Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Montefusco, Cmp. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. undefined

I recently launched my Ultimate Conference Planning Dashboard, and the feedback has been amazing. What makes it really innovative is that it’s built from over a decade of real-world experience managing high-level corporate events. It combines practical knowledge with an intuitive design that’s fully customizable to meet the specific needs of each event.

It started as a tool to help me scale my business and developed into a dashboard designed to help people of all experience levels navigate the complexities of event management in real time. Whether you are a small business looking to host its first event or just someone new to the industry, its become the perfect tool in a market where businesses increasingly need efficient and customizable tools, this dashboard stands out because it’s been developed to solve real problems that planners face day to day, like staying organized and knowing exactly what steps to take next.

Jessica, 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?

Hey, I’m Jessica! the heart behind Wicked Experience Design.

Wicked Experience Design grew from a lifelong passion that began as a kid. I remember traveling with my family to my stepdad’s conferences and being captivated by the idea that someone was behind the scenes, putting these events together and creating those special moments. That fascination followed me through college and into every job I had after.

Before founding Wicked Experience Design, I gained experience in various roles, working for top-rated resorts and organizations across California and Texas. When the pandemic hit and the events industry paused, I used that downtime to fully transition into building my own business, after freelancing for years. It was during this time that I was recognized by Connect Corporate’s 40 Under 40 and as one of BizBash’s Fresh Faces, which further fueled my passion to establish a world-class event planning agency.

Since 2020, Wicked Experience Design has focused on creating meaningful, impactful experiences for corporate and nonprofit clients. I’m fortunate to have a talented, dedicated team that shares my vision for crafting events that leave lasting impressions. From the initial concept to execution, we pride ourselves on being detail-oriented, innovative, and client-focused—qualities that have earned us a loyal clientele and industry recognition.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my side hustle eventually turned into my full-time business. It all started when an old boss reached out and asked if I could help with events at his new company. At the time, I was working full-time elsewhere and thought it would just be a one-off gig. However, I enjoyed the freelance work so much that I began seeking out additional opportunities during slow periods with that first client.

Then, the pandemic hit, and my full-time role shifted away from events as the industry came to a standstill. That’s when I decided to start building a portfolio and establishing an online presence. By the time events were picking back up, I had created a recognizable brand and started receiving calls from companies that needed support, especially those who had lost event planners during pandemic layoffs or needed help with upcoming projects.

Juggling a full-time job and my growing freelance business became overwhelming, and I found myself working around the clock. Eventually, I realized I couldn’t sustain both and decided to leave my day job. I gave a month’s notice and fully committed to Wicked Experience Design.

At first, I took on smaller events and projects I wasn’t necessarily passionate about, but it was a great learning experience. Over time, I built a solid reputation, and today, much of my business comes from repeat clients or referrals from those I’ve worked with since day one. It’s been a journey of growth, and I’m proud of how far Wicked Experience Design has come.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

There were a few key things that helped me build my reputation in the event planning market.

Delivering Consistent Quality from day one, whether it was a small gathering or a big corporate event, I put the same care and attention into each project. I didn’t cut corners just because a gig was smaller. That consistency made a difference and helped clients feel confident recommending me to others because they knew they could count on me to deliver.

Additionally, the events industry runs on relationships, so I made it a point to stay connected with clients, vendors, and other event pros. It wasn’t just about getting the job done, it was about creating partnerships and fostering trust that went beyond a single event. Those connections led to repeat business and referrals, which was a huge factor in growing my reputation.

Adapting to Client Needs and being able to listen and adjust my approach to fit what the client wanted was another key. No two events are the same, and customizing solutions, even for last-minute changes, helped me stand out. It showed that I was flexible and committed to making each event exactly what the client needed.

And I think lastly, getting named in top industry publications, such as Connect Corporate’s 40 Under 40 and being recognized as one of BizBash’s Fresh Faces definitely helped boost my visibility. Plus, my CMP and IATAN designations added another layer of credibility that resonates with clients and industry peers.

Overall, a combination of quality work, strong relationships, adaptability, and industry recognition contributed to building my reputation in the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wickedexperiencedesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedexperiencedesign/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wickedexp/