Behind the Scenes with Lauren Andrews: Elevating Event Management
Nick Constantino dives deep with Lauren Andrews, founder of EVSO, on Marketing MadMen. Discover her journey from the Ritz Carlton to launching her own event solutions company. Learn the ins and outs of high-stakes event management, handling celebrities, and delivering seamless experiences from executive retreats to large conventions.
Join Nick Constantino on Marketing MadMen as he sits down with Lauren Andrews, the dynamic founder of EVSO. Lauren’s impressive journey from her roots in family business ownership to creating her own event solutions company offers invaluable insights. From learning client hospitality at the Ritz Carlton to mastering the art of high-stakes event management, Lauren shares her experiences with hosting celebrities, launching products, and managing large-scale events. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on elevating event management, understanding the importance of early planning, and mastering effective communication.
Key Takeaways
- Launching EVSO inspired by family business roots and a pivotal beach moment.
- Comprehensive event management services by EVSO.
- Valuable lessons learned from the Ritz Carlton.
- Handling high-profile clients and celebrities.
- Importance of early planning and detailed site selection.
- Effective communication and leveraging AI in event planning.
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Nick Constantino here on Marketing Mad Men on Extra 106.3, joined by the awesome Lauren Andrews, founder of ESO. Lauren’s journey is impressive. Starting from a family history of business ownership, she decided to launch her event solutions company, ESO, after a pivotal moment on the beach with her husband. ESO, short for Event Solutions, covers everything from registration to event management and sponsorships, making any event—from executive retreats to large conventions—a seamless experience.
Lauren’s experience at the Ritz Carlton played a crucial role in shaping her skills. At the Ritz, she learned the importance of team spirit and attention to detail, with mentors teaching her the nuances of client hospitality. It’s clear that Lauren’s blend of marketing savvy, hospitality expertise, and genuine care has set ESO on a path to success. Tune in for more on her journey, insights, and tips on making events truly spectacular! 🥂
Welcome back to Marketing Mad Men on Extra 106.3 with Nick Constantino. Today, we finally get to chat with Lauren Andrews, founder of ESO.
Lauren’s path to founding ESO began with an inspiring moment on a beach, deciding it was time to start her own agency. ESO, short for Event Solutions, offers comprehensive event management services from registration to event management and sponsorships. Whether it’s executive retreats, large conventions, or product launches, ESO ensures a seamless experience.
Lauren’s journey began at the Ritz Carlton, where she learned the nuances of high-level hospitality. Interacting with celebrities like Mariah Carey and Britney Spears, she realized the importance of treating everyone with genuine care. Her background in sales and event planning provided her with the skills to manage a variety of high-profile events, always ensuring a personalized touch.
One memorable experience includes hosting Michael Jordan at the Ritz Carlton and witnessing the challenges celebrities face with public attention. Lauren’s approach of treating celebrities like regular people has always made them feel comfortable and respected.
ESO’s success is built on Lauren’s ability to understand and manage the unique needs of her clients, making every event memorable. Tune in to hear more about her journey and insights on the event industry!
#MarketingMadMen #Extra1063 #EventSolutions #ESO #LaurenAndrews #EventManagement #MarketingPodcast
In this part of the conversation, Nick and Lauren discuss the high-stakes environment of event management, from major sports events like the Super Bowl to product launches and franchisee gatherings. Lauren shares insights from her experience at the Ritz Carlton, including interactions with high-profile guests like Mariah Carey and Michael Jordan. She emphasizes the importance of treating celebrities like regular people and highlights the challenges they face with public attention.
Lauren discusses the excitement of managing product launches and large events, such as a significant Dunkin’ franchisee event in Las Vegas that featured a conveyor belt of donuts. These events are crucial for brand influence and engagement, even if their direct ROI is challenging to measure. She also touches on the importance of attendee engagement, especially in the post-COVID world, where face-to-face interactions are highly valued. Lauren’s passion for her work shines through as she describes her role in creating memorable and impactful experiences.
#EventManagement #MarketingMadMen #RitzCarlton #HighStakesEvents #BrandEngagement #EventPlanning #CelebrityEvents
Back to Marketing Mad Men on Extra 106.3 with Nick Constantino and Lauren Andrews, founder of ESO. Lauren breaks down the essential yet often overlooked aspects of event planning. Many people think it’s just about booking a hotel and organizing food, but there’s so much more involved. From airport transfers to off-site events, every detail matters.
Lauren emphasizes the importance of starting early and considering factors like location, budget, and logistics. She shares how her site selection expertise, built on relationships with over 200 national sales representatives, helps clients find the perfect venue.
A recent example involved comparing proposals from two top hotels in Grand Cayman, showing how her knowledge and connections can uncover options clients hadn’t considered. Lauren also highlights that international destinations can sometimes offer better value than domestic locations, breaking common misconceptions.
The discussion shifts to Lauren’s problem-solving skills, honed at the Ritz Carlton, and how reputation impacts negotiations. She stresses the importance of comprehensive cost analysis, including often-overlooked details like food and beverage minimums and meeting room rentals.
Lauren shares key tips for those entering the industry:
- Avoid hiding behind email; pick up the phone or meet face-to-face.
- Embrace AI as a powerful tool for proposals and communication.
- Master effective communication, from firm handshakes to nuanced written correspondence.
- Always follow up calls with an email to confirm details.
- Prepare for emails to be forwarded; ensure written communication is always professional.
These insights provide a roadmap for success in the event planning industry, showcasing Lauren’s expertise and the comprehensive services ESO offers.
#MarketingMadMen #Extra1063 #EventSolutions #ESO #LaurenAndrews #EventPlanning #IndustryTips #ProfessionalCommunication
