FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I thought I would have a career in healthcare, so I majored in pharmacy. During my third year in college, I decided I did not want to be a pharmacist. I switched majors from pharmacy to economics with a minor in chemistry in my third year, second semester!! The dean thought I was crazy. During my summer break, I landed an internship with a chemical company in the marketing services department. The director gave me the project of planning the company sales meeting. I had so much fun working. I could not believe I had such an amazing assistment. At the end of the sales meeting, the director told me event planning was a profession. She said she was very impressed since she did not tell me the budget and I came in under budget, my reply was, "What's a budget?" Once I graduated, it took me 2 1/2 years to realize I really wanted to plan events. I applied to graduate schools that had hospitality programs and the rest is history!
- What types of customers have you worked with?
My extensive portfolio spans highly customized multi-day special events, galas, conferences, meetings, team building excursions, exclusive dinners, VIP events, fashion experiences, and receptions. Guest lists for many of these events included members of the Administration, members of Congress, international heads of state, and international royalty, requiring knowledge of protocol.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
My advice is to look beyond the beautiful photos and reference reviews on websites. Yes, the events look beautiful, but a picture does not convey the skill sets of the event planner. It is important to know if your chosen planner is solid project manager. Your event success is determined by your event planner's ability keep your event on budget, negotiate contracts in your favor, create an event timeline and keep on schedule, maintain solid relationships with vendors, design an event plan with contingency plan, and execute a seamless event.