About
There are events, and then there are experiences
The Grant Access (TGA) is a full service provider of experience design and event execution, guaranteeing that your next event will make a lasting impression. Our goal is to flawlessly implement your vision with creativity, professionalism, and most importantly, make things easier for you.
From our office in New Jersey, we have efficiently managed events spanning the globe from Washington, DC and New Orleans, Louisiana to Nairobi, Kenya and Prague, Czech Republic.
We work closely with our clients from conception to completion, with an attention to detail that results in flawless execution of your event experience for all attendees, including sponsors and organization representatives. Our specialization is in corporate and non profit event planning and logistical execution. The Grant Access includes a team of master negotiators. We leave no stone unturned from vendor research to last minute client requests. We understand that your attendees are your highest priority and in our duty to serve you, we are also providing them with a stellar experience.
Through TGA’s collaborative approach, it has built a vast network of vendors with which they are able to negotiate in order to maximize value for clients at all budget levels. Our team is attentive to the needs of our clients, taking a hands-on approach in understanding and ultimately executing their vision.
Founded by Lauren Grove over 10 years ago, The Grant Access is a certified Minority/Women Business Enterprise and has multiple certifications from the Event Leadership Institute.
Meet Our Team
Lauren Grant Grove
Chief Experience Architect
Lauren curates memorable experiences for her clients, ranging from professional conferences and galas to trade shows like Essence Festival and celebrity events. With high profile clientele and sponsorships including the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), Goldman Sachs, the United States Tennis Association, FOX, REVOLT TV, Diageo, Merck and Cantu Beauty, The Grant Access’ impressive and highly satisfied portfolio of clients are a testament to Lauren’s commitment to cultivating a memorable, five-star experience.
The Grant Access, founded in 2014 is the manifestation of over 17 years of event planning experience and innovation for brands. Prior to making the leap to turning her passion into purpose, and events into experiences, Lauren began her career in marketing research and sales before transitioning into the advertising industry. Lauren’s exemplary service acumen comes from a 10 year career in media and advertising.
Lauren is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a MBA with a concentration in marketing.
Sharia P. Barlow
Project Manager
An Atlanta native, by way of Philadelphia, Sharia has always had a calling for coordinating and executing events; big and small. Sharia has excelled her career planning events throughout the United States and internationally. She has been the lead planner and designer for several experiences hosted by Hennessy, Land Rover and Jaguar, The Professional Football Players Mothers Association during Super Bowl XXXVII and the 2009 & 2010 National Football League’s Pro Bowls, and The Red Hatters Society National Annual Conference. As evidenced by her career journey, Sharia’s ability to deliver impactful, trendy, and memorable experiences, she has been included in an exclusive cohort of professionals to be endorsed at luxury hotel properties as a preferred event planner.
Sharia has been an immeasurable resource in project management for The Grant Access, managing budgets, event design, staging and overall execution.
Johnny Marshall
Research Assistant
Johnny Marshall, professional freelance event planner, originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Previously, he’s worked within Top Industry Companies such Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Hotels, alongside creating collaborative experiences with Non – Profit organizations in Central Florida, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He holds a bachelors in Event Management from the Rosen College of Hospitality at the University of Central Florida, and is currently receiving his Masters of Business Administration.
Mr. Marshall is a true innovator and he aspires to utilize his critical eye for detail and flair for creativity, to create experiences that progressively move society forward.“
Lauren F. Grove
Founder & Chief Experience Architect
As TGA’s Chief Experience Architect, Lauren has orchestrated single event budgets of $5M+ and 20,000+ guests, bringing dynamic leadership and flawless execution to every experience. After a successful career in marketing research and sales at Nielsen and top global ad agencies, she founded The Grant Access in 2014. Her vast knowledge and experience has propelled her to the forefront of corporate and nonprofit event management. Lauren is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University with a bachelor’s in Business Administration and an MBA.
Sharia P. Barlow
Creative Director & Chief Operating Officer
An Atlanta native by way of Philadelphia, Sharia launched her event career as a grad student, producing campus-wide events for 40,000+ students. She has since led global, high-profile events for brands like Hennessy, Land Rover, Jaguar, and NFL partners, and is included in an exclusive cohort with preferred planner status at luxury properties including the Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, and JW Marriott. She holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Florida A&M University and MEd from Florida State University.
Dominique Crawford
Client Services & Sales Administrator
Dominique oversees projects from planning through execution with energy, enthusiasm, and precision, leveraging her sharp organizational and problem- solving skills to ensure that every event is a success,. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Florida A&M University, as well as a master’s degree in Global Merchandising and Product Development from Florida State University.
Johnny Marshall
Senior Experience Architect
Johnny holds a bachelor’s degree in Event Management from the University of Central Florida, and is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration. His event experience spans industries, from hospitality at Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Hotels, to nonprofits such as the NAACP. With a keen eye for detail and flair for creativity, Johnny strives to create experiences that progressively move society forward.
Erin Moses
Senior Experience Architect
Erin brings a strong background in administration and customer service to high-level project management. With her experience in the entertainment industry facilitating artist contracts and performances and her passion for interior design, she saw an opportunity to combine her expertise – blending precision and creativity to curate unforgettable events.
Brittany Jennings
Experience Architect
Brittany is an experienced Event Manager from Washington, DC, with 15+ years of experience, she has a proven track record of producing high-profile conferences, fashion events, and large-scale gatherings. Now based in the New York metro area, she brings a calm, organized approach to complex programs, partnering closely with clients to elevate their vision and deliver seamless execution.
Tiffany Guthrie
Senior Decor Lead
Tiffany is creative, passionate, and organized. She’s worked in the event industry for over 15 years, and her distinctive style and passion for transforming any space, has helped her make a name for herself in the event industry. She holds a bachelor’s in Communications from Alabama A&M University and an Executive MBA from Kennesaw State University.
Corey Speights
Director of Audio/Visual
Corey Speights is a tech savvy professional with over a decade of experience in the audiovisual field. His areas of expertise includes, corporate presentation, digital network production, event sound / lighting, and consultation. Corey has also produced and directed for three major television networks: ESPN, FOX, and FloSports.
Samiayah Crowder
Experience Architect
Samiayah brings 20+ years of experience in sales, leadership, and business development across global markets – playing a key role in producing events for the MTV Music Awards, Mars Wrigley, The Newark Museum of Art, and Newark Symphony Hall. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees from FIT in Fashion Marketing & Management and Jewelry Design.
Brianna Harmon
Talent Management
Bri has produced events and content for REVOLT TV, Baller Alert, and BET, creating impactful in-person and virtual experiences that unite hundreds of women and vendors. A West Palm Beach native, she’s a Florida A&M University graduate in Broadcast Journalism and began her career as an intern at Epic Records.
Julie Nguyen
Lead Creative Designer
Julie is a culturally savvy creative who is passionate about building brands. From strategy to creative direction, she’s led multi-channel marketing campaigns across diverse industries, helping organizations navigate complex issues, and identify creative solutions to help them reach their goals. She holds a B.S. in Business and Marketing and M.S. in Urban Policy Analysis and Management.
Mia Scott Aime
Aime PR - Lead PR & Media Liaison
Mia is a seasoned communications professional with 15+ years of experience building high-impact press events—from red carpets and premieres to press conferences and media activations. Having led media relations at Paramount/BET, Nielsen, Edelman, and her consultancy, Aime PR, she pairs deep media relationships with expert execution to deliver seamless, story-driven moments.