My SoBe, Pt. 5

Nathalie Cortes tells us what “SoBe” was like for her in the final entry of her Blue & Gold Blog.

Working on "SoBe" alongside event manager Elaina Moran (right) confirmed Nathalie Cortes' choice of career in event management.

Truth be told, I cannot believe that the 2010 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is over.

Every spare moment for the past few months was dedicated to working on the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s annual fundraiser. Now, I just don’t know what to do with myself.

During the festival, event manager Elaina Moran and I were kept very busy moving between event and event, confirming that everything that was needed was indeed there. At the Best of the Best at the Fontainebleau, I noticed that there was some equipment missing that the chefs had requested. I spoke to the staff at the hotel, and they arranged for us to borrow the necessary equipment. The chefs were happy.

The situation at Best of the Best demonstrates the biggest challenge in event planning. No matter how much you plan, no matter how many times you verify that things are organized, something is going to happen that has to be dealt with, on the spot.

That is why I love special event planning and management. It is perhaps my favorite aspect regarding my career. I get a certain rush that flows through my body as I work to pick up the shattered pieces of a situation. And once you finally do, the feeling is unrivaled.

The opportunity to work on the festival was unparalleled. Working with Elaina I learned more than I ever thought I would and am forever thankful for the chance she took on me.

Furthermore, this experience has confirmed that event management is indeed the career path I want to take. There is nothing else I can imagine myself doing.