal is simple: to arm you with a robust set of resources, guidance and networking opportunities tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities faced by EVENTrepreneurs.

By joining The TEN Collective, you’re not just signing up for another industry group. You’re stepping into THE proactive circle of professionals dedicated to mutual growth and success for EVENTrepreneurs. Here, you’ll find a focus on meaningful connections, shared knowledge and tangible support to help your business thrive.

This includes access to an ever developing Template Library to streamline your planning processes, exclusive invites to industry meetups for face-to-face networking, a vibrant community for ongoing support and collaboration and so much more!

A Note from the Founder

Welcome to The Ten Collective, where we proudly coined and embody the essence of being an "Eventrepreneur." This term captures the unique fusion of event planning and entrepreneurialism, highlighting the innovators and pioneers who craft unforgettable experiences.

Our journey began from recognizing a gap within the industry—a space where the small business owners, the independent contractors and self-employed planners are forgotten. The Ten Collective is our answer to this gap, offering a platform for collaboration, growth, and professional elevation unparalleled in the industry.

Our community is designed to support you, as an EVENTrepreneur. We aim to be more than a network; we are a movement committed to empowering each member to thrive, creating a future where our collective expertise sets new standards of excellence in event planning.

Join us as we pave the way for a future where event planning meets entrepreneurship in a vibrant community of support, collaboration and success.

I hope you'll join us!

In the Spirit of Entrepreneurialism,

Sarah

Introducing the Template Library, a game-changing, always growing addition to The TEN Collective! Dive into our treasure trove of meticulously crafted templates, designed to revolutionize your event logistics. From budgets to timelines, RFP responses to comprehensive project plans, and master event details covering everything from F&B to AV and room sets - we've got you covered. These user-friendly tools are downloadable and crafted to elevate the planning process for both novice and veteran event entrepreneurs alike. Streamline your workflows and bring your event visions to life with unparalleled ease and efficiency!

The Concessions list is a collaborative masterpiece crafted by the members of The TEN Collective. This resource shines a light on the myriad of concessions once freely offered prior to 2020, now subject to fees as hotels seek to rebound financially. Our comprehensive list serves as a powerful tool in your negotiation arsenal, enabling you to safeguard your clients against unexpected charges. Whether used as a reference or directly appended to your contracts, this list is your shield against the industry's shifting landscape, ensuring transparency and protection for your clients' budgets.

Unlock exclusive access to our Preferred Vendor List, a premium bonus for The TEN Collective members. This carefully curated list features a selection of top-tier vendors, each rigorously vetted for quality, reliability and innovation in their services. From cutting-edge AV solutions to gourmet catering and unique venue options, our vendor list is your gateway to elevating your events with trusted partners who understand the importance of excellence. Simplify your planning process, ensure amazing experiences for your clients and enjoy peace of mind knowing you're collaborating with the best in the business.

"Having a group like TEN Collective available for my business has been so rewarding! I'm able to attend our biweekly calls and learn from others in the industry, solve problems in my business with the help of professionals who share the same industry and the same struggles as business owners. My favorite part of being in the group is the camarederie! I often feel alone as a solopreneur so having that connection in the industry has been a game-changer. I would recommend TEN for independent meeting planners who have been in the business for a while and are looking for a group of peers to turn to whenever they have questions or want to serve their clients better.

I've been a part of many organizations but TEN has made the biggest impact in my business. I always know I can count on TEN and Sarah and it's an amazing to know you have people in your circle who will refer you and support you!"

Magdalena Bonnelly, 20+ Years in the Industry

About the Founder

Sarah Meister is the founder of SM Event Co and The EVENTrepreneur Network, now known as The TEN Collective. With a passion for excellence and innovation, Sarah has established herself as a distinguished leader, blending her extensive expertise in event housing solutions with her dedication to fostering community among small business owners in the event industry.

Beyond her achievements with SM Event Co, Sarah's creation of The EVENTrepreneur Network, TEN, marks a significant contribution to the event industry. This vibrant community serves as the single hub for EVENTrepreneurs to connect, share knowledge, and grow together. Through this platform, Sarah fosters collaboration and innovation, empowering members with resources, education and support to excel in their careers.

The TEN Collective is dedicated to fostering a community of committed, full-time EVENTrepreneurs seeking to elevate their businesses and the industry as a whole. Our focus is on creating a collaborative environment where members can share struggles, insights, resources and opportunities for mutual growth.

However, it's important to recognize that our community is not meant for everyone in the industry.

To ensure the best fit for our collective goals and culture,

there are certain individuals for whom The TEN Collective might not be the ideal community:

Individuals engaged in side gigs or part-time event planning
Professionals affiliated with third-party associations or organizations for sourcing or planning purposes
Vendors seeking to promote products or services to our membership (We do have an option for you though - reach out!)
Hoteliers and venue representatives - We offer a slack channel where you can interact with TEN members!
Employees of associations or corporate entities

The TEN Collective thrives on the participation of dedicated professionals fully immersed in their EVENTrepreneur journey, committed to the ethics of collaboration, growth and respect within our unique ecosystem.

Due to this commitment, membership to the TEN Collective is on an application basis.

If you fall into one or more of the above categories we welcome you to join as an Honorary Member and still receive some of our amazing benefits.

As a member from the beginning of TEN, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of collaboration, inspiration, and idea exchange. This community provides a safe space and platform for sharing insights, and receiving constructive feedback while fueling business growth.

TEN has broadened my professional horizons and has sparked creativity and innovation within my own ventures. The diverse perspectives and experiences of fellow members inspired me to push boundaries and explore new opportunities to move my business forward.

If you’re a business owner in the events industry seeking a supportive community, I encourage you to join us. Together, we celebrate success and cultivate growth through meaningful connections and shared expertise.

Carmen Gorby, 25+ Years in the Industry

As an independent planner, it is sometimes difficult to not feel alone in the journey, and TEN provides connections and a bridge to the community. Relationships are formed and the hive supports its own which is powerful. They are there to support, to celebrate, as well as refer. I am honored to be part of the community and have the opportunity to meet some of its wonderful people in person. We continue to grow stronger through the community we have forged.

Sean Schuette, CMP, Schuette on Duty Solutions - 25 years

"TEN is brilliant and exactly what we independent contractors need. One of the things that I think makes it so unique is that whether you are a contractor TD (like me) or running a small full-services event company, TEN can work for all of us. For me, it has been a valuable resource to connect with others who are having the same challenges that I am having. I think my favorite part about being in TEN is to be able to just plain network with like-minded professionals who understand our unique business. After 40 years in the hospitality business, it’s refreshing to see the entrepreneurial path that TEN is on. That, in and of itself, is energizing."

Janice Telstar, CMP, Conxtions, LLC

I’m considering taking the leap to leave my corporate or association planning role and become an independent contractor. Do you provide coaching and support for those newly in their entrepreneur era?

Yes, we offer one-on-one coaching for those who are ready to take the leap! Our resources, including mentoring sessions with the founder, template libraries and community discussions, are tailored to guide you through the initial stages of setting up and growing your business. With access to a network of experienced professionals and continuous learning opportunities, you'll find the guidance and encouragement you need to confidently navigate your new path.

Welcome to The TEN Collective!

Is this you?

Introducing:

The TEN Collective

A Note from the Founder

Here's what you get when you join

The TEN Collective

BiWeekly Collab Calls

Members Only Community Facebook Group

Invites to Meetups at Industry Events

TEN Mastermind Facilitation

SO, WHY EXACTLY SHOULD YOU JOIN THE COLLECTIVE?

01

Tailored Support & Resources

02

Exclusive Networking Opportunities

Connect, collaborate and grow with other event small business owners who share your passion and drive - and are looking to break out of the loneliness that comes with entrepreneurship

03

Continuous Learning & Development

Through biweekly calls featuring guest speakers and the latest industry insights, members are kept at the forefront of event planning trends and innovations. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that you remain competitive and can adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the our industry.

04

Community Support

YOUR MEMBERSHIP ALSO INCLUDES:

Template Library

Concessions List

Preferred Vendor List

Contract Clause Database

Choose Your Path in The TEN Collective

The EVENTrepreneur

The Aspiring EVENTrepreneur

About the Founder

Who this isn't for:

Are you ready to join TEN?

BONUS: Discounts & Partner Pricing

Preferred Partner Pricing

Exclusive Discount

Preferred Partner Pricing

More Testimonials from Business Owners just like you!

Questions?

I’m considering taking the leap to leave my corporate or association planning role and become an independent contractor. Do you provide coaching and support for those newly in their entrepreneur era?

Do you have in-person events throughout the year to get together?

When you become a part of The TEN Collective, you will be in the know for all our meet-ups and in-person events! We have get togethers at most industry events like IMEX, Connect, Smart Meetings and IPEC.

I’m associated with a third party - am I able to join?

You are welcome to join as an Honorary Member, we would love to have you in our Slack community.

Bridge the Industry Gap with The TEN Collective