Team Introductions: Meet Logistics Wizard Jess
Jess is our indispensable organization maven, workflow wizard, and juggler of logistics. Though she may be working her magic behind the scenes from her home in Vermont, her presence is never far from notice. Whether through an enthusiastic email or a timely response to a request for help, you can rest assured that every last detail is accounted for with dedicated systems to boot. Her savvy and attention to finessing the finer points of any project keep every event running smoothly.
Kennedy Events: What is your favorite event moment?
Jess Gulley-Ward: It’s difficult to pinpoint one single event moment, but working as the sponsorship concierge for many onsite events is always rewarding. There is such excitement finally meeting the people I worked with virtually for many months. Being a sponsor for a conference is super important for both the sponsor (company) and for our client. Supporting a sponsor is incredibly important because of the relationship between the sponsor and the client but also very intricate, detailed work, hence my love and appreciation for the role. After months of conversations about the many moving parts that make their vision come to life, sharing in their success and watching their interactions with attendees makes it all worthwhile.
How did you get started in the events industry?
My first job out of college was as the Assistant Director of Student Activities at Amherst College in Massachusetts. I spent 13 glorious years working with student leaders at various colleges in New England in student activities and residential life. I absolutely thrive behind the scenes; helping to juggle logistics and locking in every last detail. I’m an educator at heart so anytime a “teachable moment” presents itself, I jump at the opportunity. It’s fulfilling to know I’ve juggled logistics from education into event production successfully!
What’s your favorite aspect of the event planning process
Keeping details organized. It’s the soul of me! If event details are the cake, then crystal clear documentation to aid an event’s team and client is the frosting on top. I’m known for thinking of every little thing under the sun—the tiniest of details gives me the greatest joy.
What are the five tools you can’t live without?
When I’m onsite for an event these are the top tools I can’t live without:
My laptop
Old-fashioned pen and paper
My own extension cord that has multiple outlets
A water bottle
A scarf; not necessarily to keep me warm, but to remind me that home is not that far away. I’m not a traveler at heart, so a big cozy scarf that smells like home grounds me during the hustle and bustle of setting up an event.
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration stems from setting up well-oiled systems, adding structure where it is lacking, and wrapping each spreadsheet in a nicely organized and transparent bow. When someone comes to me and shares that they’re struggling, I’m quick to create a system that is manageable and effective so the end-user will have a stress-free experience. My background in education comes from a love of teaching someone how to do something and then watching them soar.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
When someone asks about my career, their eyes gloss over super quickly OR they shake their heads saying, “Details drive me crazy.” I’m honored to have built a career with what comes super easy to me.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
There’s no place like home. I occasionally travel to Maine, New Hampshire, and Florida but my cozy cottage in the beautiful state of Vermont is where I’d rather be. My one bucket list trip is to experience the magic of Nashville, the birthplace of country music, with my husband.
If you could choose a superpower what would it be?
I have a superpower. My superpower is I think of almost everything, especially when it comes to gatherings with my nieces and nephews. At least one weekend per month, my whole family gathers dressed as a theme we’ve chosen. Most recently, we dressed as past historical figures. My mind spins and spins on the little extras to make a family gathering, an event, or process extra special. There’s no greater gift than sharing in the excitement of each detail and making memories.
What’s your comfort food?
Without a doubt popcorn, stove-popped popcorn. My family owned a popcorn wagon growing up, and three nights a week in the summertime, we would open shop in our small downtown in Vermont. I’ll share with you my best-kept secret to excellent popcorn: white popcorn kernels and real butter!
Ready to Learn More About What the Kennedy Events Team Can Bring to Your Event?
The KE team excels at incorporating opportunities to delight at every stage of the event planning process. With a clear roadmap to event success, we champion our knowledge, resources, and connections to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re planning a virtual, in-person event, or a hybrid with virtual components, our event experts are here to guide you. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with us today.
MAGGIE KENNEDY
Maggie Kennedy is the co-owner of Kennedy Events is a large-scale event management company based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City. Our team creates stress-free conferences and events with a positive impact, which allows our clients to resonate with their audience. Kennedy Events specializes in producing flawless product launches, award ceremonies, fundraisers, and multi-day conferences while keeping our eye on retention and engagement goals.
About Kennedy Events
Kennedy Events began with one goal in mind—to produce high-level corporate events with just as much strategy as style. Maggie founded the company in 2000, found her match in Paige, and in 2011 the two became official partners. Since then, these two resourceful and brilliant creatives have pooled their strengths to build one one of the most the most sought after corporate event companies in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.
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