Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Cole.
Hi Emily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a creative soul ever since I can remember. Growing up, my dad was the Vice President of Global Retail for the Walt Disney Company, so I was always around, sketching blueprints and helping my dad come up with fun ideas for new Disney stores worldwide. A fun family weekend for us growing up was auditioning for local TV shows or road-tripping to a random dude ranch to go horseback riding. A lot of my dad’s travels were to Tokyo Disney, and my favorite part of his return would be all the fun souvenirs he would bring back for me that were so quirky and unique: toys and stationery, origami kits, things that turned into other things nothing I had ever seen before.
I spent most of my childhood in art classes, dance lessons, designing my birthday parties, and writing (terrible) music. Any creative outlet I could get involved in, I immediately tried. As a child, I didn’t want to join sports teams or social clubs. I wanted to get messy with charcoal and paint, construct funky Barbie outfits from scratch, and redesign my bedroom 100 times. I have lived in Orlando for 28 years and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. My passion is now planning unique and stylish corporate events with an edgy flair, which allows me to showcase my deep-rooted creativity. I have been active in the hospitality and restaurant industry for over 12 years, holding catering, special events, and marketing positions. I am knowledgeable in communications and public relations; I have assisted numerous restaurants and wine bars in their social media, networking, and special events departments. Before getting my bachelor’s degree, I studied Public Relations at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. My previous careers include working for an international resort company as their Regional Marketing Coordinator for South Florida and the island of St. Maarten.
I have been an integral member of the National Association for Catering and Events – Orlando Chapter for 3 years, taking on the role of Social Media Manager and single-handedly overseeing their social media accounts. My participation in the events industry helped me win a 2020-2021 NACE membership scholarship full-ride scholarship to 2021’s NACE Experience conference in Las Vegas, and I was also placed on the 2021 NACE National President’s List. I am certified in Cvent Venue Sourcing, World Health Organization COVID-19 Operational Planning, and I plan on getting my CPCE certification by 2024. In 2022, I was flown to Boston. I presented the ADMEI “Carol Norfleet Destination Management Rising Star” award for my work in corporate events, which was a huge career accomplishment. I love to travel, drink wine, and discover new Orlando restaurants during my free time. If I’m not laying by the pool or taking my Pomeranian Stormy to a farmers market on the weekend, you can find me having brunch with my girlfriends or at Epcot having a pint in England.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My original career path was theater and modeling. I spent my entire high school career in Drama and Musical Theater. I was cast in almost every single production and musical for 4 years, became a member of the International Thespian Society, won multiple superlatives, and competed in regional acting competitions before graduating and pursuing theater in college as a hobby. I participated in a local Orlando acting/modeling competition. I won a New York Film Academy scholarship and a modeling contract from Elite Model Management. Still, the thought of packing up my entire life and moving to New York City alone at 18 years old was too terrifying to pursue, and I let that dream fizzle away. This was one of the biggest heartbreaks of my entire life.
I have had a few struggles that made personal growth challenging: I was bullied a lot as a child for being different and “weird,” looking different than others, and being picked on for my size. Back in the 2000s, there were no plus-sized models, and the ones who were breaking out were looked down upon for breaking into an industry “where they didn’t belong.” Victoria’s Secret wasn’t size-inclusive yet, and the “curvy” body type was not what it is today. I have always been more of a voluptuous build, and when I started modeling in 2008, it took a long time for me to be confident for others. I was raised by a mother who was always fiercely strong and instilled that in her daughters, but it wasn’t until my early years that I realized I could help other women find their body confidence and advocate for being confident in their skin. I modeled between Orlando, Atlanta, and New York for plus-sized brands until 2010, leaving it behind to further my education. Today, I use my personal Instagram page to showcase my fashion and style that lean more towards flattering a curvy body type.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My current role is “Senior Creative Services Manager” for an Orlando-based DMC. My role specializes in designing fun-themed corporate events, parties, dinners, and unique experiences in Orlando, Tampa, St. Pete, Amelia Island, Marco Island, and Jacksonville. I am often working on things such as themed welcome receptions, award dinner tablescapes, booking both name acts and minor local talent, and finding new venues that would really “wow” a traveling corporate group who come from all over the country. I am so passionate about Orlando as a destination, and my goal is to shock and impress attendees who may still think of Orlando as a “Disney destination.”
I am incredibly blessed with where I have ended up. I have an amazing boss who has let me completely blossom creatively and gives me total freedom to design and inspire my team and clients daily. When not working directly with clients on their vision, I spend much time researching new and edgy local vendors who offer something different. My least favorite design is “traditional.” I will forever support my unique local artists and performers with their creative projects. I have many local Orlando vendors who have become dear friends, and I attend all of their showcase events and whatever else I can to support local and small businesses.
My passion for fashion and design has assisted in the way I look at designing a corporate event. I am not only thinking about the layout and placement of tables or the power requirements needed to fuel a 10-piece band, but I’m also thinking about how sequins will lay on top of velvet or if the Gobo lighting will clash with the color of my champagne glasses. I utilize many style and fashion rules in my event planning process, and I think that is not necessarily an “eye” that everyone has.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice for networking is to step outside of your comfort zone. Attend local events you might never have the courage to go to alone. I knew nobody when I started in this industry 5 years ago and had zero connections. Join an organization and ask the board how you can get involved. I would have never connected with most people I know now if I had not attended local Orlando event professional meetings or associated with local chapters like NACE, MPI, and ILEA. Joining a board of directors was one of the best career decisions I could have ever made because it allowed me to make new connections and learn more about my industry through others’ experiences.
Image Credits
Photo #2 – Krista Deckrow Owner, Krista Lyn Photography LLC krista@kristalynphotos.com, kristalynphotos.com
