Last year, Edlen commemorated its 50th anniversary, and we’re honoring a few of the remarkable individuals who helped build that legacy—one show, one relationship, and one unforgettable moment at a time. In 2025, three team members celebrated 30 years with the company: Elizabeth Tackett, Kelly Putich, and Vanessa Alenier. Their stories span coast-to-coast and reflect the kind of passion, loyalty, and leadership that define Edlen’s culture. From unexpected beginnings to full-circle milestones, each of them has shaped not just Edlen’s past, but its future.

Elizabeth Tackett, Executive Director of Administration

A Leap of Faith and a Lifetime of Gratitude

Just over thirty years ago, Elizabeth Tackett was working as an office manager in a long-term care facility—surrounded by grief and longing for a change. That change came unexpectedly, through a conversation with the mother of a family friend who encouraged her to consider joining her at Edlen. After meeting with Edlen team members and then CEO Lenny, she took a leap of faith—and never looked back. What started as a conversation at a family home became one of the best decisions of Ellie’s life. Since then, she’s seen remarkable growth—from a handful of offices in Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to a national presence. Through it all, she’s never experienced a dull day, taking on new challenges across the country and helping bring major political events to life.

One summer stands out above the rest: in 2004, she returned to her birthplace, New York City, to work on the Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden. It felt like going home—and even better, her son got to experience that connection and spend time with local family members, too. The job also introduced Ellie to the love of her life, a former Edlen electrician who brings humor and fun to every day. They’ve now been married for over 17 years. As she reflects on her journey, she’s filled with gratitude—for the opportunities, the growth, the sense of family, and the leaders like Lenny and Jim who shaped Edlen into what it is today. “To be a part of this incredible family that is Edlen,” she says, “is priceless.”

Kelly Putich, National Director of Event Services

Three Decades of Dedication and Heart

Kelly Putich’s journey with Edlen also began with a personal connection—through a friend in the party rental business who introduced her to ExpoTech back in 1983. By 1995, Edlen’s CEO Jim Wetterling gave her a call that would change everything, inviting her to join the Anaheim team as a customer service representative. From there, her career steadily evolved: Kelly moved into the role of Director of Operations, then General Manager, before being promoted to National Director of Event Services in 2016. What started as a local role has grown into one with a national impact—today, she supports team members across the country. In her early days, technology looked very different—credit card machines, no computers, and everything done by hand. But what hasn’t changed is her passion for the work and the people who do it alongside her.

From large-scale political conventions like the Republican National Convention in 1996 and 2000, to the Democratic National Convention in 2016, to opening major offices in cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta, Kelly’s fingerprints are all over Edlen’s legacy. She played a key role in CONEXPO 2023—the largest event in North America—which she had the pleasure of helping produce alongside Edlen’s amazing team. And through it all, what’s mattered to her most are the relationships—both within the company and with clients who have become lifelong friends. “You spend so much time with these people,” she reflects, “after 30 years, they become family.” From celebrating 20 years with IPC APEX Expo to weathering industry-wide challenges like COVID, she’s remained a steadfast part of Edlen’s heart. “Their successes are my successes,” Kelly says, “and that touches my heart.”

Vanessa Alenier, Vice President of Event Services (Miami)

Full Circle in Miami: 30 Years of Leadership Where It All Began

Some careers are planned, and others unfold unexpectedly—but meaningfully. That was the case for Vanessa Alenier, a 30-year Edlen veteran, whose journey began at just 18 when a family connection introduced her to the company. Originally brought on for just two weeks to help with a West Coast expansion, she quickly became immersed in the fast-paced world of events and never looked back. Mentored by leadership figures like Edlen founder Lenny Swimmer and CEO Jim Wetterling, Vanessa found more than just a job—she found a family. Having managed Edlen’s Miami branch, the original office where it all began, she reflected on the full-circle moment, especially in a milestone year that marked both her 30th anniversary with the company and her 50th birthday.

Over the years, Vanessa has watched the company transform, particularly through major shifts in technology and event operations, while maintaining its people-first culture. From managing massive events like HIMSS at McCormick Place to treasured moments at annual managers meetings in San Diego and Las Vegas, the camaraderie has remained the constant. “Now, we have Zach Wetterling on board, and I’ve watched him grow up—he’s a great human being,” Vanessa says. “This 50th anniversary is a testament to how strong this company is. We’ve faced challenges, big and small, and always come out on top. It’s special to be a part of that.”