It’s been a busy month for me having spent most of it on the road — a site inspection in London and then a Global Leadership Meeting in Bangalore.

London continues to be one of my favorite cities and spending time looking at all the incredible venue possibilities for events was great fun.  On my first day, I previewed a dozen venues in advance of my clients, so that I could show them the best of the best the following day, making good use of their precious time on the ground.  I like to move quickly during a site.

One of the advantages of having long term clients is that you really are able to get into their heads and show them things that you know are going to be solid options for them.  Therefore, I can pretty much tell in the first 5 minutes of a visit if a venue is going to work.  The next day, with clients in tow, we moved at a fast pace seeing the options I had screened, taking photos, notes, etc. and discussing the possibilities.

The site went well and as we said our goodbyes, we knew that we had several options for a successful program in London.

I had one more night in London prior to heading on to India, so I got a chance to go to dinner and theatre with one of my colleagues.

I had heard the buzz around the latest offering from the Menier Chocolate Factory — the little theatre near London Bridge that has been pumping out quality work — (most notably the scaled back version of “La Cage aux Folles,” that found its way to Broadway).

Currently on the bill is their new take on the Stephen Schwartz, musical, “Pippin”.  (He’s the composer best known for “Godspell” and “Wicked”.)  I still remember the original cast album of “Pippin,” which had its Broadway debut in 1972.  My brother and I played that record constantly and sitting in the Menier Theatre, I pretty much knew every lyric to every song.

Even as often as I’ve gone to the theatre this season, not many things have left a lasting impression on me.  Yet, I vividly remember the original 1970′s production of “Pippin” that featured brilliant Bob Fosse staging and performances by luminaries Ben Vereen, John Rubinstein, and Jill Clayburgh.

Coming to the theatre with that much baggage isn’t always a good thing. But, my guest wasn’t familiar with “Pippin” — so I limited sharing too much of my love for the original production until we got to compare notes after the show.

This production of “Pippin” updates the show by setting it inside the world of a video game.  It’s a bold concept and one that is fully embraced by the creative team and cast.  It doesn’t always land, but it is definitely a great example of a strong vision at work.  At times, the concept overwhelms the material and I felt unmoved.  And, while there’s plenty of Fosse choreography, it’s not executed with the precision of Fosse trained dancers and the cold video character styled costumes don’t help.  Yet, there is something compelling about seeing the show re-interpreted.  The use of projection, lighting and again, that commitment to the vision of the director, definitely kept me intrigued.

When you love an original cast so much, it’s hard to stop comparing performances while you’re watching the show.  And filling the shoes of the likes of Ben Vereen… not easy.

The standouts for me in this cast were Caroline Quentin as Berthe (at intermission my friend remarked — “I just love the grandmother!”…I did too) and Carly Bawden as Catherine… watching her flip from video game character on stage to video game player on screen was great.  And it was fun to see Frances Ruffelle (the original Eponine from “Les Miserables”) tackle the role of Fastrada.

I’m curious to see what happens with this production of “Pippin”.  There’s buzz that it will come to Broadway and I think with more development — it could work.  The score is one delight after the next and while it’s remarkable to see the technical achievements in the tiny Chocolate Factory theatre, I can only imagine the innovation that a Broadway production could bring to the concept.

Harry Hepple (Pippin) and Carly Bawden (Catherine) (c)Tristam Kenton

And, regardless of what’s on tap, I’ll return to the Menier Chocolate Factory during my next trip to London.  There are several great restaurants in walking distance – (we had a fantastic dinner at Roast and the theatre itself houses a funky restaurant in the building).  And, after two days of visiting venues and imagining how they can be transformed for events — it was inspiring to see how the creative team of “Pippin” transformed the Menier.

This weekend, I had the distinct pleasure of accompanying Jeff Kalpak to teach a workshop on producing corporate events at my Alma Mater, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Located in Winston-Salem, UNCSA was the first public arts conservatory in the country. I graduated seven months ago with a BFA in Stage Management, and I’ve been working at BKA ever since.

I thought it would feel strange to be back in Winston (as it’s so affectionately called), but it felt oddly normal. It’s a very low-key, welcoming town with a tight-knit community of artists working and training together.

There were nineteen stage management students who attended the workshop. Jeff kicked off the class with a simple statement: this will be a dreadfully boring day unless everyone participates. And participate they did. The meat of the workshop was brainstorming and creating project plans for two separate events – the first as a class with Jeff leading, and the second in small groups. The kids (kids – can I call them that?) really seemed to enjoy the process. For the group project, we split them into groups of four and gave them what essentially was a request for proposal. They had three hours to work together and come up with a presentation. Although we weren’t originally going to choose a winner, their excitement compelled us to give a prize to the best proposal.

There was also a segment called “From UNCSA to BKA,” where I talked about how I got to BKA and my experiences thus far (including a trip to China for BKA’s production of FAME the Musical.) From this, I realized that I’m quite a nervous public speaker in front of my peers. I first met Jeff at the school’s job fair in March. I began as an intern in June, and since then I’ve been hired permanently. I’ve learned a lot in my time here, but the most important is something Jeff said to me this summer: always say yes to new experiences – and this is what I tried to convey to the students.

It was really great to see how engaged everyone was throughout the workshop. In my education at UNCSA, there was never any experience that could compare to this. The event industry was always such a mystery to me, and I’m happy I was able to help draw back the curtains back for these nineteen future professionals.

My favorite holiday is coming up this week – Thanksgiving.

The combination of friends and family gathering to show appreciation while enjoying a big meal…priceless.

A tradition at our office is the Annual BKA Thanksgiving Potluck lunch. Everyone brings something to the table and we all savor each other’s culinary talents. The word “potluck” comes from the practice of throwing leftovers in a pot – with luck determining how good things will taste. There is way more skill displayed at this feast than luck. Though this wonderful office event is yet another reminder to me how lucky and grateful I am to get to work with such a remarkable group of people.

I asked the BKA team to share with me the reasons why they are grateful. Here are some of the things they had to say:

“I’m grateful for my niece, Noelle; and for having a job that fulfills me, stimulates my mind to think differently every day, and let’s me see the vast world outside my everyday life.” – Adam Suellentrop, Manager, Production Services

“I’m grateful for the four seasons. Visually, they are each beautiful and I look forward to sharing the little traditions and simple experiences with my daughter that make each season special.” -Angela Stassi, Marketing Director

“There are so many things I’m thankful for. But firstly, life and family.” – Sowbagya Gokulrum, Production Assistant

“I am extremely thankful for the support and humor of my colleagues. We might not always agree and we have different styles of working, but they always have my back and keep me going when times gets challenging.” –Kate Boyer, Producer

“I am grateful for my wonderful family and that they are happy and healthy (and a bit crazy) and for great friends and co-workers because you literally can’t get through the week without them.” – Susan Belsky, Meeting Planner

“I’m grateful for the fact that the alarm clock on my iPhone has been replaced by a little girl calling out “daddy.” – Andre Shahrdar, VP Business Development

I’m thankful for working remotely, breathing, and the ability to see my parents daily.” –LaKeisha Williams, Bookkeeper

“I’m grateful for the love and support I get from my family and friends on a daily basis.” –Joyce Clement, Producer

“On this upcoming thanksgiving day, I am certainly grateful for turkey, duck, chicken and the wonderful result that occurs when then they are sewn together and baked throughout.” – Andrew Litz, Creative Development Coordinator

“I am grateful for coworkers with a sense of humor ” –Lilit Kalachyan, Designer

“I’m thankful for smiles.” – Ted Kelso, Business Development Coordinator

“For being able to work with my best friend ” –Jennifer Kauf, Creative Director

“I am grateful for being able to watch my daughter grow, for the unconditional love of my family and friends and for the end of every day and when I wake every morning.” – Frank Pascrell, Technical Director

“I am grateful for the flexibility that BKA allows me so I can actively participate in my children’s lives, whether it’s being the Mommy Taxi, sitting in honor assembly watching my daughter accept her awards or when my son hits the home run and I see the pride on his face.” – Kim Fields, Senior Meeting Planner

“I am grateful for the discovery and virtual sharing of ideas and inspiration.” – Laura Peña, Designer

“I am grateful for the feet that support me and allow me to walk and move and dance through this glorious life.” –Lynnette Barkley, Vice President

“I’m thankful for my healthy family and my loyal friends.” – Sasha Zonsius, Production Assistant

“I’m thankful for my BKA family.” – Ryan Guerra, Production Assistant

PS: A few years back, we asked friends, family and colleagues to share their thoughts on why they were grateful.” We were so inspired, we created a video. When I watched it today, I realized it’s timeless. Check it out when you have a moment.

www.bka.net/thegratefulsaid

Happy Thanksgiving!

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.

Alyssa Lee is a Production Coordinator at BKA. She began at our company as a freelancer who worked her way into our hearts and joined us full time more than a year ago. Our clients (and her colleagues) appreciate her dedication, can-do attitude and grace under pressure. She’s our guest blogger today – Jeff

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME… over and over again

There are many perks that come with this job – being a young professional in the event industry I’m learning this more and more. Beyond the long hours, hard work, and insatiable desire for success, we try to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our clients—and in the process we get to participate in those same once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether it’s tasting some of the finest cuisine in the world or being backstage at a private concert held by Sir. Elton John, we all take it in stride, keep the focus on the goals of the event, and execute perfectly.

(Meanwhile in the back of our heads we’re thinking “Holy COW I just shook Bill Gate’s hand!” as a good friend shared with me recently.)

However, as I go on through this journey, one thing that I’m finding that is often taken for granted is the gift of traveling. Sure there are some headaches that come along with it, but in the grand scheme of things, we have the opportunity to interact, see, and experience new things with each event. Our world is always expanding.

This year, I had the opportunity to work on an event in Shanghai, China.

I remember the email that came in from BKA’s Head of Production, Adam –

Subject line: Do you…

Body: …want to go to Shanghai?

He’d just about hit send and I already replied with an overwhelming: YES, PLEASE!

With months and months of prep work down, I found myself at Newark Airport on January 11th, sitting in row 15 C on a Continental flight to China.

Upon landing, like any other event, I hit the ground running:

Get to the hotel—Unpack—get to rehearsals—is sound check ready?

We have an edit on Dr. Smith’s PowerPoint.

Where are those signs?

Who has a food allergy?

Cue lights… Cue music… Go to video…

All of a sudden the sensation and awe of being across the world had disappeared. We were in event mode. It wasn’t until a conversation I had with Jeff Kalpak that I snapped back into reality.

You know those one-liners – a piece of advice that you know will stay with you for the rest of your life, or at least for a while anyways? Well, I was given that piece of advice, while onsite staring at the skyline of The Bund in Shanghai – “Never take these opportunities for granted. The moment you start to, step back and take it in; if you can’t, get out. “

Domestic or international, traveling the streets of New York to work, or traveling the streets of Shanghai for a program, that message will echo in the back of my mind.

Life is a series of events— and to quote a classic, Ferris Bueller—“If you don’t’ stop to look around once in a while it might pass you by.”

My adorable niece is going to turn 1 next month. And, like every loving uncle, all I want to do is spoil her.

I’m tempted by every cute outfit and soft plush toy. But, knowing that kids outgrow clothes and you can only play with so many toys at a time… I’ve decided that I’m going to be giving the gift of travel to my little ray of sunshine.

She has her suitcase — Mom and Dad made sure of that from a very early age — and now my job is to make sure she gets to take it with her and see the world.

We’ve started her travel fund, savings allocated for future trips so she can plot her course and choose her adventures. She’s just starting to walk now — so she’s got some time before she raids the piggy bank.

So, in the meantime, I’ve been sending her postcards from all the places I get to go. Sometimes she holds them, sometimes she eats them, but mostly her Mom collects them for her. One day, she’ll read them herself and start to get the idea that the world is bigger than her neighborhood.

For me, the postcard routine gives me a chance to stop and think of her while I’m on the road. I’m generally glued to my keyboard. So taking a moment to actually write something down feels good. And to think that my cute little imp is one day going to get to visit many of the places I have been makes me happy.

Travel has been a great gift to me. And, I’m appreciative of everywhere I get to go…. even if I miss my connection or get stuck in the middle seat.

Life is a series of events, I wish you safe travels and hope you get to travel with someone who approaches the journey with the wide-eyed wonder of a child.

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.