The best wedding & event venues in Sacramento, Amador, Placer, El Dorado, Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Butte, Northern California

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  • Laurie Schamlzel

    Laurie Schmalzel

    Under the tutelage of my Grandmother, I began my path as an event planner when I was just 5 years old!  I assisted “Grammy” while she hosted exquisite social functions for the San Jose social scene and the family’s company parties. Although my very important responsibilities were mainly answering the door and passing hors d’oeuvres they steadily increased as I grew. My passion for the social and corporate event markets continues as I’ve bee the Executive Director for several successful venues in the Sacramento area.

    My career officially began in January of 1990 with opening the beautiful Sacramento Grand Ballroom. For ten years I was the facilities manager, event and catering director and wedding planner. I also own Laurie Schmalzel Events, an event planning company; one of my notable long time clients being the California Professional Firefighters with whom I annually (since 1995) plan their Firefighter’s Memorial held in Sacramento Capitol Park.

    Over 21 years of being in the event planning market I have worked with many venues on operational start-up plans, have produced event trade shows from wedding faires, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Resource Fairs and wedding planning workshops. Through my diverse and varied career experiences I am knowledgeable in the details of facility management, food and beverage service and special event consulting. I am an active member of Meeting Planners International.

    It is a pleasure to be part of the professional team of the Venue Vixens.