Today we’d like to introduce you to Christi Rich.
Hi Christi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t set out to become an event planner. In college, I was on a completely different path, studying to become a pharmacist. Midway through, I realized that while I loved science, I didn’t want that career. I shifted to economics with a minor in chemistry, still unsure where I would ultimately land.
The turning point came during an internship at a chemical company. I asked—somewhat boldly—not to be placed in the lab, but to try something different. I was assigned to the marketing services director, who handed me a major task: planning the company’s international sales meeting. I coordinated travel, helped select the venue and menu, built the event timeline, and assisted with remarks. The meeting was a success, and afterward she told me I had come in under budget. I remember responding honestly, “What’s a budget?” It was the first time someone told me event planning was a real profession—and that entire agencies existed to do this work.
After graduation, I briefly returned to healthcare before deciding to formally pursue the events industry, earning a Master of Tourism Administration from The George Washington University. Shortly after, I joined the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Special Events and Protocol in Washington, DC—a role that truly launched my career. There, I helped plan events in all of the museums across the Mall and at the National Zoo. Early on, I found myself coordinating with White House advance teams and the U.S. Secret Service when a Vice President agreed to present at an awards dinner I was managing. It was intense and formative, and it taught me how to remain calm, precise, and professional under pressure.
I later moved to Georgetown University’s Office of Advancement, where I managed a major annual event that traveled to a different city each year. My work expanded internationally when I led planning for an event in Spain, coordinating protocol for a reception attended by the then Crown Prince—now His Majesty the King—of Spain. Drawing on my Smithsonian experience, I worked closely with the Royal Household on logistics, seating, and security.
After several years in both institutional and agency roles—producing fundraisers, receptions, and dinners, and managing events at some of Washington, DC’s most prominent and historic venues—I had the opportunity to help launch a startup events venture. While that business ultimately didn’t scale, it gave me invaluable experience building operations from the ground up. When it became clear the venture wouldn’t continue, I realized I already had everything I needed to go out on my own.
Twelve years ago, I began freelancing as an event planner, and ten years ago I officially launched my firm. I often describe myself as the little engine that could. I built the business almost entirely through relationships—former colleagues, trusted vendors, and long-standing professional connections. I called everyone I knew, said yes to opportunities, and relied on word of mouth. That relationship-driven foundation is what allowed my business to grow and endure—and it continues to shape how I work today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If anyone has ever said that running a business is a smooth, straight road, I would respectfully—and wholeheartedly—disagree. Building a business from scratch is anything but easy. It requires determination, deep belief in yourself, and, frankly, a little bit of naïveté about just how many things can and will go wrong.
Unless you’ve had a mentor or built a business before, even the basics can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you’re navigating business formation—forming an LLC, filing Articles of Organization, obtaining an EIN, securing licenses, setting up accounting systems, opening bank accounts, purchasing insurance, drafting contracts, and ensuring compliance with every requirement needed to operate properly. At the same time, you’re expected to assess your competition, define your strengths and weaknesses, identify your niche, and develop a business plan—often while still doing the very work that generates revenue.
And then there are the things no one can plan for. No one could have predicted that a global pandemic would shut down an entire industry overnight. COVID became a profound test of fortitude, resilience, and perseverance. Despite years of education and experience, there was simply no work—because people could not gather. It was humbling and, at times, frightening. Ultimately, it became a powerful lesson in adaptability, endurance, and inner strength.
That said, I can honestly say I love working for myself more than I ever loved working as an in-house planner. You give well over 100 percent, but the rewards extend far beyond financial return. No two days are ever the same. There is flexibility when it matters most. And the work itself—helping organizations bring people together in meaningful, strategic ways—feels purposeful and deeply impactful.
I truly value that my business is built almost entirely on referrals. Clients seek me out, and over time I’ve learned that referrals tend to foster relationships grounded in trust and shared values—partnerships where the work is strongest and most impactful. Along the way, I’ve also learned important lessons, particularly about over-giving and over-serving, and about recognizing when a client or project is no longer the right fit. At times, that realization has little to do with my skill set, experience, or ability to execute exceptional events, and far more to do with alignment, expectations, and mutual respect. Discernment has become just as important as dedication, and protecting that alignment is essential—not only for the success of the event, but for the integrity of the work itself.
At its best, running a business means partnering with clients you genuinely believe in—who believe in you in return. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it has been deeply rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is a boutique special event strategy, planning, and production firm grounded in senior-level expertise and thoughtful execution. Approximately 85% of our work supports corporate, nonprofit, and institutional clients, while the remaining 15% focuses on select social celebrations, including weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs. Every event—regardless of scale—is approached with care, creativity, and a sense of fun.
We specialize in producing complex, high-visibility experiences, including galas, dinners, receptions, meetings, festivals, and large-scale public gatherings. Our work spans the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, as well as major cities nationwide. Clients come to us when events require experienced leadership, clear strategy, and the ability to thoughtfully manage multiple stakeholders, moving parts, and expectations—always grounded in professionalism, discretion, and respect for the organizations we serve.
One of our most specialized areas is producing events on the National Mall. I am among a very small group of planners who understand the federal permitting process and how corporate signage and sponsor recognition can be designed and approved within this iconic, highly regulated environment. I work closely with corporations, associations, and nonprofit organizations, and their corporate partners to ensure branding is visible, compliant, and seamlessly integrated into the overall event experience—allowing national brands and sponsors to participate meaningfully in large-scale public events and civic moments.
What truly sets my firm apart is the way we partner with our clients. When booking my firm, clients work with me from start to finish—there is no handoff after signing and no dilution of vision. Even when additional planners from my team are involved, I remain actively engaged throughout the process. This continuity allows for a high level of care, accountability, and consistency across every phase of planning and execution.
Another way we differentiate ourselves is in how closely we review contracts and terms. In addition to the legal review conducted by our clients’ counsel, we examine agreements through an event-planning lens—making sure scope, responsibilities, financial protections, and cancellation terms are clearly defined and aligned with the event plan. We ask thoughtful questions, flag anything that feels unclear, and negotiate when needed so there are no surprises down the road. This proactive approach often prevents issues before they arise and gives our clients confidence that their interests are being carefully represented.
Our work is rooted in strong relationships with venues, vendors, and suppliers. I believe exceptional events happen when every partner feels supported and positioned to succeed. I prioritize long-term, trusted collaborations and invest time upfront to understand each team’s guidelines, boundaries, and operational realities. When our partners can focus on what they do best, the entire event benefits.
While we take our work seriously, we genuinely enjoy what we do. We value creativity, collaboration, and long-term relationships. At the end of the day, I care deeply about the work and the people behind it. When an event feels aligned, well-managed, and genuinely enjoyable for everyone involved—that’s when I know we’ve done it right.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to work with us is to engage early. Whether you’re planning a gala, festival, corporate convening, holiday party, or reception, we’re most effective when brought in before key decisions are finalized—so we can help shape strategy, logistics, and the overall experience from the start.
If you’re looking for a strategic, experienced partner who values collaboration and clear communication, we’d love to connect. Our strongest projects are built on trust, alignment, and shared goals.
We encourage you to explore our portfolio on PartySlate for a curated look at how we bring strategy and creativity together across diverse events.
And if you know an organization, brand, or individual beginning to explore an event, we welcome the introduction. Great events are built on strong partnerships. Whether you’re ready to plan, looking to collaborate, or connecting us with someone who may benefit from our expertise, we look forward to working together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christirich.com
- Instagram: @createdbychristi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createdbychristi
- Other: https://www.partyslate.com/vendors/christi-rich-event-strategy-design
