OUR TEAM

Insider Experience provides comprehensive DMC services across a range of cities in the USA.

Our Team

Karine Bulger, Founder & CEO

Insider Experience was founded in 2012 by Karine Bulger, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the travel, destination management, event, and incentive industries. Before establishing Insider Experience, Karine held senior positions in both the USA and Australia.

Karine leads the Insider Experience team, leveraging her extensive hands-on experience, deep understanding of the US market, and proven track record of running award-winning events and incentives. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to exceptional client service are core values at Insider Experience, shaping how all staff interact with clients. Karine takes great pride in the high number of repeat clients, a testament to the business's exceptional operations and client satisfaction.

Carin Martens, Director of Sales & Marketing

For over 15 years Carin has been a noteworthy leader in the hospitality industry. Her success in sales & marketing, strategy implementation, and client relationship management has exceled her into senior level positions. Carin has diverse market knowledge with expertise in meetings and incentives. Her passion for hospitality reflects through her integrity, creativity, ingenuity in problem-solving, and drive to deliver unparalleled experiences. Throughout her career she has established a strong network and connections with industry partners and clients. Carin has worked within major brands such as Carlson Companies, Marriott, Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), Dolce Hotels and Resorts, and most recently with Hilton Worldwide as a Director of National Accounts for Grand Wailea in Hawaii.

Sarah Allen-Baines, Director of Operations - Hawaii

With a lifelong career in the events and hospitality industry, Sarah brings a unique blend of logistical expertise and creative vision to every program she leads. Her background includes senior-level experience in the Destination Management Company (DMC), Event Design, and Food & Beverage industry where she has successfully managed complex events and transformed ambitious ideas into memorable experiences. Sarah is passionate about creating seamless, impactful programs that exceed client expectations. Known for her collaborative approach, strong industry relationships, and commitment to going above and beyond, she delivers thoughtful solutions that balance creativity, strategy, and flawless execution. Being based in Hawaii, Sarah has a deep appreciation for the islands culture and traditions. She is dedicated to incorporating authentic local elements into each program, ensuring guests experience the true spirit of the islands while achieving their event goals.

Chloe Zent, Senior Project Manager

Chloe has over 15 years experience organizing events throughout the United States having worked in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York and Hawaii. Prior to joining Insider Experience, Chloe worked for a well-known LA-based PR firm, cementing Chloe’s relationships across the tourism, entertainment and hospitality industry. Chloe’s work experience includes work on many high-profile events including The Oscars, Emmy’s, New York Fashion Week and the Sundance Film Festival and she has worked at some of the most prestigious events and in the most spectacular venues.

Mona Stallard, Senior Project Manager

Based in Northern California, Mona Stallard is an Events and Operations leader specializing in luxury, high-touch experiences, and seamless program execution. For more than 20 years, Mona has built her career across destination management, luxury hotels, and winery hospitality. Her background also includes five years in transportation logistics, adding a strong foundation in complex program coordination. Known for her solutions-oriented leadership, Mona excels at transforming creative vision into reality. She seamlessly balances strategy, logistics, and creativity while leading teams, proactively managing risk, and anticipating every detail to ensure programs run smoothly from concept through on-site execution. Whether overseeing an intimate executive retreat or large-scale incentive or conference program, Mona is committed to operational excellence, meticulous planning, and delivering memorable guest experiences. Clients value Mona's collaborative approach, proactive communication, and ability to navigate challenges with confidence.

Erin Shanley, Senior Project Manager

With more than 15 years of experience delivering corporate meetings, incentives and VIP experiences, Erin leads Insider Experience's programs throughout the Eastern United States and Midwest. Her exceptional attention to detail, proactive communication and unwavering commitment to client service ensure every program is executed seamlessly from concept through to final departure. Erin has built a reputation for remaining calm under pressure and thrives in managing complex logistics, last-minute changes and high-profile VIP guests with professionalism and confidence. Her ability to anticipate challenges before they arise, combined with her meticulous planning and solutions-focused approach gives clients complete confidence that every detail is in hand. Whether delivering incentive programs, executive meetings or high-profile sporting events, Erin is passionate about creating exceptional experiences tailored to each client's objectives. She is particularly skilled at anticipating the needs of VIPs and high-net-worth individuals, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully considered and flawlessly executed. Her dedication to excellence and genuine care for every guest embody the Insider Experience commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Shane McCarley, Senior Sales Manager

Rooted in Honolulu, Shane brings a dynamic mix of hospitality expertise, local knowledge, and strategic sales acumen to Insider Experience. He is recognized for his fast turnaround, transparent communication, and ability to translate client needs into seamless, high-impact programs. Shane’s forward-thinking approach, paired with his genuine care for client success, reflects Insider Experience’s commitment to delivering meaningful and memorable events across Hawai‘i.

Marc Balke, Event Producer

With a wealth of knowledge procuring and designing all styles of events, Marc works with IE clients across the USA on the development and production of all of their creative needs. With 20+ years of event experience, he infuses each event with industry trends, geographical flare, and innovation. Marc oversees all aspects of the thematic process including décor, staging, audio-visual production, entertainment, event activation, and special effects.

In his role as Event Producer, Marc’s team customizes every program with a focus on bringing it to its finest potential and making it memorable for each guest. From the moment you guests arrive through to the Final Night Celebration, Marc strives to make each experience more beautiful, unique, and impactful than you could dream.

Dana Borlongan, Senior Account Manager

With close to a decade of expertise in planning highly-complex events, Dana brings a wealth of experience in managing multi-day forums and group travel itineraries in various cities both domestically and internationally. Her versatile skill set extends from overseeing event operations and logistics to navigating digital marketing operations. Having worked across diverse industries, including luxury brands, technology, finance, and hospitality, Dana is adept at curating bespoke events tailored to the unique needs of our clients, while cultivating strategic alliances with vendors.

Katie Cotten Richards, Senior Account Manager

Katie brings a background of over sixteen years in hospitality and a skillset honed by luxury experiences at famed iconic resorts. Katie’s expertise in high-end events has been sharpened by coordinating everything from wine festivals to television shoots and from major sporting games to award shows. Her eye for detail, passion for culinary, beverage trends and collaborative working style will elevate the luxury events with Insider Experience. Katie works closely with her clients to set goals and to exceed expectations, whether it is for an intimate executive retreat, high touch incentive or a festival style experience. She possesses an innate sense of creativity that allows her to curate truly one-of-a-kind events. Katie joins the team from many predominant resorts such as, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, The Estate Yountville, Montage Kapalua Resort, and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Katie also has had experience with Wolfgang Puck Catering and as a volunteer Wine Maker at Alexis Bailly Vineyard.

MeiLi Nickens, Project Manager

MeiLi is a Maui-based event planner known for crafting beautiful, intentional experiences rooted in authentic island hospitality. With a deep respect for Hawaiian culture and a passion for thoughtful design, MeiLi specializes in curating events that feel meaningful, welcoming, and seamlessly executed. She embraces cultural elements with care and integrity, weaving them into each event to create a true sense of place. From intimate gatherings to elevated group experiences, MeiLi brings her clients’ visions to life with warmth, creativity, and a strong foundation in hospitality—ensuring every event feels both refined and deeply connected to Hawai’i.

Bethany Osborn, Project Manager

With a background in corporate event planning and luxury hospitality, Bethany has spent the past six years creating exceptional guest experiences. Having called Hawaii home for the past nine years after moving from the East Coast, she has built strong relationships with local vendors and developed a deep appreciation for the islands’ culture and natural beauty. Driven by creativity and a passion for meaningful connections, Bethany specializes in creating seamless, personalized events with thoughtful attention to every detail. Her goal is to make the planning process enjoyable while bringing each client’s vision to life in an unforgettable way.

Di Rohan, Project Manager

A savvy corporate events planner, Manhattan concierge and project manager, Diane’s experience spans large scale and high-profile events, including NBC, Universal and Disney. Since beginning her career as an event-planner in 1993, Diane has established a reputation for unique, flawless and well-organized events within budget.

Di has been working with Insider Experience since 2012 and has been instrumental in the success of our New York operations and the myriad of incentive programs and corporate events we have hosted in the city.

Fiona Bailey, Project Manager

With over 25 years experience in the Event Business, Fiona is a well-established Senior Meeting Planner overseeing the creative planning, operation and execution of all areas of event production, conference and AV Management using best practice. Highly innovative, creative and pragmatic; she performs well in challenging and pressured situations taking a holistic approach to problem solving and meticulous attention to detail. Based in Los Angeles, her work with various International corporate clients has enabled extensive travel both throughout the US and globally working on all types of events from conferences to road shows; incentive travel to VIP level/press events.

Sandra Strongman, Executive Assistant to the CEO

Sandra has over 30 years corporate experience in both small and large organisations. Her expertise spans banking, education, hospitality, event management and retail. Highly organised and motivated to achieve results, thriving on working within a team environment, interacting with people at all levels and managing multiple projects from concept to completion.

Our execution of every event element, no matter how big or small, provides unique, mesmerizing, and unforgettable experiences!