I felt intimidated, even though I didn't really feel challenged by the work. That was years ago. Since that time, I've worked at it and no longer feel intimidated. And, you can too.
You can mastered the rudiments of event planning and catering off-premise events and parties (if that's your desire), efficiently - and, be more comfortable in your own skin.
Here's my story.
When I got into the party industry in L.A., I was so busy working that I didn't realize that I hadn't taken the time to process how much I loved it.
I was focused on wanting to work for the #1 caterer in Hollywood. I wanted to learn from the best and I'd heard that this was a company that did everything perfectly and was super organized.
It took a few months to get in, but eventually I was hired. When I saw the level of events and parties they produced, my jaw dropped. It was awe-inspiring.
I'll always remember the very first time that I worked for the company I'm talking about, Along Came Mary Events (ACM).
My first reaction was, "Wow". My second reaction was, "I can do this".
I realized that ACM provided a brilliant platform to learn how to not only cater, but also how to create something great for a client that wanted the best. And, yes to make money of course.
Thankfully, there was room at ACM for anyone who wanted to work hard and be a part of it.
It's true. Not bragging or anything, the cream really does rise and stay at the top. I worked every party and eventually became the Along Came Mary Staffing Coordinator.
What was the first party I worked? The Warner Bros. Music Christmas Party.
This holiday party was an extravaganza - complete with beautiful decorations and tons of great food, and lots of booze. It was brilliantly organized, visually stunning, and planned by Mary, herself. Because of her uncanny knack for attention to detail, all of her passion for parties definitely shone through.
When I left L.A., I eventually realized and thought to myself, Carlo, you can do my own thing and be inspired by the great party maker herself, Mary Micucci. So, I stuck my shingle out and I began producing Carlo At Your Service Productions parties and events.
And you know what they say. "The rest is history."
If you are just arriving at Cater-Hater and you're wondering how you can carve out your own niche in the party industry - remember that there really is a slice of party cake for everyone.
Just be prepared to put in the time and effort to learn how to become a quality caterer and/or event planner.
Cater-Hater Tip: One of the key components to your success will be to be extremely organized.
Best wishes to you and good luck!
Here's the basic structure to help you successfully plan a year's worth of meetings in 3 days .
Your first day of planning should include this:
Scheduled Vendor Arrivals - All day; meet with vendors about your entire year of events
Committee members and/or co-workers input - All Day
Plan each meeting date should be planned in it's entirety and should be planned separate from your other meetings.
When one entire day is planned, move on to plan your next event until all events plans are completed.
YOUR AGENDA
- Day 1 - Arrival "Get Acquainted" Day
Plan attendee transportation; make plans for one year
Plan attendee check-in
Plan registration process; attendees register from 12 noon to 6 pm
Plan set-up/attendee booth set-up, if necessary; from 3 pm to 6:15 pm
Plan welcome reception; attendee reception from 7 pm to 9 pm
Plan hospitality hour or suite set-up; for attendees, from 9 pm to 12 midnight
- Day 2 - Activities
Plan buffet breakfast; attendees eat from 7 am to 8:30 am
Plan one-on-one attendee appointment meetings, if applicable; attendees meet from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Plan networking lunch; attendees dine from 1 pm to 2 pm
Plan afternoon activities/leisure time; for attendees, from 2 pm to 6 pm
Plan cocktail/dinner/entertainment hour; for attendees, from 7 pm to 9 pm
Plan hospitality hour or suite set-up; for attendees, from 9 pm to 12 midnight
- Day 3 - Departure "Thank You for Attending" Day
Plan breakfast buffets; attendees eat from 7 am to 8:30 am
Plan final one-on-one attendee appointment meetings, if applicable; attendees meet from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Plan networking lunch; attendees dine from 1 pm to 2 pm
Plan breakdown/attendee booth tear-down, if necessary; from 1 pm to 3 pm
Plan afternoon activities/leisure time; for attendees; from 2 pm to 6 pm
Plan closing dinner/entertainment/awards ceremony; for attendees, from 7 pm to 10 pm
Plan hospitality/departure hour; from 10 pm - until...
Cater-Hater Tip: Meet with your vendors twice - at the very beginning of your planning session and after you've completed your plans. Ask lots of questions and add anything you've forgotten to your original orders.
This basic meeting structure, designed to help you plan one year's worth of meetings in 3 days, won't work for every meeting planning strategy scenario.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to planning anything.
What this does, is show you that this is truly possible.
Make the necessary adjustments to suit your specific needs. And, happy planning!
Image source: plakboek
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