“EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” JORGE ZURITA’S “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Y YY Your regular source of expertise

JORGE ZURITA “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Y YY Your regular source of expertise

“THE EVENT PLANNING AND PRODUCTION BUSINESS IS A PEOPLE BUSINESS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE SERVICES YOU PROVIDE ARE NOT YOUR MAIN PRODUCT -- PEOPLE ARE YOUR MAIN PRODUCT. IF YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR PEOPLE THAN YOU DO ABOUT YOUR PRODUCTS, THEN YOU CAN BE VERY EFFECTIVE IN THIS BUSINESS AND MAKE A LOT OF MONEY.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” Executive Director – Event Design MGM Mirage Events FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS KING AND HIS ASSOCIATES HAVE CREATED AMAZING ENVIROMENTS FOR CELEBRITIES IN FILM, SPORTS AND MUSIC. HE ALSO HAS AN IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF FORTUNE 500 CLIENTS INCLUDING SEVERAL MEANINGFUL CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS. “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

 HOW TO DEVELOP A CREATIVE, EFFECTIVE AND INTERDEPENDENT TEAM CULTURE.  HOW TO APPLY KEY PRINCIPLES FOR LEVERAGING YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET: YOUR STAFF.  HOW TO COMMUNICATE AND INSTILL YOUR VISION AND VALUES SO EVERYBODY ON YOUR TEAM IS ON THE SAME PAGE. “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” Executive Director – Event Design MGM Mirage Events FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS KING AND HIS ASSOCIATES HAVE CREATED AMAZING ENVIROMENTS FOR CELEBRITIES IN FILM, SPORTS AND MUSIC. HE ALSO HAS AN IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF FORTUNE 500 CLIENTS INCLUDING SEVERAL MEANINGFUL CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS. “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

HOW DID YOU START PRODUCING EVENTS…BECAUSE PEOPLE JUST DON’T WAKE UP AND DECIDE THEY ARE GOING TO GET STARTED IN EVENT DESIGN. SO HOW DID YOU START YOUR SUCCESSFUL CAREER? PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND IN THIS BUSINESS. “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ”  Joined a start-up company located in Southern California called “It’s The Main Event” 28 years ago. I always had an artistic background. I am a musician, so creativity is part of my life. I began designing props and building pieces for a brand new events industry a long time ago.  I went into real estate for 2 years, but still kept designing events for Board of Realtors’ grand open houses. I did the décor for Malibu Conference Center clients’ weddings, corporate events and picnics.  I formed an event design company called King Dahl Event Design, and later sold it before moving to Las Vegas to work at MGM Mirage Events (my old company is still operating today!). © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” IF YOU DESIGN AND PRODUCE 500 SUCCESSFUL EVENTS A YEAR, AND YOU’VE BEEN DOING EVENTS FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS, THEN HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR DAILY LIFE? WE ALL KNOW THAT BEING IN AN EVENT PRODUCTION BUSINESS MEANS LONGER DAYS AND A LOT OF WORKING HOURS, BUT STILL, YOU SEEM TO HAVE TIME TO RELAX AND TAKE IT EASY DURING A BUSY DAY. HOW DO YOU DO IT? © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“ I strongly believe in balance. I work during the day, and try to keep my work life and professional life separate. How do I do that? You have to learn to empower your staff members and empower the people that work with you.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

YOU ARE AN EXPERT IN LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION ON ALL WHO ATTEND ONE OF YOUR EVENT MASTERWORKS; HOWEVER, I’M SURE OUR SUBSCRIBERS WOULD REALLY LIKE TO LEARN SOME OF YOUR STRATEGIES TO DEVELOP A CREATIVE, EFFECTIVE AND INTERDEPENDENT EVENT TEAM CULTURE. SO HOW DO YOU START BUILDING AND REINFORCING A TEAM CULTURE? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

 Dedication, Focus & Patience.  Get the team members to participate, and engage them in developing that culture.  Strategic Plan – Shared Vision, Developing Values & Mission. “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” Steps In Building A High Performing Team © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

NOW AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EVENT DESIGN AT SUCH A LARGE CORPORATION, YOUR ROLE IS LIKE THE CONDUCTOR OF THE ORCHESTRA. EVERYONE ON YOUR TEAM KNOWS THEIR JOB, BUT HOW DO YOU KEEP EVERYONE SYNCHRONIZED AND MOVING FORWARD, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE TO DELIVER SO MANY EVENTS EVERY MONTH? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

 My job is to communicate to the team the clients’ clear and concise expectations.  Great conductors surround themselves with great musicians. To get a good band, you really have to reach out, set ego aside, and try hard to be the best musician you can. It’s the same in event design and any business. “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

MANY OF OUR SUBSCRIBERS ARE ALREADY IN BUSINESS AND OTHERS ARE JUST PLANNING TO JUMP INTO THIS FASCINATING CAREER, BUT I’M PRETTY SURE THEY ALL WANT TO KNOW HOW DO YOU HIRE THE BEST PEOPLE SO THEY BECOME AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR TEAM? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

 Keep your eyes and ears open at all times.  Put up a job fair and get young, new, enthusiastic talent to come to the event. Start them at an entry-level position, and help them to grow from the bottom up. “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

WHAT CAN AN EVENT PLANNER WHO IS JUST STARTING IN THE BUSINESS DO TO ATTRACT GOOD PEOPLE? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” Create an environment that people want to work at; that’s how you attract the best possible people. © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

FINDING AND HIRING THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR YOUR TEAM IS NOT AN EASY TASK, BUT TRAINING AND RETAINING THEM IS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT. WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP GOOD PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS RECEIVE GOOD COMPETITIVE OFFERS? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“The philosophy I’ve adopted is not to worry about keeping good people. What’s more important to me is to train and develop people so they become the type of professionals that everybody wants to have. I just don’t feel bad when they have to leave; it’s a proud moment for me.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

HOW CAN AN ENTREPRENEUR IN THE SPECIAL EVENTS ARENA KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO EXPAND AND HIRE? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“What’s very critical is to be able to judge and analyze your particular market and to avoid over expanding.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

HOW DOES YOUR TEAM ASSIMILATE NEW MEMBERS? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” We have a training process and the first thing they do is attend a one-day orientation program where they sit with members from every department including the sales, logistics, warehouse and production departments. You have your employees become a part of change, so that they are engaged in helping with the solution. © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

IF SOMEONE FROM THE AUDIENCE IS LISTENING AND IS RELUCTANT TO HIRE TALENTED PEOPLE FOR FEAR OF BRINGING A PERSON ON BOARD WHO COULD LATER BECOME A COMPETITOR, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM? DO YOU THINK THAT’S GOOD FOR THEIR BUSINESS? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

 “What really is a good strategy is for you to focus on getting the absolute best talent that you can.”  “Integrity and honesty is always important.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” IN YOUR OPINION, IN AN EVENT DESIGN AND PRODUCTION COMPANY, WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE STAFF MEMBERS SHOULD BE IN CHARGE OF THE BUSINESS SIDE, AND WHAT PERCENTAGE SHOULD BE IN CHARGE OF THE CREATIVE SIDE? ARE THESE TWO ASPECTS OF THE BUSINESS EQUALLY IMPORTANT? © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

 “Every business has its own ratio that they need to figure out.”  “You need to have people within your organization that focus on the financial, management, the H.R. and people in the business, developing the creative, selling and producing the events.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

HOW DO YOU LEVERAGE DIVERISTY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES TO MEET TEAM GOALS, NAMELY, SPECTACULAR EVENTS, 500 DIFFERENT TIMES A YEAR? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved  “Work with people individually and personally to help them meet their personal goals and contribute to the overall team goals. ”  ”And to accomplish this, you need to clearly and concisely communicate with team members.” Your regular source of Expertise

WHAT MOTIVATES YOUR STAFF? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

 “We have a staff meeting called ‘Talk Tuesday’ with 50 + team members where we do recaps of our events -- what went right, what went wrong, give feedbacks and show photos.”  “We instill our creative values within all of our people during these meetings using fun and unique exercises.“ “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU AS A LEADER? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved “The things that keep me motivated are knowing that I’ve got a team of people around me that love what they do, they have passion for what they do, and that they continually show up to work with smiles on their faces.” Your regular source of Expertise

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR COMMUNICATIONS FLOWING WITHIN THE COMPANY? WHEN DEALING WITH EVENTS THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF DETAILS TO CONSIDER. YOU MIGHT BE FAMILIAR WITH THIS SAYING: “IN SPECIAL EVENTS, PERFECTION IS IN THE DETAILS.” HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE EVERY PIECE OF INFORMATION, BE IT AN EXTENSIVE DOCUMENT OR JUST A NOTE, GETS TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE, AT THE RIGHT TIME? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“We use a production worksheet that outlines every detail that is to be included for a particular job.”  “We use a production worksheet that outlines every detail that is to be included for a particular job.”  “On that document it also states what is coming from our existing inventory and what is rented and from where.”  “Everybody has access to the document which includes the prices of all elements and services being provided or rendered.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE YOUR PEOPLE? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“We recognize good performance by writing little notes to let them know they have done something that’s over and above the call of duty, thereby giving them public acknowledgment of their good deeds.” “We also have a program called ‘Employee of the Quarter’, and every 3 months we recognize an employee from across all of our departments.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION, AND HOW CAN OUR LISTENERS DEVELOP THEIR OWN UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“Our end goal is to make the same customer happy. It’s not about profit; it’s about the end result -- the satisfaction and exceeding the expectations of that client.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE TOP 2 TO 3 PHILOSOPHIES YOU LIVE BY? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“Do the right things and avoid doing the wrong things.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

DO YOU THINK ANYONE CAN SUCCEED IN SPECIAL EVENT PRODUCTION? WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS BUSINESS? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” Shari Lynn Rothstein “On PR and Imaging for Event Business” “On PR and Imaging for Event Business” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“It is not right for everybody, this business requires an ability and flexibility to work crazy hours when needed, to be able to handle a multitude of details, to be able to organize and also be creative, to be quick on your feet and to have the ability to basically make something out of nothing.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

OUT OF EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DISCUSSED IN THIS INTERVIEW, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE TOP 2 OR 3 THINGS OUR LISTENERS SHOULD ABSOLUTELY REMEMBER IF THEY ARE PLANNING ON EXPANDING THEIR EVENT TEAM AT THEIR COMPANIES? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“The most important elements for success are those elements of your strategic plan: the shared vision, the values and the mission.” “C.R.E.A.T.I.V.E.“ Value List “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

PLEASE TELL US HOW OUR SUBSCRIBERS CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU, YOUR BUSINESS, AND YOUR BLOG? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

King Dahl Executive Director of Event Design, MGM Mirage Events 5620 Cameron Street, Suite A| Las Vegas, NV Direct | Fax | | “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

BEFORE WE FINISH WITH THIS INTERVIEW, IN YOUR PERSONAL OPINION, WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE SECRET TO BEING SUCCESSFUL AS AN EVENT PROFESSIONAL? “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

 “ I think the # 1 secret in business and in life is very simple: it’s you against you.” “EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise

“EVENT PLANNING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT” THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION. WE ARE SURE IT’S GOING TO BE A LOT OF BENEFIT TO ALL OF US! GOOD BYE, KING, GOODBYE EVERYBODY HAVE A GREAT EVENT! King Dahl “ On Event Team Culture ” © Reaching Goals, Inc. – All Rights Reserved Your regular source of Expertise