To our clients, HGI is an event management company with a brand for every occasion, known for our award-winning service, innovation and creativity.
Inside HGI, we know that first and foremost, our “secret sauce” is our people. Talented people for sure, but more importantly dedicated, can-do individuals who wake up in the morning ready for greatness. When problems arise, they rise to meet the challenge. Working as a team, on-site and in support services, HGI people deliver a flawless, memorable experience for our clients.
Our Origins
From the beginning, HGI was more than a company – it was a mission, too.
During his senior year in high school, Kevin St. John lost a friend who was involved in a drunk-driving accident. Determined to create something positive from the misfortune, Kevin began producing alcohol-free/drug-free graduation parties. By the time Kevin was in college at the University of Washington, he was working as a mobile disc jockey as well, earning enough to help pay for college.
Kevin focused on producing well-organized, creative events, and his two small businesses were a hit. As an entrepreneur at heart, he saw the potential to produce events in other categories.
Fast-forward 30+ years and see Kevin’s vision realized: The Howard Group, Inc., the Northwest’s premier event management company.
HGI grew from Grad Nights and Sounds Unlimited to include five additional event management brands: Premier Entertainment (bar & bat mitzvahs), Events Northwest & Fantasy Casino Parties, Premier Weddings, Seattle Party Shots (photo booths) and St. John Photography.
HGI not only provides superior service to its clients, but also leads the industry in event management innovations. HGI’s training programs consistently produce the highest-level talent in event services. The company's proprietary software allows clients to outline their preferences and plan their events from their homes and offices. And HGI cutting-edge production tools -from wireless LED uplighting to projection video to surround-sound acoustics- keep the company in the forefront of the event business.
Not the Norm... Thank Goodness!
Most businesses focus first on revenues and profits. At HGI, revenues and profits are the result of our good work and high standards. By Putting People First and embracing our core values, we excel: we consistently lead our industry in growth and profitability.
We Give Back to our Community
We love Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. As members of the business community and as neighbors, we are committed to doing our part. Through donations, as volunteers and as advocates, we help strengthen our communities and show our respect for our diverse cultural traditions.
"Working with Sounds Unlimited was a great pleasure! Ted, our DJ, was extremely professional and organized. At the same time, he helped create a fun atmosphere for our guests! He exceeded my expectations throughout the entire process. We really appreciated his flexibility and knowledge. He catered to our needs and helped the evening flow in a timely manner. I would highly recommend him (and Sounds Unlimited) to anyone!
- Ashleigh
"Our Sounds Unlimited DJs were very professional and fun. They were interactive when you needed them to be and in the wings when when you didn't. They were very comfortable to work with and really got our event going. I plan on recommending your services to friends and family."
- Sophia
"Our Dj from Sounds Unlimited was great. He was professional, punctual, and very comfortable to work with. He helped to make our special day flow so nicely and played great music . He was very professional which is exactly what we were looking for, and a great value. We would definitely recommend Sounds Unlimited to anyone looking for a DJ/Mc for their event. Leading up to our wedding day the office staff was very helpful and courteous as well, answering any questions we had in a prompt and friendly manner."
- Laura
"They made the wedding ceremony and reception fun and exciting. They kept the crowd on the dance floor. All the pictures showed smiling faces and a good time. They were very professional and well spoken. The music selection was great! The MC saved my best man speech. He spoke about how sweet of a couple we were based on the short time he knew us. It left the toasts on a positive note. I really was glad he cared enough to honor us with his words. He was extremely classy and ensured that my bride and I were having a great time. We really enjoyed having him as our MC and Sounds Unlimited as our DJ Service."
- Josh
"Our DJ was very positive, always had a smile and was very sweet! He was much more professional and presentable than other DJs we have seen. The up lighting look great and was exactly what we wanted. I also decided to use their photo booth and was very pleased, the attendant was fun and had a ton of energy which made my guests photos that much better. They sent me a link to see all of the photo booth photos and i cant wait to share them! Thanks again, you guys rock!!!!!"
- Megan
“Thank you for making our event very fun and exciting through all of the great music and lighting. Everyone had an awesome time!”
- Brianne & Nick
“It was so great to work with you this past weekend. The DJ was fabulous and even stayed late so the crowd could keep celebrating! We would love to work with you again in the future!”
- The Privé Team
"My biggest thanks to you, for continuing to provide a quality and professional team, along with the best lighting and effects to keep the WAC New Year's Eve party what we continue to believe is the best party in town. Here's to next year!"
- Washington Athletic Club