Category: 1The Next Level

“I believe there are no better problem solvers in the world than special event professionals.” Andy is excited to have David Beahm and Christina Matteucci back on the show. David is a popular event designer based in New York City, working worldwide, and Christina is crucial to David’s business as she is his Executive Director. Both have been on the show multiple times and are informative and enjoyable each and every time.

“We are all on different ships in the same storm.” David and Christina discuss how they handle the unrest in our country and what they are each doing to stay grounded. They believe that you have to follow what the universe has set before you and look at the opportunities around you to serve your community and help anyone you can.

They share how they are keeping business alive and bringing in revenue, Christina has been coaching, and they have been helping their legacy clients with decorating for the holidays. They believe that the outlook for the events industry in the future is bright. It might be different, but no one adapts better than special event professionals. 

Andy’s guest co-host today is Alejandra Poupel from Alejandra Poupel Events out of Paris, catering to an international clientele including Chinese, Middle Eastern, Russian and American, all of whom have different expectations based on their cultural perspective. Listen as they discuss Rob’s idea of perfect simplicity, how he likes the natural beauty of flowers, and the royal events he has done, plus much more on this episode of The Next Level.

Rob is the owner of Rob Van Helden Floral Design Limited, out of London. His previous clientele includes Nelson Mandela, Joe Malone, Elton John, and Royal weddings and events including Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Princess Margaret’s 70th birthday. 

Alejandra discusses how Rob respects the flower’s beauty, his use of props when he designs arrangements for events, and the Royal events he’s done and how beautiful they always are. Alejandra also shares the one thing in Rob’s interview that surprised and pleased her the most.

Listen as Alejandra shares how she is handling the pandemic personally and professionally and how the industry as a whole is coming together to support each other and lend a hand when needed. 

Andy’s guest co-host today is Kim Wiseley, Founder and Creative Director of Flutter Magazine, and she recently created a new sister company called The Floral Pantry.

Listen as they discuss Joy’s outlook on how the design relates to the location, the inclusive proposal she gives her clients, plus much more on this episode of The Next Level.

Today, Andy and Kim talk about Joy Proctor of Joy Proctor Design, a full-service design house. She has been named amongst the top in the world and a leader in the industry by Harper’s Bazaar and Brides. Joy has designed well over 400 weddings worldwide and does photo styling, creative direction, and production for clients.

Kim and Andy speak about why the location plays a big role in how Joy designs an event, how she walks through the area with her clients to see what excites them and uses that to inspire what she designs. Kim also discusses Joy’s proposals, which includes everything from what the guests are wearing to the flowers and lighting.

Kim shares how she met Joy and some editorial projects they have worked on together. She describes their Hearts of Flutter retreats, that they created together, and how the people who attend become like family after the experience because of their bonds. Andy speaks about Joy putting herself in front of issues like racial bias and other inequalities because she isn’t afraid to speak out.

Andy is bringing us a very important interview pertinent right now in the weddings and events industry. The Live Events Coalition is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s devastating impact on the live events industry to provide advocacy, resources, and a network that connects and supports businesses, contractors, and the general event industry workforce. It established a national Facebook group that wants to connect, share stories, opportunities, or just support the live event’s mission, with its members now reaching 23,000.

Nancy Shaffer is the Founder and CEO of Bravo Events and the Board President and Director of the Live Events Coalition. Listen as Nancy discusses how the Coalition got started, what the Coalition is doing to advocate for and support the live events industry, and what is specifically being discussed and done for the industry as a whole.

Nancy shares ways that people can become a member, start a localized chapter, and/or volunteer. Over 12 million people are being deeply and adversely affected in the live events industry, and Nancy and the Coalition want you to know that you are not alone. They are fighting for you every day.