Carly Patterson

In 2004, Carly Patterson became only the second American woman to win an Olympic all-around gold medal, and the first to do so in a nonboycotted Olympic Games. She was the first American woman to win the title in 20 years, also taking home silver medals for balance beam, and the Women’s team competition. Carly's performance at the Olympics made her a household name, leading to numerous appearances on television talk shows and award shows, and her induction to the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Soon after the Olympics, Patterson was diagnosed with several bulging discs in her lower back that had gone unnoticed. She announced her intention to take time off from the sport to rehabilitate her back, but hearing her doctor say, 'Carly, you really need to stop if you want to be able to walk when you get older', she made the difficult decision to officially retire from the sport in 2006 - without ever participating in another major competition.

Lisa Sommer Devlin

Lisa Sommer Devlin has practiced law since 1984 and has concentrated on hospitality law for over 30 years. She negotiates contracts, provides legal training for sales staff, and handles convention and meeting-related litigation nationwide for major hotel companies and many independent hotels. In 2002, Lisa was named one of the 25 most influential people in the meeting industry by Meeting News magazine. In 2006, the magazine gave her the honor again, stating: “More than anyone else, she is the legal voice for the industry.” She has served as a member of the Legal Advisory Counsel and on the Contracts panel for the APEX Initiative sponsored by the Convention Industry Council and was President of the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys 2012-2014. In 2015, Meetings and Conventions magazine included her in its “M&C’s Top 25 Women in the Meeting Industry.”

Lynn Edwards

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Lynn Edwards brings over 25 years and a multitude of experience to event management and hospitality sales. She has worked extensively in hotel and convention and visitors bureau sales. She also provides a comprehensive method for managing event logistics. Lynn is experienced in sales, convention services, marketing, fundraising and sponsorship development, contract negotiations and overall meeting management. Her client list includes Nike, Microsoft, Comcast, Chase, Novo Nordisk, RapidSOS, National & State Associations, Glamhive, The 3% Movement and more. Lynn has also served on the Board of Directors of the Washington Society of Associations Executives and WA Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. She is a highly sought-after industry expert and presenter.