Meet Deborah Elias

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Deborah Elias again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Deborah, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
My name is Deborah Elias, CSEP, CMP, CIS, and I am the founder and driving force behind Elias Events, LLC, a minority-owned event planning company based in Houston, Texas. For over 25 years, my team and I have specialized in creating award-winning events that leave lasting impressions, ranging from corporate gatherings and incentive travel to large-scale conferences and executive retreats.

What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and attention to detail. We pride ourselves on crafting events that seamlessly blend creativity with precision, ensuring every aspect is thoughtfully curated. Whether it’s a local event or an international destination experience, our focus is on delivering unforgettable moments that resonate with attendees long after the event concludes. Our ability to adapt, innovate, and cater to diverse client needs while maintaining cost-efficiency is one of our defining strengths.

The journey to where we are today has been both challenging and rewarding. Since launching Elias Events in 1998, we’ve consistently pushed boundaries in the industry, earning numerous awards and accolades for our work. Along the way, we’ve built strong relationships with clients, venues, and suppliers, giving us a unique ability to execute events with both creativity and reliability.

A major highlight of our journey has been our ability to make an impact beyond individual events. We’ve contributed to the broader event planning community by serving on industry boards, such as the Houston Chapter of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) and the Texas Meeting and Events Advisory Board. Sharing knowledge and shaping the industry through writing and speaking engagements has been equally rewarding, allowing us to inspire and collaborate with others in the field.

At Elias Events, our passion for innovation and dedication to client success fuel everything we do. We strive to create not just events, but memorable experiences that set new standards in the industry.

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on my journey and share an update on where things are today. Over the years, my career and company, Elias Events, have been filled with incredible experiences that continue to evolve and inspire me.

One of the highlights of my journey has been the privilege of planning events for past U.S. Presidents, which has been both humbling and rewarding. Working on events of such historical and national significance has taught me the value of precision, discretion, and the profound impact a well-executed event can have. Similarly, partnering with major corporations such as CBS, TBS, and Coca-Cola has allowed me to innovate on a grand scale, designing events that not only meet their high standards but also resonate deeply with their audiences.

My international experience has also been a cornerstone of my career. Planning global conferences and incentive trips across various continents has enriched my perspective and allowed me to blend diverse cultural elements into my work. Whether it’s a corporate retreat in the Caribbean or a high-stakes conference in Europe, the ability to create unique, memorable experiences for clients and attendees has been incredibly fulfilling.

Additionally, speaking at conferences around the world remains one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of my work. Sharing my insights on event innovations at industry gatherings such as The Special Event, IMEX, IBTM, and others has given me the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and stay at the forefront of industry trends. It’s always inspiring to engage with an audience that shares my passion for events.

These days, I’m most excited about the ways the industry is evolving, particularly with the integration of technology and sustainable practices in events. Virtual and hybrid events have opened up new possibilities for engagement, and I’m actively exploring creative ways to blend in-person and digital experiences to maximize impact. Sustainability is another area of focus for me—finding ways to reduce the environmental footprint of events while maintaining their wow factor is both challenging and rewarding.

Of course, like any journey, there have been ups and downs. The unpredictability of the industry can be daunting, especially during global challenges like the pandemic. However, those moments have also reinforced my resilience and ability to adapt. They’ve pushed me to innovate, whether by expanding into virtual meetings or finding new ways to deliver exceptional experiences within changing guidelines.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about the prospect of taking on even larger and more ambitious projects, further expanding my international footprint, and continuing to inspire through speaking engagements. It’s an exciting time, and I’m grateful for the relationships and experiences that have shaped my journey so far. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds and how I can continue to elevate the art of event planning.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption

Favorite Book: Gentleman in Moscow

Favorite TV Show: Shrinking

Favorite Band or Artist: Pink

Sweet or Savory: Savory

Mountains or Beach: Mountains

Favorite Sport (to watch): Football

Favorite Sport (to play): None – LOL

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): No

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Doctor

French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby Axelrod

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Calvin and Hobbes

Favorite Childhood movie: Willy Wonka

Favorite Breakfast Food: Bacon

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
What I want people to remember most about me and my brand, Elias Events, is our unwavering commitment to creating exceptional, unforgettable experiences. I want people to associate our name with innovation, excellence, and a personal touch that goes beyond expectations. It’s not just about planning events; it’s about crafting moments that leave a lasting impact and resonate with people on an emotional level.

What sets us apart is our ability to seamlessly blend creativity with precision. From the initial concept to the final execution, every detail is meticulously planned and tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Whether it’s a corporate event for a major brand like Coca-Cola, an international conference, or an intimate executive retreat, our goal is to deliver something extraordinary—events that spark conversation, inspire connection, and create lasting memories.

I also want people to remember the heart and passion behind the brand. As a minority-owned business, I’ve always been proud of overcoming challenges and breaking barriers while staying true to my values. Integrity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to client success are at the core of everything we do.

What I believe is most unique and special about Elias Events is our ability to innovate while maintaining a personal connection with our clients and their vision. We don’t just plan events; we tell stories, create environments, and deliver experiences that reflect the essence of our clients’ goals. Whether through working with international leaders, past presidents, or world-renowned brands, our dedication to excellence shines through in every project.

Above all, I want people to remember that Elias Events is about making the impossible possible, and doing so with creativity, grace, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our clients’ success is our success, and we strive to be a trusted partner in bringing their visions to life.

Website: https://www.eliasevents.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deboraheliascsepcmpcis/

Twitter: @eliasevents