President's Letter - July 2026

Dear ILEA Dallas Members,

As we begin the 2026-2027 term, our chapter is entering an exciting season of growth, collaboration, and opportunity. This is a chance to build on a long existing foundation, expand our connections, broaden our perspectives, and create even greater value for our members, our industry, and the clients we serve. I am honored to serve as your President, and I couldn't be more excited about what lies ahead.

My career in live events began in 2019 with The Original Butt Sketch, where I started as Personal Assistant to the owner and founding artist of one of the industry's most unique live entertainment experiences. From managing daily operations and scheduling to researching and implementing a new booking and CRM system, I learned this business from the ground up. Along the way, I fell completely in love with the event industry: the energy, the creativity, the fast-paced problem solving, and the incredible feeling of watching a thoughtfully designed experience transform an entire room.

Today, as Artist Business Manager, I oversee contract negotiations, bookings, artist management, and strategic growth for the brand. That journey has reinforced a simple truth: the most memorable events aren't created by talent alone. They're created through trusted relationships, shared expertise, innovative thinking, and professionals who support one another. That spirit of collaboration is exactly what I hope to cultivate throughout our chapter.

Since stepping into this role on July 1, I've had the privilege of meeting with members, listening to ideas, learning about your businesses, and exploring new ways our chapter can create meaningful opportunities. Every conversation has strengthened my belief that ILEA Dallas has tremendous potential to become an even greater dynamic resource for education, networking, professional growth, and industry leadership.

My vision is to foster a chapter where connections become partnerships, partnerships become friendships, and friendships become opportunities. I want ILEA Dallas to be known as the place where creative professionals encourage one another to think bigger, learn continuously, share generously, and elevate the standards of our industry together.

This vision is built on a culture of respect, integrity, transparency, collaboration, creativity, ambition, and innovation. Whether you are a planner, designer, caterer, venue partner, photographer, entertainer, or supplier, every member brings a unique perspective that strengthens our collective voice. Together, we have the opportunity not only to support one another's success but also to shape the future of the live events industry throughout North Texas.

Everything we do this year will be guided by ILEA's vision:

"To ensure a thriving global creative events profession by providing our members and stakeholders with collaborative networking, education and professional development, inspiration, and outward awareness and credibility."

I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead of us. By investing in one another, embracing fresh ideas, and remaining committed to excellence, we will continue expanding our impact, strengthening our community, and creating experiences that inspire not only our members but everyone we have the privilege to serve.

I look forward to building that future with each of you.

With Kindness,

Kobena Greenlee