Event Architects To Know – Kennedy Turner & Erin Stiteley, Blueprint Events

Welcome to the HopSkip Planner Spotlight Series, where we highlight event professionals making waves across the events industry to share lessons learned and raise awareness of their invaluable contributions.

Name: Kennedy Turner (Partner/Founder) & Erin Stiteley (Owner, Event Specialist)

Company Name: Blueprint Events, LLC

Kennedy Turner and Erin Stiteley of Blueprint Events share their unique approach to creating memorable business gatherings. Here's their story in their own words.

Finding The Path to Events

"I started my event planning career in 2010 working for two different chambers of commerce," Kennedy recalls. "That's where I was able to learn the industry, plan a variety of events, and build relationships with vendors. In 2015, I decided to start my own business so I could have more control over my time and the types of events I took on. I wanted to start a family and knew I needed that flexibility on who I worked with and what types of events I worked on."

For Erin, the journey began differently: "I joined the events committee of a young professionals group. I enjoyed it so much that I took a position working a few hours a week as an independent corporate event planner. Very quickly, I realized I had found my passion. I changed my career path and haven't looked back since."

Blueprint Events' Approach to Planning

When it comes to venue selection, they share they rely on past experience, Google, and local chambers/visitor bureaus. "We select venues based on our clients' needs," they explain." Like all corporate event planners, we have our favorites we like to work with, but in the end, it is the clients' choice—we provide the options. It normally comes down to room rate cost, venue and audio-visual capabilities and pricing, location, and hotel and venue communication."

Budget management requires careful attention. "Creating a mock budget from the start is important and aiming a little high with the hopes that the expenses are lower in the end," they note. "With all new events, you don't want to underestimate costs, but you also have to plan for unexpected expenses, price increases from previous years, clients changing their expectations multiple times, and or hidden fees at the end."

Here is Blueprint Events' five-step process for venue selection:

1. Gather detailed client requirements and create comprehensive RFP documents
2. Share RFPs with local visitors' bureaus and venue connections
3. Create comparative analysis documents for client review
4. Deep dive into the top three venues with detailed layouts and specific amenities
5. Present refined options and secure contracts

Creating Engaging Experiences

Rather than relying on traditional decor, Blueprint Events creates interactive experiences aligned with event themes. "We have found that creating unique experiences based on the event's theme is the most important part to keep attendees engaged," they note. Their innovative approach has included:

• Interactive centerpieces instead of standard flowers
• Games like ring toss
• Dynamic elements such as sand art
• Event-specific trivia questions
• Historical photography displays
• Illusion art installations

Measuring Success Through Data and Debriefs

For Erin and Kennedy, success isn't just about smooth execution—it's about measurable outcomes and continuous improvement. "Every client is different, and there are a lot of different indicators you can use," they explain.

Their comprehensive evaluation framework looks at multiple dimensions:

"Big picture metrics include attendance numbers, post-event survey results, and attendee interaction," they share. "Then there's post-event discussion—are people talking about your event, sad they missed it, heard it was memorable?"

Financial success takes different forms for different events: "Did we hit our fundraising goal? Did we break even after sponsorships and registration fees? Did we stay within our budget?"

But they dig deeper than surface-level metrics. "Some clients care about brand and theme awareness: did people leave knowing more? Are they able to take action items back to their work, community, or home? Did we communicate properly so that people understood the event's purpose?"

Their improvement process is equally thorough. "During the planning process and on event day, we are constantly taking notes on things that went well or could be improved and/or we need to change," they explain. After each event, they host a structured debrief with the client to discuss:

• The good: Elements to repeat
• The bad: Things to modify
• The ugly: Components to eliminate

"Using our feedback and their feedback combined with post-event attendee surveys, we can enhance future events to be more efficient for us planning and more engaging for those attending."

This systematic approach to evaluation and improvement ensures that each event builds on the lessons of previous ones, creating a cycle of continuous improvement that benefits both Blueprint Events and its clients.

Managing the Unexpected

"During one of Blueprint's first events, there were about 75 people in attendance, including three speakers. One of the attendees tapped me on the shoulder halfway into the event and pointed outside. All I saw was blasts of fire shooting out and smoke."

Their quick thinking turned a potential disaster into a memorable moment: "I tapped someone who I knew had a loud voice to tell everyone to go outside in an orderly fashion. We called 911, and the fire trucks came. Someone who worked in the building brought a kerosene grill to work to cook some burgers outside, and their canister exploded. The main speaker then continued his speech in the parking lot away from the building as the firemen secured the space. I was told by multiple people that it would be 'an event they would never forget.'"

Advice for Aspiring Event Planners

For those considering event planning as a career, they offer candid advice: "Event planning is amazing in the sense that it's very dynamic and rewarding. It is great if you are organized, creative, and able to work with a variety of personalities. If you like the idea of organizing a project from start to finish, this may be the right field for you."

However, they're quick to add a reality check: "Event planning is not for everyone. It can also be mundane and frustrating at times; it is not all tastings and site visits like in the movies. You have to manage high client expectations, handle stress, be able to navigate the unknown and be okay with manual labor. During event days, you'll see our team at the AV table, managing speakers and volunteers, helping with centerpieces, moving heavy tables, and cleaning up after people. You have to be comfortable wearing a lot of different hats."

Their recommendation? "If you can, volunteer to help plan a few events before you pick it as your career path. We would suggest joining a young professional group, sitting on a nonprofit event planning committee, or working with a local community group."