Award-winning special events executive, event planning strategist and experiential marketing expert are just some of the words that describe Heather Ferdinand Gonzales. Heather is the Operations Director at IntheNola.com, a media conglomerate, with companies in the photography, media, and event planning landscape. As the founder and CEO of Laissez Faire, LLC, an event production company under the IntheNola umbrella, Heather provides high-level marketing and event planning expertise to a diverse suite of clients across the U.S. including the National Fried Chicken Festival, Essence Festival, Live Nation, La Fete du Rose, NBA All-Star, the Voodoo Music Experience, and Camille Rose Naturals among others. Specializing in design, logistical planning, and brand management, Heather focuses on optimizing her clients’ experiences while curating budget-conscious events that include large-scale festivals, concerts, corporate, and luxury events.
A two-time graduate of Florida Atlantic University having received both her undergraduate and MBA in Business Administration with a concentration in International Marketing, Heathers always brings a fresh, innovative perspective, and skilled eye for design to every project. She is also the Senior Event Specialist for OMRents, where she assists clients with executing their vision, identifying rental needs, and day-of project management tasks to maintain event set-up schedule. Additionally, Heather serves as the production liaison at Loyola University of New Orleans, leading all film production and scouting needs on behalf of the university. A native New Orleanian, Heather produces unforgettable events, each displaying its unique sense of style.
When not traveling across the globe sharing her event marketing expertise, Heather enjoys spending time with her family and drinking a glass of Belaire Lux Brut. The loves of her life are Jeff, LaTesha, Jaahi, Gabe and Aurora. A native New Orleanian and an advocate of all things fitness, she enjoys biking, Zumba and strength training. She is also a certified Doula, encouraging and nurturing expectant mothers throughout the region.
