Creating Events
that Connect People
Event planning and project management for mission-driven organizations
Helping nonprofits, associations, public agencies, and community-focused organizations plan successful conferences, meetings, and special events.
Clients
I work with small and midsize organizations that need experienced event leadership but may not need—or have the resources for—a full-time event planner.
Potential client types:
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Nonprofits and foundations
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Associations and membership organizations
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Public agencies and commissions
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Cultural and educational organizations
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Mission-driven businesses
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Organizations whose internal teams need additional capacity
Services
Full-Service Event Planning
Comprehensive support from initial concept and planning through on-site execution and post-event follow-up.
Event Project Management
Timelines, budgets, committees, vendors, speakers, registration, communications, and stakeholder coordination.
Event Production and On-Site Management
Run-of-show development, venue coordination, staff and volunteer briefings, vendor supervision, guest experience, and live troubleshooting.
Event Catalyst Consultation
I’ll provide on-demand expert advice when you need it the most. Schedule a one-on-one strategy call.
How We Can Work Together
1. Initial Conversation
We discuss the event, goals, timeline, challenges, and the support your organization needs.
2. Customized Scope
I develop a clear scope of work defining responsibilities, deliverables, and timing.
3. Planning and Execution
I work independently or alongside your team to keep the event organized and moving forward.
Event Types
Conferences & Professional Gatherings
Annual meetings, conferences, summits, trainings, panel discussions, and multi-session programs that share knowledge, strengthen networks, and advance organizational priorities.
Galas, benefits, cultivation gatherings, and mission-driven celebrations designed to strengthen relationships, inspire support, and advance organizational goals.
Fundraising and Donor Engagement Events
Awards ceremonies, anniversary celebrations, organizational milestones, leadership transitions, and other events that recognize achievement, honor history, and bring communities together.
Milestone and Recognition Events
Community and Public Programs
Festivals, speaker series, advocacy events, educational programs, and large community gatherings.
Why Work with Me
Experienced support that feels like an extension of your team
Jennifer Garrett
With over 15 years of experience as an accomplished event planning and project management professional, I bring a proven track record of delivering high- quality conferences, seminars, festivals, and special events across diverse sectors.
Spanning roles with mission-driven organizations, cultural institutions, and nonprofit initiatives, I consistently demonstrate strengths in strategic planning, speaker and partner relations, and creative event design. From producing national conferences and hybrid or virtual events to managing multi-day festivals with thousands of attendees, I excel at creating engaging, seamless experiences that align with organizational goals ─ balancing logistics, budgets, marketing, and hospitality while fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Experience
Over 15 years in successful event coordination and management
Diverse Sectors
Organized conferences across various sectors, enhancing versatility
Collaborative Skills
Effective stakeholder partnerships with staff, speakers, and sponsors
Logistical Expertise
Manage all aspects of planning
and venue coordination without oversight
Innovative Design
Create engaging experiences through creative program design and aesthetics
Inclusivity Focus
Ensure accessibility and diverse
engagement across all events
"Jennifer is a pro from start to finish—great attention to detail and knows her stuff. She negotiated effectively with vendors, because she knew what they would likely agree to. She also has a network of vendors from which we hired some folks. We've already hired her to plan our next event."
Ronald F. Ferguson, PhD
Founder and Executive Director, The Basics, Inc.
"Jennifer has a true gift for bringing people together and creating memorable, successful events. Whether she's working with a nonprofit or a for-profit organization, she approaches every project with creativity, outstanding organization, and a calm, can-do attitude that inspires confidence."
Scott Cipolla
"Jennifer has vision, top-level execution skills, humor, and a finely tuned sense of urgency to transform any undertaking into an efficient and effective success. I cannot recommend anyone better at juggling personalities and tasks. Executive skills up the wazoo, coupled with a charming, can-do enthusiasm."
Louisa Kasdon
Founder and CEO, Let’s Talk About Food
"Jennifer is a consummate professional: creative, detail-oriented, tremendously organized. Through all the events I've been lucky enough to work on with Jennifer, she's understood and followed the objective, making each event much better than we'd anticipated. And— she's fun to work with!"
Archdeacon Mary Beth Emerson
The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
