Known as “America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru,” Steve Kemble has made numerous television appearances on popular shows such as CBS’s “The Early Show,” “Good Morning America,” and “The Today Show.” His expertise and charisma have made him a sought-after guest. 

Steve is a well-known name in the world of fashion, lifestyle, and event design. His reputation as a world-renowned fashion and lifestyle expert has earned him recognition and opportunities to work with some of the most prominent figures and organizations in the world.  

His expertise and creativity have earned him a place among the top 10 lifestyle experts in the world, according to Departures Magazine. He has orchestrated extravagant events and parties for high-profile clients, including Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, the Dallas Cowboys, Oprah Winfrey, and numerous Forbes-listed individuals. 

Steve’s work in the event and meeting industry has earned him over thirty prestigious awards. He has been inducted into the Event Industry Hall of Fame and received the Special Event GALA Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Steve’s leadership extends beyond event design. He founded the ILEA Dallas Chapter, where he also served as president for two years. He later became the ILEA International President. Steve also held the position of president for the Dallas Meeting Professionals International Chapter and received the MPI International Planner of the Year award. Additionally, he has been actively involved in the National Association of Catering and Events, serving as its Conference Advisory Chair. 

The Birth of ‘America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru 

The defining moment when Steve Kemble’s brand “America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru” came into being was during his involvement in the filming of the ABC television network’s special, “Extreme Makeover: Wedding Edition,” a spin-off of the popular “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” show. While filming in Los Angeles, California, executives from the prominent talent agency CAA (Creative Artists Agency) were present on set. After observing Steve’s work, they requested a meeting. 

Steve attended a meeting at CAA’s Los Angeles headquarters, joined by seven CAA representatives and his publicist in LA, Courtney Thompson Pisarik. During this meeting, one of the CAA executives declared, “we think you are America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru.” It was in that moment that Steve’s brand was born. Subsequently, CAA represented him in various projects, solidifying his identity as “America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru.” 

The Art of Infusing Passion and Personality into Events 

Steve believes that infusing his signature style into each event and ensuring it resonates with his client’s personality are keys to his success. His signature style is guided by qualities such as passion, love, honesty, communication, and, most importantly, the ability to listen. These attributes contribute to giving his events a distinctive and unique touch. 

Steve emphasizes the importance of getting to know his clients. This involves thorough research into their past events, overall brand, interests, likes, and personal goals. By understanding his clients on a deep level, he can blend his style with theirs, creating a winning formula that transforms every event from mediocre to magical. 

In addition to understanding clients, Steve believes that success in the industry requires the ability to imagine things that do not yet exist and then bring those visions to life in order to fulfill his client’s unique vision for each event. This creative and imaginative approach sets him apart in the world of event planning and design. 

Providing Support and Assistance to Event Professionals in Crisis 

Steve believes that the mission of the SEARCH Foundation, established in 1997, is to provide assistance to special event, meeting, and catering professionals who are confronted with life-threatening or catastrophic situations. He was one of the founders of this foundation, and it was important to him and the other founders to create a resource within the industry that could support event professionals facing crises. 

The SEARCH Foundation relies on donations from individuals and corporations within the industry to carry out its mission. Steve has a personal passion for giving back, and he strongly believes that there is great happiness and personal growth to be found in helping others. This commitment to philanthropy and support for fellow professionals in the event industry is a core part of his values and mission. 

Path to Leadership and Opportunity 

Steve emphasizes the significant role that involvement in industry associations has played in his growth as a leader. He is a passionate advocate for active participation in these associations and believes it is essential for success within the industry. 

In his view, being engaged with industry associations means collaborating with leaders from across the sector, contributing to important decisions that can influence the industry’s direction. Steve has found that this level of involvement keeps him well-informed about industry trends and developments while also providing access to a vast global network. These valuable connections often lead to exciting business opportunities worldwide. 

Ultimately, Steve sees industry involvement as a means to gain broad exposure, establish recognition and credibility, and access opportunities that go beyond what any single company can provide. It has been a cornerstone of his career and leadership journey. 

Strategies for Staying Current on Evolving Trends

Steve highlights the importance of staying updated on evolving trends, particularly in the lifestyle and event planning arena. He personally maintains his awareness of trends through various strategies.

First and foremost, he is an avid reader of industry blogs, trade journals, websites, and other relevant sources. He consistently immerses himself in information about trends that impact the event planning, wedding, design, and fashion industries worldwide. Steve recognizes that trends in these different sectors often interconnect and influence one another. For instance, a fashion trend can inspire wedding themes, table linens, and more for personal milestone events.

In addition to staying informed about similar industries, Steve believes it’s crucial to think creatively and explore trends in unrelated fields. Social media is one of the tools he finds particularly valuable for this purpose, as it allows him to discover innovative ideas and trends beyond his immediate industry. 

Essential Qualities and Skills for Success in Event Planning  

Steve emphasizes that a career in event planning and the luxury lifestyle industry requires a unique set of qualities and skills. It’s more than just attending glamorous events; it’s a demanding profession that necessitates a specific skill set and mindset. He highlights several essential qualities and skills that can contribute to success in this industry: 

• Organization: Event planning involves intricate details and timelines. Being highly organized is essential to manage all aspects effectively. 
• Creativity: Creativity is at the heart of designing unique and memorable events. Creative thinking helps in crafting distinctive experiences. 
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital when working with clients, vendors, and team members. Clear and concise communication ensures everyone is on the same page. 
• Networking: Building a strong network is essential in the event planning industry. Networking can lead to valuable connections and opportunities. 
• Multi-Tasking: Event planners often handle multiple tasks simultaneously. The ability to multitask efficiently is crucial to meet deadlines and manage various aspects of an event. 
• Passion: A genuine passion for event planning and creating exceptional experiences can drive dedication and enthusiasm for the job. 
• Adaptability: The event industry is dynamic, and circumstances can change rapidly. Being adaptable allows professionals to handle unexpected challenges gracefully. 
• Detail Orientation: Paying attention to small details ensures that events run smoothly and that clients’ expectations are met. 
• Proficiency in Technology: Technology plays a significant role in event planning, from using event management software to staying updated on industry trends through digital channels. 
• Negotiation and Budgeting: Negotiation skills are crucial for securing favorable contracts with vendors. Budgeting skills help in managing finances efficiently. 

Steve believes that with dedication and a willingness to learn, anyone can aspire to excel in this exciting and demanding industry. Acquiring and honing these skills can pave the way for a successful career in event planning and luxury lifestyle management. 

Engage the Senses and Create Key Moments 

Steve offers valuable advice for those aspiring to curate unique and unforgettable experiences in event planning, wedding planning, or the lifestyle arena: 

• Engage All Five Senses: To create an event that leaves a lasting impression, focus on engaging all five of your guests’ senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Incorporate elements that appeal to these senses, such as visually stunning decor, captivating music, tactile experiences, delicious cuisine, and enticing fragrances. Diverse sensory experiences make events more memorable and immersive. 
• Create Key Moments: Identify and plan key moments during the event that will stand out in guests’ memories. These moments should be well-thought-out and strategically placed throughout the event. Consider surprises, unique entertainment acts, heartfelt speeches, or symbolic rituals that resonate with the theme and purpose of the occasion. 

By prioritizing sensory engagement and crafting memorable moments, event planners and lifestyle curators can ensure that their experiences are not only enjoyable but also leave a lasting impact on attendees, resulting in unforgettable and cherished memories. 

Crafting Exceptional Experiences and Breaking Conventions 

Steve shares two books that have inspired him greatly: 

• “The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted” by Colin Cowie: This book likely offers valuable insights into delivering exceptional customer experiences and exceeding expectations. It aligns with Steve’s philosophy of weaving creativity and uniqueness to craft memorable experiences for his clients. 
• “This Is Not a Fashion Story: Taking Chances, Breaking Rules, and Being a Boss in the Big City” by Danielle Bernstein: This book might provide inspiration for taking chances, breaking conventions, and succeeding in a competitive and creative industry, which resonates with Steve’s career in the lifestyle and event planning field. 

Additionally, Steve’s recognition as the youngest recipient of the Special Event Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to his dedication and passion for his work, reinforcing his commitment to creating exceptional experiences for his clients.  

Please visit: https://stevekemble.com/