Tammy Dickerson, CMP
Founder and CEO, tbg Events
Based in: Los Angeles
How I got here: I’m a firm believer that dreams can be conceived pretty much anywhere, especially if your passion rules over fear. One day in my dining room, I connected the dots that had been planted during my 11-year successful career as corporate event planner for the Coca-Cola Co. Pure and simple hospitality was the glue that led me to conceive The Baker Group (TBG), now known as tbg Events. My desire to design and curate impactful experiences propelled me to take that leap of faith to leave corporate America and launch tbg Events.
I knew that a boutique agency focused on personal connections and outstanding results would be our foundation. From day one, we recognized the uniqueness in our corporate, entertainment and nonprofit clients. We celebrated our 20-year anniversary in 2020 and rebranded under our new name, tbg Events! I do not do this alone. My amazing team of event professionals design, plan and execute impactful event experiences with the utmost level of professionalism and logistical precision. After countless corporate events, multiday conferences, brand activations, music festivals, galas and private soirees, we know the best is yet to come!
Greatest career accomplishment: One of my greatest accomplishments was being featured in Black Enterprise magazine as a top minority business owner and LASSO’s Top Women in Events in 2020.
A specific improvement I’ve made: I knew when I launched tbg Events it was about leaving a legacy and helping others. Mentoring is one of the most powerful and rewarding things I do. Supporting and providing guidance to future generations and event professionals gives me great satisfaction in just simply giving back.
What I do outside of work: I am an active member in our industry as a former board member of the MPI Southern California Chapter and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). I am also a co-founder of The Black Table, a collective dedicated to elevating the presence of Black event professionals in the hospitality industry. I pride myself on being a ‘mompreneur’ and avid cyclist.
What I'd tell my younger self: To start building your career skills as early as possible. Being strategic and purposeful is the difference between having a successful career and just getting a job. By your sophomore year in college, start really thinking about your future and building internships. Make sure to consider opportunities that build on each other, giving you more skills and making you more valuable. Know what you are worth. It’s OK to dream big—however, make sure you have a well-defined path on how to achieve that dream.