When the Doors Open: Christina Dudley on Leading With Hospitality and Grace
Hospitality has always been part of how Christina Dudley sees the world.
Long before she was producing events professionally, she was watching her family turn hosting into an act of care: the table set with intention, the music chosen thoughtfully, and the guest experience considered before anyone walked through the door.
Today, that same instinct shapes the way she approaches her work as a Senior Manager at Markham.
7 Essential Elements for Developing an Event Concept
A strong event concept connects an organization’s goals with the people it wants to reach, shaping everything from the atmosphere and programming to branding and guest experience. Rather than treating each element as a separate decision, concept development creates a cohesive vision that gives every detail a purpose.
Here are seven essential elements to consider when developing an event concept.
Molly Buford on Global-Scale Events, Creative Leadership & Designing for Impact
"I love that we get to make people feel seen, supported, and celebrated, and that our work always has a purpose."
As a Partner at Markham, Molly Buford leads some of the firm’s most high-stakes and high-impact productions, from global summits abroad to campaign trail moments here in the U.S. Her approach is grounded in empathy, strategy, and intention: designing experiences that move people, while honoring every detail that shapes how they feel.
An Event Producer's Guide to Successful Events
The best events feel effortless. Guests move smoothly through the experience, speakers appear at the right moment, and every detail feels intentional.
Creating that kind of experience starts with a clear strategy, thoughtful preparation, strong communication, and a team ready to adapt when plans change.
Here are the essential steps for turning an event plan into a cohesive and memorable experience.
Timothy Oldmixon on Why Great Production Starts With People
Four days to build. Ninety minutes to experience. A day and a half to take apart.
That was the timeline for one recent Markham production in rural New Mexico, where Timothy "Tim” Oldmixon spent nearly a week helping transform a remote site into a fully functioning event space.
As a Production Manager at Markham, Tim works at the intersection of technical design, logistics, and on-site execution, bringing together the teams and systems that make live experiences possible.
Why Choosing the Right Event Agency Matters
Planning a large-scale event can be both exciting and complex. From national conferences and advocacy moments to corporate gatherings and mission-driven experiences, every detail has to work together seamlessly. That is where the right event production partner makes all the difference. At Markham, we know that successful events are not just about what happens on stage. They are about strategy, logistics, storytelling, and creating an experience that moves people.
Sam Jefferson on Rolling With the Punches in Event Operations
Some careers are built by following a clear path. Others are built by stepping into the moment, learning quickly, and finding a way forward before all the answers are obvious.
For Sam Jefferson, Markham’s Operations Manager, that second path has defined much of his journey. Since joining the team in January 2019, Sam has grown from intern to full-time team member to a central part of Markham’s day-to-day operations in DC.
Transform Any Event with Professional Lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating ambiance and setting the tone for any event. Whether you are producing an executive retreat, a brand activation, a gala, concert, or film screening, the right lighting can transform a venue into a space that feels intentional, immersive, and on brand. In this blog, we explore how professional lighting can elevate your event and bring your vision to life.
What is Event Branding and Why Does it Matter?
Event branding is one of the most powerful tools you have for shaping how people experience and remember your event. It goes beyond a logo or color palette. Strong branding ties together visuals, messaging, and moments so the entire experience feels intentional from first invite to final goodbye.
In this blog, we look at what event branding really means and why it plays such an important role in modern events.
The Discipline Behind Great Finance: Marcus Montaño on Trust, Partnership, and Great Work
When people think about what makes an event successful, they usually picture the visible parts first. The stage is set. The timing works. The speakers arrive. The room feels polished, energized, and ready.
What they do not always see is the financial discipline and operational structure that help make all of that possible.
At Markham, that work is led largely by Marcus Montaño, Director of Finance.