Connect and Collaboration Event

As entrepreneurs we all try our best to attend networking events in hopes of connecting with someone and hopefully blossoming those relationships into something that will help our business grow and be a help to them as well. However most networking events end, you go home and very few people keep those connections going after meeting someone.

Courtney Re’nae of Flourishe has changed the game when it comes to networking. The Connect and Collaboration event is nothing like your typical networking happy hour mixer. No, this is truly a chance for you to connect and collaborate with men and women from various industries and help each other move further with your business goals.

On May, 14, 2016, Flourishe hosted the Connect and Collaboration event at The Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, Ca. Let’s take a walk through the event… If you’re familiar with Santa Monica it’s the mecca of California beaches, with tourists, street entertainers, the famous ferris wheel on the pier and of course many hotels and shopping. The Viceroy is definitely on the upscale end of the spectrum for hotels in the area. As you pull into valet parking you are immediately greeted by the gracious staff, who welcomed you and hold the door open and seem to know exactly why you were there. As you enter the doors, the lobby is beautiful with luxurious furniture, perfect lighting and once again staff ready to attend to your every need. As I made my way into the event space, I was greeted by the C & C staff and handed my media badge. Before I entered the room, I met a young lady and we stood in the hall and had a really great conversation, and we exchanged cards with a promise to connect very soon. Wow…before entering the room, I could see that this networking event was like none other.

I walked into the room, with teal, purple and white color palette, it was like you step into a room fit for a queen. Stunning white chandeliers, teal drapery, white couches and purple lighting invited you in to take in every ounce of what the decorator wanted you to see. Thank you to the premier sponsor, Majarian Publishing for this amazing space that we all had the chance to enjoy.

To my left, raffle prizes were setup as well as a photo booth station. To my right, there was additional seating and the setup for Courtney Re’nae to host her interviews with camera crew ready. The DJ for the night was amazing, definitely kept heads nodding all night and bodies moving when “Wobble” came through the speakers. On the far side was a setup by the wine vendor  Boissett Collection w/ Jennifer Bradford and the area was perfect with a few chairs for conversation with the backdrop of wine glasses and few bottles ready to pour.

Attached to the space was an outdoor area, that had a few cocktail height tables and the bar. Upon entering the area, I was greeted by the wait staff with mini sliders, which were delicious and was only one of the many options available such as mini pizza slices, chicken satay and a crab mixture on crostini. On the other end of the outdoor area, there was a small room for the VIP guests. VIP guests were greeted, handed a bag of goodies from the sponsors of the event, Hair Confidence, Shai’s World, Scentsational Soaps, Junior Chef University, Boissett Collection w/ Jennifer Bradford and BrandTuition.

Once everyone had arrived Courtney Re’nae and Sweeney Mae made introductions of the staff and let us all know the purpose of the evening. Afterwards, they went around the room and introduced everyone that was at the event and suggested connections that we should make. I mean…wow…have you ever been to a networking event and walked around not sure who to talk to? This was networking on a the next level.

After the introductions, I walked over to my suggested connection and we hit if off right away. As I looked around the room, I noticed that everyone was connected with someone, there was not one person in the room standing by themselves. The evening was truly about building relationships for the long-term and helping each other to reach our own personal goals for our businesses.

As the evening progressed, all the VIP guests had an opportunity to be interviewed by Courtney Re’nae for the C & C TV. While guests were being interviewed, you had the chance to purchase raffle tickets, enjoy the photo booth, nibble on delicious finger foods, grab a drink, meet with everyone and pick up your gift bag.

But that’s not all…What is a party without entertainment? Guests were treated to a spectacular performance by New York’s own Tah Mac. His performance started with a little tribute to the late singer/song writer Prince and then he went into some originals songs. Had us all on the dance floor and for a moment I thought I was at the club…lol

Courtney Re’nae didn’t miss a beat when it came to hosting this event. Even knowing that two of her guests were celebrating their birthdays. So, we had the opportunity to celebrate with cake and sing happy birthday. From beginning to end, nothing was missed. Every aspect of this event was planned out with great detail and with the help of the collaborative partners Mama Be Brilliant, LW Special Events, and Events in the City, I’m sure that we will see some amazing collaborations come from this event. I definitely can’t wait to see what next year will hold. To the team at Flourishe, Great Job!