Exploring Life & Business with Thelma Chilicas of The Venue Network

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thelma Chilicas.

Hi Thelma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I wanted to introduce myself and share a little bit about my journey! I’m Thelma, an Arizona native and a single mom to twins, Michael and Mia. I’ve worked in nearly every position in the hospitality industry over the past 20 years: server, bartender, manager. I’ve spent time in some of the Valley’s most well-known restaurants and bars. That hands-on experience laid the groundwork for my transition into event coordination in 2014, where I found my passion for bringing people together through meaningful gatherings.

Like many in the hospitality world, I was one of the first to be let go when COVID hit. It pushed me to pivot for a while, but I always knew I’d find my way back to events.

In 2023, I found myself inching my way back into coordinating, and by November 2024, The Venue Network was born. It started as a way to simplify the process for busy professionals trying to plan events and has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of. I now work with a wide range of venues and have partnered with some amazing companies across the Valley.

The idea behind The Venue Network is to take the stress out of planning by giving clients a streamlined way to explore multiple venue options through one trusted contact. I work closely with executive assistants, corporate planners, and everyday busy people to understand their vision, budget, and logistics, and then present tailored options that fit their needs. But my role doesn’t stop at venue selection. I also help plan the event from start to finish. Once everything is locked in, I hand things off to the venue team, where we have trained staff ready to execute the day-of details flawlessly. The process is designed to take the pressure off, making planning easier and the results more enjoyable.

I represent a variety of venues that can accommodate everything from intimate 12-person executive dinners to full buyouts and 500+ person celebrations. And the best part? The list keeps expanding.

Your vision. Our venues. My mission is simple: to make planning effortless, bring ideas to life, and help people celebrate the moments that matter most.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, it’s been a pretty smooth road, especially because I genuinely love what I do. Of course, like any business, there have been bumps along the way, learning curves, long hours, and moments of uncertainty, but nothing I haven’t been able to overcome. I think that’s part of being an entrepreneur: staying flexible, finding solutions, and pushing forward even when things get messy. Every challenge has taught me something and helped shape the way I work today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Venue Network is a venue matchmaking and full-service event coordination company. I help clients find the perfect space and then guide them through the planning process from start to finish. Whether it’s a corporate dinner of 12 or a 500-person celebration, I make the experience streamlined, stress-free, and personalized.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built, with both clients and venues, and the trust they place in me to bring their vision to life.

What were you like growing up?
People who know me today would never believe it, but I was actually a pretty shy kid and absolutely hated public speaking. I was much more comfortable on the court. I was an athlete growing up and played all kinds of sports, but basketball was always my favorite. I grew up in Sedona and Cottonwood, and made the move to the “big city” in 2000.

I come from a big family with three brothers and two sisters, and I’ve been lucky to grow up surrounded by love and support from two incredible sets of parents, my dad Tony and stepmom Marilyn, and my mom Rita and stepdad Joe. Growing up in a loud, lively household definitely shaped my personality and work ethic. It taught me the value of connection, adaptability, and showing up for the people around you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thevenuenetworkaz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelma_chilicas?igsh=d2xpczIzend1cmph&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C58BmS2nJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr