Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Piña.
Hi Erica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my event planning career after moving to Washington, D.C., where I worked for Congressman Dave Camp and organized his annual picnic. My career in D.C. progressed as I planned large-scale events for the U.S. Grains Council and the Association of Corporate Counsel.
Driven by a passion for travel and conferences, I had the opportunity to live and work all over the world. Eventually, I launched my own premier event company, managing a prestigious client list that included MTV’s Rock the Vote, Lifetime TV, and the Republican National Convention. My expertise also extended to political fundraising and campaign management for the Republican Governors Association, as well as serving as the director for the McCain-Palin campaign office in Denver.
After becoming a mother, I moved back to Midland to be near family. I decided to relaunch my event company on a more local scale in Michigan, where I have since had the pleasure of planning and fundraising for organizations such as the Humane Society, Child Advocacy, and the River Days festival.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Transitioning to the Midland area has been a challenge. I moved from managing big corporate clients to high-pressure fundraising roles where the goal is to raise $100k–$200k for nonprofits. I love what I do—it’s hard work, but deeply satisfying.
Admittedly, I do sometimes miss the global corporate scene—the high-end dinners, world-class entertainment, and the thrill of impressing guests on an international stage. My role here is a bit of a balancing act: I have to produce an upscale, “wow-factor” event on a dime so that every possible dollar goes back to the cause.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In the Midland area, I operate as a local event planner and fundraiser through my company, Live Local Events. My portfolio ranges from veteran dinners to annual gala benefits. I specialize in scaling these events; for instance, I’ve helped clients double their revenue from $100k to $200k in a single night through strategic auctions and sponsorships.
I prefer to work independently toward a client’s specific goal, leading meetings with boards and chairs to keep them motivated. My niche is a mix of fundraising and “people collecting.” I love meeting new people and finding ways to help them connect—whether for work, volunteering, or community building.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
It comes down to knowing people and genuinely wanting to help them. I love meeting new friends and helping them find a new job, a new goal, or a new social circle. My best clients always come from my existing network. They find me, we set ambitious goals together, and then I implement the vision to make it happen.
Pricing:
- I raise money based off a %
- I have an hourly rate based on non profit vs corporate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livelocalevents.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelocalevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/livelocalmidmichigan
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/profile/view?id=15693670&locale=en_us
