Our Mission
At Ideas Northwest, we transform your vision into a seamless, unforgettable experience. As a corporate event planning firm, we offer more than just our full attention, we bring bold creativity, strategic insight, and a flair for the unexpected. We don’t just execute events; we craft immersive moments that reflect your brand, engage your audience, and spark lasting impressions. Our team is all-in, from the big picture to the tiniest detail, always saying “yes” to possibilities and pushing boundaries to deliver something truly extraordinary.
“One life on this earth is all we get, whether it is enough or not enough, and the obvious conclusion would seem to be at the very least we are fools if we do not live it as fully and bravely and beautifully as we can.”
The Crew Behind the Curtain
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Stacy Ringer, President
Stacy is a force in the industry, known for producing unforgettable, high-impact events with unexpected twists that leave people talking. With over 15 years in hospitality and convention management under her belt before launching Ideas NW in 2005, Stacy brings a deep, strategic understanding of what it takes to make events not only successful — but exceptional. She’s a fierce advocate for her clients, a sharp negotiator, and a master at navigating hotel contracts with precision. Her communication is clear, her creativity unmatched, and her standards non-negotiable. “No” isn’t in her vocabulary — unless it protects her clients.
Backed by trusted global vendor relationships and a handpicked team of dynamic, experienced professionals, Stacy leads Ideas NW with passion, integrity, and a serious “make it happen” mindset.
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Courtney Salisbury, Event Director
With a powerhouse background that includes over 15 years at AT&T and a business degree focused on human resources, Courtney is the heartbeat of Ideas NW operations. Since joining the team in 2007, she brings unmatched organization, precision, and heart to every event we touch. Her sharp eye for detail and deep understanding of the corporate landscape means nothing slips through the cracks. Courtney connects effortlessly with people across industries and backgrounds, always tuning in to what matters most. Her passion lies in getting it right—every time—and ensuring that every client feels seen, heard, and incredibly well taken care of.
Simply put: Courtney keeps the Ideas NW engine running like clockwork, with purpose and care.
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Emily Derr, Event Director
Emily’s journey in hospitality came full circle—and we couldn’t be more thrilled. While earning her Hospitality Management degree, Emily spent two years interning with Ideas NW and quickly became part of the family. After gaining valuable experience in the hotel industry and building deep connections in the hospitality scene, she made her way back to Ideas NW—and that says everything about the strength of her bond with the team and her passion for this work.
Emily brings heart, hustle, and a deep understanding of what makes events unforgettable. She’s got the hospitality chops, a sharp eye for logistics, and an uncanny ability to make both clients and vendors feel at ease and energized. When she’s not managing events, she’s running after her two young boys and four dogs—proof that her multitasking game is next level. With Emily,you're not just getting a seasoned pro—you're getting someone who truly loves what she does, and it shows in every detail.
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Linda O'Keefe, Logistics and Operations Director
What do you do after six years of college, including dental hygiene school? If youre Linda—you pivot into event planning and never look back. Since 2008, Linda has been a cornerstone of the Ideas NW team, bringing her sharp intelligence, visionary style, and let’s-get-it-done attitude to every project. She got her start managing events for orthopedic surgeons and medical distributors, which means high-stakes logistics and zero room for error are her comfort zone. Linda is known for her polished taste, her “editor’s eye,” and her fierce dedication to getting things exactly right. Whether it’s an executive board meeting, conference, or multi-day activation, she handles it all with grace and grit. Shes business savvy, deeply thoughtful, and has a talent for pushing vendors (and sometimes clients!) to deliver their best. Her smile lights up a room, her standards keep everything on point—and yes, her teeth are flawless. When Linda’s on your project, it’s going to be beautiful, smart, and done right.