When it comes to planning unforgettable experiences, you can’t deny the fact that New York City is home to some of the most talented, creative, and innovative event pros in the world. Be it luxury weddings, high-profile corporate events, fashion shows, fundraisers, or experiential activations, these planners don’t just execute — they create moments that move people.
Whether you’re a seasoned planner ready to expand your circle, a brand hunting for your next creative partner, or just getting started and looking for real inspiration—this list is for you.
We’ve rounded up the names that are shaping what events will look like in 2025 and beyond. These are the people making the bold moves, setting new standards, and turning big ideas into unforgettable moments.
Get to know them. Follow their work. Connect if you can. This is where the future of the industry is heading.
Want to meet these pros in real life—or find even more of NYC’s top event talent?
Come and attend the most anticipated event of the year, The Event Planner Expo 2025. You’ll get to connect with these creative powerhouses (and thousands of other industry movers) who are redefining what events can be.
Let’s start.
1). Erica Maurer
First, Erica Maurer. She runs the show at EMRG Media and co-produces The Event Planner Expo—NYC’s go-to event for people in the industry.
Erica’s done it all: corporate conferences, nonprofit galas, virtual events, album drops, and big social parties. She is great at smart planning, bringing fresh ideas, and purpose, and making every event memorable.
But she’s not just planning events, she’s building something bigger: a space where the whole industry can grow. Her skills cover both live and digital experiences, and her work has been featured on VH1, MTV, Fox News, and WPIX.
2). David Stark
David Stark is well-known for bringing new and one-of-a-kind ideas to the event world. He’s a New York-based event producer, designer, author, and the Founder of David Stark Design and Production.
David has a background in art and floral design, and for over 20 years, he’s been turning events into amazing experiences, from celebrity parties and TV shows to brand events for big names like Target, Uniqlo, and The Robin Hood Foundation.
His style screams imagination and storytelling. You’ve probably seen his work featured in Vogue, The New York Times, The Today Show, and Martha Stewart Weddings.
He’s also written five books and is in the BizBash Hall of Fame—proof that he’s not just following trends, he’s setting them.
David doesn’t just plan events, he creates full-on worlds that bring ideas and brands to life.
3). Hank Stampfl
Hank Stampfl, the founder of Revel Rouge Events, is a company known for having unforgettable, high-energy vibe parties that leave lasting impressions.
Hank’s been featured in Forbes, PageSix, and BravoTV for a reason: his events feel more like luxury weekend getaways than one-night celebrations.
He’s especially known for planning multi-day birthday trips that people have talked about for years, think custom menus, themed dinners, epic decor, and even branded gift bags.
Hank doesn’t just organize events, he directs them, like a show. If you’re looking for nightlife vibes, creative themes, or something immersive and out-of-the-box, he’s your guy.
4). Marcy Blum
Marcy Blum is one of the most respected event planners in the world—and she’s been doing it for over 35 years with a mix of creativity, humor, and serious attention to detail.
Marcy has a knack for making events feel magical—while keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
She brings food, vibe, design, and of course, fun altogether to create experiences that're truly unforgettable. And with a background from the Culinary Institute of America, she knows how to make every detail—from the menu to the mood—fit perfectly together.
Marcy’s been named a top planner by Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and her work has been featured in People, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times. She’s also popped up on shows like Oprah, Good Morning America, and The Today Show, and even a few in Japan, where she admits she had no idea what anyone was saying, but had a great time anyway.
5). Amy Katz
Amy Katz is known for her trademark of bringing a boutique touch that makes every moment feel special and just right.
Her journey into event planning began over two decades ago when her daughter was diagnosed with diabetes. Amy turned her drive into action by launching the first Carnival For A Cure fundraiser in Manhattan—an event that kicked off her career in planning meaningful, unforgettable experiences.
Since then, she’s produced hundreds of events, including weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, corporate events, sweet sixteens, fundraisers, and more, always with her signature touch of elegance and heart.
Amy leads with intention, storytelling, and style. Every detail, whether it’s floral design, lighting, or table settings, is carefully curated to reflect her client’s vision and story.
She brings a sharp eye, expert negotiation skills, and a love for celebration to everything she does.
6). Jove Meyer
Jove Meyer is one of the best event planners in the world, known for creating bold, joyful, and deeply personal celebrations that reflect his clients’ true selves.
He brings color, creativity, and heart to every event, designing weddings and experiences that feel like home, especially for those who’ve never felt fully seen in traditional spaces. Jove’s work is all about authenticity, diversity, and joy… and it shows.
His designs have been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, Good Morning America, and The Magnolia Network. Both Harper’s Bazaar and Martha Stewart have named him a top wedding planner in the world.
7). Michelle Farber
Michelle Farber is one of New York City’s top event planners and the founder of M. Studio Events. She excels not only in planning weddings, and bar mitzvahs, but also in other events.
With a background in fashion and design, she brings strong visual style and attention to detail to every celebration. From big brand events to one-of-a-kind bar mitzvahs (like her buzzed-about “Adamcrombie” theme), Michelle is known for making every party feel unique and unforgettable.
Through her “Party Concierge™” approach, she handles every detail—from venue to vibe—so clients can enjoy the experience without the stress. It's this mix of creativity, calm, and care that makes Michelle one of the most trusted names in NYC events.
8). Amy Shey Jacobs
Amy Shey Jacobs is one of the top event planners in the business, blending creativity, strategy, and storytelling to craft unforgettable experiences for both private clients and big-name brands.
Amy is the Founder and Creative Director of Chandelier Events, where she and her team plan everything from stylish weddings to big brand moments—all with a personal touch. Whether it’s a star-studded mitzvah or a launch event that gets everyone talking, Amy knows how to make it feel fresh, immersive, and unforgettable.
Amy is a nationally recognized expert featured in outlets like The New York Times, VOGUE, NBC’s Today Show, Good Morning America, and InStyle. She’s been named one of The Knot's Wed 100 Most Inspiring People in Weddings and one of BizBash’s 500 Most Influential People in Events.
She brings a media-savvy, audience-first mindset to every event—turning ideas into powerful experiences that truly connect.
9). Lauren Grech
Lauren Grech is one of the world’s leading destination wedding planners and known for creating luxury, multi-day, multicultural celebrations for high-profile and high-net-worth couples around the globe.
As the Founder and CEO of LLG Events, Lauren designs and manages weddings that span entire weekends, handling everything from scouting unique locations to building custom venues from the ground up. No detail is too big or too small.
She works closely with 5-star hotels, tourism boards, and luxury brands, helping them grow their visibility in the destination wedding and travel space through content creation, brand strategy, and digital media marketing.
Lauren brings a rare mix of expertise across event design, luxury travel, hospitality, and education. She knows how to design every moment of the guest journey, from check-in and spa treatments to the final toast, so it feels seamless and unforgettable.
Her leadership has earned recognition from NYU, HSMAI, and Luxury Daily, and she’s been featured in top outlets including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Good Morning America, and Forbes Middle East.
10). Sonal Shah
Another one of the most trusted names in the wedding event industry is Sonal Shah. She’s known for turning culture, tradition, and style into unforgettable celebrations that people have talked about for years.
For more than 20 years in the industry, Sonal has led a team that creates beautiful South Asian and multicultural weddings all over the world. Her events are full of meaning, style, and incredible detail, always honoring her clients’ traditions while bringing a fresh, modern feel.
She’s a true trailblazer in multicultural weddings, known for creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences that tell her client’s stories through bold design and thoughtful touches.
Sonal is also an international speaker and the author of The Complete Guide to Planning the Perfect South Asian Wedding, making her a respected voice in the global wedding world.
Meet the Minds Behind NYC’s Most Iconic Events
From big-name brands to luxury wedding pros, these 10 event planners are some of the most creative and skilled experts in New York City’s event scene.
Whether you’re looking to hire a planner, get inspired, or grow your network, these are the names to know heading into 2025.
Want to meet top event pros, find new collaborators, and see what’s next in events? Grab your ticket to The Event Planner Expo 2025 — and connect with thousands of planners, pros, and visionaries driving the industry forward.
