Best Corporate Event Planners in Chicago

Chicago City Corporate Event Planners & Corporate Event Planning Services

Chicago has always been a city of builders. From its legacy in manufacturing and logistics to its modern strength in finance, healthcare, technology, and professional services, Chicago businesses value structure, reliability, and results. Corporate events here aren’t about flash for flash’s sake—they’re about execution, clarity, and purpose. Whether it’s a leadership summit overlooking the Loop, a company-wide conference at McCormick Place, or an employee experience hosted along the Chicago River, events in this city are expected to work.

For Human Resources leaders, corporate events play a meaningful role in shaping organizational culture. They support onboarding, recognition, DEI initiatives, change management, and leadership alignment—often during moments that matter most. The right event planner becomes a strategic partner, helping HR teams translate values into experiences employees can actually feel.

This list highlights Chicago-based corporate event planners who bring operational discipline, creative problem-solving, and deep local expertise to their work. These professionals include firm leaders, boutique founders, and independent consultants. This is not a ranking. It’s a curated recognition based on research, verification, and demonstrated impact across the Chicago market.

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🌆 Our Methodology - How We Built This List of Chicago Corporate Event Planners

At Digital Reference, we believe professional credibility should be visible—not inferred from marketing language or vague testimonials. Every consultant featured in this article was selected through a deliberate research and evaluation process.

Our methodology includes:

🔍 LinkedIn analysis to understand career history, leadership experience, and corporate focus

🔍 Website review to evaluate service depth, client types, and event specialization

🔍 HR relevance, including experience with employee engagement, internal communications, and leadership programming

🔍 Local presence, ensuring each planner actively works within the Chicago area

The result is a list of professionals who consistently deliver clarity, reliability, and measurable value in complex corporate environments.

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🌟 Meet the Best Chicago Corporate Event Planners 🌟

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🔵 Anthony Navarro 

Creative Director, Liven It Up Events

Anthony Navarro serves as Creative Director at Liven It Up Events, where he leads the design and execution of large-scale corporate experiences across Chicago. His work blends creative storytelling with logistical precision—an approach that resonates strongly with HR and internal communications teams.

Anthony is known for designing events that feel polished and intentional while still supporting business goals behind the scenes.

Key strengths include:

🎯 Leading creative direction for corporate conferences, galas, and brand activations

🎯 Translating company values into immersive event environments

🎯 Supporting HR-led initiatives tied to employee engagement and recognition

🎯 Managing complex vendor and production workflows

Anthony’s work reflects Chicago’s expectation for professionalism paired with creativity, making him a strong partner for organizations that value both form and function.

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🔵 Vandana Walia 

CEO, Vchilli Events

Vandana Walia leads Vchilli Events with a focus on precision, elegance, and strategic execution. Her firm is well-regarded for delivering refined corporate events that align closely with organizational goals and internal culture.

Vandana’s approach is particularly effective for HR teams managing executive-level gatherings, client-facing experiences, and internal milestones.

Highlights of her work include:

🎯 Designing high-touch corporate events with strong attention to detail

🎯 Partnering with HR leaders on events tied to leadership alignment and recognition

🎯 Ensuring consistency across branding, messaging, and attendee experience

🎯 Managing budgets and timelines with discipline and transparency

Her leadership style emphasizes trust, preparation, and calm execution, qualities highly valued in Chicago’s corporate landscape.

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🔵 Joan Cinquegrani 

Owner & Lead Event Consultant, Five Grain Events

Joan Cinquegrani founded Five Grain Events with a philosophy rooted in intentional design and thoughtful planning. Her corporate work often centers on creating meaningful, people-first experiences that support organizational culture.

Joan works closely with clients throughout the planning process, making her a trusted advisor to HR teams navigating internal change or growth.

Key characteristics of her approach include:

🎯 Designing corporate events that prioritize connection and experience

🎯 Supporting HR initiatives around employee engagement and culture-building

🎯 Offering hands-on consultation from concept through execution

🎯 Creating events that feel authentic rather than overly produced

Joan’s work reflects a deep understanding of how small details shape big moments.

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🔵 Michelle Orlando, DMCP 

Founder & Chief Event Officer, Elevoque

Michelle Orlando, a Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP), founded Elevoque to deliver strategic, experience-driven corporate events. Her background positions her well for organizations hosting complex programs involving travel, logistics, and multiple stakeholders.

Michelle frequently partners with HR and leadership teams to ensure events align with broader organizational objectives.

Notable strengths include:

🎯 Managing multi-day corporate programs with layered logistics

🎯 Supporting leadership offsites, conferences, and incentive experiences

🎯 Bringing structure and foresight to complex planning environments

🎯 Acting as a strategic extension of internal teams

Her work exemplifies operational excellence paired with strategic insight.

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🔵 Frank J. Andonoplas, CWP, MWP 

Owner & Creative Director, Frank Event Design

Frank J. Andonoplas brings decades of experience to the Chicago corporate events scene as the Owner and Creative Director of Frank Event Design. With professional designations including Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) and Master Wedding Planner (MWP), Frank’s background reflects a meticulous attention to detail that translates seamlessly into corporate environments.

His corporate work is characterized by high-impact visual storytelling, structured planning, and consistent execution—qualities that HR and executive teams rely on when stakes are high.

Frank’s strengths include:

🎯 Designing visually compelling corporate environments that reinforce brand identity

🎯 Supporting HR-led initiatives such as employee appreciation, milestone celebrations, and leadership events

🎯 Managing complex production elements with creative discipline

🎯 Delivering experiences that feel elevated without sacrificing professionalism

Frank’s work reflects Chicago’s appreciation for craft, reliability, and polish, making him a trusted partner for organizations seeking refined corporate experiences.

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🔵 Akeshi Akinseye 

Founder & CEO, Kesh Events

Akeshi Akinseye founded Kesh Events with a clear mission: to create inclusive, intentional, and memorable experiences that bring people together. Her leadership style and planning philosophy resonate strongly with HR teams focused on culture, belonging, and employee experience.

Akeshi’s work often supports organizations navigating growth, transformation, or internal alignment.

Key aspects of her approach include:

🎯 Designing events that center people and shared experiences

🎯 Supporting DEI-focused programming and culturally meaningful events

🎯 Collaborating closely with HR leaders to align events with company values

🎯 Creating spaces that feel welcoming, thoughtful, and purposeful

Kesh Events stands out for its emphasis on human connection, making Akeshi a powerful partner for organizations prioritizing people-first culture.

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🔵 Kelly Cavanaugh 

Owner, Clementine Custom Events

Kelly Cavanaugh leads Clementine Custom Events with a focus on personalized service and strategic planning. Her corporate event work reflects a deep understanding of client needs and a commitment to delivering experiences that feel intentional and well-orchestrated.

Kelly often partners with small to mid-sized organizations seeking a hands-on consultant who can manage both vision and execution.

Notable strengths include:

🎯 Offering highly customized corporate event planning services

🎯 Supporting HR-driven initiatives such as team-building and employee recognition

🎯 Providing clear communication and proactive problem-solving

🎯 Balancing creativity with operational discipline

Kelly’s approach aligns well with Chicago organizations that value trust, consistency, and collaboration.

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🔵 Jodi Wolf 

Owner & CEO, Paulette Wolf Events

Jodi Wolf is a recognized leader in the Chicago events industry and the driving force behind Paulette Wolf Events. Her firm is known for producing large-scale, high-profile corporate events that demand precision, creativity, and strong leadership.

Jodi’s work often supports enterprise-level organizations and HR teams managing complex stakeholder environments.

Her expertise includes:

🎯 Leading production of conferences, corporate galas, and brand-driven events

🎯 Managing large teams, vendors, and timelines with authority and clarity

🎯 Partnering with HR and executive leadership on strategic initiatives

🎯 Delivering seamless experiences under tight deadlines

Jodi’s reputation reflects Chicago’s highest standards for execution and professionalism.

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🔵 Patrick Crosson, CMP, DES 

Chief Experience Owner, PC Events and Experiences

Patrick Crosson brings a strategic, experience-first mindset to his role as Chief Experience Owner at PC Events and Experiences. With certifications including Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Digital Event Strategist (DES), Patrick specializes in both live and hybrid corporate experiences.

His work is particularly relevant for HR teams navigating modern workplace dynamics.

Key strengths include:

🎯 Designing hybrid and virtual corporate events with strong engagement

🎯 Supporting learning, development, and internal communications initiatives

🎯 Leveraging technology to enhance attendee experience

🎯 Aligning events with measurable business and people outcomes

Patrick’s approach reflects a forward-looking understanding of how events support workforce strategy.

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🔵 Emmanuelle Escandar 

Owner & CEO (Chief Event Organizer), EE Event Co.

Emmanuelle Escandar leads EE Event Co. with a focus on clarity, creativity, and collaborative execution. Her role as Chief Event Organizer reflects her hands-on involvement across all stages of planning.

Emmanuelle’s corporate work often supports organizations seeking intentional, well-aligned experiences that reflect company culture.

Key characteristics of her approach include:

🎯 Offering end-to-end corporate event planning support

🎯 Partnering closely with HR teams to ensure cultural alignment

🎯 Delivering events that feel organized, thoughtful, and polished

🎯 Maintaining transparency and communication throughout the process

Her leadership style aligns well with Chicago organizations that value structure paired with creativity.

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Closing Thoughts: Chicago Corporate Events, HR Impact, and Trusted Expertise

Chicago’s corporate events are more than just gatherings—they’re strategic moments that shape company culture, drive engagement, and support employee experience. HR teams rely on experienced planners to turn initiatives like recognition, inclusion, and leadership alignment into seamless, meaningful experiences, and the professionals featured here bring the creativity, structure, and local expertise to make that happen.

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At Digital Reference, we make professional credibility visible, helping HR leaders and business owners confidently choose consultants who deliver real results.Whether planning culture-defining events or selecting top-tier consultants, we help organizations move forward with clarity and confidence.