January 2012 – Tampa, Florida

This dynamic session was organized by Michelle Bergstein-Fontanez, Director of Marketing, Exhilarate Events/BeatCreative  along with a panel of notable event industry moms:

How do industry mothers juggle a healthy family life & career all at once? What drives us to continue? What keeps us from throwing in the towel? How do we set the example? What are we teaching? What is the legacy we will leave?

As a panel, we – ten mothers from all facets of the events industry, and from all parts of the country – shared a glimpse into our home life; sharing family photos and personal narratives, and reflecting on our individual struggles and victories.   There was also a very heartwarming introduction video featuring pre-interviews of each panel members’ kids sharing their unique perspectives on their mother’s careers.

Attendees joined the conversation, sharing experiences, laughter, and a few tears.  This is how your fellow event industry mothers are making it happen day to day!

WOW! Moms (front to back): Stacie, Kelly, Christine, Erin, Aymee, Filomena, Annette

Thoughts on being a WOW! Mom…

It was quite an honor to share the stage with such a wonderful and accomplished group of women!  I hardly think of myself as a role model.  Like everyone else, I have my struggles, insecurities and regrets about being a working parent – especially in the hospitality and event industry.  I worry and wonder: Am I trying to juggle too much?  Am I spending enough time with my child?  Should I put more time into that proposal or hang the holiday decorations?   Is it worth it?  Is it WORKING?

Obviously I am not alone.  And I belive that was one of the key messages of the session: Let other event industry moms know that they are not alone.

While scripting and developing the session, Michelle asked each of us to focus on a specific point or realm of experience.  My topic was Growing Pains.  As one of the more senior members of the group, with a child who has literally grown up in the business, it was a unique opportunity for me to speak candidly about the phases of my life – both as a wife and mother, and as an event planning professional.  In order to write my notes for the session, I had to stop – literally s.t.o.p. – and reflect on 15+ years of personal and professional growth.  The highs. The lows. The victories and achievement. The tears and challenges.  I realized that the path which was initially unclear became a road to self-discovery and fulfillment.  Mind you it was a twisty-turny and winding road with potholes, but nonetheless a road.

I realize it’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go according to plan (rather, our plans).   The stress of meeting the daily demands on our time and energy can be overwhelming, exhausting, and even discouraging.   WOW! Moms are the women who support, encourage and motivate others; we all have this ability.  It’s good to be reminded that we can (and must!) choose to focus on looking forward, not behind.  It’s important to listen to your inner voice and make changes – whether it’s eating dinner together more often, or making time to do that ‘thing’ that has been on the back burner too long.   All we can do is our best.  We are bound to make mistakes along the way: could have, would have, should have…  Instead of letting these phrases haunt you, simply pray that you learn from mistakes and don’t repeat them.

Just finished reading another terrific wedding article in the Huffington Post titled The End of The Vintage Wedding Trend
Harmony Walton, founder of BridalBar.com, and wedding industry notable (speaker, blogger, etc.) shared her thoughts and I’m inclined to to agree.

savvycityfarmer

“Thankfully, the vintage wedding trend that took the nation by storm (in no small part due to the relentless plugging by us bridal bloggers), is finally starting to see the shade of its own sunset. And not a moment too soon — I say let the trend end!”

Nostalgic. Whimsical. Sentimental. While I can appreciate these things, I think the key to achieving this look is “attachment”. If you are displaying family heirlooms, photos or others items to which you have an attachment or personal connection – great! The best way to incorporate vintage details is to showcase select pieces or collections because they will have more meaningful impact than a random collection of flea-market finds.

But like Harmony, I am ready to see the mason jars and doilies put away in favor of a more sophisticated look. Hmmm – I wonder what the next trend will be…?

photo display

My personal preference is to introduce one or two vintage elements. We have done this with traditional as well as modern weddings and receptions. For example: one of our couples used a cake-knife set that had been previously used (at least twice) at family weddings, while another couple used grandmother’s veil to accent their cake table. These details do not go unnoticed, and we love pointing them out to guests, as well as the photographers and videographers!
(c) Elisa Delgardio

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I came across this poem for the first time. The author is unknown but it is of Native American origin. It inspired me, relaxed me and prompted me to reflect on the simple things in life that I sometimes take for granted. What a great message! – and so appropriate to share today.

“May the sun bring you new energy by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night,
May the rain wash away your worries,
May the breeze blow new strength into your being,
May you walk gently through the world
And know it’s beauty all the days of your life.”

― Apache Blessing

My friends ~ I wish you all these things!

“I define my own existence. I define my own identity. I define my own beauty for myself.”
“No one can define who you are.” ~ Lady Gaga – Inside the Outside MTV Series

I am constantly fascinated by the creative process.  And I never cease to be amazed by creative people.

The funny thing about being creative:  I can’t help comparing myself to others (“Why didn’t I think of that?” – or, “I never would’ve thought of that” – or, “WOW! I wish I could do that!”).

Ok – I’ll give it to Lady Gaga; that young lady is uber-talented and creative to boot!  Heck, Barbara Walters even compared her to Oprah!   But this is not exactly a post about Lady Gaga. It just so happens that I began this blog post and coincidentally was interrupted and then unexpectedly ended up watching the Lady Gaga interview that ran on MTV tonight. I guess it was destiny… {sigh}

But seriously, back to my point about creativity, and insight, which has now taken on a gi-normous new dimension: I find myself making comparisons to Lady Gaga.    For example,why has it taken me almost twice as many years to achieve the same level of security and self-confidence?  Oh my!  I can’t even imagine how that level of maturity and insight would have impacted my life, and carrer!  God bless her.  God bless Lady Gaga.

I loved what she said about collaborating, because that was one of the thoughts I wanted to touch on.  It’s heartening to see that she – with all her talents – admires and desires to work with others.  Awesome.  Inspiring.

You see, for as talented as I am, I enjoy collaborating with my clients as much as I love collaborating with my colleagues.  I am constantly learning and constantly teaching.  Therefore, I am constantly growing.   I may even be blossoming… but I’m not sure.  {wink}

So, before this gets too deep, I just wanted to thank those who love me, and those who put their faith in me, and those who nurture my creativity…  and Lady Gaga who helped inspire this post.  And, last but not least, I am grateful for this incredible career that allows me to collaborate with others.

If you have any thoughts  or experiences related to creative collaboration, please share them.

PS:  Shout out to Brooklyn and NYC!