Plan Events with Purpose: Lessons from My Time at Pinterest
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from planning events for one of the most creative companies in the world - Pinterest - it’s that every detail matters. From the lighting to the signage, the guest flow to the post-event follow-up, every touchpoint is an opportunity to create connection, spark emotion, and leave a lasting impression.
Whether you’re organizing a brand launch, an intimate gathering, or a large-scale conference, you don’t need a massive budget or a corporate team to plan like a pro. Here’s how you can apply some of the same strategies I used while working on Pinterest’s event team to your own events no matter the size.
1. Start with the Why
At Pinterest, every event had a clear purpose before we touched a single detail. Was it to inspire creators? Engage advertisers? Build community? Your event’s goal should guide every decision. Ask yourself:
What do I want my guests to feel?
What action should they take after the event?
How will success be measured?
By grounding your planning in intention, you’ll ensure your event is meaningful not just beautiful.
2. Design for the Senses
Pinterest is a visually-driven platform, so our events had to look as good as they felt. But it wasn’t just about aesthetics it was about creating a sensory experience.
Think about how your guests will move through the space. What will they see, hear, smell, and taste? At Pinterest, we played with textures, curated playlists to match the mood, and even used scent to create ambiance. One of our most complimented events featured lavender diffusers and ambient lighting that made guests feel instantly relaxed.
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of lighting it can transform a space instantly and affordably.
3. Curate, Don’t Complicate
One of my biggest lessons from working at Pinterest? Less is more. Instead of overwhelming guests with too many choices or packed agendas, we focused on curation. A perfectly selected speaker lineup. A signature cocktail that aligned with the brand. A swag bag that told a story, not just filled with freebies.
The same applies to your events. Streamline your touchpoints so guests can absorb and appreciate the experience.
4. Collaboration is Key
Pinterest events came to life through collaboration—not just across teams, but with vendors, creatives, and community members. We brought in local artists for installations, worked with chefs who told stories through their menus, and made sure every partner felt like part of the bigger picture.
If you’re planning your own event, consider how to involve others:
Can you partner with a local business?
Feature user-generated content?
Invite speakers who bring different perspectives?
Co-creation leads to richer, more resonant events.
5. Make It Pinterest-Worthy
Yes, I mean that literally and figuratively. We designed events with “pinnable moments” in mind places guests would want to snap and share. That meant Instagrammable signage, statement florals, interactive installations, and more.
But beyond visuals, a Pinterest-worthy event is one that inspires others. When people walk away saying, “I want to do something like that,” you know you’ve done your job.
6. Never Forget the Follow-Up
At Pinterest, the event wasn’t over when the lights went off. We prioritized post-event communication: thank you notes, photo galleries, recaps, and sometimes even personalized pins. It helped us extend the experience and keep the momentum going.
Your guests’ experience doesn’t end at check-out—so plan for how you’ll keep the conversation alive.
Final Thoughts
Planning events at Pinterest taught me that events are more than logistics they’re storytelling experiences. Whether you’re working with a large team or going solo, you can plan like a pro by anchoring your event in purpose, designing for delight, and creating meaningful connections.
And remember: your event doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to be intentional.
If you’re looking for help crafting your next event with a professional touch, I’d love to connect. Let’s bring your vision to life with purpose, beauty, and strategy.