Revelry Recap: 8 Takeaways from the New York RSVP Symposium

Revelry Event Designers had the pleasure of traveling to New York City for the RSVP Club Symposium.

Hosted at the iconic Rainbow Room on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center, the symposium was a Beatles-inspired, 60’s dream, complete with a Yellow Submarine bar, Union Jack dresses, and Carnaby Street flair.

We love a theme and fully embraced the 1960s vibes! Our team dressed up in Pan Am/Jackie-O inspired shift dresses in red, black and white- representing the colors of Revelry. Everyone who attended the symposium looked incredible!

Attendees were greeted by stunning ladies in Union Jack dresses and had mimosas while soaking in the panoramic views of Manhattan. But we were equally captivated by the valuable lessons shared by some of the best in the event industry.

Here are our 8 biggest takeaways from the RSVP NYC Symposium:

1. Plan Ahead with Expert Weather Services

Andrew Leavitt, an event meteorologist, introduced us to a concept we hadn’t considered before—concierge weather services! His team at Ironic Reports offers tailored weather insights for events, ensuring no surprises on event day. Services like real-time updates, severe weather alerts, and safety assessments ensure we can keep our events running smoothly, even in unpredictable conditions.

2. Share Event BTS to Build Trust

Claire Duran, destination wedding and event planner, emphasized the importance of showing behind-the-scenes (BTS) content to clients. Whether it’s through a “Renderings vs. Reality” series or time-lapse videos, giving clients an inside look at how your events come to life builds trust and showcases your process. We couldn’t agree more—showing how we create magic is a key part of what we do at Revelry.

3. Protect Your Business with Strong Contracts

Event planner-turned-attorney Leah Weinberg highlighted the importance of having a strong client service agreement in place. Her key takeaway: regularly review and update your contracts to protect both your business and your clients. As the industry evolves, so should your agreements!

4. Social Proof Amplifies Your Credibility

Meghan Ely, a PR expert from OFD Collective, reminded us that social proof is essential in today’s competitive landscape. Testimonials, awards, and media coverage are all forms of social proof that give potential clients confidence in your abilities. Showcasing this on your platforms will solidify your reputation.

5. Know When to Say Hello and Goodbye to Clients

Barbie Patel, bridal hair and makeup artist, reminded us that the strength of relationships are built on first impressions. Having a seamless client onboarding process is crucial for building long-term trust. Equally important? Knowing when to part ways if a collaboration isn’t the right fit—always with grace and professionalism.

6. Avoid Burnout By Setting Healthy Boundaries

Michelle Jacobs, UK-based destination wedding planner and founder of Elegante By Michelle J, delivered a crucial reminder: take time for yourself. Burnout is an all too common challenge in this industry, and setting boundaries is essential. Prioritizing personal well-being will ultimately enhance the quality of the services we provide.

7. H.U.S.T.L.E. to Build Strong Vendor Relationships

Photographer Chris J. Evans and event planner Marina Luri-Clark taught us the value of teamwork through their H.U.S.T.L.E. method: Help, Understand, Synergy, Trust, Lean, and Elevate. Working closely with vendors and partners not only builds strong relationships but also elevates everyone’s business. It’s a mindset we’ll continue to embrace.

8. Create Unforgettable Client Experiences

Sharon Sacks and Robin Holt, luxury event planners at Sacks Productions, closed out the symposium with a powerful session on creating authentic, one-of-a-kind moments for clients. We were particularly fond of this speech as it featured many events that were co-produced with Revelry! Sharon’s decades of experience in the industry have made it crystal clear that the most magical events are rooted in genuine emotion and thoughtful design. And to always keep unforgettable experiences top of mind for your clients. Click here to check out the amazing garden wedding we designed this summer with Sacks Productions.

This symposium was packed with insights and inspiration, leaving us energized and inspired for the fun-filled evening- the “Met Gala” of the events industry—the RSVP 2024 North American & Caribbean Awards Gala Dinner. Our founder, Edgar Zamora, presented Sharon Sacks with the Lifetime Achievement Award which was full circle given their 25 years together in the industry.

The RSVP Symposium was a wonderful experience that not only helped us grow as event designers but also reminded us of the importance of staying connected in this ever-evolving industry. A big thank you to James Lord and the entire RSVP team. We’re excited to apply these takeaways to our future projects!

Partners:

Host: @rsvpclubofficial
Co-Producer: @hollywoodpopgallery
Venue & Catering: @rainbowroomnyc
Vases, Florals & Co-production: @carolyndempseydesign
Floral Supplier: @fmifarms
Videography: @royalfilms
Photography: @anastasiiaphotography
Furniture Rentals: @bubbledesignrentals
Rentals: @smithpartyrentals
HMU: @cinderellabridez
AV, Sound & Lighting: @bentleymeeker
Entertainment: @ryanoakes
Entertainment: @onthemoveevents
Entertainment: @screamingqueens
Graphic & Print solutions: @stepvisual
Swag: @lb_squared

Speakers:
Andrew Leavitt, @ironicreports
Barbie Patel, @barbiepatell
Chris Evans, @chrisjevansphoto
Claire Duran, @claireduranweddingsandevents
Leah Weinberg, @theleahweinberg
Marina Luri-Clark, @marinalurievents
Meghan Ely, @ofdconsulting
Michelle Jacobs, @elegantebymichellej
Robin Holt, @sacks_productions
Sharon Sacks, @sacks_productions

Categorised in: Corporate, Event Design, Event Industry, Event Planning, Luxury Wedding