Podcast Summary: "The Fenimore Lane Summit Effect: Creating Events That People Feel with Sarah True"

Podcast: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
Host: Ariel Okin
Guest: Sarah True
Date: January 29, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode explores the art of event design and hospitality with renowned planner Sarah True, founder of True Event and creator of hundreds of memorable weddings, corporate gatherings, and wellness retreats. Ariel Okin and Sarah dive deep into the process of crafting experiences that go beyond aesthetics, focusing on emotional resonance, community-building, and the personal and professional evolution that guides Sarah’s career.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sarah True’s Design Philosophy & Career Path

• Three Words to Describe Her Style: Warm, intentional, elevated. (03:04)
• Background: Began in PR and corporate communications, transitioned into event planning after studies at Parsons in floral design and pivotal mentorships in iconic NYC venues. (06:11)
• Entrepreneurial Leap: Gained diverse experience in catering and venue management before launching her own boutique event company, emphasizing a deep, personal connection with clients and their stories. (09:44)
• Notable Quote:

  "It's not my personal style that I want to weave into a client's wedding or event. It's really taking that story of the couple, and how do we tell that through the details of the day?" — Sarah True (10:15)

2. The Importance of Details, Intentionality, and Sensory Experience

• Designing for the Five Senses: Sarah emphasizes layering events with subtle sensory details—scent, sound, taste, and tactile elements—that operate in the background to make guests feel cared for and present. (18:17)
• Intentionality: Every touchpoint is designed to create a story and deepen connection, whether for 500 or 20 guests.
• Community-building: Creating a sense of belonging through thoughtful design and unexpected moments.

  "When we try to create guest experience, we tap into all of those little details in a very intentional way." — Sarah True (18:17)

3. Managing Team & Leadership Qualities

• Leadership Through Kindness: Sarah’s core value is leading with empathy, patience, and positivity, both with her team and with vendors. (16:56, 28:10)
• Empowerment: Nurtures her team, encourages them to pursue their dreams, and sets an example of collaboration and support.
• Notable Quote:

  "Leading by example with kindness has always really been the heart of how I approach leading." — Sarah True (16:56)

4. Building Community and Connection at Events

• Intimacy in Large Gatherings: Sarah describes spatial strategies and activations that create cozy, connected environments, even at large-scale events like the Fenimore Lane Design Summit. (17:45)
• Layering Details: Uses welcome beverages, personalized notes, creative transitions, and surprises to foster genuine interaction and a sense of home away from home. (25:06)
• Ariel on Sarah:

  "You create, like, this cozy, comfy, happy vibe where people want to stay and mingle and enjoy." — Ariel Okin (31:47)

5. Legacy, Relationships, and Noteworthy Projects

• Event Legacy: Long-term client relationships have allowed Sarah to work with multiple generations within families, highlighting the personal significance of her work. (12:40)
• Heaven on Earth Event: Combines Sarah’s passions for nature, music, food, and wellness—a multi-day gathering with profound impact on her personal life and family. (20:22)

6. Connection Between Event & Interior Design

• Bespoke Approach: Both agree that interior and event design succeed when reflecting the client, not the designer. Every project should feel different, tailored to unique personalities and stories. (11:27)
• Notable Quote:

  “We want it to feel bespoke to the client. We want every house, every project looks different because every person is different.” — Ariel Okin (11:27)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "Do what you love. Love what you do." — Sarah True, on discovering her passion for events. (07:55)
• "The gift of being able to have that calm, you know, smile or that sort of presence in the midst of the storm... I think it might be my superpower." — Sarah True (08:42)
• "Treating people with kindness. I cannot say it enough that we lack a level of empathy in the world." — Sarah True (28:10)
• "If you can tap into all of those senses that we talked about earlier, it's going to tell the story of those details in your design for your event." — Sarah True (42:35)
• "Don't be overwhelmed by the noise...look inside your heart and really think about what defines you as a person." — Sarah True, advice on defining event style. (42:35)

Important Timestamps & Segments

• [03:04] — Sarah defines her style and current life chapter
• [06:11] — Career pivot: From corporate PR to floral/design/event world
• [09:44] — Launching True Event & embracing client stories
• [16:56] — Leadership: Building and empowering her team with kindness
• [18:17] — Designing for all five senses & intentional layering at large events
• [20:22] — Highlight: Heaven on Earth event—a personal and professional milestone
• [25:06] — Crafting pacing, flow, and ‘wow’ moments at multi-day events
• [28:10] — Best event advice: Kindness and empathy matter most
• [30:29] — Blending family antiques and inviting comfort at home
• [32:11] — Sarah’s approach to finding inspiration outside of social media
• [34:16–36:04] — Product picks: Wellness, beauty, interiors
• [36:17–41:06] — Rapid fire ‘Take 10’ Q&A (favorite food, drink, hotel, city, design book, etc.)
• [41:34] — Upcoming: Auberge wellness summit, Heaven on Earth in Montana
• [42:35] — Advice on defining your event style and cutting through the noise

Additional Takeaways

• Both guest and host stress the importance of intention, heart, and individuality in both event and interior design.
• Kindness and a sense of calm leadership are key to creating a successful team and cherished client experiences.
• True Event prioritizes relationships that span years and generations, underscoring the long-term, deeply personal aspect of their work.

Where to Find More

• Sarah True & True Event:

  • Instagram: @trueevent and @2e
  • Website: trueevent.com

• Upcoming Projects:

  • Fenimore Lane Design Summit (June)
  • Auberge Wellness Summit (Fall)
  • Heaven on Earth event (Montana, June)

Final Advice from Sarah True

“Don’t be overwhelmed by the noise. Look inside your heart and really think about what defines you as a person… If you can truly step outside of Instagram and Pinterest and all the social media channels, you’re going to be able to have a lot more clarity in what is important to you.” (42:35)

This episode serves as an inspiring deep-dive for anyone interested in event design, creative entrepreneurship, and leading with empathy. Sarah True’s perspective is a reminder that the best experiences—whether at home or in a grand ballroom—are the ones grounded in intention, connection, and kindness.