What I've learned working at the Hilton

I never really planned or thought about working in hotels. But when I heard about a fall internship working for the event planners, at a hotel 5 minutes from where I live, I had to apply. And I am so glad I did because now I have the best job that fits perfectly for me and my life goals.

Over the course of only about 2 months, I have learned a TON about event planning for corporate events but more specifically, for weddings. I've seen all of the small details that go into effective planning and the bigger projects as well. This internship has only heightened my passion for event planning and I just wanted to share what this position has taught me so far!

1) The littlest things matter.

Throughout the past month, I have drafted up place cards, made flower arrangements, designed parking passes and more. While these may seem like tedious tasks, I thoroughly enjoyed producing the smallest details in order to better serve the events they would be used for.

2) Saturdays are the longest but most fun days!

Weekends are for weddings. And I love it. I get to help with day-of set up: putting together centerpiece details, laying out name cards & seating charts, setting up gift tables, etc. I love that I'm able to see all of the work put in that creates an amazing outcome of a wedding venue. I also get to open the doors for the bridal party and the bride/groom as they walk into their reception and that's my favorite part!

3) There's more than I thought that goes into planning events.

Every day, my bosses meet with a couple or group to go over their event plan. These meetings take place months in advance as well as the days get closer to the event. These plans include everything from specifying meals, beverages and different vendors to the color schemes, chair colors, table cloths and even more. I was initially surprised with how many details my managers have to keep track of and they do such a great and confident job with it. I'm learning to remember every detail that a client might ask about so I can be more prepared as an intern and eventual event coordinator myself.

4) Social media planning & strategy takes time and design.

I was asked to create a new Facebook page for the company that promotes the three Hilton Champaign hotels. This is the first time that I've done social media marketing and I was excited that I was asked to do it for such a big company. I designed a new logo for the Hiltons of Champaign and created multiple albums with well-edited photos that represent each hotel. I'm still in the process of promotion and if you'd like to give the page a like here's the link!

https://www.facebook.com/hiltonsofchampaign/

I'm excited to start posting more about weddings and events that I attend to show all the great work the hotel is doing!

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Overall, working in a hotel has been an experience I didn't expect to have this semester but I am so grateful I have it now. I have wonderful bosses who really want the best for me through working this internship. I'm so excited to keep learning more and celebrate even more weddings and events!

#hotel #events