The 2016 Mistletoe Ball, was indeed, lit…with amazing food, music, decor and lets not forget being hosted at the Ritz…passing up this ball would have been a huge mistake. But who was behind it all, the hours of planning and dedication? It was CUA program board’s very own Meghan Adams and Timothy Holland. I sat down to interview both of them to get an inside scoop on what it’s really like planning one of Catholic University’s most lavish events.
Her Campus: Name, Grade, years on Program Board…
Timothy: Timothy Holland, Junior Finance major, this is my second year on PB!
HC: Was this your first time planning mistletoe?
T: Yes
HC: What was that experience like for you?
T: The overall experience of planning Mistletoe was incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share this experience with other than Meghan.
HC: How long in advance to the actual date do you start the planning process?
T: We receive our event planning assignments in May of the previous school year but we started contacting hotels for space reservations in July.
HC: What was your vision for mistletoe and why?
T: This year we really wanted to make Mistletoe bigger and better than any other year. We wanted to sell more tickets than previous years and we really wanted a venue that had the “wow” factor. We were all about the glitz, glam, and giving back. Holding the Toys for Tots drive was really important to us, and with the drive we were able to give about 300 deserving kids a Christmas they will never forget!
HC: What was your favorite about the event?
T: My favorite part of the event was the very beginning when people started coming in and we saw their faces. It was amazing to see all of our hard work pay off and really help people create some long lasting memories. The food was also pretty appetizing as well.
HC: What advice would give to the future planner of mistletoe?
T: Start early! We were able to do so much, welcome so many people, and give back to so many kids because we started the planning process so early. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help; it truly takes a village to execute these large scale events. We couldn’t have done it with the constant support of the faculty, staff, and the rest of Program Board always ready to lend a helping hand!
Her Campus: Name, Grade, years on Program Board…
Name; Meghan Adams Year: Senior This is my second year on Program Board, last year I was Digital Marketing Chair and this year I am a planning assistant.
HC: Was this your first time planning mistletoe?
Meghan: Yes! This was my first time working on the planning branch of Program Board.
HC: What was that experience like for you?
M: It was pretty tough at first, there were a lot of doubters who thought we were reaching too far in trying to make an event at the Ritz Carlton happen, but Timmy and I were really dedicated to our vision and keep proving that we were capable of making it happen. As the event got closer, everything really started coming together, people were really excited about it and other student organizations partnered with us to help make everything possible.
HC: How long in advance to the actual date do you start the planning process?
M: Timmy and I were both here over the summer so we started probably in June before the year even started, that’s when he started trying to work on getting the Ritz.
HC: What was your vision for mistletoe and why?
M: Typically December events are the same old red and green Christmas colored theme, or a blue and white snowflake theme, we really wanted to make this event different and stand out, especially since we locked down such a stand out venue. I’m a total treehugger so I really wanted to implement aspects of a winter forest into the event to contrast the glam and glittery golds with the earthy nature schemes.
HC: What was your favorite about the event?
M: My favorite part was how on the outside of the ballroom it came off as a glitzy, high class event, but inside we decked it out like a nightclub. Everyone could get all dressed up and act sophisticated, but at the same time we’re college kids who like to dance and have fun. I also really loved contrasting the photo backdrop, it took me almost 3 hours but seeing how much everyone loved their pictures made it so worth it. -What advice would give to the future planner of Mistletoe? I would tell them to not be afraid to change it up and make it different. It’s such a popular event that tickets are going to sell out regardless, so might as well have fun with it!