Anne Frenette, Partner
Anne Frenette has been a leader in conference, trade show and special event management for over 20 years, including work with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). Ms. Frenette’s work has included events honoring senior government officials, super-star celebrities and top business leaders. The list includes President Clinton, Sir Elton John, Quincy Jones, Mary Tyler Moore, Steve Forbes, Randy Owen, Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, Meg Whitman and Michael J. Fox.
For several years, at NAB, Ms. Frenette produced their major gala to support the NAB Education Foundation, during which time revenue generated from the event jumped 136%. Ms. Frenette has significant trade show experience having worked on two of the largest trade events in North America--the International CES (Consumer Electronics Show), owned by CEA, and the NAB show--both held annually in Las Vegas. She has also executed numerous high-level destination board of directors meetings, executive retreats, and conferences at many of the most exclusive venues, hotels, and resorts in America.
Ms. Frenette received her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from the University of Maryland and holds the event industry’s highest certification of CMP (Certified Meeting Professional).
Brin Lewis, Partner
Brin Lewis has spent over 20 years in business, marketing and advertising, working with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and non profit organizations.
Prior to Thriv, Mr. Lewis spent ten years running a direct-to-consumer, marketing driven business, turning the struggling company around through streamlined operations, the development of new markets, and forging over 40 strategic partnerships.
As Managing Director of Time Life Ventures he explored new business opportunities for Time Life, Inc. He also spent a number of years managing all aspects of their direct mail, print advertising, and alternative media promotions for all three divisions of the company.
His career started in New York City where he became Vice President, Associate Media Director of Grey Advertising, with time also spent at the Young and Rubicam division, Wunderman Worldwide. His accounts included blue-chip companies IBM, Pepsi, Warner Bros., Time Life, CBS, and General Mills Creative Dining Group.
Mike Collins, Mike Collins Public Relations
Mike Collins has been one of Washington’s most sought after communications professionals for nearly twenty years. The former national spokesperson for the Republican Party and one of the principal operatives involved in the 1994 GOP takeover of Congress, Collins has expanded his portfolio to include major trade associations, non-profit institutions, and some of the nation's best-known universities.
A former newspaperman and reporter, Mr. Collins was also tapped to serve as communications director for the powerful House Commerce Committee. In that role, he developed and executed the winning media strategies that helped Chairman Thomas J. Bliley enact numerous key pieces of legislation.
Considered one of the best crisis communicators in America, he was asked to head the Rapid Response Unit for Robert Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign. Since then he has performed the same service for trade associations, elected officials and academic institutions.
He has lectured on communications strategy and campaign tactics in 39 states and four continents. He has been a frequent guest on television and radio in the U.S. and abroad.
Thriv: The Event Marketing Group 202.302.6959 blewis@thrivevents.com