Our Approach
Our Story
Our Story
As a Long Island native, owner John Kowalenko definitely took notice when the landscape of events on the East End began changing. No longer just an area for high-end private affairs and weddings, the market for corporate and non-profit events was growing. The Hamptons were becoming a place to “see & be seen” and organizations were definitely taking notice.
As co-owner of Art of Eating Catering, this shift meant there was a need for a distinct company to manage event production beyond the smaller, social scale. By developing his own company, John knew he would be able to better service certain clients and their event production challenges, beyond catering. And so, Hampton Event Management was born.
Meet the Owner
John -JK- Kowalenko
With a passion for making things happen - John Kowalenko is the driving force behind all of Hampton Event Management's creative events. John has been producing events both here in the Hamptons and on a national scale for most of his life. A consummate problem-solver and event innovator, countless East End organizations rely on him for his event planning expertise, attention to detail, the extraordinary energy and the “wow” factor he brings to each event he produces.
He serves on the Board of Directors for the East Hampton Food Pantry and is committed to protecting the beauty of Long Island and it's surrounding waters. When he’s not running some of the largest events in the Hamptons – you’ll find him surfing the waves off of Montauk Point.
As a Long Island teen, JK's first project was held at a local Knights of Columbus; featuring live music, a surfing film and fully catered food. Eventually becoming a weekly celebration for the community, this 1971 foray into production had John hooked. Since those younger days, John has helped develop several wildly successful annual events and fundraisers such as All for the East End, The Great Food Truck Derby, Ladles of Love and The Hampton's Social Concert Series @ Ross and was one of the first promoters to realize the value of product placement.
John is known in his social circles as a trendsetter and forward thinker; his celebrations professional, exciting, socially-aware and always events to remember!
