Equipment and event rental operators from across Maryland gathered in Frederick, Md., on April 7 to receive inspiration on enhancing their corporate cultures while getting an inside look at the brand-new location of host Sugarplum Tents.
“The event was a ton of fun, the venue was awesome and it was a blast to spend time with our industry friends in person. We’re so excited for Sugarplum Tents and their new warehouse — what an accomplishment,” says Carmen Bodziak, marketing manager, Goodshuffle Pro, Washington, D.C.
The ARA of Maryland’s spring event featured dinner, a store tour and special guest speaker Trish Simitakos, CPCE, of Trish Star Events, a Washington, D.C.-based event planner.
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| L-R, Drew Scully, general manager, Sugarplum Tents; Tara Franklin, sales manager, Sugarplum Tents; Brian Richardson, president, L&A Tent Rentals, Trenton, N.J., and ARA Region Two director. |
During her presentation, “How Corporate Culture Enhances Sales and Retention,” Simitakos detailed solid hiring and training practices, and spelled out what corporate culture is, why it's important and how to apply it to your business.
“Trish had a ton of great points for the group about how event pros can take their businesses to the next level by being more intentional with their company values,” Bodziak says. “She suggested that event pros can boost their hiring and retention efforts — which is a huge focus of the industry right now — with clear values that are showcased on your website, social media and more. She was hilarious, engaged the whole audience and had a lot of great tips to share with the group.”
For attendees like Dennis Hennigan, owner/chief marketing officer, Dreamers Event Rentals, Reisterstown, Md., the event was as much an opportunity to establish industry connections as it was to gain valuable business education.
“I attended so I could get more involved within our local tent community and meet other vendors. I also was very interested in learning more about company culture,” Hennigan says. “Company culture goes beyond just what your company stands for as a whole. So, my main takeaway by far was understanding the importance of how to implement your company culture through hiring and marketing, and then creating content built around similarities of your company culture even if it’s not directly about your product or service.”
“I hope we can do more of these events. I really liked it,” says Hennigan of his experience at this event and his anticipation for future ARA of Maryland gatherings.
Bodziak summed up her experience on a similar tone. “Our team already can’t wait for the next ARA event,” she says.