Caspian was founded in May 2005 with the goal of providing a new way of viewing event strategy and execution to companies through a business plan lens. Heather Mason, founder, brought her backgrounds of film, marketing, and project management together to create a methodology for conferences which could be replicated and measured. This has become the Caspian 10 Essentials.
In addition, she had a vision to create a company which would help innovative organizations and non-profits - people involved in changing the world for good.
Caspian was fortunate enough to have the Skoll Foundation as an early client, introducing the concept of Social Entrepreneurship and a new focus. So, while we work with all types of innovative companies, we have a particular soft spot for those who blend capitalist minds with philanthropic hearts and focus on a triple bottom line approach of People, Planet and Profit.
Starting with a staff of one, Caspian has grown to ten, located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Utah. However we work anywhere in the country and around the world.
SKOLL FOUNDATION AND SKOLL CENTRE
Annual Conference, 2006 - 2012
Oxford, England
OMIDYAR NETWORK
Annual Conference, 2006 - 2013
Redwood City, CA
ENDEAVOR
2011/2013 [bi-annual conference]
San Francisco, CA
SMITH SCHOOL OF ENTERPRISE & THE ENVIRONMENT
2011
Oxford, England
NOT FOR SALE
2011
San Francisco, CA
PLAYWORKS USA (FORMERLY SPORTS4KIDS)
2009 - 2012
San Francisco, CA
IFX ONLINE
Annual Conference, 2005 - 2010
San Diego, CA
HARPER STUDIOS & VANITY FAIR
2010
New York, NY
SJF ADVISORY SERVICES
Annual Conference, Sponsor Program Creation 2009
Durham, NC
GLOBAL FOOTPRINT NETWORK
Annual Conference Planning 2010
Siena, Italy
INVESTORS CIRCLE
Sponsorship Program Creation and Solicitation 2009
San Francisco, CA
TEDX SF
2009
San Francisco, CA
OPPORTUNITY AGENDA
Workshop Roadshows 2008
Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Atlanta
FINDING GRACE
Photo Shows 2007
Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston
THE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
Annual Conference 2006
San Francisco, CA
SKOLL FOUNDATION AND PBS
Documentary Premiere 2005
Palo Alto, CA
Notable Attendees:
Queen Rania of Jordan
Queen Noor of Jordan
Peter Gabriel
KT Tunstall
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson
Mikhail Gorbechev
President Jimmy Carter
Al Gore
Mohammad Yunus
Fadi Ghandour
Aloe Blacc
Mira Sorvino
Robert Redford
Sir Ben Kingsley
Lord David Puttnam
General Colin Powell
Jeff Skoll
Pierre Omidyar
Reid Hoffman
Biz Stone
Heather Mason, President Owner
Heather Mason is the president and owner of A Caspian Production. She founded the company in 2005, with a vision of specializing in producing conferences for the innovative business space. Combining her film and marketing background was a natural lead-in for conference production. Heather's previous work experience included five years at Fox studios and film festivals (Sundance and Cannes), project management at the Olympics, and a career in marketing in the early dot-com industry in both high tech and consumer services. She graduated with a degree in Journalism from Utah State University, and is on the Social Media Week LA Advisory Board, the San Diego Zoo Biomimicry Board of Advisors and the CORO Board of Directors.
Michelle Anderson, Project Manager, Graphic Designer
Michelle has been with Caspian since early 2011. A graduate from Utah State University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a minor in Photography and Interior Design, as well as a Photography study abroad in Switzerland. Her previous experience includes working as the lead designer for The University Inn & Conference Center, as well as on a collaborative design team for Sew Easy Industries, Inc., giving her the tools to provide a seamless and effective presentation of brand and vision through all conference pieces. When Michelle takes time off she makes a point to travel, enjoy the outdoors, get in a good run and spend time with her pup Cache.
Chad Bordes, Event Logistics Specialist
Chad Bordes, an Event Logistics Specialist, has an entrepreneurial spirit, with plenty of flair and dare to fit that mold. Bordes has and MBA from the University of Phoenix in Global Management. Previously, Bordes worked for Bay Travel, Globus and Cosmos, and the Travel Group Worldwide . Chad has an intrinsic knack with all things tech and is the first to label his self a "tech nerd". His ability to diagnose it and fix it gives him geek status. As an Events specialist Chad has traveled the world and handled many high profile corporate clients in this demanding arena. His high customer service ethic, fashioned on that of his hero Richard Branson sets him apart as he has a deep sense of commitment to making the customer experience the very best there is.
Dawn Coraci, Project Manager
Dawn recently located to Los Angeles from Las Vegas. Her first exposure to event planning stems from years of participating in the Student Program Board at Oakland University. Prior to working with Caspian, she was the event coordinator at Cirque du Soleil, on the production crew at House of Blues and managed a non-profit. Dawn loves brainstorming with the Caspian team and watching the ideas turn into a successful event. Dawn takes time out to explore new hiking trails, attend concerts, travel and support local restaurants.
Laura Cox, Senior Project Manager
Laura has worked in the event industry for over 15 years. Her background includes international and domestic work and spans the financial, higher education and nutrition industries. She has a proven ability to plan high profile events, design and deliver successful marketing initiatives and develop efficient strategies. Laura's passion for what she does ultimately drives her events to success. When Laura is not working she enjoys spending time with her two young children and has a passion for travel.
Heddy Fawson, Registration Manager
Heddy has been with A Caspian Production since August of 2010. A graduate from Utah State University where she double majored in International Business and Economics. She is also a graduate of Market Based Management, a management program in Washington DC which focuses specifically on non-profit success. Her previous experience includes managing Utah State's microfinance partner-project while living in Trujillo, Peru, and managing all inventory flows at a local sporting goods store. Heddy enjoys skiing, eating, and playing with her dog, Ira, when she's not working.
Erin Lacey, Senior Project Manager
Erin's background is in feature film development and story. During more than a decade in Hollywood, she managed the story departments at multiple studio production companies and was honored to work for several Oscar-winning directors. After joining the production team for the 75th Academy Awards, she became fascinated with events and decided to transition into the field. She spent several years coordinating social events in the Los Angeles area before settling into conference production. Erin now brings her project management expertise to Caspian's clients, assisting them in managing their timelines and realizing their goals. Erin is a graduate of Boston University. She has been involved with several event professionals' networking groups, including ISES and ABC. Erin is also active in fundraising for the National MS Society and participates in Walk MS each year.
Lindsey Thomson-Levin, Project Manager
Lindsey Thomson-Levin comes to Caspian with several years of both non-profit and corporate event experience. Based in San Francisco, she has worked with numerous organizations throughout the Bay Area to produce events that strengthen progressive movements and mobilize resources for their work. Prior to joining the Caspian team, Lindsey was especially honored to help produce the 2012 Goldman Environmental Prize Ceremony. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Chicago and a professional certificate in Event and Meeting Planning from San Francisco State University. Lindsey serves on the board of a Bay Area women’s professional networking organization, and enjoys cooking, yoga, and rock climbing in her spare time.
Craig Whyte, Special Projects & VIP Coordinator
Craig has worked with the Caspian Team since 2008. A graduate from Utah State University with a BS in Business Management and International Business, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship, Craig works on special projects that involve strategic planning and VIP coordination. His professional background stems from significant experience in higher education, including development, marketing, and recruitment. His experience consulting for international corporations and start-up companies has enhanced his ability to work hand-in-hand with public relations firms, media outlets, and corporate executives. In his free time, Craig enjoys golfing, snow skiing, and travelling.
Rachel Rickards, Project Manager
Rachel Rickards, joined the Caspian team in July 2012, taking on the role of project manager for SUREFIRE. Rachel graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Event Management, as well as an Art History study abroad in Italy. Her diverse experience in the meeting and events industry has given her a well-rounded and resourceful confidence in project execution. Rachel’s competency and ability to handle multiple facets of event production and on-site execution has made her an invaluable team member. She is an innate problem solver with a passion for empowering the girls of today to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Rachel Seangsuwan, Project Manager
Rachel is an accomplished event professional with extensive experience in shaping and delivering a variety of events for both local and national non-profit organizations. Whether it is a luncheon or gala, fundraiser or conference, Rachel has been recognized for her ability to seamlessly create memorable events and experiences for her clients. Her creativity, passion, and enthusiasm make her a great addition to the Caspian Team and she is excited to be able to utilize her talents to help organizations make a positive impact in their community. She enjoys taking time out to travel, read, or try a new recipe and can often be found hiking, camping or snowboarding with her family in the beautiful mountains surrounding Salt Lake City, Utah.