Team Introductions: Meet Marianne, Senior Executive Producer and VP of Strategic Partnerships
Whether she’s creating a branded winter wonderland out of a blank slate venue or bringing a Bali-esque dream to life on an open field overlooking the San Francisco Bay, you can bet that Senior Executive Producer and VP of Strategic Partnerships Marianne Jackson has tackled every last event detail with creative flair. Her zest for travel and adventure, cuisine, and aesthetics is visible in every event—whether in-person or virtual—that she produces. Marianne joined Kennedy Events after 15 years of event and catering experience and was immediately thrown into producing a 1,000-person event in New York City and she hasn’t stopped stretching herself since. In fact, her title quickly grew from Event Producer to Senior Event Producer—plus Creative Director and even Chief Happiness Officer—before taking on her current position in 2023. We know she’ll be the biggest asset to any event on your horizon.
KE: What is your favorite event moment?
Marianne Jackson: The thirty-minute window when the entire venue and space are set up. Everything is in its place, has been cross-checked, and everyone is at their station and knows their roles. This is a precious moment of zen right before attendees enter. It’s pure serenity; thousands of hours of planning and long days of setup all culminating into one sigh of excitement and relief.
How did you get started in the event industry?
Catering was my gateway into the event industry. I have a long-time passion for cooking. While I was a theatre major in college, I began working as a prep cook for catering events over the summers. There’s something about catering that is a bond between the theatrics of putting on a show; where everything must be built up and then come down. After transitioning into catering sales and event planning, I decided I wanted to get into full-scale event production. Though I had not worked directly with Kennedy Events during my time at Left Coast Catering, I knew of their reputation and held onto the name during my search. I was hired on for one project to manage catering, and in the end, I spearheaded the design and full production. I’ve happily been a part of the Kennedy Events team since.
What’s your favorite aspect of the event planning process?
I live for the creative process. I love walking into an empty venue space and the opportunity to work collaboratively with the client’s vision—backed by talented vendors and my team—to design a momentary environment that allows for an immersive experience that represents the client’s brand or personality. Collaborating with vendors on anything from lighting and art to performers and entertainment is so rewarding. It’s nothing short of magical being able to translate an idea into something tangible. I absolutely thrive on it; alongside the praise. It motivates me to create a space that is spectacular!
Marianne’s plan (left) and the execution for NPR’s How I Built It Summit.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
In a word, collaboration. Not only with the client and my colleagues, but also with the brilliant vendors we have the pleasure of working alongside. KE’s tagline of “bringing it all together” really resonates with all the trusted relationships it takes to bring an event to life.
What’s the biggest event challenge you’ve overcome?
One of my most nightmare-ish moments happened while doing an event at a downtown San Francisco venue. There was only one loading dock to use for 10 vendors and over 50 sponsors, all of whom needed to get loaded in during the limited window given to us. The client had secured the venue before they engaged with us and it was never on their radar to factor in loading and strike logistics. Frankly, this aspect of an event gives me the most anxiety. Time is truly of the essence, so being able to get all people in and out of the space and set up is crucial. One delay could mean an unraveling of chaos.
I now require a designated staff member who I’ve deemed my “Loading Czar.” Their job is to create a meticulous spreadsheet and communicate how much time is allocated to each vendor and sponsor, how many trucks will be required, where they’re going to unload, and once done, where they’re going to park the 18-wheeler. This ensures a seamless load-in and strike—and no more sleepless nights for me.
What’s one thing that surprised you about working for Kennedy Events?
I was surprised to be anointed Chief Happiness Officer for the team after only being a part of KE for three months. This came after they allowed me to meal plan our entire retreat including a team-building cooking class. From wine tasting to a day on a lake to virtual team-building exercises on our weekly call, I am not sure who gets more joy out of the activities for our team, me or them, and it is one of my favorite hats I wear on the team.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
That event planning is fun. It is…but it’s also a ton of mental gymnastics and involves so many more elements than most people can fathom.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
Granada, Spain, is at the top of my list. Istanbul is my favorite city in the world though and I’m always dreaming of going back.
If you could choose a superpower what would it be?
To crinkle my nose and make my house clean like Samantha in Bewitched.
What’s your typical weekend activity?
Hiking or just enjoying the outdoors, but not camping. Let’s not get too crazy!
What’s your comfort food?
Stuffing and gravy. Thanksgiving is my holiday!
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 live, in-person event, something in the virtual realm, 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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