Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lindsey Thompson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lindsey, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

For years, I poured myself into careers that, on paper, looked like a perfect fit. After returning to work from a career pause, I started at a tech startup that created online agendas for large pharmaceutical meetings—fast-paced, innovative, and squarely in the hospitality and events space. Later, I pivoted to managing the Ski School at a major resort in the Twin Cities, where I led seasonal teams and navigated the organized chaos of winter tourism. These roles gave me a deep foundation in hospitality from multiple angles—corporate events and leisure travel—but no matter how much I achieved, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being overlooked—especially when it came to leadership opportunities. I watched others move forward while I stayed in place, not for lack of drive or capability, but because the space I was in didn’t have a seat at the table for someone like me.
It chipped away at my confidence over time. Still, I stayed. Because like so many of us, my work had become a huge part of my identity. It was familiar, it was secure, and it was what people expected of me. Walking away felt reckless—until it felt necessary. For the last three years, I worked as an independent contractor at another startup agency, diving even deeper into the event and sourcing world. It was fast-moving and demanding, and it gave me a front-row seat to both what worked and what didn’t in the industry. It was also where I met my now-business partner, Meg Rodzen. We clicked immediately—both of us sharing the same gut feeling that we could build something better, something of our own. That inkling eventually grew into a plan.
Starting my own business wasn’t a lightning bolt moment; it was more like a slow burn that eventually became impossible to ignore. I wanted to create something that aligned with my values, gave me room to lead, and offered something meaningful to others. And so, we took the leap and launched li+me gatherings, a female-owned and operated, US based, hotel sourcing and event company.
At its core, li+me gatherings is about connection—helping teams, companies, and youth activities and sport groups gather in ways that are intentional, efficient, and actually enjoyable. We specialize in sourcing hotels, securing meeting spaces, and providing planning support for everything from corporate retreats, leadership summits and team offsites to youth sports & activities travel. Whether it’s a strategy based executive gathering or a fast-paced weekend of competition and camaraderie, we take care of the logistics so our clients can stay focused on why they’re coming together in the first place.
It was the biggest professional risk I’ve ever taken. I left the comfort and stability of a known career path to step into the unknown. I traded a predictable paycheck for late nights, constant problem-solving, and the kind of responsibility that doesn’t clock out.
But here’s the thing: it was worth it. Every challenge, every setback, every small win—it’s OURS. And that ownership is something I never felt before.We’re not just building a business; we’re building a life and career that finally reflect who we are and what we are capable of. And the momentum is real.
In Q1 of 2025, li+me gatherings hit some major milestones: we hosted our first Founders Gather + Grow Retreat in Austin—where Meg and I spent time dreaming big, setting goals, and yes, dancing in cowboy boots. We toured over 15 properties across Austin, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya, soaking up inspiration for future events. We built meaningful venue partnerships and attended industry events in Boston and Austin. We even brought an incredible company’s vision to life with a seamless Miami offsite—complete with ocean views, beachside moments to recharge, and just the right taste of South Beach nightlife. Currently, we are hotel sourcing for events as far out as 2028 for clients, making our future feel secure and exciting at the same time.
We believe that great things happen when people get together in real life—and we’re just getting started. From beachside brainstorms to cityscape strategy sessions, we handle the logistics so teams can focus on connection, collaboration, and momentum. Whether you’re deep in the planning weeds or just starting to squeeze the first ideas, we’re here to make something fresh.
Taking the risk to bet on myself wasn’t easy. But it was the only way forward—and now, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Lindsey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Lindsey, one of the co-founders and the “li” of li+me gatherings, a hotel sourcing & planning company that helps teams and organizations come together through thoughtfully curated offsite retreats and group travel experiences. After years of coordinating everything from corporate events to extended family getaways, I realized how stressful and time-consuming planning group travel can be—especially when you’re trying to juggle logistics like hotel sourcing, meeting spaces, dietary needs, and creating moments that feel both meaningful and fun.
That’s where li+me comes in. My business partner, Meg Rodzen and I, founded li+me in 2025.
We take the overwhelm out of group planning—whether it’s a corporate offsite for 40 employees, a youth sports tournament with dozens of families, or something totally unique. We handle the heavy lifting—sourcing hotels, negotiating group rates, coordinating meals and meeting spaces, planning optional activities—so our clients can focus on connection, not coordination.
What sets us apart is our belief that gathering should feel good. We don’t just book rooms and buses—we curate environments that spark connection, creativity, and real-time bonding. I bring a deep love for logistics, a knack for understanding group dynamics, and a hospitality-first mindset to everything we do. Plus, our planning process is collaborative and personal—we truly get to know your goals, your people, and your vision.
I’m most proud of the moments our clients don’t even realize were planned—when everything flows effortlessly, and the group is simply present, connected, and inspired. Those in-between moments are where the magic happens, and we’re here to make sure they happen more often.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met Meg at our previous agency, and we immediately clicked—even though I’m based in Minneapolis and she’s in Boston. We worked together closely every day, but fun fact: we had only met in person three times before deciding to launch li+me gatherings. That’s how strong our partnership was from the start.

We were a total powerhouse team—guiding clients from hotel sourcing all the way through full event planning. We had a shared instinct for really listening: understanding our clients’ goals, knowing their budget and must-haves, and curating options that hit the mark every time. Different cities, same mindset—we just got each other.

That connection is what inspired the name li+me. It’s a nod to the two of us—Lindsey + Meg—but also to the idea of “you and me” coming together. It reflects our belief that great gatherings start with genuine partnership—between us as co-founders, and between us and every client we work with.

What we’re most proud of is building a company that leads with trust, intention, and creativity. We believe gatherings should feel effortless, personalized, and full of moments that matter—and we’re here to make that happen for every group we work with.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Our best source of new clients has definitely been referrals and reputation. Word travels fast when people have a great experience—whether it’s a colleague, a fellow team parent, or someone in their professional network. When people see how smoothly things go and how thoughtful the experience feels, they want to share that.
We’ve leaned into that momentum with our Friends of li+me referral program, which is our way of thanking the people who help spread the word. It’s been a fun and meaningful way to grow—through real relationships and trusted recommendations.
We’re known for being responsive, detail-oriented, and genuinely collaborative. We make the planning process feel easy and personal, and that builds trust quickly. Most of our growth has come from people talking about how we made their gathering feel seamless and intentional—and we’re incredibly proud of that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.limegatherings.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limegatherings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571921910985
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/li-me-gatherings