Project Rise - LD PARKER EVENTS

Event Professionals Marketplace Presents

PROJECT RISE

About

Project Rise

It All Started With A Desire To Help

In response to the dire need for assistance following the events of the pandemic, Lorna Dennis Parker; founder of Event Professionals Marketplace, created Project Rise.

Project Rise is a collaborative effort through which event pros support their colleagues who need a helping hand to regain their business footing after suffering the unimaginable losses caused by the pandemic and current economic challenges.

Through Project Rise the chosen pros are introduced to industry icons who are willing to share their wealth of knowledge and their time to help colleagues perfect their skillsets during a styled shoot masterclass.

The resulting collaborative effort is then photographed and submitted for publication, used for content for the participants websites and social media and when possible donated for an actual event to a deserving individual or couple.

This REtreat Experience is the latest development of Project Rise, meant to continue lifting up the industry through genuine relationships, sharing of wisdom, mentorship, and immersive, interactive education.

THE RESULTS

The Difference Project Rise Has Been Making

Facilitated mentorship from established pros while elevating the confidence, negotiating skills and online presence of small business owners.

Generated revenue through community partnerships.
(Several participants have received job offers from Project Rise Educators and partners)

Assisted event pros in receiving Minority Owned Business certification to position them for future grants and opportunities designated for minority businesses.

Created diverse partnerships with local businesses while helping EPM Project Rise alumnae entrepreneurs grow their own businesses throughout their local communities.

The Events

On Location Workshops

Through a scholarship application process, event professionals seeking business education, networking opportunities, and training with industry icons, were given access to one of several workshops across the nation:

The Work

View The Workshop Galleries

As Seen In

Meet Our Founder

Lorna Dennis Parker

Event Designer, Venue Owner, Celebration Specialist

Lorna is a certified event designer and a trained floral designer who curates bespoke experiences for her clients that are customized from invitation to entertainment. She is the owner and principal designer with L D Parker Event Designs which is a boutique event design firm located in Charlotte NC.

A Preston Bailey Protégé, Lorna was nominated for Intrigue Floral Awards in 2019, 2021 and 2022. Her work has been featured in Munaluchi Bride, The B Collective, Event Therapy Magazine and on Party Slate.

Lorna is a co-author of the inspiring anthology “Bling-The Purpose, Power and Pursuit of women with Blind Faith”.

LORNA’S MISSION

Lorna is the founder of the Event Professionals Marketplace; a community with a membership of over 20 thousand event professionals from every facet of the industry.

The EPM Academy was launched to provide hands on and virtual education on every aspect of event design from branding and tablescaping to beginning floral design. Her goal is to teach burgeoning event professionals to find their “voice” in their design style.

In response to an overwhelming need for business education which was repeatedly requested by EPM members, Lorna developed the EPM Blueprint- how to begin, boost and bankroll your business. The online course focuses on assisting newer business owners in making the backend of their businesses as beautiful as the events they design.

EPM has further blossomed to offer Project Rise; Workshops with industry icons providing styled shoots and opportunities for publication, and the latest endeavour; The Project Rise Retreat Experience.

Lorna Golden Salute with Sheryl Lee Ralph

Event pros collaborating and educating to help their fellow colleagues at Project Rise

GET INVOLVED

Don’t Miss Out On Our Next Project Rise Event!

Stay updated on all upcoming Project Rise Retreat and Workshop events, PLUS exclusive invites to event superstar networking Power Dinners