A year written in place, people, and purpose. There are years that feel busy - and then there are years that feel full. This past year at Michelle Durpetti Events was the latter. Full of movement, meaning, milestones, memories, and moments that reminded me exactly why I love this work so deeply. Not because of accolades or stamps on a passport (though there were plenty of both), but because of the people, the trust, and the stories that unfolded along the way. It was a year that carried Durpettievents across continents, into new conversations, onto familiar cobblestones, and back home again - changed in the best way. 2025 began, fittingly, in Italy. In the spring, Durpettievents traveled to Tuscany for Engage! Summits Tuscany at Castelfalfi, a place that feels both ancient and forward-looking all at once. Being invited to lead a breakout discussion there was an honor I don't take lightly. Engage has long been a space where its industry thinks more deeply, challenges itself, and shares honestly - and contributing to that conversation, surrounded by peers I admire, was a true highlight of the year. That spirit of collaboration continued stateside when Durpettievents partnered with PartySlate for their Midwest Summit - a gathering centered on creativity, leadership, and the evolving future of its industry. Hosting, contributing, and connecting in that space felt deeply aligned with what MDE stands for: thoughtful growth, not noise; it was an immersive experience. This year brought events that reminded Durpettievents why intention always matters more than scale. In Chicago, Durpettievents planned a beautiful christening - intimate, meaningful, and rooted in family - a quiet reminder that some of life's most important celebrations happen without spectacle, but never without care. Travel remained a constant thread throughout the year - not for the sake of movement, but for discovery. Durpettievents explored places on behalf of its clients that continue to inspire its work and deepen its perspective: the history-rich landscapes of Puglia, the layered romance of Prague, the Mediterranean beauty of Mallorca at La Residencia, and the golden light and creative conversations of Santa Barbara during Engage! West Coast. Italy, as always, continued to ground Durpettievents - from Rome to Sicily, where food, history, and human connection came together around the table in a way that felt deeply personal and profoundly familiar. Back in Florence, one of the most meaningful moments of the year came full circle when Kit and Vinny's wedding - a celebration so close to my heart - graced the cover of Modern Luxury Weddings Chicago. Seeing that wedding recognized in such a beautiful way was a reminder that when trust, intention, and artistry align, the result truly stands the test of time. Durpettievents also celebrated its first Italian magazine feature in Sposi Magazine - a moment that felt especially meaningful given how deeply Italy is woven into both my personal story and its professional work. Some of the most powerful moments of the year, however, happened closer to home. In May, a portion of Franklin Street - just steps from Gene & Georgetti - was officially dedicated as Anthony A. Durpetti Way, in honor of my dad, Tony. What had long lived in memory, mentorship, and example is now etched into the city itself - a tribute to a man whose generosity and leadership shaped its family and Chicago's hospitality community in ways that continue to ripple outward. In a beautiful extension of that legacy, Gene & Georgetti was named the inaugural Iconic Restaurant of the Year by the Jean Banchet Awards - a recognition that speaks not just to longevity, but to relevance, resilience, and the enduring power of independent hospitality. And on a personal note, this year brought a milestone I hadn't experienced in eight years: qualifying for and competing in year-end finals with my horse, Cassius. Returning to that arena was a reminder that patience, discipline, partnership, and trust - whether in sport, leadership, or event planning - are built quietly, over time, and always with intention. As I look back on this year, what stays with me isn't a checklist of accomplishments. It's the feeling of alignment. Durpettievents traveled thoughtfully. Durpettievents celebrated meaningfully. Durpettievents honored legacy while building forward. And Durpettievents continued to do what Durpettievents love - creating experiences rooted in beauty, intention, and care. To its clients who trusted Durpettievents with their milestones. To its collaborators who brought brilliance and calm to complexity. To its peers and partners who shared conversation, creativity, and connection. And to the places - near and far - that shaped Durpettievents this year: thank you.

PartySlate announced that it has recently secured funding from HearstLab, an investment arm of the Hearst Corporation focused exclusively on supporting and scaling women-led technology startups.