Accolades

FEASTIVAL and the Africare Annual Gala make BizBash's Top 100 Events in the United States 2013!

FEASTIVAL was #8 in the Food & Restaurant Industry Event category and the Africare Annual Gala was #8 in the Political & Press Event category.  



See what our clients are saying about their experience with us.


I have had the pleasure of working with Sharon McCullough on several projects, including the Inauguration of Lee C Bollinger as the 19th President of Columbia University. The event included a Formal Dinner in Lincoln Center in Honor of President Bollinger, a 5K Fun Run/Walk with President Bollinger, the Investiture Ceremony, a “New York Street Fair” themed luncheon for 10,000 guests, multiple academic symposia, an intimate cocktail reception for the President’s friends and family, and an evening celebration geared towards the Columbia student body.

Sharon was involved in all aspects of planning and execution, including (but not limited to): designing the stage and lighting, creating staff assignments, designing the route of the run, creating signage, selecting menus, cueing speakers, creating and proof-reading the event program, trouble-shooting during the event, serving as liaison with outside vendors including caterers and audio-visual team, and stage managing the performers during the evening celebration.

Sharon and her staff were essential to the success of this occasion, as well as others we have collaborated on since.
— Christina Batten Former Director, Office of Presidential Events and University Ceremonies, Columbia University
 
I have been working with Sharon and her Expert Events team for seven years. Events have included Inova’s annual Summit Weekend which Sharon and her team designed, which we produced together five times. In addition, Sharon has planned receptions in Palm Beach and Naples FL, the launch of our new cancer center, small private wine tastings at Virginia wineries, Honors Galas, and smaller events specific to our cancer research fundraising featuring President George W. Bush and Hollywood star Ken Jeong. From sourcing and managing vendors to close consultation on schedules and planning and stage management, we rely on Sharon and the Expert Events team.
— Kara Burke, Development Director, Foundation Events, Inova Health Foundation
Grove City hired Sharon McCullough and Expert Events to help us plan our yearlong 125th Anniversary celebration and to execute our kick-off event. She did an outstanding job and I commend her work. She was always one gentle step ahead of us, leading us and guiding us. Sharon knows her business and had the experience to lead us through the gauntlet of nuances that make or break events. Every aspect of our kick-off event was a smashing success.
— Lee Wishing Former Director of College Relations, Grove City College
 
Sharon and her team helped bring to life a series of ambitious, high-quality capital campaign events for Dickinson College that energized our constituency and contributed to the success of the largest fundraising campaign in the college’s history...She is able to think big, translating your key messages into memorable moments, without losing sight of the details that make a difference.
— Tara Renault, Director of Donor Relations and Special Events Office of College Advancement Dickinson College
 
I rely on Sharon and her team to help ensure that everything leading up to the gala goes smoothly, and that the event exceeds expectations. Sharon is a consummate event planning professional in whom I have the greatest trust and faith.
— Kendra Davenport Chief Development and Communications Officer, Africare
 
The Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania and his office staff have worked with Sharon McCullough and Expert Events for over 12 years to plan and implement our major events. We rely on her to propose creative and entertaining themes and concepts that will fit with the Dean’s vision for a variety of events from our annual faculty holiday event to campaign galas for our major donors and the opening of our newest building. She gives us full theme suggestions that include décor and entertainment that “wows” while keeping within our budget parameters. I fully trust Sharon’s judgment and that of her staff who are always very professional and well prepared for the tasks at hand.
— Chambrel Jones Executive Manager, Office of the Dean at University of Pennsylvania, School of Engineering and Applied Science
 
Sharon came highly recommended to us, and she did not disappoint. Initially she led us through a much-needed strategic and goal setting process. Thereafter, Shenandoah hired her and the Expert Events team to produce the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center Opening – with multiple target audiences, numerous University stakeholders, 5 stages, 7 performing student groups, and many moving parts. We were “over the moon.”
— Mitchell Moore, Senior Vice-President for Advancement, Shenandoah University
Sharon and her team are easy to work with, flexible, organized, available 24/7 and always value-add. Expert Events stands out from the pack in intelligence, initiative, and ability to lead and manage people.
— Allison Sokaris, University Director of Special Events, Pace University
 
Working with Sharon McCullough as the consultant/planner on the Sesquicentennial Celebration for Villanova University in 1992 was an absolute pleasure. Not only was she consistently creative with her ideas, but her organization, her resources, her attention to detail and her flexibility helped us provide an exceptional opening event for the ensuing year’s programming. “ An Evening Under the Stars “ was an exciting and innovative buffet dinner followed by dancing to a live swing band all surrounded by the theme of the spires of St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Over 700 people celebrated 150 years of Villanova’s history at that event under a magnificent tent in the center of Campus. Sharon provided the expertise and the professionalism which tied the loose pieces together and made it all flow smoothly. Though Sharon was hired to work on the main event, her input and suggestions were valuable and much appreciated as we looked for ways to carry the Villanova spirit through the entire week of celebrations. The Celebration was a rousing success for which I will always be grateful to Sharon.
— Lucyna J. Gorski Former Director, Leadership Gifts; Director, Student Activities Villanova University
 
We were impressed with your ability and willingness to extend yourself to meet our project needs. We were particularly pleased with your commitment and flexibility in working with the artist and his studio on the numerous technical demands of both events. Your team displayed professionalism and dedication in creating a fun and memorable experience for all in attendance.
— Susan Myers, Program Manager, Association for Public Art