Experienced Event Planning Expert and Philanthropist
Jen Kramer, a highly skilled and dedicated Sales Manager at Access DMC in Chicago, boasts an impressive 30 years of experience in the dynamic world of hospitality and event planning. Throughout her illustrious career, Jen has held various pivotal roles in renowned organizations, including the City of Chicago – Mayor’s Office of Special Events, the Chicago Park District, Navy Pier, and DePaul University. Her extensive background spans a diverse range of responsibilities, from directing events and managing entertainment to overseeing marketing initiatives. With a deep-rooted passion for celebrations and entertainment as powerful business tools, Jen has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive revenue growth and exceed client expectations.
A Chicago native through and through, Jen’s unwavering commitment extends beyond her professional endeavors. For over two decades, she has proudly served as a board member for Special Olympics Chicago, actively contributing to fundraising efforts for this esteemed charity. Outside of the office, Jen finds solace and inspiration along Chicago’s breathtaking lakefront. Whether she’s donning her running shoes for a lakeside jog or exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods on her bike, Jen’s love for her hometown shines through. Her quest for hidden culinary gems further underscores her affinity for Chicago’s diverse and thriving restaurant scene.
Delivering Unforgettable Experiences
As a Sales Manager at Access DMC, Jen derives great pleasure from engaging with clients and unveiling the wonders that make Chicago a truly exceptional destination. While the city’s iconic attractions are widely known, Jen’s expertise lies in highlighting the exceptional and specialized service providers, vendors, and business professionals that set Chicago apart. Leveraging her insider knowledge and problem-solving prowess, she goes above and beyond to ensure that each client’s expectations are not only met but exceeded. Embodying the spirit of “the City that Works,” Jen’s dedication to creating experiences that surprise, delight, and fulfill every aspect of her clients’ vision is unparalleled.
Jen’s career has been punctuated by a defining moment that showcased her exceptional skills in crisis management. During her tenure as a City employee, she played a pivotal role in handling the crisis surrounding the 2007 Chicago Marathon, which had to be canceled mid-event due to extreme heat and humidity levels. Her exceptional logistical and operational abilities proved instrumental in effectively managing this challenging situation. Recognized as a model for emergency preparedness in large-scale events worldwide, Jen takes immense pride in the significant contribution she made to the successful resolution of multiple catastrophic crises that day.
From spearheading the Chicago White Sox World Series Parade in 2005 to organizing the Chicago Blackhawks’ first Stanley Cup Parade on Michigan Avenue, Jen holds a deep sense of pride in these unforgettable moments of triumph. Moreover, she celebrates the resounding success of Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest and the remarkable growth of the Special Olympics Chicago Polar Plunge, which has experienced exponential participation and fundraising over its 20-year history. These achievements exemplify Jen’s unwavering dedication to creating and executing events that leave a lasting impact on attendees and the community at large.
Resilience, Innovation, and Reimagined Experiences
Reflecting on the future of the event and meeting planning industry, Jen believes that resilience is the key takeaway from the pandemic. She holds an optimistic outlook for the road ahead. Jen envisions a future filled with excitement, innovation, and fresh ideas that will reshape the landscape of events and meetings. As professionals adapt, reimagine, and reinvent themselves and their offerings, she believes the industry will continue to deliver remarkable and awe-inspiring experiences that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact.
Jen Kramer is hosting the ’40 Ideas To Make Your Holiday Party Stand Out’ session during Holidays In July, our Planner Master Class event on July 25th. Make sure to register for the event HERE.