Leading From the Heart: Meeting Planning with Celeste Isacco, PMP
- AMC Source
- Dec 8
- 3 min read
At AMC Source, meaningful association management begins with people. Our Leading From the Heart series introduces the team members whose expertise, values, and leadership strengthen the associations we serve. This week, we’re highlighting Celeste Isacco, PMP, an expert in association meeting planning who blends creativity, community focus, and purposeful design to create unforgettable event experiences.
What is values-based meeting planning?
Values-based meeting planning is an approach to association event planning that emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, creativity, and member-centered design. It ensures that conferences and meetings not only run smoothly but also strengthen mission, purpose, and community connection.
Finding Joy in Connection and Creativity
For Celeste, event experience design begins with connection. Her favorite part of meeting planning is building relationships with members and creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and valued.
Even in fast-paced environments, she finds energy in imagining new ideas and asking, “What if?” This curiosity drives her creativity and helps her design association events that feel intentional and memorable.
Why Association Work Feels Meaningful
Association management gives Celeste the chance to support missions she believes in. She shared, “You are not just planning events. You are helping members feel connected, supported, and inspired.”
For her, association meeting planning is about more than logistics. It’s about shaping experiences that contribute to a stronger professional community.
The Values That Guide Her Approach
Celeste incorporates three core values into her work in meeting and conference planning for associations:
Inclusivity Creating environments where every attendee feels welcome and reflected in the experience.
Sustainability Designing events with minimal waste and a mindful stewardship of resources.
Connections Strengthening relationships among members to deepen engagement and shared purpose.
These values inform both high-level strategy and small details within each event.
Values in Action: How Celeste Elevates Member Experiences
A Collaborative Pop-Art Installation
At a recent association conference, Celeste designed an interactive art activation where attendees colored and customized art tiles representing their individual roles and voices. The completed installation, displayed at the closing reception, symbolized the power of community, unique individuals contributing to something greater together. This is a prime example of member engagement strategy woven into event design.
Sustainable Event Planning With Community Impact
During an Andy Warhol–inspired event, Celeste used Campbell’s soup cans as thematic décor. After the event, instead of discarding them, she coordinated a donation of 75 cans to a local soup kitchen. This simple act connected sustainable meeting planning with meaningful community service.
These examples show how thoughtful choices can elevate the impact of association events and build trust within member communities.
How the Industry Could Transform Through Values
Celeste believes the meeting planning world would be more joyful and intentional if more professionals embraced creativity, care, and inclusiveness in their event planning. She shared, “There is not just one way to plan. There is beauty in the variation each person brings.”
This view reflects the essence of values-driven association management: Events that prioritize people, purpose, and connection.
A Final Reflection
Celeste offers one last thought: Grow where you are planted. Your creativity, values, and personal touch can uplift any community. Whether you’re planning conferences, supporting member services, or managing operations, every role contributes to a stronger association ecosystem.
Interested in learning about how AMC Source can support values-driven meetings and events for your organization? We welcome you to contact us for a free 15 minute consultation today!
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