LaJoy Plans

Yesterday I finished a media interview where I was asked what am I proud of? I am 100% thankful for the recent awards, including international recognition and our beloved and trusting clients. I do not take these blessings for granted. I am humbled, sometimes even speechless by this moment, However, when I look at photos like this, I am proud of WHO we are in the work. I am proud that we genuinely like each other and because of that, the work you experience with LaJoy Plans feels different. We are most certainly serious about the work but what it also real is that grace is a part of how we communicate, positive intent is always assumed, and ridiculous until we are in tears type of laughter are encouraged and normal. My sense (and joy) is that our clients feel this in every interaction. So, I am proud of the LaJoyasphere. I look forward to sharing where we have been over the past couple of months, #events we have yet to curate, and of course speaking to potential clients who desire bespoke, quality work and meaningful #event occasions and a meaningful creative partnership. Photo credit: Stefan A Photography #teamwork #eventagency #eventplanners #event #leadership

It is always a pleasure to curate meaningful experiences for mission-focused clients like Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS) as pictured here last night at the Italian Embassy. #thankyouclients #eventagency #eventplanner #gala #women

Gala season is upon us! But first, the LaJoy team is headed to New York for a final filming date for our beloved client Avenues for Justice, Inc. to tell their story of 50 years of granting second chances. Their story is one of #purpose, power, passion, and possibilities led by co-Founder Angel Rodriguez. It is a story of #legacy as AFJ gets ready to reach new heights with their new Executive Director, Elizabeth Frederick. LaJoy Plans is pleased to announce that you can play a role in supporting this event on October 24 when Avenues for Justice host their annual gala. It will be our third time producing it, and this is where the documentary will premiere co-produced with ABB Video. We invite you to get to know AFJ, follow them, and consider attending their gala later this year. For now, enjoy the pictures from last year's occasion. #avenuesforjustice #event #gala #newyorkevent #service

Good morning! I am taking a quick pause from our #eventplanning content to share my recent conversation with Black Enterprise Magazine discussing my career journey, lessons in #leadership and so much more. This conversation is for all and especially for budding #entrepreneurs #blackwomenleaders or anyone questioning life's inevitable twist and turns. I hope you enjoy the conversation. You can listen to it here: https://lnkd.in/eZubUsWM Photo credit: D2Creative #blackexcellence #leadership #growth #careeradvice

I am always grateful when our #events are rooted in #gratefulness, #service and #community. Thank you Darcy Rogers for this beautiful photographic recap of this amazing event in celebration of #teachers #education and #equity by DonorsChoose, such an honor to be a creative partner for this occasion. #donorschoose #eventagency #eventplanner #event #reception #summit

What a beautiful end to the week to read that beloved client Avenues for Justice, Inc. Founder and Executive Director was featured in New York University's Collage Magazine. Enjoy the feature here:https://lnkd.in/eu526ibj LaJoy Plans is honored to continue the work of supporting AFJ as they continue their tradition of granting second chances. #avenuesforjustice #eventagency #service Article credit: Vic Verbalaitis NYU Journalism M.A. Candidate Magazine and Digital Storytelling Photo credit: Natural Expressions NYC

During a client consultation yesterday, the question was raised: How do you handle events that have a quick turnaround? And then I told the story of this event pictured planned to perfection earlier this year. At LaJoy, we delight in designing high-quality, custom, and creative occasions that pushes us to be precise and client-focused no matter the timeline. So, if you think you have a creative opportunity, we are always up for the challenge no matter the time or location so let's talk. For now, we are saying thank you again to our New York based creative partners who supported this event vision from concept to execution in record breaking speed. Venue: Park Lane Hotel NYC Photo credit: Stefan A Photography Florals: Diva Blooms, NYC #eventagency #newyorkevent #creative #reception

Sometimes all you need is an abundance of #gratitude, a powerful #mission, and an opportunity to reflect on some of your childhood #memories or in this case favorite subject. These pictures capture the scene when guests were asked to select a sticker that asked this simple question: What was your favorite subject in school and then go and find your people? What happened next was genuine #sharing and #communitybuilding. Let this serve as a reminder that #events when designed with intention are moments to build genuine #connections. We were reminded that at the end of the day, we all want a moment to laugh, and find our people. Extremely honored to be a part of this special event fueled by the spirit of #gratitude. Photo credit: Darcy Rogers Photography #eventagency #event #eventplanners #eventprofs

We believe #conferenceplanners should know their contracts. Beyond this video message, here are some other cliff notes to consider. 1. Review the agenda closely - Last week for a new client we inherited a venue agreement that did not account for any production load-in time. We were acquiring the space at 8:00 am and the general session was starting at 8:30 am. Yes, it was impossible. Load-in can take a minimum of one day to multiple days so please triple check the agendas your clients are signing. 2. Production costs consideration - Like many of you, I have worked with Encore over the years and as recently as February (great experience in New Orleans by the way) because they are the majority vendor after buying out every other company. However, I really need you to strive to avoid signing contracts that include fees when you bring in your own #audiovisual. This is not always easy, but you should advocate for it because you will still be charged for rigging, power, etc. Budget alert: In house #eventproduction can add an additional $5-$30K++ because rigging can kill your budget. 3. Concessions - Typically conference contracts include standard concessions such as a catering discount, etc. BUT I encourage you to ask yourself this question: Which concessions truly matter for the client's event goals? For one event, a catering concession was not the priority but a larger amount of discounted staff rooms was. Contract for the client’s concession needs. Be informed in your contract negotiations and ask multiple to ensure that your conference and client’s financial goals are protected. One final note: If you are negotiating a per diem contract, expect some variance in your negotiations. Was this helpful? Feel free to drop a note in the comments. Happy Planning! #conferences #eventplanner #eventagency #events #meetingplanner #meetingpros Video: ABB Video

Over the next couple of weeks, we will release a series of blogs based on real-life/lived experience. To kick us off, we are discussing a topic and dear to our beloved mission-focused client's hearts which is #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion. I have personally seen the desire to broaden the definition of #DEI in the overall event design. With that, I invite you to read "Yes! You Still Need Diversity in Your Event Design" and continue the dialogue in the comments. You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/exjNfiVE Have a great weekend in purpose! #diversity #event #eventplanning #eventdesign #eventagency