Thoughtful Planning. Seamless Execution.
At The Stark Group, we provide senior-level event strategy, planning, and execution for conferences, meetings, and special programs. We partner closely with a select group of organizations to bring structure, creativity, and leadership to every stage of the planning process.
From venue selection and vendor coordination to timelines, logistics, and onsite execution, we help clients create professional, polished, and well-run event experiences. Our approach is thoughtful, detail-driven, and highly collaborative, allowing us to serve as a trusted extension of your team.
The Stark Group is available for select corporate, association, and mission-driven event engagements.
Services
The Stark Group provides strategic planning, project management, and onsite execution for conferences, meetings, and special programs. Services are tailored to each event’s goals, audience, timeline, and internal team needs.
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Event Strategy & Planning
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Conference planning
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Project management
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Timeline development
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Content and agenda support
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Planning call preparation and follow-up
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Milestone and action item tracking
Venue, Vendor & Contract Support
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Site selection and RFP management
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Venue coordination
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Contract review support and key term tracking
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Catering and menu planning
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Vendor and AV liaison
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Hotel room block coordination
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Shipping, load-in, and venue logistics
Attendee, Speaker & Sponsor Management
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Registration coordination
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Speaker and presenting company management
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Sponsor and partner fulfillment
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Attendee communications
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Speaker materials and sponsor deliverables
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Rooming list and VIP coordination
Onsite Execution
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Onsite conference management
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Run of show development
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Staff coordination
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Registration and check-in support
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Vendor and venue communication
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Session and room flow oversight
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Final logistics and day-of problem solving
Experience & Select Engagements
The Stark Group partners with a select group of organizations that value thoughtful planning, clear communication, and seamless execution. We often serve as an extension of the internal team, bringing structure, strategy, and calm leadership to complex events.
Best Fit Engagements
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Corporate conferences and leadership meetings
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Investor and member conferences
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Association and nonprofit programs
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Scientific, medical, and foundation events
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Programs with multiple stakeholders, speakers, sponsors, or venues
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Events requiring senior-level planning support and detailed execution
Representative Experience
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Private equity investor summits
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GP/LP meeting programs
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Association member conferences
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Medical research and foundation symposia
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Corporate leadership and stakeholder events
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Agriculture innovation conferences
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Sponsor, speaker, and exhibitor-driven programs
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Multi-city and international event programs
Nice to Meet You
Sara Stark Mikolich, Founder & Lead Planner
The Stark Group is led by Sara Stark Mikolich, an experienced event strategist and project manager with nearly 30 years of experience planning and executing meetings, conferences, and special programs for corporations, nonprofits, trade associations, and mission-driven organizations.
Sara is known for her calm leadership, strong organization, clear communication, and ability to manage complex details while keeping clients and planning teams aligned. Her work spans local, national, and international programs, with a focus on thoughtful planning, strong logistics, and polished onsite execution.
Prior to founding The Stark Group, Sara co-founded The Venue, an event services and consulting firm with a high-tech meeting facility in Saint Paul. As President and co-Founder, she helped develop the business concept, secure startup investment, build the brand, and manage daily operations, staffing, marketing, and sales.
Sara’s work has been recognized by Minnesota’s meeting and events community, including nominations for Best Planner through Meeting Professionals International’s Minnesota Chapter and Minnesota Meetings + Events magazine.
Contact Us
The Stark Group works with a select group of organizations on corporate, association, nonprofit, investor, and mission-driven events.
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For referrals, existing client work, or select new engagement inquiries, please reach out by email with a brief overview of your event, timing, location, and planning needs.