Summary of Event
I attended the ILEA/NACE Association Networking Event at the Safari Park on Wednesday, October 18th, 2017. I was very excited but also quite nervous to be chosen as one of the few SDSU students sponsored to attend this unique event. When my fellow classmates and I arrived at the San Diego Safari Park we were greeted by a few ILEA and NACE members, handed nametags and drink tickets, then escorted onto a tram to take us to the venue. The venue was called the African Plains Overlook and when we finally arrived, I was in awe. The view was absolutely breathtaking and so unique. The first to greet us were rhinos laying on a rock followed by gazelle, sheep, and giraffes hanging around in the back. With all the excitement from the animals, all my nerves went away as I walked into the tree domed venue and started networking.
Goals:
I will...
I attended the ILEA/NACE Association Networking Event at the Safari Park on Wednesday, October 18th, 2017. I was very excited but also quite nervous to be chosen as one of the few SDSU students sponsored to attend this unique event. When my fellow classmates and I arrived at the San Diego Safari Park we were greeted by a few ILEA and NACE members, handed nametags and drink tickets, then escorted onto a tram to take us to the venue. The venue was called the African Plains Overlook and when we finally arrived, I was in awe. The view was absolutely breathtaking and so unique. The first to greet us were rhinos laying on a rock followed by gazelle, sheep, and giraffes hanging around in the back. With all the excitement from the animals, all my nerves went away as I walked into the tree domed venue and started networking.
Goals:
I will...
- Collect business cards from at least 2 industry professionals
- Ask a third party vendor about their business
- Learn more about ILEA and how to get involved as a student
#1
When I created this goal, I set the standards low due to my nerves and tendency to be shy and keep to myself. I knew I wanted to network and meet new people but I also know myself and knew that networking is something that takes more effort from introverts like myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had met and exchanged business cards with three industry professionals! After I gained the courage to talk to one, it became natural to start a conversation with another professional. It was also helpful realizing that they wanted to meet me too! I left the event with three contacts, one job offer, and a wider range of possibilities I can enter within the events industry.
When I created this goal, I set the standards low due to my nerves and tendency to be shy and keep to myself. I knew I wanted to network and meet new people but I also know myself and knew that networking is something that takes more effort from introverts like myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had met and exchanged business cards with three industry professionals! After I gained the courage to talk to one, it became natural to start a conversation with another professional. It was also helpful realizing that they wanted to meet me too! I left the event with three contacts, one job offer, and a wider range of possibilities I can enter within the events industry.
#2
With this goal in mind, I attended the event wanting to learn about how the event was planned and what third party vendors would be there. One creative vendor that stood out to me was a s'more cart that had been stationed at the event. It was so cute, small, and aesthetic, it caught mine, along with many others' attention. Mallow Mallow is the name of the company and it was created and is owned by Latanya and her husband. I got a chance to talk with Latanya while she used made my funfettii s'more by using a small torch to heat the marshmellow up. She told me how this idea sprouted about while talking with some friends and how her and her husband are fully committed to the business and travel to different events, showcasing their unique treat. After hearing about Latanya's story and seeing how much joy and amusement it brought to the attendees, it made me realize that small business with crafty and unique ideas are the type of vendors I want to hire for my events when I become an event planner. Not only would I be able to help out families like Latanya's but I would also be adding a special feature the event that competing events may not have. |
#3
As a student, wanting to learn more about the industry and find the right fit, one of my goals going into this event was to learn more about ILEA, since special events is something I have leaning towards so far. I was able to speak with Lindsay who is a current board member for ILEA. She described ILEA as an association designed for those in the special event industry. Some of these professionals could include wedding planners, audio visual companies for special events, or even vendors who are hired for special events, such as florists, live bands, and travel agencies. She also explained that I could get involved by either paying the student membership and joining the association. With the student membership, a certain amount of volunteer hours and tasks helping with the association are required, which would benefit students by allowing them to attend events, get involved in the industry, and providing various networking opportunities with industry professionals.
As a student, wanting to learn more about the industry and find the right fit, one of my goals going into this event was to learn more about ILEA, since special events is something I have leaning towards so far. I was able to speak with Lindsay who is a current board member for ILEA. She described ILEA as an association designed for those in the special event industry. Some of these professionals could include wedding planners, audio visual companies for special events, or even vendors who are hired for special events, such as florists, live bands, and travel agencies. She also explained that I could get involved by either paying the student membership and joining the association. With the student membership, a certain amount of volunteer hours and tasks helping with the association are required, which would benefit students by allowing them to attend events, get involved in the industry, and providing various networking opportunities with industry professionals.
In this picture, my friend Whitni and I are enjoying the delicious food provided at the event.