From Timelines to Turkey: How Event Pros Handle Thanksgiving

At Event 360, we thrive on producing unforgettable events. You know, the kind that require timing, planning, logistics, communication, and a whole lot of heart. So, it should come as no surprise that when Thanksgiving rolls around, our event pros bring those same skills (or, in some cases, intentionally leave them behind) to execute and enjoy the holiday!

We asked our team how they spend Thanksgiving, whether they approach the day like a meticulously run event or take the rare opportunity to simply be a guest. You’ll find the responses are as varied as our amazing team:

Joann Collins, Fundraising & Communications Strategist, runs her Thanksgiving like a real-life event site.
“The Thanksgivings I host aren’t large (8 people or less), but I do like to take control of everything. If you’re at my house — don’t bring a dish, don’t come into the kitchen, don’t offer to help. Just pour yourself a glass of wine and keep me company from the other room. I use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to make a bunch of different dishes, some of which I may be trying out for the first time, so a thoroughly planned out timeline is key. I map out how I’m spending every hour on Wednesday, and every 15 minutes on Thanksgiving Day, and exactly what temperature my oven needs to be at when. Just like how a meticulously planned multi-day schedule helps our events run smoothly, the same technique works for cooking up a multi-course Thanksgiving feast.”

Sarah Coniglio, Special Operations Lead. While some families dive into football, her family enjoys another game.
“One tradition my family has is to invite extended family and friends over for a poker tournament on Friday after Thanksgiving. And of course, we have leftovers from the day before.”

Molly Fast, Fundraising & Development Strategist, has hosted Thanksgiving for more than 20 years and describes the holiday as a “love/hate” production.
“I love the end result of Thanksgiving: a house filled with grateful guests and that moment when everyone gathers with plates piled high and glasses raised. But getting there is a lot! It’s stressful and expensive, and honestly, I’ve always envied the people who just show up with a side dish. Well… be careful what you wish for. Because of endless construction going on in my home, hosting just isn’t in the cards this year and I’m not entirely upset about it. This year, I get to be that person: the happy guest with a single dish in hand and I’m already loving it. For once, Thanksgiving week feels like something to savor, not survive.”

Cyrena Hillyard, our Director of Creative Services and Fundraising Strategist, knows her strengths and cooking isn’t one of them.
“My contribution to Thanksgiving is to bring wine. I’m lucky to be in a family where someone else enjoys cooking, as that is not my thing.”

In true Event 360 fashion, Meredith Parker, Event Production Manager, and her family have been running a Thanksgiving morning 5K for 15 straight years.
“My family and I have enjoyed a 5K on Thanksgiving morning, whether we’re celebrating together or apart. The 5K has taken place in many locations, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Florida and Kinsale, Ireland. This year, my husband and I will be with my in-laws, so we’ll be lacing up our shoes from Kure Beach, North Carolina.”

Jillian Schranz, Director of Business Development, takes her Thanksgiving prep as seriously as her sourcing of all the items required to execute her meal.
“Prepping Thanksgiving dinner is all about the budget. Would it be easier to shop all at one store? Yes. Am I going to shop at four different stores so I can get the best prices on each item? You bet. It’s a challenge. I load up the most affordable store with as many products as possible and compare it against the more expensive grocery stores. Every once in a while their sale price is better! My procurement and finance teams would be proud.”

Kat Thomas, Account Director, is road-tripping to Iowa this year and struggling with the idea of arriving without a homemade dish.
“Is it an event pro thing to not want to show up empty handed? This year we’re driving to Iowa on Thanksgiving morning and I struggle with the fact that I won’t be able to show up with a homemade dish. Admittedly after a busy fall, I’m not complaining that we’re not leading the charge and we’ll certainly enjoy ourselves. In fact, you can absolutely find me hovering over the deviled eggs and mashed potatoes. You know, protein and starch to regrow my strength after a busy event season 😉.”

Whether we’re planning multi-store shopping strategies, running a 5K, mapping out oven schedules, hosting poker tournaments, or simply showing up with wine, Thanksgiving reminds us why we do what we do.

At Event 360, we’re grateful for:

• The clients who trust us with their events
• The partners and vendors who help us deliver exceptional event days
• The participants who fundraise, show up, and inspire
• And our talented, passionate teammates who we’re beyond grateful for this Thanksgiving and every day of the year!

From our Event 360 family to yours, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with easy planning, successful execution, delicious food and, of course, rest and connection.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡🦃