About - The Connection Hive

A seasoned expert in the hospitality industry with over 20 years of experience in events. Heather is a significant influencer in Sonoma County.

As the founder of The Connection Hive she is committed to empowering small businesses by curating innovative business development plans.

Her extensive network allows her to link individuals with the precise resources needed for growth—spanning marketing strategies, event curation, and business relations management.

About Me

With experience in supporting many local businesses as their Business Development Manager, her strengths are around sales and management expertise in hospitality and events. Building genuine connections and fostering strong relationships are core to her approach, driving the service standards and the growth for these companies.

A passionate advocate for community involvement, Heather regularly volunteers with local organizations and serves on the Board of Directors for Social Advocates for Youth. Her commitment to continual professional development is evident in her participation in the *Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s Leadership Santa Rosa Program, Class 36*; her 8 years of service on the ILEA Napa Sonoma Board, including two years as President; and her role as a facilitator for the *Be Better Platform*, a networking and professional development group.

Heather is also the Co-Founder of the Empowering Confidence Women’s Retreat, a transformative retreat designed exclusively for women seeking inspiration, connection, and personal growth. Through this initiative, she helps women build confidence and foster meaningful relationships.

She also is the Host of Life Conversations with a Twist podcast, sharing inspiring stories of women to motivate and empower others.

As a mother of four and a recent surrogate, Heather strives to be a positive influence for her children and those around her. She cherishes her role in supporting others and fulfilling another woman’s dream of motherhood. A Sonoma County native with a love for good food and wine, Heather enjoys savoring local restaurants. Her enthusiasm for the 80s is undeniable—“80’s music is life”—and her workout playlists are packed with her favorite hits.

Through The Connection Hive, her podcast, coaching, and women’s retreat, Heather Nelson-Tapia is dedicated to fostering both professional and personal growth, empowering others to live their best lives.

Tune Into

The Podcast

In May of 2021, I launched a podcast called Life Conversations with A Twist, focusing on interviewing women with unique stories to inspire, empower, and motivate others.

My Values

Inspire

To inspire is to ignite the spark of creativity, motivation, and excellence. We strive to be a source of inspiration, encouraging businesses to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and envision a future where their aspirations become reality. Through our work, we aim to inspire a community of forward-thinking leaders and entrepreneurs.

Connect

In our world, connections are the heartbeat of meaningful relationships, the catalyst for collaboration, and the cornerstone of shared success. We believe in the power of forging genuine connections that transcend transactions, fostering a community where collaboration thrives.

Growth

Growth is more than a metric; it's a journey of continuous evolution. At The Connection Hive, we view growth as the natural outcome of strategic planning, innovation, and a commitment to constant improvement. We empower businesses to expand their horizons, unlock new possibilities, and achieve sustainable success.

What I want to help you achieve

Together, we create a blueprint for lasting success and collective achievement. My commitment goes beyond basic networking; it’s centered on cultivating deep, impactful relationships and nurturing a bond of togetherness—be it among individuals, enterprises, or groundbreaking concepts.

Kind Words

"Heather has the ability to see the big picture and understands the benefit of having strong relationships within your network to achieve better results. Her level of event knowledge & expertise, efficiency is A+ and her level of professionalism & positive "can do” attitude is unparalleled."

Dianne Martin, Park Avenue Catering

"Heather is an incredible connector and has helped introduce our event space, The Backdrop, to collaborators and leaders in the hospitality industry. Her strategic approaches, her industry connections, and her genuine passion for connecting people, has helped us form lasting relationships with different vendors and a network of trusted professionals in the hospitality industry."

Dalton Wiley, The Backdrop & Becoming Independent

"Working with Heather Nelson was an absolute game-changer for my classical guitar business. She helped me expand my client base and create a solid marketing strategy that took my wedding and event performances to the next level. Her knowledge of the local Sonoma/Napa County market made all the difference. I now have a clearer vision for my business, more bookings, and a stronger online presence. If you're looking to grow, I highly recommend Heather Nelson!"

Cody Martin, Singer/Guitarist