About Us
Your Trusted Source for Event Planning in Harrisburg, PA
As a local leader in event planning services, our team of professionals are ready to take on your next community, corporate, outdoor, or virtual event.
More About UsAbout Central PA’s Event Planning Experts
Since 2001 we have been helping clients create fantastic, memorable, and safe events. We excel with Grand openings, anniversaries, large conferences, outdoor celebrations and even some rather strange requests. From conventions to exhibitions, pumpkin towers to pie fights, Olympic celebrations to formal banquets, we help clients grab the most from every event opportunity.
About the Founder
John Hanks, Jr.
President
Team Member Since 2001
John founded Make It Happen Events in 2001 after more than a decade of experience in the events industry. Starting as an intern working on a statewide conference, he went on to serve as the Director of Catering at the Penn Harris Convention Center, and Rental Manager at the Zembo Shrine, learning many facets of the profession. His passion for events, creative problem solving, and organizational skills, have given him the tools to create amazing projects. He is a founding Board member of the Lower Paxton Community Foundation, Chairman of the Mr. PA Football Foundation, Board member of the local Habitat for Humanity, and Vice President of the Penbrook Historical Society.
Meet the Team
Chris Lunden
Senior Event Manager
Team Member Since 2012
Chris has more than 15 years of event management experience. He has worked full-time with various nonprofit organizations planning large-scale fundraising and volunteer events. Chris works on most of our larger events organizing logistics before the event and onsite. He is a graduate of Lock Haven University. Chris takes pride in managing one of our largest events, Lower Paxton Christkindlmarkt.
Rebecca Wolf
Event Manager
Team Member Since 2019
Rebecca served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as an E8 Senior Master Sergeant. She managed military event venues and managed the households of five 2-4 star General officers and base wide events. Her last assignment was as Superintendent and First Sergeant, Operational Mission Support, leading the hospitality branch for the entire USAF. She manages the complex details of our events, coordinating dozens of elements.
Brenda Pulaski
Administrative Manager
Team Member Since 2008
Brenda handles the back office details of the team and can usually be found at the registration table at our events. She handles data management and keeps us organized from planning through thank you’s. Brenda graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a degree in Music Business.
Jo Brindley
Event Coordinator
Team Member Since 2018
Jo has more than 15 years of event management experience. She has been a senior manager at various non-profit organizations, focused on top-tier fundraising. Jo is able to step in and execute a complex plan onsite. She attended Longwood University. Jo is past President of the Junior League of Harrisburg.
Kristie Davis
Event Coordinator
Team Member Since 2019
Kristie has more than 15 years of event management experience. She has held senior positions at several non-profit organizations often involving children and families. Kristie is a graduate of University of Phoenix. She helps to manage our onsite operations.
Why Choose Make It Happen Events?
20+ Years of Experience
After being in the event planning business since 2001, we’ve seen a lot and know how to anticipate the unexpected. We have many tools in our belt. With our team on your side, you can relax.
We Save You Time and Money
We handle the details and let you and your staff run your business, not your event. We guide you through the decision making process and take care of the details. We’ve run many events and know how to translate your vision into reality.
We Assess Your Needs
Tell us your vision, your goals, the reason for a celebration, or what you’d like to include, and we will help create the concept and overall plan. Once we understand where you’re starting and where you’re headed, we can find the best way to get there.
