Heather Matusiak, DMCP

Regional Vice President, Southern California and Las Vegas

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.

Contact: Heather.Matusiak@PRA.com

Patty Kindness

Regional Director of Sales

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.

Contact: Patty.Kindness@PRA.com

Candie Beane, DMCP

Managing Director

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 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, 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.

Brooke Magness

Director of Events

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.

Contact: Brooke.Magness@PRA.com

Amber Belt

Senior Event Producer

Three words to describe me: Everyone’s Best Friend. If you really knew me you would know: I came from the wedding industry, have worked at PRA for 6 years and I love receiving hand-written “Thank you” notes at the end of a program. Favorite Las Vegas Experience: When you are looking for a break from the Strip hustle and bustle, the Red Rock Canyon and Summerlin Mall area is a great place to escape to. You can enjoy a hike up the colorful Rocky Mountains of our Red Rock Canyon Trails breathing in some fresh air outside the hotel walls. Or, shop til you drop at the Summerlin Mall, with some of local’s favorite restaurants, outdoor shopping, ending the night at the with a Minor League Baseball Game. The best part about my job is: The relationships I get to create with clients. Contact: Amber.Belt@PRA.com

Aidan Belt

Event Coordinator

As a fourth generation native to the Las Vegas Valley, Aidan loves assisting programs and events for those who want a true Las Vegas experience. Joining the PRA team in 2019 as a field staff, she naturally excels in the on-site operations element with her attention to detail, dedication, and creative eye in the events industry. Aidan joined the PRA Las Vegas Team soon after in 2022 as the Operations Coordinator. When Aidan isn’t busy assisting the team with programs, you can find her in the Downtown Arts District or out hiking nearby at The Valley of Fire or Death Valley. Aidan practices as a mixed media expressionist artist and is featured in galleries around town. Her additional love for adventure and the unique geology of The Mojave Desert makes a great balance for the busyness of the city.