Second Semester Jitters

Monday, January 10th depicted the first day of my spring semester. It seemed like a wonderful start to a semester due to already having classes cancelled for the week. I originally had four classes on Monday (three of which were cancelled), four classes Wednesday (two of which were cancelled), and three classes Friday (none of which were cancelled). All went well this week besides the rain on my parade~being sick. It was the usual beginning of a semester: syllabi were explained, a couple of easy assignments were given, and then off to work I went.

Everything was pretty standard except for my Event Planning class which is most definitely going to be a challenge. There are three major projects that we must do for the class:
I. Chapter Presentation
 A. Chapter Chosen
  1. Meeting and Convention Venues
    a. To be done Week 5
II. Association/Organization Presentation
 B. Organization Chosen
  1. World Expo
    a. To be done before January 18th
III. Planning an Event  
 C. Event Chosen
  1. Carnival Cruise Line with Guest-Speaker Alex Karls
    a. To be done on February 1st with Partner: Brittany Phillips
  2. Project Requirements/Guidelines
    a. Tri-fold Brochure
    b. Flyers: 8x12
    c. Statistical Data created by Surveys
    d. Minimum of 40 attendees****YIKES!!!
    e. Certificate for the guests invited
    f. TAK(Thank you note)
   g. Media
   h. Food and Beverage
    i. $10.00 maximum budget per event student = $20 altogether with me and Brittany
    j. Donations are acceptable
   k. Decorations/Props
    l. Graphic Design~graded intently on
  m. Portfolio~with binding
   n. Photography~Mandatory

After leaving the class for the first time my mind almost exploded with thoughts of wondering how the heck I was going to do this. It's not so much the Chapter or Organization presentations that I am worried about. Mostly it is the Even project. I was completely freaked, but at this point in time, having to reflect and discuss the project with Brittany I am confident we can do this. The only part I have issues with is the mandatory 40 attendees. This will literally make or break us. It doesn't matter if the rest of the even was classic A grade material because if you do not have 40 people attend the event...you fail. I do understand the logic of this grading tactic as it relates to the actual event planning career industry but that doesn't mean it  won't give me goosebumps every time I think about failing the project.

It will be amazing to see how we pull this together. Brittany came up with the awesome idea of integrating the T&T Club into our event by hosting it in their meeting room. Hopefully we can get this passed with flying colors by the President and VP of the Club. If not, our only option is to find another venue for the event. The problem with stationing an event in Atwood, is that you cannot bring in food and beverage from outside sources (Sedexo caters). That's why we really have our hearts set on a room in Stewart Hall. Fingers Crossed!

I realize that every day that passes is a day closer to the event. In the words of Tim Gunn, we must "Make it  work!"