Most people think event planning begins with picking a date, booking a venue, or deciding on food and décor. Those are important—but they’re not the real beginning.
“The truth is, if you don’t start in the right place, you can easily end up with an event that’s technically fine but forgettable, or even stressful to manage.”
Here’s the secret: the best events start with clarity, not logistics.
When you understand the fundamentals of why you’re hosting the event and what you want your guests to feel and experience, everything else flows more naturally. That’s when event planning becomes…
“Planning and producing an event isn’t just about a checklist—it’s about holding a vision of the experience you want to create.
Think of yourself as a designer, not just a planner.”
“To design an event is to think holistically.”
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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.
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