About Us

A visionary in event curation and passionate advocate for meaningful connections, Jennifer has spent over 25 years designing experiences that drive impact, foster community and transform lives. As President & CEO of JDC Events, she specializes in crafting purpose-driven events that strengthen your brand, fuel innovation and deliver pivotal moments that accelerate growth.

Jennifer has led transformative experiences across industries, shaping spaces where ideas flourish and relationships thrive. Her expertise has earned her national and local recognition, including JDC Events being ranked among the top event planning firms in the Washington, D.C. region.

An advocate for knowledge-sharing and industry evolution, Jennifer is the author of Events Spark Change: A Guide to Designing Powerful and Engaging Events. She invests in the next generation through involvement and support of her alma mater The American University and holds leadership roles in industry and business organizations including the Events Industry Council, PCMA Legacy Society (Founding Member) and Women’s Business Enterprise Council Greater DMV and Metro NY.

For Jennifer, work and life are seamlessly connected. Whether traveling, hiking, or unwinding on Cape Cod, she finds inspiration in the world around her—always ready to spark new ideas and meaningful conversations.

Business Affiliations & Education

• Vice Chair, Board of Directors—WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV
• Chair, Dean’s Advisory Board—American University School of Communication
• International Women’s Forum (IWF), Washington, D.C.
• WBENC Women’s Enterprise National Forum
• Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)
• Events Industry Council, Governance Commission
• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Legacy Society, Founding Member
• Guest Lecturer—American University
• Bachelor of Arts, Public Communication—American University
• Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth—Executive Education
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
• Author, Events Spark Change: A Guide to Designing Powerful and Engaging Events

Kara Dao, an extreme optimist by nature, excels in her role as Chief Operating Officer (COO). With an unwavering belief in the possibilities, Kara’s approachable and open demeanor instills confidence in both clients and colleagues, helping them achieve their goals. With over 25 years of experience, Kara has an impressive track record, including managing a top-ranking exhibition that grew fivefold within two years. She has successfully led international trade shows, collaborating with remote teams and achieving remarkable profit margins.

Kara’s extensive experience has also provided her with valuable insights into creating innovative show experiences. This includes a proven track record of leading and scaling high-performing teams. With a focus on operational excellence, Kara has implemented innovations and processes that drive collaboration and growth.

Outside of her professional life, Kara finds joy in spending time with her family and nurturing plants. She possesses a talent for cooking and transforming leftovers into delicious creations. Kara holds a degree in psychology from George Mason University. She is certified by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and has earned the prestigious CEM Fellow designation, the first of its kind; as well as certifications in Exhibition Management (CEM) and Digital Event Strategist (DES).

Stephanie Hammond is a seasoned financial executive with more than thirty years of expertise in corporate finance, strategic planning, and operational leadership. As Chief Financial Officer of JDC Events, she drives financial strategy, risk management, and business operations, fueling sustainable growth and maximizing profitability.

With a sharp acumen in consumer products, Stephanie has spearheaded transformative initiatives in financial restructuring, capital allocation, and performance optimization. Prior to joining JDC Events, she held critical financial leadership roles at Kraft Heinz, where she implemented data-driven decision-making on billion-dollar brands, provided strategic financial leadership across sales regions, and optimized financial efficiencies at scale.

A results-driven leader, Stephanie excels at aligning financial strategy with business objectives, enhancing operational excellence. She holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania.

Beyond her professional achievements, Stephanie is deeply committed to serving where she leads a volunteer organization supporting those who are food insecure. She finds energy and inspiration in traveling with her family and spending time outdoors.