Seattle Seven

Last night marked my second event as an employee at my new job. However, this particular evening proved to be far more stressful than previous events I've been a part of, since this time I was in charge.

Coordinating a major event in downtown Seattle was no small feat. I had to systematically organize and implement a $20,000 budget and event plan, something I had never done on so large a scale before. I was pretty much frantic for the entire day. Not only did I have to synchronize everything with the Event Coordinator at Benaroya Hall, but I also had to manage the catering company, wine supplier, flower company, printer, photographer and videographer. All this while simultaneously directing seven fabulous interior designers in a photo shoot – quite intimidating. But yay, I managed to pull it off with no major glitches.

The Seattle Seven event itself was sponsored by two major companies: Starwood Capital Global, LLC+ and Avalon Holdings, along with my company. It was private event showcasing seven of Seattle’s most outstanding interior designers and their vision for modern living. To do this, the designers each used the Second + Pine penthouse as their canvas, and then presented his or her vision with inspirational renderings, interior images and sample interior finishes. This was done on large display boards that we set up around the perimeter of the room.

Second + Pine is a world-class high-rise community currently being developed in downtown Seattle, including luxury condominiums, an urban grocer and flagship retail. The award-winning interior design firm Yabu Pushelberg will premiere the interior home finishes and common areas for Second + Pine.

I ran around frantically for most of the day attempting to ensure that the event would be a success. This included a lot of last-minute details I’m sure the party-goers were unaware of… running down the street to Pacific Place to buy a guest book and matching pen, sending a co-worker to buy a glue gun, stuffing hundreds of packets of information, setting up displays and flower arrangements, chilling wine, coordinating lighting, mic checks, etc. All this while wearing four inch stiletto heels – big mistake.

By the time the event finally began I was exhausted. My boss told me I could go home, but I didn’t feel right about leaving since I had been the contact point for so many people throughout the day. So I took her advice and had a glass of wine. One quickly turned into many, and I spent the next couple hours chatting with our receptionist and his girlfriend. As the event began to wind down, I realized I was practically spinning from the combination of wine and not remembering to eat all day. Frantically, I looked around for my boss to make sure she didn’t notice my state. Not to worry, she was having a great time entertaining her guests and hadn’t taken notice of me. I sighed with relief and began to unsteadily help with the cleanup efforts before accepting a ride home from Isaac.

I can’t believe it, I pulled off a successful event! I never realized how much effort it takes to put on a party of that magnitude – and I have to admit it's much more fun to simply attend as a guest. But I do feel pride in the fact that the Seattle Seven event was a success, and I look forward to more party planning – I think I might have a newly discovered talent!