About
There are events, and then there are experiences
The Grant Access (TGA) is a full service provider of experience design and 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 meeting 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 members 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. Lauren and team are attentive to the needs of their clients, taking a hands-on approach in understanding and ultimately executing their vision.
Founded by Lauren Grant Grove, The Grant Access is a certified Minority/Women Business Enterprise of New York City and has a certification in Virtual Meeting & Event Planning and Pandemic Meeting & Event Design 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.“