How to Plan ‘WOW’ Events: Tips from Christa Guglielmelli

Get ready to be inspired by Christa J. Guglielmelli, the CEO of Magnetic Magnificent Events. Known for her dedication to delivering high-touch, impactful events, Christa has transformed the corporate and wedding planning industry with her creative flair and budget-conscious approach.

In this interview, she shares her journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and the secrets behind her award-winning events. Whether you’re an aspiring event planner or a seasoned professional, Christa’s insights are sure to spark your creativity and drive your success.

The Inspiration Behind Magnetic Magnificent Events

SBS – What inspired you to start Magnetic Magnificent Events?

Christa – I started Magnetic Magnificent Events while in college. After being turned down for numerous job opportunities, I looked at my past and realized that I had been planning events for years (all the way back to eighth grade as the class president). I decided to start Magnetic Magnificent Events and never imagined I would land the large clients I had in my first year. My inspiration for starting my own business was being able to write my own value, not asking someone to offer me what I thought I was worth, but rather, being able to name my own price on my own terms.

Overcoming Launch Challenges

SBS – Can you share a significant challenge you faced when launching your business and how you overcame it?

Christa – A significant challenge I faced when I launched the business was appearing more equipped than I was. I had a “fake it until you make it” attitude, and it worked, but it meant I had to figure things out quickly and on the fly. Luckily, I had a mentor in the industry who was willing to share her time and knowledge with me to help me over the hurdles of the unknown.

Ensuring High-Touch Client Interactions

SBS – How do you ensure high-touch interactions and personalized service for each client?

Christa – Every client gets unlimited tech touch with me personally, even if they have been booked with a team member as the lead coordinator. This ensures they receive high-touch and personalized service. We meet every client where they are; there isn’t a cookie-cutter system we try to put them in.

Current Trends in Corporate Event Planning

SBS – What trends are you currently seeing in corporate event planning?

Christa – The current trend is that face-to-face meetings are finally on the rise, post-pandemic. I think companies are seeing the value of getting people back together. What is also trending is experiences, including experiences in corporate events. From booking a venue that allows for a cool experience, such as Top Golf, or bringing in interactive entertainment, people want more than just talking heads and standard networking. We are also seeing changes in the event timing to include shorter sessions and more time to connect.

Balancing Creativity and Budget

SBS – How do you manage to balance creativity with budget constraints for your clients?

Christa – Managing budget constraints is always a factor in events. Trying to provide the desired outcome with a budget allows us to get creative for our clients. One way we do that is by working with our preferred partners who we know have reasonable pricing, so we can stretch the dollar more. We also try to set up the expectations appropriately for our clients about what we can do with their budget and vision. We also work on out-of-the-box ideas that create a large impact but are soft on the budget.

Differentiating Services in a Competitive Market

SBS – How do you differentiate your services in a competitive market?

Christa – We differentiate our services in a competitive market by our work speaking for itself. Not only do we have raving reviews and amazing photos from past clients, but we also carry degrees and certifications in the industry. We’ve been published and won awards, that help differentiate us from the competition. When you create a brand and keep it consistent for years, it really speaks volumes in the market.

The Role of Technology in Event Planning

SBS – What role does technology play in your event planning process?

Christa – We utilize technology to share documents, communicate in groups, and stay on track. We are working on utilizing even more technology to put some of the tasks on autopilot but we always stay cautious to not lose our personal touch.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

SBS – How do you approach sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your events?

Christa – When it comes to sustainability and being eco-friendly, we try to work with venues that have the proper trash and recycling programs, with caterers who have a plan for excess food at the conclusion of the event, and we are conscious to not do things in excess that create more waste.

Advice for Aspiring Event Planners

SBS – What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own event planning business?

Christa – The number one piece of advice I give to anyone looking to start their own business is to check how well they deal with stressful situations. If they are cool, calm, and collected while in the middle of stress and chaos, they can do this business. If they panic, freak out on people, and can’t keep it together, this is not the business for them.

Handling Last-Minute Changes

SBS – How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies during events?

Christa – I handle last-minute emergencies or changes with the expectation that they are going to happen and that everything always works out. There is never an event that goes perfectly to plan but when you expect that, you’re already ready to solve it. I love the challenge and I keep a positive mental attitude.

Building and Maintaining Client Relationships

SBS – What strategies do you use to build and maintain relationships with your clients?

Christa – To build a relationship with my clients, I always have a first initial video call or face-to-face meeting to see them. I have a client profile questionnaire that I ask them to fill out, which provides me with an understanding of them through knowing how they like to communicate and what they do for a living. I treat them more like a friend than a client. I get involved with their personal lives when I can (meeting spouses, friends, home visits, etc.).

The Importance of Team Collaboration

SBS – Can you discuss the importance of team collaboration in executing successful events?

Christa – When planning an event, teamwork really makes the dream work, not just on our personal teams but having the vendors work together with the understanding that we are all on the same team, the successful event team. It’s incredibly important to have the cohesiveness between all the parties involved.