Premier Networking

The past week I had the opportunity to be invited to the movies for the National Premier of the wedding movie from my friends Javier and Juan. Usually this events are held in a private environment, like in a weekend, and with some family and friends. In this case, Javier has created expectations among his friends because he decided to be the editor and producer of his own movie.

I just want to remind that less than a year ago, I posted some events and activities they have being doing as preparation to their wedding party. Remember the time I write about the mask producing and the paper flowers? I also dedicate a post to their wedding event at a garden in Morelos State.

This time I couldn't miss the opportunity to tell you about their commitment to their own events, the work and dedication they put into this movie premier shined all over. First the idea of renting a movie place, I think it was awesome. They could invite at the same time to all their family and friends again. Javier again make some "Save the date" invitations. He also previously asked me if me or my team will have an event on that same day. If he was so careful with me, I can imagine how about the rest of his friends. How could I miss this Premier then?

Of course the event details couldn't be forgotten, we had a red carpet, memories photographer, posters, after party, decoration, toast. Everything you could think for a movie premier, but in this case all the memorabilia will refer to their wedding.

As I told you before, the movie was edited and produced by Javier, and he prepared the best shots, paying attention for not being to long or boring. The movie lasted one hour, and included also pictures and moments that the grooms had with their guests.

At the end of the movie, and when the credits were passing by, they dedicated time to print the names of all the people that in one way or another contributed to their special moment. They thanked the maids of honor, the invitation makers, the mask creators, the food tasters, everyone had their name on the credits. Personally I liked a lot reading my name in this credits, it was an extra plus for this event.

The after party consisted in a toast in the cinema cafeteria and they also thanked the guests again. Of course almost everyone asked them to make another wedding the same as fun as the first one. It was a innovative and different event.

Y left here some recommendations I had about this experience:

1.- Details matter, if you have the time, the observation skills and the ability to put some interest in details, make sure you include them, if you do not have this qualities, make sure you ask someone that does, so your event will have the best of your intentions.

2.- The event is for your guests, you want them to have fun and enjoy, so dedicate some time to know if the date is an available one, if it is accessible, if they could participate in activities, like the red carpet. I can assure you that your friends feel included.

3.- Seize the chance to become closer to your friends, every time you consider them and have some details, they will be considering you for further invitations.

Masks Networking

Javi and Juan invited me to their event "Do your Mask", each guest to their wedding will make a mask that will be worn on the event day. Have you been at a party like this?

Let me tell you, the whole idea was to ask for help and when their friends get to their home, each of us will help disguise the mask, the networking behind the event included the reunion of a lot of their guests and make us to gather around for a while.I found this as an innovative idea because mainly the wedding day a lot of us will be fun to say hello to the new friends we've made at this special party

Javi created the event and send us "save the date" invitations, and then talk to some of us to teach us what he expected for us to do at his home. Then he told us about the mask event at the party, the music that will be creating the environment and what he expected for his guests. He prepared before, make some research on the mask theme, brought the material, shared it, and then he made a presentation so everybody will know how to make each mask. He also gave us some assignments, at least each of us have to do 3 masks. I was chatting so I made just 2 of them, the best thing is that my friend Gaby made 5 so we get even.

Other important issues at the event where the "bring to" things, some get the beverages or the snacks, they prepared and have all set the working spaces. Also there were some desserts, so food and drinking where all supplied by the time we get there.

At the end, the last of us, help them to make a paper flower wall that they will be mounting on the event, and as in any social event, the guest participation will be a lot more fun and interesting if everyone feels familiar to the other people. I'm sure that the event will be a very warmth and active, and for us that participated at this mask event, a lot more fun. See you at the wedding!!!

Presidential Networking

The past weekend I went to a wedding where Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, former president of Mexico, was invited. Being an observer to a public figure made me have the idea to write this post.

I have to confess that one of my relatives is a good friend of him since a long time ago, and this is my third wedding where I have the opportunity to share, on the first two I was really nervous to meet with him, by this time I think I become used to and I really had the time to watch his interactions. So I share with you some activities that make a people become a really good "networker".

1.- Came to an event with an amusement attitude, of course without loosing the style, presidential flair, leadership, being friendly and attentive with the people that is going to come and greet you.

2.- Be ready and understand the "picture" moments with the attendants, for sure some or all of them will want to keep a token, so prefer standing situations, in a place where is easy to be contacted and if there is a wall on the back it's better so your pictures will have a nice framing.

3.- This leads to a third point, frame good your pictures, this should have the public figure as a central point, but sometimes there are more than 2 people, 3, 4 or more. I have the opportunity to see how the president give instructions to people on how they should stand to be better framed. When he was president his staff do this job, now he can do it by himself.

4.-  Because this event was a wedding, the president was really close to the bride and groom's table but he managed to move between the guests, being at the aisles, and of course the dance floor. He always had this presidential flair, depending on the moment of the party.

An interesting story to share was just before the "Pozole", the music was "Heavy Metal" (Motley Crüe, AC/CD, Deep Purple), so there was few people making the "air guitar". On a moment, Felipe Calderon, stand up, cross the dance floor and approach the DJ. Then he stand at the dance floor and one of my cousins asked him: "What do you say to the DJ?" and he answer us: "Just to play something that I know."

The DJ do a change of music and played "Cuando seas grande (When you grow up)", this song chorus line have this words: "Nenenene di que vas a ser cuando seas grande... Estrella de Rock and Roll... Presidente de la Nación (Bebebebebebe tell me what you want to be when you grow up.... Rock and Roll Star... Nations President)." You may imagine the group of dancers, singing the chorus and pointing at the President at that same moment.

Mi recommendation, is that if you are with some public figure that is going to make through the history text books, seize the moment and approach, this people are great networkers and are always willing to meet more people.

Wedding Guest Networking

This past weekend I was invited to a wedding, and in my lunch group we share a little bit about some activities that wedding guests should consider to make some networking with the bride and groom. I share some thoughts about it:

1.- The married couple usually take a lot of time and effort preparing the event, sometimes more than a year. Think that if you were invited to a wedding, it's because you are important for them, so make the effort and prepare yourself for the event.

2.- Plan ahead the type of clothing you will be wearing, think that the bride and groom want to be with you and have fun, so practical and comfortable, without loosing style, is the best.

3.- Be part of the event, if there is dancing, dance, if you have to give a message, share, if it's photograph time, look for a space and be there. The couple invited you because you are special to them and they want to have memories that you have a blast at their wedding.

4.- Confirm your assistance with some time space, make sure that on the wedding day you won't be "lazy", it's important that you don't leave empty spaces, the bride and groom take care about your confirmation and are counting on you.

5.- If you were invited to a religious ceremony and then to a party, the best thing to do is to make sure you go to both of them. It doesn't seem good that you only participate on the party, its important that the marrying couple be aware that you want to be with them too. 

6.- Don't forget to send a present, nowadays it's easy to make some account transfer, buy on line gifts, use the gift table at a department store. The couple, but specially the bride, will remember what was your gift.

Always remember that the most important thing is that you have fun and by this mean you will make that other people have fun too. Are you ready for your next event?