Christine Frye, MBA, CEM

Founder & CEO, CF Strategies

I help organizations bring people together through thoughtful, high-impact events—from large-scale conferences to community-driven experiences.

I believe the best events don’t just run smoothly—they spark connection, energy, and momentum.

Fun fact: I live one Metro stop from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center—so I’m always close to the action.

A Bit About Me

I’m a connector at heart, bringing 15+ years of experience across the meetings and tourism industries to CF Strategic Events. I specialize in creating memorable experiences and leading teams that bring people together—from corporate events and large-scale association trade shows to convention and visitors bureaus and grassroots community organizing.

I founded CF Strategic Events to fuel my passion for social connection. When people gather, meaningful change happens—and I love being the one who brings it all together.

Today, I work as a solo-preneur, offering fractional support to association and corporate clients, as well as freelance partnerships with experiential agencies.

I blend street smarts with book smarts—backed by two university degrees, four professional certifications, ongoing continuing education, and a deep professional network. All of this is grounded in 15+ years of hands-on, client-facing event management experience.

Originally from Philadelphia, I’ve called Washington, D.C. home for the past decade. I’m located just one Metro stop from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and am readily available for on-site support for D.C.-based events, with the flexibility to travel globally.

The Values That Drive My Work

Clear is Kind

Community Building

Servant Leadership

I prioritize clear, proactive communication so expectations are aligned, decisions are easier, and nothing falls through the cracks.

I believe that events are designed to foster genuine connection—because strong relationships are what make events meaningful and impactful.

A service-first mindset ensures clients, teams, and partners feel supported and empowered throughout the process.

Continuous Improvement

Ongoing learning and refinement bring fresh ideas and better solutions to every event.

From Ideas to Impact

Ideas are translated into action, building lasting relationships that drive growth, innovation, and impact.

A Track Record You Can Trust

Street smarts + book smarts, applied to every event

Trade Show Management Pro 6 Years

In-House Corporate Meeting Planner
2 Years

US Federal Government Virtual Event Producer
2 years

Convention & Visitors Bureau Specialist

5 years

Professional Education

Led end-to-end planning for 15+ association trade shows annually (2,000–15,000 attendees)
Produced large-scale events up to 300,000+ square feet
Advised clients on sales strategy, marketing campaigns, and revenue growth (sponsorships, exhibits, lead generation)
Managed budgets, vendor RFPs, and travel logistics
Guided clients through COVID cancellations and successful transitions to virtual events

Managed logistics for 20 annual trade show exhibits, from tabletop displays to 40x40 double-deck booths
Planned and executed customer events (100–200 attendees), overseeing venue selection, hotel contracts & room blocks, A/V, catering, and email marketing
Coordinated high-level Advisory Council meetings with executive stakeholders and VIP guests
Produced 20 webinars annually across multiple digital platforms
Improved internal processes to increase efficiency and streamline event execution

Produced webinars, town halls, and multi-day virtual conferences for U.S. federal agencies

Delivered white-glove service to meeting planners hosting conventions in Philadelphia, from 200-room programs to 20,000-room citywide events
Promoted Germany as a leisure destination to West Coast U.S. travel trade on behalf of the German National Tourist Office
Gained experience with leading destination organizations, including the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and Destination DC

MBA in Executive Leadership, James Madison University
Certified Exhibitions Manager (CEM), IAEE
B.S., Tourism & Hospitality Management, Temple University
Completed 1,000+ hours of hands-on event industry experience prior to graduation