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Life & Work with John Hanks Jr of Pennsylvania

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Hanks Jr.

Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I founded Make It Happen Events in 2001 after more than a decade of experience in the events industry. Starting as an intern working on a statewide conference, I went on to serve as the Director of Catering at the Penn Harris Convention Center, and Rental Manager at the Zembo Shrine, learning many facets of the profession. My passion for events, creative problem solving, and organizational skills, have given me the tools to create amazing projects. I am a founding Board member of the Lower Paxton Community Foundation, Chairman of the Mr. PA Football Foundation, member of the Dauphin County Heroes Grove committee, former Board member of the local Habitat for Humanity, and Vice President of the Penbrook Historical Society.

I love live events, bringing people together, and creating memories.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is never smooth and we learn more from challenges than successes.
Simply surviving through the pandemic was a major accomplishment.
And each challenges has brought experience and wisdom to apply to future events.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Events are mainly about logistics: what, where, when and how to get something done. That is the foundation for success. On top of that foundation is the opportunity to bring creativity to a project, to help a client achieve their goals. We are able to apply our 25 years of experience in creative ways to each project.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Central PA is my lifelong home. The natural beauty, the generosity and hospitality of our neighbors make it a wonderful place to live and work.

Pricing:

  • We provide customized services for each event. We can Produce the entire project, handle just one piece, or provide hourly consulting.

Contact Info:

Crowd of people at outdoor market with tents, trees, and buildings in background, sunny day.

Group of people sitting on a stage with football helmets in front, a trophy, and a small framed picture, with a dark curtain background.

Group of people holding various national flags outdoors, with trees and buildings in the background.

Outdoor event with tents, people, and vehicles in a green park area, trees in the background.

People seated around a large U-shaped table in a decorated room with arched windows and curtains.

Group of people planting a tree outdoors with American flags in the background, on a sunny day.

People gather outside a building with red awnings and colorful clothing displays on a city sidewalk.

Large banquet hall filled with seated guests at round tables, warm lighting, and chandeliers, during an event or conference.

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