Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Zohler.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up with family in the hospitality industry I was constantly around events, parties, catering etc. I always knew it was something I wanted to do but went with the “safe” choice through school. After graduating from UCF and completing four years in the school system as an educator while coordinating special events on the side I knew I wasn’t focusing all of my attention on my true passion, event planning. I took a leap of faith and decided to leave me career as a teacher to pursue a career full time in the events industry. From there I have broadened my portfolio to coordinate everything from weddings, mitzvahs, charity/fundraisers, showers, birthdays, you name it!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Is there such a thing as an easy road in the events and hospitality business?! Most would say of course, because they have a planner behind them cleaning up the mess without them knowing. But the truth is, the events industry is not an easy map to navigate. Being in Central Florida there are TONS of extremely talented professionals and though I can honestly say we are all in this together, the competition is fierce! It is always scary to branch out on your own and put yourself out there especially as an industry professional that is not looked at as a necessity. Coordinators are more of a luxury vendor and the first one that people think they can wipe from their budget until they get deep into the planning process. Event coordinators are so much more than lining you up on the special day or creating a timeline. I like to think of myself as someone’s “Bridal Bestie,” to be there alongside the client from start to finish. While everyone was struggling through these difficult times and events came to a screeching halt, event planners were some of the last to see that industry start to pick up again. We had to get creative, network like crazy and focus our attention on creating styled photo shoots and design lounges to bring a vision to life and back in the game.
As you know, we’re big fans of Encore Event Company. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Encore Event Company is a complete wedding and event planning business. We focus on creating custom packages that best suit the needs for all clients. While no two events are the exact same neither should your vendor packages. Each client has different needs, desires, budgets etc. and we try our best to create something special for each couple. While most people hear custom and think $$$$ we truly feel like we have a package to fit all needs. Our team focuses on really getting to know the client and being able to offer a unique experience that goes beyond a typical consultation or stuffy meeting. Allowing couples/clients to let their guard down and become friends with our team makes the entire experience more memorable for all. We do our very best to keep in touch with clients, follow their milestones and celebrate with them for years to come. When we sign a contract with a client we truly are welcoming them to the Encore Family!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
During the pandemic Encore Event Company teamed up with some local talented vendors (Petals by Design, Orlando Museum of Art, Daylin Photography and Go to Event Rentals) to design and produce a COVID-19 styled shoot to portray the impact the pandemic had on the events industry that was then published with Biz Bash!
Contact Info:
- Email: lauren@encoreeventco.com
- Website: www.encoreeventco.com
- Instagram: encoreeventcompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/encoreeventcompany
- Other: https://www.bizbash.com/production-strategy/experiential-activations-sponsorships/article/21203612/this-art-installation-by-event-pros-spreads-the-message-dont-forget-about-us
Image Credits
Dynamite Studios PB&J Studios Daylin Lavoy Photography P&S Studios
