ABOUT
Deborah Elias, CSEP, CMP, CIS, is a true exemplar of grace under pressure in the world of event planning. As the founder of Elias Events in Houston, she has successfully orchestrated hundreds of remarkable events, not only across the United States but also on the international stage, including destinations such as Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and Dubai. Her impressive career is marked by a string of prestigious awards and accomplishments.
Deborah is a distinguished event planner with multiple accolades, including being a three-time recipient of the International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit award and a two-time recipient of the exclusive Gala award within the hospitality industry. She has held leadership roles on several industry boards, including serving as the president of the Houston Chapter of ISES, the SEARCH Foundation, and the Special Events Magazine boards. Currently, she sits on the Texas Meeting and Events Advisory Board. Deborah is also a prolific writer, contributing her expertise to various publications, including CultureMap, The Special Event Magazine, Plan It Meetings Magazine, Meetings Management Magazine, Connect Corporate, and Texas Meeting and Events Magazine. Her industry knowledge has made her a sought-after expert, and in 2023, she was honored as a Smart Woman of the Year by Smart Meetings Magazine.
Deborah holds esteemed certifications, including Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP), and Certified Incentive Travel Specialist. Her diverse skill set now includes being a speaker, where she passionately imparts her knowledge about Event Innovations at conferences such as The Special Event, ILEA Houston, PRSA, SITE, IMEX, IBTM, and many others.
No event is too big or too small for Deborah; she embraces them all, from weddings to corporate gatherings to nonprofit fundraisers and everything in between. Her unique blend of artistic vision and practical project management expertise allows her to orchestrate some of the most high-profile and respected corporate events, charity fundraisers, and government functions.
Deborah plays a pivotal role in shaping the big picture of events, including branding, theming, and scripting. Drawing from her background in event planning, marketing, and interior design, she infuses each event with a distinct sense of style and chemistry from start to finish. She is the driving force behind the event’s décor, menu, and direction, and she cultivates the ceremonial pageantry and protocol elements that make each project shine. Passionate about innovation in event technology and entertainment, Deborah consistently pushes the boundaries in her projects, leaving her mark as an industry trailblazer.
Recently, she authored a book titled “GSA the Easy Way,” a step-by-step guide to obtaining certification with the General Services Administration (GSA). Deborah’s love for her work is evident in her unparalleled style and flair, making her a true luminary in the world of event planning.
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