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“I’m grateful for the fact that the alarm clock on my iPhone has been replaced by a little girl calling out “daddy.”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!

We have just come off of the busiest month in BKA history. This October, we had events going on in three different continents and over a dozen different cities. I traveled to three of the events for a couple of our long-standing clients. The first was a customer meeting in Scottsdale, AZ, then a Sales Leadership Meeting in Venice, Italy (complete with a scavenger hunt throughout the city, not an easy feat) and the finale was a full on theatrical production of FAME the Musical in Macau, China at the Macau International Music Festival. Being that I was over on the other side of the globe, Oskar and I decided to continue the adventure and head to Cambodia for vacation, a place I’ve long wanted to visit and explore.

We were welcomed into this beautiful country by wonderful, warm people. Especially Reaksmay, our guide. As we spent more time with Reaksmay we couldn’t get past his incredible optimism and perennial smile. He is passionate about his life in Phnom Penh. Incredibly hospitable, warm, funny and genuine with vast knowledge of history, architecture, culture and customs, it was a joy to spend time with him learning about his country.

Through his story we learned about Cambodia, its history and how the people who have been through so much still manage to have a spirit that is indisputable. After all, Reaksmay, his mother and sister all survived the war — a war that wiped out 20% of the Cambodian population.

Reaksmay led us on our tour of S21 and the Killing Fields, two areas where the Khmer Rouge performed acts of torture and ultimately the genocide of its own people during the war.

These visits were made more vivid for us as we learned Reaksmay’s personal story. He was just 1 month old when his country was invaded. His parents fled. His mother taking Reaksmay and his 2 year old sister, his father realizing that his family was more in danger if he stayed with them ventured into the jungle area to hide.

30 days on foot, 19 without food, his mother found refuge. His father reunited with his family briefly, only to die from an illness borne during his time in hiding. Reaksmay never knew his father, who during better times held a government position. His mother, realizing that any evidence of her connection to a government employee was dangerous, burned any evidence of her husband’s existence. Clothes, papers and sadly, all photographs — all connections to Reaksmay’s father were gone.

After leaving S21 and the killing fields with a sinking feeling, I finally had to ask him how he functions on a day-to-day basis. How was it possible for him to tour such sad sites and relive stories of devastation?

“Forgiveness,” Reaksmay told us. “As a child I wanted revenge, but as an adult, I learned that forgiveness allowed me to be free of the burden of pain.” I was stunned by his answer. I felt it was almost superhuman that he could even set out to forgive those who caused such pain for him let alone sincerely living that way.

I thought of the things that I’ve been unable to forgive over the years. And, although I can’t say I’m at the point where Reaskmay is, I am incredibly humbled and honored to have met him and learned from him. Reaksmay’s name translates to “Sunshine” in English. Not only was his mother a survivor, but she also had a knack for naming her son.

At the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

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.

Nine years ago, we signed our office lease for a bright open loft space in the Garment District. Since that time, the neighborhood (now touted as “MIMA” — Midtown Manhattan) has significantly gentrified.

While there’s a lot more life in the neighborhood including more great places for lunch (check out Mercato and Boi Noodles), there have been some drawbacks, too.

For years we could see the evolution of 8th Avenue from our windows. We watched the NY Times building being built and subsequently watched the man who climbed it as a stunt.

Then one day — gentrification smacked us in the face — literally. Brick, by brick they built the newest hotel on our street (we have 4, soon to be 5 hotels). We lost our open views, natural light and air flow!

Being flexible by nature, our team didn’t complain about the change, as it was out of our control, but nobody was happy about it.

But, as time went on, it got to us.

So we decided that it would be a wise business decision to invest in a renovation — for the benefit of our employees and to foster our creativity. Heck, we are often tasked to create a certain feeling in a space that just isn’t ideal and we figure it out.

We still had walls of windows on two sides of our space, and with the combination of our VP of Design + Multimedia, Michael Reese and our architect, we knew that we could highlight our assets to create and environment that was once again open and inspiring.

For 6 weeks, we worked remotely — gathering when necessary in smaller, temporary quarters. We’re back now, almost 2 months in our new, bright, airy space and we’re loving it. The company has changed so much in the last 9 years and our new space reflects that growth and maturity. And, being apart from each other during the renovation made us all appreciate being together again even more.

Life is a series of events and when life gives you bricks, go ahead and build something you like out of them.

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.

It’s US Open Time in New York — my favorite sporting event. I got to the Open last week — Blackberry in hand — and enjoyed watching the incredible tennis in between responding to email. It was the true mix of business and tennis.

I’ve had many great tennis instructors — my Dad was my first teacher — and he always said that tennis would be good for my business career. Today’s blog features tennis tips I’ve learned from my great coaches (Berj Kalpak, Tim Mayotte, Olivier Morel, Elena Jirnova and Nick Sousanis) and how they apply to business.

TENNIS TIP:  Follow through on your strokes.

BUSINESS TIP:  Follow through on everything you say you are going to do.

TENNIS TIP:  Keep your eye on the ball.

BUSINESS TIP:  Stay focused.

TENNIS TIP:  Don’t change your mind mid-shot.

BUSINESS TIP:  Be decisive.

TENNIS TIP:  Make good use of the change over to rest and refocus.

BUSINESS TIP:  Make good use of any down time to recharge from work.

TENNIS TIP:  When in doubt, call it “in”.

BUSINESS TIP:  Always give people the benefit of the doubt.

TENNIS TIP:  If you can’t make the shot in practice, chances are you can’t in a match.

BUSINESS TIP:  Learn how to do what you need to before you have to do it.

TENNIS TIP:  Consistent players win more matches.

BUSINESS TIP:  Consistent delivery of service wins more business.

TENNIS TIP:   To improve, play with players better than yourself.

BUSINESS TIP:  Learn from the experts by meeting and talking to them.

TENNIS TIP:  If your strategy isn’t working, change it.

BUSINESS TIP:  If your strategy isn’t working, change it.

TENNIS TIP:  Develop an arsenal of different shots.

BUSINESS TIP:  Develop many skills so you can offer full service to your clients.

TENNIS TIP:  Never stop training and drilling.

BUSINESS TIP:  Never stop learning.

TENNIS TIP:  Read your opponents strengths and weaknesses.

BUSINESS TIP:  Understand your competition.

TENNIS TIP:  Don’t tighten up on your strokes.

BUSINESS TIP:  Stay calm under pressure.

TENNIS TIP:  After you hit a great shot, get ready for the ball to come back.

BUSINESS TIP:  You are only as good as your last event.

TENNIS TIP:  Always practice good sportsmanship.

BUSINESS TIP:  Always practice good sportsmanship.

Life is a series of events, and it’s all a matter of what you do when the ball is in your court.

“Shouldn’t we put the word ‘event’ in there somewhere?” I asked.

“What about meetings, incentives or entertainment?” Lynnette asked, “or should we just keep it simple?”

“How about your last name, my last name and another word for anyone else we’ll get to work with. And…your last name sounds better before my last name….so let’s go with that.” I suggested, “Barkley Kalpak Associates.”

“I think we sound like a law firm but maybe it will just sound professional and it will allow us to be flexible. We can always explain what we do,” Lynnette added.

“What ARE we doing anyway??” we both wondered.

Good question.

20 years ago, my friend Lynnette Barkley and I marched ourselves down to the Hall of Records and registered the name Barkley Kalpak Associates. Next, we went to the bank and with a $5 bill, opened a checking account. That was the beginning. We were theatre people — creative types who thought we could bring something new and different to the meetings, incentives and event industry. BKA was going to be a side job, an endeavor to support us in between our directing careers.

Our first job lead to the next….and the next. Some great press (thank you Successful Meetings Magazine!), word of mouth and referrals kept bringing us more business. Before we knew it, we were BKA-ing more and more. The opportunities presented themselves and we seized them eagerly and appreciatively. The part-time side job was transitioning into a fulltime business.

Back then, it was just the two of us doing everything ourselves. We worked out of Lynnette’s living room, then my bedroom and then sometime later, a real office. We were writing, directing, casting, costuming, booking travel, carrying props, climbing on ladders, calling the shows…whatever it took to get the job done right.

Today BKA has evolved into a full team of the most fantastic people I could ever imagine working with. We have an impressive list of clients. And people actually know that we aren’t a law firm.

We turned 20 this year. And without much fanfare we’ve found ourselves in an industry that has changed faster than you can say experiential marketing.  We’ve grown up in this industry. We’re proud of being a part of it. Thrilled that we were so welcomed by it 20 years ago and honored that clients still want to have the BKA experience today.

You never really know where your life is going to take you. I had no idea that the $5 investment we made back in 1990 would bring us this successful company.

Life is a series of events and if you stay flexible, you may just end up producing a lot of them…

Our Very First Event

He was my first boss.

Fresh out of college he gave me a job in his PR firm.  I showed up for my interview in shorts and a T shirt.  What was I thinking?!  Yet, he gave me a chance.

I learned about deadlines, client changes, customer service.  I learned that while there is no such thing as bad PR, there is such a thing as a great PR person.  He was the consummate professional and the consummate gentleman.  He bought me my first business suit.

Over time, he decided to move to the west coast.  He kept me on a retainer and put me in charge of the New York business.  I ran the office out of my apartment.  I had a copy machine in my closet to crank out the press releases.  Fast forward — I went into Special Events.  Then started my own events company.

He retired.  He got older — quickly.  We stayed in touch — mostly through his incredible letters, whenever possible — with visits.  He let me know when more of his friends died. His physical health declined.   He had no funds left — and no family. No one.  He appointed me his Power of Attorney.  He moved to an assisted living center in DC.  Then his mind started to go.

We moved him to a nursing home twenty minutes away so we could be closer.   My mentor, my friend helped me become an adult.  Now it was my turn to help him through old age.   He was always so busy working that he never really planned for his future. And when he stopped working, he tried to live in the moment and not worry about the next day.

Life is a series of events.  As event producers, we try to plan everything.  But how many of us have planned for our future?  Or are we just busy planning the next event?

Set aside time to really look at what lies ahead.  For you, for your family and for your loved ones.   It’s easier to have the difficult conversations early.  And while plans can change, it’s comforting to know that at least you have a plan.  You would never go on site without a running order for the event — why would you want to go through life that way?

We get to work with many of the top pharma companies and being part of their meetings has exposed me to fascinating scientific information. Much of it I don’t understand. But sitting in those meetings has inspired me to develop my own theory of genetics.

I’m talking about the event gene. Like all genes, you are either born with it or not. You might be able to surround yourself with people who have the gene and then acquire some of the behaviors of those people (nature vs. nurture theory, etc.), but I’m sticking to my premise that you either got it or you ain’t.

I believe the event gene creates the following attributes:

* freakish passion for details

* overwhelming desire to serve people

* uncontrollable urges to wow groups of other humans

* an obsessive devotion to list making

* a joyous willingness to schlep things

* a physical anomaly that allows you to be on your feet for days on end

If you have the gene, consider yourself blessed. You’ll find yourself at the top of your industry. It is your natural progression. You don’t have a choice. You were born for this. Others in your industry will envy you — because while they are working hard to try to have that “thing” that makes you great — you will just be you.

Life is a series of events. And our genes help us fit in where we belong. I hope your genes provide a good “fit” for you.

On Project Runway (yes, I’m a reality show fan), host Tim Gunn says, “Make it work!” I love that mentality. Do the job — just figure it out — get it done.

But how about making it fun along the way?

More than ever, making it fun shouldn’t be a nice to have. It should be a requirement of any work environment.

When you are under pressure, don’t you naturally seek out the people who make you smile at work? “I need a good laugh,” is a common request of anyone who has had a tough day at the office.

I’ve been writing lots of recommendations lately — for past interns, employees, colleagues on Linked In — and it’s so much easier to write a recommendation for someone who makes the work experience fun. These are also the people who get better results. There’s a lot to be said for a good attitude.

Years back, I asked a treasured client of mine who is an expert in performance evaluation for some tips on putting together reviews for our staff at BKA. He said, “you can have all the measures you want, but in the end, you can sum up any person’s review by checking off two boxes. Are you good at what you do? And, were you enjoyable to be around when you were doing it?”

Life is a series of events. I hope your events are flawlessly executed by people who make it fun.