5. The Heart of My Philosophy My philosophy of event planning encompasses the premises of educational preparation, experience, competency and a positive personal demeanor and interpersonal qualities. I fervently believe the successful event planner does and must possess the tools, skills and command of the field knowledge together with tangible diverse interfacing experience. Genuine personal qualities of the planner are essential to building a relationship of trust and integrity. In addition, the event planner must be an effective listener with the intellectual ability to readily and tactfully assess each prospective client’s interest, needs, timeline and budget. I believe it is the professional responsibility of the planner to be well versed, articulate and artistic. It is also the supreme artistic ability of the planner that helps to awaken a feeling of well being and receptiveness in the client through the creative visual expressions, presentations, and knowledge of the dedicated and effective planner. The event planner must always be cognizant of the fact that no matter how much they may seem identical or alike, no two people nor events are alike; therefore, do not second guess your clients. Each client deserves that unique personal and unadulterated attention. Finally, it is my belief in reference to one’s career that there comes a definite time in the life of every individual when she or he must establish an identity to be or not to be. I say, “Be the best of the best.” Monica A. Neal