Team Introductions: Meet Event Planner Roxanne

When Roxanne joined the Kennedy Events team as an Event Planner, she showed her chops from the get-go, untangling a nightmare of spreadsheets into an organized dream that had her first client singing her praises. Her attention to detail, proactive communication, creative problem-solving, and catering expertise put her on our radar. Did we mention her cooking skills are just as *chef’s kiss* as her delightful demeanor? She is an all-star addition to the team at Kennedy Events and we are thrilled to introduce you.

Kennedy Events: How did you get started in the events industry?

Roxanne Swaminathan: I moved to the Bay Area about and started at a small catering company about 15 years ago. I started as an event server and eventually grew into the role of production and event manager.

What’s your favorite aspect of the event planning process? 

I love seeing the finished product, of course, when everything flows and the event is humming and the client is happy; but I also love being behind the scenes, getting to explore different, interesting venues and places that I otherwise would not have access to. 

What is your favorite event moment? 

There have been so many! But one that stands out was a small wedding in Bolinas (~1.5 hours from SF), CA with a small crew, all of whom I had grown close with from working with them for many years. Not only was the wedding beautiful; from a long farm table set up in the middle of a field with market lights strung above and fresh flowers and eucalyptus decorating the tables and chairs, but we stayed the night in a separate cabin on the property - so it *almost* felt like a mini weekend getaway. The bride and groom and guests were all so lovely and everyone enjoyed themselves. I’m sure it was a lot of hard work, but now looking back I just remember how much fun I had with my co-workers/friends.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Getting to work with folks that I truly love and admire. I feel very lucky to have worked/work in settings where I enjoy the people I work with and then also want to see them *outside* of work.

What are the five tools you can’t live without? 

  1. Lists! Physical lists. I love writing lists and crossing things off my lists. So much so that I have a tattoo of a list on my wrist.

  2. Calendar and reminders. I put an alarm or notification for everything on my phone

  3. A good pen. I write everything down, so having a *good* pen is very important

  4. Google! When I don’t know something or need to take a deep dive, I Google it!

  5. A trusty, non-disposable, insulated water bottle. I carry mine everywhere, I call it my emotional support water bottle. LOL.

Where do you find inspiration?

Nature, Instagram, art and design blogs.

What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?

I would love to be able to visit my family in Goa, India. The last time I visited India, I was 7!


If you could choose a superpower what would it be? 

Flying! I always dream about it. 


What’s your comfort food? 

My mom’s spaghetti. Filipino food in general (with a heaping side of white rice).


What’s your favorite after-hours activity?

I LOVE going to music shows. We’ve got some really great venues in the Bay Area from small basement rooms to dive bars to amphitheaters, so there are always plenty of opportunities to see live music.

Ready to Learn More About What Our Team Can Bring to Your Event?

The team at Kennedy Events excels at incorporating opportunities to delight at every stage of the event planning process. With a clear roadmap to event success, we champion our knowledge, resources, and connections to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re planning a live, in-person event, something in the virtual realm, or a hybrid with virtual components, our event experts are here to guide you. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with us today.


MAGGIE KENNEDY

Maggie Kennedy is the co-owner of Kennedy Events is a large-scale event management company based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City. Our team creates stress-free conferences and events with a positive impact, which allows our clients to resonate with their audience. Kennedy Events specializes in producing flawless product launches, award ceremonies, fundraisers, and multi-day conferences while keeping our eye on retention and engagement goals.

 

About Kennedy Events

Kennedy Events began with one goal in mind—to produce high-level corporate events with just as much strategy as style. Maggie founded the company in 2000, found her match in Paige, and in 2011 the two became official partners. Since then, these two resourceful and brilliant creatives have pooled their strengths to build one one of the most the most sought after corporate event companies in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.


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Maggie Kennedy

Maggie founded Kennedy Events in 2000 and has been Chief Everything Officer ever since! She’s a master at keeping clients and her team happy, plus brings the fun to every function. Her days are filled with things like logistics, sales, and, of course, putting her 20+ years of creative event strategy to work. She likes a life filled with adventure, and when that’s not happening in a ballroom, she’s found that on a 600+ mile bike ride to LA, on hikes in the Himalayas, and under the stars in an Indian desert. The world beckons, but nothing beats coming home to the Bay Area, and her two kids, fiance, and spunky cat.

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