Anne Benisch – A Leader in Community and Event Planning

Anne Benisch’s trajectory from San Jose showcases a life committed to connecting people and creating memorable experiences. Her diverse experiences, extensive skill set, and tireless work ethic have established her as a prominent figure in the event planning industry and a role model for community philanthropy.

Early Life and Education

Anne Benisch was born in San Jose, California, but her family relocated to Modesto before her first birthday. During her time in Modesto, she excelled academically and athletically at Modesto High School. She completed the International Baccalaureate program, laying a solid foundation for her future. Benisch was exceptionally skilled in water polo and swimming, often leading her teams to victory.

College Years at UC Davis

At UC Davis, Anne Benisch balanced competitive swimming with her academic pursuits. As vice president of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, she honed her organizational and interpersonal skills, which were evident in her leadership. Benisch’s extracurricular activities taught her to manage her time and responsibilities effectively. Her experience planning campus events gave her valuable early exposure to her future career.

From San Francisco to Sephora

Anne Benisch began her career in San Francisco, gaining expertise in various fields and honing her event planning skills. At Sephora, she managed significant events like the National Store Directors’ Conference in Las Vegas and regional directors’ conferences, where she showcased her creative and organizational talents.

One notable achievement was the National Store Directors’ Conference, a prestigious event that gathered store directors nationwide. Benisch’s meticulous planning ensured every detail was flawless, from luxurious accommodations to advanced presentation technology. A Sephora executive praised her dedication and attention to detail, transforming the conference into an unforgettable experience. This success demonstrated her ability to handle large-scale projects, paving the way for her future ventures.

Planned by Benisch – An Entrepreneurial Leap

With a strong desire to establish her own business, Benisch founded Planned by Anne. Her first major solo project, a business retreat featuring high-end glamping tents and gourmet cuisine, was a resounding success. This pivotal event validated her business and her ability to provide clients with unforgettable experiences.

Benisch meticulously plans events, paying close attention to every detail and fully understanding her client’s needs and desires. She focuses on creating unique experiences that resonate long after the event, helping Planned by Benisch quickly establish a solid customer base and a reputation for quality work.

Expertise and Creativity Define Benisch’s Success

Benisch has extensive experience with various events, from intimate gatherings to large trade shows and corporate functions. She manages every detail carefully to ensure her clients’ visions are realized. Her proficiency with tools like MailChimp, Trello, Asana, Adobe Connect, Salesforce CRM, Zoom, Cisco WebEx, Notion, Canva, Illustrator, Awardforce, EventCaddy, and Event Create helps her execute flawless events.

Benisch strives to create meaningful connections at every event, ensuring that her clients’ conferences, trade shows, and employee gatherings are memorable and successful, whether online or in person. She keeps up with the latest technology and trends in event planning, incorporating innovative elements to keep her events fresh and engaging.

From designing unique décor to curating the best entertainment and cuisine, Benisch’s creativity in event planning is evident. Her skill in blending style and functionality ensures that every event looks remarkable and proceeds smoothly.

Supporting Modesto Through Volunteer Work and Charitable Giving

Benisch is as committed to her community as she is to her profession. She co-founded the DoMO Walls International Mural Festival, which resulted in over 20 murals in downtown Modesto. This project enhanced the city’s aesthetics and fostered community pride and engagement. The murals have become a source of local pride and a tourist draw, benefiting the city’s culture and economy.

Benisch also played a vital role in the Make Dreams Real golf tournament, a prominent charity event in Northern California that raises significant funds for children’s charities. This involvement demonstrates her commitment to making a difference in young people’s lives. The tournament, known for its lively atmosphere and community spirit, has raised over $1,000,000 for local charities, supporting various programs from healthcare services for underprivileged children to educational initiatives.

Benisch is passionate about the Matt Staack Open, a charity golf tournament held in honor of Matthew Staack. This event is a tribute to Matthew and a fundraising opportunity for local charities. Benisch’s connection with Matthew’s sister, Katie Staack, contributes to the event’s success. Participants and supporters unite each year to honor Matthew’s memory and give back to the community.

Recognition in Her Field and Personal Principles

Benisch’s contributions to her community and profession are widely recognized. She is dedicated to giving back through her involvement with organizations such as the Modesto Sunrise Rotary Club, Opera Modesto, and the Education Foundation of Stanislaus County.

Benisch values hard work, kindness, and creating lasting connections in her career. She believes in every detail’s importance and builds relationships with vendors to ensure seamless events. Her commitment to making things straightforward and enjoyable for her clients and guests exemplifies these values. Benisch’s professional philosophy is grounded in the belief that her work should have a lasting impact on her clients and the community.

The Future of Planned by Anne

Benisch is enthusiastic about the potential of event planning to inspire and generate fresh ideas. She looks forward to the continued growth of her business and finds great satisfaction in creating unforgettable experiences for her clients. Benisch views every event as an opportunity to impress her clients and foster meaningful connections.

Anne’s advice to her younger self—trust your instincts, take risks, learn from mistakes, and build genuine relationships—reflects her wisdom. Her story illustrates how passion and perseverance can drive significant impact. Benisch remains dedicated to learning and seeking new challenges and opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge.

Looking Ahead

Anne Benisch is more than an event planner; she catalyzes creativity, camaraderie, and positive social change. Her work, from community murals to corporate events, reflects her commitment to uniting people and fostering positive impact. Planned by Anne, her charitable endeavors inspire and motivate those around her. Benisch’s presence leaves a lasting impression on those she encounters and every event she plans. Her story underscores the power of dedication, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference.