August Newsletter

As And Here's Lilly, a full event management company, participated in the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, they have now had the time to reflect on the once-ina-lifetime experience and share with you some useful hints in coordinating events.

And Here's Lilly, a mother-daughter owned business, was contracted by Pacific Bell to manage all of their private events in Los Angeles which were hosted by the parent company SBC. The mother-daughter duo had to manage thirteen SBC state delegations, each having several of their own parties. Although managing political events such as the two inaugurals of President Clinton and the opening of the Reagan Library with all five Presidents is nothing new to them, this is what they experienced during the DNC:

TIP #1: We suggested the use of hostesses at each restaurant or venue to serve as the "buffer" between the client and the venue. Since the client was from out of state and not knowing the nuances of each venue, the hostess served as a reassurance that menus, seating arrangements, and transportation were arranged as the client desired. This concept avoided many possible disasters during the restaurant's and hotel's hectic times.
Lilly making sure that everything is set for the Indiana Delegation Party at the 360 restaurant in Hollywood.
TIP #2: Since the plans of our clients changed with incredible speed, we not only confirmed the reservations a week out, but also the day before and again on the day of, trying to only deal with one name. Finding out to our dismay, that when we called a restaurant the day of asking for the manager we have been dealing with since the beginning and just spoke to the day before, was no longer with the company!
	Charmaine holding the fort in the front at Shanghai Red's while Lilly enjoys the view of Marina del Rey with the Wisconsin Delegation.

TIP #3: Be ready to fulfill the needs of the client even when not requested Plan for the unplanned! We were also responsible for all the transportation of the delegates, guests, and SBC employees to and from the Staples Center and to each private event. One client was not aware of a guest that had wheelchair needs. All the transportation companies in Los Angeles were booked months in advance and had filed all of the proper permits. We received a call the day of the event requesting a wheelchair access bus for their VIP guest. Having exhausted all of our resources in LA we were able to find a company in Orange County within 2 hours after the request! Know your surroundings.

If you would like to read more "insider" tips on event planning and coordinating, you may read more about And Here's Lilly in an article featuring their success in the Simi Valley Daily News published Monday, August 21st.