Meet Jen McMahan | Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen McMahan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
Life is about relationships, and I would hope that I did the best I could at building strong relationships. That in my professional life, I was able to create memories and moments that those people will always remember because I had a part in it. I hope that when people speak my name after I’m gone, they feel a warmth in their hearts.

I will hope that at the end of my days in my personal life, that my husband will look at me and think “dang she was an amazing wife”! I would like to leave a legacy of hope and love inside of the souls of everyone that I cared about.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I actually studied for 4 years to be a DENTIST!! You might wonder how someone goes from dentist to events….sometimes it makes me laugh when I think about it! My patients always told me that they wished they could have full conversations with me, and perhaps I needed to rethink my career. Well, they were right! That is when I started in marketing and PR for a successful brand.

For over 20 years I have been planning events in the Hollywood area. The excitement and happiness I feel when I plan a birthday party, wedding, anniversary or anything in between is the absolute best feeling. To be a part of someone else’s memories, something they will always cherish, is amazing. It is always challenging to meet the needs of everyone in this business, but the end result always pays off!

Jentertainment Group was built with love and passion for events. My brand is all about being out in front of people, attending networking events, and making new friends!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend lives in Couer d’Alene, Idaho…so I know a trip to sunny California is always appealing to her! I know exactly what a few days with her here would look like!! Let’s break it down…

Sunday: Visit the Fairfax Market on Melrose followed by some martinis at Dantanas.
Monday: Be tourists for the day and hit Hollywood Blvd for some people watching, walk the stars and explore like the out of towners we are for the day!
Tuesday: Tacos and margaritas at one of my very favorite spots, Ernie’s Taco House in North Hollywood. Not only is the food amazing, but the staff treats you like you are family….and that makes it an absolute stop on this trip.
Wednesday: Our trip would definitely consist of hitting the downtown fashion district for some out of this world shopping! If you haven’t experienced that yet, it is a must do! Then hit some of the fabulous rooftops overlooking the skyline for happy hour.
Thursday: We would start by heading down to Topanga for some good shopping!! Let’s be real….that will take all day! Then we will wrap it up at another one of our favorite spots, Kaiju Sushi in Sherman Oaks. The owner and wait staff make every visit special and the sushi is out of this world.
Friday: Let’s face it…..you can’t visit Los Angeles and not hit up the world famous Sunset Strip! A show at the Whiskey a-go-go and then pizza at the Rainbow Room has to happen on this trip!!!
Saturday: Saturdays are always better when you start with Brunch!! Followed by a night out in Burbank at The Smokehouse…where the live band is always rowdy and the drinks are flowing!!

Honestly, no matter where we are we have the most wonderful time together….and there is no other place like the City of Angels.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate this to my sweet husband, Zack Ward. He has been encouraging me to start my own business for years, and with his words and bravery, I have been able to do so.

He grew up in the entertainment industry and has so much knowledge to bring to so much of what I do. He is kind, funny, smart, and the best partner I could ask for. Through all of the ups and downs in the event business, he has stood by me and supported all of my decisions.

I appreciate him not only for being my husband, but for being my best friend and never letting me give up, even when it has been very hard!

Instagram: @jentertainmentgroup

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmcmahan/