• A strategically developed conference is a marketing tool employed to reach short-term and long-term goals. It is best at creating and maintaining relationships and inspiring action.
  • A conference is an extension of your brand and should always complement your other outreach programs, marketing plans, core values and goals.
  • Your event is an investment, and you should be able to measure your return on investment: six months out, one year out and years down the road. It should not attempt to 'break even' as a fundamental goal as that may compromise the big picture.
  • The use of an outside resource to develop your conference allows your employees to focus on the things that they do best for your organization. Just as you hire real estate professionals, accountants, etc, a conference production company brings the same level of expertise.
  • A conference can be expensive but it can be far more costly when not properly handled by professionals who have experience in working with hotel contracts, complex budgeting metrics, content curation strategies and cost saving methods.
  • Well-executed, efficient events are possible when following the Caspian 10 Essentials.

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
  • Michelle Anderson
  • Chad Bordes
  • Dawn Coraci
  • Laura Cox
  • Heddy Fawson
  • Erin Lacey
  • Lindsey Thomson-Levin
  • Craig Whyte
  • Rachel Rickards
  • Rachel Seangsuwan

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.