Super Bowl Party Event Critique

It was every male sports fan’s worst nightmare. The Super Bowl, a television viewing spectacle of sorts for sports fans throughout the country and world, is an occasion for fans and non fans alike to get together for food, fun, and viewing pleasure. In most instances, a serious sports fan prefers to view such a game with other diehard fans. However, in some rare instances, the ultimate male enthusiast ends up viewing the game with six females who are more interested in the commercials than the outcome of the game itself. This was my Super Bowl XLII party experience in a nutshell. While Super Bowl parties often fit under hospitality events, it could be argued that these have become hallmark and social events in many circles. This particular party was hosted by Ms. Jaclyn Marshall – an Early Childhood Education major – for members of her major cohort (group of students taking part in the same experiences in preparation to become elementary school teachers).

Invitations were sent via word-of-mouth to several members of Jaclyn’s cohort and to me, the unsuspecting boyfriend. Six girls were invited to stop by Jaclyn’s apartment to eat dinner and watch the football game. What is important to note is that the girls were encouraged to bring their significant others to the party. I arrived at Jaclyn’s Lumpkin Place II apartment just as the game was getting under way. She is currently the only resident in a two bedroom apartment, and the layout and spacing gave the potential for a great viewing experience. The television is relatively large and sits atop an antique stand three feet off the ground. In other words, when sitting down, the television is right at eye level. A soft three seat couch was set up on the wall opposite the television in the main room about seven feet away with a large coffee table in between to hold food plates and drinks. A single seat chair with ottoman was placed directly to the left of the couch, and a kitchen chair was set on the right side for additional seating. Given the likelihood of future teachers to sit on the floor, large pillows were placed on the ground near the television as well. About ten feet to the left of the television is the kitchen and bar with two additional bar chairs. Given that only six guests other than myself attended the party, the seating worked out nicely for viewing. However, given that the kitchen and bar were only a few feet from the screen, Jaclyn may consider placing the TV stand caddy corner so guests could view the game from a wider variety of places within the main room and kitchen of the apartment.

As has been my experience, the food was very typical for a television viewing event and party. Two of the biggest pizzas I have ever seen were ordered from Bulldog Pizza to provide the main dish for dinner. These incredibly large pizzas with extremely large slices fit the theme of a “Super” party. Guests were encouraged to bring side dishes, as we were told that pizza, drinks, and serving platters would be provided. These dishes – including small taquitos, chips and salsa, chocolate chip cookies and grapes - provided a variety of tastes to munch on as the several hour long game progressed. Since the game took place over several hours, Jaclyn cleverly kept the pizza warm in the oven for easy access at any time. The only thing I disliked was the drink selection. While the majority of the guests ended up being female, the limited selection of water and diet coke (there was one beer left in the refrigerator) catered to the female stereotype. Given that I was a stakeholder for this event as well, though, it would have been nice to have an additional option or two. Lastly, I might have purchased football themed paper plates and napkins to add to the overall experience.

Entertainment for the event was clearly the television programming itself, which included both the game, additional story lines, and the commercials. Conversation was kept casual in the actual apartment, a characteristic I believe can be found in most Super Bowl parties. During halftime, in addition to the television programming, guests were treated to an actual dance from Jaclyn and one other guest to the music of High School Musical. This certainly added to the liveliness of the event. Other than that, everyone enjoyed themselves by engaging in small talk, eating, and watching intently during the infamous commercials. While this was consistent for a hospitality event, I found it frustrating to try and pay attention to the actual television program and analysis over the many side conversations. However, the other stakeholders in this event expected the party to be more of an excuse to get together and enjoy each others company as opposed to watching the actual game. For this sole reason, Jaclyn’s party was a “Super” success. I was the only stakeholder who seemed dissatisfied at all by not being able to pay attention to the game as much as I might have liked to in a different setting. And even I ended up having a great time meeting people I may not have otherwise met while still being able to enjoy my Mecca of television viewing pleasure for the year. Following the conclusion of the game, guests were prepared “to go” bags with leftovers of the pizza, which was viewed as a very practical and nice gesture by the females in attendance. I immediately took advantage of my to go bag before I ever made it out of the door.

I truly enjoyed attending my worst sports viewing nightmare with future teachers. This was a direct result of good, prior planning by the event leader and the seamless execution of providing the dinner, substantial and comfortable seating, and entertainment for all who were in attendance. Perhaps most importantly, she was able to give us a medium through which we could actually view the game from such a large screen. As I mentioned before, the only thing I might suggest for a similar party in a similar apartment would be a different placement for the television and informing the poor, unsuspecting boyfriend that he would be the only male in attendance!

Event Critique #2

100... 99... 98...

Is January too early to get PUMPED UP?!... Absolutely not! Seniors, let the countdown officially begin! Do you feel like relaxing a bit and enjoying good music, snacks, UGA group performances, and learning about important items relevant to seniors including information on Senior Signature, the UGA Alumni Association, the senior class trip, official UGA class rings and Pandora? How does a chair massage sound to you?? Trust me; you do not want to miss the 100 Days Until Graduation Event happening at the TATE Plaza from 10am-3pm on Thursday, January 31st. In addition, UGA Bookstore representatives will be on hand providing information about their upcoming Grad Celebration Days. Make a donation to Senior Signature at the event or join the UGA Alumni Association and earn a chance to win one of our fabulous door prizes – including a diploma frame donated by the UGA Bookstore! Get with the program - life after college awaits and this is the day to start exploring all that is out there for you! Everyone is welcome.

What: 100 Days Until Graduation Event
When: Thursday, January 31
Where: Tate Plaza - Athens, GA
Cost: Free for everyone!

UGA Legislative Reception Critique

On Thursday, January 17th from 5PM – 7PM, the University of Georgia hosted its annual Legislative Reception. The event, which was held in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia Depot, was put on by the UGA Office of Special Events to give our state’s legislators and guests a chance to interact with each other as well as select students, administration, and staff from the state’s largest public institution of higher learning. The event, which could fall into a number of categories might best be described as a hospitality event, even though from the university’s standpoint it was more of an exhibition of the school’s best and brightest students and accomplishments. I had a chance to speak with the event leader, Tommy Altman, who mentioned that the planning for this event began one year ago following the conclusion of last year’s reception. At the reception, I had the unique opportunity to experience all aspects of the event from both an attendee’s and a volunteer’s standpoint, serving as a member of the Arch Society.

The stakeholders for this reception were not difficult to determine. However, there were many I was able to identify. Stakeholders for this political and financial event included the event planning team, Georgia Depot staff, UGA students, staff, and administration, the legislators (including their staff and families), and members of Georgia’s government. Parking at the Depot was very limited. However, since the location is only a block or so from the Capital building, most all of the attendees were able to walk directly from their offices after the work day was complete. No priced tickets were required to attend the reception, but it was understood that only government staff and legislators (including family) were to attend. However, there was no formal list, and people were able to come and go as they pleased.

The Georgia Depot has brick walls and high ceilings to resemble, not surprisingly, an old depot. Members of the Arch Society were stationed at both the outer and inner doors leading into the depot to greet guests as they entered. A coat check station was also available. In addition, President Michael Adams and Provost A. Mace were standing a few steps inside the room to greet guests. The setting was nice for the décor, booths, and food tables. Only a few tables and chairs for seating were set up near the back of the room in order to encourage extensive mingling among the legislators and guests with members of the UGA community. Large blowup Bulldogs, UGA balloons, Georgia blackout pictures, television screens showing highlights from the recently completed football season, and a gazebo featuring wooden, black arches were set up around the room to add to the theme. Food and cocktails provided by campus catering were divided among several tables all throughout the room for easy walkup access without long lines, and UGA ice sculptures helped decorate the red and black food tables. Student members of CURO were also on hand to discuss their research with legislators at their designated table that highlighted some of their accomplishments. UGA VI was also in attendance for an hour or so to appear in pictures with anyone who wanted to have one by a professional photographer. As guests exited, members of the Arch Society were on hand to distribute free gift bags to those in attendance which included a lapel pin and red Georgia sweatshirt.

Other than having the opportunity to appear in a photograph with UGA VI, there was no real WOW factor to the event. However, the food was outstanding, the décor and setting were great, and the event had a very laid back, professional feel to it. Given the high profile of the guests which included senators, representatives, and Governor Purdue, the event did an excellent job of fulfilling its purpose of being a reception. People seemed extremely pleased with the food and gift bags, and many mentioned how much they appreciated interacting with student Arch Society and CURO members about their college experience. Given how smoothly everything ran, I was very impressed with the event - even though it seemed very simple. Having the opportunity to serve behind the scenes a little bit showed me just how much work it took to make the event seem as seamless as it was! The only thing I would change for next year’s reception (if it is held in the same location) would be to have a separate station for the coat check to the side opposite the entrance to the reception room as you entered the outer doors. Since the coat check was immediately before the inner door, this caused a flow problem as guests began to exit the event. Finally, having a formal list for gift bags would have been useful; as guests often took more bags then they were allotted, leaving no gifts for people who did not leave until the event ended at 7PM. Overall, though, I was impressed with the planning and execution of the reception – especially given the profile of the guests.

UGA Spring Career Fair

Stressed about finding that perfect job? Looking for a way to gain invaluable experience and bolster your resume? Interested in networking with associates from more than 170 businesses and organizations looking to recruit UGA students of all majors? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I urge you to prepare your resume, clean your suit, shine your shoes, smile, and attend the 2008 University of Georgia Spring Career Fair! Over 170 employers representing the corporate, government, nonprofit and educational sectors will be at the Classic Center to talk with UGA students and alumni about internships and full-time positions. “The career fair was essential in helping me secure my position with The Harford following my graduation from UGA” says Brandon Fleming. “Not only did I receive information about the company and how to submit my resume, but it also gave me the opportunity to speak with and get to know the recruiters who would be interviewing me later!” Visit the Career Center website, http://www.career.uga.edu, to see the list of employers currently scheduled to attend and to view the Career Center's "How to prepare for a Career Fair" online video. Shuttles will be leaving from campus: 11:30am-5pm.

Who: UGA students and countless businesses and organizations
What: Spring Career Fair
When: Wednesday, January 30 2008 from 12 – 5PM
Where: Classic Center in beautiful downtown Athens
Why: Secure a job, internship, or just gain insight into more than 170 businesses
Cost: FREE – simply bring your UGA student ID