180: The Reality of the Events Industry

The events industry is all about creating the pretty. But let's be honest... things aren't so pretty right now. With events postponing and canceling and most vendors seeing fewer inquiries coming in than in years past, being in the wedding industry right now is no joke. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with floral designer and event production guru Jes Gordon about the changes to her business in light of Covid. She's sharing her open and honest opinions and best advice for the event industry to move forward. About our guest: Jes Gordon’s namesake company jesGORDON/properFUN, provides high end, personal event design and management with loads of signature style.  Her first book, Party Like A Rock Star (Globe Pequot Press), provides everyone with the tools they need to throw the party of their dreams, regardless of their budget. Gordon was the Design Mentor on Bravo’s “Rocco’s Dinner Party.”  Each week, Gordon aided the competing chefs in creating a memorable dinner party experience that went well beyond the cuisine. Gordon’s innate eye for color was first noticed at thirteen when she stumbled into the industry as an assistant to a floral designer.  By the time she reached her junior year at Bard College, she had a blooming floral business.  Gordon went on to open a contemporary art gallery and flower shop in Taos, New Mexico, and later moved to New Orleans to work on set designs for films, including “Interview with a Vampire” and “Dead Man Walking.” In 1992, Gordon became the Events and Decor Director for the infamous Tavern on the Green restaurant in New York.  Her work at Tavern on the Green led to private commissions for celebrities including Madonna, Barbara Streisand, Harrison Ford, Vanessa Williams, Sting, and Elton John, among others.  Gordon now applies her eye for design and passion for the unexpected to her event design and production firm.  Gordon has created captivating corporate events for Bank of Hapoalim, CNN, L’oreal Paris, Hostess, M&M;’s, Comcast, West Point, The Lifetime Channel and many others.  She also continues to dazzle brides and socialites alike with dream weddings and private affairs. With a strong base in New York, she continues to work all over the world. Gordon continues to involve herself with philanthropic projects such as; DIFFA, ASPCA, The Orchestra of St. Lukes and the Women of Worth Gala for L’oreal Paris. Gordon recently completed her first novel Party on the Moon which will be available to readers all over the world as well seen as a scripted series on a major network. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Jes' background and how she got started in the floral and event design industry The Wall Street Journal article that featured Jes Gordon and the event industry in light of Covid What Jes did to quickly reduce her expenses and get out of the high costs of living in New York City The issues and aftermath that Jes may have to deal with as a result of her departure The mindset Jes is taking about the present and the future Jes' thought about keeping employees on payroll when you're not bringing in revenue Using your skills in events in other industries The importance of cutting unnecessary expenses and downsizing during this time Reassessing your business, expenses, and employees to decide what you're going to purge and what you're going to keep Jes' book: Party Like a Rock Star: A Celebrity Party Planner's Tips And Tricks For Throwing An Unforgettable Bash Jes' novel: Party on the Moon Want to connect with Jes? Online: www.jesgordon.com Instagram: @jesgordon Facebook ------- SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Have you gotten value from This Week In Weddings? If so, it's time to pay it forward! Your contribution of as little as 10-cents a day will help us offset our costs, like file storage, web hosting, and editing. Plus, a larger donation gets you perks, like access to a private Facebook group to discuss each week’s episode! Check out the ways you can contribute to the show.