I'm Tammy Fernos, a lifelong creative spirit with a passion for curating unforgettable experiences. I began my journey in event design and management, drawn to how ideas can transform into moments that inspire.

My background is a blend of strategic planning, hands-on design, and storytelling, honed over years of creating large-scale events, immersive experiences, and trade show exhibits. My mission? To leave a mark, spark curiosity, and always push the envelope!

The idea of building worlds that didn’t exist before has always fascinated me. Creativity allows me to step beyond the ordinary, and I found myself naturally inclined to it.

Whether it was crafting elaborate childhood stories or designing intricate spaces, it’s the thrill of seeing something abstract come to life that pulled me into this world. Being a creative is like having a superpower, and I’m all about embracing that magic!

As an Events Manager, my role is all about orchestrating events that leave a lasting impression. I manage everything from concept development to execution, ensuring that each detail aligns with the vision.

I work closely with designers, vendors, and stakeholders to create experiences that don’t just meet expectations, but exceed them. I’m currently leading a team of creative professionals, including a senior exhibit designer, to produce trade show exhibits and other large-scale events. My day-to-day is a mix of strategy, design, and a lot of teamwork.

Creativity is the ability to see the world not as it is, but as it could be. It’s about problem-solving in a way that doesn’t just tick boxes but adds value, beauty, and emotion.

To me, creativity is about curiosity and the drive to innovate, whether it's designing an event layout, crafting a memorable experience, or finding a unique way to solve a challenge.

A creative idea is one that evokes emotion and leaves a mark long after the experience is over. It has to be bold, authentic, and thoughtful. Whether it’s through innovative design, unexpected interactions, or seamless storytelling, the idea should connect with people on a deeper level.

The best creative work finds a balance between function and imagination—it’s not just about looking good; it’s about making people feel something.

My process begins with a deep dive into understanding the “why” behind the project. What’s the story we’re telling? What emotions do we want people to leave with? Once the vision is clear, I start sketching ideas and mapping out logistics.

I love collaboration, so I involve my team early on to brainstorm and refine concepts. From there, it’s about turning ideas into actionable steps—iterating, testing, and adjusting until the concept becomes reality.

My favorite part has to be the moment when an idea shifts from concept to something tangible. That transition from abstract brainstorming to seeing it come to life is pure magic!

I also love the collaborative energy that happens when a team clicks—when everyone is pushing the boundaries and contributing their best ideas.

I’d describe my style as immersive and story-driven. I believe that great design should not only look good but also tell a story and create a full sensory experience.

I like to play with contrasts—minimalism meets bold statements—and I’m always searching for that unique element that surprises people and makes the experience unforgettable.

Absolutely! Growing up in a multicultural environment has given me a rich tapestry of perspectives to draw from. It taught me to embrace diversity, both in people and in design.

Whether it’s the vibrancy of festivals or the intimacy of smaller cultural traditions, I draw inspiration from the variety and depth of these experiences when designing my events.

Thank you so much! Winning the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards is an incredible honor that highlights not just the creative vision but also the dedication of the entire team.

For our company, this recognition means that our work stands out on a global platform, affirming that the innovative experiences we create resonate with audiences and push industry boundaries. One project, in particular, the University of Miami's Exhibit at eMerge Americas, encapsulates the spirit of what we aim to achieve—bold, dynamic, and immersive design that communicates a strong narrative.

This award underscores our ability to tackle complex challenges, like seamlessly integrating high-tech elements into a cohesive story, and it’s a testament to the collaborative synergy within our team. The recognition reinforces our position as leaders in the creative space and motivates us to continue delivering impactful, memorable experiences​.

The project we submitted for the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards was the University of Miami Exhibit at eMerge Americas. This exhibit was a standout for us due to its bold, immersive design and its ability to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology with a compelling narrative of innovation.

The centerpiece was a massive, angled "U" logo, suspended above the exhibit space, creating a dynamic and eye-catching focal point. The exhibit featured custom kiosks illuminated with vibrant LED lighting in the University’s signature colors, showcasing a wide array of student-led research projects.

A video wall brought the University’s innovation story to life, engaging attendees with the breadth of their research and technological advancements.

We chose this project because it encapsulated everything we strive for: innovative design, technical excellence, and the ability to create a memorable experience despite challenges.

The complexity of integrating multiple monitors, lighting, and graphics into a cohesive design, especially with last-minute changes, made this a particularly rewarding project. It was the perfect representation of our team’s creativity and expertise.

The biggest challenge with the University of Miami Exhibit at eMerge Americas was managing the last-minute changes to the list of research projects while ensuring the exhibit remained cohesive and impactful.

We had to design a space that was flexible enough to accommodate a wide array of projects, all while maintaining the University’s brand identity and delivering a unified experience. Another key challenge was the integration of the Monolith Kiosk, which needed to seamlessly blend multiple monitors, lighting, and graphic elements without compromising the aesthetic.

Balancing the technical complexities with the exhibit's overall design was a delicate task, but our team’s collaboration and creativity allowed us to pull it off successfully​.

Winning this award has not only elevated my profile within the industry but also opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth. It’s helped to validate my work and gives me even more confidence to pursue bigger, more ambitious projects.

It’s also been a great morale booster for my team, reaffirming that our hard work and creativity are making an impact.

1) The constant evolution—there’s always something new to learn or experiment with.

2) The blend of creativity and logistics—you get to flex both sides of your brain.

3) The impact—you get to create moments that leave a lasting impression on people.

My country is a melting pot of cultures, which gives us a unique edge in the creative industry. The diversity of traditions, perspectives, and artistic influences allows for fresh, unexpected ideas to flourish. It’s an environment where creativity isn’t just encouraged—it’s part of the fabric of who we are.

I see the creative industry becoming even more immersive, with technology playing a huge role in bridging the gap between physical and digital experiences.

Personalization will be key, as audiences crave unique, tailored experiences. We’re also moving toward a more sustainable and socially conscious creative process, where the environmental and societal impact of design becomes just as important as aesthetics.

Be curious, stay humble, and never stop experimenting. The creative industry rewards those who think outside the box, but it’s important to also stay grounded and be open to learning from others.

Don’t be afraid of failure—sometimes the best ideas come from the things that didn’t work at first.

Podcasts like Creative Pep Talk are a great source of inspiration. Books like Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon can give you new perspectives. And never underestimate the power of networking—events, workshops, and online communities can be gold mines for both learning and collaboration.

I often dream of writing a book about all the wild, behind-the-scenes moments that happen in the events world. It’s a blend of chaos and creativity that’s ripe for storytelling!

My biggest inspiration is my grandmother. She taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and always staying curious. Her stories, creativity, and strength shaped me into who I am today.

My key to success is persistence. Creativity can be challenging, but those who keep pushing forward, even when things get tough, are the ones who make a lasting impact.

My advice: Don’t be afraid to take risks, trust your instincts, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.

I’d just like to say thank you to the entire team behind the MUSE Creative Awards for this incredible honor. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do—creativity truly has the power to change the world!