(This post is part of our Meet the Planner blog series. If you would like to be one of our featured event planners, send an email to blog@messageblocks.com.)
Meet Lauren Grafer. Lauren plans the beautiful fundraising galas that you’ve heard about or seen on TV shows. Originally a corporate events planner, she spun off her own business, Madison Events, in 2000. Since then, she’s continued planning events for nonprofits like the Humane Society and the River Fund. And she does it all while wearing four-inch heels!
Interview with Lauren Grafer
Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up as an event planner.
I started off about 17 years ago in my first job out of college working in finance doing corporate events. On the side I would do a lot of pro bono work for nonprofits and their fundraising events. I left finance because I started getting clients and building up my side business until I was at the point where I could do it full-time.
Can you describe some of the events you plan year-round?
I do probably 75% nonprofit, fundraising galas, fundraiser cocktails, and other types of fundraisers and then 25% corporate or social, executive outings, and weddings. Some of the nonprofits I work with are the Humane Society of the United States, the Fortune Society, and the River Fund.
Do you have a favorite event?
I’m partial to the nonprofits because they’re really meaningful. Planning nonprofit events is like putting a puzzle together because you are trying to coordinate an event on a very small budget to make the most money you can.
Can you tell me a story about a time things went badly?
For a fundraiser I had last November, our vodka sponsor sent just the minimum amount. At midnight we were running out of vodka and couldn’t really get more. It would have been a nightmare for the party since vodka is a major part of what people drink. I was in a gown and 4 in heels and had to leave so fast I didn’t have a jacket, even though it was November and freezing. I ended up running down the street to my storage and grabbing leftover bottles from another event, jumping in a cab, and running back. Fortunately, the vodka lasted until a minute after the event was over. Nobody even knows about it. It just comes with the territory.
What’s a tip you’d like to share with event planners?
Never let them see you sweat. If you’re smiling, it conveys calm to other people. If an issue arises and they see you sweat, then other people are going to start to freak.
Anything else you would like to add?
I’ve always been very philanthropic; it’s part of my upbringing and who I am. Whether it's corporate, wedding, or a nonprofit, I give 5% of my fee back to the nonprofit or the client’s choice.
Thanks Lauren! For the latest updates from Lauren Grafer, find her on Twitter at @madisoneventsny or visit Madison Events.
Do you have any crazy stories involving 4 in heels or freezing weather? Tell us all about it in the comments!