With A Twist Consulting, LLC is an events and promotions consulting company that specializes in non-profits, fundraising, and corporate/private events. We provide expert consultations on how to have a successful event. With A Twist Consulting can help you find the perfect venue, who to use for services, a database of vendors, suppliers, donors and more…
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced while planning an event and how did you overcome it?
1. Weather – found duct tape and ribbon and creative thinking on all staffs part.
2. Clients – sometimes you have to take a deep breath and shake it off.
You can get clients that want a Champagne Event on a Beer Budget or you can get the Momzilla of the Bride and Bridezilla all in one wedding. You take a breath, you shake it off, you have an Adult Bevie and then you start all over. You show them alternatives, you try to make them laugh, and find ways to lighten the mood.
What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?
I always love the newest food trends. Like the shooter appetizers, or the variety of desserts, how it was once the “year of the cupcake” or the Cake-pops, and now Donut Walls are a huge thing. Food can make or break an event and finding fun creative caterers is always so fun.
Lighting. I love lighting trends. Lighting can change the whole event. Twinkle lights, LED, lighted furniture – it’s crazy what can be done and what has happened with lighting.
What are some tips for creating an elegant and memorable event on a tight budget?
Pinterest is always a go-to for ideas, and then you can just “schooszing” (no real spelling for that). It has to be explained – you can use inexpensive items and everyday items to turn things into fabulousness. These have to be shown visually and not in words…
If you had unlimited resources, what would your dream client and event look like?
Oh my. That will take a while to digest, but of course food, lighting, music – lots of music…
Have to think about this given unlimited resources… Woohoo!!
How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?
Relationships with vendors are top of the list. They can make or break an event. Relationships with vendors are a top priority.
We stay in contact with our vendors. We check in with them, we send them Thank You cards after events, we discuss multiple events with them, we refer them, and so much more.
What advice would you give someone who needs to plan a fundraiser but isn’t sure where to start?
Create a committee and create a list of exact needs and realistic goals: date, time, budget, and goal.
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
Hoping we all survive COVID-19 – physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.
Seeing what the Fall Event Season holds.
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?
I was doing events for free and doing a lot of non-profit fundraising. I did it for 3 years at a job I had and thought, hey I could make a living doing this.
It took about a year to 3 years to get really up and running.
What’s the first event you can ever remember planning and how did it go?
A motorcycle event and it went great.
Then a Casino Night and it didn’t go swell.
There have been ups and downs and I have met all kinds of clients with all kinds of expectations.
What are some things you wished you knew before starting your businesses?
This to shall pass. LOL
To be prepared for anything. I know it now but in the beginning…
You can plan as hard as you can, you can cross your “T’s” and dot your “I’s” but every event will not be perfect – there will be a glitch. It’s how you handle it that makes it.
What’s the most surprising or unusual request you have ever received from a client and were you able to fulfill it?
Entertainment. Someone who can rollerskate and play a ukulele (right, you’re laughing). Umm…no…
Peach tea-soaked white towels warmed. Yes, we were.
Anything else you’d like to comment on while we have you?
It’s been great, it’s been challenging, it’s had its ups, downs, and spin cycles. But in the end, it’s been worth it and I have met great people who have memories of these events forever.
