St Petersburg Event Planner & Community Builder | Marika Luneau
St Petersburg Event Planner & Community Builder | Marika Luneau
Building Communities & Creating Connections in St. Petersburg
Event organizer and community builder helping nonprofits, businesses, and local organizations bring people together for meaningful impact.
Event organizer and community builder helping nonprofits, businesses, and local organizations bring people together for meaningful impact.
Event organizer and community builder helping nonprofits, businesses, and local organizations bring people together for meaningful impact.

Event Planning & Coordination
From intimate networking gatherings to major fundraising galas, I handle all the details so you can focus on your mission. Services include venue selection, vendor coordination, timeline management, day-of coordination, and post-event follow-up.
Perfect for: Nonprofits, professional associations, businesses launching initiatives

Event Planning & Coordination
From intimate networking gatherings to major fundraising galas, I handle all the details so you can focus on your mission. Services include venue selection, vendor coordination, timeline management, day-of coordination, and post-event follow-up.
Perfect for: Nonprofits, professional associations, businesses launching initiatives

Event Planning & Coordination
From intimate networking gatherings to major fundraising galas, I handle all the details so you can focus on your mission. Services include venue selection, vendor coordination, timeline management, day-of coordination, and post-event follow-up.
Perfect for: Nonprofits, professional associations, businesses launching initiatives

Community Building & Strategy
Whether you're starting from scratch or want to deepen existing connections, I help organizations create genuine community around their mission. This includes strategy development, regular programming, online community management, and relationship nurturing.
Perfect for: Growing organizations, membership groups, mission-driven startups

Community Building & Strategy
Whether you're starting from scratch or want to deepen existing connections, I help organizations create genuine community around their mission. This includes strategy development, regular programming, online community management, and relationship nurturing.
Perfect for: Growing organizations, membership groups, mission-driven startups

Community Building & Strategy
Whether you're starting from scratch or want to deepen existing connections, I help organizations create genuine community around their mission. This includes strategy development, regular programming, online community management, and relationship nurturing.
Perfect for: Growing organizations, membership groups, mission-driven startups

Organizational Support
Behind-the-scenes help with marketing, project coordination, strategic planning, and operational improvements. Perfect for small nonprofits and organizations that need experienced support without a full-time hire.
Perfect for: Small nonprofits, community organizations, social entrepreneurs

Organizational Support
Behind-the-scenes help with marketing, project coordination, strategic planning, and operational improvements. Perfect for small nonprofits and organizations that need experienced support without a full-time hire.
Perfect for: Small nonprofits, community organizations, social entrepreneurs

Organizational Support
Behind-the-scenes help with marketing, project coordination, strategic planning, and operational improvements. Perfect for small nonprofits and organizations that need experienced support without a full-time hire.
Perfect for: Small nonprofits, community organizations, social entrepreneurs
Creating Impact Through Connection
Creating Impact Through Connection
Creating Impact Through Connection
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Events Organized
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Events Organized
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Events Organized
yrs
Experience
yrs
Experience
yrs
Experience
k
$ Raised
k
$ Raised
k
$ Raised
+
People Connected
+
People Connected
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People Connected



Hi, I'm Marika!
With experience spanning startups, coworking spaces, and nonprofits, I've found that what truly energizes me is bringing people together around causes that matter.
I believe the best events aren't just about logistics and vendors. They're about creating genuine connections that drive real impact in the community.
I take time to understand your mission, your people, and your goals, then create experiences that feel authentic to who you are and what you're building. Whether you need someone to plan a fundraising gala, organize ongoing programming, or help build community from the ground up, I handle the details so you can focus on your mission.
Ready to start planning your next event? Download my free Nonprofit Event Planning Toolkit and join our community of St. Petersburg changemakers.
Hi, I'm Marika!
With experience spanning startups, coworking spaces, and nonprofits, I've found that what truly energizes me is bringing people together around causes that matter.
I believe the best events aren't just about logistics and vendors. They're about creating genuine connections that drive real impact in the community.
I take time to understand your mission, your people, and your goals, then create experiences that feel authentic to who you are and what you're building. Whether you need someone to plan a fundraising gala, organize ongoing programming, or help build community from the ground up, I handle the details so you can focus on your mission.
Ready to start planning your next event? Download my free Nonprofit Event Planning Toolkit and join our community of St. Petersburg changemakers.
Building St. Pete's
Purpose-Driven Community 🌟
Building St. Pete's
Purpose-Driven Community 🌟
Building St. Pete's
Purpose-Driven Community 🌟
When I'm not helping organizations bring people together professionally, I'm doing it personally too!
I'm launching Purpose-Driven Professionals St. Pete because I keep meeting incredible nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and mission-driven business owners who are all working in silos.
What we're building together:
Monthly gatherings where genuine connections happen naturally
A community for local change-makers
Conversations about mission and impact
Join us for authentic networking that leads to real friendships and meaningful partnerships.
When I'm not helping organizations bring people together professionally, I'm doing it personally too!
I'm launching Purpose-Driven Professionals St. Pete because I keep meeting incredible nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and mission-driven business owners who are working in silos.
What we're building together:
Monthly gatherings where genuine connections happen naturally
A community for local change-makers
Conversations about mission and impact
Join us for authentic networking that leads to real friendships and meaningful partnerships.
When I'm not helping organizations bring people together professionally, I'm doing it personally too!
I'm launching Purpose-Driven Professionals St. Pete because I keep meeting incredible nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and mission-driven business owners who are all working in silos.
What we're building together:
Monthly gatherings where genuine connections happen naturally
A community for local change-makers
Conversations about mission and impact
Join us for authentic networking that leads to real friendships and meaningful partnerships.
What Makes My Work Stand Out
What Makes My Work Stand Out
What Makes My Work Stand Out

Fresh Perspective
New to St. Pete with big ideas for building authentic community connections.

Fresh Perspective
New to St. Pete with big ideas for building authentic community connections.

Fresh Perspective
New to St. Pete with big ideas for building authentic community connections.

Results That Matter
From $17K fundraisers to 100+ successful events, our experiences have real impact.

Results That Matter
From $17K fundraisers to 100+ successful events, our experiences have real impact.

Results That Matter
From $17K fundraisers to 100+ successful events, our experiences have real impact.

Adaptable & Flexible
I tailor my approach to fit your culture, budget, and goals.

Adaptable & Flexible
I tailor my approach to fit your culture, budget, and goals.

Adaptable & Flexible
I tailor my approach to fit your culture, budget, and goals.

Relationship-Focused
My community building revolves around genuine connections.

Relationship-Focused
My community building revolves around genuine connections.

Relationship-Focused
My community building revolves around genuine connections.

Authentic & Mission-Driven
I bring genuine empathy to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued.

Authentic & Mission-Driven
I bring genuine empathy to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued.

Authentic & Mission-Driven
I bring genuine empathy to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued.

Creative Solutions
I find unique approaches to common challenges - making events memorable and communities thrive.

Creative Solutions
I find unique approaches to common challenges - making events memorable and communities thrive.

Creative Solutions
I find unique approaches to common challenges - making events memorable and communities thrive.

Every Detail Matters
From venue logistics to follow-up thank yous, I handle every aspect of your event so you can focus on connecting with your community.

Every Detail Matters
From venue logistics to follow-up thank yous, I handle every aspect of your event so you can focus on connecting with your community.

Every Detail Matters
From venue logistics to follow-up thank yous, I handle every aspect of your event so you can focus on connecting with your community.
How We Work Together
1
2
3
4
Kickoff & Coffee Chats
I get to know you—your organization, your goals, your community, and your vision. This is where ideas start flowing and we begin planning something meaningful together.

1
2
3
4
Kickoff & Coffee Chats
I get to know you—your organization, your goals, your community, and your vision. This is where ideas start flowing and we begin planning something meaningful together.

1
2
3
4
Kickoff & Coffee Chats
I get to know you—your organization, your goals, your community, and your vision. This is where ideas start flowing and we begin planning something meaningful together.

Why Choose Community-Focused Event Planning?
Why Choose Community-Focused Event Planning?
Other Event Planners
Generic Templates
Generic Templates
Generic Templates
Corporate-Only Focus
Corporate-Only Focus
Corporate-Only Focus
One-Size-Fits-All
One-Size-Fits-All
One-Size-Fits-All
Hidden Fee Surprises
Hidden Fee Surprises
Hidden Fee Surprises
Vendor-Driven Decisions
Vendor-Driven Decisions
Vendor-Driven Decisions
Cookie-Cutter Events
Cookie-Cutter Events
Cookie-Cutter Events
Short-Term Thinking
Short-Term Thinking
Short-Term Thinking
Just Another Gig
Just Another Gig
Just Another Gig
Profit-First Mentality
Profit-First Mentality
Profit-First Mentality
Limited Community Understanding
Limited Community Understanding
Limited Community Understanding
Marika
Custom Experiences
Custom Experiences
Custom Experiences
Mission-Driven Focus
Mission-Driven Focus
Mission-Driven Focus
Tailored Solutions
Tailored Solutions
Tailored Solutions
Personal Investment
Personal Investment
Personal Investment
Values-Based Partnerships
Values-Based Partnerships
Values-Based Partnerships
Transparent Pricing
Transparent Pricing
Transparent Pricing
Authentic Connections
Authentic Connections
Authentic Connections
Impact-First Approach
Impact-First Approach
Impact-First Approach
Long-Term Relationships
Long-Term Relationships
Long-Term Relationships
Deep Community Care
Deep Community Care
Deep Community Care
Versus
Versus
Versus
What Colleagues Say
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"Her skills in event planning are top-notch—she brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a sharp eye for detail to everything she does."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"I can't say enough good things about Marika. She is an absolute joy to work with! Wicked smart, creative, competent and fun to be around."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
Emilio C. Says...
"It’s been a great experience working with someone so passionate about leadership development and community-building."
Social Worker, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Briggs B. Says...
"She brings razor sharp clarity and thoughtful insights. She's the kind of person you can rely on, and I highly recommend working with her."
Social Connection Advocate, Offline
Hosanna Wilder Says...
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marika and can confidently say she’s one of the most talented and reliable professionals I’ve come across."
Community Manager, The Haven Coworking
Joanne Mathews Says...
"We've worked together for almost a year and I'm continually impressed by how adeptly she takes something good and makes it great."
Joanne Mathews Executive Communications
FAQ's
How is event planning different from just booking a venue?
I handle every detail from vendor coordination to day-of management, so you can focus on your mission instead of logistics.
Do you work with organizations of all sizes?
How far in advance should we start planning?
What's included in your event planning services?
Can you help with fundraising strategy, not just the event?
Do you work with remote or hybrid events?
What if our team is skeptical about hiring an event planner?
How is event planning different from just booking a venue?
I handle every detail from vendor coordination to day-of management, so you can focus on your mission instead of logistics.
Do you work with organizations of all sizes?
How far in advance should we start planning?
What's included in your event planning services?
Can you help with fundraising strategy, not just the event?
Do you work with remote or hybrid events?
What if our team is skeptical about hiring an event planner?
How is event planning different from just booking a venue?
I handle every detail from vendor coordination to day-of management, so you can focus on your mission instead of logistics.