Joining Andy in this episode of The Wedding Biz is Emily Reifel, Social Events Director at CPS Events at The Plaza in New York City! In this wide ranging interview, Emily tackles a lot of different topics such as where her passion for events comes from, how she broke into the industry, what her relationship is like with her clients and with planners, what she looks for in creative partners, her view on how important entertainment is for weddings, how she stays relevant, and so much more!

Emily also discusses her nickname, Empress Em of Events at The Plaza, and how it came to be. She enthuses over her love and passion for dance and how that actually led her to New York City and also talks about the COVID-19 pandemic and how it impacted her and her business. She and Andy also agree that the element of surprise (especially when it comes to entertainment) is a crucial part of hosting a wedding!

It was a pleasure for Andy to touch base with Emily and get to know her! Be sure to visit Emily’s website and Instagram page, and until the next episode of The Wedding Biz, please be sure to share this interview with at least three good friends who might also benefit from it, and leave a review of the podcast wherever you listen!

Have you heard about the brand new show on The Wedding Biz Network, Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

 

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

 

Time Stamps

[0:37] – Andy reveals the guest of this episode to be Emily Reifel of CPS Events at The Plaza.

[2:00] – Emily discusses her reputation as the Empress Em of Events at The Plaza.

[3:18] – Emily reflects on her college education and when she first started to think about doing events.

[4:35] – We discover how Emily’s love for dance led her to New York City.

[7:30] – Emily talks about a vision that she had in which she knew that she wanted to run social events at The Plaza.

[8:33] – Emily describes what her role is.

[10:02] – Emily shares what it’s like when there is a planner present vs. when there is not.

[12:45] – Andy reflects on his experiences at The Plaza.

[13:34] – Emily comments on what her experience was like during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[16:17] – We learn about how Emily manages her stress and feeling overwhelmed.

[18:31] – Emily asserts that her industry is very competitive.

[21:23] – Emily details what qualities she looks for in a creative partner.

[23:07] – Emily argues that entertainment at a wedding is very important.

[26:00] – We learn about Emily’s belief that an elegant setting like The Plaza should still be fun.

[27:40] – Emily discloses what her biggest challenge within the industry is.

[30:04] – We hear Emily discuss how she stays relevant in an ever changing industry.

[32:40] – Andy reveals where to find Emily online.


Find Emily:

CPS Events at The Plaza – Website

CPS Events at The Plaza – Instagram Page

 

On Clubhouse, follow Andy @andykushner and join his club “The Wedding Biz” to get additional content and to get direct access to Andy.

 

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz Network

The Music Makers

 

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

 

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.