Las Vegas

Nowhere does spectacle like Las Vegas. From iconic stages to hidden gems off the Strip, our team knows how to harness the city’s spark and turn it into unforgettable experiences.

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Next begins with:

Local expertise that connects your with premier venues, entertainment, and one-of-a-kind experiences

Creative design that captures the city’s energy with seamless execution

PRA’s nationwide network ensuring consistency, scale, and flawless delivery

Heather Matusiak, DMCP

Regional Vice President, Southern California and Las Vegas
- Heather.Matusiak@PRA.com
Heather Matusiak, Regional Vice President, leads our Southern California and Las Vegas teams. With over 20 years of experience in corporate meetings and events, most of which were in the Southern California DMC market, Heather is well-versed in all facets of the events business, from operations to creative product development and sales. Heather brings a wealth of leadership and sales experience, and prior to joining PRA, she served as Vice President of Sales in the industry. She has found success in her career by focusing on relationship building and creative marketing.

Heather currently serves on the Site So Cal Board of Directors as Director of Membership. She earned her Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) certification in 2008. She is a graduate of University of Southern California and is based in Orange County, CA.
Patty Kindness

Regional Director of Sales
- Patty.Kindness@PRA.com
Patty has been an active member of the hospitality industry for over 20 years with 12 years at PRA. Born in Philly, Patty moved to Las Vegas to attend UNLV and now resides in Orange County. She’s incredibly passionate about the industry and the hospitality community as a whole. She was just awarded the MPI Emerging Leader Awards for 2023. She is a team player, contributor, and sales leader at PRA. She looks at challenges from all angles, thinks from multiple perspectives and implements innovative ways to tackle challenges in her role as Regional Sales Director of the West Region. IMEX America continues to be her favorite annual event and client experience annually. As their exclusive DMC partner they work collaboratively every year to bring hosted buyers unique and memorable experiences together. People who know Patty, knows that she loves to laugh and has a passion for life and family. Whether its in the travel trailer exploring the SW and Mexico with her family, or abroad, exploring new locations, food and culture is her favorite pastime.
Ed Gillis

Director of Business Development
- ed.gillis@pra.com
Ed Gillis is a passionate sales and hospitality professional with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, building lasting partnerships, and delivering exceptional event experiences. As Director of Business Development at PRA, he helps organizations bring bold ideas to life through customized, high-impact events that drive results and create lasting memories.

With a career rooted in relationship-driven sales, creative collaboration, and brand development, Ed thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution—whether leading large-scale corporate gatherings or curated incentive programs. His focus is clear: helping clients connect, celebrate, and grow through meaningful experiences.
Candie Beane, DMCP

Managing Director
- Candie.Beane@pra.com
With more than 20 years of corporate meetings and events experience, Candie Beane, DMCP, is the Managing Director for the Las Vegas office. A graduated of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in Communications, she found her way into the destination management by way of organizing live events for the public relations department at a major hotel. Her most memorable event was being a part of the décor team for Celine Dion’s wedding renewal in Las Vegas. It was here, where she tied countless chair ties alongside a colleague, who is now her husband. Candie has been recognized by Smart Meetings as an Industry Leader for Women in Meetings. She is a former Past President of the International Live Events Association, Las Vegas chapter and an active member in the Las Vegas Hospitality Association. Originally from Philadelphia, Candie is a huge Eagles fan, enjoys traveling internationally, camping with family and friends, and has two beautiful daughters.
Angela Pagonis

Senior Regional Sales Manager
- Angela.Pagonis@pra.com
Angela has over 23 years’ experience in hospitality primarily in DMC/Events. She started out as a sales coordinator in 2000 and held a variety of positions including sales and operations over the years. Angela loves to create memorable experiences for clients and thrives on the variety that working for a DMC provides. Angela prides her long career on a strong work ethic, open honest communication and creativity. Angela is proud to call Chicago her hometown and she attended Roosevelt University and then moved out west after her college graduation. Angela is an intrepid traveler and loves to explore places not easily found on a map. She loves llamas and traveling to Peru to hike the Inca trail was one of her favorite adventures!
Amy Knauf

Regional Director of Experience Design
- amy.knauf@PRA.com
Amy Knauf, Regional Director of Experience Design, leads the team of Experience Designers in Southern California and Las Vegas. Amy’s interest in events started in college when she interned with a boutique event management company in San Diego, where she was first introduced to PRA. After graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University, Amy started her career with PRA in the very role she now leads. Over the past 16 years, Amy has created and seen some amazing events but one of her most memorable was designing a reception and dinner space in make-shift barracks facing the ocean on the beach of Camp Pendleton, complete with amphibious assault vehicles storming the beach from the water. After many years in the Experience Design role, Amy now thrives in training and mentoring her team across the region! In her free time, Amy loves to spend time with her husband and two young children.
Aidan Belt

Event Producer
- Aidan.Belt@pra.com
As a third-generation native of the Las Vegas Valley, Aidan has a deep-rooted passion for crafting authentic Las Vegas experiences. She has been with the PRA Las Vegas team since 2019, where her keen attention to detail, unwavering dedication, and creative approach to on-site operations have contributed to the success of numerous events. In 2024, Aidan was promoted to Event Producer, further expanding her expertise in event management. Outside of her professional commitments, Aidan enjoys immersing herself in the vibrant Downtown Arts District and hiking through the stunning landscapes of Valley of Fire and Death Valley. A gifted mixed-media expressionist artist, she is featured in several local galleries. Her passion for adventure and the unique geology of the Mojave Desert offers a perfect counterbalance to the dynamic energy of Las Vegas.
Jessica Price

Experience Designer
- Jessica.Price@pra.com
Jessica’s career in hospitality began in the picturesque state of Colorado, where she gained valuable experience working at a local event center. Early on, she quickly mastered the intricacies of the industry, managing everything from corporate functions to social gatherings. Over the years, Jessica took on many roles, ultimately discovering her true passion—creative design! As a former Event Producer, she brings a wealth of knowledge and logistical expertise, making her a force to be reckoned with when paired with her creative flair. After relocating to Las Vegas in 2020, she quickly became well-versed in the city’s unique offerings and gained extensive knowledge of its vibrant landscape. Whether she’s on-site with clients, exploring the city, or working behind the scenes designing unforgettable experiences, her passion for both her clients and for PRA is evident in everything she does. In her free time, she loves taking quick trips to the beautiful California beaches with her two corgis.
Curtis Meyer

Senior Event Producer
- Curtis.Meyer@pra.com
Curtis, originally from Canton, Ohio, has been immersed in the destination management industry since 2012. After moving to Las Vegas in 2008, he honed his expertise through many roles such as Operations Manager, Director of Sales at a local Transportation Company, and DMC Sales Manager. Circling him back for his true passion of logistics as PRA Las Vegas Senior Event Producer. Curtis is passionate about flawless event execution and creating unforgettable experiences, ensuring every client leaves with a smile. His hands-on experience and dedication make him an invaluable asset to the team. When he’s not out in the field you can find him swinging away on the golf course or supporting our Vegas Golden Knights on the ice.
Laura Loppnow

Senior Regional Sales Manager
- Laura.Loppnow@pra.com
Laura brings 17 years of expertise in producing events ranging from 10 to 10,000 attendees, spanning destinations from Hawaii to Paris and Las Vegas. A Milwaukee native and Marquette University graduate with a BA in International Business and Marketing, Laura fell in love with Las Vegas after moving there 22 years ago. A chance encounter in 2007 sparked her passion for event planning, setting the stage for a successful career.

A leader in the Las Vegas destination management community, Laura is known for her strategic vision and commitment to excellence, building lasting relationships with clients and vendors. She stays immersed in the city’s dynamic offerings, regularly attending networking events and showcases to maintain her status as a Las Vegas expert.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys cruising, summers in Wisconsin with loved ones, supporting local artists, and promoting breast cancer awareness as a proud survivor. Her love for Las Vegas, from its rich history to its ever-changing landscape, continues to inspire her work and personal adventures.
Amber Belta
- Amber.Belt@PRA.com
Amber, a Reno native and University of Nevada, Reno graduate, began her hospitality journey as an event coordinator for a local wedding venue. Her natural talent for orchestrating weddings turned into a passion for bringing clients’ visions to life. After completing a 9-month internship, managing up to three weddings weekly, she launched her career as a Wedding Planner and Catering Manager at an all-inclusive venue.

In 2015, Amber moved to Las Vegas and joined PRA, where her dedication and attention to detail earned her roles from Senior Event Producer to Associate Director of Experience Design. Over her 9+ years with PRA, she has planned and executed high-level events for groups ranging from 30 to 6,000 guests. Amber thrives on creating memorable experiences, cherishing handwritten notes from clients and forming lasting friendships. She continues to elevate the creative events industry with her expertise and passion.
Brooke Magness

Director of Events
- Brooke.Magness@PRA.com
Three words to describe me: Honest. Jokester. Clever.

If you really knew me you would know: I was a contestant on The Price is Right.

Favorite Las Vegas Experience: Whether it’s a Grand Canyon Helicopter tour, a flight above the Las Vegas Strip, or an airplane flight through the stunning Southwest, you are sure to experience a breathtaking tour of the most beautiful scenery in the Southwestern United States. Maverick Grand Canyon Tours offers the highest level of safety and service in the industry and has over 23 years’ experience of making dreams come true! Maverick Helicopters® offers VIP-level service that is sure to create a once in a lifetime memorable experience for any guest!

The best part about my job is: Seeing the event or program come to fruition.
Allie Wright

Event Producer
- Allie.Wright@pra.com
Allie is a hands-on Event Producer who is an experienced and driven individual within the event and show management industry. Allie is kindhearted, an ambitious team player, and a natural solution seeker that holds her work to the highest possible standard. Her Experience started in the Food and Beverage and Wedding Industry, leading her to a career in Event Production and a love for Operations. Allie enjoys the planning and preparation aspects of creating a great event. But Overall, Allie’s favorite part of the planning and production process is the day of execution and seeing the final product and vision come to life. You will likely find her on-site for event kick-offs. Allie has a body of knowledge regarding everything in Las Vegas as she is one of the few people born and raised in the Las Vegas Valley. Also being where she obtained her education and is an Alumni of the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Samaria Williams

Experience Designer
- Samaria.Williams@pra.com
Samaria has been in the world of hospitality for over 20 years ranging from airlines, opening a hotel in Las Vegas, to meeting planning and now the DMC world. This career path chose Samaria. She went to school for marketing and wanted to work for Pepsi but living in Las Vegas how could she not become engrossed in the world of hospitality. It started with the airlines for her in Las Vegas and the rest is history. Samaria’s favorite, memorable, biggest event she has ever been a part of was planning the US Open Golf event in Tacoma, WA while working for an oil and gas company as a Sr. Admin Asst. She was grateful she had years of experience as a meeting planner to be able to coordinate an event of that magnitude. Samaria is proud of her effective communication skills, organizational skills, and negotiation skills when taking on the world of hospitality and working in the DMC world. There are a few places she calls home, but Samaria was born and raised in Aurora, IL, a suburb 30 miles west of Chicago. After high school, she moved to Las Vegas and went to University of Nevada and now currently lives in Fulshear, TX, a town 40 miles west of Houston. Samaria was The 2012 Annual Conference Chair for ESPA (Event Service Professional Association) and was also awarded the CSM of the Year for a CVB in 2011. Samaria loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and travel the world. Samaria has traveled to 6 different countries and have been to all the Disney’s except 2 locations! Its on the bucket list for sure.
Katy Winmill

Senior Event Producer
- Katy.Winmill@pra.com
Katy started her event planning career in College when she worked for her University’s Event Planning Team. She started planning graduations, homecomings, student, and faculty events. She had the opportunity to intern at the Venetian Las Vegas for her summer internship program- that internship solidify that she wanted to produce events in Las Vegas. After college graduation Katy moved to Texas where she was the Associate Director of Catering and Events for Cartewheels Caterings. Cartewheels focused on high end weddings and corporate events. After about a year doing weddings Katy’s mentor from Venetian reached out to her and she decided to move to Las Vegas and work for The Venetian as a Catering and Conference Coordinator. After Covid, she transitioned to MGM Event Production Team where she had the opportunity to execute high end corporate and casino events for all MGM properties in Las Vegas. Then she decided to come into the DMC space. With her strong background in catering, event production and her network she has thrived in the events industry and continues to grow and learn more about events every day! Outside of work you can find Katy at the gym, traveling or dancing the night away with her friends. She enjoys reading, finding new foodie places and volunteering with the local Alzheimer’s Association. Fun fact – She likes to do triathlons!
Michael Costa

Senior Vice President, Business Operations
LinkedIn
- Michael.Costa@PRA.com
Michael brings more than twenty years of experience in executive management to the PRA team. In his role as Senior Vice President, Business Operations, Michael is responsible for developing and implementing business strategies to support company initiatives, while creating synergies and leverage opportunities throughout the PRA system.

In Their Words

“From the proposal process to onsite execution, it was clear that PRA prioritized our company’s goals and objectives. I have never trusted a DMC more to deliver flawlessly and with such confidence in getting the job done.”

Brittany Fiore

Commonwealth Financial Network

Conferences & Events Planner