A case in point would be Maple Grove – a few months ago, I blogged about this fantastic venue and country estate in the Hudson Valley, and the other night I wound up there for a lovely event honoring Mary A. Flad. And amid enjoying the celebrations and talking with old and new friends, I was also thinking… “This place would really be great for an event I’ve got coming up…” And in fact, it would be – there’s an event I’m planning for the end of the summer which would use the historic home and its grounds wonderfully.

Keeping my eye out for new spaces, and new uses for familiar ones, is a huge part of what I do as an Event Planner. In this business, you’re always looking to figure out the next great party venue, the next terrific concept for a fundraiser, and so always being alert for something new and fresh has to be part of your daily habits. This morning, for example, I had breakfast with a friend, and she turned me on to a fabulous venue I hadn’t been aware of – located in Columbia County and ripe for an event. Talking with this friend is so inspirational, thanks to the fact that we both speak the same language – the language of events!

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” But in my case, the ideas ARE the events! The other night at dinner, I uncovered yet another great mind – a friend who told me about the idea she had for a new project in crafting visual communications – which in itself will become an event. For those of us who are interested in finding ways to celebrate and share our ideas with our friends and new audiences, talking about ideas and turning them into events gives us all kinds of important things to discuss!

That’s the point at which Women In Transition (WIT) in the Hudson Valley wants to step in and lend our “sisters” a hand with their search for the answers we all ask as we move through life: Who am I? What do I want? What am I doing? When these questions start to haunt women’s minds, receiving help from women who have been where they are and understand where they’re coming from can make a world of difference, and that’s what me and my partners (Susan, Pamela, Jane, Ellen and Felecia) believe women in the Hudson Valley as well as elsewhere are being let down. Sure, in theory it sounds like this could descend into a self-helpy, sacharrine, touchy-feely affair, a bunch of gals sitting around weeping on one another’s shoulders about the hard times they’ve hit. But sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves is the last thing we feel women undergoing strenuous periods in their life should do. Instead, why not learn how to have what I call “Relational Resilience”?

Relational resilience is the idea that women need to cultivate a set of relationships that allows them the option of looking to other women for help in moving forward. It’s about having an even temperament, and being feisty enough to stand up and fight back when the world starts giving you short shrift. Through a series of workshops, in the Hudson Valley we’ll explore the services that are out there for women who need them, enlightening them as to the support structures they can rely on in their times of need. We’ll bring in consultants in insurance and accounting, legal affairs, mediation, nutrition, psychology and more. We’ll also have workshops in exploring these areas.

Kicking things off, we’ve invited an Image Consultant to come to our first event. She’ll be speaking about three ABC’s – Appearance, Behavior, and Communication. So for all you ladies in periods of transition, come down and join us – while you may have stopped in your tracks, you’re far from derailed!
WIT MayEvent-2

Anyone who’s been reading this blog for a while knows that when it comes to most things – frock swaps, cooking, making party favors – I’m a do-it-yourself kind of girl. Want to know where my self-sufficient attitude ends? Planning my own party, that’s where! I’ve just finished having one of the best birthdays ever, and all because I decided early on that I was going to let go and let the people around me take care of things for a change. Of course, the major moral of this story is that no matter how organized you are, no matter how much you think you have an event under control, hiring an event planner (or getting a great friend to take on that roll for you) will let you enjoy your special night that much more.

Take it from me – when I had my party, I didn’t want to be worried about the details! I wanted to mingle, hug, kiss – show off my goofy guy, Donald! And through it all the worry over whether the votives were lit or the candles on the cake were ready or the pictures were being taken? It was gone. That was part of my everyday routine, and it wasn’t going to part of my routine at my birthday. Nope. In this case, I was the guest.

A great example of this was going to BJ’s to pick out the food for the party. My gal pal Lana, who was the hostess of this event, got to do all the shopping. I couldn’t wrap my head around it, and as party girl, that wasn’t my job! I had plenty of other things on my mind. Like the personal touch which connects people to your upcoming event via  email or phone call with last minute party details, (where to park, what to wear on a chilly night, confirm time and directions).

In the end it was an amazing day with incredible weather on a deck on the Hudson River with the Tappan Zee Bridge draped out behind us like a set painting. The party started at five and ended at ten. We all watched the sun set, the bridge making it a jeweled necklace. There was drinking, dancing, eating, and lots of connections.

There were also many people making it happen. A terrific chef, Lance, and a happening DJ, servers who handled and maned the BBQ. A spectacular venue..which is a MUST for events.  Cool friends and donations to  Save Kitty, a favorite charity topped off the night! Of course, given all the movers and shakers in my circles, not everyone was able to make it – and they were all missed – but that was the only detail of the night that wasn’t absolutely perfect.

There once was a woman named Susan

Who had a special skill at shmoosan

So she came up the Hudson

Decided to have fun

And gathered a group

Like alphabet soup

The young & the old

The short & the tall

She gathered them all

With no fuss at all

She put out the call

To best of the ball

Now we all love her

We admire & hug her

Her “do something” trademark

Has made a big wavemark

Susan, you make a difference

Has proven your brilliance

I wish there was a way

I could be with you today

Have a wonderful celebration

From the BECKER nation..

thank you dear Arlene xx

You know the folk story about the shoemaker’s children going barefoot while the doctor’s kids get sick? Well, this Event Planner is taking these tales to heart and I’ve asked a very, very dear friend to plan my upcoming celebration – but more about that next week.

This week’s entry is about a walking tour I recently arranged for a group in the  Hudson Valley  to New York City’s ’s Lower East Side. If you’re in a rush and about to organize a similar event, here are the bullet points:

• Schedule at least 75% of the activities indoors. Particularly, if like me, you’re stuck without a rain date.
• Break down larger groups to accommodate different walking speeds and styles.
• Offer bus service from specific points in the tour, so people of different ages will enjoy themselves.
• Pick a large restaurant that can accommodate crowds, so your group can enjoy a real experience – not just a quick bite and swallow!

Now, for those of you who’ve stuck around for the nitty-gritty:

On the last Sunday in April, I traveled back in time by about 100 years – and it only took two hours! Of course, I’m talking about the drive to the Lower East Side where I joined our guide and a large group of people on a tour of the Jewish Lower East Side. The group, called Knishes & History, trekked from Allen to Orchard to Houston to Grand, rubbing shoulders with crumbling shuls and hip whisky bars along the way, dodging between mikvahs and chi chi boutiques interchangeably.

The sense of moving back in time was incredible, as we looked on at a struggling Greek synagogue. Here, the reading desk is situated in the center of the space, with worshipers gathering on each side – as if viewing an ancient theatrical production. The Eldridge Street Synagogue, having undergone a meticulous restoration of its cathedral-like space, echoed with the ghostly vibrations of immigrants with one foot in the ghetto, the other in the gentile city of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall.

As an event, this sort of walking tour can be all things to all people, with some visiting the forgotten land of their grandfathers among the Jewish heritage sites, while for the foodies of the group – and don’t worry, I use the term loosely – the trip could be about bagels, bialys, knishes, pastrami and pickles. Thanks to expert guidance and a wonderful crowd, this event really was a complete success!

How do you feel about negotiating? In the Spring and Fall, if you’re an event planner in the Hudson Valley, then the answer better be that you enjoy it – a lot. As the seasons change, those venues that offer the best seasonal experiences wind up with many more events than they can accommodate. This means that finding the perfect venue can turn into an expensive prospect, particularly since in this seller’s market, the sellers know they have the advantage.

I just produced an event which started just before sunset, at exactly this kind of venue. The space included almost a full 360-degree wraparound view of spectacular beauty, including not only the majestic Hudson River, but the small surrounding hamlets, a picturesque golf course, and mountains. The view was breathtaking, and over and over again people commented on how spectacular it was, and how much it allowed them to enjoy the evening’s event all the more. It wasn’t a formal occasion, just what I like to call a “drop in,” since the invitees were free to come and go throughout the evening – and they were just dropped into the spot to party. In this kind of setting, where people don’t stay long, there’s not much opportunity to give them a great impression – so having the view pack a one-two punch before they even start talking to other guests really gives my event an edge!

As an event planner and strategist, one of the things I’ve come to realize is that people often think they should skimp on their spending when it comes to a space, then wow their guests with the rest of the party – but in fact, the opposite is true. By far, the more successful events I’ve seen and been involved with have been the ones where, when faced with a choice, the client agreed that spending a bit more on the perfect venue was a worthwhile choice. A venue is core to an event’s success, so my advice is NEVER to downgrade your venue, even when you’re tightening belts!

Here’s a hint when looking for the best venues in the Hudson Valley: check for places that integrate the indoors and outdoors, perhaps with a greenhouse, balcony, or other feature. When weather permits, bringing your guests into exclusive private venues that highlight the Hudson Valley’s natural beauty can help you get even more bang – interest, donations, and connections – for the buck you’ve paid. Why? Because: here in the Hudson Valley, the seasons can sell an event all on their own.

When you put as much effort into running an event planning business as I do, you inevitably become caught up the minutiae that surround each event you put together. Recently, I had the chance to attend the baby shower of a good friend’s daughter, and – as rarely happens when a soiree takes place – I wasn’t involved in the planning of it at all! This unanticipated “breather” from my normal role enabled me to take a back seat, be emotionally involved with my friend’s excitement over this party, and lend a hand when one was needed, but at the same time be a guest, rather than the person worrying over each detail.

With so much of my attention freed up, I was able to soak in the parts of my friend’s daughter’s shower that I found most effective, and think about how to apply them to my own future events. What did I come up with?

• An eclectic group of people is a must-have for any stimulating and entertaining event, but when it comes to this kind of grassroots support event, it’s a must.      Friends, family, colleagues, new acquaintances, and engaging people from each  of their circles can all celebrate together!
• This kind of group involves a host of opportunities to network, and for one whose passion for networking runs in her blood, nothing could be better.
• The food was incredible, and made a huge impact – totally over the top, in the best way possible.
• Taking care with party favors really paid off – these were so artistically created and beautiful.
• A great activity, in this case quilting, can help bring people together.

Of all these points, it’s the new connections made that will stick with me, and I’m sure other guests at this fun occasion, for the longest amount of time. As so often happens, people you never dreamed were connected can wind up crossing paths thanks to a shared friend. Precisely that happened to me. I’m preparing for my birthday at the end of the month, and after this event the guest list expanded by one: a woman whose past intertwines with mine, who I never expected to see at this shower.

All of it just goes to remind me, and all the women out there who are invited to take part in their friends’ and family’s special occasions, that you never can tell who you’ll meet when you walk into a room of loosely connected people. Finding friends, both old and new, can lead to all kinds of new chances to take your life in a direction you choose – and love!

At the end of the 2010 school year, this remarkable woman will be retiring – and she is getting just as involved in the plans as anyone else, which makes the entire occasion a real pleasure. This is something I love to do – take an event and style it around its “star,” particularly when that star has made such positive contributions to the community around herself. Events like this are such as positive occasion, thanks to the general enthusiasm that overtakes the group being left- everyone wants to be on the committee and contribute, which is extraordinary. So many women all wanting to get involved in celebrating one of their own!

Thanks to the guest of honor’s years of experience and numerous friends, there are plenty of options in terms of how to celebrate her retirement. Once options are presented, she is able to accept or decline the offers. The event itself is being funded through immediately-available donor angels who gave us the “seed money” as well as the efforts of our well-connected committee chairwoman. “Don’t worry,” she said, “I know who to call,” and this promise has come true with discounts galore and a smooth-running operation.

While every event will hit its bumps in the road, the smoothness with which this event has been able to organize – practically organizing itself, to be honest – is stunning, and the inclusiveness of all the generations from the temple, both current and past, has helped remind everyone how important it is to belong and contribute to a community with true dedication and effort. If only we could all know we had effected so many lives during our careers!

The first Hudson Valley Frock Swap took place last May, when we held the event at the former Beacon High School – now known as Bull Dog Studios. Our second event, last September, was similarly successful. Blending both events with local celebrations, such as Second Saturday in May and the Studio Tours in September, helped lead to an outpouring of support and understanding from local citizens and businesses alike – not to mention social media sites, BACA, the Beacon Citizen, Beaconites, and Mayor Steve Gold.

As the founders of the Hudson Valley Frock Swap, myself and my partner Jacqueline Peros had the opportunity to use our Fashion Institute of Technology training (her in Image Consulting, me in Event Planning) to brainstorm how to collaborate the clothes exchange/frock swap trend, which people could use to rejuvenate their wardrobe in a time of economic scarcity. As a way to market both of our businesses, we partnered together to create a concept where swapping was merged with image consulting, too!

After holding our third Frock Swap in NYC during November 2009, we’re proud to embark on our fourth swap. Previously, we’ve seen how selecting and trying on clothing in the presence of an Image Consultant produced a natural high when added to the chance of working with Jacquie again on her ABC’s of Image – Appearance, Behavior, and Communication Strategies.

Several months ago, I produced an Event at Stoutridge Vineyard for a nonprofit where I realized how much the venue had to offer a Frock Swap. With its strong commitments to sustainable agriculture and cellars that take advantage of passive geothermal energy, not to mention solar generated electricity, Stoutridge offers an ideal setting for a budget- and environment-conscious event. As a gravity winery, they never use pumps or filters with their wine making, and the resulting beverages are nearly unprocessed – and sold exclusively at the winery.

As with many Events, this one couldn’t be taking shape without the help of our collaborators: media sponsor New York House Magazine, (thank you Jonathan Schein and Cynthia Kudren), the Grace Smith House (thanks to Susan Denton), where we hold a Frock Swap workshop with the unused clothing, Marist College’s Fashion Inc. club, full of volunteers in training for the fashion industry (thanks to Lydia Biskup), and the students from the ULSTER BOCES Design and Merchandising Program, who will, thanks to Angela Kunz, help us run the event, as well as giving tips on tailoring and alterations.

And as a final thank you – and my first PSA announcement on WBNR, I’d like to add a big thanks to Pamal Broadcasting.

As our flyer says, have fun at the Frock Swap – and enjoy the new look you’ll leave with!