Event Star Spotlight - Taryn Beauvais

What started as a quick post to help some friends gain a bit of exposure has snowballed into a feature.  The Event Star Spotlight is meant to bring some attention to some of our rising stars in the Event Industry.  While I don't have a set timeline for how often these posts will roll out (it depends on how often I get a chance to actually conduct the interviews), I am open to suggestions/nominations.  This feature is not limited to graduates of The Art Institute of Vancouver (AI) or people just starting out in the industry - if you know someone that deserves to be recognized, please let me know!  Now, without further ado, let's take a look at our next star...

Taryn Beauvais

If I had to pick one word to describe Taryn, it would be poised.  From her early days of dance, to her experiences with some high profile restaurants in Vancouver, all the way to her endeavours post graduation, Taryn is a person who can stare down chaos without (openly) freaking out.  Throughout our year together at AI, Taryn wasn't just a girl who happened to sit next to me, she was a valuable group member in at least one major project each term.  It's because of all those late nights and early mornings that I know Taryn is going to be a success in this industry.

Taryn is currently the Catering Manager at Calhoun's Catering.  Calhoun's has been serving up mouth-watering treats since '94 and their cafe is a must visit for fresh baked pastries if you're in Kitsilano.  Specializing in corporate catering throughout Vancouver, it's not uncommon to see them in and around the University of British Columbia (they actually just sponsored an event out there!), Vancouver General Hospital, BC Children & Women's Hospital, as well as Downtown and Kitsilano.

In addition to working at Calhoun's, Taryn is also a free-lance wedding and event planner, currently focused on weddings on the Sunshine Coast.  Like myself, she's taken to the blogosphere to get her voice heard by a giant audience.  Her blog, TLC Weddings & Events, is a great spot for information on bridal shows, tips, and trends in the wedding and event industry.  The Taryn in the City blog highlights some of the things that make Vancouver such a great city; from trade shows to fine dining, if Taryn's there, you'll find it on her blog.

With focuses on weddings as well as catering/food & beverage, ti's no surprise to learn that Taryn's future plans include eventually opening a one-stop-shop wedding planning company with locations on the Sunshine Coast and hopefully Vancouver.  With a cafe front, Taryn hopes to have one or two cake decorators/pastry chefs, event staff, coordinators, and a decor/floral design specialist in house to create the perfect wedding package for each client.

Although Taryn has grand plans for the future (which are totally achievable for someone with Taryn's drive), she still takes what she's learned from our days together at AI.  "General computer skills like how to efficiently and effectively use Excel for spreadsheets as well as PowerPoint for presentations.  Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and even just how to properly format business communications - it's all proven extremely helpful and I use these skills every single day!"

For anyone looking to join the event industry, Taryn suggests balancing both education and experience because they are equally important.  Never underestimate the value of confidence since you never know who you'll meet or where your next job will come from and always be professional, whether you're meeting someone new or working with someone you've known for years.

Taryn thinks if all else fails, she can always try to be a graphic designer.  I think that the world of graphic design is going to miss out and their loss is the event industry's gain.

Event Star Spotlight - Sarah Dignos

What started as a quick post to help some friends gain a bit of exposure has snowballed into a feature.  The Event Star Spotlight is meant to bring some attention to some of our rising stars in the Event Industry.  While I don't have a set timeline for how often these posts will roll out (it will depend on how often I get a chance to actually conduct the interviews) I am open to suggestions/nominations.  This feature is not limited to graduates of The Art Institute of Vancouver (AI) or people just starting out in the industry - if you know someone that deserves to be recognized, please let me know!  Now, without further ado, let's take a look at our inaugural star...

Sarah Dignos

It's no accident that I've chosen to write about Sarah on her birthday.  After all, birthdays are supposed to be all about you!  However, it was a happy accident that placed us in the same class at AI in the Fall of 2009.  With over 30 students enrolled that term, I can safely say I lucked out getting Sarah in my class.  She's driven, focused, and a whole lot of fun.

One of the biggest lessons Sarah took away from AI is that the effort you put out will drastically affect what you get in return.  This was true though out our year at AI and is applicable to everything in life.  From AI, Sarah not only increased her knowledge base, she also met amazing people, created a network and learned how to successfully make her way into the industry. 

Currently, Sarah's working two jobs; as a part-time Staffing Coordinator at Vancouver General Hospital and part-time at Science World as an Assistant Membership Coordinator.  These positions are giving Sarah an opportunity to work on her networking techniques as she is a participant in the Science World monthly meetings (SWELL - Science World Educational Lunch & Learn).  The willingness to contribute to the success of any organization is always an asset.

Although her current positions have a strong focus on Human Resources and Client Relations, Sarah is keeping herself open to possibilities and opportunities in all sectors; from private social events (weddings, receptions, etc.) to corporate (conferences and meetings) to tourism and hospitality.  There is no challenge she won't meet head on.

As for future plans, Sarah is enjoying working part-time contracts to help gain broad experience throughout multiple sectors.  She hopes that during her journey to finding her niche in the industry, she'll find opportunities to travel around the world while doing what she loves. 

To future AI graduates and anyone thinking of getting involved with the events industry, Sarah has the following advice:

1) Know in your heart that this is really where you want to see yourself - you will quickly weed yourself out or the industry will filter you out eventually if you aren't 100% committed

2) Work hard- nothing in this industry (or in life) will ever just be handed to you

3) keep your head up and be confident because change is the only thing that is constant.  In my few months in the industry I've already seen many changes that have impacted people both positively and negatively.  Your peers can tell when you're having a good day, so when you nail a presentation, seal the deal on a huge sale or just blow the Popsicle stand out of the park with your pitch, keep that momentum going.  I am a true believer that positive feelings attract positive results.  Having said that, when things just don't go your way, the only thing you can do is keep your head up and keep going.  The industry isn't going to pause for you for a minute.

I wish Sarah all the best, but not luck because I know she won't need it - she'll be a success no matter what she ends up doing in whatever city is lucky enough for her to call home.

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!