Event Management for Social Impact Events

by an event planner with international experience in non-profit and corporate events, who can bring any idea to life.

About Jenna Smith

For the past decade and beyond, my love for events of all kinds has taken me through university with a degree focusing on event planning and led me to a plethora of experiences planning events around the world.

After university and a portfolio of events on campus and in corporate San Francisco, I left the States to attend events, plan events, and write about event practices in different cultures on my Events and Travel blog. My interest in sustainable travel practices, cross-cultural experiences, creating a just and equitable world, and the intersection of the hospitality industry and events has led me to unique experiences on all 7 continents, including two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar.

I have lived and worked in San Francisco, Paris, Madagascar, New Zealand, and Washington DC.

For 4 and a half years, I have lived in Washington DC, where I formerly worked as the Events and Membership Engagement Manager for the Consortium of Universities for Global Health and served as the President of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers/Washington until the end of 2023. In January 2024, I began my new role as the Special Events Director at Food & Friends. I am also the front woman for a bluesy bossa nova funk band in DC called Pine Apple, and I serve as a Program Officer on the Young Professionals Board of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area.

I look forward to creating something amazing with you.

My 5 Passions of Event Planning

Turning visions into experiences.

There is always a way to bring any idea to life. I want to create events that transport you and your guests to a new world- the place from your dreams. Maybe you haven’t even dreamt about it yet.

Bringing people together.

Events are about people and the magic that happens when they come together. From catering staff to the CEO, every person and every personality is important to the fiber of an event.

Adapting to any challenge.

Any problem can be solved with a little bit of creativity and quick thinking. During an event, anything can happen and an event planner must be resourceful at a moment’s notice.

Using sustainable methods.

My goal is to plan events that minimize the impact on our precious resources, while creating impactful memories for you and your guests. Ethics and sustainability are values that drive every decision I make.

Testimonials

I was impressed by Jenna's ability to motivate volunteers to get involved, keep the team organized and on track, and delegate responsibilities such that all bases were covered. Her attention to detail, project management skills, and capacity to translate a big, broad vision into a tangible action plan set us up for two very successful events. Both our Picnic and our AGM ran smoothly, with high attendance, and everyone had a blast!

Jenna was at all times punctual, trustworthy, and hardworking. We recommend Jenna to [anyone] looking for a trustworthy and dedicated [team] member.