Local entrepreneurial company marks success in first year, builds identity for clients
With more than 100,000 event planners in the United States, there is no doubt that the event industry means big business.
Event planning is the art of bringing people together and can be considered the new member of a corporate communications team. In the corporate world, event planning can fall under the guise of any one of these departments: marketing, human resources, sales, finance, public relations, etc., when in fact it is a little bit of all of these. It is highly competitive and requires a strong resource base of contacts and relationships.
Bonné Summers and Julia Foley were well aware of this when launching their company, Apex Events, LLC, in March of 2013.
One year and more than 40 clients later, they said they are encouraged by the success of their business and the contribution made to their community.
“There is a definite perception in our area that event planners are comprised of women looking to make a little extra money creating centerpieces or coordinating parties,” Foley said.
Apex Events is hoping that their work is changing that opinion.
“We are critical, strategic planners for our clients, bringing the latest in technology, marketing and design,” Foley said.
Their clients range from nonprofits who rely on annual fundraisers to continue their mission, to companies that want an event to mark a special occasion. Apex has created festivals for city entities, organized over-the-top weddings, managed grand openings and press events, and developed programs that engage the community in unique ways. Their vast experience in event coordination and marketing bring versatile talents that can meet a wide range of client needs.
Summers said, “‘Success breeds success’ is most definitely a statement that we can identify with and notice in the positive impact we have had on other local and regional businesses.”
Rental companies, artists, musicians, heavy equipment companies, hotels, restaurants, caterers, attorneys, bank services, photographers, florists, building supply companies, personnel services, carpet and lighting companies, transportation companies, insurance companies and more have been hired to implement the events they have worked on.
In 2013, Apex directly benefitted more than 70 local companies with revenue paid to vendors exceeded $100,000. Additionally, the duo provided services to several clients that have a broad and significant economic impact on the community, including the Louisiana Film Prize with an economic impact of $2.8 million.
In the current economic climate with businesses looking for innovative ways to develop and grow revenue, events have become a popular marketing trend that also furthers their branding.
Foley said Apex Events is often hired with this in mind.
From working with nonprofit organizations to create better designed fundraisers (and oftentimes more profitable), to for-profit companies that need better branding or a press event, Apex begins with a market analysis and asks the important questions that keep the event focused on the mission of the business.
“The results have been well-planned, logistically effective, unique and experiential events that have built a stronger identity for our clients,” Foley said.
“Apex Events conceived and executed a unique creative vision for our 40th anniversary gala that has had an impact far beyond the event itself. Our ballet company will reap the benefits of this increased visibility and creative energy for many years to come,” Kate Pedrotty, executive director of the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet.
Foley said Apex’s goal is to exceed expectations.
“Our goal is to go above and beyond the needs of our clients,” Foley said.
“We research the latest technology in marketing strategies, attend conferences to stay abreast of new design trends and even learned Japanese business etiquette for a client. There isn’t much that we can’t do, but if we don’t know how to do it, we will learn or find someone who does.”
Foley said Apex has big plans for the future.
“Although we enjoy working with nonprofits on fundraisers, we hope to be able to provide more services to businesses in the future.”
For more information about Apex Events, visit their website at Apexeventsllc.com.
