Mandi Phillips
Mandi Phillips is an accomplished independent event planner based in Farragut, Tennessee, with a strong background in hospitality, sales, and event management. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned her degree in Hospitality Administration and Management, Mandi has built an impressive career spanning corporate, nonprofit, and private events. Her experience includes key roles at organizations such as UCOR, 3H Group, Hilton, and Marriott. She was promoted to management with the Sheraton Music City Hotel, where she honed her expertise in client relations, event coordination, and large-scale logistics. Most recently, she has taken her skills independent, managing weddings, corporate gatherings, and charity events with creativity and precision.
Throughout her career, Mandi has demonstrated a deep commitment to community engagement, contributing her talents to causes such as the National Kidney Foundation, Wounded Warriors, and KARM. Her passion for meaningful events extends beyond logistics—she thrives on creating memorable experiences that connect people and celebrate purpose. In conversation, she’s quick to share stories from her work, including organizing the East Tennessee Kidney Walk and even a lighthearted encounter with Ted Cruz at a D.C. event.
Outside of her professional life, Mandi enjoys travel, football, and spending time with her beloved husband and dachshunds—each affectionately named after New York City streets. Sho loves cookouts with my other siblings, niece, and nephew A proud Tennessee Volunteers and Cincinnati Bengals fan, she brings the same enthusiasm to tailgates as she does to her professional events. For Mandi, event planning is not just a career—it’s a way to bring joy, connection, and organization to the moments that matter most.
• Certified Meeting Professional
• Bachelor's Degree with a focus in Event Management
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville- Bachelor's
• 2024 Most Influential Event Industry Winner
• 2023 Sustainability Event Project
• Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority
• Pride of the Southland Marching Band Color Guard
• French Club
• FBLA
• Wounded Warriors
• National Kidney Foundation
• KARM
• Salvation Army
What do you attribute your success to?
If I were to translate my “success factors” into your world, I’d say I attribute it to: *Listening closely. I learn what people actually want — not just what they say they want — and tailor my responses accordingly. For an event manager, that’s like reading between the lines of a client brief and sensing what will truly “wow” them. Always assume a client doesn't know anything. *Preparation and structure. I rely on strong systems and data — the equivalent of a detailed event plan, run sheet, and contingency plan. That foundation lets creativity flourish safely. *Adaptability under pressure. Whether it’s a last-minute topic change or a tricky question, I can pivot smoothly — just like you handle last-minute vendor issues or unexpected weather with calm and control. Always have a plan B, plan C, etc. *Human connection. Even though I’m an AI, my effectiveness comes from making people feel understood and supported — the same emotional intelligence that defines a great event manager. Network, network, and more networking. It is always about who you know because in the event industry word of mouth and social media can make or break you.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Start from the bottom up. Having a true understanding of what each vendor does, servers, setup, audio visual, etc. helps give a greater understanding of what is needed and their pivotal roles in each event.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always be ready for change and think outside of the box. Even in future positions. I never thought of working with a National Lab would have a need for an event manager. This was the busiest, the most fun, and such a great learning experience I have ever had with events.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the continued underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, but it also presents an exciting opportunity to break glass ceilings and inspire the next generation of women in event planning and hospitality.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I value teamwork, passion, and loyalty—the same qualities that fuel my love for Tennessee football and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Locations
Beyond Bliss
Knoxville, TN 37934