Across The Country We Go!

From the desk of: Caroline Ford

Can we plan an event across the country, with all new vendor partners, on a property we’ve never seen? Of course we can! And we’ll do it three times!

This year I have the exciting opportunity to plan two events on the west coast, and they could not be more different: an intimate wedding weekend on a secluded Montana ranch for 60 guests, and a 450-person conference for teachers at a large San Diego hotel. Having never been to California or Montana, I am first thrilled, but these events in unfamiliar territory have also posed unique challenges. Luckily, a group of our colleagues already conquered the wild west when planning a conference out in Arizona last year, and have imparted many words of wisdom – namely, beware of the jet lag! Even if three hours doesn’t sound like a lot, it will hit you on site.

One of the most exciting parts about planning these events has been collaborating with a whole new team of vendors. We are working with L.A.-based rental companies, string musicians from Big Sky, and even a custom cowboy hat bar based out of Utah! The planning process has truly expanded my understanding of what vendors are out there, and what kind of event magic we can create. I never thought I would write “4pm - running of the horses” into a Production Schedule!

The biggest challenges? Navigating a time difference, conceptualizing a floor plan and room design in a space I’ve never seen, and most of all: booking everyone’s preferred seat on the flight (I need the aisle!).  

I cannot wait to head out west this summer and see these event sites for the very first time, as we bring the design concepts to fruition. I don’t want to give away too much of the surprise – you’ll have to keep an eye on our Instagram to see for yourself. For now, some teaser photos of the gorgeous properties we’ll be exploring!