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!

FAME — I’m gonna live forever! I’m gonna’ learn how to fly…HIGH! I feel it coming together, people will see me and cry….FAME!”

Do you remember the movie musical FAME? Irene Cara standing on top of a taxi as young hopefuls from the High School of the Performing Arts danced down the streets of Manhattan?

Well, FAME is back…and BKA is producing a large-scale production of the show for this fall’s Macao International Music Festival.

We have rehearsals here in NYC and then move the cast, creative team and musicians to Macao where we join our local crew and members of the Macao Symphony Orchestra to present a lavish production of this worldwide theatrical sensation.

The show will be presented in English with subtitles in Mandarin, Cantonese and Portuguese (though just an hour ferry ride from Hong Kong, Macao was originally a Portuguese colony and still has a small Portuguese population).

We auditioned hundred of actors, singers and dancers for this production and I couldn’t be more excited about the cast and the creative team we have assembled for the show.

First, the FAME creative team:

BKA’s Keith Marrapodi is our lead producer on this job. It’s always fun for me to work with Keith — but particularly fun to be together on this job. Keith has traveled the world and started his career as a dancer and then was a choreographer before moving into event production. He can relate to the characters of FAME — both the students and the teachers.

Richard (Ricky) Hinds and I are sharing directing duties on FAME and Ricky will also choreograph the show. We got to work together for the first time on this year’s Drama Desk Awards. He’s a fantastic collaborator and a dazzling choreographer. FAME gives him a chance to show off his talents in ballet, jazz, street, Latin, hip hop….virtually all styles of dance are represented in the show.

He’s partnered with Andrew Turteltaub, a talented choreographer in his own right. Andrew has a long association with FAME having performed in the show on tour and during the NY run of FAME back in 2003. Andrew’s got a wicked sense of humor and moves at the speed at light. I’m glad we have him on the show.

BKA’s VP of Design and Multimedia, Michael Reese has created beautiful scenic designs for FAME and he’ll design the lighting for the show as well. We’ll be incorporating video projection into the overall production design of the show, allowing for added dimension to the visuals. In addition to the scenes set in the school — Michael has designed a stunning finale look for the show where the iconic taxi is positioned in the center of Times Square. FAME represents the 4th show Michael and I have done together in Macao. It’s always great to go back to Macao with Michael – he seems to quickly find the coolest places to go after the show and watching him lead the large tech crew in Macao is a blast.

Mark Fifer is our musical director — it’s a rare chance we get to work with Mark as he is always so busy! He’s a musical theatre expert with a real speciality in Rock and Roll and contemporary musical scores. He’s assembled a core of dynamic young musicians to take the journey with us to Macao and play alongside the incredible musicians in Macao. Mark has great ideas for infusing a more current musical sensibility into the show. Once we get to Macao, members of the Macao Symphony Orchestra will join us. Mark is going to be thrilled with the addition of their fantastic string section in particular.

Scott Westervelt has dozens of Broadway shows under his belt and has been with BKA for many years. Having him design the costumes for FAME means we’ll have our great looking cast in great looking clothes. Scotty is also one of the most positive people I’ve ever met. The travel to Macao is long and Scotty’s big smile and boundless energy goes a long way in getting everyone over their jet lag.

We got to work with Bess Fifer as our casting director on FAME and the cast we’ve assembled is extraordinary. We have a mix of Broadway veterans and fresh new talent in the show.

Meet the teachers:

Regina LaVert played strict English teacher Esther Sherman on the national tour of FAME, a role she will return to in our production. I literally got chills listening to her sing and I’m thrilled that she will be in our show.

Joan Hess plays dance instructor Greta Bell. We’ve worked with Joan frequently over the last several years and she’s one of my favorite performers. She and Regina have a big duet in FAME that is sure to dazzle.

Bruce Winant plays Mr. Sheinkopf in FAME. I just saw Bruce in the La Cage Aux Folles revival and I’m so happy he is joining us as the beloved music teacher. He’s a class act and an incredibly skilled actor.

Peter Reardon plays acting teacher Mr. Meyers, a role he created when FAME played in NYC. Peter and I go all the way back to college at Syracuse University. I was a fan back then and still a fan of this talented actor. Peter returns to Macao having played Sky Masterson when BKA presented “Guys and Dolls” at the festival a few years back.

Meet the students:

Lexi Lawson plays fiery Carmen Diaz and sings the title song. She’s absolutely dynamite. A true triple threat, she’s got the perfect combination of star quality and vulnerability so needed in this role.

Benjamin Mapp is the tormented dancer Tyrone Jackson in our show. He’s definitely got the wow factor. So glad we get to work with him!

Kelly Felthous plays Serena Katz. We knew we wanted Kelly after her first audition. She’s instantly likeable, a great actress, singer and dancer.

K.J. Hippensteel will be breaking hearts in Macao. He plays Nick Piazza in our show — he’s charming with mega-watt charisma.

Laura Volpacchio plays Iris Kelly. Watching this young woman dance, took my breath away. I’m eager to see her and Benjamin perform Ricky’s choreography on the great stage in Macao.

Joel Perez made us laugh so much during auditions — we knew right away we found our class clown, Joe Vegas.

Violin and piano virtuoso Robert Farruggia plays violin and piano virtuoso Schlomo Metzenbaum. They say that directing is 90% casting. Robert is the perfect fit for FAME.

Alissa Laderer plays Grace “Lambchops” our rock and roll student. Alyssa is a knockout — great talent AND she plays the drums.

We were charmed right off the bat by Richard Cerato who plays Goody in our show — he also plays the saxophone and has a great sense of humor.

Annie Funke plays larger than life dancer Mabel Washington. Annie played Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray on Broadway and she is a riot.

The competition for the 6 ensemble slots was fierce. We are thrilled to have Frankie Paparone, Naimah Saleem, Adam Rogers, Matthew Cullen, Jamie Markovich and April Berry as members of the FAME Company.

Check out the link to see the cast of FAME.  http://www.bka.net/whatsnewatbka.php

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.

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.”

Change. I’ve been thinking about it… a lot. On an everyday level, I look at the world we live in now and how quickly things are changing around us. On a personal level, I am watching my parents, now in their mid-eighties, having to leave their home of 50-odd years to move into an assisted living facility. Everything around them is changing their health, their environment, their friends. And, as I find us reversing roles -me the parent, they the children- I have been thinking about what it means to accept change.

Human beings by nature resist change. Remember the first day of summer camp -terrified, calling in tears, begging your parents to bring you home? But of course, two days later, as you sit happy and prune-ey fingered in the swimming pool with your newly found BFFs, you don’t even think to call home at all.

Why is going from the known to the unknown so frightening to us? It shouldn’t be. The truth is we are changing minute-by-minute with each breath, each movement, each thought. Who we are today is not who we were yesterday and certainly not who were last year or ten years ago. The cycle of change is part of the cycle of life.

Easy to say, but harder to accept when potential life changes are staring you in the face! There will always be an element of sadness. But, if we can take a moment, meditate on the situation, step away from the knee jerk reaction and genuinely listen to our heart and our collective experiences with change, we can learn to see it as something positive.

Life is a series of events. And embracing change will ultimately allow us to experience these events with more joy, more grace and more peace. And, just as important, it will allow us to see the possibilities in each situation so that we can make the best choices as we face life’s challenges. I don’t recall who said it, but I think this may be my new philosophy . . .

“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what is for what could be.”

Oh, by the way, I’m told that my parents, after a week of disorientation and asking when they could “go home,” are at the moment sitting happily with their newly found friends, participating in a sing-a-long. Just like the days of being a kid who’s having a blast at camp, my dad didn’t even think to call…

This week’s post is by guest blogger, Lynnette Barkley.

I’m just back from an extended stay in Dublin. I was scheduled to be there for a two-day site inspection. I ended up there for nine days. The Eyjafjallajökull volcanic ash was responsible. Who knew an unpronounceable volcano tucked away in Iceland could have such an impact?

I was certainly looking forward to the Ireland visit. I just like to travel on my own terms. I’m a planner both professionally and by nature, so I need my lists, my agendas, my timelines. However, there was no chance of that happening this trip.

After the third day of spending hours on the phone trying to reschedule flights and make alternate plans, it finally sunk in that there really are some things that you just can’t control. So, instead of relentlessly trying to determine how to get OUT of Dublin, I decided it was time to just get IN to Dublin.

Granted, I was due in Shanghai for another site inspection. And then Raleigh for an afternoon of presentations -both of which I have to reschedule- but the time I was essentially forced to take in Dublin was invaluable.

Primarily because I got to spend that time with my clients. Not just running around looking at venues, but time just being together. Developing a solid program requires time. Time to see a lot of different options. Time to really beat up all the choices. Time to simply talk to your clients about what matters to them. The volcano gave me the gift of time I didn’t realize I needed.

Unlike many travelers, I was fortunate. I was with people I like. I was staying at The Merrion hotel. And it was sunny. In Ireland!

The staff at The Merrion took great care of us — and most of them knew me by name on day two. Tommy, the doorman always had a smile (and a twinkle in his eye) and Sean, the concierge, is the most patient person I’ve ever met. He knows every great restaurant from casual to fancy and doesn’t mind when you ask the same questions over and over again.

Dublin is a great city. It’s walkable, friendly and a fine mix of charming and gritty. No one says “Top of the Mornin” but you can have a Guinness at the local pub (FOLEY’S was our pub of choice), enjoy fantastic fish and chips (check out THE CELLAR BAR) and shop till you drop (GRAFTON and HENRY STREETS among others).

The city has wonderful venues (which I can personally attest to as I’ve now seen most of them) and is a terrific option for a global meeting or incentive trip. The new convention center is a gem and the airport is just a short ride to the heart of town. And, if you find yourself there with clients who care about the success of their program as much as my clients do, then you really have found the luck of the Irish.

Life is a series of events and sometimes you just have to tear up the list and go whichever way the wind blows. In my case it just happened to be the direction of volcanic ash…

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.