Event Planning for Different Ethnicities

Not too long ago, there was an event advertized for wedding vendors as a 2 hour seminar on how to market to different ethnic groups followed by a wedding expo directed at diverse ethnicities.  While I applaud the intent, I couldn't help but feel that the plan was a dollar short.  For the most part, providing for the diverse needs of different ethnic groups can't be done intelligently after only a 2-hour seminar.  Any event vendor who is interested in fulfilling the needs of any group of people must commit themselves to researching and learning as much as possible about that group and their traditions.  And it must be done with the primary goal of meeting a need and not just profit.  A good event planner must embrace the adventure and gratification of learning, understanding and delivering the valuable commodity of informed sevice.  And, having learned from it, be willing to share it with other service providers and venues so as to create an entire compliment of services that meets each client's special needs.

All event service providers must accept change from their status quo.  Not everyone follows the same set of traditions and procedures when they're getting married or reaching adulthood or celebrating any other hallmark life event.  As event people, we can't jam everyone into the same round hole.  It is we who much change and adapt to fit the need.  So, if there is a gay/lesbian couple wishing to marry, we welcome them warmly and create a memorable and heartwarming wedding.  If there is an ethnic group with special culinary requirements that can't be met by the in-house kitchen staff, venues must be willing to allow other qualified caterers to use their facilities while, at the same time, seeking learning opportunties to increase and expand their own skills.  Different religions, traditions, belief systems, etc. deserve the same high level of respect and enlightened service.  If we fail to meet the needs of our diverse community, they will go elsewhere, which is a loss for our clients as well as us.

We are especially blessed to be so diverse.  Our lives are enriched by the global influences in our community.  We become better people and better educated by learning to accept and embrace other points of view.  It would be a disservice to ourselves and the community as a whole not to think globally as we review our business practices and offer our services.