Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Haynes.
Hi Zoe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
OUR STORY
2007
-Platinum XP (formerly Platinum KC) started in 2007 as a DJ business focused on weddings. What began as a side gig for owners Courtney and Kris Nardini—while Kris was also a high school biology teacher—quickly grew into a full-scale live event production and AV company. Over the past 19 years, we’ve grown into a nationally recognized leader in delivering unforgettable, high-impact event experiences.
2019
-Along the way, we’ve experienced incredible growth—not just in size but in how we approach the industry. During the pandemic, while the industry faced significant challenges, we used the time to reimagine how we could grow and better serve our clients. We embraced new technology, expanded our warehouse, and built two state-of-the-art production studios that became the go-to spots for virtual and hybrid events. These investments helped us earn the trust of high-profile clients and continue pushing forward.
2021
-This momentum fueled our biggest shift yet: we transitioned from being an AV-focused company to becoming a full-service event planning and production agency. With that shift, we rebranded to focus on our core mission: delivering next-level experiences (“XP”) in everything we do. Over time, our team has more than doubled, and today, we proudly employ full-time experts in each of our five divisions: Planning & Logistics, Audio/Visual & Stage Design, Large Format Print Graphics, Media & Content Creation, and Fabrication Services. By keeping these services in-house, PXP fosters strong collaboration and creative alignment ensuring high-quality results for every aspect of an event.
2025
-Today, Platinum XP is leading the way in modern event planning and production. We’re all about challenging industry norms and setting new standards for innovative, high-quality experiences. Our growth is a testament to our ability to adapt, innovate, and push boundaries. PXP isn’t just growing—it’s thriving—and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining challenge for the event industry, bringing live gatherings to a sudden halt and creating widespread uncertainty about when in-person experiences would return. Many event companies were forced to downsize or close their doors entirely, but Platinum XP took a different approach—one that prioritized its people and positioned the company for long-term success.
Instead of cutting costs by reducing staff, PXP owners Kris and Courtney Nardini made a bold decision: they invested in their team. They chose to retain 100% of their staff throughout the pandemic. This commitment to their people not only safeguarded jobs but also preserved the company’s deep well of expertise and culture.
During the height of the pandemic, Platinum XP adapted by pivoting to digital events and renting out its space for private projects, such as music video shoots. These creative solutions kept the business active while allowing the team to stay engaged and ready for the industry’s return.
By 2022, demand for in-person events surged once again. Because PXP had retained its full team, the company was uniquely positioned to meet this demand immediately, without the hiring challenges that many competitors faced. Today, Platinum XP remains fully staffed with over 30 full-time employees, a testament to the company’s resilience, strategic foresight, and unwavering belief in its people.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Platinum XP?
Platinum XP is a full-service planning and production agency specializing in designing and executing next-level events.
At Platinum XP, we’ve built a team of over 30 full-time experts who live and breathe events—planners, producers, AV techs, media creatives, fabricators, and more—who can build your vision from the ground up. Everything’s in-house. Nothing gets lost. And you get one powerhouse team that moves as one.
We don’t do cookie-cutter. We design bold experiences that demand attention and deliver impact. By tapping into our team’s diverse skill sets and embracing deep collaboration, we create tailored solutions that elevate every moment. We push boundaries, solve creatively, and never overlook the details, ensuring every project reflects our relentless commitment to excellence.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Our company is a big fan of BizBash – a leading resource for meeting and event professionals looking to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news, get inspired, learn something new, and expand their network.
Our company also writes a blog giving readers an inside look at how Platinum XP brings unforgettable experiences to life—sharing expert event insights, behind-the-scenes details from our latest projects, and a glimpse into the people and passion that drive our team.
Link: https://www.platinumxp.com/backstage
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.platinumxp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platinum.xp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/platinumxpmeetingsandevents
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/platinumxpmeetingsandevents/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Platinum_XP
- Other: https://vimeo.com/929584802/7bdbf04631?ts=0&share=copy
