After the first Downsized show for Keith Anthony Weight Loss last year, we thought we had this event management thing wrapped up. Were we in for a surprise!
To promote the event, we built a new blog style website (www.downsized.ie) to allow us to update our news as it progressed. At each step of the way, we were able to release information about any new progress made on the show, which we could also share on the facebook page (facebook.com/keithanthonyweightloss). In the weeks preceding the show, we ran adverts in local newspapers, as well as on billboards around the city. We also produced rollup displays to display inhouse in the weight loss centres as well as in a few select high traffic shopping centres. Then came the show setup!
Between dealing with stage setup, exhibitor space, live entertainment, celebreties and tv cameras we had our work cut out for us, but we also got to work with some great people and got a great insight into the inner workings of so many professions.
We had the stage setup prepared weeks in advance, with floorplans, site visits and lots of measuring. Then came the stage setup, having to allow for cookers, catwalks and hair stylists, as well as making sure that each model was sent for a photo shoot, to record their achievments.
There were no diva’s on the day, and all went according to plan. The show started with our host for the day, Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, introducing a hair workshop with Hair Inc, followed shortly by a beauty and makeup Q+A with Susan Ryan. Then came the main focus of the show, a healthy cooking demonstration/workshop with Clodagh McKenna and her “assistant for the day” Blathnaid. Then came the models. Under the glare of the catwalk lights, and with huge 10ft screens and a live video feed showing the models, as well as their dreaded “before” pictures, each model proudly showed off their new figures, while Blathnaid revealed their achievements.
Once the show finished and the dust settled we were able to take stock of the overall event. With an almost sold out show, plenty of money raised for the charities involved (Enable Ireland and L’Arche), very happy exhibitors and a very happy client, the show was a huge success.
Before we had a chance to relax and put our feet up, we were asked to come back again and get involved organising the next show, this time with the main act to be celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo.