our team
experienced
BPL Events is comprised of a versatile team of devoted, performance-based event professionals. Our culture is built on integrity, teamwork, and passion.
Combined, our network has over 120 years of achievement in the event industry. Our diverse crew is made up of resourceful, problem-solving industry experts who are highly experienced in project management, planning and logistics, graphic design, communications, web site development, registration and e-commerce, speaker management, and sponsorship fulfillment.
We pride ourselves on providing best in class service and maintain this with consistent communication and forward planning to ensure that our team members and valued partners operate as a dynamic and cohesive unit.
Dawn Becker
Founder & President
As Founder and President of BPL Events, Dawn oversees the business and works closely with each account lead to shape strategy, partnerships, and long-term outcomes. With over 20 years in the industry, she has built enduring relationships with trusted partners who help deliver consistently strong results.
Dawn sets the strategic direction for client engagements and models BPL’s culture through her commitment to service, stewardship, and collaboration. She is the author of The Forever Attendee Formula, a book that explores the role of connection, trust, and care in creating events that endure. She also loves to cook and considers it a form of daily meditation.
Rom Diaz
Event Technology
(fluent in Spanish)
Rom brings deep expertise in event technology and platforms, supporting the setup and management of the systems that keep events running smoothly. He focuses on streamlining processes and maintaining reliable workflows behind the scenes.
Known for his steady approach and attention to detail, Rom helps ensure events are delivered efficiently and without disruption. Outside of work, he enjoys time on a sunny beach with an umbrella in his drink.
Chun-Lam Lee
Event Production Lead / Account Manager
(fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin)
Chun-Lam leads event production at BPL Events, guiding projects from early planning through on-site delivery with care and precision. She manages timelines, partners, and production details to ensure events are executed thoughtfully and consistently.
Curious by nature and highly detail-driven, Chun-Lam keeps a close eye on industry developments and partner capabilities. Outside of work, she enjoys researching and discovering new restaurants to add to her list of must-try places.
Gabriela Vasquez-Roman
Executive Assistant to the President
Gabriela works closely with the President, providing executive support while contributing to event coordination and planning. She helps keep projects organized, supporting internal workflows, and ensures details are managed with care.
With a background in Film Studies, Gabriela brings a strong sense of storytelling, structure, and audience awareness to her work. Her creative lens and thoughtful approach make her a valuable part of the BPL Events team as she continues to grow within the organization.
Marc Gushuliak
On-Site Events Director
Marc brings over 15 years of experience delivering strong on-site event experiences and supporting clients, sponsors, and attendees in real time. He leads on-site teams and logistics execution, ensuring plans are carried through smoothly and professionally.
Known for his calm presence and interpersonal skills, Marc excels at building rapport on the ground and creating positive interactions at every touchpoint. As an experienced in-field lead, he is well-versed in travel-heavy event schedules and on-site problem-solving. Marc is First Aid/CPR and SmartServe certified.
Michelle Owen
Sponsor & Partnership Development / Account Manager
Michelle brings a dynamic entrepreneurial background to BPL Events, with experience spanning music services, live entertainment, and hospitality. She supports sponsor and partner relationships by managing communication, coordinating deliverables, and helping ensure a consistent, positive experience throughout the event process.
Known for her adaptability and collaborative approach, Michelle contributes to smooth execution across partnerships and events. Outside of work, she enjoys writing songs at her piano and experimenting with new recipes.
(Dr.) Alan Chaffe
Speaker Manager and Strategic Advisor
Alan is an experienced speaker and entertainment manager with a background spanning Pride festivals, academic conferences, and large-scale industry events. He manages complex speaker logistics with clarity and confidence, guiding presenters from preparation through on-site delivery.
In addition to speaker management, Alan works closely with the leadership team on event strategy, bringing a thoughtful, analytical lens to program design and audience experience. Holding a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, he brings a strong background in leadership, inclusion, and audience engagement to his work, informing both his strategic contributions and how he works with speakers to ensure events are professionally delivered and well considered.
Anne Sarkalahti
Speaker Manager
Anne is known for getting things done, particularly when it comes to speaker coordination. With a strong background in project management, she brings structure, discipline, and attention to detail to every stage of the speaker journey, from initial outreach through to on-site support.
She is highly organized, calm under pressure, and adept at managing multiple speakers and timelines simultaneously, ensuring presenters feel prepared, supported, and confident on event day. You’ll often spot Anne with a Marimekko handbag and a bottle of sparkling water close at hand. As she likes to say, hydration is key.
Shay Ansari
On-Site Events Ambassador
Shay brings creativity and energy to the on-site experience. Backed by her event coordination skills, she focuses on on-site delivery, where her eye for design and detail really shines. Shay often leads the development of featured event activations and décor concepts, including sourcing and managing décor rentals and finding creative ways to bring spaces to life.
She supports special projects as needed and is known for stepping in where creative problem-solving is required, helping ensure events feel thoughtful, engaging, and well executed on the day.