We understand what each dollar and each decision can mean to the short-term success of an event, and the long-term reputation of an organization. You can trust us with your event.

The Lodestar Group, LLC is a woman-owned business established in 2006  in Raleigh, North Carolina by Catherine Vilga, Jeanne Eury, and RADM Robert Besal (U.S.  Navy, retired).  Lodestar Group currently has  3 offices, a full staff and provides services to clients and events nationally and internationally.  Lodestar Group’s three founding owners are all professionals with many years of experience in meetings management, tradeshow logistics and management, sponsorship and booth sales, training, and project management.  All are members of numerous  professional industry associations and participate in community training and support efforts.

As show organizers and owners, Lodestar Group brings an insight and an oversight to client events unparalleled in the industry.

The Lodestar Group wholly owns and manages five  events; IED Symposium &Expo, Naval Expeditionary Forces Symposium & Expo, SpecOps Warfighter East & West Symposium & Expos, and the Road and Rail Security Symposium. The Lodestar Group has also produces events for a variety of clients in multiple market segments. 

Lodestar Group also owns DefenseTradeshows.com, a popular website listing all of the Lodestar Group upcoming events as well as other events managed or marketed by the Lodestar Group.

Why We’re Different

The Lodestar Group was formed by professionals with experience and knowledge in individual areas of event management and services, so each core competency is overseen by someone who is an expert in that field.  As show owners themselves, the Lodestar Group understands the necessity of managing your meeting in a fiscally responsible manner.  Lodestar Group executives also understand the importance of every detail being addressed, and the long term impact an attendee’s experience can have on the event and on the event organization itself.  With an in-house staff including graphic artists and accountants, you can call on the Lodestar Group at any stage of your event cycle and receive assistance.  We aren’t just an events management and marketing company, we’re event owners ourselves.  Call us today at 919-573-6108.