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SMALL TALK

It is one of the biggest honors of my life to get to run East of Ellie, an events co. I remember the night I purchased eastofellie.com from my couch in my Stamford, Connecticut apartment. That was 2009 and since that day I have never stopped dreaming, reaching higher and wanting more for the agency. I sit at our events and just watch, grateful for the opportunity to get to do this every day.

So what do I do? Anything and everything. But mostly I spearhead the creative direction for all events. I work with clients to brainstorm new ideas and set the strategic direction and the tone for innovative event themes and creative visual executions. I tap into what others call my uncanny ability to understand and recognize our client’s needs and craft the event to exceed their expectations.

Accomplishments include: 2019 Stevie Awards Winner of Women-Run Workplace of the Year, two 40 Under 40 Awards, 2017 and 2019 Style Award Finalist with BizBash, multiple publications in YFS Magazine, featured on Business Rockstars, YP Panelist, as well as other publications and speaking engagements.

BATTAGLIA

emily chalk

I started event planning right out of business school. I thought I needed to do something more with my marketing career - so I took a fancy corporate job.

Over a decade later I am planning events and running my own award-winning agency.

Being an event planner is a lifestyle, not a job description.

EVENT PLANNER

Spending more than 6 years as a global brand manager for Westin Hotels & Resorts gave me the skill set to understand the dynamics of a global brand.

Working for Westin created the fire in me that I now use to spearhead the creative direction for our events.

My focus is on the most important part of the event, a unique guest experience.

BRAND MARKETER

Becoming an event planner was my dream, becoming a small business owner is what made it all a reality.

Check out my story on how
East of Ellie became more than a side hustle.

Read my blog to hear all about my professional history. You can get a taste for a lot of what not-to-do’s there.

BUSINESS OWNER

When I think about being a mom it almost feels surreal. My two-year-old Lauren is the light of my life and a constant reminder to take a moment and breath.

Her curiosity keeps me sane, and her spirit keeps me on my toes.

When I am not presenting in a boardroom I am in my daughter’s playroom where the creativity never ceases.