MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | SMPS-NY Special Events Co-Chairs
Posted on Jun. 11, 2024 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Meet Tony Dang and Natasha Camarillo – our Co-Chairs of Special Events! Natasha and Tony, please tell us a little more about yourselves.
Natasha: I am a Marketing Specialist at Turner Construction's New York City office. I joined Turner in 2019 and initially worked in the core & shell estimating department before transitioning to the marketing department.
- You two are responsible for some of the most detailed events that SMPS-NY puts on. What goes into planning such an event? What other groups do you engage with during the planning process?
Natasha: Coordinating a successful event involves planning and collaboration with the executive committee, communications, and sponsorship. From selecting the venue and promoting the event to finalizing the event schedule, every detail requires careful consideration and effective coordination.
Tony: Absolutely, there are a lot of moving parts in organizing a large-scale event. For the Liberty Ball, we have to coordinate logistical components such as the venue, catering, and marketing. There is also the Liberty Awards which require coordination of award submissions, judges, and of course the winning trophies. We engage with the Director of Sponsorships, Communications and PR, and the Treasurer, while also receiving guidance and feedback from the rest of the board during our meetings.
- What skills from your professional roles help you succeed as Special Events Co-Directors?
Tony: As the sole Marketing Coordinator at MdeAS, I am used to juggling many things at once. Particularly, my graphic design skills are integral to our event planning, as we create various graphical assets such as posters, informational packets, and other design elements to promote and inform attendees about the event.
Natasha: Effective communication and accountability also are key to successful event planning. In my role at Turner, I regularly communicate with our team of around 900 employees in New York. My ability to delegate tasks and assign responsibilities has been crucial in ensuring that everything runs smoothly during our events.
- Reversing that, what have you learned during your time as Co-Directors of Special Events that has contributed to your professional development?
Natasha: Serving as Co-Director of Special Events has significantly contributed to my professional growth. It has enhanced my leadership skills, expanded my network, and honed my ability to manage time and delegate effectively. These experiences have been invaluable in my role at Turner.
Tony: I'm fairly young in my career so taking on a leadership position such as Director of Special Events for SMPS-NY six months into my membership was daunting, but the experience has taught me how valuable professional involvement is. The role has connected me with many people and has greatly strengthened my network. It also has sharpened my time management skills and taught me how to delegate responsibilities.
- What benefits could a member gain from being on the Special Events committee, and what would their involvement look like?
Tony: Being part of the Special Events committee offers members a firsthand look at the intricacies of event planning and allows them to contribute to decisions regarding food, decor, and other event aspects.
Natasha: I agree, joining the Special Events committee offers members a deep dive into the intricacies of event planning. They get to influence key decisions regarding various aspects of the event. It's a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and build connections within the industry.
- What is your favorite part about organizing events for SMPS-NY?
Natasha: My favorite part about organizing events is seeing everyone's excitement and enjoyment on the day of the event. Additionally, I thrive on the challenge of resolving any unexpected issues that arise, as no amount of preplanning can completely predict the future!
Tony: My favorite part of organizing events for SMPS-NY is bringing people together. SMPS-NY has a long history, and major events like the Holiday Party and Liberty Ball draw both current and past members. Seeing these members reconnect and form new connections makes all the effort worthwhile.
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