Meet Lisa Gentilin of Fancy Shindigs. Lisa has worked in the event industry for over 20 years. She owns her own event company, teaches hospitality students at San Francisco State University (SFSU), and regularly plans international events (think China, Qatar & Dubai), all while living in California. Read our interview to learn how she’s reacted to industry changes and her advice for new planners looking to get in the business.
Interview with Lisa Gentilin
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a corporate event planner. I started Fancy Shindigs in 2001. At Fancy Shindigs, I work by myself or with other subcontractors and independent event planners. I also teach classes through SFSU’s hospitality program and speak at a lot of industry conferences. Companies will hire me to do training classes, and I’ve also started offering public classes, CMP exam preparation workshops, etc.
What inspired you to start your own event planning company?
I used to live in New Jersey and did marketing and events for companies like AT&T. After moving to California, I was on the road all the time, leaving Sunday afternoon and getting back Friday night. For me, the travel got to be too much. Now I work with companies like AT&T and Wells Fargo on a contract basis.
How has the industry transitioned throughout your career?
Back in the day, event planning was not a job category and there certainly were no degrees. This was always a position that fell under Marketing (that’s what my Bachelor’s was in), so you started off working there. We’d write product slicks for marketing, communications, and trade shows. You just kind of fell into it back then through the marketing group. Now, you can find a job. You can find universities that teach event planning.
How many events a year do you plan?
75-80 events so far this year, some of them are 3-4 days, some are roadshows (two days a week for five months).
Can you describe some of the events you plan?
I plan a couple different types of events. When I’m part of an association’s team, I’ll be brought on to manage an area if they’re doing a large tradeshow, to handle exhibitor registration, or to handle education. The association will choose speakers and then hand them off to me. I also do a lot of incentive programs, where I get to do a little something for fun and get creative.
Can you share a memory you have from one of your events?
One of my favorite events was a client appreciation event at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. It had a 1920’s theme, so we had trolleys that picked up guests, flapper girls on each trolley, and all types of dress up items for people to wear (fedora hats, ties, boas). We had a Charlie Chaplin impersonator and aerialists in the rotunda. It was just a fabulous trip.
What’s a tip you’d like to share with event planners?
One trick is to try piggybacking (sharing costs with other groups). That means talking to your salesperson, and seeing what other groups are going to be in house at the same time that might be similar to what you’re doing. If they only need it for a half-day, you can split room rental and A/V costs.
Also, if you have an open bar, request that corks and bottle caps be kept. That way if you’re doing things on consumption, you can check. Any place that objects to this, it’s a red flag.
What’s your next event?
Fall is coming up, so it’s trade show season. For us, we’re doing a few training sessions. I have a couple of speaking engagements. Then we ramp right back up in January.
Anything else you would like to add?
I’m a big proponent for continuing education. There’s always something new that’s coming out, so it’s important to stay active in the hospitality community. If you’re new to the industry, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A lot of those like me are happy to answer questions rather that event planners have a bad reputation. We’re not party planners.
Thanks Lisa! To learn more about Lisa Gentilin, find her on Twitter @FancyShindigs or visit her website.
Have you ever attending a class on event planning? Tell us about your experience in the comments.