We were lucky to catch up with Lindsay Renee Chapman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lindsay Renee, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was leaving a secure, salaried position in New Orleans to pursue freelance event production and consulting full time—without a clear roadmap or safety net. At the time, I was working as an Executive Assistant and Hospitality Coordinator for a well-established restaurant group. The job was steady, and I had built strong relationships there, but over time, I began to feel boxed in. I had always thrived in fast-paced, creative environments, and I missed the spark that came with producing large-scale events and working in diverse spaces with a range of clients.

The turning point came after I was invited to help manage logistics for a national event tied to a major brand. The experience reawakened my love for production—the chaos, the collaboration, the sense of pulling off something bigger than yourself. I realized I wanted more of that, and less of the predictable nine-to-five. So, after months of internal debate (and more than a few nervous conversations with close friends and mentors), I turned in my resignation, even though I didn’t yet have a full-time freelance schedule lined up.

I knew the risks: no benefits, inconsistent income, and the possibility of failing. But I also knew I had years of experience, a strong network, and a reputation for being reliable under pressure. I leaned into that. I said “yes” to every opportunity that came my way—no matter how last minute or outside the box. I juggled SXSW, the US Open, Super Bowls, and Visa VIP events, growing my portfolio and pushing myself to learn new skills on the fly.

It wasn’t always smooth. There were months when contracts were slow to come in and moments when I second-guessed everything. But over time, that risk turned into a career that’s not only more aligned with who I am, but also allows me to bring my whole self to the table—creative, driven, adaptable, and deeply rooted in community. It taught me that sometimes, the biggest growth comes from betting on yourself before everything’s figured out.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Lindsay Reneé Chapman, a New Orleans native, hospitality professional, and event producer with over a decade of experience creating immersive, high-impact experiences across the country. My career spans a unique blend of corporate event strategy, nonprofit collaboration, and large-scale production for music festivals, sports, and brand activations. I’ve worked with powerhouse events like SXSW, the US Open, Super Bowl, Austin City Limits, and Tales of the Cocktail, as well as with major clients including Visa, Budweiser, and others.

I got my start in hospitality and event operations, and quickly discovered that my strengths—attention to detail, people-first leadership, and creative problem-solving—were a natural fit for the fast-paced world of live events and brand experiences. Over time, I transitioned into freelance production and consulting, which allowed me to take on diverse projects, grow my network, and deliver high-touch, high-quality service tailored to each client’s needs.

Today, I offer a range of services including event and festival production, executive and artist hospitality, client experience design, and strategic consulting for both nonprofits and corporate brands. Whether managing logistics for a 5,000-person activation, curating VIP hospitality, or jumping in as a last-minute fixer, I specialize in combining seamless operations with a genuine, people-centered approach.

What sets me apart is my ability to move fluidly between strategy and execution. I’m calm under pressure, adaptable in unpredictable environments, and committed to elevating both the experience and the team behind it. I’m not just about getting the job done—I’m about creating moments that matter and delivering with integrity, warmth, and excellence.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the spaces I’ve helped bring to life—especially those that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection. If you’re looking for someone who’s as committed to your vision as you are, and who brings clarity, care, and capability to the table, I’d love to work together.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of relationship-building, word-of-mouth referrals, and consistently delivering under pressure. In this industry, trust is everything—clients want to know that when things get hectic, you’re the person who will show up, figure it out, and still make it look effortless.

I’ve invested time in building real connections—with vendors, clients, artists, executives, and even the folks behind the scenes—because you never know who’s going to recommend you for the next big project. I make it a point to leave every event or activation with people saying, “We want her back.” That level of reliability and professionalism tends to travel faster than any marketing campaign.

Also, staying present in the industry—attending events, keeping up with trends, collaborating across sectors—keeps me top of mind for new opportunities. I don’t just work the event; I work the room and the relationships that follow.

Any advice for managing a team?

The key to managing a strong team and keeping morale high is clear communication, mutual respect, and making space for fun. People do their best work when they feel seen, supported, and like they’re part of something that matters—but also when they’re enjoying themselves. I lead by example, stay approachable, and create a vibe where hard work and good energy go hand in hand. When the stakes are high, a little laughter and trust go a long way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lindsayrchapman
• Facebook: Lindsayrchapman

Image Credits

Megan Rainwater (Meganrainwater.com, @meganrainwater)