Built to Last: 20+ Years at Event 360 Featuring Jake Geiger

Event 360 is built by people who believe deeply in what they do. People guided by purpose, meaningful work, and a commitment to making the world better through the events we plan, produce, and execute.

We have more than a dozen individuals on our team who have called Event 360 home for more than 20 years. Their longevity is unusual in this industry, but for us it’s foundational. In this ongoing series, we honor the team members whose commitment, knowledge, and heart have helped shape our company. Through their stories, reflections, and memories, we celebrate not just the years they’ve spent here, but the impact they’ve made along the way.

Today, we’re proud to recognize Jake Geiger, who joined Event 360 in 2004 and currently serves as Account Director. His road to this role was varied, including positions as Coach, Event Planning Coordinator, Event Planning Manager and Account Manager.

When you think back to your first year at Event 360, what stands out most to you now?
My initial thought was that this would be a 2-year gig. I had just finished a couple of years in AmeriCorps NCCC and then lived abroad. I was somewhat of a nomad and eager to try new things. After volunteering for the 2004 Susan G. Komen 3-Day in the Twin Cities (Route Safety Captain 🙂), I heard that there was an opening for a position with a new project at Event 360. I decided to apply and give it a go. During my first year, I fell in love with the work and the people. This was solidified after my first event. We worked on the Out of the Darkness Overnight in Chicago and during the event we were up for 48 hours straight.  It was grueling work, but I felt connected to the company, and it just clicked with me. I love the event project life cycle — creating something from nothing, building it, then tearing it down over and over again. Nothing is ever the same; constant change is exhilarating, and it keeps my spirit and sense of curiosity young.

Which of Event 360’s Six Values resonates most deeply with you, and how have you seen it come to life during your time here?
That’s easy: Great People. It’s the main reason I’m still here nearly after 22 years and counting. This type of work can be extremely difficult, stressful, and tensions can run high. But when you do it with people you love and respect, it’s fun work. Honestly, in all this time, I’ve never once woken up and not wanted to come to work. You can’t put a price on that and it’s largely because of the people and culture here. 

Who at Event 360 (past or present) has had the greatest impact on you, and what did they teach you?
So many people:

• Slade  – The other half of my brain. Steady eddy. Always picks up when you call. Dedicated beyond measure. I think he may love this place more than me…if that’s possible.
• Patrick  – The dreamer, innovator, with big picture in mind, natural leader and collaborator; the best mentor a guy could ever ask for.
• Erin (EDB)  – Because she’s cause-focused and working with her is fun.  Passion leads to quality work.
• Kat – Taught me how to think before I speak, ask with intention, and never lose sight of the common goal. She always reminds me to be a good human because we’re all in this together.
• Tim & Murph – We would all probably follow these guys into a war zone. They remind us to lead with integrity and it’s all about the people. Audentes fortuna iuvat.

What is a moment — on event or behind the scenes — that you’ll never forget?
There are many but I’ll try to narrow it down. My wife and I were looking through some wedding photos recently and we came across a photo of all the co-workers who came to our wedding. A lot of them are no longer here, but they are Event 360 alums who I’ll be in touch with for life. They had a part in laying the cultural groundwork of this place and I was lucky enough to celebrate one of the most important days of my life with them. Other moments I’ll remember till the end of days:

• Burning Command Center – Evacuating our burning command center in NJ as the event continued seamlessly around us. 
• Chicago Microburst – My first year planning a 3-Day and waking up to alarms and watching Slade orchestrate an onsite relocation.
• Concert for Valor on the National Mall – Working alongside my teammates in this prestigious location was the honor of a lifetime. 
• PanCAN Year 1 – One of the hardest years of my life but one of the best. What’s the saying? “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” I can’t argue with that logic. 
• The COVID Years – Everyone has their version of how the pandemic impacted them. Mine was compounded by the birth of our daughter the day after lockdown. Event 360 was a rock for me during this time, and I feel eternally grateful to Tim and Murph for keeping the boat afloat and navigating unchartered territory.  

What’s one piece of feedback you received here that changed the way you work?
I vividly remember a conversation with Sarah Coniglio when she told me that working in production is about two things: relationships and details. I have thought about that so many times and passed on those sage words more times than I can count. 

What are you most proud of having been part of at Event 360?
I feel proud about helping the company grow and evolve, thinking of new ways to do old things. There is a great balance of tradition and innovation here. I appreciate the freedom to innovate, finding efficiencies, and making our work matter more. There are no big egos; we just want to do the job and do it well. That’s something that is easy for me to dive into. We do what we love, and I think our clients feel that shine through on event. 

What advice would you give to someone just beginning their Event 360 journey today?
It’s all about the people, relationships, and details. Jump in and grab the baton.

Thank you, Jake, for the care, craft, and consistency you bring to Event 360. Your presence and experience have left an indelible mark on Event 360. Your love for this place runs deep and it’s evident in every project you work on, every client relationship you nurture and every staff interaction you have. We’re thankful for all you’ve contributed and for everything still to come!

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