Meet Amanda Slater of Slater Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Slater.

Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been a go-getter, so naturally, during my college years, I pursued multiple internships, including one as a wedding planner the summer between school years. I absolutely fell in love with the job, even though I spent the entire summer working tirelessly to prove my value, as interns do. I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) the following year, at the age of nineteen, and two days later I was on a flight to New York City for client meetings, to mark the beginning of my full-time career.

I worked as an integral part of a small business based in Denver (small business, but big weddings!) for four years as I learned the ins and outs of the trade and traveled all over the country and world planning events. This past year I made the momentous decision to start my own event planning company. I felt the need to create my own brand as my design style, business ideas, and career goals were not in line with what I could accomplish in my previous position. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but I am grateful every day that I had the strength to follow through with it. I owe thanks for my company’s current status to connections and friendships I’ve made along the way, as I’m a firm believer that friendships will do more for you in this industry than most marketing opportunities.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My mindset has always been to approach any challenges head-on and view them as opportunities for growth. So, while there have of course been bumps in the road, I haven’t encountered any insurmountable problems. At this point in my business, my biggest concern is growing my client base. I’m taking all the necessary steps to support that goal, but I realize that it takes time and patience (and usually patience is my biggest struggle!)

The other aspect that is a bit trying is that the income is almost completely based on commission, and therefore inconsistent. When I started my career at nineteen, I did a lot of work for very little pay – though with the hopes that my income would improve over time. I’m happy to say those hopes were realized, but at the time, I needed to adjust my expectations and develop a financial cushion, which meant living with my parents for a year. It was not easy on me, as I pride myself on being self-sufficient and independent, but I knew that eventually, it would pay off.

It’s safe to say that I truly had to LOVE the industry and my role in it, and also to have faith in my potential for success, to have made it this far.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Slater Events – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
In simple terms, I plan all types of events including weddings, dinner parties, corporate galas, workshops, editorial shoots, pop-up shops, and launch parties. I am involved in every aspect of the event, from concept to completion. I specialize in designing environments that reflect the goal of the event. The entire experience the minute you walk in the door is curated and planned. I like to say that I create “innovative luxury,” as I believe I have a very fresh and new vision for planning and designing events. My perspective derives from starting in the industry at such a young age, from my travel experience, and from my background in the fashion industry.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have SO many ideas and plans always spinning around in my head, so it’s hard to tame them into a response here. For someone who has just started her own business, I am in a fairly ideal position because of all the friendships I’ve made within the luxury event market. What I’m most excited for this year (so far) would be editorial shoots I’m planning at both Amangani and Amangiri resorts with a few of my favorite people. I’m bouncing in my chair here to share other ideas and events I have in the works, but I can’t reveal any details at this time.

One of my biggest successes so far is the development of my own invite-only wedding industry retreat, which I refer to as “The Re-Treat.” There is already an industry summit called Engage! that consists of a three-day conference including speakers and lots of partying, and all of the best attend for a pretty penny. It’s an amazing event, but the deterrent for me is the size combined with the fee; it is SO big (like 400 people big), and for me that isn’t the most ideal environment to create new and lasting friendships or connections.

In response, I created The Re-Treat for the sole purpose of facilitating a more intimate and exclusive experience hosted by the venue. The first one was held at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, CO, and it was the best investment of my time that I’ve ever made, given the many friendships I made at the event. I still receive texts and emails from attendees sharing the amazing opportunities that came their way as a result of The Re-Treat – it was a game-changer for many.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.slater-events.com
• Phone: (720) 232-1747
• Email: amanda@slater-events.com
• Instagram: @slater_events

Image Credit:
Rachel Havel
Ashley Sawtelle
Paris Tews

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.