Event planning in 2026 goes far beyond logistics; it is about designing unforgettable experiences, building emotional connections, and crafting seamless moments that feel effortless yet deeply personal. Today’s event planners are no longer just coordinators behind the scenes, they are visionary storytellers, creative curators, and expert problem-solvers who transform ideas into immersive realities.
This list goes beyond popularity; it highlights true impact. It celebrates 10 exceptional event planners who are reshaping the industry through innovation, authenticity, and creative excellence. Their work continues to set new standards in design, execution, and guest experience. If you are planning something truly memorable in 2026, these are the names worth knowing.
1: Dylan Amlot & Anne Osborne Smith
Dylan Amlot and Anne Osborne Smith lead the team behind G&D Events, a London-based event planning agency specialising in high-end corporate events, luxury private parties, and bespoke celebrations across the UK. Together, they have developed a reputation for creating events that feel stylish, organised, and genuinely memorable for clients and guests alike.
As founder of G&D Events, Dylan is known for his creativity, big-picture thinking, and ability to bring ambitious ideas to life while managing the technical and operational side of large-scale events. Anne is known for her meticulous attention to detail and highly personal approach to client experience, helping every event feel polished, thoughtful, and carefully considered from start to finish. Together, they lead collaborative planning sessions and creative think tanks within the team to ensure each event feels original, personal, and far from ordinary.
Through G&D Events, the team designs and delivers bespoke experiences including conferences, gala dinners, brand activations, luxury parties, private celebrations, and high-end corporate events. Their approach is collaborative and hands-on, with a strong focus on understanding what clients actually want and transforming ideas into experiences that surprise guests, spark conversation, and leave a lasting impression long after the event has finished.
What sets Dylan and Anne apart is their balance of creativity and professionalism. Their events are visually polished, carefully managed, and thoughtfully executed, while still feeling warm, natural, and welcoming for guests. As G&D Events continues to grow, they remain recognised for producing luxury events and private parties that feel modern, personal, and genuinely different from the standard event experience.
2: Claire Ady
Claire Ady has been planning weddings since 2012. She has provided planning and guidance for hundreds of couples holding weddings and elopements in New York’s Central Park. Claire is British, and got married in Central Park herself while living in New York. She had the idea to help other couples plan their wedding in Central Park.
Central Park offers peaceful, private and beautiful spots to hold a wedding ceremony, has many iconic locations to provide backdrops for stunning photos, and is in the heart of New York City, which offers so many places to celebrate your wedding afterwards! Because Claire specializes in weddings in one area – beautiful and iconic Central Park – she can answer any questions about getting married there, and probably a few that you haven’t even thought of!
Claire plans weddings for large groups, small and intimate weddings, elopements and vow renewals in Central Park. She works directly with couples to create a plan of their wedding day, guiding them through the decision making process. She writes the wedding ceremony, orders flowers, and secures the best photographers, videographers, musicians and celebrants in town for your wedding day.
3: Daniel Udall and Aimee Preece
Daniel Udall and Aimee Preece are the founders of On Purpose Events, an Australian event management agency known for creating meaningful experiences that bring people together and leave a positive impact. Over the past decade, they have built a reputation for delivering events that are equal parts strategic, creative, and deeply people-focused, earning the trust of corporate, government, and not-for-profit clients across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
Daniel is known for his calm leadership style, commercial acumen, and ability to see the bigger picture, helping clients transform ambitious ideas into successful events. Aimee is recognised for her thoughtful approach to event design, attention to detail, and commitment to creating experiences that feel purposeful, engaging, and genuinely memorable for attendees. Together, they have cultivated a company culture centred on collaboration, authenticity, and exceptional client service.
Through On Purpose Events, Daniel and Aimee oversee the delivery of conferences, incentive programs, leadership retreats, gala dinners, and large-scale corporate experiences. Their approach starts with understanding the people behind each event – what they want attendees to feel, remember, and take away – before bringing those objectives to life through creative planning and seamless execution.
What sets Daniel and Aimee apart is their belief that great events should create lasting value beyond the event itself. As pioneers in sustainable event management, they have embedded environmental and social responsibility into the way they work, helping clients make more conscious choices without compromising creativity or guest experience. Their leadership has positioned On Purpose Events as one of Australia’s most respected purpose-driven event agencies.
As the events industry continues to evolve, Daniel and Aimee remain recognised for creating experiences that feel personal, impactful, and thoughtfully designed – bringing together strategy, creativity, and purpose in a way that resonates long after the event is over.
4: Preksha Bhargava
Preksha Bhargava, founder of Back to Bash, is revolutionizing the event planning space with her fearless use of bold color, immersive storytelling, and a vibrant creative vision. Based in Atlanta but working nationally, Preksha launched Back to Bash in 2023 to offer design-forward coordination for weddings and events that reject the cookie-cutter. From traditional celebrations to modern, personality-packed parties, her approach is deeply rooted in authenticity, culture, and connection. Known for her signature “party table” concept and eye-catching Instagram content, she’s become a go-to for couples who want events that are as expressive as they are meaningful. Her bold design language and behind-the-scenes transparency have made her a standout voice in the industry. For aspiring planners, her advice is clear: don’t try to blend in and lean into what makes you different. Preksha’s work celebrates individuality, and Back to Bash is proof that when you plan with heart and purpose, the result is unforgettable.
5: Samar Hattar Hazelwood
Samar Hattar is the founder of Blissful Events, an award-winning luxury event planning company specializing in weddings and proposals across Napa Valley, Sonoma Wine Country, and destinations worldwide. Known for its signature laid-back luxury style, Blissful Events creates highly personalized celebrations at private estates, wineries, and exclusive venues.
With nearly two decades of experience and a professional background in Corporate America, Samar brings a calm and strategic approach to every event, paired with an intuitive ability to translate each couple’s vision into something meaningful and unforgettable. From once-in-a-lifetime proposals to full wedding weekends, Blissful Events is recognized for trusted vendor relationships, thoughtful design, and seamless execution that allows couples to remain fully present while every detail is handled with care.
Samar Hattar Said: “My brilliance is seeing my clients’ brilliance and helping their vision shine in the most beautiful way.”
6: Lori Overstreet
Her commitment to excellence has led to features in top publications such as The Knot, Wedding Pro, Brides, Loverly, and Southern Bride Magazine. Lori has also earned a spot in The Knot and WeddingWire’s Hall of Fame and was named one of the Top 100 Planners in the World by Wezoree. Whether crafting a lavish celebration or an intimate affair, Lori’s events reflect her signature blend of creativity, professionalism, and heart—turning each gathering into an unforgettable experience.
7: Michelle Hogan
One of Michelle’s proudest moments came when a venue canceled just one day before an 800-person event. With calm leadership and expert problem-solving, she reimagined the entire production on the fly — from location to logistics — resulting in a show-stopping event that earned a standing ovation.Her advice to aspiring planners? Surround yourself with professionals who elevate your work, seek out collaborators who share your vision, and never stop searching for what sets you apart.
8: Christine Harmon
Christine Harmon, founder of ChrisFête Events, has carved out a distinctive niche as the go-to planner for NFL wives’ events—a role she’s embraced and mastered since 2017. Known as the “quarterback” behind the scenes, Christine brings strategy, creativity, and precision to every event she leads, turning celebrations into unforgettable experiences.
Her advice to aspiring event planners is to lean into their unique style. “Your personal flair is what sets you apart in a saturated market,” she says. “It’s what draws the right clients to you.”
A proud milestone in her journey includes securing multiple events for two different NFL teams—across separate conferences—for the 2024 season, with a return already lined up for 2025. Christine’s ability to deliver with consistency, class, and confidence continues to earn her a trusted spot among elite clientele.
Her work proves that standing out isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing it your way.
9: Rebecca Palade
Rebecca Palade is the heart behind Yes to I Do, LLC, a planning and coordination company dedicated to turning life’s biggest moments into seamless, joy-filled celebrations. Based on a foundation of organization, empathy, and creativity, Rebecca’s approach is all about making her clients feel fully supported—before, during, and after the big day.
From weddings and engagement parties to milestone birthdays and baby showers, Rebecca combines calm leadership with custom planning tools that make every event feel effortless. Her signature prep guides, timeline templates, and walkthroughs help both clients and vendors feel prepared, confident, and excited.
Launched in 2023, Yes to I Do, LLC has quickly grown thanks to glowing referrals and repeat clients. Rebecca is especially proud of the feedback that says it all: “We could actually enjoy our day because you were behind the scenes making it happen.”
With Rebecca at the helm, celebrations feel meaningful, stress-free, and truly unforgettable.
10: Amanda Piper
Amanda Piper, founder of The Event Troupe, is a seasoned planner known for delivering unforgettable mountain and outdoor weddings across Colorado’s high altitudes. With a decade of experience and 17 industry recognitions—including Colorado Event Alliance’s Frontline Hero of the Year—Amanda has a proven track record of turning challenges into cherished memories.
Her signature approach? Designs your guests have never seen, experiences they didn’t expect, and a commitment to exceed every client’s expectations. Amanda keeps her process simple, personal, and client-focused—ditching tech clutter in favor of meaningful connections and streamlined planning.
One of her proudest moments came during a mountain snowstorm that shut down a wedding venue and trapped the bride’s father inside. With calm leadership, Amanda coordinated a relocation with the help of local authorities. The couple, their parents, and guests were able to celebrate in a new location—complete with breathtaking snow-covered portraits. “We turned it into a big positive and the clients were overjoyed,” says Amanda.
Amanda’s philosophy: expect the unexpected, and always have a pro at the helm.