April Extended Session:

Event Blueprint - Planning a Stellar Fundraiser

Program Sponsors

About the Program

Event Blueprint – Planning a Stellar Fundraiser

What does it take to map out a successful event from concept to completion?  What will make it buzzworthy and resonate with guests?   We will hear from Susan Werremeyer, an event management pro, who specializes in nonprofit galas with her company, Carlton Werremeyer.  Susan will discuss the framework to produce impactful, successful events on nonprofit budgets. She'll share some of the latest and greatest ideas for small to large scale events, from mission-focused moments to unexpected entertainment and more.

About the Speakers

Susan Werremeyer 

Susan Werremeyer created Carlton|Werremeyer (CW) in 2004 to fill an event management void in the St. Louis market. CW has served over 45 clients, mainly non-profits, by managing large-scale galas and various fundraising initiatives. Dedicated to work with organizations that in turn make St. Louis a better place to live and play, CW’s client roster includes Dance St. Louis, St. Louis Symphony, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, Arch Grants, Meds & Food for Kids, Wyman, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital among others.

Formerly, Susan was the Director of Development and Communications for the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and worked in Development and Marketing with the St. Louis Symphony.

Susan is active in the community lending her leadership and expertise to several organizations including Laumeier Sculpture Park (Board Member), Food Outreach (Past Board President) and the Refugee and Immigrant Support Group. Susan was recognized as one of the Business Journal’s “40 under 40” in 2009.

Joining Susan Werremeyer will be Décorum’s Creative Director, Laura Katherine Smith.  Décorum is an innovative event design and décor firm specializing in custom design solutions for lighting, graphics, fabric along with luxury rentals, and installation. 

Laura’s distinctive event design experience is rooted in living in New York City and producing and designing a wide range of events across the country. Her combination of creative instinct, impeccable taste and planning expertise brings a unique perspective in conceptualizing, designing and delivering creations for all types of events.

Prior to moving to St. Louis, Laura served as Director of Operations for world renowned Renny & Reed Floral and Event Design where she oversaw the design and production of weddings, philanthropic galas, corporate and private celebrations, and intimate affairs at noteworthy venues including The American Museum of Natural History (NY), New York Public Library, Park Avenue Armory (NY), Villa Sevillano (Santa Barbara, CA), Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore and Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club (Santa Barbara), White Elephant (Nantucket, MA), and Jupiter Island Club (FL).

During her tenure at R&R she worked with private clients, international event planners and a variety of organizations including The Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation, US Equestrian Team, Hermès, Baseball Hall of Fame, Drawing Center, Hampton Classic and March of Dimes. In addition to her event work, she led annual holiday installations at the prominent St. Regis and Peninsula NY Hotels on Fifth Avenue, as well as the Sofitel Hotel NY and various commercial and residential properties throughout Manhattan