Our Approach
Our approach to designing successful events is strategic and meticulous. As your event partner, we’re committed to exceeding expectations. Our team of Certified Meeting Professionals (CMPs) brings decades of combined experience in creating every kind of program and from intimate executive retreats to expansive international conferences. Let AMS Event Partners make your next event the best yet!
Check out our list of Services, Articles and Client Reviews.
Meet Our Team
Kirsten Machi
Founder, COO and CMP
Kirsten’s career took an unexpected turn over 25 years ago when the company she worked for was sold, leaving her with a pink slip and a new perspective. Instead of dwelling on the change, she teamed up with two trusted colleagues, and together they launched Association Management Solutions, LLC (AMS) in 1997. With no prior business ownership experience but plenty of determination, they turned their vision into a thriving company offering association management, meeting and event planning, and software development.
Today, AMS employs 45 talented staff members and serves over 20 clients with a stellar reputation for excellence. Boasting a 96% employee retention rate and 95% client retention rate, Kirsten and her team pride themselves on their positive work culture and outstanding service.
Over the years, Kirsten has helped AMS expand its offerings, including launching a successful meeting division and spearheading a sustainability initiative aiming for ISO 20121 certification. AMS’s industry leadership has been recognized through panel discussions, publications and industry organization, including being one of the first 50 certified AMCs in the US with AMC Institute (AMCI).
Outside of work, Kirsten is a passionate advocate for young professionals, encouraging big dreams and bold plans. She also loves collaborating with women entrepreneurs to inspire their success. On the personal front, Kirsten is happiest outdoors with her family, enjoying activities like camping, hiking, boating, and dirt bike riding. When not adventuring, she’s busy on her ranch with her dogs, goats, zonkey and plenty of laughter.
Jennifer Higgins
Director of Events, CMP
Jennifer joined the AMS Events team in 2019 with over a decade in meeting and event planning, along with an extensive background in association and non-profit management. She truly enjoys the process and creativity required to meet various client needs and goals. “Seeing what amazing events and experiences our team can create for our clients, in sometimes a very short amount of time, is really inspiring and fulfilling!” Jennifer lives in beautiful Southern Oregon with her husband Patrick and Australian Cattle Dog, Blake.
Mike Parket
Senior Meetings and Events Manager
Mike is a seasoned professional serving as one of our senior meeting and event managers, specializing in in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, and overseeing all aspects of client technology. With over 15 years of experience in association management, meeting/event planning, and client relations, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team, particularly in the healthcare and technology sectors. Mike’s key strength is building strong relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs and objectives, and delivering tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
What makes me tick? Skiing, sunsets, hanging with my kids, alone time with my wife and hazy IPA’s.
Natalie Duran
Meetings & Events Manager
With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry and three years in the meetings industry, Natalie has honed her skills in delivering exceptional service, from front-facing client interactions to flawlessly managing the behind-the-scenes details that make events memorable. Her expertise spans every aspect of the events process, ensuring each occasion runs smoothly and exceeds expectations. “I thrive in dynamic environments where I can continuously engage with clients and vendors, creating unique experiences tailored to their needs.” In my free time, I enjoy delving into astrology, attending live music events, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen
Gabby Croghan
Meetings & Events Coordinator
Gabby has been involved in events and worked in customer service for almost a decade. She has years of experience with the hands-on and planning aspects of executing successful events. She has contributed significantly to several important occasions, such as golf tournaments, weddings, baby showers, non-profit fundraisers, and corporate meetings. Gabby is always eager to lend a helping hand and is not afraid to take on new challenges. While working part-time with AMS Events, Gabby also works part-time with the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a proud AMS client. The IETF holds a large-scale conference three times a year in various locations around the world. Gabby is currently the primary registration manager and a junior meeting planner for the IETF.
“I am passionate about the outdoors, traveling, food, coffee, and embracing new experiences. I am a firm believer in building and maintaining meaningful connections because it is not only what you know but whom you know. I look forward to getting to know you!”
