Behind every successful event is a mountain of planning, problem-solving, and countless details most attendees never see.
On this episode of Coffee with Genny B on the U Multicultural Channel, host Genny Sacco-Bak sits down with corporate event planner Tiffany Creaghe-Harder to discuss what it really takes to bring events to life.
While many people see only the finished product, Tiffany explains that event planning requires balancing vision and execution. Clients often come with exciting ideas, and her role is to transform those concepts into reality while staying grounded in logistics and budget. As she puts it, “My job is to pull that together and make that a reality.”
One of the conversation’s most inspiring stories centers on a community event that had previously struggled with attendance. After reimagining the format and moving activities outdoors, Tiffany and her team welcomed more than 500 attendees, far exceeding expectations. The experience reinforced the value of taking calculated risks and thinking creatively.
The interview also highlights the less glamorous side of event planning. Tiffany shares a memorable story about a community movie night where equipment failed, volunteers were unavailable, and almost nothing went according to plan. Yet her approach remained focused: “I’m interested in fixing the problem and fixing the problem only.”
A major theme of the discussion is the growing challenge of recruiting volunteers. Tiffany observes that many families are simply overwhelmed by modern life. Between demanding work schedules, children’s activities, household responsibilities, and caring for aging parents, community involvement can be difficult to prioritize. “People are just feeling the stress of everything,” she explains.
Despite these challenges, Tiffany remains passionate about community engagement and event planning. She encourages anyone interested in the profession to volunteer first, gain hands-on experience, and understand that much of the work happens behind the scenes.
The conversation offers valuable insights not only for aspiring event planners but for anyone involved in community-building. It serves as a reminder that successful events rarely happen by accident. They are built through preparation, adaptability, teamwork, and a willingness to solve problems when things do not go according to plan.
https://youtu.be/3ZG3pwzSmMY
Yuliia Kovalenko, U Multicultural Journalism