The Ballard Group was established in 1984 by Janet Dunlap as a marketing and public relations firm. The company found its niche in meeting and event planning which remains the core business. From that foundation, we continue to expand to meet the needs of our clientele.

The Ballard Group is a unique entity in the marketing world. We provide a distinctively integrated mix of services that can be used together or stand alone. In more that 20 years in business The Ballard Group has evolved into a unified fusion of marketing, sponsorship support, event planning and creative services.

Over the years we have also developed many diverse subsidiary companies including: The Sportsman Group, Bella Italy, Ballard Incentives and Promotional Products (BIPP) and The Platinum Travel Group.

Our vast variety of services allows you to address many of your companies needs with one dedicated and experienced company.

Janet Dunlap - President and CEO of The Ballard Group

Janet Ballard-Dunlap started The Ballard Group back in 1984. Since that time the company has emerged as a leader in planning events and meetings. As the President and CEO of The Ballard Group, Janet has pushed the company from meeting and event planning to a multi-market corporation.

Mike Gering - President of The Sportsman Group

Mike provides over 20 years of marketing and business experience with Cabela’s and Coca-Cola. He can build your entire marketing plan or act as a consultant to make your current plan as effective as it can be. With a long history of event planning and management, Mike can help your team with event development and sponsorship needs.

Jennifer Krodell - Sr. VP of Operations for the Arkansas division of The Ballard Group

Jennifer has been with The Ballard Group since 1997. Jennifer directs the division responsible for relationships with various retail vendors located in Northwest Arkansas as well as manages meetings and events throughout the US.

Allyson Zabel - Director of Business Development

Allyson has 12 years of marketing and public relations experience. Prior to joining The Ballard Group, Allyson was the Human Resources and Public Relations Manager for DeDietrich Manufacturing. Allyson is responsible for obtaining new business and business relationships for the company.

Jared Ballard - On-site Event Logistic Manager
Jared and his team manages on-site logistics and operations for properties owned and managed by The Ballard Group and various other national retail entertainment promotions and events.

Bethany Ballard - Logistics Manager

Bethany manages logistics and operations for The Ballard Group and various other national retail entertainment promotions and events. She attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville prior to her joining the company.

Angela Brodersen - Event Services Manager

Angela graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Consumer Affairs with an emphasis in Event Planning and Business. Angela specializes in bridal consulting, maintaining and building relationships with local vendors as well as managing state and national events.

Greg Wacker - Director of Business Development

Stacey Schaller - Creative Director

Sandy Krei - Office Manager

Sandy is responsible for tracking and managing office accounts. Sandy provides close to 20 years experience in her field. In addition, she has trained and worked in a travel agency and brings her expertise to our company.