Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Branham.
Erin, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After working for a charitable organization for five years planning their large scale events on a nonprofit budget, I began to realize that I was ready for a new challenge. As my abilities were beginning to be called upon more and more, I decided that the only way to simultaneously be actively involved in my daughters’ lives and have a creative outlet for my talents would be to start my own company where I could set my own hours. What I didn’t realize six years ago, was just how much would change! We’ve grown from a home-based business with a few retainer clients to a team of five with big-name clients. I’m most proud of the growth we’ve seen both in our capabilities and work as well as in our team.
As the founder and president of A2 Events, I do a little of everything. But most of all, I work hand in hand with my team to create incredible events and be the best destination management company for our growing list of clients. One of the things that separate us is our commitment to helping our clients far beyond what they were expecting of us. Our team is small but growing, so I try to spend a large chunk of the day pouring into them as I want every member to be able to shine not only in front of clients but have a real sense of belonging and satisfaction in their jobs.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our journey is particularly rocky this year. Our theme this year was “seeing it all in… 20/20” and boy, did 2020 bring a different meaning to that phrase than we anticipated! We went rapidly from multiple events each week to working from home and postponing programs.
But one of the things A2 is known for is our ability to quickly adapt and move forward. Whether it is unexpected rain (it happens in Florida), loss of power, or even a client’s headline speaker not showing up, there is not much we haven’t had to deal with when it comes to events. As a team, we encourage each other that no matter the difficulty that is presented, we have a choice to sit and not accomplish anything or we can stand and figure out how to move forward. What we have found is that most of the time, with some creativity, the process of figuring it out not only builds us as people but makes our business stronger. We view these strange times no differently. We are here to help our clients accomplish their goals in a unique, creative new way.
In the last few months, we’ve made some proverbial lemonade by revamping our logo, working towards certifications, and planning some unique virtual events and brand activations. We have come up with new fun ways to have drive-in movies, museum-style events on a flow, hybrid events, and physically distanced events using color-coded areas and private dining pods!
A2 has been focusing on a variety of solutions, but our favorite current work has been brand activations and pop-ups. We’ve long had the capabilities to fill this market need, but have largely been focused on live events. Now we have the time to come alongside our marketing firm partners and bring the out-of-the-box along with us! We can’t wait for a little more normal, but until then we’ve chosen to see this as a creative opportunity!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the A2 Events story. Tell us more about the business.
A2 Events is a Boutique Event Production and Destination Management Company. Since 2013, A2 Events has been making other events jealous. Our business is known for its ability to deliver incredible events that fit a company’s goals, brand, and budget. Our team has decades of combined experience in everything from event logistics to luxury travel.
In six short years, we have grown from a small at-home based business to one of South Florida’s preeminent corporate event companies. Our reputation for meeting planning, sourcing, managing venues, and more has helped us grow without ever having to invest in advertising. South Florida is home, but our team has experience producing events and working with partners from coast to coast and all over the globe. We’re experts at creating shared experiences in both a virtual and live event world!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I consider myself extremely fortunate. I think until we have that mindset, we will never understand how to enjoy what we have and share with others. My motivation for that comes from my faith in Jesus. I am so grateful for that faith and how it grounds me. It has changed my mindset from one of fear to one of abundance and generosity.
My husband and I work very hard to build a life and our businesses together. And we are always striving to shape our lives and work with generosity at the core. So while I’ve had my share of good fortune and bad, I know my faith can never be taken away from me. I feel abundantly blessed to have so many incredible gifts in my life including my family and the opportunity to do what I love!
Contact Info:
- Website: a2.events
- Phone: (863) 774-6178
- Email: info@a2.events
- Instagram: @a2events
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/apt2events/
Image Credit:
Ian Dawson
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