Last month I hosted a client appreciation dinner for 50 + clients whom I have had the opportunity to create memorable celebrations.  Clients ranged from corporate to weddings to social clients.  It was a time to thank and recognize them for entrusting Perfect Planning Events to produce such occasions of value to them.

I used to host annual client appreciation celebrations up until five years ago.  The celebrations ranged from brunches to parties all having the sole purpose to focus on our V.I.P.’s (the clients).  You’re probably wondering why the pause for so long?  It was a fifty-fifty factor of having the time and the financial responsibility.  After last month’s celebration, I made a commitment to my clients and to myself that I would be committed to making this an annual affair for them.

Our Clients are the heartbeat of our business.  I want my clients to know that they are not just an extension of a brand, but they are part of my family.  My engagement with them reaches beyond a contract/monetary transaction and beyond the date of their event.  From the date we connect with each other we are forming a meaningful and long-lasting relationship. They invested in me, so it is my time to invest into them. 

The event was held at Harbour View, a beautiful event space with waterfront views in Prince William County. The day began with everyone arriving and being greeted by a member of my team and served a delicious Mango Berry mocktail and scrumptious butlered hors d’oeuvres – Mediterranean orzo, mini chicken and waffles, and parmesan ravioli.  Guests had the opportunity to mix and mingle as they indulged in the bites provided by Kindle Cuisine.  I strategically seated everyone who I thought would have common interest and boy did they!  Surprise outcomes from their social engagement ranged from realizing they lived in the same neighborhood, going to school with siblings, friends of friends, and more!

I opened the evening with a few remarks about each of my clients and the purpose of our evening.  Chef Renee Weaks came before the guests to describe the meal that she prepared for us – poached pear and goat cheese salad with candied pecans, herbed-cheese stuffed chicken breast, rosemary garlic butter steak, stuffed bell peppers, smoked-grilled vegetables, lemon pesto basmati rice, and honey butter rolls.  For dessert we had a variety of self-serve desserts – a variety of bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes, variety of chocolate brownies, whoopie pies; and to top it off an ice cream station.  Oh, and we had a wine bar!  Guests departed with a gift of bubbly as a token of my appreciation for their attendance.

The celebration was remarkable and heartfelt.  It made me realize more than ever that I work for the best clients that I am proud to call Family!  My Clients are V.I.P.’s!  Looking forward to next year’s event. 

Vendor Partners:

Planning & Design (us) – Perfect Planning Events • Venue – Harbour View • Florals & Chargers – BCG Events • Photography – Chip Dizard Studios • Catering – Kindle Cuisine • Linens – DC Rental • Ceiling Lantern Décor –  Perfect Planning Events • Menus, Escort Cards, Table Numbers – Perfect Planning Events