I’m guest blogging for Jeff this week, as I recently had the privilege of introducing him at the ISES Big Apple Awards as he was inducted into their “Hall of Legends.”  He was given this honor for his exemplary achievement and tenure in the event industry.

It was an exciting night. The BKA team was there in full support. We even had a “surprise” moment for Jeff as he was announced (you’ll see in the photos.) We also came home with the Big Apple Award for Best Corporate Event for our work on the LG Mobile Worldcup… which made the night even more special.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you all some of what I had said about Jeff and why he truly is legendary to all of us here at BKA.

When Jeff walked into my office and told me that he was being honored by ISES as a legend, he did so with a sheepish grin as if to say, “Can you believe anyone thinking of me as a legend?” We chuckled for a few seconds and then I realized, yes, I could.

Well, certainly he has accomplished a lot. Mere children at the time, Jeff, with his business partner Lynnette Barkley, started BKA over 20 years ago. Today BKA is an award winning event agency servicing the top corporate brands.

A talented theatre director, from Mumbai to Shanghai, Venice to Vancouver, he has produced and directed live events, televised events and theatrical experiences, countless corporate videos, worked with hundreds of actors and celebrities. As a speaker consultant and trainer, Jeff travels the world coaching C-level executives on the art of communication.

He has also given back to the industry by participating on industry boards, speaking at industry events. And to the next generation entering the field, Jeff lectures at NYU and Syracuse University on events and business meetings.

He’s a tireless worker, a constant communicator, a lover of life and people. And anyone who has had the good fortune of spending time with him knows – he speaks and listens from the heart. He engages you the entire time you are with him and you walk away knowing:

He Cares.

In this industry, where projects are temporary and incredible creations, made to look real, are loaded in one night and torn down the very next day, Jeff’s caring is permanent and genuine.

He conducts his business and his life – leading from the heart.

Here is what one of BKA’s clients had to say:

“The thing about Jeff is the intensely personal and loyal relationships he consistently develops. He goes beyond being great at what he does, beyond being a partner for our company, to being a true friend and someone who serves others at a very personal level.”

Life is a series of events, and it’s nice to have somebody with heart leading you through them.

Congratulations, Jeff!

Click the link to see photos, Big Apple Awards Photos

Courtesy of our friends at 5th Avenue Digital.

It’s been a busy month at BKA. Since Oct 1, we’ve had programs in New York, Alabama, Budapest, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Vienna. This week, a client asked me, “how do you all go from event to event to event?”

We’re certainly driven and energized by the work, but also driven and energized by our team.

I’m thrilled that two of our team members, Michael Reese and Adam Suellentrop have been recognized for their hard work by being named finalists for the BizBash Readers Choice Awards.

Michael, a finalist for Event Designer of the Year, has been with BKA for the last seven years. He’s the VP of our design + multimedia department – supervising all production design as well as video and graphic design. There’s rarely an event we produce that doesn’t involve Michael in one way or another. Combined with his vast theatrical background, he’s a prolific and award-winning scenic and lighting designer.

Adam, a finalist for Event Producer of the Year, joined the BKA team 5 years ago and in that time he’s become the head of our Production team. Clients are thrilled with Adam in the lead. He immerses himself into their brands and knows that even the littlest details in execution make or break the big picture objectives.

So, please join in my excitement and cast your vote for Michael and Adam.

Click here to VOTE

BKA also has events that are finalists for Best PR/ Marketing Initiative, Best Scenic Design and Best Fresh Idea. We’re keeping our fingers crossed when the winners are announced on October 27th.

Life is a series of events and being recognized for the work you do is an honor.

I have attended hundreds of meetings.  Those that we plan and produce for our clients and those that educate and promote the growth of our industry.  I’ve learned a lot at these meetings. But, I have to admit; one of the most inspiring meetings for me is our own BKA Mid-Year Meeting.

Every summer, we gather our entire team for a couple of days outside of the office (and outside of the city) to communicate our strategy and illustrate the big picture on where we are as a company, where we are going, and most importantly– how we are going to get there.  The agenda is chock full, but we also make sure there is some time for us to relax and enjoy each other’s company (and check our emails, of course.)

My favorite part of the meeting, by far, is when we announce the recipient of the Dramatically Different Award.  The Dramatically Different Award recognizes and honors the BKA employee who has best embodied our values during the past year.  It’s our chance to acknowledge the person whose diligence and good humor make the work we do that much easier and that much more enjoyable.  They always seem to put others before themselves.  Their positive attitude, kind spirit and generous nature shape who we are as a company and who we would like to be as individuals.

The best part is that the staff determines who will win the award.  A ballot is sent to everyone with open-ended questions about the candidate of their choice and the winner is kept secret until the presentation.

This year, we invited past winners to help present the award by sharing their thoughts about the current winner.  And, with genuine appreciation and grace, Laura Peña, from our design team, accepted the award.  Congratulations again, Laura.  You help make us who we are.

Life is a series of events, and I’m grateful that I have dramatically different individuals surrounding me for mine.

Laura accepting her well deserved award.