Founder, Speaker, Advocate
Sober Life Rocks
Laura Nelson is the co-founder of Sober Life Rocks and author of The Inclusive Event Planner. With a background in leadership and events, she champions sober-inclusive gatherings that foster real connection. Her work is inspired by her own sobriety journey and a mission to help professionals design meaningful, welcoming experiences for all. She is also excited about their first conference, Amplify, focused on amplifying sober voices, in January 2026.
Date

In a world where alcohol is often the default connector, Laura offers a fresh, empowering perspective on how to create events that are truly inclusive—without sacrificing fun, connection or engagement. Boost attendance, foster authentic interactions and ensure every guest feels seen and welcomed. With real- world examples, innovative strategies and a touch of humor, Laura shows that inclusive planning isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer for modern events.
Learning outcomes:
Define why alcohol-centric event planning may be unintentionally excluding attendees
Make the business case for sober inclusivity: improved engagement, wider appeal and stronger attendance
Gain tips for marketing your event to appeal to sober professionals, sober-curious individuals and everyone in between
This session is approved for the following certifications.
* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 7: Building the Value and Impact of the Convention Industry, 0.5 credits
* CSEP Approved