Creative Crush: Suzi Molak

As creative people, nothing inspires us more than chatting with other creative people around us. What better way to share our knowledge of the design and planning industry than to ask our fellow experts on what they do best. Today we are excited to share some tips and inspiration from Longview Gallery‘s Events Director, Suzi Molak. After working in galleries and events for six years in New York, Suzi transitioned to life in D.C. where she oversaw the construction of Longview Gallery and drew up a model for how the venue would host events. Suzi believed in “showing the D.C. arts scene that a gallery doesn’t just have to be a gallery.” Anyone that has done an event at Longview Gallery knows how unique this raw space is. Having just coveted the front page spot of BizBash D.C.’s “Innovation Issue”, we thought what better time to introduce Suzi to our readers and have her share her expertise.

Click here to view an electronic copy of this issue.

Below You’ll Find Suzi’s Top 5 Tips To Consider When Looking for a Venue:

1.  Initially – Be Brief
Your first contact with a venue should be in regards to cost and seating capacity.  If these two items don’t work, there is no reason to explore further.  Your time is precious and your list long – make it easy on yourself to narrow down your search.

2.  Don’t be scared of a Venue Fee
Remember that Venues price themselves to be competitive. An all inclusive hotel- when you get down to the final numbers – might be relatively the same cost as a Venue where all items are brought in.

3.  Have a Connection
You are going to be working with your vendors for a year or more.  Make sure that you feel comfortable that you can ask them questions and that they take the time to explain them in a way that makes you feel secure. Strive for rapport.

4.  Exclusive Vendors Should Not be a Deterrent
You want the best teams working together on your wedding or special event. If a venue has exclusive vendors, it means they have earned the right to be in that space, time and time again.

5.  Early End Times are a Blessing in Disguise
Often times venues require an end time of 11pm.  Moving locations later in the evening (hotel bar, or hotel suite fully stocked) will allow the guests who should go home do so, and the guests who should stay, continue your evening with you.

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With our Creative Crushes we love to ask what gets their creative juices flowing. See the inspiration board below to get a glimpse of what Suzi is loving this month:

Manpil, chay pa lou. Translation: Many hands make the load lighter.

As the month of Thanksgiving approaches, we are humbled by the many things, opportunities and friends for which we are grateful.

On November 1st, we have the honor of joining our dear friend Nicole Wolf in a debut event for Up From Under.

We will let the videos tell the story.

Up from Under exists to break the barrier between those in need and those who desire to serve. Whether building homes, providing refuge, or empowering those in need to rise stronger, Up from Under believes when the value of one life is understood, change can begin.

“We—me and you—are strong and courageous. We can withstand what life throws our way.  But we are bravest when we stand beside another—lending strength to the weak. We are fullest when we empty ourselves to another—even a perfect stranger. In these moments: When we lift up, support, and encourage, true change begins—in our spirit, in their lives”. – Nicole Wolf

It’s the month of Thanksgiving.  We would love for you to join us!

Click here for ticket information or to donate. We thank you!