Life as an event producer....
Today, I'm missing the smiles of guests that attended our festivals. Our first big event was San Diego Bacon Fest in 2013. It all started from a crazy idea. I approached Gus Thompson, who was the producer of MVCBF and was in the middle of a hiatus due to corporate decisions. We agreed to move forward with Bacon Fest. I sent a Facebook message the following day to a national bacon company and got a reply. Two weeks later, I secured Hormel Black Label Bacon as a sponsor. In one phone call.
The event. 2,500+ people in the gates. I remember seeing the beach balls flying around the crowd when Metalachi was on stage. It was one of the most proudest moments of my life. It was hard to hold back the emotions. Although I had no idea what I was getting into. And I failed. To be clear, my team did not fail. I did. The mistakes started becoming obvious. We had guests standing in long lines. We ran out of water. It was all my fault. You cannot put yourself on center stage and not be willing to take the criticism, and the criticism flowed heavy. And rightfully so. 7 years later, the messages still haunt me. Although in the end, our team became one of the most respected event production companies in town. 5 years of Bacon Fest? Check. 6 years of managing MVCBF once we became partners? Check. Hosting an event on the historical aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Midway? Check. Going for it? Check.
My point is this. Keep swinging for the fence. Do not let anyone hold you back. You have an idea? Do it. Do not chase your dreams. Run with them.
By the way. I am not done. Scavego.com is next.