Laurie Robinson on event planning, success and balance

Laurie Robinson, owner of Event Planning Specialists LLC, loves her job. Had she never taken the chance on starting a company, she’d probably still be working in marketing and public relations, a field that shares many similarities with the one she has chosen. Working as a vice president for a credit union, she was encouraged to venture out on her own by venues that would request that she work with their clients to plan and organize events. In 2000, after planning events for seven years, Robinson finally formed her business. Her dedication and love of her craft made it easy. She says, “My greatest personal and professional achievement is to be true to yourself and follow your heart. If you are passionate about everything you do in life, the rewards will be endless.”

Robinson says that she knew she had the skills to succeed in the field after she planned a successful bar mitzvah celebration. After all, she possesses all the qualities that, according to her, are essential for someone in her profession: Robinson loves to work with people, is adept at multitasking and has the patience of a mother. Of course, there are other skills she considers vital, such as superb organization, outstanding leadership and excellent communication, to take into account. However, she believes that flexibility and being a good listener are crucial nonnegotiables. Robinson credits her mentors with instilling in her a great work ethic and the desire to strive, asking questions and learning from the experts. She follows her mentors’ advice “to keep setting the bar higher and higher.”

That means always being prepared. On the day of the event, Robinson shows up for work early “to have time on our side.” She says her team expertly executes the celebration that’s been planned months and even years in advance. Of course, she also expects the unexpected to happen. Sometimes, it does. When disaster strikes, she claims she knows how to handle it with aplomb. For instance, during one wedding her company handled, a banquet manager at the facility had quit. Robinson had to step into that role. She aced her newfound responsibility, preventing the couple from learning about the problem. 

Rather than be thrown by challenges, Robinson says she is inspired. Seeing the end result of her hard work makes the effort worthwhile. She loves creating joyful memories and being part of clients’ happiest moments. “The highest compliment is when our clients say, ‘One of the very best decisions that we made was hiring you and your company.’ ”

Robinson learned the teachings of the Torah as a young child and has incorporated respect, kindness and honesty into her life and her two children’s lives. She leads her life in a way that’s consistent with those values. When Robinson was in marketing, she implemented the CU 4 Reality Financial Education Program and Fair. For the past six years, she’s been assisting financial institutions with sponsorship of the program that’s endorsed by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Its goal is to complement high school and middle school students’ financial education. In July, Robinson was recognized for the program’s successful implementation and appointed to serve as ex-officio member of the America’s Credit Union Museum’s Financial Literacy Education Committee. 

Despite a demanding career, Robinson always considers her family a priority. She says she’s lucky that they’re supportive and understanding of the sacrifices she’s had to make to advance her career. A believer in balance between work and life, Robinson makes sure to carve out time for fun. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, dining out or entertaining. To burn off those calories, she walks between three and five miles every day. 

IRINA MISSIURO is a writer and editorial consultant for The Jewish Voice.