My background isn't in party planning. It's in operations, project management, and getting difficult things done under pressure. I built my career creating order from chaos, solving problems before they became disasters, and building frameworks that last.
When I saw the gap between what event organizers actually needed and what the industry offered, I knew something had to change. Traditional planners focus on centerpieces and entertainment. Nobody was building the backend infrastructure that determines whether events actually succeed.
So I built it.
What I do is simple: I build vendor coordination systems that prevent disasters. Sponsorship frameworks that maximize revenue. Communication protocols that keep everyone aligned. Documentation that survives staff turnover. The invisible work that makes great events possible.
My favorite part? It's not the flawless execution (though that's satisfying). It's seeing the relief on a client's face when they realize everything is actually handled. That moment when the stress lifts and they can breathe again. When they stop mentally running through their checklist because they trust the systems are working.
That exhale. That relief. That confidence.
That's why I do this.
Think of me as your lighthouse—steady, guiding, shining through the storm. While everyone else focuses on making things look good, I make sure everything works.
You focus on vision and relationships. I handle operational excellence. You keep creative control. I eliminate chaos.
Professional support for people who carry the weight. That's what GLEW is. That's what I built.
And I'd love to help you stop scrambling and start succeeding.
Nicky Bee
Founder
I started Great Lakes Event Works because I saw too many talented people drowning in operational chaos. Municipal coordinators are juggling community festivals on top of full-time jobs. Chamber directors running professional events with teams of one. Non-profit leaders are trying to steward donors while buried in vendor emails and sponsor confusion.
Good people doing important work—all of them stressed, frustrated, and carrying impossible weight alone.
Here's what nobody tells you about event planning: the pretty decorations don't matter if your systems are broken.
Professional Support, Built Around Your Needs
Complete Operations Package
Comprehensive backend infrastructure for events that need professional operations from start to finish. Every system built, branded, and managed.
Focused Systems Package
Targeted support where you need it most. Choose complete vendor coordination OR sponsorship management, plus essential operational frameworks.
Custom Packages
Your event, your needs, your budget. We create custom backend solutions that fit your specific situation. Schedule a call to explore options.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your operational challenges, timeline, and how professional backend support can transform your event. No obligation, just honest guidance about what you actually need.

