With music blaring from the outside, attendees were eager to get in Stage 48 and celebrate the LatinTRENDS End of Summer Labor Day Industry Event. The event offered the red carpet, food and of course favorite Latin music. In attendance were bloggers, filmmakers, photographers, civic leaders, politicians, local celebrities, entrepreneurs, DJ’s, and key influences. This event was co-hosted by five time GRAMMY® winner and salsa superstar Gilberto Santa Rosa.
The experience at the event was incredible. Making the event happened is just as important as being on stage performing. There is so much prep work that goes into running an event, not to mention hosting it. Sending out newsletters, emails, reminders, calling media, making sure there are photographers, bloggers, volunteers, food and drinks being provided and so much more.
In addition to inviting the guests, before the event, there had to be more prep work to get done and that is setting up the venue. This is where it is tricky because you have many volunteers coming at all different times and trying to help with each individual items including balloons, sound crews making sure the sound worked, featured guests practicing and tuning up for the night, and having magazines ready to go to hand out at the end of the night.
Once all the back work was completed and the venue set up, it came time to let the guests in to join the party. Checking people in is very fun and could get a little bit hectic at times when entire crowds of people come in all at once. But the most fun part is being able to talk to the guests for a brief moment and get to know our readers just a little more. Some of the guests and their invitees came at once and others came in alone. Nonetheless, the line moved fairly quickly and people were able to enter in a rather timely manner.
Upon entering the venue, music was already being played and performances throughout the night were by Bachata Heightz and DJ New Era. The crowd got going and several were dancing along. It was great to hear some new music and to see what was trending these days in the Latino community and culture. So much chatter went on throughout the night; it was even hard to hear the person talking next to you.
As the night went on, people seemed to be enjoying themselves in having a good time and do something different for a warm Tuesday night. It was a time to celebrate with LatinTRENDS, the industry and being Latino/a. People were able to let loose and have fun. Towards the end of the night, September issues of the magazines were given out to the guests and many people came by thanking for such a great event.
No matter who you are or where you come from, being at an event that is different than your culture makes you stop and realize that every culture has its own unique way of celebrating their heritage and way of life. Step out of your comfort zone and be open-minded to other cultures.
