The success of our recent anniversary event in October would not have been possible without the generosity and passion of Hollie Dunn of Thalia Event Design. Not only did Hollie donate her services for the event, she planned and executed it with brilliance – all basing it upon sustainability and supporting the local economy.
Read here how she began Thalia Event Design and what drives her in the job she loves!
What is your elevator speech for Thalia Event Design?
We’re an event planning firm that focuses on economic and environmental sustainability to benefit our local community. We try to make events as close to zero-waste as possible and source event products and services from locally based vendors. We want to leave our environment and economy in a better condition for our children.
What led to the creation of Thalia Event Design?
I saw a gap in the marketplace for sustainable event planning. I discovered that an event can produce a half-ton of waste. Moreover, using local vendors to support community businesses really hasn’t been a priority. With national providers, this adds more to the carbon footprint and the dollars don’t stay local. These are the major things that led me to open Thalia Event Design. I felt it was important for someone to step in and fill these needs.
Tell me some of your most interesting or memorable events you’ve done
Back in 2003, I did a special event for an employer. It was a promotional sales event during the summer for about 100 select customers. I created the layout, look, and design of the entire space, including entertainment with a DJ. Moreover, I really had to consider and strategize what would bring them in? What would drive them to attend? What’s in it for them? We promoted the event through invitations and personal phone calls. The event required major organization, but it was the event I learned the most from. It helped me to realize I was good at doing this, and I found it was what I love to do!
What are your top 3 MUSTS to make an event successful?
- Good food is always priority number one.
- Really great decor – a dramatic statement – to transform people from their day-to-day lives to something completely different – where they say ‘wow, I want to be here!’
- Great entertainment – making sure people are having a good time – having something for them to really focus on and enjoy.
How has your company and mission resonated in Arizona? What has been people’s response so far? Do you think attitudes are shifting – both by individuals and businesses?
It’s definitely been well received. After learning more about our approach, people are impressed with the idea of really doing something in a different manner. This is not just about having a green event – it’s about having a truly sustainable event while also focusing on the economy and job creation by working with local vendors. People really need these jobs right now.
A lot of people really grasp this and carry it with them. People have gotten on board with that. I do think their attitudes are shifting, especially with our current economy. When you use a local vendor, you are working in a sustainable way that will stimulate our growth and job creation. By just shifting a little bit of our focus, we can really reverse the cuts in our economy.
If you could get one message out to everyone, statewide, nationwide, etc. about what you’re trying to do, what would you say?
I think the biggest concern and hurdle I’ve encountered is that a lot of people shy away from the word sustainable. For many they think it means that they have to give up something, which is almost never the situation. In reality, it’s just a matter of knowing what your options are.
For example, choosing grass-fed originated filet mignon vs. corn-fed if a client wants to serve a fine steak to guests. It’s good to learn where things come from, and it’s about getting back to the basics. We never ask anyone to give up something they desire to have a sustainable event. They have choices to get what they really want and in ways that benefits both them as the host, our environment, and our economy.
Why do you like your job?
It’s hard to consider what I do a job. I can do what I love to do – to take something that usually is incredibly stressful and turn it into something incredibly enjoyable. I love to see my clients’ faces on their event day after all the work is done – to see them amazed by the finished result. I love being able to do that for someone. Also, because everything done for the event is local, I know we’re not damaging our environment. I’m helping my clients, and along with that, I’m doing something for the betterment of our community as a whole. I really appreciate that opportunity.
For brilliant event design, contact: www.thaliaeventdesign.com
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