Serene lake at dusk
Misty mountain landscape
Pier at golden hour
Tranquil shoreline

Pilina Global Events & Sourcing

Bringing people
and ideas together

A boutique strategic partner for meetings, events, and experiences that matter — from first venue to final moment.

20+ Years of Experience
Global Reach, Boutique Care
Independent Client-First Advocacy
Integrated Sourcing · Planning · AV

Our Philosophy

Connection is at the heart of everything we do

Pilina is the Hawaiian word for connection — relationship, bonding, the coming together of people and purpose. It's the name we chose because it captures exactly what we believe great events do. We are a boutique firm, intentionally so. We limit the projects we take on because every client deserves the full weight of our expertise, attention, and care. What we offer isn't simply sourcing, planning, or AV consulting in isolation — it's an integrated approach where every decision is informed by the whole.

Our Story

What We Do

Three disciplines. One integrated vision.

Strategic venue sourcing
01

Hotel & Venue Sourcing

Strategic sourcing for a changing world

We don't simply source hotels. We help organizations build smarter meeting strategies — with independent advocacy, global relationships, and expert negotiation that protects your budget and maximizes value.

Explore Sourcing
Event planning and management
02

Event Planning & Management

Beautifully orchestrated experiences

From intimate board retreats to global conferences, we craft seamless, high-impact events that bring your vision to life — with meticulous attention to every detail, and the warmth that makes it feel effortless.

Explore Planning
AV strategy and consulting
03

AV Strategy & Consulting

Technology in service of connection

An AV provider produces your event. An AV consultant advocates for it. Pilina saves clients an average of 25–40% on AV spend through strategic negotiation, right-sizing, and ensuring every technical decision serves your goals.

Explore AV Strategy

Our Competitive Advantage

Everything works together — by design

While many firms offer one piece of the puzzle, Pilina delivers the whole picture. Our sourcing informs planning. Our planning informs AV. Our AV strategy informs the guest experience. Because these disciplines are managed by one integrated team, nothing falls through the cracks — and every decision is made in service of a singular, coherent vision.

Sourcing
The right venue shapes everything that follows — atmosphere, flow, technology possibilities, and guest experience.
Planning
Thoughtful program design translates venue potential into purposeful, human moments that move people.
AV Strategy
Technology, deployed intelligently, amplifies message, elevates atmosphere, and creates invisible excellence.
The Experience
What attendees feel, remember, and take home — the measure of everything we do.
Atmospheric landscape
Serene shoreline
Event space
Tropical destination
Mountain lake
Pilina — rooted in Hawaii, global in reach

Our Story

Rooted in Hawaii.
Connected to the world.

Pilina — the Hawaiian word for connection, relationship, and bonding.

What began as Reliable Facility Placement over two decades ago has grown into something far richer: a fully integrated global events firm built on the belief that meaningful connection is the foundation of every extraordinary experience. We chose the name Pilina because it says, in a single word, everything we stand for. We are on your team. We exist to support you with care, expertise, and the genuine desire to see your events — and your people — thrive.

Boutique & Intentional
We deliberately limit our client roster so every engagement receives our full attention.
Independent & Client-First
We represent you — not the hotels, not the vendors, not the equipment suppliers.
Globally Capable
From a boardroom in New York to an incentive in Morocco — our relationships and expertise travel.

How We Work

The Pilina Adaptive Strategy

A continuous framework designed for today's evolving meetings landscape — not a checklist, but a living process.

I
Assess
We begin by understanding your program goals, audience, budget, and vision — while also assessing market conditions, destination dynamics, and supplier availability.
II
Design
Using these insights, we develop a tailored strategy — identifying venues, partners, and program elements that best support your objectives.
III
Execute
We manage the process from RFP to final delivery, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring every detail supports your program's success.
IV
Refine
After your event, we gather feedback and evaluate outcomes — ensuring every future engagement is even more effective and aligned.
A pier extending into calm water

Our Promise

A better experience starts with a conversation.

We don't lead with proposals. We start by listening — understanding your goals, your audience, and the purpose behind your event. Only then do we bring our expertise to bear.

Schedule a Discovery Call
20+
Years of Expertise
25–40%
Average AV Savings
Global
Network & Reach
One
Integrated Team, Always

The People Behind the Work

You work with us directly.

No account managers, no handoffs. Every client works directly with a seasoned expert who is personally invested in your success.

Ari Shapiro, Founder
Ari Shapiro
Founder · Strategy & Global Sourcing

With over 30 years in hotel sourcing and event management, Ari founded Pilina on the belief that the best partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and genuine care. His leadership shapes everything we do.

Young Weaver, Director of Meetings & Events
Young Weaver
Director of Meetings & Events

25+ years crafting high-impact meetings, tradeshows, conferences, and incentive programs for global brands. Young translates client vision into beautifully orchestrated, emotionally resonant experiences.

Andi Hogan, Chief AV Strategist
Andi Hogan
Chief AV Strategist & Global Sourcing Consultant

30+ years in the meetings industry, Andi leads AV strategy with a unique fusion of creative and technical expertise. She believes technology should enhance connection — not complicate it.

Ellie Ursino, Sports & Leisure Advisor
Ellie Ursino
Global Sourcing Consultant · Sports & Leisure

A specialist in sports travel and group hotel logistics, Ellie brings deep expertise to competitive teams, athletic departments, and performance arts groups navigating complex travel planning.

What Clients Say

Relationships built on results

"Pilina didn't just find us a venue — they understood our culture, our goals, and the experience we wanted to create. The result was one of the best conferences we've ever hosted."

Director of Events
Global Technology Company

"The AV consulting alone saved us over 30% on our annual meeting. But more than the savings, we finally had someone in our corner who understood what we were trying to accomplish — not just the equipment list."

VP of Marketing
Financial Services Firm

"Working with Pilina feels like having an experienced partner embedded in your team. They anticipate things you haven't even thought of yet — and they genuinely care about getting it right."

Senior Meeting Manager
Healthcare Organization
Begin a conversation with Pilina

Let's Connect

Start a complimentary
discovery conversation.

Tell us about your event or program. We'll explore your goals together — no commitment, no pressure. Just an honest conversation about how we can help.

Or reach us directly: (808) 276-6968 · info@pilinaglobalevents.com