An Eventful Introduction

Hello! Welcome to the first official post on the Events North blog!

            You may be asking yourself: “Wait…what/who is ‘Events North?’ Why does an Event Management company want to start a blog? What do they feel the need to blog about?”

            Well, you are in such luck: I am going to provide an answer to all of those questions!

First, however, I am going to introduce myself. 

Photo Credit: Allen-Kent Photography

My name is Meaghan Jameson and I am the Event Manager for Events North…and the newest addition to the staff! I just moved to Traverse City, Michigan from Tampa, Florida in January to pursue my dream career, which is exactly what I am getting the opportunity to do here at Events North. I enjoy all things wedding, long-distance running, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and The Beatles.  I also love social media, event coordination, and Traverse City…which is where I am now lucky enough to call home!

I am also an active member of the Traverse City Young Professionals, Venue Rental Manager for the superb ECCO Venue in Downtown Traverse City, and on the board of the DDA TIF 2 Development Area Citizen’s Council.

            Now, onto the first hypothetical question I proposed: What/who is ‘Events North?’

            Excellent question. Events North is a full service event management agency located in Traverse City, Michigan that specializes in corporate and social events. Allison Beers, owner and founder (and also my wonderful boss), has over 15 years of experience in event management and prides herself in working hard to save clients money while still making every detail of their event extra special. Events North is happy to help you with as many or as few aspects of the planning process you require- we cater to your needs exactly. We will host the event of your dreams, exceed your expectations and WOW your guests by creating an experience that will never be forgotten!

And who are we? Well, you’ve already been introduced to me, but the rest of the Events North family is made up of Allison Beers, owner and founder, and our summer event coordinator, Macaila. I’ll allow them to introduce themselves:

Allison Beers: 

While living on the East Coast, Allison planned and executed a 40,000 guest carnival fundraiser for the opening of the Philadelphia Eagles new stadium,  and also planned a two-week regional road show for America Online. 

While in Philadelphia, she guest lectured for a class at Temple University in event management and served as a board member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the International Special Event Society for 3 years.

Allison is a graduate of Albion College with a double BA in English and Speech Communications and also has a certification in event management from The George Washington University School of Business.

Beers is currently the President of the Board of Directors of the National Cherry Festival Foundation and on the board of directors for the Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA). She was elected to the Traverse City Rotary Club Board of Directors for 2012.   She has also served on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. 

Beers is a founding member of the Traverse City Young Professionals. She is currently the coordinator of the program for the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.

In 2010 and 2011 Events North was named the Readers' Choice Best Of Award Winner from Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine for Best Meeting and Event Planner.

In 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, the Traverse City Business News named Beers one of the 40 Most Influential Business People Under 40.

In 2010, Beers was named the Top 10 in '10 from Albion College. Top 10 in 10 awards were created to recognize noteworthy and distinctive achievements made by ten alumni who have graduated within the past ten years.

Allison is also a freelance writer for Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine and serves on their editorial advisory board.

Allison, originally from the Detroit area, moved to Traverse City 7 years ago with her husband, Adam, a Traverse City native.  She has two children, Anna (4) and Jake (10 months). 

(Allison also really enjoys Oldies music, watching Punky Brewster with Anna after a long day, and indulging in some tea from MORSELS on occasion. She verified that all of this information is accurate, except that she enjoys tea from MORSELS more than just occasionally...)

Macaila Schlaff: 

Hi! My name is Macaila Schlaff and I am the new Event Coordinator at Events North! I am an undergraduate senior at the University of Michigan and have been given the opportunity to intern in Traverse City for the summer to gain experience towards my future career in social, corporate and non-profit events. My favorite things are boating, weddings, watching romantic-comedies and Michigan football! As a Michigan native from the Detroit area I am thrilled to be living and working in Traverse City for the summer!

Question #2: Why does an Event Management company want to start a blog?

            Well, honestly…Events North has a lot to blog about. We are located in an amazing town, get the opportunity to work with fantastic clients, are surrounded by superb local vendors, and have some excellent tips and tricks of the trade to share.

Which brings me to our final question: What do they feel the need to blog about?

            Events North plans on using this blog to share highlights from past events we’ve managed, shed light on some outstanding local vendors and venues, spread the Traverse City happenings to our readers, give you some insight into our Event-coordinating brains, provide wedding tips and money saving tricks…the list goes on and on. Mainly, I just want to keep you updated and entertained and also allow you to see how wonderful Traverse City really is (yes, even in the winter season).

            I think that about covers it as far as introductions go. I will be updating the blog at least once a week and also providing consistent updates- and sometimes even giveaways!- on our Facebook page.  In the meantime, have a wonderful week- hope it’s eventful (So punny, I know. I know.)!