Being an event planner has not always been that job I dreamed about growing up. It actually is interesting how I ended up in this profession! Here is a little bit about my story!
Allison grew up in a small town in Central Florida. She was raised on fifteen acres of orange groves and grew up living the southern lifestyle!
Allison attended the University of Florida beginning in 2006. When she attended her orientation session at UF, she was set with being a Marketing or Advertising major. The school required you to list 3 majors that you were interested in and then you toured the respective colleges. After looking through the list of majors, she found one that seemed very interesting, "Recreation and Event Management". She attended the info session, met with the dean and was convinced that this was exactly what she was looking for!
Allison immediately began researching jobs for the field for after college and she was a little concerned. Most jobs required 2 years of experience in the field to be qualified. So, she started looking for part time jobs where she could get some experience and satisfy that requirement. She interviewed and accepted a position at the Florida Museum of Natural History in the Events department. The museum hosted weddings, corporate events and university events.
Upon graduating, Allison was required to complete a 13 week internship in the area of her choice. Allison decided to pursue companies in Orlando, FL. She interviewed with Arthur's Catering in Altamonte Springs and began her internship in January 2010. During this time, Allison learned the ins and outs of the catering business, as well as learning all about venues and meeting many of Central Florida's finest vendors! After her internship, Allison was hired on at Arthur's as an assistant event designer. She began taking on her own clients as well as being a support system in the office.
Allison is a true believer that everything happens for a reason and she knew that her time at Arthur's wouldn't be forever because her husband, a US Naval Officer, was being stationed in Jacksonville, FL. Although it was very sad for Allison to leave Arthur's, she knew that working at Arthur's had opened the door for her to start her own business!
And that brings us to today! Allison is actively pursuing Chance Events in Central and North Florida!
Until next time!
