Breaking In

I had a great brunch today with some of the girls from the Art Institute at Locus (Main St. at King Edward).  Over omelettes, Locus Hash, and mimosas, we got talking about how difficult it's been to gain footing in the industry since graduation.  While some of us are finally making headway, there are still quite a few people chasing down leads and fighting for interviews. 

I found that I left the Event Management Program with pretty high expectations of myself - too high.  With the high standards in every class, I think it's safe to say that most of us were expecting to step right into an event coordinator or assistant role.  Over the course of the year, we developed so many great ideas into actual event proposals and presentations that we all felt we could make significant contributions to the industry right out of the gate.  Unfortunately, most of us (myself included) lacked the experience everyone was looking in candidates for the jobs we actually wanted.

Personally, I've really lucked out.  I have a steady job that is challenging enough without causing any real stress.  This means I have time to do contract work with the great team at The Finer Details and with BBW International to keep my industry connections alive.  In an industry as small as the event one is in Vancouver, it really is about who you know and how much you put yourself out there.  Which is why I want to take the time to recognize two amazing up & coming event planners who happen to be part of my graduating class =)

Taryn Beauvais

Specialty: Weddings, F&B, Catering, Special Events

Currently: Working an admin position with Calhoun's Catering

Why Taryn?  I had the pleasure of sitting beside Taryn for over a year and working on at least four major projects with her so I know firsthand how hard she works.  She is extremely meticulous and examines all event elements from multiple angles to maximize their use and/or presentation value.  She has a great eye for design and decor details and is passionate about making each event a unique reflection of the client.

Follow: Taryn has two blogs on the go; Taryn in the City and Taryn's Event & Wedding Services.  Both are great resources for spots in Vancouver and the latest in the wedding world. [ps...thanks for the follow!]

Diana Newson

Specialty: Anything from concerts to adventures to destination events and weddings

Currently: Co-Founder of Original Newson Events

Why Diana?  Diana has a vivacious personality paired with a great flair for design and a take charge attitude.  She has a knack for reading people and figuring out how to bring a team together.  This came in handy when Diana was elected as a co-Project Manager to lead our class of 16 through our final project; planning and coordinating the first ever Inside Ride in Vancouver for the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Any event by Diana and ONE is sure to be an amazing one!
Follow: Check out the ONE website and Facebook page for more info.

To sum it up - I would trust either of these ladies to take care of my wedding which is saying a lot when you consider just how much of a control freak I am.  Good luck ladies!

Working on the Weekend

I've always worked weekends and holidays.  Retail, Disney, Princess - it was always a given that I had a very limited social life throughout the years, but I always made it out when it mattered.  The nice thing about working an office job is that the weekends are free for you to live your life.  This is true for most people - just not me. 

I woke up to a text from my boss at 7:00 this morning which I think is a ridiculous time to wake up on a Saturday but c'est la vie - I knew this was a possibility when I was hired so I should really be thankful it's the first time it's happened in the two and a half months I've worked for her.  The downside is that it woke me up about 2 hours early for my speaking engagement.  This is a fancy way to say my alma mater, The Art Institute of Vancouver, paid me to come in an talk to perspective students at an open house event.  This is the second time I've worked an Open House since graduating, and I'm not going to lie - I love it! 

One of the things I discovered through working school events like this and New Student Orientation, is that nothing gets me more excited to start a new quarter at school than being with people that are new.  It's like shopping for school supplies (which I also love!) - the shiny packaging, crisp sheets of paper, brightly coloured pens and highlighters and empty binders always feel like the start of a clean slate or new adventure.  I know it's a silly way to think about it, but I never claimed to be a serious person. 

I love showing new people the things I've already learned.  Whether it's the best way to maximize the small amount of free printing you get, the names of the tech guys and other staff to know, or how to generally survive the program and come out with a potential job, sharing with them helped me see the school in new ways and gave them someone who could be a mentor.  Not to toot my own horn but TOOT!  My orientation students/mentees are all doing great in the program and I like to think I had a little bit to do with that.  It's the kind of thing I wish I had while I was there and still wish I have now as I try to find my footing in the industry.  However, holding contract positions with an Event Planning Company, The Finer Details (I heart this team!), and an Event Staffing Company, BBW International, I'm hopeful someone will take pity and show me the way =)