Jordan Lacey: A Gen Z Innovator Creating Human-Centered Events

Jordan Lacey, CMP, project manager for tech events and conferences at Capital One, is part of a rising generation of event professionals redefining how meetings are designed and executed. At a time when organizations are rethinking the purpose of in-person gatherings, her approach reflects a broader industry shift toward intentional design, inclusivity, and measurable attendee impact.

Lacey’s path into events began early. While studying sports, entertainment, and event management at Johnson & Wales University, she was already gaining hands-on experience producing live 

She helped produce a student-led conference and completed internships with the Big Apple Circus and Beyond the Stars, traveling throughout the Northeast and working behind the scenes on logistics, production execution, and audience engagement.

“These experiences gave me a real foundation,” she said. “They made me fall in love with the industry even more.”

After graduating, Lacey entered Marriott’s Management Development program, The Voyager, and later held event management roles across multiple Marriott properties in New York City. During this period, she earned her CMP certification and decided to transition into business events, a move that ultimately led her into the technology sector.

Her work has been recognized with an MPI RISE Award, a moment she says was especially meaningful because her mom was there to witness it.

“My parents grew up in Brooklyn housing projects,” she said. 

As a Gen Z leader, Lacey believes the industry must evolve alongside broader societal and technological shifts. “We have to think about sustainability, the future of events, and how technology supports more responsible experiences,” she said. “Other industries are changing quickly, and events have to evolve with them.”

Beyond her professional work, Lacey’s focus on human-centered experiences extends into community impact. While in high school, she founded a club called Light the Candle, which is now a 501c3. Inspired by cousins adopted at age 17, she mobilized volunteers to create personalized birthday cards for foster youth, many of whom rarely receive individualized celebrations. It has since expanded to include customized care packages.

“One thoughtful moment can change someone’s world,” she said.

Did you find the events industry, or did the events industry find you? 

When I was in high school exploring next steps and touring colleges with hospitality programs, I discovered you could actually study event management, and that immediately clicked for me.

I studied sports, entertainment, and event management at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where I now serve as a board member. I truly credit that program with building my foundation in events. 

What does innovation mean to you? 

Pushing the envelope and thinking outside the box. Often, as event planners, it's easy to just do what's been done before or what the stakeholder wants. It’s being able to think creatively and provide a voice to others who may not have one.

Why is innovation important in events?

For me, as a member of Gen Z, innovation is extremely important because we have to think about sustainability, the future of events, and how we can incorporate technology while staying sustainable. With times changing in so many other industries, it's important that we evolve the events industry alongside them to stay innovative.

What inspires you to create innovative approaches to events?

I'm inspired by the opportunity to amplify diverse vendors, whether they're veteran-owned, minority-owned, women-owned, or LGBTQ+ owned, and I'm also inspired to deliver unique experiences to attendees. This may be your 200th event of the year, but for one of your attendees, it's their first event that they've been to.

Is it essential to look for innovation outside the industry?

Absolutely. We’re fortunate in events because inspiration can come from so many places — theater and the arts, the travel industry, technology, and experiential design more broadly. I always joke that I’m the worst attendee at a sporting event, museum opening, or even a new restaurant because I’m constantly looking for ideas and inspiration for events. It’s like I can’t turn that mindset off — but I genuinely love experiences, and that curiosity fuels innovation.

Is being comfortable with failure part of innovating? 

You have to be willing to fall six times and get up seven. My parents taught me how to accept setbacks, learn from them, and keep moving forward. 

What's your advice to aspiring innovators?

My advice is to go with your gut, draw inspiration from other areas around you, and don't be afraid to take risks.

Who inspires you?

I think it goes back to what I said before. I'm inspired by that first-time attendee. I credit Joanne Dennison, the CMP mastermind, for teaching me to sit in the attendees' chair.  

What professional legacy are you looking to create?

I want to be a voice for minorities, for Gen Zers, for anyone who hasn’t seen themselves represented. I want to show that you can be innovative, thoughtful, and successful at the same time.