In 2021, Melissa Cossette took the events industry that she had been deeply involved with for decades and started to work out a curriculum for future business owners. Her skills are particularly useful to women wanting to escape a corporate role, so she focused her efforts and created the MAXevent Business Builder Academy. In six months, clients of the academy will intensely develop skills that will carve them out in a fun and rewarding industry. The timing of MAXevent’s launch was particularly fraught as it coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Large gatherings were limited nationwide, but Melissa adapted and grew her business to empower women in her community.
Women amid significant career transitions, searching for a fulfilling “Second Act,” are often hampered at their jobs or unsatisfied with the quality of their lives. We all likely know someone looking for this fresh start, and one meaningful way to hop into it is to start a unique business. Melissa has experienced firsthand the challenges of starting a business—navigating legal and financial complexities, building a brand from scratch, and learning the ins and outs of marketing and sales—and she knows how deflating it can be to under-equipped entrepreneurs. The Business Builder Academy provides one-on-one and group support to get clients to their goals of owning an event niche, negotiating for an excellent business, and building a reliable client base. Melissa displays a 360-degree view of the industry, which she shares with her students through monthly coaching sessions, group mastermind sessions, workshops, panels, and more!
The academy is not just about teaching the technical aspects of event planning. Melissa also focuses on developing authenticity and personalization in events, something she feels is still lacking in the industry. Formulaic events are undesirable; clients want their event to be remembered, whether it’s an office party or a close gathering, and they need a confident and precise planner to get that done. Women are fantastic at bringing passion to their workplaces. Even amidst the often unfavorable conditions of being a woman in corporate America, women transform their offices into pleasant and cooperative settings. If you’re looking for a second act, it’s likely that you have a niche that can’t be explored in your current work situation. Melissa wants you to unleash that passion in events.
MAXevent offers more freedom and flexibility for women around the country. The academy’s curriculum covers everything from developing a solid business plan and securing funding to mastering marketing and sales strategies. But beyond the practicalities of running a business, the academy emphasizes self-care and work-life balance, creating a supportive community where women can connect, collaborate, and draw inspiration from one another. Women in the academy get a personal 90-minute session with Melissa to strategize for their business goals over the proceeding six months. The accountability check-ins that she does are just as much for support as they are for developing business discipline. Additionally, the private community that you become a part of includes exclusive web events to give you a head start on networking and getting business advice from experienced professionals.
In the long-term, Melissa sees no reason that ambitious women all over the nation can’t build up a business with MAXevent. By the end of this year, she plans to launch her innovative Apprenticeship program for grads of the Academy. In 2025, expect the launch of MAXevent Collaborative, a vibrant community where experienced planners can connect with clients who are looking for their unique talents. As early as 2027, MAXevent aims to be a household name across the country, helping people everywhere create unforgettable celebrations and shaking up how people celebrate.
Melissa is a Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) from the National Association of Catering and Events. In 2022, she was named a Rising Entrepreneur by NEXTonSCENE Media, and in 2023, she was featured as a Woman to Watch by Boston Business Women. Her expertise has also led to speaking engagements at industry events, including the 2023 Metrowest Conference for Women. Her appearances in prominent publications further highlight Melissa’s growing influence in the industry. Melissa has devoted herself to empowering women to take control of their careers and find fulfillment in their work. Academy graduates find their work and personal life balances to be much improved, and the freedom they feel translates into their creativity. Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passions and build a career that aligns with their values. The MAXevent Business Builder Academy is the space where women can do just that—whether they are just starting out or embarking on a “Second Act” in their careers. The future of MAXevent is bright, and their future is tied in with yours.
Published by: Holy Minoza
