Special Events Planner Balances
Successful Business & Family
By Marlane Bundock Earlier this year, the Chicago-based event planning firm Total Event Resources (TRE) was certified as a Women's Business Enterprise by a national council that recognizes women-owned businesses. Along with allowing TRE to expand its visibility among potential clients who are seeking to work with diversified companies, the certification symbolically recognized TRE's president, Kathy Miller, for turning a one-woman basement operation, which she started 13 years ago, into the 12 full-time team member organization it is today.
"The first year of the business, I ended up producing 30 different programs," Miller said. "I was fortunate that in 1995 the world was in such a place that our industry was spending dollars and there were a lot of product launches, national sales meetings and customer appreciation events."
The company has achieved much success over the years, which Miller attributed, in part, to the dedication of her employees. "I know what my weaknesses are, so every time I fill a position, I look for someone who has certain strengths and is going to add to the team."
Miller also emphasized that the company's success has been built on fulfilling clients' needs. "Success is when you can say you have had clients for 15 years when you have had a 13-year business." Listening to her clients, knowing and responding to their needs, and continuing to provide a greater return on their investments are some of the reasons Miller said that TRE acquires repeat clients. "Plus, we are a fun, energetic and passionate group to work with."
TRE focuses on the creative and communication side of events. "We typically work with an organization's internal meeting planner, who has already negotiated the hotel and meeting space, and we assist them with creating a theme, message development, graphic design and production." TRE also assists the planner with finding unique venues for a meeting's off-site events. She said the company strives to find special event venues that tie into the meeting's overall message or theme. "Our business has evolved where we now do a lot of strategic work in the message development side of meetings for corporations, trade associations and non-profit organizations."
Along with owning an award-winning company, Miller sits on the board of governor's International Special Events Society, she received the Chicago chapter's highest honor in 2006—a lifetime achievement award, and she is a wife and mother of two teenagers.
"I'm fortunate because I have been married for 19 years and my husband is extremely supportive."
However, she admitted that balancing work and family is tough for meeting planners.
"There's a myth that you can have a baby and work from home, it's hard, so I came up with creative things." When Miller's children were younger and she would have to travel for business, she would write out an agenda for her family to follow. When she took phone calls from clients, she would ask that her children draw her messages rather than interrupt her conversation.
She said today's enhanced methods of communications, such as text messaging, has made it easier for her to balance work and family. "I also think you have to set some boundaries between the two."
Miller stands as an inspiration to entry-level and veteran meeting professionals alike, but has a personal goal of mentoring those who are newly entering the industry through offering internships and speaking at industry events. "When I started in the industry 30 years ago there were no professional development programs—no one knew about the industry and nowadays you get certified, you get your bachelor's degree in numerous areas of our industry such as hospitality, recreation, communication and marketing. You can learn so much in this industry. I say, be a sponge and soak up as much as you can, be inquisitive and have the self-initiative to learn."
