With over 15 years of experience in the event planning business and a host of professional resources at her disposal, Jacky Grotle and her staff will make sure your special occasion is flawless.
Event Success, based in the heart of Woodinville, Washington’s wine country, has coordinated all types of events over the course of the company’s existence, from engagement parties and weddings, to wine tastings and charity galas, to corporate gatherings and product launches. And all have gone off without a hitch.
“We specialize in logistics,” says Grotle. “Making sure the flow of the event and that everything needed is in place.”
This forte has proven to be a virtue for the company, as Grotle and her staff were recently honored with an Emerald City Applause Award for “Best Event Logistics.” The Seattle chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) bestowed the award upon Event Success for an offsite event they coordinated on Lopez Island, Washington.
“We also are proud to custom everything to each individual client,” continues Grotle. “This is key since sometimes we are working with an individual, sometimes a committee, and sometimes a corporation.”
Of course, there are challenges, as there are in any business. But Grotle and her staff are able to adapt to ensure success.
As Grotle says, “I always have a plan B.”
She namechecks weather and guest count as some of the last-minute challenges that tend to crop up.
“Last November our 400 person (event) grew to 1,200,” she recalls. “(But) asking the right questions is part of an event planner’s job and I had asked the capacity maximums when speaking with the hotel on our first meeting.”
Grotle’s illustrious career has included some very memorable moments.
“Occasionally my position allows me to work with famous people,” she says. “Like when Will Ferrell came to Seattle to support Cancer for College or when I had to direct Steve Ballmer when and where to give a toast at a private event.”
But the thing she enjoys most about her job is simply seeing the event being executed.
Says Grotle, “It is rewarding to see the outcome of all the hours of planning come to life.”
So what does the future hold for Event Success? Plenty.
“We continue to grow each year,” she says. “Over the last couple years we have created some great relationships and alliances with the wine industry community here in Woodinville. We think this area will continue to grow and be more of a destination for both corporate and special occasions events. It is so close and yet there is so much to experience. It is great for interactive events.”
One thing’s for sure—as long as Grotle’s at the helm, the company is sure to rise to the occasion.