Who We Are
We are an ambitious and inclusive team, rooted in integrity and fueled by curiosity
Our Story
Our story is marked by innovation, teamwork, and resilience. Established by four women in 2001 as Financial Research Associates, we began by organizing conferences for the financial sector. As the years went on, our research revealed a significant demand in the Medicare Advantage space for a specialized community, prompting the creation of our health care division. We were acquired in 2015 by Wilmington plc, a UK-based provider of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions and with their support, we've experienced remarkable growth. Our team has weathered the tragic events of 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic and have emerged stronger than ever.
At the heart of our business are our people, whose creativity, adaptability, and dedication is critical to our success.
With a diverse team of 35 employees spanning the United States, we are united by our passion for making a meaningful impact on the health care industry. We devote countless hours to understand our customers' challenges, take {millions of} steps ensuring a seamless conference experience for attendees, speakers, and sponsors alike, and we are continuously innovating to keep pace in this dynamic industry. As a cohesive and collaborative team, we consistently deliver outstanding events every single time.




Our Core Values




Our Commitment to Sustainability
RISE has achieved ISO 20121 certification, a prestigious global standard for sustainable event management. This achievement underscores our unwavering dedication to social responsibility, ethical considerations, environmental impact reduction, and quality assurance.
Attending an ISO 20121 certified event isn’t just about learning and networking – it’s about standing together in support of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Join us as we lead the charge toward more ethical event practices and a brighter future for all.

How We Give Back
At RISE, giving back is an essential part of who we are. At many of our events, we incorporate ways for our attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff to support local communities and work towards a brighter, more equitable future.
Through our partnership with U.S. Hunger, we've hosted food-packing events where participants roll up their sleeves to prepare meals for families facing food insecurity. Together, our community has already packed more than 100,000 meals, making a tangible difference for those in need. Additionally, we have partnered with local soup kitchens to serve meals to the homeless, making a direct impact on the lives of those experiencing hardship.
We also collaborate with the Foundation for Hospital Art, inviting attendees to join in painting colorful community murals. Each brushstroke helps transform hospital walls into uplifting works of art, bringing joy and comfort to patients and their families.



The Leadership Team

Ellen Wofford
Founder & Chief Executive Officer



Altair Gonzalez
Vice President, Production

Kristen Smith
Vice President, Marketing & Customer Experience

Laurie Mutdosch, CAE
Director of Events