This summer has been a unique opportunity for me to broaden my experience planning events for non-profit organizations. Ginger Donnan Events (GDE) is currently working with two organizations promoting cancer research, and supporting the families of those with a cancer patient: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the Family Reach Foundation, respectively. While I’ve planned events for a non-profit organization in the past, it’s been interesting to balance a variety of clients without being limited to just one cause. Our work is benefiting all sorts of institutions and their missions, making me a more well-rounded event planner. I find this very rewarding.

Another unique experience has been creating the maps for the LLS Light the Night Walks. My previous experience making maps included receiving an assignment, creating the map, and the job was complete. The maps for the Light the Night Walks require me to be more interactive as we adjust Walk routes and place tables and tents in various locations.

Just as with any job, there is a set of specified skills which are used on a daily basis to successfully achieve a goal. We are creating timelines and managing tasks, which contribute to the greater goal – a successful event. However, I’m finding that the beauty of being an event planner does not necessarily stem from the repetitive use of dozens of skills but rather from the freedom to use those skills to work with a variety of different clients. The skills remain the same, but the application differs. This opens up a world of opportunities to both the client and the event planner to create a more enriching planning experience. I’m looking forward to continuing to expand this event planning experience for both personal growth and the growth of the relationships with our clients.

So how do you become an event planner?

Volunteer at work, school or with non-profit organizations to handle parts of an event – anything from greeting guests to printing the name tags. Every experience helps.

Talk to other event planners about how they got into the business.  Ginger Donnan interned at a PR firm while in college, aiding account executives in the implementation of special events, and at the Recycling Division of a Department of Public Works, researching and attending community events for recycling promotions. After becoming the Editorial and Production Coordinator in the Marketing Department of the law firm White & Case, she was the only person available to organize client seminars. Ten years later, Ginger Donnan Events manages events for the professional services and non-profit industries, including client-facing marketing events and fundraisers.

To learn more about how Ginger Donnan and others became event planners, visit About.com: Event Planning.

Special events were held at GILT Restaurant and The Bowery Hotel to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the law firm Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP. In addition to site selection and contracts, budgets and a timeline were drafted and kept up-to-date, invitations, decor, music and photography were arranged and on-site staff was provided for greeting and check-in of the 600 guests in total.

A passion for geography and a desire for organization has led the newest member, Chelsea Gross, to the Ginger Donnan Events team. A recent graduate of Hunter College, Chelsea will be joining our office to create the site maps for the five New Jersey Light the Night Walks for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and assisting with administrative responsibilities over the next few months. So, don’t be surprised if you hear a new voice at the other end of the phone line! 

To learn more about Chelsea’s cartography skills, visit chelseathecartographer.tumblr.com.

Please join us in offering a warm welcome to Chelsea!