#CMCExperiences

I had an opportunity to work for a project with Quintessentially Events for an event of HDFC Life MDRT Conference. It was a two weeks’ project but the grill and consequent experience were much greater than that. The scheduled event was planned in a span of three days where the first day was the day of arrival for all the qualifiers of the conference, Lunch, conference, performance & awards, followed by a gala dinner and drinks. The second day was the regular meals in addition to the Mumbai Tour and a shopping spree for the guests… And finally, the third day was a breakfast meal and checkout for the guests. The Event had a well-placed itinerary thus ensuring a smooth flow. As a part of the Hospitality fundamental, I had the chance to work from the basic RSVP’s to the meetings with the hotel (Venue), from working on the master sheets to coordinating with the travel teams, working on the client approval presentations & the award flows and so on… Since the time I joined it was not much of a time gap from the event, I got the chance to get involved and learn from various different aspects of the event which definitely was an icing on the cake. Also, the contacts I made, the intricate details I observed, the real world functioning I got to experience is definitely a bonus from the opportunity I got.

My work profile started with getting and following up with the RSVPs from the guests (Qualifiers of the Conference). But eventually, the process got more comprehensive and involving. Planning travel schedules for about 200 qualifiers and their associates, taking into account their preferences and other expectations… hotel rooming allotment, coordinating with the hotel were some of the major aspects we were asked to help in. Definitely, I had an idea of such work patterns, but the experience taught me the details of the work, like the formats a single record is converted into to accustom different parties according to their work and relevance. In addition to the regular work fundamentals, I always look forward to the little observations that will help me have an extra edge in the industry a few years from now. And not to forget those little learning’s of how to stay calm and in required conduct at the times of sheer panic was a highlight moment for me. A very small but interesting point that I realised was there has to be a code of conduct in place while dealing with people, in spite of some being difficult. Because at the end of the day, Events is a service and people are the vital aspects of that.

My overall experience gave me the confidence and the tact to deal with the organising of Corporate Events. Also it made me realise that the success of any event is a team effort and so I feel that we accomplished that mission in the best possible manner.