Anca Platon Trifan, CMP, DES, WMEP's Linkedin Analytics

Super excited about this episode of the Events: demystified Podcast demystifying the real world of AI agents, large language models, and practical applications for businesses, featuring my new 🇷🇴 friend, and guest Vlad Iliescu. We cover how to build AI systems that support team goals, deploy a the step-by-step demo and practical insights on safe AI agents development and deployment, while touching on the importance of strategy and processes in AI adoption, and the real ROI of AI in businesses. The episode has aired today, Friday, May 13th, subscribe and follow so you don't miss it, if you're a leader looking to integrate AI responsibly into ops. Full episode link in the comments below. #eventdemystified #agenticAI #AIeducator #AIspeaker #technologypodcast

Yesterday’s Boise Meeting Pros session was proof that planners and hoteliers alike are hungry for clear, practical AI guidance, insights & examples —not another “look‑what‑it‑can-do” demo.  A full 100 percent of attendees rated my AI session as valuable, and 96 percent said, “Bring this back.” My favorite comment: “Best AI presentation I’ve been part of—practical examples for each tool and why they matter.” We walked through 11 friendly AI tools (plus four bonus picks) in a simple order—easy wins first, deeper integrations next. We mapped each tool to real planner’s pain points, and left everyone with a playbook they can use today. Huge thanks to Andrew Heidt, CDME with Visit Boise  for the invitation and the Residence Inn by Marriott  team for hosting us, as well as Sara Peyton for the after hours at Treefort Music Hall. If your association, hotel, DMO, or agency needs an AI keynote or workshop that skips the buzzwords and focuses on step‑by‑step workflows, let’s talk. My full Talkadot feedback profile is open here: https://lnkd.in/gPsCTkMS. Booking page: https://lnkd.in/gndBhWmZ DM me or tag a colleague who books speakers. PS: Many thanks to Amy Parrish for capturing the moment, and hosting me and Brittney Cobb 🌮 for dinner afterwards at the Avery Hotel. #EventProfs #AI #Meetings #Speaker #Boise #AIForEvents #AIspeaker

Psychological safety isn’t just an HR buzzword—it’s mission-critical in event planning. When stakes are high, timelines are tight, and people are running on fumes, we must create environments where team members feel safe to speak up, ask for help, and contribute ideas—without fear of judgment or backlash. At IMEX America, I shared a message with Janice Cardinale VEMM, the advocate behind this movement, that I hope gains traction: we need standardized psychological safety training across the events industry. Not optional. Not “nice to have.” Essential. This is a call to action. We train for fire safety. We train for first aid. Why aren’t we training our teams to support mental health under pressure? If you’re part of an organization, association, or board—please bring this up. Advocate for it. Push for it. This isn’t about soft skills. It’s about creating better shows, stronger teams, and sustainable careers. 📩 DM Event Minds Matter Empowered by Club Ichi if you’re ready to join the movement. #eventprofs #mentalhealth #psychologicalsafety #eventindustry #leadership #burnoutprevention #bettereveryevent #fit4events

I’m happy to share that I’ve obtained a new certification: Become an AI-Powered People Manager from LinkedIn! #genAIforbusiness #AIforbiz

What does radio DJ'ing, sound engineering, AV production, events, COVID-19, loss, grief, AI and bodybuilding have in common? Me. It feels like I've built a life in chapters — and now I’m writing the book. If you believe in building through reinvention, resilience, and raw grit, this one’s for you. Subscribe to be part of this one wild ride. https://lnkd.in/gVCFrHHr PS: 📸 from Puppy Yoga by Fit City Adventures at #cventconnect25 for attention grabbing, cuz why not? 😂 #futureauthor #bookauthor #memoir #book #bestsellingauthor #fit4events™️ #fitover40

I'm heading to #CventCONNECT 2025! 🎉 Anticipating great sessions and the chance to meet new faces in the industry. Will I see you there? https://lnkd.in/gJUWGF6z #MeetMeAtCventCONNECT2025 #PoweredbyIngo Cvent

Ever feel like you’ve crammed a century’s worth of plot twists into one lifetime? Same. My latest newsletter drop peels back one of those “wait—did that really happen?” layers. It starts in a dim Romanian radio studio, slides into late-night mentorship with a voice we're going to call "Neo", and hangs on the edge of a moment when the faders—and the stakes—spike red. If you’re up for a quick hit of nostalgia, tension, and just-spicy-enough confession, open today’s edition and step inside the control room with me. I promise you’ll hear the static crackle. → Sign up for the full memoir launch list: https://lnkd.in/gXFDwPXM I’d love to know what lands for you. #fit4events #memoirwriting #eventsdemystified #radiosilence #firstlove #mentalresilience #emotionalstrength #storiesofloveandloss #writer

Some chapters are written. Others are survived first. This is one of those. Less than a week out from stepping on stage for my next bodybuilding competition, I found myself spiraling—not because I wasn’t prepared, but because I was terrified that even after everything, I still wouldn’t be enough. I had just finished a posing mock show. Supposed to be a final confidence boost. Instead? I saw every flaw. Every mistake. Every unfinished edge. My body looked harder, stronger, more muscular than ever—but in that moment, all I could see was everything that still didn’t measure up. My glutes didn’t look tight enough. My posing still lacked flow. I felt wrecked. Exposed. And underneath it all was the quiet truth I didn’t want to name: I’ve been chasing something deeper than medals. I’ve been chasing worth. In Chapter 14, I take you deep inside the most physically demanding, emotionally revealing season of my life. A season where I trained not just my body—but my ability to hold grief, sit with failure, and stay present when everything inside me screamed to run and hide. I didn’t become a bodybuilder to heal—but healing found me anyway. “What I built under the barbell wasn’t just muscle. It was emotional scaffolding. The ability to stay centered when life got loud. The ability to feel something deeply and not let it undo me.” This chapter isn’t a victory lap. It’s a reckoning. With discipline. With doubt. With the younger version of me who still believed she had to earn her place in this life. It’s about the quiet realization that maybe I’ve already earned my own respect. That maybe it’s not about proving anymore. Maybe it’s about honoring. Not “Am I enough?” But “I already am.” If you’ve ever worked relentlessly toward something and still questioned your worth, if you’ve ever felt like the underdog in your own story, if you’ve ever stood in the mirror and seen everything that’s missing instead of everything you’ve built— This one is for you. → Sign up for the full memoir launch list: https://lnkd.in/gXFDwPXM And if it resonates, I’d love to know. This chapter burned to write—but I think it might be the one that heals the most. #fit4events #memoirwriting #highperformance #bodybuildingwomen #mentalresilience #emotionalstrength #showprep #wellnessjourney

📍 “Technology and AI can replace service, but it can never replace hospitality.” In this week’s Events: demystified Podcast, we’re getting real about where the humans still matter most—especially as AI tools flood the event space with Liz Lathan, CMP, co-founder of Club Ichi. From 7-minute tech demos to real talk about matchmaking tools that still miss the mark, this episode is packed with honest insights, laughter (wait for the “they all suck” moment 😆), and practical wisdom on how to blend human intention with digital innovation the right way. Because at the end of the day, engagement is more than a feature. It's a feeling. A connection. A moment that matters. 🎧 Full episode dropped today, Friday, May 30th — follow & tune in. https://lnkd.in/gTt5eWqG #EventsDemystified #HumanCenteredTech #EventTech #EventProfs #AIMeetsEvents #HospitalityMatters #CommunityBuilding #PodcastTeaser #EngagementTools #TechThatConnects

Today, I’m holding space for two incredible fathers. My dad, Platon George — who I don’t get to see nearly enough — is the storyteller of my life. He’s the reason I love books, adventures, and asking questions. His stories shaped my imagination, his inner strength taught me how to be brave, and his love for discovery sparked my own curiosity that still drives me today. And then there's my husband, Ezechel Trifan, — the kind of father I only dared to hope my children would have. He's the most talented person I know, both in science and in music and he teaches our kids not just math and music, but patience, kindness, and how to show up with integrity. He’s an engineer with a creative soul, a thinker, and watching him father our kids is one of the greatest privileges of my life. Different in so many ways, yet both anchored by the same values: curiosity, presence, love. Happy Father’s Day to the men who’ve shaped my world and are shaping the world of our children. I’m endlessly grateful. #fathersday2025

In one of her recent "What If" famous posts, Liz Lathan, CMP talks about the "Showgirl Bootcamp", well guess what? I was one of the lucky showgirls of that experience several years back, and we get to unpack it on the upcoming Events: demystified Podcast episode, about to air next week! Subscribe, follow and stay tuned for the full episode. ------ Want more behind-the-scenes insight on leadership, AI, and mindset in events? Listen to Events: Demystified — new episodes every other week. #eventspodcast, #fit4events, #womeninAV, #eventleaders, #AIandEvents

As a bodybuilding #eventprof, here’s some unpopular wellness propaganda I’m NOT falling for in 2025: “I’ll focus on my health after this next event” You said that last quarter. And the one before that. If fitness is always what you ‘circle back to,’ it’s not a time issue—it’s a pattern. Your body isn’t a side project. It’s your main resource. “Wellness breaks are enough” A five-minute meditation between back-to-back sessions and backstage chaos isn’t wellness—it’s triage. The intention is good, but the system is broken. “I don’t have time” You had time to rework agendas, answer 87 Slack pings, and doom-scroll between site visits. But not for a 30-minute workout? Let’s call it what it is: habit and tradeoffs—not time. “Sleep is optional during busy season” So is burnout. So is forgetfulness. So is snapping at your team when they need you most. Sleep isn’t indulgent—it’s your edge. “I’ll get back in shape after XYZ” What if the shape you’re in now is part of the reason you’re running on empty? This isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about energy and resilience. “Being #fit4events is a perk” Wrong. It’s a foundation. For decision-making. Focus. Leadership. Just like you wouldn’t skip a run-through or miss a sound check—don’t skip fueling your own capacity. “Let’s add a 6:00 am run to the agenda!” Cute. But the real shift? Starts behind the scenes: better food, realistic schedules, and teams that aren’t treated like batteries to be drained. This is exactly why I built the #fit4events framework—to help event pros lead better by feeling better. If this hit home, you’ll want to see what’s coming next. What other “wellness myths” do you think we need to stop believing in this industry? Drop yours below 👇 ----------------------------- 💪 If you’re done glamorizing burnout and ready to lead from a place of strength—let’s connect. I speak at events from experience, as a bodybuilding athlete event professional, on what it really takes to thrive under pressure. #eventprofs, #mentalfitness, #boundaries, #highperformanceleadership

Still building. Still proving what’s possible over 40. Not here for midlife fear-mongering. Here to lead, lift, and rewrite the rules—loudly. #fit4events Saturday's SHOW TIME 💥

Boise friends—let’s talk AI, hotels, and rooftop views. Next Wednesday, May 28 at 4 pm MT, I’m excited to present “11 AI Tools (Plus 34 Bonus Ones) You’re Not Using—YET” for the Boise Meeting Professionals group, hosted by Andrew Heidt, CDME with Visit Boise at the Residence Inn by Marriott. This session is designed to go way beyond ChatGPT. I’ll walk you through tools that help streamline sourcing, automate planning workflows, accelerate content creation, and free up time without losing the human touch. You’ll leave with a real list—not hype—of AI tools you can try out the next day. Bonus: Marriott Hotels will also preview new hotel products coming to Boise in 2026! After the session, we’ll head across the street for a private Treefort Music Fest Music Hall tour, then make our way up to the Hap Hap Lounge rooftop for a hosted reception—thank you to the Treefort team for the drinks + bites! If you're a hotelier or meeting professional, you're invited to attend the full afternoon of tours, education, and networking. It’s going to be a great crowd. Please RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gDGH-Jyq so we can plan accordingly! Huge thanks to Andrew, and the Visit Boise team for pulling it all together. See you next week! 📍 May 28 | 4 PM MT 📍 Residence Inn Boise City Center 📍 Followed by Treefort + Hap Hap Lounge #eventprofs #AItools #meetingsmatter #BoiseEvents #eventtech #hospitalitypros #eventinnovation #fit4events #AIspeaker #boiseevents

Just wrapped a few exciting days at Cvent CONNECT — and I’m taking away more than just new contacts and ideas. From exploring how AI can actually enhance event experiences (not just as a buzzword), to seeing behind the scenes of exceptional live production, to reflecting on the power of community over shared meals — the experience reinforced some simple truths: 👉 Technology works best when it’s in service of connection and creativity. 👉 Event production is an art — and the smallest details make the biggest memories. 👉 No matter how advanced our tools get, relationships are what drive this industry forward. Some standout moments: AI-driven tools showcased by Cvent and other tech platforms for real-world attendee engagement. An inspiring backstage production tour with Clarity Experiences. Memorable (and fun!) networking moments — from puppy yoga to deep lunch conversations. Insights on brand engagement and measuring impact from Reggie Aggarwal, and top industry leaders. Grateful for the new ideas, new faces, and new energy to bring back to the events I help produce and consult on. If we crossed paths this week, let’s stay connected — and if you didn’t attend, happy to share a few takeaways if you’re curious. It was great connecting with Lisa Mendenhall Johnson, Megan Martin, CMP, DES, MPA, JT Long (she/her/ours) 🦋, Andrew Heidt, CDME, Rachel Andrews, Heidi Brumbach, CMP, Angela Cava, CMP, HMCC, MMP,, Angie Duncan Callaway, and making new connections along the way too. #CventCONNECT #EventTech #AIinEvents #EventProfs #Networking #fit4events

#wednesdaywellness There’s more bad advice about fitness, nutrition, and wellness on social media than ever before. A lot of it sounds scientific — but it isn’t. We don’t need to fall for it anymore. We have better tools now. When I see something that sounds off, I run it through ChatGPT's Deep Research and ask it to pull actual published research — not blogs, not influencer opinions. If the science isn’t there, forget about it. Here’s 10 common claims I’ve fact-checked lately — and the truth: 🚫 “Drink chlorophyll water to detox your body.” ➡️ No — your liver and kidneys already handle detoxing. No solid human data supports chlorophyll as a detox agent. 🚫 “Cold plunges burn fat and supercharge metabolism.” ➡️ They cause a minor temporary calorie burn — not enough to impact fat loss. Regular cold plunging after lifting can blunt muscle growth by shutting down the repair process muscles need to grow. 🚫 “You can’t absorb more than 30g of protein per meal.” ➡️ False. You absorb all the protein you eat. While muscle protein building maxes out at a certain rate, the rest of the protein is still used by your body. 🚫 “Lifting heavy weights will make women bulky.” ➡️ Wrong. Women don’t have the hormones to easily build large muscle. Lifting heavy helps improve body composition, build lean muscle, and burn fat. 🚫 “Creatine makes you bloated.” ➡️ The water retention creatine causes is inside muscle cells — exactly what you want for muscle growth and performance. It is not belly bloat. Creatine is the most-researched sports supplement in existence. 🚫 “Fasted cardio burns more fat.” ➡️ Fasted cardio burns a bit more fat during the workout, but overall fat loss comes down to daily energy balance — not fasted vs. fed training. There’s no clear fat-loss advantage. 🚫 “Seed cycling balances your hormones.” ➡️ There’s no strong scientific evidence that eating flax, pumpkin, sesame, or sunflower seeds in phases of your cycle regulates hormones. Mostly anecdotal. 🚫 “Collagen protein builds muscle like whey.” ➡️ Collagen is missing key amino acids (like leucine) needed for muscle growth. It’s great for skin and joints — but not a replacement for whey or other complete proteins. 🚫 “You need tons of supplements to build muscle or lose fat.” ➡️ No — supplements are the 5%. Sleep, nutrition, progressive training, stress management — that’s the 95%. Creatine is solid. The rest depends on your goals and needs — not hype. 🚫 “You can out-train a bad diet.” ➡️ You can’t. You cannot exercise your way out of consistently poor nutrition. Training matters, but fat loss and muscle building are driven mostly by what you eat and how you recover. --- Bottom line: you don’t need to take this stuff at face value anymore — no matter who says it. You can check the facts. That’s what I do. If you want me to run something through the process and tell you what the actual research says — DM me. #Fit4Events #FitnessFacts #MythBusting .

I was 12 when I dreamed that one day I will... Stay tuned for the whole story. Have you ever had a dream that you relentlessly pursued but it took decades to accomplish? This was me. Can't wait to tell you what that dream was. #dreamsneverdie #inpursuitofdreams

It’s easy to focus on the grind before the goal. But what about the day after? This past Saturday, I stepped on stage for my first bodybuilding competition of the year—a milestone I trained for with relentless consistency for 1.5 years. And in the final week leading up to it, I had to face a harder question: ✔️ What happens if I hit my goal? ✔️ And what happens if I don’t? Either way, I needed a plan. Because without one, you risk feeling aimless. You risk letting your momentum die in the silence that follows the applause. In both business and fitness, I’ve learned that setting a goal isn’t enough. You need a path beyond it. Milestones are great—but they’re not the destination. They’re checkpoints. And if you want to keep moving forward, you have to stay intentional. So here’s my question to you: How do you approach goal setting and milestones—especially the moments after one is reached? #fit4events #goalsetting #eventprofs #businessleadership #postmilestoneplan #disciplineequalsfreedom #personalgrowth #competitiveedge #manyreps #mentaltoughness #bodybuildereventprof

I won't lie, my content has been run by an AI agent and with that, a lot of people have been asking what I’m focusing my time on right now. Here’s where my time and energy are going: 1. Protecting my focus—hard boundaries, no guilt. Every hour I waste is an hour stolen from the work that matters. From my kids, my family, my bodybuilding competitions, my writing, my clients. I’m choosing wisely. 2. Investing in my body and mind—because how I show up everywhere starts with how I take care of myself. The discipline I bring to the gym mirrors the discipline I bring to my business and my relationships. 3. Writing and editing my book—yes, still. Deep, raw, and layered. Not a content play. Not an exercise in marketing. A commitment to telling the story that shaped me, in all its mess and strength. 4. Turning pressure into clarity. The more that’s asked of me, the clearer I become on what is mine to carry—and what is not. 5. Building real relationships—not just engagement metrics. People. Trust. Shared values. Conversations that outlast platforms. Pressure is a privilege. Being trusted to stand on stages, to lead in AI, to write words that reach people, to build a business others believe in—that is not lost on me. And I carry it with intention, not obligation. What are you working on that deserves your best energy right now? I’d love to hear it. --- 📸 #fit4eventst™️ on top of the world, New York Edge.

When I was 12, I came across a postcard of the Statue of Liberty. I didn’t know what a vision board was—but that postcard became one. It wasn’t just about seeing a monument. It represented something much bigger to me. As a kid growing up in Romania behind closed borders, freedom wasn’t something we took for granted. I grew up with ration lines and restrictions, knowing full well that where you’re born can determine the life you’re allowed to live. That image of Lady Liberty, standing tall with her torch raised high, meant hope. It meant that one day, I could live in a place where I’d be free to speak my mind, chart my own path, and create a future on my own terms. So I kept that postcard. For years. Through all of life’s twists and turns. I moved to the U.S. in my twenties. I traveled this country wide and long—north to south, coast to coast. I came close to New York many times but somehow never made it to Manhattan. Until this week. 22 years after coming to the U.S., and 30 years since that postcard first landed in my hands, I finally stood in front of the Statue of Liberty. Some dreams take that long. And some symbols hold even more meaning the older you get. Standing there, I reflected on all that freedom still means to me—and how easy it is to forget how precious it is. So I’ll leave you with this: What does the Statue of Liberty mean to you today? Does it still mean something? What if it could mean something again? Let’s not take it for granted. #statueofliberty #libertyandfreedom #fit4events