Our vendors are also our clients and our relationships with them is as equally important.

Lynn Cooper

Owner/Event Management

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Featured in “Voyager LA” magazine in 2017, Celebrity Party Planner LA’s Owner Lynn has over 25 years of experience in themed Event Design | Event Decor | Special Events Management, Event Furnishings | Party Decorations, Banquet Catering | Party Entertainment.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced while planning an event and how did you overcome it?

It is every event planner’s nightmare during a “customized” theme that some of the pieces will not arrive on time. We as a company have faced that nightmare and have worked around the clock (18-20 hours) if needed, to provide comparable substitutes and making sure that we still leave our clients completely satisfied while never letting them see that there was ever a problem at all.

What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?

#1 – the “online event management” platforms that allow event managers to remotely be in and manage multiple locations.

#2 – the “thinking outside of the box” that is becoming more prevalent among clients, giving event planners a broader creative platform.

What are some tips for creating an elegant and memorable event on a tight budget?

  • Set a cost for your budget that is comfortable for you, having a maximum as well as minimum (elegance cannot “look cheap”).
  • Begin the planning process far enough in advance so that you or “your event planner” can search out the deals and creative elegant ideas.

If you had unlimited resources, what would your dream client and event look like?

Unlimited resources is an event planner’s dream come true. That also holds true for having the “dream client” who simply tells you “there is no budget.” These two factors give any event the no limit/mind blowing potential that is every great planner’s adrenaline.

How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?

Our vendors are also our clients and our relationships with them is as equally important. Open communication along with a decent salary successfully establishes the rapport. Consistencies in the company’s fair and easy to work with work ethic is what maintains it.

What advice would you give someone who needs to plan a fundraiser but isn’t sure where to start?

Contact a professional planner. It’s just like shopping, look around until you find who you like and could work with. Like any relationship, you’ll know who that person is because it will feel comfortable, not strained.

What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?

For both personally and professionally, the most exciting thing at this point in time is for this dreaded fear of COVID19 as well as the virus itself, to be behind us.

What inspired you to launch your own company in the event industry? How long did it take from initially having the idea to setting up and starting to attract a client base?

Having over 20 years experience in the event industry was my inspiration. Once it was decided to go out on my own, my client base as well as referrals soon followed.

What’s the most surprising or unusual request you have ever received from a client and were you able to fulfill it?

There are many but I will only name two:

  • Mortal Combat video game performed for guest by actors
  • Professional Wrestling Match (WWF wrestlers) performed for guest

 

Susan Null
Author: Susan Null

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