The Event Industry's Pet

Events in every sense have been that teacher that has meant the most to me and played a profound part in who I have become as a whole. I have put so much of myself into this vocation, which has meant a lot of hard work, some failed tests, and times where I honestly wanted to give up, but my passion for the craft has driven me forward.

A memorable moment at the beginning of my career in events was with a couple whose dynamics were very interesting to say the least. He was a proud, boisterous man, while she was a sweet angel who did everything he said without question, (except this one time).

He wasn’t involved in the planning at all even after my many attempts at including him. During these meetings without him, she was dreaming big, and with each meeting, her vision was growing astronomically. Unknowingly to our groom - who was paying for everything.

Two weeks before the wedding, we were going through final payments for all vendors, as is standard procedure (after having presented the final budget two months prior), and we were all in for a shock. He decided to attend a meeting, for some reason not in the office but in a popular coffee shop.

Patrons were enjoying their beverages, and so were we as the meeting went on. However, in a single moment, the serenity abruptly came to an end. The groom was now questioning the increase in figures, and before I could respond, he proceeded to shout all kinds of obscenities at me, under the assumption that I had made the additions with the aim to solicit more money from him.

You could have heard a pin drop by the time he was finished with me, as there was complete silence in the coffee shop, and my dear bride simply turned aside and said nothing. All I could do was sit in silence and stare at him while thinking, “I’m done with them. I will not be subjected to such. I will not be at that wedding.” Instead I made a professional decision.

Once he had calmed down, I requested a meeting in my office later that day. They came over, and I was sitting there ready for them, having pulled out every single communication which contained every instruction and request from my bride that had led us to that moment.

He sat there, embarrassed, with his tail between his legs - the rest, as they say, is (beautiful) history. We had a wonderful wedding, and I even danced with him.

There are some valuable lessons I lived by at the time and I have not stopped applying to this day:

1. If it’s not in writing, it does not exist. There is no plan, idea, instruction or design that is accepted and acted upon unless it is written down. A paper trail of every detail no matter how minute is what every stakeholder works from, including the clients.
2. If one party is not highly involved in the planning process, throughout the journey, check in with the (not involved) partner, making sure their expectations are being met, and full communication is flowing.
3. Emotional intelligence is a key part of being a planner. You literally have to feel with your mind. Do not let emotions take over. Always remain professional, however do not leave yourself open to abuse.

Thus is the nature of the events industry, she is that teacher that is generous with her gold stars, but it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, integrity, persistence and eagerness to always learn and grow in order to earn them. Each client is like a new subject to be studied, and their event is that final exam that will show how much you have been studying and taking into account their every need, desire and whim.

I am thankful that these have been few and far between. The rest have been an absolute pleasure to do, and I have three decades worth of accolades to prove this!

And remember, excellence always!