Santa Barbara

Sunlit sophistication, timeless charm, and that sense of discovery set the stage for every event we create in Santa Barbara. Our local team designs immersive experiences, from high-concept themed programs to charming dining escapes, that capture the beauty, elegance, and spirit of this remarkable region.

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Next begins with:

Deep local knowledge that brings The American Riviera’s treasures to life, from vineyard vistas to hidden seaside gems

Creative design that layers regional warmth with high-concept storytelling and flawless execution

PRA’s nationwide network backing each event with scale, consistency, and attention that leaves no detail untouched

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.
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.
Kathryn Sweeney

Senior Event Producer
- Kathryn.Sweeney@pra.com
Kathryn grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia; the proud daughter of a Navy fighter pilot & Pan Am Stewardess. After earning her degree from Scripps Women’s College, she began her career as a theater stage manager. She has found that those same skills have translated beautifully to event production particularly when combined with her love of hospitality, no doubt gained through years of helping her mother & grandmothers host parties in their homes. She has an extensive background in catering, working with some of the best chefs in Southern California; and spent more than a decade producing events for a major film & television studio. She enjoys watercolor painting, camping, and supporting the Angel City Football Club!
Kellie Collins, DMCP

Regional Director of Events
- Kellie.Collins@PRA.com
Three words to describe me: Organized. Caring. Loyal.

If you really knew me you would know: I love camping.

Restaurant on repeat: My own house, I love to cook and try new recipes.

The best part about my job is: Working with great people day in and day out.

My inspiration: Female leaders in the industry!
Maria Axiotis

Director of Business Development
- maria.axiotis@pra.com
Maria is originally from Mason City, Iowa and attended University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Design and Business. She has 20 years of sales, event planning and design experience most recently at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. Maria values the art of connecting with people and making each event unique by utilizing her design experience. One of her most memorable events, was actually her first major event setting up for a U.S. President when she was attending college back in her home state of Iowa. Maria believes that perseverance, integrity, grit and the constant drive to be the best version of herself allows her to always grow and give back to people daily. Growing up her family watched Jeopardy frequently and one of her most memorable client events was planning a birthday party event for the wife of Alex Trebek. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her children and attending their activities as well as exercising and travelling with her fiancé.

In Their Words

“I highly recommend PRA for any size program you have. They are professional, prompt and creative. We threw a lot at them at the last minute, and they handled it perfectly. We will definitely work with them again.”

Cindy Smith

V-Sources, Inc

Business Partner

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