Metro Events Specialists spoke with Kelly Morris, owner of KSM Marketing*, to learn what went on behind the planning scenes.
1. How did KSM Marketing get involved with planning this event?
KSM has worked for the Ronald Reagan Building on other projects during the years and has previous experience at the facility. When the opportunity came to transfer the show to a DC-based company, KSM was a natural choice.
2. What were your main duties? What did other members of the team do?
KSM oversaw all aspects of show management including managing more than 150 exhibitors and wineries, ticket sales, sponsorship fulfillment, and onsite logistics. Our sales team, led by KSM’s Stephanie Ridgway, successfully navigated the weather challenges to get everyone onsite safely.
3. What were your biggest obstacles in planning this event?
The biggest obstacle for the 2010 IWFF was definitely mother nature! The blizzard of 2010 wrecked havoc on our plans, our attendees, our exhibitors, and everyone involved. Luckily for us, the weather broke just in time for us to pull of the event.
4. What tasks/duties went more smoothly than expected? More difficult?
Onsite ticket sales soared due to the break in the weather, our registration system worked perfectly to process orders, and our staff managed the lines with swift perfection.
5. What advice do you have for planners of such a major event?
Planning a major event requires intense coordination and attention to detail. No detail is too small or should be overlooked. And most importantly, surround yourself with an arsenal of strong vendors (décor, registration, audio-visual, etc.).
*KSM Marketing is a boutique marketing firm offering specialized marketing initiatives, targeted campaigns, and strategic promotions uniquely tailored to increase sales for businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Copyright © 2010 Metro Event Specialists