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I lead integrated marketing and event strategies that connect, scale, and…
Articles by Karen April
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Are You Actually Being Authentic—Or Just Saying You Are?
Are You Actually Being Authentic—Or Just Saying You Are?
Authenticity isn't just a nice-to-have anymore. It’s not a trendy buzzword floating around brand decks or leadership…
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Leading Without All the Answers
Leading Without All the Answers
I used to believe strong leadership meant always having the answers. That being “professional” meant keeping things…
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Confidence, Connection, and the Gift of Bringing Our Kids Along
Confidence, Connection, and the Gift of Bringing Our Kids Along
This weekend, I co-hosted an in-person event in Naples for the charity I work for—part of a larger campaign that’s…
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I Thought I Was Just Tired—Until I Couldn’t Keep Going: Here’s My Story about Burnout
I Thought I Was Just Tired—Until I Couldn’t Keep Going: Here’s My Story about Burnout
Burnout Doesn’t Always Announce Itself—Sometimes It Just Shows Up and Stays For years, I worked long, demanding…
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Karen April Coons reposted thisKaren April Coons reposted thisWill you lead a Hike for Haiti team? We’re looking for leaders to bring together friends, coworkers, schools, faith groups, fitness communities, and families for the 8th Annual Hike for Haiti challenge! The best part? You can make a difference from anywhere in the world (including from home)! The Hike for Haiti event was inspired by the 10.5-mile journey of students and families in the rural community of Marre à Coiffe, who travel steep mountain paths to reach school and access clean water and healthcare resources. As a Team Captain, you choose the activity—whether it’s a hike, walk, run, skate, fitness class, or another group challenge—and bring your community together to fundraise, move in solidarity, and make a meaningful impact. We’ll support you every step of the way with tools, resources, and incentives to help you succeed. All Hike for Haiti participants are eligible for fundraising rewards and incentives, including branded merchandise, gift cards to favorite stores, and airfare vouchers to anywhere JetBlue flies. Become a Team Captain Today: hopeforhaiti.com/hike #hikeforhaiti #lead #teamcaptain #community #Haiti
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Karen April Coons shared thisSo this is pretty cool… The organization I work for, Hope for Haiti, is raffling off 2 tickets to the Haiti vs. Brazil World Cup match on June 19—plus airfare from JetBlue (good through Dec 1 to anywhere they fly). And it’s not just the grand prize—there are a few other really great ones in there too. Honestly, for $25 a ticket, it feels like a no-brainer. Even if you’re not a huge soccer fan… two free flights isn’t exactly a bad deal. More importantly, it all supports healthcare in Haiti, which makes it even better. If you want to check it out: https://lnkd.in/g7uCUF-X
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Karen April Coons shared thisReally proud to be part of this team and the work we’re doing in South Haiti. So much of this is made possible by the incredible support of our donors, partners, and community. If you’d like to learn more about our work or ways to get involved, feel free to message me.Karen April Coons shared thisThe theme of this year’s annual report is Igniting Hope. It reflects both the impact achieved over the past year and the enduring journey that Hope for Haiti has carried forward since 1989. Our work in Haiti is shaped by compassion, strengthened by partnership, and sustained by a shared belief in what is possible. Despite ongoing challenges in Haiti, your partnership continues to drive meaningful progress across southern Haiti. In 2025, your support helped create safer learning environments for thousands of children, saved lives through our Healthcare and Referral program, expanded access to clean water, strengthened healthcare supply chains, and empowered families to build stronger futures through Economic Development resources. We’re happy to share those powerful stories in this report. See the report now at https://lnkd.in/giUPB7R #annualreport #Haiti #nonprofit #hopeforhaiti #healthequity
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Karen April Coons reposted thisKaren April Coons reposted thisJoin Us Saturday, April 18, for the Hike for Haiti - Naples, FL Edition! Your registration includes admission into the Naples Botanical Garden for the event, a 2026 Hike for Haiti t-shirt, and a picnic-style brunch with a celebration toast. Child and adult tickets available: https://lnkd.in/gH8AC4SB Location: The Naples Botanical Garden (4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples, FL 34112) Agenda: 8:30 AM: Registration 9:00 AM: Start the "hike" around the gardens together. (Not a race.) 10:00 AM: Join us for a brunch picnic and celebration toast! (Included in fundraising commitment.) Guests are welcome to stay and explore the beautiful botanical gardens at no additional charge. Each event registration includes: -A limited edition Hike for Haiti t-shirt -Admission into the Naples Botanical Garden on April 18 -Picnic-style brunch with a celebration toast -Support for Hope for Haiti's partner communities in the Greater South Purpose: In the rural community of Marre à Coiffe, Haiti, students and families climb the equivalent of 200 flights of stairs from the bottom of a mountain to access clean water, healthcare, and education. During the Naples Hike for Haiti activation, participants are invited to hike in solidarity with the families of Marre à Coiffe and experience a small glimpse of the daily journey many Haitians make to access essential resources. Together, we hike to raise awareness and critical funds to support Hope for Haiti’s work in education, healthcare, water, and economic development across southern Haiti. By participating in the Hike for Haiti this year, your registration or donation will directly support our Education and Healthcare programs.
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Karen April Coons reposted thisKaren April Coons reposted thisOur Annual Gala silent auction is now open for bidding! From sports and culinary experiences, golf outings, hotel stays, and much more, you won't want to miss your chance to claim your favorite packages. Proceeds from the auction directly support Hope for Haiti's transformative programs in southern Haiti. Browse & Bid Now: https://lnkd.in/gVg_VkwT Please note: Physical auction items must be picked up in Naples, Florida, or arrangements to do so must be made by the auction winner. Thank you! P.S. A limited number of tickets for the gala on Saturday, February 21, are still available! Visit hopeforhaiti.com/gala to purchase yours.
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Karen April Coons shared thisWhat a wonderful evening. Proud to have been part of this meaningful event 👏Karen April Coons shared thisWe want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our guests, sponsors, and wineries for joining us at this year’s Vineyards in the Valley in Scottsdale, AZ! Your enthusiasm, energy, and support made the event truly memorable. The funds you helped generate made a meaningful impact—our raffle and silent auction alone raised over $80,000, contributing to an estimated grand total of $320,000 raised for Hope for Haiti’s healthcare programs! This total includes an extremely generous donor match from the Puskas Foundation for Women and Children, which we are so grateful for. These funds directly support our Healthcare program by covering the costs of specialized healthcare services, like lab testing and cancer screening, referrals to specialists, and emergency surgeries, as well as importing and distributing millions of dollars’ worth of vital medication and medical equipment from our partners to patients via our infirmary and mobile clinics. We’re thrilled to share that this total surpassed our fundraising goal, and it had everything to do with your generosity and support!
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Karen April Coons reposted thisKaren April Coons reposted thisEvent strategy is different in 2026. Here’s how and what you MUST know: Old events: Attendee experience is an afterthought New events: Attendee experience is non-negotiable → People don’t just want a seat, they want a story → Build moments of surprise, connection, and reflection Old events: Pack the agenda back-to-back New events: Blank space is a power move → Engagement thrives when the schedule isn’t suffocating → Breaks, wellness rooms, and intentional pauses increase retention Old events: AV production = an afterthought New events: AV production = experience amplifier → Lighting, sound, and video design shape emotions → Immersive experiences that people carry beyond the event Old events: Sponsors get logo placement New events: Sponsors get experiences → Moments designed for real connections with attendees → Interactive activations that spark engagement and strengthen relationships Old events: The goal is attendance New events: The goal is impact → Success isn’t just “registrations” → It’s about what people felt, who they met, and what they took away - naturally building loyalty and long-term value for your organization --- Events in 2026 reward meaning, not volume. It’s about connection, not checklists. Your story is your biggest event asset. AI won’t replace event planners, but planners using AI will replace those who don't. System > scramble. Play the long game. ♻️ Repost to help event leaders reimagine what’s possible in 2026. P.S. Join 4,000+ event organizers & conveners on my company newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gatKZRTH
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Karen April Coons reposted thisKaren April Coons reposted thisI'm excited to share that I'm looking for a Communications & Marketing Intern to join my team at Hope for Haiti! The primary focus will be on social media, including social listening and monitoring, drafting and scheduling posts, and ideating new social media content in alignment with our brand voice and goals. Perfect for a motivated soon-to-be grad or entry-level pro interested in getting more on-the-job experience! This is a remote, part-time role beginning in January 2026. If you or anyone you know may be a good fit, check out the full description here: https://lnkd.in/g7PrJNKE. Of course, please feel free to share this to help spread the word! Thank you! #internship #socialmedia #nonprofit #remoteinternship
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Karen April Coons liked thisKaren April Coons liked thisImpact in Action: Our March Impact Report is here! Get a closer look at exactly what our team accomplished, thanks to the support of our partners and supporters. You can learn more about each of our programs on our website, or see more monthly impact reports at https://lnkd.in/g3EpaKeX! #Haiti #HopeforHaiti
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Karen April Coons liked thisKaren April Coons liked thisMy friend, I've watched you pour yourself into everything you create: your work, your ideas, your relentless belief that design can change the world. Just a few days ago, I had the honour of officiating as Karim Rashid married the love of his life, Kiana Ahmadi, at Castello Visconteo in Italy. After all those years of watching you make iconic work, the most beautiful thing you've ever made is a life with her. Congratulations to you both. -Paul
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Karen April Coons liked thisKaren April Coons liked thisHope for Haiti invites you to join us for A Moment of Hope, taking place in New York City on Thursday, June 18, 2026, featuring author and professor Roxane Gay. This gathering will bring together supporters for a program focused on storytelling, community, and the future of Hope for Haiti’s work in southern Haiti. Guests will hear directly about plans for a new, resilient campus designed to expand access to healthcare, strengthen emergency preparedness, and support long-term community stability. The evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner prepared by the renowned, Haitian-owned Fleurimond Catering, live entertainment by Haitian-American composer and violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), and a program focused on storytelling and programmatic impact. Event Details Thursday, June 18, 2026 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Mezzanine, 55 Broadway, New York, NY Cocktail/Business Attire Tickets are $250 per person, and a portion of each ticket is tax-deductible. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with a community of supporters and learn more about a critical initiative focused on strengthening healthcare access and resilience in Haiti. To reserve your seat, visit https://lnkd.in/g7qxNMKJ
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Karen April Coons liked thisKaren April Coons liked thisIf every 49 year old knew how true this was the world would be a much happier place, listen carefully, this isn’t delusion or optimism, based on how old people are living and how vibrant 60-70-80 year olds are .. 49 is young! Period, you’ve got another 49 … now what! Imagine how I feel about people under 40 in this community ❤️❤️❤️
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Karen April Coons reacted on thisKaren April Coons reacted on thisDOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! (Match ends May 3rd @ 6pm Central) https://lnkd.in/e43NAYrQ I've been fundraising for Hope for Haiti since April 1st on Twitch, and thanks to Electronic Arts (EA) (Maxis Studios - EA), they are matching up to $3000 we're $2000 away from reaching the goal! 100% of this donation will support Hope For Haiti's education and healthcare programs in southern Haiti, benefitting tens of thousands of people each year. Learn more about Hope For Haiti: https://lnkd.in/eQZd-GNM
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Karen April Coons reacted on thisKaren April Coons reacted on this🥳Our incredible friend and long-time advocate, Stephen Works // SpringSims LLC, just wrapped up his Tiltify fundraiser for this year's Hike for Haiti, and we're so grateful! Stephen puts so much time and energy into rallying his community and raising funds to support education and healthcare access through our programs. With his leadership, our amazing Tiltify team has raised $10,288 to support education & healthcare access in Haiti in just a month! 💛 Please join us in thanking him! Our Tiltify Hike for Haiti fundraiser is still going on if you'd like to contribute: https://lnkd.in/gy278dE4
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Karen April Coons liked thisKaren April Coons liked this🇭🇹⚽️ This is more than a match—it’s history in the making. And now, you have the chance to be there. Enter to win tickets to see Les Grenadiers take on Brazil in Philly and support life-saving healthcare for families in Haiti at the same time. Every entry makes a real impact: just $25 can provide a medical consultation at our clinic in Les Cayes or at a mobile clinic in a rural community. 162 tickets sold and $5,300 raised so far! 🎟️ Enter now: hopeforhaiti.com/worldcup 📅 Live drawing: May 15 #Haiti #WorldCup #HopeForHaiti #futbol #HaitiVsBrazil
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Karen April Coons liked thisKaren April Coons liked thisMore than 150 years in the making 🏇 Cherie DeVaux has made history as the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, with her horse Golden Tempo capturing the 152nd running of the race. After starting at the back of the pack, Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, surged ahead in the final stretch of America’s most iconic horse race. The victory marks a milestone decades in the making. Only 19 starters in Derby history have been trained by women. Before DeVaux, the closest a woman had come to winning was Shelley Riley, who finished second with Casual Lies in 1992. DeVaux began her career as a stable worker, rose to become an assistant trainer, and launched her own stable in 2018. She had long set her sights on the achievement, once saying the “only thing that I want to do in my career is be the first female to win a Kentucky Derby.”
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Karen April Coons liked thisKaren April Coons liked thisAn older, wiser Kate Winslet shared a profound message with her younger self, delivered in a dream: slow down. It’s all going to be okay. What advice would you give your younger self?
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leading Edge
This video appears to be a placeholder or a short transition. If you have a specific topic or message in mind, please provide the transcript for a more tailored caption. Otherwise, consider using this space to pose a question to your network related to your industry or recent professional experiences. Looking forward to engaging with your insights! #ProfessionalDevelopment #ThoughtLeadership #Networking #BusinessInsights
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Katie Ernst
The best client–vendor relationships aren’t built on proposals — they’re built on the conversations that matter. Recently, BizBash shared 7 unexpected questions planners should ask their vendors. I LOVE when clients dig deeper - it moves the focus beyond logistics and pricing to the way we work together. • What are your values, and how do they show up in your work? • How do you prepare to align with our brand? • What’s your approach when things go wrong? These aren’t “gotcha” questions — they’re the ones that uncover whether your vendor is simply dropping off product or becoming a partner who helps execute a vision. If you’re on the planning side: what’s one question you’ve asked that helped you truly understand a vendor’s style? And if you’re a vendor like us: what’s the question you most love to answer? #boweryandbash #eventdesign #eventfurniture https://lnkd.in/ghuFYSqM
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Keith Johnston
Most event teams don’t have a data problem. They have a too many systems pretending to be the source of truth problem. We see it all the time: --Registration says one thing --Marketing reports say another --Finance has their own version (usually a spreadsheet… or five) And suddenly everyone is debating numbers instead of making decisions. Recently, we worked with a client to untangle this exact mess—simplifying their tech stack and building toward one clear, reliable source of truth the entire team could trust. I’ll be digging into that (and a few lessons learned along the way) tomorrow with an amazing group of #eventprofs.
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Shana Carr
Scaling content review doesn’t require more chaos, it requires better workflow design. Join our team members, Chris Brennaman and Kristen Hubbard, as they share how we’ve built flexible review workflows in RainFocus that support high session volume, multi-step approvals, and better stakeholder transparency across multiple major events. #EventTech #RainFocus #EventProfs #SpeakerManagement #ContentStrategy #ProgramManagement
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Al Mercuro
In 2025, sustainability has evolved from a mere trend to a critical necessity within the event industry. Live events now prioritize sustainability through advanced waste reduction strategies, data-driven analytics for measuring green initiatives' impact, and partnerships with eco-conscious suppliers. Industry associations are pivotal in sharing knowledge and facilitating the practical application of sustainable principles. Key Examples of Sustainable Initiatives: - Climate Week NYC: - Event Carbon Measurement Starter Pack: Organizations like isla & IMEX offer tools to assist event professionals in quantifying & controlling their carbon footprint. - The Earth Prize: A competition encouraging student projects addressing environmental challenges & fostering sustainability innovation - Sustainability Week: The Economist, this event attracts a discerning audience keen on sustainability practices -Music Sustainability Summit: Produced by the Music Sustainability Alliance Robust sustainability programs across industries help the music industry progress faster & more effectively. -Greenbuild International Conference & Expo Expo November 4-7, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA -The UFI Sustainable Development Award: The competition open to all companies from the exhibition industry (organizers, venues, service providers, associations) -NFL Experience: Over 30 tons of carpeting, equivalent to about 9 acres of Renew carpet sourced by 12By Event Flooring in collaboration with NFL Green was recycled and repurposed from the @Super Bowl event. -The Exhibitor Advocate: From RFP to Reality: Using the Sustainability Sourcing Compass https://lnkd.in/evrvjNYi -2025 Immersive Sustainability Nature Retreat Chance AKA The Designer 🐺 -DNC 2024 Food Rescue:https://lnkd.in/eFFDhk5G -Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction: EDPA - Experiential Designers & Producers Association,, Exhibition Services & Contractors Association, Events Industry Council https://lnkd.in/eqhf4Er3 The prevailing theme in 2025 is a notable shift towards responsible & sustainable event management, spurred by increasing consumer expectations, industry-wide cooperation, & technological progress. The industry is witnessing tangible actions towards sustainability rather than just talk, reflecting a genuine commitment to environmentally conscious practices Read more at: (https://lnkd.in/erNV3P2k) Genesis Exhibits MUSE (Members United for Sustainable Events) Michele Fox UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton Marco Barozzi Mercedes M. Hunt, PhD Suzanne_ Morrell, Glenn Hansen Julie Kagy, CEM Dasher Lowe Paul Salinger Amy Morrison Hazel Bagwell Honeycomb Strategies ENGIE Impact National Football League (NFL) Ben Wielgus Neel Vasavada Jason Popp Eduardo de Almeida Lebre Nancy J. Zavada CMP Cassandra Michler Marley Finnegan Eventex 🤝 Meetings & Events Support Association (MESA)
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Marie Johnson, CMP
Selecting a trusted event management partner is a big decision. It's a strategic decision that shapes attendee experience, brand perception, and business outcomes. In my role, I've reviewed hundreds of RFPs and answered thousands of questions. And, I've seen firsthand how the structure of an RFP impacts the quality, creativity, and thoroughness of responses and proposals. For a few tips on how to get started drafting questions for your next RFP, check out this helpful resource. Or, interested in going deeper, let's chat.
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