Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Portmann.
Katie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, I think I’ve always been a “planner” in the broad sense of the word. More specifically, I’ve always had a knack for organization. Even from a young age, I was the one who decorated the house for the holidays and coordinated vacations for myself, family and friends. Multi-tasking has always come natural to me, so it seemed to fit when I found a career where I’m able to exploit that part of my personality.
I really got my start in private events while working in banquets for a hotel and ski resort in Germany. Living and working abroad for a couple of years deepened my love for travel, meeting new people, and also improved my ability to adapt. Although working on the execution side of things was fun (albeit sometimes stressful), it shortly occurred to me that I might like the ability to sell and organize these events myself.
When I moved back from Germany, I started working in hotel catering sales where I learned to balance multiple events with a lot of moving parts. Weddings were first – and definitely not easy! I then moved into the corporate market, which toughened me up and taught me a lot about negotiation and the importance of building strong client relationships. Although I did love the hotel atmosphere, I wanted to explore my potential to incorporate more large-scale parties and less copy-and-paste daytime meetings.
Thankfully, I found my way to House of Blues Dallas where I continue to grow and learn every day in my role as a special event Sales Manager. It’s genuinely a pleasure to work for a company that allows and encourages me to push my creativity and to transform our clients’ dreams into reality. My extreme wanderlust is still ever-present but I focus it in the fact that I’m constantly meeting and working with new people on events of all different themes, with diverse groups of guests, and lucky for me – employed by a fun, inclusive work culture.
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?
No way! I think anyone who tells you event planning is always easy is delusional. Haha, there are always ups and downs and constant struggles with multiple moving parts involved. There’s a lot that can happen when an event touches so many hands, but recovering from those issues is how you grow. The ability to adapt is and always will be the key to success.
Please tell us about House of Blues Dallas.
House of Blues Dallas is absolutely a one-of-a-kind venue! The building itself dates back to the 1920’s, formerly the White Swan Coffee building, and House of Blues has transformed this beautiful historic landmark into one of the most unique entertainment and special event venues in Texas. With seven dedicated event spaces and over 65,000 square feet, it’s so much larger than most people realize.
Being an entertainment venue, we also have a lot of freedom to open our doors to different levels of talent that most venues would turn away. “Unity in Diversity” is the House of Blues slogan, and we try to depict that in every aspect of our business. Whether you need our help hiring an acclaimed artist or band, or you want to bring in fire-breathers, aerial acrobats, etc. for your private event – the possibilities are endless and all are welcome!
One thing that most of our clients love about House of Blues Dallas is the venue itself lends a theme to any special event. It doesn’t take heavy décor to turn any one of our rooms into a phenomenal guest experience! Every wall is heavily decorated with a world-famous folk art collection and each room has a completely different feel with its own unique characteristics. This is truly a place you have to see for yourself!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Oh wow, my favorite childhood memory… I have far too many good childhood memories to choose just one! I was a very active kid growing up in Topeka, KS and I spent a lot of time outdoors. There was always something fun to do with my siblings, neighbors, or friends, and I was constantly on the move! I was definitely a tomboy until probably middle school and have always been super competitive in sports. My parents are saints for hauling my brother and I off to so many basketball tournaments for all those years!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2200 N. Lamar St. Dallas, TX 75202
- Website: http://www.houseofblues.com/dallas/events
- Phone: 214-978-4826
- Email: hobdallasevents@livenation.com
Image Credit:
Steve Wheeler (steve@stevewheelerphotography.com), Jennifer Crenshaw (info@jennifercrenshaw.com)
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