We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Lutkus a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing right now is the shift toward experiential and immersive events. Especially in the corporate world, attendees no longer just want to attend—they want to feel, connect, and experience. Companies are moving away from traditional conference rooms and cookie-cutter banquets and leaning into dynamic, interactive formats that leave a lasting impression.

A great example of this was a recent corporate retreat we planned for an AI company. Instead of holding meetings in a hotel ballroom we held it at a large tech companies immersive office space with robots.

This trend opens up so much creative space. As planners, we get to push boundaries, partner with incredible local vendors and artists, and create moments that spark real engagement and brand loyalty. It also allows companies to align their events with their values—whether that’s wellness, sustainability, innovation, or community impact.

The flip side is that immersive experiences can come with higher costs, logistical complexity, and more moving parts. It takes experienced planners to execute them well. There’s also a risk of overdoing the “wow factor” without a clear purpose, which can dilute the message. We always remind clients: the experience should enhance the intention and not distract from it.

Another trend we are very involved in is eco-conscious planning. More clients are asking about sustainability, whether that means reducing waste, sourcing local, or choosing venues with green certifications. It’s encouraging, and we’re proud to be ahead of the curve on this. Still, education is key, many don’t realize how easy it can be to make sustainable choices that still feel luxurious and on-brand.

Courtney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Simply Radiant Events began with a simple vision: to bring calm, creativity, and clarity to what can be a very stressful process for clients. But like any new venture, the early days came with their fair share of challenges. Starting the business meant wearing every hat—planner, marketer, accountant, and everything in between. One of the hardest parts was building trust and a client base from scratch, especially in a competitive Southern California market. we had to prove myselves over and over again, show up consistently, and hustle to create opportunities. But those early struggles shaped the brand—it made me more resilient, resourceful, and deeply committed to client satisfaction.

Have you ever had to pivot?

COVID was a defining moment for the entire events industry. Practically overnight, large conferences and in-person gatherings were canceled. It was heartbreaking, not just from a business perspective, but because we knew how much people needed connection during that time. As a planner, my first instinct was: how can we still bring people together safely and meaningfully?

That’s when I pivoted Simply Radiant Events to focus on luxury picnic experiences. These were small, outdoor, and designed for safety but still elevated, thoughtful, and memorable. We brought the event to the client whether it was in a backyard, a local park, or even a beachside setting. What made it special was the attention to detail: custom setups with stylish décor, curated food boards, personalized touches, and themes that helped people celebrate safely in uncertain times.

One story that stands out was a surprise anniversary picnic we created for a couple who had to cancel their big celebration. We transformed a small outdoor space into something magical, complete with string lights, boho-style décor, and a custom dessert station. The couple was so touched. That moment reminded me that the size of the event doesn’t determine its impact, it’s the intention behind it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media has been one of the most powerful tools in growing Simply Radiant Events, it’s where our brand voice came to life and where we connected directly with our audience. In the early days, I used Instagram almost like a visual diary, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, design inspiration, snippets of events, and even the not-so-glamorous sides of planning. It wasn’t about perfection, it was about authenticity and building trust.

One of the biggest turning points was when I started showing more of the process, not just the final product. I shared time-lapse videos of event setups, before-and-after transformations, and personal reflections on what went into creating each experience. That transparency really resonated with people. They started to see the passion, the effort, and the value behind what we do.

Instagram, in particular, became our digital portfolio. It helped attract clients who aligned with our style and values, especially our corporate and luxury event clients, who often find vendors through hashtags, geotags, and referrals online. .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sreventplanning.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sreventplanning
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sreventplanning
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-lutkus-a5594814/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sreventplanning
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/simply-radiant-events-brea