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

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

I truly believe that Corporate America has lost touch with what matters most: human connection. Now, I’m not saying all corporations are greedy—many actually do give generously to charities and their communities. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about donations. It’s about empathy. It’s about truly seeing and understanding the people they serve and the teams they lead.
In the event planning industry, we face issues like understaffing and tight budgets all the time, but to me, the bigger challenge is the loss of empathy. Corporate empathy means relating to the emotions and experiences of others, and somewhere along the way, that curiosity and the courage to connect has been buried under processes and profit margins. It feels like everything’s become ‘by the book’—but real life isn’t a book, and people are not just numbers.

As an event planner, I’ve made it my mission to lead with connection and gratitude in everything I do, whether it’s a business function or a public event. For me, it’s about the little things—a thank you note, a personalized gift, or even just a moment to say, ‘I see you, and I appreciate you.’ These touches don’t just make people feel valued—they leave a lasting impression. And that is what builds real relationships and keeps people coming back, time after time.

It is this steadfast belief in kindness and connection that amplifies my brand—and I truly think that connection is what’s missing in Corporate America today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey y’all! I’m Jessica Pennington, the heart and soul behind In Omnia Paratus Events, where we create epic, themed events designed to connect people and bring out the magic in everyday life. I believe in second chances, unforgettable moments, and building communities through experiences that make people feel alive, seen, and appreciated.

For those meeting me now, it might be hard to picture me as a sad, broken teenager, but that’s exactly where my journey started. As a young girl, I faced some of the hardest moments in my life. I reached a point where I genuinely thought the world would be better off without me. I had a plan, I knew how and when. But something incredible happened that day—a friend stayed with me. He walked me home, and instead of leaving like he usually did, he stayed until my mom got home. I remember thinking, ‘Why isn’t he leaving? What’s going on?’ That simple act of kindness saved my life.

Years later, I found the help I needed and began the process of rebuilding. I forced myself to enjoy life again – starting with a gratitude journal. I reminded myself daily that I was still here for a reason. At 17, I got a job at a Conference Center, and it was there that I fell in love with events. I loved watching people come together – whether to collaborate, celebrate, or just dance the night away. That year, I themed my own birthday party and over time, it became a tradition.

The year my daughter was born, a friend reached out and said, ‘Jess, your birthday’s coming up! What’s the theme?’ That’s when I realized the impact these gatherings were having—not just on me, but on the people around me. Shortly thereafter, I told my husband that I needed more. I wanted more from life than just going through the motions of a job I didn’t love. When my husband asked what I really wanted to do, I told him, ‘I want to make a difference. I want to make people happy.’ And that’s how In Omnia Paratus Events was born.

Fast forward to today, I am creating events that bring people from every walk of life together, helping communities reconnect, and hopefully, giving them a chance to flourish. Whether it’s a small gathering or a big celebration, my focus is always on connection and leaving people with memories they’ll cherish.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In January 2024, I decided to take a leap and try my hand at public events. I knew people loved the themed parties I’d been throwing, but with the economy shifting, it was becoming harder for folks to afford them. I thought, ‘This is my chance to make a bigger impact on the community, while supporting other local businesses.’ That’s how Fire & Ice was born—a women’s-only event that would spotlight local, service-based businesses.

I spent two months meticulously planning everything. I rented an Airbnb after clear and consistent communication with the owner about the event and my vision. Just a week before the big day, the owner informed me that due to a miscommunication between the two sites she had listed the property on, a men’s retreat had also rented the house for the same date. She offered a compromise: we could use the basement, and the men would have the upstairs. With all my marketing in full swing, and after talking to my vendors, I agreed.

On the day of the event, I arrived two hours before start time, and nothing was as it seemed. The house wasn’t as pictured, and the door code wasn’t working. After an hour of waiting with no response from the owner, a woman finally opened the door to let her dog out. I jumped out of the car to ask if she was the Airbnb owner, she claimed that she wasn’t but mentioned that there had been yet another mix-up. Now, we were expected to use the upstairs space with the men’s retreat!

There was no way I could move forward – Fire & Ice was a women’s-only event. Mixing it with a men’s retreat was out of the question. With just an hour left, I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to cancel. I knew in my heart that the safety and experience of my guests would always be my top priority, even if canceling felt like a massive setback for my business.

A few days later, I went to pick up some items I had ordered from another entrepreneur. We started talking about what had happened and even though we’d only met once before, she offered to help me find a new, safer venue. Her belief in me and my mission was exactly what I needed to bounce back. With her support, I was able to secure a proper event space where I didn’t have to question anyone’s intentions or the safety of my guests.

Just two months later, I hosted Come In With the Rain—my first successful public event. Every one of the original Fire & Ice vendors stuck by my side, and their loyalty gave me the confidence to persevere. It really does take a tribe to build something special, and I’m so grateful for mine.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Connection and happiness. I know that might sound simple, but in a world that is constantly evolving, those two things are my top priorities. The internet and social media have given us the ability to connect far and wide, but in my opinion, it’s made us more disconnected than ever.

My events are designed to be unique, fun, and sometimes even educational – but at their core, they’re about bringing people together. I want guests to look around and see a diverse group of people – each having a commonality with the other. Whether it’s a shared love for the theme, the entertainment, or the activities, everyone at my events has a point of connection. And honestly, that’s all it takes to spark a conversation and form a genuine bond with a stranger.

At the end of the day, my mission is to bring people together. To help people find joy in the everyday, feel a little less alone, and to realize that there’s so much more waiting for them in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://InOmniaParatusEvents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inomniaparatusevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088318792431
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-pennington-279229328/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inomniaparatusevents

Image Credits

Inspirations By Liz