Nov 21, 2023
In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by Melva LaJoy Legrend of LaJoy Plans and Margo Fischer of Bright Occasions—in Washington, D.C. These luncheons, known as Head Table Talks, aim to build community within the events industry and provide a safe space for event profs to network and collaborate. At this particular Head Table Talk, held in late October at Dauphine's, Adler brings his Jeffersonian-style of discussion to the six planners gathered and asks each of them: What was your first job? And what did you learn from it?
This is just part one of this thought-provoking discussion. Part two, to be released next week, will shift its focus to the latest happenings in the event business and provide valuable insights into the industry's latest trends and challenges. These are two episodes you don't want to miss.
In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by Melva LaJoy Legrend of LaJoy Plans and Margo Fischer of Bright Occasions—in Washington, D.C. These luncheons, known as Head Table Talks, aim to build community within the events industry and provide a safe space for event profs to network and collaborate. At this particular Head Table Talk, held in late October at Dauphine's, Adler brings his Jeffersonian-style of discussion to the six planners gathered and asks each of them: What was your first job? And what did you learn from it?
This is just part one of this thought-provoking discussion. Part two, to be released next week, will shift its focus to the latest happenings in the event business and provide valuable insights into the industry's latest trends and challenges. These are two episodes you don't want to miss. Keep scrolling to learn more about our distinguished guests.
Melva LaJoy Legrand
As a self-made entrepreneur recognized for her work in the live
events industry, as well as causes rooted in social equality as it
pertains to women, health, and race and identity, Melva LaJoy
Legrand is a public speaker, event producer/director, community
leader, and storyteller. As the founder/CEO of LaJoy Plans, an
event planning firm she re-launched in 2019, Melva has been
recognized as a trailblazer in the events industry receiving the
BizBash Top Event Industry Innovator Award and the Events Industry
Council, Global Social Impact Award in 2022. As of 2023, Melva has
spearheaded two new initiatives: Mondays With Melva, exclusive
monthly content for her subscribers, offering career guidance as
well as event planning tips, and Head Table Talks, an annual
luncheon that she co-created as a safe space for event
planners.
Margo Fischer
Margo Fischer is the owner of Bright Occasions, a full-service
event planning company specializing in bespoke weddings and
milestone occasions. Margo brings a wealth of industry knowledge
and hands-on experience to her clients, from previous roles in
corporate event planning and private event catering. She has a
passion for curating unforgettable events. With a strong foundation
in event planning and an impressive career in some of Washington,
D.C.'s most prestigious venues, Margo boasts over 14 years of
expertise in the event industry. In addition to helping couples and
families, Margo has worked on community events such as the annual
Art in Bloom museum experience and gala reception at Anderson
House. And she co-produced the Beyond the Blackout series to
highlight diversity and inclusivity within the event industry and
is currently co-producing Head Table Talks networking luncheons to
create a space for event planners to gather, mingle, and learn from
one another.
Kawania Wooten
Kawania Wooten, CMP, brings a unique mix of experience and skills
to her businesses, Howerton+Wooten Events and the Enlightened
Creative. Her vast experience in the hospitality world includes
hotel management, casino and gaming, the culinary industry, and 30
years as a professional meeting and event planner for the
Washington D.C. elite. Kawania strives for professionalism,
creativity, and impeccable organization within every function
planned by the Howerton+Wooten Events team. She is an adjunct
instructor in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts
Department at Prince George's Community College.
Aisha Malik Rodriguez
Aisha Malik Rodriguez is the founder and owner of Aim Aro Logistics
LLC, a dynamic company specializing in production and event
management on a global scale. With a career spanning over 25 years
in the event and hospitality industry, Aisha has become a true
expert in her field. Born and raised in Fairfax County, Va., and
hailing from a rich Pakistani cultural background, Aisha brings a
unique blend of experiences and perspectives to her work. Her
family, which is large and spread across the world, has instilled
in her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions.
Aisha's company, Aim Aro Logistics LLC, excels in a wide range of
services, including vendor management, event permitting, and
emergency response management. With a passion for creating
unforgettable experiences, she and her team are dedicated to
helping clients navigate the entire event process, from start to
finish. Whether it's a festival, a government or military event, a
corporate gathering, a nonprofit initiative, or a private
celebration, Aisha's expertise shines through.
Jennifer
Charles
Jennifer Charles is a co-founder and the chief creative officer at
Something Fabulous. Jennifer’s specialty is in designing experience
and storytelling marketing. Jennifer has a degree from the Fashion
Institute of Technology in New York City. She began her career in
radio, television, and film. From interning at The Today
Show and Good Morning America to
working in production with The Food Network and New Line Cinema,
she has experienced storytelling from many different angles and
industries.
Becca Mai
Becca Mai is a West Virginia native who transplanted to the D.C.
area shortly after launching a career in hospitality. She has been
in the wedding industry for over 10 years specializing in planning
for LBGTQ+, multicultural, and fusion weddings and events. While
the majority of her career has been geared toward wedding
operations, she has spent a lengthy portion of it building out
platforms, training programs, and more. She is now a business
strategist for wedding professionals and an inclusive wedding
planner, assisting wedding business owners on the back of the
business to streamline, automate, and organize with hospitality
100% in mind.