Party Around the World
standleeParty Professor – Beth Standlee
As my company approaches the four-year mark being in business, I must say that I’ve been privileged to learn as much as I teach. Recently, I was invited to speak at the DEAL show in Dubai. This show is the largest entertainment and leisure event in the Middle East. I have a lot of experience with events, parties, seminars and tradeshows. However, this party had a lot of unknowns for me. I was surprised at how nervous I was and am reminded that new sales people and event planners probably feel the same way about each new event as I felt about all the unknowns of this big adventure.
Geography is not my thing. I barely know where I am when I travel in the U.S., so you can guess that I was in for a lot of learning. Having the lay of the land was more than understanding how to get from the airport to the hotel. There were many languages and unfamiliar dress and customs. I was consumed with worry about whether I would fit in. I was particularly concerned that my loud, opinionated, female, Texan style might be offensive or misunderstood in a country so different from home.
Dubai is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. When I arrived at the airport, it looked as if the light fixtures were sculpted from gold. I was also pretty exhausted from the extensive coach travel. I was actually accompanied by an industry friend from Embed/LAI Games. It gave me comfort and confidence to have a fellow Texan with me as we made our way to the hotel.
The next day, I found the tradeshow floor and the familiar line to pick up your badge in order to obtain entry. Interestingly enough, they had a red carpet rolled out for an important group of dignitaries who opened the show. It was quite exciting and funny to watch the leaders enter in their formal ceremonial gold robes followed by a goofy mascot that we would find in any family entertainment venue!
One of my most memorable moments on the show floor was when I ran into the hillbilly-themed Shoot Out gallery. I took a picture and laughed out loud because I had actually agonized with one of my friends that I wasn’t sure a hillbilly in Dubai would be the best thing for the program. I was so glad to see that game and honestly felt there might be a place for me at this event after all.
It was my good fortune that industry professional Frank Seninsky attended and spoke as well. Frank encouraged and escorted me to the Mall of the Emirates and to the Dubai Mall. My trip would not have been as meaningful if I had missed either of these outings. The Mall of the Emirates houses a ski lodge on the inside. It’s unbelievable. It was also full of families on a Sunday night. To me, it’s difficult to imagine a giant ski lodge in a mall in the desert. But it’s there. I saw it myself. I picked up the birthday party brochure (of course) and know that I must have looked like a country girl as I tried to wrap my head around this incredible feat of family entertainment.
The next day, I had the good fortune to listen to one of the operators of the ski venture and of Magic Planet. It was fascinating to listen to him explain the earth-friendly processes of the ski attraction. They reuse and recycle the melting snow four times, and much of that water is used to help cool the mall. This same group owns Magic Planet, a 93,000-sq.-ft. FEC with every type of entertainment venue you can imagine. They used the space in such a great way that I told my husband it must have been 200,000 sq. ft.
I did notice that there appeared to be no party or meeting rooms. I still wonder what that’s about because they did have party brochures. My brain has been spinning as I try to understand how they sell events. Language was a slight issue, so I did not ask enough questions. I’m not typically shy, but I’m not usually that far out of my comfort zone either.
On day two, I had the honor to speak to the largest group of attendees of any of the seminar sessions. My class focused on implementing a one-hour training program for the front-line staff. Any of you who have attended my training knows that I always start the session with high-energy music. I was delighted that they knew James Brown in Dubai and that a couple of people were willing to do the Cupid Shuffle with me. Everyone likes to party.
The session was terrific. Whether we are here in the U.S. or halfway around the world, team issues and training are the same. We all deal with keeping our staff motivated, focused and encouraged. I was so pleased with the response.
If you are a new sales manager, event planner or birthday coordinator, I want to encourage you to not worry about whether you are qualified to be where you are. You have the job. Someone believes you will do a great job. Each time you hold a new event there are many unknowns. However, the thing that you should always know is that you are planning fun for the people you serve. We are in an industry that is predisposed to having a good time anywhere in the world. Stay focused on serving your guests and providing them a memorable experience, and every party you hold will be a success.
In Dubai, I learned that entertainment and leisure is the same no matter where we go. Families, moms, dads, brothers and sisters are the same whether they wear jeans or robes.
I want to extend a personal thank you to those of you who faithfully read the Party Professor column and hope that you have enjoyed my glimpse of partying around the world. If you would like to see some great pictures captured by Frank, please email me at beth@trainertainment.net, and I’ll send you a link.