It all started back in grade school… Since my birthday lands in the summer I never got to have a birthday party at school with cupcakes and the likes that most kids got. So, because I never had a party I always wanted to help plan the parties. In fact, my 6th grade my teacher once said to me “If there’s ever a party on the moon, I know who will be organizing it!” Of course I laughed it off because I had bigger aspirations at that time – I wanted to be the first woman President of the United States. Well, as you can see that certainly didn’t become reality so I think it’s a good thing I went in the direction of event planning!
I think I haphazardly fell into the world of events. While I went to college for fashion merchandising and business I was an event planner at heart and knew that one day I would have my own company. Back in the 80’s and 90’s I worked tirelessly in the events field and paid my dues – sometimes at the expense of my health. I remember 2 events in particular – Networld+Interop, a trade show, I had strep throat but I pushed through before, during, and after the event. The second was a multi-city road show for Intel Corporation and I came down with walking pneumonia several days before I was to leave. I actually convinced my manager that I was fine and I ended up traveling for the show. I’d like to think I’m older and wiser now and wouldn’t push myself that hard!
Over the years I have worked with some incredible individuals who have helped me hone my planning skills and have given me the tools I needed to succeed in business. For the first 5 years of owning RealTime Productions, I had a wonderful business partner, Kim Pratt. Kim and I fit well together as we both brought such different talents to the table. During the first several years after forming RealTime Productions we both put in 80+ hour work weeks and did every job imaginable from creating an unforgettable 7-day Millennium cruise for 2 CEO’s and 120 of their closest family and friends, to organizing charity auctions, to cleaning toilets at a local celebrity’s house (definitely not my proudest moment!).
The one piece of advice I always give people is to make sure that you not only have the passion and drive for this business but that you surround yourself with great people. I am eternally grateful for all of the staff that has been a part of the RealTime Productions team over the years. I have learned so much from my staff – past and present. Not only do I get to work with a past boss and a close colleague, I continue to love my job, the people that work for me, and our wonderful clients. While it’s not all ‘champagne wishes and caviar dreams,’ I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for the world!
Jeanne Berry, Founder and Principal
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