The Main Event by Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC

Yesterday I was "attacked" in an on-line forum when I questioned a post by someone who suggested doing something that may violate consumer protection laws and certainly violates basic business ethics. The person, who posted the comment in a business-to-business forum, suggested doing something that would benefit the businesses, but result in increased costs being passed on to the customer without the customer's knowledge. Consumer protection laws require disclosure of all costs; there are to be no hidden fees, and customers are to receive value for their money. The person's suggestion also violates the Better Business Bureau's standards of conduct. When I mentioned the ethics of the person's suggestion and reminded him of the law, he said the law was stupid and people should just look the other way. To me, that seems to be a naive and self-serving attitude. If we are in business to fleece the customer, we won't be in business long. I was disappointed ...

Brides Against Breast Cancer is a unique organization dedicated to granting wishes for women suffering from late stage breast cancer. The wishes are funded through the sale of new and gently used wedding gowns. Wedding gown designers, manufacturers, and bridal shops donate their excess stock to the program and individuals can donate their gowns after their wedding. The gowns are sold at special sales held all over the U.S. in cities such as Cleveland, Seattle, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale, Washington DC and other locations. Most gowns sell for $99 to $799 and may originally have cost as much as $8,000 or more. This is the 32nd year for the sales. Pre-registration is required to attend a sale and attendance is limited. To register, visit http://bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/ Through the years, the program has received over 50,000 donated gowns with a value of more than $4 million. Currently, the program is in need of donations of newer gowns (2000 or newer), slips...

Today I had the opportunity to speak to a high school class about event planning as a career. Last week I met with a student from another high school who is interested in becoming an event planner. Through the years I have had the opportunity to mentor both college and high school students. Some are writing papers for management or communication classes. Others want to job shadow for a day or two. One high school student did her senior project on event planning. We worked together for a semester, during which time she attended meetings with merchants, attended a wedding rehearsal, helped decorate for the wedding, and various other things. Then, as her final project, she planned her mother's wedding. I had the opportunity to attend her project presentation and see what she had learned. Sharing with students, youth groups, 4-H groups and other organizations is one way to give back to the community and help students as they explore all the options available to them for a future career...