VBE Spotlight on: Barnwell Events

Shon Barnwell Events

Shon Barnwell Events was founded in 2014 by Shon Barnwell.

Shon Barnwell Events, founded by the esteemed Shon Barnwell, infuses over 25 years of military precision and logistics into creating unmatched event experiences worldwide, specializing in serving government, military, corporate, and private entities. Rooted in a commitment to operational excellence, every event is meticulously crafted to be memorable, aligning style and grace with strategic planning and customization, ensuring every detail resonates with the client's needs and budget. The team, led by Shon herself, brings together a rich tapestry of industry expertise, offering a single-source consultancy that safeguards your event with transparent, itemized costings and a powerhouse of logistical and event management prowess. In every endeavor, Shon Barnwell Events epitomizes excellence, ensuring each occasion is not just executed, but is crafted to create an enduring, impeccable experience for all attendees.

Learn more about Shon Barnwell Events by visiting their website at www.barnwellevents.com

About the Business - Where Excellence Begins

What services do you provide?

"We provide event management, conference and workshop management, leadership and workforce development training, and travel support. Our network includes 40+ vendors."

Who are your primary customers?

"Our primary customers are government agencies, public companies, and private clients."

When and how did you start your business?

"I started my event management company in 2014. I bootstrapped my company to provide professional, engaging, and memorable experiences for clients and their guests. To date, I have launched 300+ successful conferences, workshops, and special events, and delighted more than 35,000 people!"

Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change

What were some of the challenges in starting your business?

"My greatest start-up challenge was being confident in my vision for excellence and realizing that every customer was not for me."

What is the key to the success of your business?

"The willingness to go my own way! Be okay with delivering a quick "no" and a slow "yes""

What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?

"Don't be afraid to ask for help and ensure you are properly pricing your services."

What pitfalls should they avoid?

"Avoiding self-care. #YouMatter"

What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA Community?

"I leverage my expertise from reshaping Air Force organizations on five continents to develop and deliver premier workshops that enhance workplace collaborations, boost employee engagement, and increase leadership confidence.

I am a passionate military retiree who excels in strategic planning, human capital management, management reengineering, and process improvement with a keen focus on people, profit and workplace culture.

As an advisor for leadership and workforce development, I am a champion of organizational and employee engagement, committed to creating high-performing and resilient teams that thrives and leads with AIR: Action, Impact, and Results. My interactive workshops are in high demand and greatly praised!

I have created insightful and impactful employee-centric programming, bringing employee needs to the forefront while driving positive culture, diversity and inclusion, and continuous learning initiatives."

Service information

Branch:

United States Air Force

Service Years:

1988-2014

Highest Rank Attained:

Chief Master Sergeant (E-9)

Why did you join the military?

"To pursue new opportunities and be impactful!"

Military Occupation:

"Management Re-Engineering (Process Improvement), Human Resource Management, and Logistics"

Any significant military achievements / experience you would like to mention?

"During my final tours of duty at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, I was jointly responsible for all matters affecting morale, welfare, resiliency, retention, recruitment, and readiness of more than 71,000 service members. I managed complex special projects, advised senior leaders, expanded internal and external collaborations, and devised solutions to challenges while maintaining compliance to execute organizational goals over 48 states and 6 countries.

Awards and Recognition:

- 2011 Recipient, Headquarters USAFE/A1 Lance P. Sijan United States Air Force Leadership Award

- 2007 Winner, Air Combat Command Manpower and Organization Installation Level SNCO of Year

- 2004 Winner, Air Force Special Operations Command Manpower and Organization Installation Level SNCO of Year

- 2003 Winner, 347th Rescue Wing Honor Guard Esprit de Corps Award

- 2002 Awarded, Magna Cum Laude distinction from Park University

- 1995 Nominated, White House Communications Agency (WHCA) Presidential Support Team Member

- 1991 Selected, “Below the Zone” promotion to Senior Airman

- 1989 Honor Graduate, Air Force Basic Military Training School"

Biography/Fun Facts

• In 10 Years, you see yourself?

"I will have deliverd impactful leadership and training development workshops across national and international platforms."

• What do you do to relax?

"Travel"

• What artist are on your favorite playlist?

"Gregory Porter, Jonathan Butler, Incognito, Brian Culbertson, Joe Sample, and Jessye Norman"