Designing the Atmosphere That Guests Instantly Feel

Why Intention Shapes Every Experience

Have you ever walked into a party and thought, “Wow, this feels amazing and fun!”?

Was there a sign at the door that said that?

NO?!

You were reading the energy, the atmosphere of the space.

 

I call this the Energy Bubble. This is what guests experience when they walk into your space – whether it’s in your home, a hotel event space or another location. And you can design what this space feels like.  

 

You start with your intentions for the event. What are the qualities you want everyone to experience?  Always connection and community.  Also comfortable, welcoming, at ease, joyful, inspiring . . . and more. You get the idea. Write them down. On paper.  That’s a key to manifesting your intentions.  I also write the qualities for an event at the top of my event timeline so that everyone I share it with (vendors, event staff, etc.) know what the intention is for the event.

 

As Maya Angelou said,

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

 

You build an Atmosphere in your Energy Bubble with your clear intentions for the qualities you want everyone to experience.  This is foundational BEFORE you start taking action and planning and coordinating all the details of your event.  

 

First step is clarity of the purpose of your event.

You can’t start until you have clarified the true purpose.

 

Second step is defining the qualities of your Atmosphere, your Energy Bubble.

You then with a clear focus pour all your actions, plans and intentions into this Energy Bubble.

 

Believe me, this works every time.  I’ve had clients define what the experience is they want for themselves and their guests – the qualities, not things – and then watched as the guests depart speaking those qualities:

 

“This was the best event I’ve ever attended. It was so much fun.”

“What an inspiring event, I want to attend next year and bring my friends.”

“I felt like I was part of a big family.”

 

When you take the time to design the Energy Bubble with intention, you’re not just creating an event—you’re shaping an experience that resonates far beyond the walls of the venue. The atmosphere you cultivate leaves guests with an emotional imprint they’ll carry with them. That’s the true power of hospitality—it transforms ordinary gatherings into unforgettable memories.

 

What qualities do you most want your guests to feel at your next event?

About
Marinda Freeman

Marinda Freeman is an Event Consultant and Designer with over four decades of experience creating impactful events—from large-scale corporate conferences and nonprofit galas to festivals and product launches. With a background that includes Executive Director of Martha Stewart Catering, Marinda guides organizations, businesses, executive and admin assistants how to design, plan, and produce annual events with clarity, structure, and ease—transforming complex logistics into smooth, successful experiences. By teaching clients and their teams proven practices they are able to confidently produce future events.  Her consulting style is hands-on, strategic, and empowering, ensuring every event reflects purpose, connection, and joy.

As a bestselling author, accomplished chef, and licensed spiritual counselor, Marinda brings a mindful, holistic approach to every project. Her book, Everything is an Event, reveals fifteen enduring principles for creating meaningful gatherings in today’s world. With a personal motto of “If you’re not having fun, you’re wasting time,” Marinda believes every event is a chance to build community and create unforgettable moments—with grace, intention, and a whole lot of fun.