A Q&A WITH HALEY SIMPSON
EVENT COORDINATOR WITH IH
Originally from Davenport, Iowa, Haley graduated from Iowa State University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in event management, a history working in the hospitality industry, and a passion for planning.
After graduation, Haley “always knew” she wanted to “venture out of the Midwest.” She decided to start a new chapter in Nashville due to the variety of opportunities in events and, of course, her love of country music. And the weather is definitely a perk!
Before becoming an event coordinator, Haley was an event caption, which she says gave her valuable experience managing both event staff and bartenders to ensure successful events. She’s thrilled for her new position that will allow her to build relationships with clients and bring their visions to life.
“I have always loved being creative and planning get-togethers with friends. I have a passion for creating memorable experiences,” Haley shared.
Outside of work, you’ll find Haley exploring Nashville restaurants, going for long walks with her two pups, and trying new recipes. Her current favorite go-to burger spot in Nashville is Pharmacy Burger! Yum.
How long have you been in the hospitality industry? How long have you been a planner?
I have been in the hospitality industry for six years. I have been a planner for two years.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and other social media platforms. I also love bouncing ideas off of others and taking inspiration from those conversations.
How do you stay on top of everything? Any organizational tips or tricks?
To stay organized, I love writing out a to-do list each day. This helps me stay on top of my responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. I always have a pen and sticky note nearby to write things down.
What themes or unique details have been your favorite from one of your events?
My favorite theme that I have done is "Life is A Highway" for a corporate trade show where we incorporated vintage decor, cars on display, checkered flags, and even had Gary Levox perform. As far as wedding details, I have two pups of my own so I love when clients want to incorporate their pets into their special day.
If you could give one piece of advice to couples planning a wedding, what would it be?
My piece of advice for couples is to take the time to enjoy the whole process. It is such an exciting time in life and can be easy to lose sight of the meaning behind all of the planning.
What are some of the challenges you face when planning an event and how do you overcome them?
Some challenges that I face when planning events are adapting quickly to potential issues. As a planner, you think you have every detail thought through; however, unpredictable issues can arise that may alter the plan. To overcome these obstacles, I take a step back and prioritize what would make the experience best for the client.
What is one of your favorite memories from one of your events?
My favorite memory from one of my events is receiving the biggest hug from a client and being told how great of an experience they had with us. I truly want each client to feel like their day was absolutely perfect.
What’s your favorite part about your job and why?
My favorite part of my job is seeing all of the planning and design come to fruition and clients having a wonderful time surrounded by friends and loved ones. I love the diversity of planning weddings and corporate events.
Photography by Sabrina Englehart and Details Nashville.
