Kelsey Van Raay BEMP-505

Retro Fest Event

 I was given the opportunity to plan a volunteer thank you night for all the people who helped out with Chatham- Kent’s Retro Fest event in May I was given a budget to work with and the opportunity to plan the event all on my own. With this is mind I used the planning skills I had to organize what needed to be done in order for the event to be successful.

I choose the theme of my event to match the theme of Retro Fest. There was approximately 150 people who attended the event. With those numbers I could estimate the amount of food, drinks and seating areas needed. In order to serve alcohol I got an event permit which allowed my event to take place indoors and outdoors. The events entertainment consisted of tours through the classic car museum which was directly related to the Retro Fest Event. I also hired a band to perform for a period of the night. There was beer supplied by a local brewery, and a slushie machine which made cocktail type drinks. The food was a variety of Hors d'oeuvres on high tables scattered throughout the car museum so people could walk around and eat at the same time. A local catering, and tent rental company were hired to serve at the event and set up and take down the tent.

 The Event was a huge success and I was given positive feedback from the guests and the person who gave me the opportunity to plan the event. After the event was over I did an analysis on what was successful and what could has been done differently. I learned that Planning and Event on my own can be a very challenging task and extra helping hands is always beneficial. I also learned that sometimes the small things are the most important ones. Recognizing potential risks before an event can decrease problems during an event.

RM Auctions Graphics Department

 I previously worked in a graphics department at a Classic Car Auction company. I was required to learn several computer programs at a fast pace in order to build car catalogs and advertisements. Working in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines really pushed me to advance my technological skills. This job was initially a challenge for me because I was unfamiliar with many terms and program features. Images of the Auction I worked for and attended

 I became very advanced in web design, Photoshop, in-design, illustrator, Dreamweaver and Microsoft word as well as my organization skills. I was given lessons from fellow workers who guided me through the catalogue building process. I was assigned to edit the photos for one of the companies biggest auctions which required a lot of patience and visual expertise. I started working on billboard advertisements and eventually was given the task of building the design for an interior part of a cars dashboard. I continued to learn about more and more features these design programs had and also how to properly organize information and projects on the computer. This allowed me to gain organizational skills as well.

 The result of learning these skills were very positive. I did such a great job at completing the catalogue that I was asked to join the company at the live auction in Boca Raton Florida. Along with being able to experience my work in real life I also gained technology skills that I continue to carry on throughout my day to day life. I feel that technology is something that is always changing and always something you have to keep up with. Maintaining the knowledge I have now while also keeping informed of new technology will allow me several advantages in a working environment.

Nuit Blanche Art Festival 2013

 I was given the opportunity to help out at the Nuit Blanche art festival this year in October. This event draws in over 1 million people and requires help in all different aspects of the event. I was signed on the be an artist guide which involved communicating with the viewers/guests of the art installation I was working at. I had to learn what the installation was about, and also keep the lineups and crowds under control. This job required exceptional communication skills and previous research of the event.

 At the installation I was working at we had approximately 20,000 people attend. I was required to answer any questions people had about the art piece, give directions, hand out maps and brochures and also control the lineups. I had to engage the audience in the art piece and make sure viewers had a positive experience. This event took place over a full 12 hour time span, so keeping myself awake and motivated was done by socializing with guests and fellow workers and keeping up a positive attitude.

 This experience helped strengthen my communication skills and provided me with an opportunity to be a part of a big world renowned festival. I successfully got people engaged and participating in the event through my social skills and enjoyed being on the fore front of an event. Photo of the Installation I worked at Results