People – the best part of my job!

Okay, my team and I have just returned from a good size show – about 2,300 people. It was a long 10 days out there; far from the comforts of my home and my dogs, but it was a darn great event! Worth every bit of blood and sweat… and, thankfully, no tears!

Our client gave it an A++, and we gave the hotel an A++ too. (Call me, and I’ll tell you the name of the property.) Kudos go out to our client, our team, the venue, and all the support vendors. The “relentless pursuit of perfection” was everywhere apparent and made another outstanding event possible!

But, let’s face it, our business is a tough one. As my feet hit the ground daily between 4:30 and 5 a.m., I was reminded that the event business is not for the faint of heart. It’s rigorous, it’s intense, you have to think like a champion athlete as you go into it; and there’s no escaping the long days, no matter what the client budget looks like. Events have no “trial run.” You plan them, and then you launch ‘em, and then there’s no turning back.

Of course, this economy layers on even more challenges for us. What business hasn’t been called upon to do more with less? Okay, maybe do A LOT more, with less. Oh, and, in the events biz, be sure to put a “dash” of change into the mix. As I say around here, “change is good. More change is better.” I never really got the concept of how a “change management consultant” could help us. With events, change is at the core. And what makes or breaks you is how successfully you manage the change. But, I digress….

What I really wanted to tell you about is the BEST part of my job – the people! As I was recovering from our most recent event, I got a great email from Phil Jankowski. Phil who, you ask? He’s part of a team I worked with many years ago at a Kansas City hotel, and he’s a great example of how our business creates enduring, laugh-filled, life-long friendships. Phil happened along our website and decided to drop me a note. How cool is that?  Phil is part of the “one degree of separation” (yes, not seven but one) that our business naturally spawns.

We begin these friendships as we work on events like the one we just did; and, along the way, we become life-long admirers. Phil’s not alone! Patty Madsen from that same era chats with me on facebook. Troy Henkel, who is now a professional adventurer, always sends me a holiday card.  And, funny enough, several of my coworkers during my Hyatt days are now my clients. It brings new meaning to “pay it forward.”

It will always be about the people for me. It’s the best part of my job. For all of you that are one degree away – stay in touch. For all my new friends, join the party!

And, I won’t pass up this opportunity to recognize all the people that were integral to the success of the latest show. Congratulations to our incredible team and extended team!