Upi
Meet the Planners
Bucket List Photo Challenge
FAM Partners

Fam Trip Partner Hub

Learn how you and your team can mix with vetted meeting and event planners we've brought from far and wide to host in Rancho Cordova for our familiarization trip weekend!

Register by June 10

Invite Only!

Saturday, June 13

Brunch and Market at Soil Born Farms

2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova

Attire: Comfortable layers w/ suggested closed-toed shoes for walking around the farm

Arrive at 8:15 AM / Planners arrive 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Meet at the Herb Forest Deck

Breakfast is included

Free time to mosey around the farm and market

Site Visit and Guided Paddle at Sac State Aquatic Center

1901 Hazel Ave, Gold River

Attire: Comfortable layers and sun protection; we will have towels if needed

Arrive at 10:30 AM / Planners arrive 10:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Meet outside main office; Contact is Lindsay

Aquatic Center rentals included

Venue Showcase and Lunch @ Dao Distillery

Attire: Comfortable layers, casual

11460 Sunrise Gold Circle, Suite C, Rancho Cordova

Please arrive at 12:45 PM (unless you're coming from the aquatic center) / Planners arrive at 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Show off what your organization has to offer in a <10min presentation

Tasting and Lunch included

Meet the Planners

Wendy Harms | Manager, Global Accounts | HelmsBriscoe

Based: Topeka, KS | Sourced: HelmsBriscoe ABC 2026

Hobbies: running, crafting, pool

F&B Preferences: water, wine, granola bars, Mexican

Hotel Brand Preferences: Hilton, Marriott

Industry News Sources: email alerts

Meeting Must-Haves: transportation

Excited to See: the area

Food Allergies: N/A

Anne Findlay-Gomes | Independent Planner

Based: Ontario, Canada | Sourced: Smart Meetings 3-Day Extraordinary Experience, Monterey, 2023

Hobbies: walking, reading, travel

F&B Preferences: still water, margaritas, skinny pop, Asian fusion

Hotel Brand Preferences: varies

Industry News Sources: newsletters, industry publications

Meeting Must-Haves: flight access, hotel selection, things to do

Excited to See: destination opportunities, hotels, venues, activities

Food Allergies: N/A

Denize Maldonado | Director of Membership Engagement | Associations West

Based: Sacramento, CA | Sourced: Associations West, 2022

Hobbies: shopping, spin class, yoga, thrifting

F&B Preferences: coke zero, diet coke, paloma, riesling, almond joys, regular pringles, nacho cheese doritos, white powdered mini donuts, Thai, Chinese, Mexican

Hotel Brand Preferences: Marriott

Industry News Sources: Associations Now, Smart Meetings

Meeting Must-Haves: venue capabilities, location and accessibility, CVB partnerships

Excited to See: local favs, unique activities, KP International Market

Food Allergies: N/A

Tonja Taylor | CEO/Owner | Tonja Taylor Event Solutions

Based: Platte City, MO | Sourced: Connect West, 2023

Hobbies: hiking, horseback riding, water sports, beaching

F&B Preferences: sparkling water, gin & tonic, cabernet, charcuterie, caramel, all cuisine

Hotel Brand Preferences: Hyatt, Hilton, boutique brands

Industry News Sources: Northstar Meetings

Meeting Must-Haves: hotel, airport distance, room rates, concessions

Excited to See: the area. I am not familiar with the area and logistics

Food Allergies: N/A

Sabrina Terrazas | Director of Meetings & Events | Sacramento Association of Realtors

Based: Sacramento, CA | Sourced: Associations West ELEVATE, 2026

Hobbies: paddleboarding, walking, hiking, camping, fishing, cooking

F&B Preferences: polar seltzers, beer, wine, cocktails, fresh fruit, chips, trail mix, chomps, sushi, Thai, Indian, Italian

Hotel Brand Preferences: no preference

Industry News Sources: IAEE, Associations West, BKN Daily

Meeting Must-Haves: accessibility, flexibility/accommodating, aesthetics

Excited to See: diversity on the things to do and new event spaces to bring to the table

Food Allergies: N/A

Michelle Presswood | CEO | Presswood Enterprises

Based: Stone Mountain, GA | Sourced: Northstar Small & Boutique Meetings, Park City, 2025

Hobbies: traveling, movie critic, event planning, trying new recipes

F&B Preferences: coke zero, sauvignon blanc, cheetos, cheese crackers, really cheese anything, seafood

Hotel Brand Preferences: none

Industry News Sources: Travel Weekly, Meetings Today

Meeting Must-Haves: cost effective, culture immersion, easy to get around

Excited to See: the entire area to see if it would be a good fit for any of my programs

Food Allergies: Lobster

Join Visit Rancho Cordova's Summer of Shenanigans Bucket List Photo Challenge

1. Join the Challenge & Save to Your Phone

It’s easy and FREE! Use the sign up widget to join with your name and email. Save the page that pops up as a “shortcut” on your phone or save a bookmark page on your desktop computer.

2. Choose Adventures That Sound Fun & Submit Photos of Your Experience

Explore Rancho Cordova’s attractions and support small businesses at your own pace. Pick your favorites or try something new! Check-in to as many as you want by submitting photos and collect cool digital “badges” for crossing items off the list.

3. Earn Points & Giveaways by Trying As Many Activities As You Want

Get rewarded for having fun with your family! Each time you “check in” to an activity with geolocation and a photo, you’ll earn points to be entered into Rancho Cordova experience and prize raffles! Winners will be chosen at the end of the summer.

Thank you to our FAM Partners! (in itinerary order)