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 - 2011
Oxford, England
OMIDYAR NETWORK
Annual Conference, 2006 - 2011
Redwood City, CA
ENDEAVOR
2011
San Francisco, CA
SMITH SCHOOL OF ENTERPRISE & THE ENVIRONMENT
2011
Oxford, England
NOT FOR SALE
2011
San Francisco, CA
PLAYWORKS USA (FORMERLY SPORTS4KIDS)
2009 - 2010
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, Administrative Assistant, Graphic Designer
Michelle is a new addition to the Caspian Team as of July. She graduated 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. She recently graduated 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.
Louise Wo, Project Manager
Louise is based in the Bay Area and has worked with A Caspian Production since February 2010. Her background and experience is mostly in managing projects for education and performing arts organizations, including Colorado Ballet, Up with People and the Kennedy-Lugar Youth and Exchange Program. For Caspian, she has worked with HarperStudio, IFX International and the Skoll Foundation, among others. Louise is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for organizations that want to make a difference in the world. When not working, Louise can be found expressing her musings on http://fortunecookiecrumbles.com, dancing and watching "Dexter". She enjoys good food, world travel and most things cultural or artistic. @LouisePWo
Jule Capehart
Jule Capehart has over 15 years experience in the world of advertising and marketing. She has worked in both the agency and corporate side of the business for companies such as Deutsch, Saatchi & Saatchi and DirecTV and has work with clients like Qualcomm, Toyota and Oracle to name a few. On top of project management at large corporations, she has been involved with a number of start ups and has created departments within smaller companies. A world traveler, Jule has lived in three continents, traveled throughout most of the United States, Europe, South and Central America and within three African countries. She graduated from Northeastern University. When not working or traveling, Jule enjoys being outdoors working out, skiing or at the beach with her husband, 2 step kids and dog.
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.