The Team Jamie Carnes
Jamie Carnes, Director of Event Management and Design
Jamie brings with her seven years of experience in event coordination, design, marketing and fundraising. Although she grew up as a Spartan in the middle of the state, she spent many years in both Chicago and New York City before moving back to her home state of Michigan.
Most recently, Jamie worked at SeyferthPR where she served as Account Coordinator with clients such as McDonald’s, Huntington Bank, Kent County Parks Foundation and many others. She was also instrumental in the planning and implementation of the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s 100th Anniversary Gala and the Princess Diana Exhibition which visited Grand Rapids in November of 2010.
Prior to joining the Grand Rapids community, Jamie held the position of Director of Special Events at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City, where she, with the support of an amazing team, planned over 500 events each year.
Additional experience includes talent and performance management for individuals such as The Roots, Dane Cook, Jason Mraz, Jim Gaffigan, Naz and others.
With a degree from DePaul University in management and marketing, Jamie would tell you she has spent her whole life being an event designer. Her mother can also tell you that it began when she was a little girl and would design centerpieces for holiday dinners and plan tea parties in her bedroom. Jamie now loves the “grown-up” version of planning and design and is thrilled to be a part of the RSVP events team.
What has been your greatest work accomplishment:?
Planning the traffic flow of people for the Princess Diana Gala. Moving 700+ people between multiple venues when they are in formal attire is not easy!
What do you see as your expertise within the event industry?
Creative details. I have a really good eye for incorporating small touches in to the design of an event that really brings the whole picture together.
What is your favorite part of being in the event industry?
Being able to be helpful to a couple on what is the most important day of their lives. It truly is an honor to be a part of the day, and I love watching the groom’s face as his bride walks down the isle.
What expression do you use most often?
“How can I help?”
What is your favorite food?
Raspberry sorbet and peanut butter M&M’s
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not at work?
Camping with my husband and dogs and spending time with friends…. Both of which are even better when I have a glass of wine in my hand.
What is your greatest vice?
I was very serious about the sorbet and M&M’s- I tend to get frustrated with myself when they are in the house because I can’t not eat them!