The power of creativity.

PRA has trusted that creativity is the foundation of successful business events throughout our company’s 40 year history. Today, on World Creativity + Innovation Day, in the 2021, the  International Year of the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, we are so proud to stand with the UN in celebration of a word that encompasses so much. It can bring joy. It can foster community. It can change the way someone thinks. It can change the world.

A message from Executive Creative Director, Hillary Smith.

Meet our Executive Creative Team! The brains behind the incredible moodboards and events, and experts in our Design Thinking Process.

Home is Where the Heart is: I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO and now call South Florida home.

Where do you find creative inspiration? Travel, Reading, Festivals, B to C Marketing Events

What’s an event you’d love to design? Coachella

Hillary’s Favorite Creativity Quote: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” ~Albert Einstein

Home is Where the Heart is: Born and raised in Florida!

Ashley’s Design Training: Graduated from Florida State University’s ultra-competitive Interior Design with a Bachelor of Arts (CIDA accredited). She studied abroad in Italy, then Turkey, Croatia, and Greece. Back stateside, Ashley had internships in multiple interior design firms and social event companies before landing in the DMC world.

What is one of the most creative things you’ve seen lately? Danish Architect, Bjarke Ingels’ Houseboat. He transformed an old ferryboat into a floating mansion, called “Billy Goat Gruff” I thought it was incredibly unique and creative!

What is an event you’d love to design? We just recently developed an Immersive Theater Concept at an iconic historic venue (Dinah Shore’s House). The concept is guests getting immediately transformed back in time with a storyline that unfolds throughout the evening. I get so excited about these immersive experiences. I want to write the story/script, style the characters, pick the setting and watch the evening unfold – ultimately ending in a party where everyone is dressed in period clothes!

Home is Where the Heart is: Born in Franklin, Ohio, and am now a California girl!

Alicia’s Design Training:  I am self-taught but have been in the art and design world my whole life, starting as a dancer. That creativity continued into my career as the owner of Alicia Kingsley Design and as I found my way to event design.

Where do you find creative inspiration? Living internationally and my travels

What’s an event you’d love to design? The Oscars Governor’s Ball

Home is Where the Heart is: I am originally from New Jersey, but I really grew up in Franklin, Tennessee

Creativity Quote: I love to dream really, really big, but I have to bring myself back down to earth sometimes. I love this quote from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, “She’s trés jolie, but is she seaworthy?” Meaning, it’s beautiful, but will it float? Can it get the job done? Is it the total package?

Amy’s Design Training I have been an artist my entire life, but my degree is in Art History and Cultural Anthropology. I have been professionally designing events since 2010 and designing events for PRA since 2014.

What is one of the most creative things you’ve seen lately? I will forever be obsessed with Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach, FL. It’s an art projection festival that takes digital art from around the world and projects it in technicolor on the all-white cement houses of Alys Beach.  I’ve attended for the past 3 years (year 4 is coming up next month!) and it’s amazing and so immersive—a complete color explosion. I’ve pitched versions of it in my proposals for years and always find myself going back to it for inspiration.

What’s an event you’d love to design? I have always wanted to help decorate the White House for Christmas and also work on one of the floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade. I’d also love to design events for SXSW or Coachella.

Home is Where the Heart is: Born in Malvern, AR, and now live in Nashville, TN!

Kristi’s Design Training: Everything I have learned over my 30+ year career has been from “on the ground experience.” While I have a degree in Elementary Education, my degree in events is a Working Woman’s PHD. Being in a creative hot bed of the country’s most talented performers, writers, producers, choreographers, set and lighting designers and musicians gave me the opportunity hone my live event chops with the best. 

Creative Mentors: Everyone from Colin Cowie to the union guy that runs the curtains at the Grand Ole Opry House.  I will never be able to thank them all.

Fun Fact: Kristi has a recording contract and worked with the top concert producers in the world!

Creativity Quote: “Logic will get you from A to Z.  Imagination will take you everywhere.” ~Albert Einstein.

Ready to plan your event with our creative powerhouse team? Contact us now!