Services & Staff
We pride ourselves on our ability to develop concepts that are as compelling to the target audience as they are successful for the client, and we make a habit of coming in at or under budget.
As an event team we offer skills specific to your project, such as event management, oversight of logistics, thematic planning, and creative input to meet your goals. We also offer you and your organization the opportunity to focus on the event as hosts while we ensure continuity and the smooth execution of the event programs. We are available to our clients by office and cell phone, e-mail, fax, and carrier pigeon, as well as for face-to-face meetings. We are accessible and communicative because we are hands-on and proactive, and we strive for client satisfaction throughout all stages of the event process.
April Severson
April has been producing events for more than 15 years and has delighted audiences in London, Honolulu, Chicago, Bombay, Portland, San Francisco, New York and Las Vegas. From the moment a client first presents an idea straight through until the last piece of glitz is swept up April is involved, planning, facilitating, managing, implementing, and designing. She brought a 17' lemon-colored snake named Sunshine to a Maharaja's silken harem tent; twirling aerialists to a hotel's lofty exterior; sparkling fireworks to a rooftop conference; and lots of enthusiasm (and precise coordination) to blowing up a nuclear cooling tower.
April is a woman of great range and her events reflect it -- each one unique and tailored to realize the client's vision, every one a distinct and satisfying experience. Before opening ASE April worked as a public relations director, a communications manager for an Oregon state agency, an account executive in Honolulu and at the London International Fashion Shows.
April is active on Cascade Aids Project's events steering committee and is a member of the Portland Art Museum's Young Patron's Executive Committee.
April lives with her glorious daughter and well-behaved poodle in SE Portland where she can be found most often preparing for dinner parties or digging away in her garden.
Collaborative Partners
Cindy Thompson, Cindy Thompson Event productions
Katie Lesseg, Cindy Thompson Event Productions
Bob Gandolfi, Bob Gandolfi Event Productions
Katie Hilgemann
Katie joins ASE as a seasoned events consultant and creative force. She has six years of event experience, working on events in Portland, Las Vegas, LA and Seattle. Katie worked with an event production company for three years, specializing in large-scale corporate events and weddings, before moving into advertising. She currently works at NORTH as a project manager, but still loves to plan weddings and fantastic events on the side.
In her free time Katie can often be found singing lead vocals in her band with her drummer husband, or running around town with her two adorable pups. Katie is an adamant supporter of Oregon Dog Rescue, and often is out trying to find new homes for dogs (and the occasional cat) in need.
Lori Fletcher
Lori brings her strategic business management and development skills to ASE. She has worked in a variety of industries, in both the for-profit and not-for profit sectors, developing and executing business plans for high level growth for over 20-years.
A strong background in sales drives Lori to push for growth and expansion while providing stellar and joyful service to clients.
Lori gets jazzed about nerdy things and loves to laugh with others. She is an explorer and recently returned to Portland after working living in LA working in the music industry. Lori is delighted to return to the rain and great coffee. She can be found walking all over NE Portland with her dog Lucy and yearns to be in Boston with her grand-baby, Olive.
And, Lori is ecstatic to working with such a smart, funny, creative, collaborative group of gals.
Allison Picard
Allison Picard has been involved in events since she was five and begged to be allowed to write out the place cards for her mother's dinner parties. Her work has included fashion shows, political functions, music festivals, fundraisers, hotel openings, galas, and a party at a water treatment facility (don't be jealous). She can always appear calm, even when the kitchen is on fire, which makes her a valuable asset to any event team. Allison loves yoga, whiskey, shoes, and Chanel No. 5.
Carly Spoljaric
Carly threw her first event at the age of 13 when she organized a surprise birthday party for her mother, events have been in her blood ever since. She started her event career working as April’s assistant three years later. Carly worked from the initial stages of basic concepts as they developed into extravaganzas. Carly has worked on events in Portland, Seattle, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Mexico City and San Francisco.
In 2007 Carly was hired as an executive assistant and event manager for a venture capital firm. Moving to California she entered the start up world in the technology industry, producing conferences, launch parties and other events. She currently manages the firm’s events for all three offices in New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Carly continues to work with April as an event consultant.