Designing Thoughtful Events: Gianna Gaudini on Connection, Intention, and Impact
- Gabriela
- 47 minutes ago
- 4 min read
"Focus on Human Connection to Make Events Unforgettable"
— Gianna Gaudini, Event Strategist
When planning events for global brands like Google, AWS, and Airtable, it’s easy to get caught up in logistics and budgets. But for Event Strategist and Author Gianna Gaudini, real impact comes from something simpler: thoughtfulness and the value of customer service.
In this edition of Moments That Matter, we sat down with Gianna to explore her journey, her approach to creating memorable experiences, and how video is evolving as a powerful tool in the event space.
From Med School to Hospitality: A Career Pivot Fueled by Passion
Before building a career in events, Gianna was on track to become a doctor, studying at UC San Diego. But a series of small but telling moments revealed something more aligned with her purpose.
“In college, I started hosting Wednesday night dinners as a mechanism for teaching myself how to cook dinner for my future family. I’d cook something new to learn a new recipe, create a playlist, tablescape and ambiance to set a mood. People looked forward to them and started to invite others and they grew very popular and brought me a lot of joy to host after long days studying pre-med. That’s when I realized how much I loved bringing people together and creating an environment that elevated people’s emotions and created community.”
She eventually traded medical labs for hospitality and found herself working after school in La Jolla at a fine dining restaurant — and loving it.
“That’s when you know you’re in the right place: you’re working New Years Eve, and you’re thrilled to be working and delighting customers.”
Fast-forward two decades, and Gianna has worked inside some of the world’s top companies (Google, Amazon, SoftBank, Airtable) and now runs her own event consulting business, helping others craft intentional, human-centered experiences that drive impact for her clients.
The Secret to a Standout Event? Thoughtfulness.
“The most memorable events are rooted in intentionality — from start to finish. The new luxury is customer service - that’s what stands out and becomes most memorable.”
Gianna believes that great events mirror great products: they’re designed around the user. That means clear communication ahead of time — what to expect, how to prepare — and thoughtful touches that make guests feel seen and welcome.
“Even something as small as greeting someone by name and taking the care to tend to their needs goes a long way. It’s not about big budgets. It’s about creating meaningful moments.”
She suggests treating guests the way companies treat stakeholders: with measurable value. “We use OKRs and KPIs in business — why not apply that same care to people’s time at an event?”
Trends: Smaller, Deeper, More Interactive
As AI-generated content floods our feeds, Gianna sees a growing hunger for genuine connection.
“People are craving something real — experiences that feel authentic and sacred. The events that win are the ones that curate meaningful interaction.”
Engagement is best when it comes from the community and her rule of thumb: 30% prepared content, 70% conversation.
“People don’t want to be talked at. They want to connect.”
Expect to see more workshops, curated roundtables, and formats that foster dialogue — not just presentations.
The Role of Video in Creating Lasting Impact
“Video extends the life of your event. It’s content fuel.”
Gianna sees video as a strategic tool, not just a recap method. From executive welcomes to drive attendance to sizzle-reels and speaker snippets for social media and driving next year’s event attendance and FOMO, repurposing video allows organizers to reach audiences across multiple touchpoints.
“It’s about meeting people where they are — visually, emotionally, and digitally.”
Final Thoughts
Gianna’s journey is a reminder that the little things — the thoughtful analog details, a name remembered, a heartfelt introduction and connection — can create lasting impressions that also drive business results.
“There were clues all along my career journey: my love for hospitality, elevating moments, making people feel something. Now, working for many clients, I get to do that every day in new, meaningful ways so I always feel I am creating and growing even after 22 years in my career.”
About Gianna Gaudini
Gianna Gaudini is a leading event strategist, author, and founder of Studio G. She’s held executive roles at Google, AWS, Airtable, and SoftBank Vision Fund, and now serves as fractional Head of Events at Windsurf (acquired by Cognition). Gianna has produced high-impact events like Google Cloud Next, Airtable’s Leaders Forum, and executive summits and events for top brands including Upstart, YPO, Iconiq, and AllRaise.
She’s the author of the best-selling book The Art of Event Planning and creator of the Master Class Million Dollar Event Strategy. A trusted advisor to event tech startups, Gianna is also a guest lecturer and speaker, helping shape the future of event marketing, brand experiences, and audience engagement.
Special Offer for Readers:
Want to elevate your event career? Get 20% off Gianna Gaudini’s Million Dollar Event Planning Career Masterclass with code GiannaVIP20 at checkout. Enroll now →
Learn more at: giannagaudini.com
About the Series
Moments That Matter is VidDay’s ongoing interview series spotlighting creators, leaders, and change-makers in the celebration and event space — and the meaningful moments that shape us.