A Planner's Life: Prepare for the Unusual
Unusual Requests, and Other Personal Tidbits
By Jessica Taback
Stephanie Kornblum
President & Founder
Gampel Affairs
What was the last book you read?
Running With Scissors. I loved this book! It was hysterical and bizarre at the same time. It was a real page turner—I would read it again.
What is the most unusual thing you've ever packed on a business trip?
A portable karaoke machine. I have found that singing is one of the greatest ice-breakers there is—it brings out the best in everyone.
What was the most unusual request you've ever had from an event attendee?
At an event I planned at the Waldorf, an attendee didn't like where her table was placed so she asked if she could move seats to be able to see better. Obviously, this was not an easy task, so I explained that the tables were in particular spots...etc; I turned around two minutes later, and she was moving the entire round table (for twelve) by herself into the middle of the aisle.
Alison Brod
President
ALISON BROD PUBLIC RELATIONS
What was the last book you read?
Breakthroughs! by P. Ranganath Nayak and John M. Ketteringham – a non-fiction book about the people and companies behind 14 of the most successful 20th- century commercial breakthroughs, including the VCR, FedEx and the Post-it note. I am fascinated with corporate culture and always look for ways to make my own company and staff stronger.
What is the most unusual thing you've ever packed on a business trip?
As a beauty publicist, I tend to take beauty products to give out as thank-yous for upgrades and extra favors I need done when doing events at hotels. Lately, I've been traveling with VitaCoco, fresh coconut water, which is like nature's Gatorade and hard to find.
What was the most unusual request you've ever had from an event attendee?
We did a Victoria's Secret PINK pajama party for 5,000 girls and had a 20-foot pink dog. One woman wanted it for her daughter to take back to Long Island.
Dianne B. Devitt, CMP
Executive Producer & Owner
The DND Group
What was the last book you read?
The Secret. I was particularly drawn to its content because of the style of writing and the caliber and insight of the various contributors…and, the realization that everything is energy…we create difficulties, when we simply just have to believe.
What is the most unusual thing you've ever packed on a business trip?
A fan that can be bent to hang on your neck and blow up into your face. Why? Because I'm HOT all the time!
What was the most unusual request you've ever had from an event attendee?
"Can I take home the ice sculpture?"
