5 Tips For Creating An Incredible Gala Event
BY : JUDITH GRAY , OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR , STEEL PLUS NETWORK
rganizing a gala event is no easy task , but when all your hard work comes together and the event is a resounding success , the sense of pride in such an accomplishment is hard to describe . It is not about the congratulations or the applause for a job well done ( although it is nice !). It is about the sense of accomplishment that all your time and effort to produce something that will stay in the minds of your attendees as a cherished , wonderful memory forever has been achieved . You did that ! Take pride in it !
HERE ARE THE TOP 5 TIPS FOR CREATING AN INCREDIBLE AND MEMORABLE EVENT THAT I USE AS A GUIDE :
1 . Choose locations that are unique and perhaps not a normal place your attendees would have the opportunity to visit or choose to visit . Ask yourself : Would they come here on their own ? If they have , would they come back ? What makes this location special ? Could it make a memorable gala ?
2 . Décor is imperative . You don ’ t want your attendees to feel like they are going to a wedding but a more unique , one-of-akind event just for them . This requires color selections , flowers , linens , lighting , furniture , and all of those “ little ” things you pull together that , for your guests , makes one big thing of beauty , and for you , shows your eye for what will “ wow ” everyone .
3 . Seating is more important than you may realize . Telling people where they sit with place cards may make your guests feel like , “ Welcome , enjoy , but do as I tell you and sit here .” In some cases , perhaps it is necessary , but allowing people to sit with friends , or to sit with new people and network , can create friendships that last a lifetime . You did that . You are responsible for giving them a venue to add a potentially valuable piece of life to their world .
4 . The event managers / staff at your venue need to be kind , courteous , and on everything immediately when you ask . From the time you decide you will be using their location until the end of the event , they should be willing to work with you in every detail , and if you change your mind , if you don ’ t like something , they make it easy and comfortable to ask for the change . And the good ones will do it with a smile on their face !
5 . Menu selection is a given , but making sure that you take everyone into consideration makes it memorable for them . Be it vegan , pescatarian , allergies , children — it doesn ’ t matter . Always keep everyone in mind and the guests will always be happy .
Although it is no easy task to pull together an incredible gala event , if you have a few rules that you follow every time and stick to your guns on how you envision this event to be , it is a recipe for a no-fail event that will always be a resounding success . +
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