Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Ma. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Born in Taiwan and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Amanda Ma studied business at Boston University in Boston, MA, and studied abroad in London, UK. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2006 as the Co-Founder of her first event management agency and Co-Founder of Pamper Me Fabulous in 2008.
She then founded Innovate Marketing Group in 2014. Through her leadership, her agency has flourished into one of the most distinguished corporate event management agencies, both locally and nationally. with a team of dedicated event professionals that are ready to help bring client events to the next level.
Her extensive background and strategic insights have produced event experiences for clients including Google, TikTok, East West Bank, and many others; spanning multiple industries from finance, technology, associations and more.
Amanda Ma is recognized for her leadership and philanthropic work in the community. A collaborative leader, she is consistently sought out as a trusted strategic advisor and knowledgeable resource.
She currently sits on the Entrepreneur Organization- Los Angeles board as the Engagement Chair. Emeritus Chair of the Asian Pacific Community Fund and Council of The Diversity Advisor. Previously, Chairwoman of the Asian Business Association Los Angeles, she is a big champion for diversity & minority small businesses.
She is also the host of the ‘EventUp’ Podcast. EventUp formed out of her desire to help others gain insight into the current happenings within the events industry, but it truly blossomed into having guests from a multitude of industries such as events, public relations, marketing, tech, and entertainment. Another purpose is to help highlight other top diverse and women professionals.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As entrepreneurs, we go through ups and downs all the time. These ups and downs impact us deeply because we are so close to and personally invested in our businesses. I am an avid entrepreneur and have now been in the events industry for 17 years. In March 2020, when the pandemic hit and the US shut down, the events industry was completely disrupted. The entire industry ground to a halt. In my company, projects left and right was being canceled or put on hold indefinitely. Employees throughout the industry were being let go or furloughed.
The disruption impacted my business negatively in a significant way. It was a very scary, uneasy time to be an entrepreneur. There were moments when I thought to myself, “How will my company survive this, and how much longer can we possibly last?” Considering the multiple unknowns of the pandemic and its impact on the entire world, not just the United States, it was impossible to guess.
Leaning In & Mindset
In that moment, despite the rampant uncertainties, I had a choice—to give up or to lean in and lead. I refused to take my foot off the pedal even though my back was against the wall. I knew I had to come out fighting like a warrior. I thought to myself, “This ship is not going down on my watch!”
I needed to come up with a solution. My brain was constantly working on it. There were days when I was mentally exhausted, but I forced myself to go back to the drawing board and think how I could save my company and my employees. I had to shift my mindset and get into action.
During those days, weeks, and months of frustration, I was grateful for the support of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and especially for my Forum mates EO offered a multitude of informative events to help its members navigate the uncertainty of the situation. My Forum mates—who are all in other industries—took turns checking in on me to offer their support and brainstorm ideas with me. That’s the power of EO!
Channeling Fear
I gathered my team together to share my new mindset. I told them we had a choice: We could either live in fear, or we could harness our fear and channel that energy into how we would solve this problem of no in-person events. What solution could we provide to still help our clients connect their brands with people while obeying the strict COVID-19 rules in our region?
Eventually, we landed on the option of virtual events. As it turns out, my company was one of the early adopters of this new venue. We pivoted to offering virtual events and “Events To Go Kits” as a service. As a result of our fast thinking and ability to execute our pivot, we were able to make it through those dark days of the shutdown with zero furloughs and to provide job security for all our team members. That outcome was not typical of most of the companies in the events industry.
Going from 0 to 200+. We learned as we went, and we made it work. We had to—so we did. I am very proud to say that, since March 2020, we have produced over 200+ virtual events.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Innovate Marketing Group, Inc.?
We are an award-winning corporate event management agency in Los Angeles, California that specializes in creating experiences that connect brands with people. We offer turnkey full-service event management solutions (live, virtual, hybrid). We specialize in corporate events (internal and external) and large community events. From conferences, company retreats, incentive trips, awards, company anniversaries, community events, DEI events, and more. We work with top brands like TikTok, Google, YouTube, and East West Bank, to help elevate their event experiences.
What sets us apart is that not only do we excel in event management and design, but we also have a very diverse team. We are a certified woman & minority-owned business. In addition, more than 50% of our suppliers are diverse as well.
We use our signature IMPACT process to ensure each event experience is elevated. Our clients say we make them look like Rockstars!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played a role in my life and business. I am fortunate and grateful for all the opportunities and incredible people I met throughout the years. In addition to luck, it was also grit and hustle. From day one to now, I have always committed myself fully. My Dad told me at a young age: Preparation + Luck = Success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://innovatemkg.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovatemkg/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWs_Uj1K5_NTvAYfeuOjtQ
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eventup/id1569112466
