Black Owned Event Planning Companies to Hire for Your Conference

Event planners/producers Wedding planners Catering companies Music and entertainment

Photographers Florists Event venues Rentals and décor

3 Pillars Co. Location: Baltimore, Maryland Instagram: @3pillarsco

AJ Events is a full-service event planning and design firm, nationally recognized for producing notable events. AJ Williams, the founder of AJ Events, comes from 25+ years of experience in experiential design, event execution, and fundraising. Her organization has hosted fundraisers for celebrities including Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, President Bill Clinton, Michael McDonald, Vanessa Williams, Danny Glover, The Eagles, Jimmy Fallon’s The Roots, and others! 

 

B ICONICAL Location: Los Angeles, CA Instagram: @biconicall

B ICONICAL Group (pronounced as "Be Iconic" with an al) is a full event and brand experience production company in the Los Angeles, California area. With 17+ years of experience, CEO Anisha Shorter and her team of event planners, designers, producers, brand developers, talent managers, and coordinators will help you b ring your next event to life. B ICONICAL specializes in combining interactive brand activations and displays with themed decor to create an unforgettable guest experience. 

BlackHouse Location: Queens, New York Instagram: @blackhousenyc

Launched in 2016, this woman-owned event agency focuses on producing large-scale events alongside other incredible agencies, reputable brands, and non-profit partners. BlackHouse services include event production, brand activations, experiential marketing, stage design, and software integration.

Carter Group Creative Location: Leesburg, Virginia Instagram: @cartergroupcreative

At Carter Group Creative, every celebration is important, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or gathering your teams, clients, friends, or family, Carter Group Creative will help you create and celebrate those moments that matter. Led by a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), Carter Group Creative offers full-service planning for corporate and social events.

EventsNoire Location: Washington D.C.

EventsNoire is an all-inclusive global event planning company dedicated to providing event management services that save you time and money while maximizing your ROI & ROR. They focus on driving revenue growth, sponsorships, and member engagement through the creation and coordination of relevant and on-brand experiences, in-person and virtually.

 

Events Unleashed Location: Austin, Texas Instagram: @eventsunleashed

Lahoma Dade and the Events Unleashed team eat, sleep, and breathe event planning so you don't have to! Partner with Events Unleashed to create, manage, and execute any event, from weddings to non-profit fundraising, corporate brand activations, and more. Get help creating worry-free, compelling event experiences for your clients and guests from a team of seasoned event professionals.

 

Fruition Consulting Location: San Diego, California Instagram: @fruition_consulting

Fruition Consulting is a full-service event management company that brings 25+ years of experience to planning virtual, hybrid, and in-person conferences and events. As a minority- and disabled veteran-owned business, the Fruition team plans inclusive events that consider language, culture, content, and imagery that match the communities your events serve. "If you want it done, bring it to Fruition."

 

Kind + Co Events Location: Seattle, Washington Instagram: @kindandcoevents

Kind + co is a full-service event management company that creates unique events for corporations, non-profit organizations, social organizations, and private clients nationwide. Deci Evans, CEO, invites you to reach out for help with strategic event planning services that exceed expectations, create buzz, and leave attendees wanting more. 

Mark Stephen Agency Location: New York, New York Instagram: @markstephenea

Mark Stephen Agency is a nationwide, full-service experiential events agency specializing in event design and management with over 15 years of experience. They also offer interactive virtual events and gamified online experiences that keep attendees engaged.

Professional Image Location: Washington D.C., District of Columbia Instagram: @professionalimagellc

Professional Image is the go-to multimedia event technology company, located in Washington D.C. Partner with Professional Image for creative multimedia and custom-tailored solutions in world-class photography, video production, A/V production, and event management. Professional Image clientele includes event planners, government agencies, international groups, associations, non-profits, financial organizations, pharmaceutical organizations, and luxury hospitality organizations.

Reservedx Location: Toronto, Canada; West Hollywood, California Instagram: @rsvdx

Reservedx is a woman-founded, minority-led talent management agency with a diverse team of virtual event producers, live event producers, experiential producers, brand strategists, and others who will help you execute events at any scale.

Savvy Events Location: Los Angeles, California Instagram: @savvyeventsllc

Savvy Events provides clients with a highly detailed and personalized event planning service that is fresh, creative, and exceeds expectations. The company was founded by DeNeitra Burnette, MBA, who comes from 15+ years of experience driving concepts and brands forward through marketing and event production. Services include venue selection, event design, rentals, budget management, entertainment procurement, branding, staffing, security management, and more.

Tinsel Experiential Design Location: Brooklyn, New York Instagram: @tinseldesignnyc

Tinsel Experiential Design is on a mission to spread good vibes, design beautiful experiences, and embody the spirit of celebration by creating one-of-a-kind, memorable events with a fresh approach that streamlines a traditionally cumbersome process. Reach out for expertise in experiential design, brand strategy, and digital marketing.

The Zoo XYZ Location: Regional and International Instagram: @thezooxyz

The Zoo XYZ is an experiential agency dedicated to delivering high profile experiences at events. Nadu Placca, the Founder & Global Experience Architect at the organization, has a record of accomplishment in the provision of strategic solutions in event production, programming, and experiential marketing.

Black Owned Wedding Planning Companies

Need a wedding planner? Consider working with one of the following planners or coordinators. These individuals will take on many of the time-consuming responsibilities of wedding planning so you can stress less and save more.

Guerdy Design Location: Miami, Florida Instagram: @guerdydesign

Guerdy Abraira is an event stylist who was born in Haiti and leads a team of wedding party valets, photo coordinators, vendor coordinators, and entertainment coordinators to help you create an amazing wedding experience. Guerdy has been featured in Vogue, People Magazine, HGTV, and Martha Stewart’s Weddings.

Joy Proctor Location: Portland, Oregon Instagram: @joyproctor

Joy is an African event designer who helps create some of the most sought-after wedding designs in the world. Her product collaborations and prestigious publication features have earned her global recognition as a trendsetter in the wedding and events industry. She believes in creating intimate environments that fit perfectly in any locale.

One Touch Events LLC Location: Atlanta, Georgia Instagram: @onetoucheventsllc

Founder Jillian Smith is an event planner and strategist who offers full planning services for clients. Her goal is to take the stress out of wedding planning while providing excellence in every event detail. She has been recognized by Brides, BizBash, and Modern Luxury Weddings.

Perfect Planning Events Location: Washington D.C. Metro Area Instagram: @perfectplanning

Perfect Planning Events creates sophisticated weddings that are highly tailored to each couple’s vision. Tara Melvin will be your key resource throughout the planning process to ensure a seamless experience. Book Tara for full-service wedding planning, risk management, vendor management, itinerary creation, and more.

Precious Celebrations Location: International Instagram: @precioustheplanner

Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko is the Founder of Precious Celebration and has planned over 300 weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations throughout the world. Precious brings 17+ years of experience to the industry through event planning, marketing, public relations, and communications.

Black Owned Catering Companies

Food can make or break an event experience. The following Black owned catering companies are sure to impress your guests through tasty menu creation that also takes the pressure of food preparation off your shoulders.

August Catering & Events Location: New York, New York

August Catering & Events is a full-service, boutique catering company that specializes in highly customized events, menus, and food experiences for clients. Jennifer Ditzion is the Owner & Executive Chef of August Catering, priding herself on cooking delicious, beautiful food that guests will love.

Cantrell Occasions Location: Atlanta, Georgia Instagram: @iam_chefro

Chef Ro of Cantrell Occasions is a member of the National Personal & Private Chef Association, as well as the American Culinary Federation. Explore his catering menu filled with healthy food options made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their motto is, “Large or small, we do it all!”

Doctors Orders Catering Service, LLC Location: Chicago, Illinois Instagram: @chef_shareef

D.O.C.S. prides itself on serving amazing food, great service, custom menu planning options, and top-of-the-line menus for every occasion. They are ServSafe certified and offer menu plans for parties, banquets, corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings. Executive Chef/Owner, Ken Shareef, makes all food 100% to order.

GetPlated Location: Washington D.C. Instagram: @getplateddc

Keyon and Alexandria Hammond are a husband-and-wife team based in Washington D.C. that are known for their cultured, hip, and refined catering menus. Specializing in weddings and social events, GetPlated creates, cooks, and serves custom menus for any occasion, no matter the size.

Harvest & Revel Location: Brooklyn, New York Instagram: @harvestandrevel

Harvest & Revel is a full-service catering company that focuses on local, organic, and sustainable food options that taste delicious. Harvest is also committed to reducing food waste by using eco-friendly plates and flatware, avoiding single-use plastics, composting food scraps, and rescuing leftovers for those in need.

 

Occasional Occasions by Carlton Location: Atlanta, Georgia Instagram: @chefcarltonb

Occasional Occasions specializes in catering for intimate events ranging from 30 to 150 guests. Here, you will find southern hospitality and style in every entrée — the perfect option for private gatherings, corporate events, and non-profit affairs. Chef Carlton was awarded LGBT Veteran’s Business Enterprise of the Year in 2018 and 2019.

The RedDoor Catering and Events Location: Oakland, California Instagram: @thereddoorcatering510

The RedDoor Catering and Events company provides earth-friendly, sustainable, and environmentally conscious menus that use fresh ingredients. They have an impressive number of notable clients, including AirBnb, Facebook, Google, Louis Vuitton, the Obama Foundation, Salesforce, Stanford University, and Twitter!

Soleil Kitchen Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Instagram: @soleil.kitchen

Chef Soleil is the founder and executive chef of Soleil Kitchen. This self-taught chef uses her love for food, unique flavors, and interesting spices to create extraordinary dishes. You may have seen Chef Soleil on the Food Network if you are a fan of Chopped Kitchen. Contact Soleil kitchen for your next corporate gathering’s catering needs.

Black Owned Event Entertainment 

Every major event needs great entertainment! The following Black-owned music and entertainment groups are sure to be a hit at your next corporate event, gala, fundraiser, or client wedding.

DJ Will Gill Location: Los Angeles, California Instagram: @djwillgill

DJ Will Gill is an all-in-one DJ, Emcee, and Choreographer who in 2021 was named Forbes Next 1000 for Media and Entertainment. He has also worked on seven seasons of NBC's hit show "The Voice" as well as two seasons of "The Kelly Clarkson Show." Book DJ Will Gill if you are looking for a DJ with great energy.

DWP Live Factory Location: International Instagram: @dwplivefactory

Do you need a dance band, jazz ensemble, string ensemble, vocal group, DJ, or performance group? DWP Live Factory offers this and more for corporate events, weddings, and everything in between. This company is a versatile option for event professionals looking to book entertainment through an international music agency.

Exquisite Sounds Entertainment Location: Atlanta, Georgia Instagram:@exquisitesoundsent

Whether you are hosting a corporate event, holiday party, gala, or banquet, the team at Exquisite Sounds Entertainment will make it a success. They boast a team of experienced disc jockeys who provide soundtracks for some of the best events held every year. They will also handle your lighting, effects, and photobooth needs.

Honey+Vinyl Location: New York City, New York Instagram: @honeyandvinyl

Looking for an equally classic, yet modern music group for your event? Honey+Vinyl is a band that draws from genres including jazz, pop, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and disco that spans ages and eras. Choose Honey+Vinyl for entertainment that is trusted by Microsoft, Nordstrom, Paramount, the American Heart Association, and others.

Kinfolk Brass Band Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Instagram: @kinfolkbrassband2022

In 2005, the Kinfolk Brass Band was founded by brothers Percy and Richard Anderson in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Their style of music encompasses New Orleans funk, modern jazz, and traditional brass band sounds. Book Kinfolk Brass Band if you are looking for a band with a polished sound your attendees will love.

Orchestra Noir Location: Atlanta, Georgia Instagram: @orchestranoir

Orchestra Noir was founded in 2016 by Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers. The mission of the orchestra is to celebrate the achievements of African American music pioneers across many genres, including Classical, hip-hop, and R&B. We love that this group was awarded “Best of Atlanta: Classical Meets Contemporary” by Atlanta Magazine in 2018!

The Todd Everett Experience Location: Detroit, Michigan Instagram: @thetoddeexp

DJ Todd Everett is well trusted by some of Detroit’s elite planners of private events, corporate events, and weddings. He raises the bar when it comes to entertainment, having served organizations like Ford Motor Company, The Sean Anderson Foundation, Cassie Hines Shoes for Cancer Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, and more. Reach out if you are looking for a DJ with a unique style that can handle holiday parties, fundraisers, promotional events, and more.

Black Photographers for Events

When planning a large event, hiring a professional photographer is a must. The following Black-owned photography businesses will provide you with beautiful images to use on your website, on social media, and in event marketing materials.

Cook Studios Location: Brooklyn, New York Instagram: @visually_conscious

Christopher Cook is a New York-based artist born and raised in Brooklyn. Cook has exhibited his work in gallery exhibitions throughout New York State and is an alum of the AIM Fellowship of Bronx Museum of the Arts. He is well known for his contribution of 150 Black Lives Matter photographs, acquired by the Valentine Museum of Art.

Darko Chapman Photography Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Instagram: @johndarkochapman

John "Darko" Chapman is a skilled cameraman and videographer with production staff to handle any event. His past clients include the University of Penn, Nazareth Pictures, Invincible Studios, Lions Gate Pictures, Ubisoft, Philadelphia Fashion Week, Ms. America Pageant, M84 Studios, Orleans Technical College and many more.

EyeObee Photography Location: Washington, D.C. Instagram: @eyeobeephotography

EyeObee Photography uses creative solutions, technology, and fine art to create personalized experiences for every client. Ibrahim Badru is the photographer behind the company, identifying as a proud son of two hard working Nigerian immigrants. Book this company for event photography needs, photobooths, flower walls, and more!

Photos By Chernise Location: Chicago, Illinois

Photos By Chernise is a Chicago-based event photography service that photographs brand experiences. Book Chernise Taylor and her team to capture images of brand ambassadors, performances, speakers, presentations, decor, vendors, attendees, and any other pieces of the puzzle that make your event unique!

Black Owned Florist Shops

Want to set the right tone and mood for your next special event? Hire an event florist to help you create beautiful arrangements, centerpieces, and garlands that will leave guests raving! Our favorite Black-owned florists include the following.

Brooklyn Blooms Location: Brooklyn New York Instagram:@brooklynbloomsnyc

Brooklyn Blooms is the perfect florist for event professionals who need flower arrangements for weddings, events, and more. This florist draws inspiration from fashion, nature and art while using flowers as the medium. Create the perfect look for your gathering with curated seasonal blooms guests will love.

De La Fleur Designs Location: Miami, Florida Instagram: @delafleurmiami

De La Fleur Designs is owned by Daphne Zizi, a woman who specializes in creating floral arrangements for weddings, events, and elevated flower delivery. She says every event is a "delightful labor of love," and she loves working with clients who share the same passion for flowers as she does.

“The Plant Project” by the Iman Project Location: Dallas, Texas Instagram: @theimanproject

The Plant Project is the first Black woman-owned plant shop in Dallas. More than just a plant shop, The Plant Project was created to celebrate community, culture, and plants. Past clients include Omni Hotels and Resorts, Michaels, Forbes, the Dallas Mavericks, the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Observer, and others.

Mallory with the Flowers Location: Los Angeles, California Instagram: @mallorywiththeflowers

Mallory with the Flowers is a Black + Filipina owned floral studio that specializes in custom arrangements, bouquets, events, and curated large floral experiences for big brands and community partners. Past clients include HBO’s Insecure, Toyota, Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, and Hank’s Mini Market.

Postal Petals Location: Nationwide, United States Instagram: @postalpetals

Postal Petals provides direct access to farm-fresh, high-quality flowers. They are akin to a “farm-to-table produce box” service, but for fresh flowers instead. They have built a community of more than 20 domestic farms to curate and ship only the freshest, highest-quality flowers available. This company is great for DIY event planners.

Roots and Blooms Location: Atlanta, Georgia Instagram: @rootsandbloomsatlanta

Roots and Blooms is a full-service floral service that has experience working with many of Atlanta’s premier offices, private clubs, hotels, and restaurants to help make spaces feel beautiful and well-considered. Owner Ednita Tingle pursued her passion for flowers to offer curated decor for social gatherings and festive installations.

Black Owned Event Venues

Picking the right venue is a tough job for event professionals. Make sure your attendees have the best time by choosing a venue that fits the needs of your event type. The following Black-owned venues are great options for your next corporate event, gala, or special event.

BrickRose Exchange Location: Baltimore, Maryland Instagram: @brickroseexchange

The BrickRose exchange is an intimate venue with room to accommodate 30 seated guests or 50 standing guests. This modern venue is not only Black-owned, but also women led. Book this venue for a private dinner, corporate meeting, employee training, retreats, art show, or other small gatherings.

D'Elegance Location: Houston, Texas

D'Elegance is an elegant venue that hosts pop-up shops, movie premieres, parties, weddings, and more. The 2,400 square foot space serves as a blank canvas to meet any theme or vision for your event. We love that D'Elegance also has a full team of preferred vendors from catering to photography to assist in your planning.

Gold Space Atlanta Skyview Location: Atlanta, Georgia Instagram: @goldspaceatlanta

Gold Space Atlanta Skyview is a 4,000-square-foot event space located in west Atlanta. Reserve this beautiful space on the top floor of the building, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight the beautiful view. This venue is ideal for gatherings of up to 100 seated guests or 200 standing guests.

Ultimate Vision Event Hall Location: Spring, Texas

Ultimate Vision is the sleek and chic event venue you need for your event. The 1500-square-foot open space is the perfect location for any event. Plus, the venue offers packages that include treats, party favors, balloons, custom backdrops and more.

WiSpaces Location: Brooklyn, New York Instagram: @wispaces

Looking for an updated and affordable space for your small event? WiSpaces can accommodate up to 100 seated guests or up to 200 standing guests. This venue is ideal for corporate meetings, wedding receptions, fundraisers, office parties, and more. Metered and free street parking are also available to guests.

Black Owned Party Rental, Photo Booth, Décor, and Activation Companies

When planning an event, consider renting a photo booth and décor items from a Black-owned business. Not only is renting items cheaper, but you will also have wider access to fun, engaging items that will bring your event to life! Create your next event activation with the following companies.

3G Event Decor & Rentals Location: Camden, South Carolin

3G Event Decor & Rentals is a full-service event décor company with more than 30 combined years of expertise. They specialize in creating signature designs for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. Other planning services include budget analysis, event design, timelines, to-do lists, and vendor referrals, among their vast rental inventory.

7 Event Planning & Promotions, LLC Location: Mableton, Georgia Instagram: @7eventplanning

7 Event Planning aims to be your "one-stop shop" for tables, tents, chairs, linens, bounce houses, concessions, and games for events. Past clients include Verizon Amphitheatre, STAPLES, Cobb County Police Department, and Atlanta Public Schools. Reach out for help with budgeting, finding vendors, venue scouting, menu planning, and more! 

Aras Furniture Rentals Location: Bear, Delaware Instagram: @arasfurniturede

Whatever your furnishing needs, Aras Furniture Rentals has your event covered. Aras not only provides furniture, but also covers delivery and set-up needs so you can focus on creating a memorable event experience. Gain access to a variety of decorators to make sure all your event or showing needs are met.

ASV Location: Torrance, California; Dallas, Texas Instagram: @asvinc

ASV is an award-winning experiential marketing company that is minority owned and a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. This organization has an 85,000-square-foot facility that houses a full wood shop, metal shop, paint shop, print department, rental inventory, and client storage.

L&B Concepts Location: Laurel, Maryland Instagram: @lb_concepts

L&B Concepts (L&B) is an award-winning luxury party rental company that provides high-quality rental services to its customers. L&B Concepts services Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia-based events and was honored as a 2021 "Best of" for weddings by The Knot and featured in Forbes!

Table Linen and More, LLC Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Table Linen and More LLC strives to create a breathtaking setting for any celebration or private party. Their linen showroom features top-end linens, tablecloths, chair covers, sashes, and more to give your gathering the pop of flair it needs. This company is ideal for weddings, anniversaries, reunions, or any other private party.

WOW Party Bus Location: Atlanta, Georgia Instagram: @wowpartybus_atl

As the premier party bus rental company in the Atlanta area, WOW Party Bus provides the perfect transportation option for corporate events, city tours, and VIP events. Here, you will find high-quality service, courteous drivers, and affordable rates. Rent a party bus for your next event to ensure guests have an unforgettable, yet safe night out.

Want to join this Black-owned Event Business list? 

 We would love to continue building this amazing list of awesome vendors. If you are interested in adding your business (or a business you love) to this list, don't hesitate to send me a message with the organization's name and website to get the ball rolling! 💙

You might also include the organization's social media pages, team photos, or other applicable information. I can't wait to hear from you and your business!

Tips for Supporting Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion at Events

Many of us have the best intentions of supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry, but the truth is that we often find ourselves getting comfortable with using the same vendors and partners to save time. However, with all the amazing Black-owned event businesses out there, finding and supporting them is easy.

Start by making a purchase, referring businesses to others, and engaging with companies via social media tags, shares, and comments. Use your buying power as an event professional to create high demand for minority-owned businesses, one event at a time.

Looking for more ways to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to the events industry? Read our guide to LGBTQ-friendly event planning. Then find inclusive meeting tips in our article on how to make events inclusive, where you will find everything you need to know about hosting inclusive events, including definitions, best practices, and more.