Week 2 Spring Semester

It's only the second week back this semester and we already in the middle of many things. Meeting with my department on Friday helped me think through some of the details of the Valentine's Day Party. James suggested that I make two raffle baskets with the prizes that I have received. I think that it is a good suggestion and I will begin splitting up the prizes that seem appropriate for a date night for two versus a "treat yourself" solo basket. I also called Apple Annie's on Friday for a second time to inquire about catering but the manager wasn't there so they took a message. I went on Saturday in person but since the manager was also absent that day, it didn't do me any good. The best course of action in this case was to ask for when the manager would be in and call back then. I have also emailed several other bakeries in the area as a back up. I also filled out the Kilwin's donation form for catering and will submit that for approval. They promise to get back to me within a few days, which is really nice to have. Today, Monday, I went and picked up the horse ride voucher for the raffle basket.

In regards to the after party, I have emailed several possible locations, hearing back from Ironclad Brewery and Satellite Bar and Lounge. I was given the max capacity and told that both locations were available the day of the after party. Ironclad is quite an expensive location to have the after party, however. As I look back at this process, I am very thankful to all the kind people that have helped me, especially my department. They have been amazing!

Dirty Dozen: After Party

1. What is the project supposed to achieve?
The Visions6 After Party is to celebrate those involved and who attended Visions Film Festival & Conference. It is a time for networking, socializing, and celebrating all that we accomplished as part of Visions6.

2. Who is the customer?
Our customer is the guests of Visions6 as well a all of the filmmakers and scholars involved in the festival & conference.

3. What are the deliverables of the project?
It is projected that we will have awards for the winning filmmakers and scholars as well as food and activities to promote socializing/networking for our guests.

4. What is the budget?
 As of now, the budget is $1,000.

5. How long will it take?
This event will be held on Friday, April 15th and I plan on using each week diligently to create an amazing event with the Visions6 team.

6. What specific skills are needed?
 I will need to have communication skills, especially over the phone. I must also have the ability to budget, plan, and organize all materials needed for this party. Creativity is necessary to decorate the party space, as well as the ability to work with others to create an inviting atmosphere for guests. 

7. What special resources are needed?
It's important to have a list of local businesses to ask for donations from. It is also important to work with local venues in order to have an amazing space for the after party.

8. Who is working the project? What is each person's job?
My role is to lead the planning of the After Party. I am working with Adrienne, the head of the Development and Fundraising Department, to make sure this event is everything that it can be. I will also have Carson, who will assist me with all technical aspects of the party, and Samantha, who will be my assistant to make sure that we obtain everything we need and everything runs according to our schedule.

9. What is the schedule?
 

• 3 Location Options by 1/25
• Looking into Catering Option, confirmed by by 2/23
• Confirm DJ/Band by 3/8
• Equipment & Other Supplies by 3/15
• Working on Due Date for Budget with Department before end of February
•  Day Before: Confirm that everything is reserved and all items are present.
  Day of Show: Arrive early to venue and set up party

10. What are the risks? (Small vs. large impact, likely vs. unlikely)

• Large impact, likely: We won't give enough business to the bar at our location, making it not worth it to them.
• Large impact, somewhat likely: We lose our location to a wedding/bigger event.
• Large impact, unlikely: Filmmakers and scholars will not come, thus networking will be at a minimum. 
• Small impact, likely: We will not have every decoration that we plan for.
• Small impact, unlikely: We will end up losing the location.

11. How will you communicate with your team?
We will communicate through our team's Facebook page and through calls and texting.

12. How will you determine if the project is successful?
By the amount of people present and enjoying themselves as well as how the filmmakers and scholars receive the event, making them want to tell their friends to submit to Visions7!

Week 1 Spring Semester

Hello again! I'm happy to be back with my weekly check-ins. It's been a busy time for me with the Valentine's Day party coming up in the next few weeks. The last two weeks, I have been planning the Love You to the Stars Valentine's Day Party, starting from 2/4/2015. The main and must crucial thing that I did was contact the Calico Room to reserve the place for that night. Having the owner's email address, I sent her an inquiry and she responded within two days, confirming that we could have the party there. I then began calling catering options, starting with Wake N Bake Donuts. They were able to offer a couple dozen variety donuts! I also called Kilwin's, Hot Pink Cake Stand, and Apple Annie's Bakery. I also came up with some games to play as well as our next raffle basket: The Perfect Date Night/Treat Yourself Basket. The basket will include gift certificates from Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Game Giant, Hanover Stables, Wellness Massage, Carmike Cinema Movie Passes, and theater candy/chocolates. I worked my department on Wednesday to come up with the name of the party: Love You to the Stars. 

Since Winter Break, James and I have been working with the Development Department to create the Galaxy Quest scavenger hunt. We worked by coming up with the locations that the quest will take place, keeping it towards the Fisher side of campus so participants don't have to walk too far. We then decided how many clues we wanted to have, and broke up the locations between the four of us to write clues for those locations. Starting around the 4th, I contacted Campus Reservations to get permission to put clues up in the buildings. They only can help you with inside of the Fishers so contact Tina Strickland for all other locations! She is really hard to get a quick answer from via email so go in person! It will save time. As the event began, we realized people wouldn't have as much time due to the buildings being closed on MLK Day. We will definitely keep this mind for the manuals so next year doesn't do this.