message from conference chairs
message from conference chairs
Embedded Files
Dear Network Colleagues,
As the academic year comes to a close and planning for FY27 begins, we know budgets—and making the most of them—are top of mind. Identifying creative, cost-effective ways to deliver exceptional event experiences is more important than ever, and learning from one another remains one of the most valuable resources we have.
That’s why we invite you to join us this July for the 2026 CSU+UC Event Professionals Network Annual Conference. We’d love for you—and your team—to be part of it.
This two-day experience is built by event professionals, for event professionals. You can expect:
Practical, real-world sessions you can apply immediately
Roundtable discussions to exchange ideas and troubleshoot common challenges
Meaningful opportunities to connect with peers who understand your work
Access to trusted vendors and sponsors
Our annual awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the field
Whether you’re managing large-scale campus events or coordinating smaller programs, this conference is designed to help you stay current, inspired, and connected.
Visit our conference website for the full agenda, hotel details, and tips for securing professional development approval—and secure your spot.
Thank you for the important work you do. We hope to see you this July and welcome you into our growing community of event professionals.
Special thanks to our sponsors for their generous support and for committing their time and resources to make this conference possible. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the planning committee, who have graciously volunteered their time—on top of already demanding event schedules—to develop thoughtful, engaging programming.
And finally, a heartfelt thank you to this year’s host campus, Cal Poly Pomona. We’re looking forward to experiencing their beautiful campus and the warm hospitality they’ll bring to this summer’s conference.
Warm regards,
Helen Yniguez
Adrianne McCraw
Jessica Rowland
Conference Chairs, CSU+UC Event Professionals Network
spotlight:
spotlight:
Passing the Baton: From Past Hosts to Cal Poly Pomona
Passing the Baton: From Past Hosts to Cal Poly Pomona
BY: R. PAUL VILLALUZ
Celebrating the teams behind the CSU + UC EPN Conference—reflecting on last year and looking ahead to what’s next.
Celebrating the teams behind the CSU + UC EPN Conference—reflecting on last year and looking ahead to what’s next.
Past host teams set the stage for an inspiring CSU + UC Event Professionals Network Conference—bringing together professionals across campuses to connect, learn, and grow. As we look ahead to this year’s conference hosted by Cal Poly Pomona, spearheaded by Helen Yniguez, we celebrate the collaboration, creativity, and dedication that make this event possible year after year.
In this special feature, we highlight the teams behind the scenes—those who helped bring last year’s event to life and those now shaping the Pomona experience.
Agenda from the first statewide event professionals conference, held in 2013 at San Diego State University.
Voices Between Years: A Quick Q&A
Voices Between Years: A Quick Q&A
Q: What’s one key takeaway from hosting the conference?
Being able to showcase the way our campus handles events and share those with others
Q: What are you most excited to bring to this year’s conference?
Helen: We are excited to host and continue the tradition of partnership amongst the UC & CSU campuses of offering a conference to build networks and knowledge. We are excited to showcase Cal Poly Pomona and our Bronco spirit.
In Conversation: Past Host → Pomona
In Conversation: Past Host → Pomona
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would offer to Cal Poly Pomona and other future hosts?
Ensure you connect with your regular internal and external and partners/vendors to provide the latest and greatest trends to highlight.
Q: What is one piece of advice from past hosts that most resonated with you and your team?
Helen: That this is a partnership event and as a past host they are here to support and offer guidance as we take on the challenge of being a campus host.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
As Cal Poly Pomona prepares to welcome attendees, we carry forward the energy and impact of UC Berkeley’s conference. Together, these efforts reflect the strength of the CSU + UC EPN network—rooted in collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.
We can’t wait to see what this year brings.
Have a conference tip, favorite memory, or advice for this year’s planning team?
We’d love to hear from you—submit your thoughts for a future issue of The Professional Insider!
Special Thanks to our 2026 Conference Planning Committee!
Special Thanks to our 2026 Conference Planning Committee!
A sincere thank you to our Conference Planning Committee, a statewide group of volunteer event professionals from the CSU, UC, and private colleges and universities. Their work shapes the program, drives marketing efforts, and ensures the conference logistics come together seamlessly. This event exists because of their time, expertise, and commitment.
Interested in getting involved? There are still opportunities to volunteer onsite and support the conference experience. To sign up or learn more, email csuepn@gmail.com.
*Not all committee members are pictured here.
2026 Conference Planning Committee:
2026 Conference Planning Committee:
Carmela Arstill
Sam Camarena
Kelly Carland
Merry Coder
Catherine Cook
Kymberly Epperson
Yesenia Gonzalez
Phyllis Grillo
Melissa Henss
Jordan Litke
Khristine Lugo
Gabby McGrath
Sierra Matthews
Adrianne McCraw
Elena Mulvaney
Theresa Navar-Rodriguez
Eduardo Ponce
Ronn Patton
Jessica Rowland
Darlene Schlueter
Meaghan Smeehuyzen
Whitney Smith
Jane Voss
Katelyn Wong
looking forward
looking forward
Top 10 Things to Look Forward to at #EPNCON26
Top 10 Things to Look Forward to at #EPNCON26
BY: SAM CAMARENA
The CSU+UC Event Professionals Network Annual Forum for Ideas Conference returns July 8–9, 2026 at Cal Poly Pomona—our signature, statewide gathering of event professionals across the CSU and UC and beyond. This is where ideas get sharper, connections get stronger, and the work we do every day gets a little easier (and a lot more fun).
If you’ve been before, you already know. If you haven’t, this is the year to show up.
Here are 10 things to look forward to at #EPNCON26:
1. Seeing your people again
1. Seeing your people again
Let’s start with the real reason for attending. Reconnecting with colleagues and counterparts who understand your work, your challenges, and your wins is what makes this network special. Whether it’s a quick catch-up between sessions or a longer conversation over lunch, these are the moments that stick long after the conference ends.
2. Networking that actually feels natural
2. Networking that actually feels natural
No forced small talk. Just real conversations, shared ideas, and the kind of connections that carry forward into your day-to-day work. The structure of the conference, with its roundtable, meals, receptions, functions, and activities, makes it easy to meet new people without it feeling transactional or awkward.
3. An inspiring keynote experience
3. An inspiring keynote experience
Expect more than a lecture. This interactive keynote this year is a working session designed to help you generate ideas and insights you can take back to your institution. Check out the interview with our speaker in this issue. You’ll leave with something tangible already taking shape—not just inspiration.
4. Sessions you can actually use back on campus
4. Sessions you can actually use back on campus
From roundtables to practical presentations, sessions are built with real-world application in mind. You’ll hear what’s working across campuses and walk away with ideas you can adapt and implement right away. Explore the sessions in store.
5. Celebrating service and excellence at the annual awards
5. Celebrating service and excellence at the annual awards
This is one of the most meaningful moments of the conference. The annual awards spotlight the creativity, dedication, and leadership across our network and give us a chance to recognize colleagues who are moving the industry and the network forward in powerful ways. Nominate a colleague today!
6. Fresh, campus-grown food
6. Fresh, campus-grown food
This is not your typical conference menu. Cal Poly Pomona’s hands-on approach means you’ll experience a true farm-to-table environment, with food grown on campus as part of its agriculture, beer, and winemaking programs.
7. Animal friends on campus
7. Animal friends on campus
Yes, really. From horses to cows and sheep, CPP offers a setting that’s completely different from a hotel conference. It adds an unexpected, uniquely Cal Poly Pomona element to your time on campus. Keep an eye out for four-legged friends across campus.
8. Exploring Cal Poly Pomona
8. Exploring Cal Poly Pomona
Take time to explore a campus built around hands-on learning. From the horse facilities to the Rose Float program to indoor growing spaces, there’s a lot to see—and it’s all part of what makes this host campus stand out.
9. Connecting with vendors who get higher ed events
9. Connecting with vendors who get higher ed events
These aren’t just exhibitors—they’re partners who understand the complexities of planning events in higher education. It’s a chance to discover tools, services, and ideas that can make your work easier and more effective. Explore the conference sponsors.
10. Closing out with the Bronco Bash
10. Closing out with the Bronco Bash
End on a high note. This year’s Bronco Bash brings a country-themed hoedown to campus—high energy, great company, and a well-earned moment to celebrate together and honor this year’s awardees. Generously sponsored by Show Imaging and Town & Country, it’s the perfect way to close out the conference.
Don’t miss it
Don’t miss it
The CSU+UC Event Professionals Network Annual Conference returns July 8–9, 2026 at Cal Poly Pomona.
punchlines & placecards
punchlines & placecards
This meme is a playful way of pushing someone to sign up for something—here, a conference.
The top text (“Register for the conference now…”) is a normal call to action.
The bottom text (“Or we’ll put you in charge of name badge alphabetizing”) adds a humorous “threat.”
The joke is that alphabetizing name badges at an event is seen as a boring, tedious task. So it’s basically saying: “Sign up now, or you’ll get stuck doing this dull job.” It uses exaggeration and mild humor to motivate people.
"Register for the conference now..."
"Register for the conference now..."
As event professionals we can all relate.
You’ve seen the meme. And while we can’t promise you won’t get pulled into badge duty, we can promise a conference experience that’s worth your time.
Get a preview of what’s ahead by watching the teaser video, then register to join colleagues from across the system for practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections.
behind the scenes
behind the scenes
From Bezerkerley Bash to Bronco Bash
From Bezerkerley Bash to Bronco Bash
BY: EDUARDO PONCE
One of the staples of the CSU+UC Event Professional Network Conference is the celebration event, which honors and highlights the work of event professionals. While this gathering has evolved over the years, last year’s planning committee took a fresh approach by aligning it more closely with the host institution’s theme and the character of the host city.
The event, titled the “Bezerkeley Bash,” celebrated both the city of Berkeley and UC Berkeley. Berkeley, known as a central hub of the 1960s hippie movement, provided a vibrant and culturally rich backdrop that shaped the tone and experience of the evening.
This year’s celebration will draw inspiration from a Western theme, reflecting Cal Poly Pomona’s origins as a working ranch. The university’s roots trace back to a 377-acre Arabian horse ranch established in the 1920s by cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg, who donated the property to the state in 1932. Over time, the site evolved into a leading agricultural college, served as a wartime horse breeding depot, and ultimately became the university’s permanent campus in 1956—continuing its strong emphasis on agricultural science.
This year’s Bronco Bash is shaping up to be another memorable celebration—experience the final result by attending the conference. So get your Rodeo gear ready!
Special thanks to our sponsor Show Imaging for their creative services and to Town & Country Event Rentals for providing furnishings and décor.
team feature
team feature
MEET THE CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Rapid Fire Round With Jesus Avalos
MEET THE CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Rapid Fire Round With Jesus Avalos
BY: JORDAN DANIELLE LITKE
Watch as Jesus answers a series of rapid-fire questions with no time to think — just real, honest responses! More to come at the conference this summer.
Watch as Jesus answers a series of rapid-fire questions with no time to think — just real, honest responses! More to come at the conference this summer.
design on a budget
design on a budget
Wrap It, Fill It, Float It – Creative Ways to Use a Simple Cylinder
Wrap It, Fill It, Float It – Creative Ways to Use a Simple Cylinder
BY: MERRY CODER
Cylinder vases are one of the easiest ways to stretch your event budget while still creating a polished, elevated look. You can find them at local discount stores or bulk event suppliers, and once you build up a small inventory, they become a go-to décor staple you can reuse again and again. With just a few inexpensive materials and a little creativity, you can “wrap it,” “fill it,” or “float it” to add texture, color, and soft lighting with no big décor budget required. These simple approaches make it easy to mix and match styles, reuse pieces across events, and create a big visual impact without a lot of time or cost.
Wrap It:
One of our favorite techniques is wrapping a cylinder with vellum paper, secured with double-sided tape, to create a soft, glowing effect. Add a battery-operated candle for a warm, classic feel, or use a colored light puck for something brighter and more festive. You can also print directly on vellum using event logos, donor names, or table numbers. Now your décor can double as signage. Just be prepared for the donors to take their customized luminaries home. They love to see their names and logos all lit up! (Pro tip: Use an inkjet printer for vellum, or check with your print shop.)
If vellum isn’t your vibe, try using colored paper with cutout designs to let light shine through. You can match the shapes to your theme or go with simple geometric patterns for a more modern look. Mixing colors and designs adds visual interest, and tools like a Cricut make it easy to get clean, consistent cuts. For a softer glow, line the inside with vellum.
Fill It:
An empty cylinder vase is basically a blank canvas. For an easy custom candle look, pour granulated wax directly into the cylinder. You can play with different heights and colors to build a layered, interesting tablescape while keeping everything cohesive.
A couple of floral stems, like tulips when they’re in season, can be placed inside a cylinder vase as well. Instead of filling the vase in the traditional way, using a bouquet and having the blooms coming out of the top, place a couple of stems fully into the cylinder with a little water at the bottom. Now the cylinder is a showcase for your floral and at a much lower price point.
Float It:
The classic approach is using a cylinder for floating candles. It’s simple, elegant, and often required by venues that want flames enclosed for safety. You can switch things up by varying the vase height, water level, or size of the floating candle to create something that feels a little more custom.
For events with a stronger theme or a more playful vibe, try filling cylinders with water beads. They expand to fill the vase and create a great base for creative touches for an extra pop like floating décor or waterproof, color-changing lights.
With just a little creativity, the simple cylinder vase can do a lot of heavy lifting. Whether you wrap it, fill it, or float it, it’s proof that great event décor doesn’t have to come with a high-end price tag. Mix and match the styles at a single event to create a versatile tablescape that is all your own!
NAB nook
NAB nook
Hey NAB crew! As our campus ambassadors, you’re the pulse of the network, keeping us connected by sharing what’s happening at your institution. We want to hear what you’re seeing, what’s working, and what challenges are popping up.
What do you want to learn more about? What should we bring into the conversation? Your input helps shape where we go next, so send us your updates and ideas for new topics to csuepn@gmail.com.
We’re also planning a special in person session just for NAB members at the July conference—more details coming soon, so keep an eye out!
conference corner
conference corner
Nomimate an Event Professional today!
Nomimate an Event Professional today!
2026 represents the seventh year of the annual awards program and is designed to identify and recognize event professionals for their work at their home campus and on behalf of the CSU+UC Event Professionals Network
Four awards will be presented:
FOUNDER'S AWARD
Recognizes a Network participant who has served the Network for at least five years and who has consistently and continuously demonstrated exceptional event planning and execution for the benefit of the CSU+UC Event Professionals Network.
BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY AWARD
Recognizes a Network participant who has gone out of their way and made a lasting impact benefiting the CSU+UC Event Professionals Network and their home university.
MVP (MOST VALUABLE PROFESSIONAL) AWARD
Recognizes a Network participant who made an exceptional contribution at their home university and was an invaluable part of the university events successes in the past year.
RISING STAR AWARD
Recognizes a Network participant who has been in their current position less than 3 years and demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to higher education events.
To be considered for this year's awards, peer nominations (no self-nominations, please) must be submitted by completing the form below no later than May 22, 2026. Nominations received after that date may be reviewed at the discretion of the Annual Awards Selection Committee or kept in the award pool for future consideration.
Award recipients will be selected by the Annual Awards Selection Committee and recognized during the CSU+UC Event Professionals Network's Annual Conference at the Awards Ceremony on July 9, 2026. Recipients must be present to accept the award.
With questions, please contact the awards team at csuepn@gmail.com
Flash back to our 2025 Event Professional Award Recipients. Will one of your colleagues be next?
upcoming events
upcoming events
CSU+UC EPN CONFERENCE
JULY 8-9, 2026 | CAL POLY POMONA
CSU+UC EPN CONFERENCE
JULY 8-9, 2026 | CAL POLY POMONA
Connect with peers and partners from across California’s higher education events landscape at the CSU+UC EPN Annual Conference. This premier gathering brings together engaging roundtable discussions, informative breakout sessions, meaningful networking, the annual awards celebration, and a variety of opportunities to share ideas and best practices.
MONTHLY
MONTHLY
HOT TOPICS
HOT TOPICS
Mark your calendars and join us on the third Thursday of each month for our Hot Topics series. Each session features timely discussions tailored to the work of event professionals. Have a topic you’d like us to explore? Email our team at @gmail.com.
Missed a session? Recordings are available to watch anytime.
Our next hot topic is:
May 28, 2026
connect on social media
connect on social media
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Are you on Instagram?
Connect with CSU+EPN!
Connect with CSU+EPN!
CSU+EPN has its own Instagram account.
CSU+EPN has its own Instagram account.
Get the latest news and connect with your colleagues!
Get the latest news and connect with your colleagues!
@csuucepn
submit to the newsletter
submit to the newsletter
Have an event or news you would like featured on a future Professional Insider edition? We’ll distribute to our network members.
Thanks for reading this quarters issue!
CONTRIBUTING
CONTRIBUTING
editors
editors
SAM CAMARENA
CSU Chancellor's Office
EDUARDO PONCE
UCLA
R. PAUL VILLALUZ
Sacramento State
JORDAN DANIELLE LITKE
Cal Poly Pomona
MERRY CODER
CSU Bakersfield
LINAE ISHII-DEVINE
Middlebury Institute
WILLIAM BAKER
Cal State LA
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