Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Acevedo.
Andrew, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In some intuitive way, I have always been interested in event planning. Attending weddings and events was always fascinating to me, and thought it would be cool to be a part of planning something like that. Fast forward to today, and I’m doing more events and weddings than I ever thought I could.
In my mind, event planning was never something I thought to pursue professionally. When it came time to begin thinking about what I wanted to pursue as a career, events were not even a thought in my mind, and I ended up going to college for a civil engineer degree. However, I soon realized that was not what I wanted to do.
As I was contemplating what career I would pursue, I was working as a Host / Dining Coordinating Intern at the MET Back Bay on Newbury Street. While working at the MET, I was able to meet many people in the hospitality industry. I was out one night with some coworkers and met someone who said they worked at Rafanelli Events. I immediately knew the company because it was one I had always admired. Rafanelli did events for the White House, A-list celebrities, and the most upscale galas in Boston and the country. After talking for a bit, I expressed my interest and my connection said she would see if there was an internship available and would be willing to refer me for a position. I eventually heard from someone at Rafanelli, saying they wanted to meet with me. I gleefully agreed and planned a day and time to meet. Once we did, they said they wanted to hire me as an intern. I was absolutely over the moon and ready for something new and exciting.
Upon finishing my internship, I was then hired part-time later that year as I was going into my final year of college. Needless to say, that it was a tough year to get through, working and getting through school all at once. Not complaining whatsoever, since I had the privilege of having a job prior to graduating college. Towards the end of my school year, I was offered a full-time position in Event Production, and that began the whirlwind of my life in events. I was with Rafanelli for about four years total, and learned from some of the best people in the industry, and partnered with some of the best lighting, rental and floral companies around the country. It was an incredible experience; I will take the skills I learned there wherever I go.
After leaving Rafanelli Events, I worked at a few companies for a few years, seeing where I fit, and what sparked my interest. I tried Marketing / Events for a healthcare startup, tried corporate event planning (at a destination management company) for a bit, and then finally ended up finding passion and excitement with The Catered Affair at the Boston Public Library, working in Event Operations and Production Planning. I have enjoyed going into work every day and seeing my coworkers/friends, which makes my experience there that much better.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road, as much as it may seem like it. I have had friends and family say that everything came so easily to me, and it’s not true. I worked really hard to get to where I am today, as much as I would have preferred smooth sailing, that wasn’t the case.
Getting into the industry is hard enough as is, and to continue in this line of work with the hours, multiple events at once, different clients and venues, and much more, is hard to manage. I’ve had to learn time-management for work and personal life. It is hard having a personal life when you work almost every weekend, though when I am able to have some time, I try to make the best of it and appreciate it. Whether seeing family and friends, dancing the night away for a night, or traveling to new places and countries is something that I value. As I mentioned, it is a hard industry to be a part of, but luckily I have worked hard and have such a passion for it, that I make the best of the life that I am given. I can say the support system I have had through the years has definitely helped me out, some don’t understand unfortunately, but for the ones that do and have stuck by my side, I will always appreciate.
Something I will say is that you have to work hard for what you want and do it with a smile on your face because your attitude and presence is what gets you far. And definitely, love what you do, I’m happy to say I was able to find something I love to do every day.
Please tell us about The Catered Affair.
For the past year, I have been working as a Senior Production Event Manager, working production planning, assisting clients in design and vendor management, as well as working in event operations, managing the back of house staff and an event timeline. I’ve been able to work in both aspects of managing an event, and it’s been such a great learning experience, and I’m looking forward to see what else I’m able to learn.
What I’m most proud of as a company is how well we all work together and execute some of the most amazing events. At times, it feels like being part of a big family, and working alongside some of the nicest and talented people I know makes it that much better. Everyone brings their own twist and experience into the company, and TCA has definitely picked some of the best.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
This may be a generic answer, but it’s hard to think of just one favorite memory. My parents did a great job at giving me and my brother a great childhood growing up. We’ve gone on many trips and vacations, got to see many places and experience different adventures with them. To pinpoint one is so hard, but I’d have to say visiting my grandparents in Florida every summer was amazing, we’d stay with them for a month or two, and see all of our cousins down there and be in the pool all day. I’d say those memories are the ones I’ll always cherish, the simpler times.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecateredaffair/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_vedo/
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