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In the dynamic world of event planning, few professionals possess the passion, creativity, and dedication that define Annie Benisch. Known for her ability to seamlessly blend logistics with imagination, Annie has carved out a reputation as an innovative event planner and designer. With a career spanning corporate events, charity fundraisers, and creative community projects, she continues to leave an indelible mark on every gathering she orchestrates.
Born in San Jose and raised in Modesto, Annie Benisch's journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her formative years at Modesto High School were marked by academic and athletic achievements, including her graduation from the International Baccalaureate program and her active participation in water polo and swimming teams.
Annie's academic pursuits took her to UC Davis, where she served as Vice President of the Pi Beta Phi sorority while continuing her involvement in aquatic sports. Following her graduation, she embarked on her professional career in San Francisco, exploring various industries before discovering her passion for event planning at Sephora. During her time there, Annie managed prestigious events such as the National Store Directors Conference in Las Vegas, honing her ability to coordinate large-scale gatherings with precision and flair.
Annie Benisch specializes in creating meaningful and impactful events, whether virtual, in-person, or hybrid. Her expertise spans conferences, trade shows, employee engagement events, and charity fundraisers. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction have made her a sought-after figure in the industry.
A hallmark of Annie's work is her proficiency with a wide range of tools, including Salesforce CRM, Zoom, Cisco WebEx, Adobe Connect, Trello, Asana, MailChimp, CVENT, Streamyard, Notion, Canva, Illustrator, Awardforce, EventCaddy, and Event Create. These tools enable her to manage complex projects seamlessly, ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly.
For Annie, one defining moment was planning her first independent corporate retreat. Referred by a friend, the event featured luxurious glamping tents, top-tier catering, and a meticulously crafted itinerary. This experience served as a turning point, showing Annie that her talents could thrive beyond corporate structures. It was the catalyst for her decision to establish her event planning business, Planned by Anne.
Her contributions also extend to community-focused initiatives. As a co-founder of DOMO Walls, an international mural festival in Modesto, Annie has played a pivotal role in transforming the city’s downtown with over 25 stunning murals. Additionally, her involvement in the Make Dreams Real Golf Tournament has helped raise over $350,000 annually for children’s charities.
At the core of Annie Benisch's success are her personal and professional values: hard work, kindness, and relationship building. Her approach emphasizes clear communication, trust, and collaboration, ensuring that every event runs smoothly and every client feels valued.
Annie believes that success lies in creating moments that people cherish long after the event concludes. Her dedication to fostering strong relationships with clients and vendors sets her apart, creating an environment where collaboration thrives and creativity flourishes.
When asked about her inspiration, Annie credits her Oma and Aunt Betsy for instilling in her a love for hosting and event design. Their warmth, hospitality, and attention to detail laid the foundation for Annie's approach to planning memorable gatherings.
Annie also finds motivation in industry leaders like Colin Cowie and Mindy Weiss, whose innovative designs and client-centered approaches inspire her to continuously elevate her work. Additionally, she admires Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, for her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to empowering women.
In the fast-paced world of event planning, challenges are inevitable. Annie recalls a significant challenge during a corporate sales retreat where a venue mix-up threatened to derail the event. Her calm demeanor, quick thinking, and collaborative approach with the venue staff turned a potential disaster into a seamless experience for attendees.
Annie emphasizes the importance of adaptability and preparation, noting that success often lies in how well one can respond to unforeseen obstacles.
For Annie, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential to sustaining creativity and productivity. Her daily routine begins with meditation, followed by exercise, and a focus on maintaining meaningful connections with friends and family. Her calendar remains her trusted tool for staying organized and prioritizing both professional and personal commitments.
Annie's passion extends beyond her professional work into meaningful community initiatives. Her contributions to DOMO Walls have enriched Modesto's cultural landscape, while her involvement in the Make Dreams Real Golf Tournament has made a tangible difference in children’s lives.
She also actively supports Matthew's Vision, a foundation honoring a dear friend’s brother, further highlighting her commitment to causes that create lasting positive change.
Looking ahead, Annie remains excited about the evolving landscape of event planning. She anticipates continued growth in experiential design, personalization, and sustainable practices. Her dedication to staying informed about industry trends ensures that she remains at the forefront of innovative event experiences.
Annie Benisch is more than an event planner—she’s a storyteller, a community builder, and a visionary leader. Her ability to blend creativity with organization, passion with precision, and ambition with kindness sets her apart in an industry defined by high expectations and constant evolution.
Whether she’s orchestrating a corporate conference, raising funds for a charity, or bringing art to life through community initiatives, Annie Benisch approaches every project with authenticity and purpose. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring event planners and a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and genuine human connection.
When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences, Annie Benisch’s passion, expertise, and attention to detail set her apart as a leader in the world of event planning and design. From corporate conferences to charity galas and community festivals, her ability to transform visions into seamless realities speaks volumes.
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering, a large-scale corporate event, or a meaningful charity initiative, Planned by Anne is your go-to partner for excellence. Visit Planned by Anne today to discover how Annie can turn your next event into an extraordinary experience. Let's bring your vision to life—one thoughtful detail at a time!
