2016 40 Under 40: Allison Beers

Allison BeersAllison Beers 37, Owner Events North, Traverse City, Mich.

What I do: “I am responsible for cultivating leadership within the company, networking, client development and day-to-day operations for clients. We've planned meetings for clients as diverse as National Association of Manufacturers and Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association.”

What I really do: “I spell-check proposals, test out the latest restaurants, review budgets and maintain my role as office prankster. Also, I water the plants.”

Giveback: Beers sits on the boards of the Downtown Development Authority of Traverse City, Downtown Traverse City Association, the Traverse City Boom Boom Club and Rotary charities, and she’s starting a local chapter of Impact 100, a granting organization. She also speaks at conferences for groups like Michigan Society of Association Executives.

What’s next: She’s working on a meeting called Pigstock, where chefs from all over the country learn how to use the animal from snout to tail. “It’s probably the most unique meeting I’ve ever planned. The packing list makes me laugh: meat hooks, pens, nametags, 6-inch knives and a captive bolt gun.”