Lee Richter / Event Planners Club Visits New York Fashion Week

Number one reason why you wanted to be part of this event?

I chose to work at Fashion Week in New York here because most of my experience has been planning weddings, networking events, a few social events such as quinceañeras, sweet 16s, things of that nature. And I've always been curious about Fashion Week, and as a very creative individual myself, I wanted to be part of the energy and learn what was involved with planning a fashion show. So I saw the post on Facebook in one of the event planner groups and thought to myself, wow, what a great opportunity this must be. So sure enough, I reached out and they offered me the opportunity, and here I am, and it's been wonderful.

I'm so glad you said yes. And yesterday you had an experience in registration, and what was that like for you?

Registration, like most events, it's very exciting, but it's extremely fast-paced. You always got to be on your feet. You always got to be thinking ahead, and I believe that it was a good experience, challenging nevertheless, but there was a lot of people that they rushed through the door all at the same time.

I know, when the doors opened, everyone was waiting to get in.

Yes, because it's such an exciting event and everybody wants to be here. They don't want to miss one second of what's going on, on stage, so they were very excited, a little bit anxious, but we made it through and we were able to accommodate everyone, and that's the most important thing.

That is important, and be so welcoming. I mean, every guest felt really welcomed. And so how did it feel for you with the behind-the-scenes experience, not only seeing the show but meeting all the experts?

It was phenomenal, and I really think it was truly an amazing opportunity to get to meet and talk with the people who work in the industry, not only as event planners but also in the fashion world too. It's a very, very interesting industry to say the least, and it was just great to hear their perspective and what was involved on their end.

Usually we don't have access to them like that.

Yes.

So, and they're so open.

Yes.

They're open and they're—

Very easy to talk to.

I love it. And there were a lot of teaching opportunities and learning opportunities.

Sure.

So today you're working the red carpet.

Yes, the red carpet, which is what I'm very excited about. So we haven't begun yet, but I'm sure it's gonna be great. And we're just right out the front. As soon as they check in, people have the option of getting their pictures taken at the step and repeat before they're seated.

Wow.

So I think that you have a little bit more personal interaction because at registration, it's just quick, quick, quick, go, go, go, get people in as fast as you can. But with the red carpet, you have more of an opportunity to get to know the guests and the designers or maybe the models, whoever might come in the door. So that is very exciting.

And actually, there's a lot of media. Yesterday there were hundreds of media that were here, and you get to even meet those leaders, the people that are writing the stories or doing the blogs or even the photographers. There's world-class photographers here. So that's kind of part of the fun, is just seeing them not only get ready but actually in their genius.

Yes.

Yep. And then tomorrow you're gonna be in the marketplace where people will be selling crafts and art and things like that, so it'll be a whole new perspective for you.

And yes, I'm very much looking forward to that too, because working Fashion Week in this context, it's great because it's a 3-day-long event and each day you get to do something a little bit different and have a different sense of perspective. So registration is one mentality, red carpet is a totally different mentality, And then tomorrow at the marketplace, I'll have to switch gears and more or less promote the designer or whoever's selling the merchandise.

You'll have deeper conversations with the people attending as well.

For sure.

Each day it gets more exciting. So what's up with your business? What's up for you? What do you want to do?

So I've been working in the event industry kind of on and off for about 10 years or so, and I've worked at other companies, I've been independent, and my experience predominantly has been been with weddings, social events, things of that nature, a few networking parties. And my main goal is to transition more into the corporate world and plan conferences, corporate meetings, perhaps other networking events or holiday parties. And fashion shows, as I mentioned before, is something that I've never planned before. So that's another avenue you can take as an event planner. And I hope to have my own company and work mostly in New York. And in addition to that, I also have a dream to become a motivational speaker, to inspire and empower individuals, and that will dovetail nicely with the corporate events such as incentives or team building, anything like that.

Well, I'm excited to see you on the red carpet today. We're going to see you in action doing a great job, and I'll check in with you tomorrow too and see how it's going.

Fantastic.

Thanks for coming with us today on this little journey, and I'm so happy you said yes.

Thank you so much for your time. It was great meeting you.

Thank you.