Today we’d like to introduce you to Kortney Watts.
Hi Kortney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I bring over a decade of hands-on experience in the events industry, combining culinary expertise with strategic design and flawless execution. I spent seven years as Director of Catering at Cutting Edge, where I developed expertise across every facet of food and beverage, from menu development and logistics to large-scale service and guest experience, establishing myself as a trusted expert in elevated hospitality.
I then spent three years at Bedrock, leading project management and event design for some of Detroit’s most high-profile events, including the VIP After Party for the NFL Draft and the Hudson’s Grand Opening.
This unique combination of hospitality leadership, creative vision, and operational precision allows me to create events that are not only beautifully designed, but also thoughtfully planned and seamlessly executed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the world of events, there will always be obstacles and, most certainly, onsite challenges but that’s how we learn and grow. Making mistakes, understanding what went wrong, and learning how to better prepare for those situations in the future is what ultimately makes us better event professionals.
When I plan any event, big or small, I always try to have a Plan B. You can never fully predict what will happen onsite, and I’ve learned that being prepared for things to go wrong allows you to make quick, confident decisions. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and be better prepared for the next event.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in event planning, project management, event design, catering, venue management, and logistics. My background across all of these areas has given me a well-rounded understanding of the event industry from both the creative and operational sides.
What sets me apart is my ability to see the entire picture. Because I’ve worked in catering, venue management, logistics, and design, I understand how each piece of an event impacts the next. I’m able to think creatively while also considering the practical details: budgets, timelines, guest experience, staffing, logistics, and execution.
I’m known for being hands-on, solution-oriented, and calm under pressure. I genuinely enjoy the challenge of taking an idea and figuring out how to bring it to life while making sure the experience feels seamless for both the client and the guest.
What I’m most proud of is the range of experience I’ve built throughout my career. I’ve been able to experience nearly every side of the industry, and that has taught me how to anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and create events that are not only beautiful, but thoughtfully planned and successfully executed.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I’ve always been extremely outgoing and loved being creative. I’ve always been a bit of a people pleaser, and I genuinely enjoy making people feel happy, included, and cared for. School was never necessarily my favorite thing, but I absolutely loved art and the opportunity to be creative, which was a big part of what made going to school enjoyable for me.
Looking back, I realize how much my childhood shaped the person I am today. My mom always encouraged my brothers and me to be creative and would find different arts and crafts projects for us to do. We would make puppets, create our own Christmas stockings, and even build an entire grocery store out of cardboard boxes in our basement. At the time, I just thought we were having fun, but as an adult, I realize how important those experiences were. My mom recognized that creativity was something I loved and took the time to encourage it. That support gave me the confidence to continue following that passion throughout my life.
That creativity naturally started to find its way into events. In high school, I helped plan and design school dances, and I quickly realized how much I enjoyed bringing an idea to life and creating an experience for other people to enjoy. I loved everything from coming up with the concept and designing the space to thinking about the little details that made the event feel special.
That passion continued into college, where I pursued a degree in Public Relations and Event Management. From there, what started as a love for creativity and bringing people together grew into a career in the events industry.
Today, I look back at those cardboard-box grocery stores, handmade puppets, and school dances and realize they were really the beginning of my career. I’ve always loved creating, connecting with people, and finding ways to turn an idea into an experience and that is still what I love most about what I do today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wyplanning.com
- Instagram: wy_planning; kortney_watts
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kortney-watts-185399152
