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Our Guest Moderator
Kathy Newby is a career event professional, with over 30 years of experience in the production and rental side of special events. Currently, Kathy is an Account Executive for AFR Furniture Rental, which offers exquisite furniture and accessory rentals for weddings, corporate meetings, special events, conferences, and trade shows nationwide. Kathy's expertise lies in venue transformation, logistics, and creating a seamless full-service event experience. Her accomplishments range from celebrity weddings and professional sports events to cultural celebrations and gala benefits.
Over her professional career, Kathy has held several key leadership positions with the International Live Events Association (ILEA) and the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA), and she has also been a member of National Association of Catering & Events (NACE). Kathy has been a guest speaker at many event industry conferences, and she has been honored with numerous prestigious awards as well as being quoted in several industry magazines.
Our Panel of Local Experts
Richard Aiple
General Manager
Nakoma Resort
Richard Aiple took on the General Manager role at Nakoma Resort in 2018 after years of extensive resort, hotel, food & beverage, and marketing experience. Prior to his arrival at Nakoma, Richard worked in various capacities throughout the hospitality industry with an emphasis on events and F&B. His experience includes national and international hotel operations including Hyatt and Hilton as well as independent resorts. Along with his time in hospitality, Richard also worked as an Events Consultant for PwC and served as the General Manager of a 2,700-member private yacht and country club.
In addition to his duties at Nakoma Resort, Richard serves as VP of the Lost Sierra Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Andy Bomberger, CPCE
Director of Event Sales
The Club at ArrowCreek
Andy Bomberger is a recognized leader in multiple facets of the meetings & events industry. A UNLV Rebel with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management, he returned to his roots in Reno, and has worked in Special Events for the only accredited Art Museum in the state of Nevada, as well as the first non-smoking, non-gaming, luxury boutique hotel in downtown Reno. Andy is now the Director of Event Sales for The Club at ArrowCreek, which provides an ideal country club experience with unparalleled views for an outdoor wedding.
Andy currently serves as the chapter president for the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) Reno-Tahoe Chapter, after having held numerous roles both in Las Vegas and nationally. He donates time and advocates for local non-profits, serving previously on the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and now the Reno Philharmonic Board of Trustees.
Karen Nichols is an accomplished event professional with the experience, connections, and resources to engineer successful events that thrill and inspire clients and their guests. She leads a talented team of artists, designers, event planners and coordinators who ensure every thoughtful detail is carefully crafted and beautifully executed.
A successful entrepreneur and industry leader for over 22 years, Karen started her career in hospitality at the Eldorado Resort. A decade later, she had the executive vision to combine a destination management company with a décor rental business, and Red Carpet Events and Design was born.
Karen’s goal is to create remarkable events that bring people together in meaningful, memorable ways. From corporate retreats, fundraising galas, to million-dollar weddings, she has organized spectacular events of all sizes and goals.
Karen is a board member for the Reno-Tahoe chapter of the Entrepeneur’s Organization. She is a founding member of the Reno Tahoe’s NACE chapter and a Nevada Women’s Fund Honoree.
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