Who We Are

Anna Riker, President - Anna began her event planning career with the Independent Broadcasters Association in Washington, D.C., where she managed on-site logistics for speakers, government officials and other V.I.P.s attending their annual conference. She then joined the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) as Director of National Conferences, where she managed event marketing, program development, exhibit hall management, management and related social functions. There, she became well known for her strong attention to detail and exceptional customer service.

In 1999, Anna founded Strategic Events Group, bringing her event planning skills to a wider range of clients. She was later joined by two partners who now provide a complete range of expertise and services. Anna is a member of the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO), International Special Events Society (ISES), International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

Rick Chapman, Vice President, Sales and Marketing – Rick’s career spans 36 years in the hotel and convention bureau industry. He worked in convention services and convention sales at MGM Reno before becoming Director of Sales at Bally’s Reno. Rick was also national sales manager for citywide conventions at the San Diego Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. His next position led him to Hawaii as Vice President of Sales for the Hawaii Convention & Visitors Bureau to launch the opening of the new Hawaii Convention Center. Rick then returned to Reno and worked at the Reno Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority before becoming Vice President of Sales at the Reno Hilton.

Rick was a member of the program committee for the Nevada Commission on Tourism for over 11 years and served as the Northern Nevada Program Chair for the Governor’s Conference for 8 years. Rick has also been an active member of International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for over 25 years of his career.

Bill Riker, Vice President, Operations and Production – Bill began his event planning career as Director, Science and Technology for a Washington, D.C. based trade association. There, he was responsible for the production of general sessions, speaker luncheons, awards programs and exhibitor support at its 35,000 attendee annual convention.

He then served as President of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), where he directed the growth of its annual trade show from 600 attendees and 50 exhibitors to 10,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors. While serving as chairman of multiple program committees, he developed agendas, secured speakers and managed the overall production of the Society’s annual conferences.

Prior to joining Strategic Events Group, Bill was SVP, Events and Operations at The Cable Center, an educational institution and conference center at the University of Denver, where he developed and produced educational programs for students, the community and industry personnel at all levels. Bill has received numerous awards in recognition of his organizational leadership skills and event management expertise.

Lauren O’Byrne, Marketing Manager - Lauren obtained her bachelors degree from American University in Washington DC. She worked for many years in the center of Morristown, NJ at the prestigious law firm Riker Danzig. She then switched gears and put her talents to use at an online shoe retailer growing their social media presence and advertising. Following this she worked at the corporate offices of Weichert Realtors running campaigns to recruit new agents. Lauren was excited to come aboard SEG in 2018 and work with such an experienced team. She is happy to share her expertise with this growing company and help to create many more unique and memorable events.