Designing Events People Actually Remember

In this episode of Foundry Talks, host Rachel Stojanovski chats with Santa Barbara veterans Kirsten VanBrunt (KVB) and Andra Escola about crafting luxury meetings, iconic weddings, and incentive trips that feel rooted in place. They unpack how human connection, early trust, and cross-department collaboration turn complex logistics into smooth execution, plus why great DMC partners are the key to transforming “on-property” agendas into Santa Barbara experiences.KVB and Andra share a modern planner’s checklist, varied activities, easy-to-love amenities, and teams that can deliver under pressure, while explaining how properties can sell weddings visually with blank-canvas spaces and locally inspired welcome events. They also touch on AI as a fast ideation tool, post-COVID “last-minute” challenges, and the importance of timelines and team buy-in. It’s a crisp masterclass in turning logistics into lasting memories.