Kristen Garvin Podell is the founder of KGP Event Group and a distinguished leader in global event design, strategic engagements, and protocol.

She operates within the most discerning circles of academic, government, and global partnership, curating and executing engagements where precision, discretion, and sophistication are essential. With experience leading high-level initiatives, she orchestrates experiences for senior government officials, policy leaders, and international dignitaries.

Renowned for her ability to translate institutional vision into impeccably executed experiences, Kristen approaches each engagement with a quiet authority and uncompromising standard of excellence.  Her expertise spans advance security coordination, executive-level logistics, and the nuanced art of protocol, delivering moments that unfold seamlessly and every guest experience is both intentional and elevated.

Her work has taken her across five continents, where she has designed and delivered engagements in high-stakes environments, bringing a global perspective and cultural fluency that informs every detail.

With over two decades immersed in luxury hospitality and international event management, Kristen brings a rare blend of strategic insight, operational precision, and refined sensibility.  She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and a trained Protocol Officer through the Protocol School of Washington, credentials that reflect her mastery of both the technical and ceremonial dimensions of her craft.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Ball State University.

Through KGP Event Group, Kristen partners with select clientele to create bespoke, purpose-driven experiences defined by elegance, intention, and lasting impact.  Every detail is considered, every interaction is curated, and excellence is the standard.