Richard Williams (Founder and Principal)

Richard Williams is an award-winning event producer who has been creating memorable events in Chicago for over 25 years.

Richard entered the exciting world of events in 1989, working the media check-in desk at the opening of Oprah Winfrey’s restaurant, The Eccentric. 300,000 envelope licks later, he still loves what he does.  

Richard’s career has landed him in the worlds of public relations, marketing, catering, corporate events, not-for-profit fundraising and academia. These varied backgrounds, combined with degrees in music and theater, allow him to not only manage all components of any special event with ease, but to also bring a level of creativity not often seen in events.

Immediately prior to creating RWE, Richard was the Director of Special Events at Loyola University Chicago where, for 13 years, he and his team produced 50-75 events a year. Originally responsible for events relating only to Advancement efforts, under Richard’s direction the team widened their scope to include other major university events including 11 building openings and dedications, Commencement, Freshman Convocation, Alumni Weekend, Founders’ Dinner, Board of Trustee events, and all high profile visitors to the university, including Robert Kennedy, Jr., Doris Kearns Goodwin and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  While at Loyola, Richard and his team won a CASE Gold award for Loyola’s “Partner” campaign launch and were nominated for both Special Event Gala and BizBash awards.  

Prior to Loyola, he handled all special events for The Joffrey Ballet, producing their first 1-million-dollar-net gala. A product of the “I fell into this” school of events, Richard has worked in everything from catering to PR and marketing to corporate, non-profit and higher ed . Richard’s varied background allows him to view events though many eyes and bring a level of “show” to every event he produces.