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Here's what some people have to say about Mark's dynamic presentations . . .

Mark spoke three different times at our recent conference and the audience — to a person — was thrilled and thoroughly engaged. Several of our attendees at the Resort at Squaw Creek made a point to let me know that they very much enjoyed his talks and that they loved to learn about Tahoe region — that it enhanced their conference experience. Several groups even hired Mark to give them a private guided tour of the Donner Pass! I would highly recommend having Mark at your next Tahoe event. His involvement made the experience exciting and very unique.

Stephanie Z. Schiele
Marketing Communications Manager
The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (2014)

Thank you again for your incredible presentation. Everyone loved your storytelling mixed with facts and humor. You got rave reviews and I'm certain we will invite you back in the near future. I will send you the DVD version of your presentation as soon as it's ready. We greatly appreciate your visit and I sincerely enjoyed meeting you.

Debra Skolnick, Program Coordinator
Sun City Lincoln Hills California (2014)

Mark McLaughlin shared a multimedia presentation covering the material in his award-winning book, The Donner Party: Weathering the Storm, on June 18, 2014. The audience very much enjoyed his talk, which was liberally illustrated with rare pictures of the westward movement, the Donner Party and the weather conditions which caused them so much grief. Mark is a skilled speaker with a deep well of knowledge of western history.

Kay Henderson, Program Director
South Lake Tahoe Historical Society (2014)

Your presentation for our annual conference of the Nevada Association of Counties and Nevada League of Cities at the Mont Bleu Resort Casino was very well received. Many attendees gave me highly positive comments regarding your animated and entertaining performance during our luncheon buffet. Next time we'll try and give you more time to speak so you can cover more of Tahoe's fascinating history.
Jeffrey Fontaine
Executive Director, Nevada Association of Counties (2013)

Thank you for an excellent day of learning and discovery. You, sir, have not just the touch, but the facts to back it up! It was a splendid adventure for everyone. Again, many thanks for making today's field trip an experience many of us will remember for a long time.
Richard Miner
Vice President & Board Member
Incline Village and Crystal Bay Historical Society (2013)

I wanted to thank you again for your great presentation at our annual conference for the Northern California Power Agency at the Resort at Squaw Valley this year. We received many wonderful comments and remarks regarding your talk about the many various aspects of the history and events about Lake Tahoe and the Nevada Comstock era. And thank you for autographing all those books that we gave as a commemorative gift for all our attendees.
Brent R. ten Pas
Federal Government Relations, NCPA (2013)

The Sierra Bible Church Trailblazers group in Truckee recently enjoyed an encore presentation by Mark McLaughlin on A Snapshot History of Lake Tahoe.  In his first appearance before the group last year he gave a presentation on The History of Donner Pass. Mark's rapid-fire presentation is the result of impeccable research and preparation. His ability to personalize historical events with just the right blend of humor at just the right time enables him to literally hold the audience in the palm of his hand.  I have never seen such synergism between speaker and audience as Mark is able to effortlessly create. His knowledge of the subject and his formidable presentation skills make him the undisputed premier spokesman on the history of Donner Pass and the Lake Tahoe region. 
Ray Garland
President, SBC Trailblazers (2013)

Mark McLaughlin was the dinner speaker at our recent Conference for the Society of Forensic Engineers and Scientists held at the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village, Nevada. As Conference Chair, I invited him to speak because he came highly recommended from friends in a Tahoe organization I belong to. His presentation was outstanding. He clearly demonstrated a broad, detailed, and intriguing understanding of the history of the Tahoe region, and told fascinating tales of the early adventurers in a highly entertaining way. I thoroughly enjoyed the talk and received many complimentary remarks from Society members. I highly recommend his talks and writings.
David A. Thompson, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Stanford University
Diplomat in Forensic Engineering Science (2012)

Mark McLaughlin has made several presentations for the Lake Tahoe Lakefront Property Owners' Association over the past decade. Through artful and creative storytelling, Mark imparts his rich experience and depth of knowledge while entertaining and dazzling crowds of all ages. A passionate speaker, Mark mines the rich history of our region and brings it to life creating a legacy for Lake Tahoe. Mark is our own "Gem of the Sierra" offering tales and stories for our wonder and delight.
Jan Briscoe
Executive Director, Lake Tahoe Lakefront Owners' Association (2012)

Thank you for your involvement with our Stanford reunion. We got lots of very positive comments about your Donner Party presentation and the all-day field trip to Alder Creek, Donner Memorial State Park, and Donner Pass. The field trip was the highlight of the whole reunion. It was great!
Geoff and Barbara Griffin
Stanford University Alumni Reunion at Martis Camp (2012)

With fun photos and fascinating stories, Mark really captivated our Sierra Club members. Mark is so animated and knowledgeable; the evening went by way too fast. We loved hearing about extreme Sierra weather events, new snow measuring techniques, and everything in between. Mark made us laugh, gasp, and ask for more. We loved your presentation!
Valerie Andersen, Program Chair
Great Basin Group, Sierra Club (2011)

Mark McLaughlin gave a completely engaging and stimulating 2-hour talk to the Tahoe Donner Green Club Wednesday, August 17, on the reasons for our current weather patterns and the weather history of the Tahoe Basin and the northern Sierra. He is a master speaker and is able to weave an integrated, fact-filled talk around an outstanding slide series, throwing in humorous asides and tales of the Sierra. His talk was hugely informative and received an enthusiastic audience response. I highly recommend him.
John Stubbs
Tahoe Donner Green Club, Truckee, California (2011)

Everyone was just completely taken with your talk! You are passionate, funny, intelligent, and a great speaker. We would love to have you back next year. Thank you for coming all this way and for bringing us such a wonderful picture of Lake Tahoe!
Angela Morgan
Bouverie Preserve, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Glen Ellen, Sonoma Valley, California (2011)

Your presentation, 1910-1920: A Snapshot in Time in the Tahoe Sierra, provided wonderful insight into our region during that time period, the railroads, the early forays of the automobile, and the many activities taking place. Your extensive knowledge enhanced the topic and your passion for the subject was evident to all — truly was an entertaining snapshot. This was our eighth symposium and we were pleased to have 138 attendees of which 90 were teachers who received in-service credit from the Nevada Department of Education.
Jackie L. Frady
Executive Director, National Automobile Museum, Reno, Nevada (2010)

The entire week went off very, very well, and your contributions to the learning atmosphere were wonderful. You are, as promised, an engaging and very knowledgeable speaker! Thanks for finding the time to make us part of your busiest week of the year. It was a pleasure to get to know more about Lake Tahoe through your eyes.
Annie Tiberio Cameron
Family Nature Summit, Faculty Recruiting Director (2010)

Everybody talks about the weather. But nobody talks about it the way Mark does. His presentation was crisp, lively, informative, and fun. Mark walks a fine line, explaining scientific measurements to the lay person, and then unfolding storytelling that grabs one and all. Thanks so much.
Michael Couzens
Attorney, Oakland, California, and banquet chair, National Translator Association (2010)

Mark is without a doubt the best speaker we have ever had at our events. He is exceedingly informative, captivating the audience with his wit and energetic delivery. His tales are relevant, educational, and fascinating. He kept the group completely engaged and begging for more! I highly recommend Mark – he is one of those rare individuals who can weave historical research and humor into an absolutely entertaining performance.
Cindy Gustafson
General Manager, Tahoe City PUD (2008)

Mark McLaughlin gave a terrific presentation at our Bernhard Museum Winery. From the moment he began speaking, he immediately captured the attention of everyone. His lecture was vivid and enlightening. All the evaluations for his program were rated 5 out of 5 in each category. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed his program. Nearly everyone who attended made it a point to request that I schedule Mark again next year. I definitely will.
Ralph Gibson
Program Manager, Place County Museums (2008)

Your presentations are priceless and I value greatly each week we have the opportunity to have you speak to our guests.
Lee Rump
Director of Recreation, Olympic Village Inn, Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe (2008)

Wow! What a presentation! I love the history and information about our State.

Very informative. I love learning about the Sierra and its history.

This was excellent! Lots of good information about weather history and water issues.

A very well planned and thought out program. A lot of very good information that I can use in my classroom. Enjoyed his presentation very much.

Fascinating! Lots of info. Would love to hear it all again. Great local history.

Nevada Reading Week Conference 2008
(Schoolteachers' Comments)

Mark McLaughlin has my highest recommendation as a speaker and presenter of California history. He was the keynote speaker for the American Volkssport Association national convention held in Sacramento, CA in June 2007 and his presentation was outstanding and enthusiastically received by our 1,000 attendees. He has my endorsement as a great addition to any gathering.
Luanne Johnson
Program Coordinator, AVA National Convention 2007

You were fantastic! Our audience really loved your presentation and we were all so impressed with your wealth of knowledge. I hope that you felt the long drive was worth it because it would be great to have you return.
Penny Johnson
Adult Programming/Booklegger Coordinator
Pleasanton California Public Library (2006)

Mark McLaughlin is a natural-born educator who has been delighting Elderhostel audiences at programs in the Lake Tahoe area and Reno for the past 14 years. Mark's combination of enthusiasm, expertise, specialized knowledge of the region and wonderful sense of humor make him an outstanding presenter. In addition Mark is able to adjust his classes to meet the interests of the group and enjoys interacting with people. His lectures in the classroom and on field trips always receive the highest evaluations from our discriminating Elderhostel clientele.
Barbara Crossland, Program Director
EduQuest/Elderhostel (2006)

Mark, you always come through for us and your efforts are outstanding. Your work is always so good that I have no doubt it will be a highlight of the History Gallery.
Gary Noy, Director
Center for Sierra Nevada Studies
Sierra College Virtual Museum (2007)

On February 10, 2005, Squaw Valley Institute was proud to host a talk by Mark McLaughlin titled "The Story of the Donner Party." Mr. McLaughlin captivated one of the largest audiences to ever attend one of our events. Without notes, he related this fascinating story and included many details and anecdotes that are probably not widely known and made this true story much more interesting. We definitely look forward to having him back to make another presentation in the near future."
John Wilcox, President
Squaw Valley Institute (2005)

On behalf of the Tahoe Trail Trekkers hiking club and the California Volkssport Association, I would like to thank you for making our Saturday night dinner function such a success. You were certainly the highlight of the evening. Many of the people I talked to afterwards stated that this was the best CVA convention that they ever attended. Your enlightening presentation allowed many people to leave the convention with a much better knowledge of how Lake Tahoe became such an important part of California history and such a popular spot on the world map. I look forward to experiencing more of your lectures and hope our club and the CVA group can also.
Paul Ackerman
Vice President, Tahoe Trail Trekkers (2006)

Mark has been enthralling our guests and Homeowners at the Red Wolf Lodge every Monday evening for more than a year now and it has become their favorite activity. It is refreshing to see such enthusiasm and knowledge from Mark at each of his weekly presentations. His entertaining style and natural ability to keep his audience hanging on every word makes learning fun while being educational. Mark is a consummate professional who teaches locals and visitors alike about our region's colorful history and the importance of keeping our beautiful lake clean now and for years to come. I have lived in North Tahoe for fourteen years and have never met anyone that has such quality of content. He is a man that stands by his convictions, love of the weather, history, and his endearing love for our lake.  Thank you, Mark.
Erin O'Brien-Soule
General Manager, Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge (2006)

On behalf of the Carson River Coalition 2004 Conference Committee, I thank you for your enlightening, well-prepared and valuable presentation at the conference. Your particular expertise enhanced the knowledge of al the attendees, as expressed in their complimentary evaluations. We greatly appreciate the time you took to help inform us on the flood and droughts in our watershed. Be assured that the conference has provided the foundation for initiating measures for protection of the Carson River Floodplain.
Edwin D. James
General Manager, Carson Water Subconservancy District (2004)

If anyone is a true pioneer, it's you! Your passion is your love of history and it shows in your writings and in your storytelling! It's always a delight to hear you speak!
Carol Fromson
Prudential California Realty (2005)