Some people build careers in this industry. Others shape the way it feels to be part of it.
Over the past decade, Christy Kuplic has done both.
From her earliest involvement in the launch of Amour in 2016 to leading Private Luxury Events today, her journey has been defined not just by titles, but by a belief in the power of human experiences and a quiet determination to do things differently.
What began as a role quickly became something more personal.
“I think what’s always guided me,” she reflects, “is a genuine passion for people. The industry we’re in is built on relationships. And when those relationships are real, everything else follows.”
Building more than events
Christy’s path through PLE mirrors the evolution of the business itself.
Her first introduction came with the launch of Amour: an event concept known for the strength of its community of destination wedding planners and romance travel specialists – and for its unmistakable sense of belonging.
From there, her influence grew across Private Luxury, helping to refine and elevate one of the industry’s most established event formats.
In 2019, she led the launch of TFest: a show rooted in wellbeing and the belief that meaningful business relationships begin with personal alignment. Designed around shared experiences and the balance of body, mind, and soul, TFest introduced a more human and intentional way of connecting – one that continues to set it apart.
Then came Ultra: an invite-only event designed for the world of ultra-high-net-worth travel. More curated, more considered, and deeply aligned with the evolving expectations of the market.
Across each of these moments, there is a clear thread: a willingness to evolve, to challenge expectations, and to build platforms that feel as relevant as they are inspiring.
A philosophy of fluidity
At the heart of Christy’s leadership is a simple idea: nothing should stand still.
Luxury travel is constantly changing, shaped by new audiences, new expectations, and new ways of experiencing the world. Staying ahead of that requires more than awareness; it requires intuition.
Christy describes her approach as one of “fluidity and foresight”, not just moving with the industry, but actively envisioning where it goes next.
This is reflected in how each event is conceived and experienced, grounded in authenticity, cultural depth, and the kind of exchange that sparks new thinking.
The power of warmth
For all of her strategy and innovation, what stands out most about Christy is something far simpler: her warmth.
There’s an ease to the way she brings people together – a natural ability to make others feel seen, welcomed, and genuinely valued. It’s something clients, colleagues, and partners often remark on, and something that has become deeply embedded in the culture of PLE.
Her Midwestern roots may play a part – but it’s more than that. It’s a remarkable enthusiasm for people, for conversation, and for the unexpected moments that happen when the right people are in the room.
Looking ahead
Ten years on, there is little sense of looking back, only a quiet momentum towards what comes next.
The business has grown, the portfolio has expanded, but the focus remains the same: creating experiences that resonate, and connections that endure.
As the industry continues to evolve, so will PLE. New formats, new ideas, new ways of bringing people together – all guided by the same principles that have defined the past decade.
For Christy, that future is less about scale, and more about depth.
“It’s never just about what happens in the moment,” she says. “It’s about what people carry with them afterwards: the conversations, the connections, the perspective.”
And if the past decade has proven anything, it’s that when those elements come together, something lasting is created.
