Meet Jennifer Miranda | Event Planner & Hospitality Production Expert

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

Hi Jennifer, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I love the question, “What inspires you?”—it’s one I receive often. Having worked in the event industry my entire career, I’ll admit there are moments when staying inspired can be a challenge. But what keeps me going is the fact that no two events are ever the same. Each one presents a fresh set of logistics to solve, a new client vision to bring to life, and a unique guest experience to shape.

What truly inspires me is seeing guests create core memories at events I’ve helped bring to life. Knowing that my work played a part in that joy is deeply fulfilling. I genuinely believe that thoughtful, well-executed logistical planning is what allows guests to relax, be present, and fully enjoy the moment—and that’s the part of the job I love most.

What should our readers know about your business?
The JM team is unique in that we don’t just plan events—we bring an in-house hospitality team to go the extra mile and ensure the guest experience is always the top priority. While we absolutely appreciate beautiful aesthetics, our real focus is on next-level logistical planning. We pride ourselves on creating events that are not only visually stunning but thoughtfully designed to anticipate guests’ needs before they even arise.

One of the things that sets us apart is our ability to work in remote or unconventional locations, transforming logistically challenging spaces into full-service venues. It’s not easy—but it’s what we do best.

This wasn’t always the vision. When I started my first company, it was an event staffing agency providing waiters and bartenders to catering companies. Clients would tell us how many staff they needed, and we’d get the job done. But I often felt like something was missing. The events went fine—but I knew we could do better.

After fifteen years, I realized I didn’t want to just send staff out anymore—I wanted to take ownership of the entire experience. So, we downsized from a team of 849 employees to a boutique crew of twenty, keeping only our best bartenders and top-tier managers. That was the beginning of a hands-on, highly curated approach to event staffing and hospitality.

Since then, we’ve worked in incredible spaces alongside amazing chefs, managing multi-caterer events and crafting unique, cohesive culinary and beverage experiences. Making this shift reignited my passion for hospitality and reminded me why I started in the first place: to give guests the best possible experience.

Now, I’m alongside my team at every step, ensuring we’re always thinking three steps ahead. As we grow again, we’re excited to bring our skills and knowledge into the corporate world—planning retreats, conferences, and expos with the same heart, hustle, and precision.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Long Beach local born and raised, I love showing off the best our city has to offer—especially when it comes to food, drinks, and good vibes.

Start your day with a walk or bike ride down the beach path—there’s truly nothing better. For breakfast, hit the classics: Schooner or Later, Chuck’s, and Nick’s Deli in nearby Seal Beach. When it’s time for coffee, my go-to spots are The Library, Coffee Drunk, Black Dog Roasters, and Rose Park—each one with its own charm and seriously good brews.

Lunchtime? You can’t go wrong with LBX Hangar for a little bit of everything, Foggia Italian Deli in Lakewood for a hearty sandwich, or the amazing Mediterranean flavors at AMMATOLI.

Now, no trip to Long Beach is complete without a few key stops. Spend your morning laughing (and maybe regretting it later) with Miguel at O’Connell’s. In the afternoon, grab a signature cocktail from the stunning Sonia at Ordinare. And finish off the day with rooftop drinks and a sunset view at Michael’s on Naples.

Of course, it’s not just about food and drinks (although let’s be honest, it mostly is!). Some of my favorite Long Beach attractions include the Aquarium of the Pacific, harbor cruises, shopping on 4th Street, and soaking up the peaceful vibes on the Peninsula.

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 have to give a huge thanks to my husband—he’s by my side through all the crazy ideas, long days and late nights, and truthfully, he’s the one who helps bring many of my visions to life. I also want to recognize my incredible team—what I do simply wouldn’t be possible without them.

Mariliana, Kawika, Maquela, Talin, Gaby, Cris, Isabel, Pablo, Maria, Kotch, Ly and David—you are my rockstars. Thank you for showing up, shining bright, and making it all happen.

Website: https://www.jmeventplanning.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmeventplanningproduction

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jm-event-planning-and-production/