Katie VanTasel
Fulfillment & Exhibit Hall Manager
The Snapchat Hotdog
My best friend Em and I absolutely love people-watching. It is unashamedly one of our greatest adult hobbies. In this particular instance, we thought, "why not be the subject?" If you have children, you have likely been introduced to the infamous "Snapchat Hotdog". We found these costumes on Amazon and showed up to a local event proudly bearing our new identities. We gallivanted about and even staged a "brawl" where I tackled her to the floor. Needless to say, we were the prime exhibit for attendees. Although we enjoyed the experience, we stick to observing the fun these days.
Meet Katie
Katie's passion for people started at a young age which inspired her to pursue a degree in Mental Health with a focus in Children's Learning and Development from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. Katie spent the early part of her career working as a Behavior Technician at the Virginia Institute of Autism in Charlottesville, VA, but she eventually relocated to Williamsburg, VA where she worked at a local brewery. Katie joined the eventPower team in 2021 as Fulfillment & Exhibits Coordinator where she applies her communication skills to support our clients and ensure every detail of their event is managed to perfection.
Fun Facts
What is your philanthropy? Why does it resonate with you?
I have a deep-rooted passion for individuals with special needs. I was raised alongside my Aunt Lisa, whom my grandmother adopted as a baby. She was born legally blind with fetal alcohol syndrome and cerebral palsy. Lisa sparked a fire in my heart for others like her, and I have since spent many years working and volunteering in the special needs world. As Albert Einstein said, "Most people see what is and never see what can be.
What do you like but are kind of embarrassed to admit?
I absolutely love birds, and I mean the big, talkative ones that like to scream at any given point for no apparent reason. I fall down deep, dark rabbit holes on YouTube sifting through video after video of these magnificent creatures muttering obscenities and hurling random objects off of countertops. I am ashamed at how deeply I yearn for one of these annoying, utterly aggravating feathered raptors.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
The first celebrity crush I can vividly remember having was Hayden Christensen (regrettably, thanks to Star Wars: Episode I). He had me wrapped around his finger from the beginning of all the awkward, cringe-worthy moments he starred in. It was his deep, mesmerizing (and now, admittedly undeniably creepy) gaze for me.
What is your favorite way to spend your free time?
I am an outdoor enthusiast. Whether I'm hiking up mountaintops, fly fishing in crystal clear streams, or simply gazing out at the vast landscapes that make up our planet - I am at peace. I am also an artist and specialize in animal portraits and landscapes. I recently attained my motorcycle license and hope to log plenty of hours coasting through the beautiful world we are lucky enough to find ourselves in.