We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My partner Cat Hildner and I had attended many creative and business conferences in our years as entrepreneurs, and we always encountered the same problem. None of them were created with product based businesses in mind. In many sessions we’d have to ask the speakers how their strategy worked for product based businesses and often they were unsure. Product businesses are the OG of business! We’ve been trading goods for centuries- so why are they being so underserved in the event space? There was a clear hole in the market for these business owners, and being action takers, we decided to fill it. The Ultimate Product Party (UPP) was born over a scratch margarita cheers in Nashville and we haven’t looked back since. Our goal is to give product based businesses a place to learn to scale, network, connect with other small business owners who get their life, and have FUN. We have 25+ speakers who pour into our guests on topics solely beneficial to product based businesses. Topics like email marketing, wholesale, pricing to profit, PR, branding/packaging and more. Everything is intentionally thought out with our small business owners in mind and giving them exactly what they need to make more money in their business while meeting a whole crew of ride or die besties that’ll have their back and they grow their businesses.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ultimate Product Party has become this life force that we didn’t expect after hosting our first event in Scottsdale, AZ. Our attendees became completely invested and loyal to us and the event because they felt the magic in the room and saw the direct impact what they learned and who they met had on their business. Ultimate Product Party stands out above any other business or creative conference because we truly are committed to our guests and know about each one before they come. With a few hundred people, it can be hard to have that intimate feel, but Cat and I really do go out of our way to make everyone feel at home and like part of our family. We also know that our guests often want the fun and fluff stuff- social media sessions, personal branding, etc and while that is SO beneficial and necessary, we also want to give them what they NEED. Taxes, foundations, hiring, mindset. Not the flashiest topics, but ones that will actually move the needle in their business and push them to CEO status. UPP is full of learning and collaborating with other businesses, but it’s also a vibe. There are photo backdrops everywhere you turn, snacks, drinks, and the best dang Afterparty you’ll ever attend! Who doesn’t want to have a giant dance party with your new biz besties? Told you this wasn’t your dad’s average business conference!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We love Scottsdale! Go to Mission in Old Town and have a marg, book an appointment at one of the gorgeous spas in the area and go shopping and support so many local, creative small businesses that sell in the area! AZ has a huge small business population and many creative companies are founded there- go find them and support them!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partner and Ultimate Product Party co-host, Cat clearly deserves a shout out! Cat Hildner is totally the brains and structure behind UPP and I wouldn’t be able to do this without her. We are a truly collaborative team working within our vastly different work styles to create this large scale, insanely impactful annual event! Cat is a whiz with spreadsheets, logistics, design and creating a memorable and lasting experiences for our guests. Her attention to detail and the impact made on our guests is what keeps them coming back for more year after year!

Website: https://www.ultimateproductparty.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultimateproductparty/

Image Credits
Ultimate Product Party event photographers, Cristy Cross and Vanessa Ronowski

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.