Event & Experience Strategy
Clarify the purpose, audience and emotional arc of an event, then shape the programming and guest journey around what matters most.
Concept · Journey · Programming
Melissa Leddy helps organizations turn events, venues and ambitious ideas into welcoming experiences that engage audiences, strengthen communities and create measurable impact.
Founder-level perspective. Hospitality instincts. A practical understanding of how programming, partnerships and thoughtful details turn a venue into a community.
Melissa helped turn a garage-based brewing project into one of Lake Minnetonka’s recognizable gathering places.
Before Back Channel Brewing opened its doors, she helped study brewery and hospitality concepts across the country, build an early audience through grassroots outreach and navigate the long path from idea to public destination.
As a co-founder focused on retail and experience, her work sits at the intersection of guest experience, community programming, partnerships, fundraising and audience development. The through-line is simple: create an environment where people feel welcome—and give them a meaningful reason to return.
Melissa helps organizations move beyond logistics to design the complete experience—from the central idea and audience strategy to partnerships, programming and post-event learning.
Clarify the purpose, audience and emotional arc of an event, then shape the programming and guest journey around what matters most.
Build authentic relationships with local businesses, vendors, nonprofits, sponsors and community groups that expand reach and deepen impact.
Create generous, human-centered campaigns that connect donors to a cause through memorable programming, clear goals and shared momentum.
For her 40th birthday, Melissa organized 40-4-40: a public fundraising celebration supporting LIVIN Foundation, Ruff Start Rescue, Children’s Minnesota and Save the Boundary Waters. Sponsors, merchandise, live entertainment, food partners and a shared sense of purpose helped the event nearly double its original goal.
Co-Founder & Co-Owner · Retail & Experience Focus
Helped develop the concept, audience and experience behind a Lake Minnetonka brewery and gathering place known for hospitality, community programming and strong local partnerships.
Experience Research · Audience Development · Public Planning
Studied brewery experiences across the country, used grassroots outreach to build an early community and participated in the development and municipal process leading to Back Channel’s opening.
Event Organizer · Fundraising · Partnerships
Coordinated a sponsor-supported public celebration benefiting four nonprofit organizations and reportedly raising more than $73,000.
Group Fitness Instructor
Leads energetic, welcoming group experiences that support motivation, confidence and personal wellness.
Organizational Recognition · Minnesota Brewers Cup
Back Channel Brewing was recognized as Brewery of the Year—a team achievement reflecting the quality and strength of the organization Melissa helped build.
Melissa brings an entrepreneurial lens to organizations that care about people, place and purpose. She is especially well positioned for senior roles spanning experiences, hospitality, programming, community engagement and partnerships.
Public stories and recognition that document Melissa’s founder journey, experience focus and community impact.
Connect with Melissa about leadership opportunities, consulting engagements, community programming or your next ambitious event.
Email Melissa