I Am Uniting Creativity, Community Impact Through Grandieu Events – Julia Bebiem
Julia Bebiem is a seasoned expert in event planning and decoration, renowned for her creativity and attention to detail. With over 15 years of experience, she has orchestrated a wide range of events, from corporate conferences to weddings and high- profile functions. Julia’s talent lies in her ability to transform spaces with elegance and sophistication, making every occasion unforgettable. As the co- founder of Canada- based event company, Grandieu Events and Management, she continues to redefine the industry with thematic concepts and personalised designs, ensuring each client’s vision becomes a reality. In this interview with ESTHER IJEWERE, she shares her story.
Inspiration behind Julia’s journey into event planning and decoration
THE inspiration for my journey into event planning and decoration stems from a lifelong passion for creativity and design. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to art and aesthetics, finding joy in arranging spaces and visualising beautiful settings. As I grew older, I realised that event planning and decoration offered the perfect blend of artistic expression and practical execution, allowing me to transform ideas into experiences that leave a lasting impact on people. When I eventually started working at the South African High Commission, Lagos, I was responsible for all the mission’s events. My natural artistic expression came to play a vital role in ensuring all events were well planned and executed.
More so, I’ve been inspired by the power of events to create unforgettable moments and bring people together. Having people coming together in a space where there will be joy and laughter drives me. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate gala or a community celebration, events have the potential to evoke emotions and establish connections. I find immense satisfaction in the process of curating every detail, from floral arrangements to balloon arrangements, to create an organised experience that resonates with guests. I would like to mention here that naturally, I am a fantastic host.
has planning and Another been the ability significant my requires problem- to navigate influence thorough solving unexpected on organisation skills. my journey Event challenges ments with where grace. every I thrive day presents in dynamic new environ- opportunities to improve and adapt. The combination of creativity, strategic thinking and interpersonal skills required in event planning aligns perfectly with my strengths and interests, making it a natural career path for me.
Memorable project
One of the most memorable projects I’ve had the privilege to work on was organising the Annual Christmas Carol event in collaboration with the Mayor of Brampton and other city officials. This project stood out for several reasons.
Firstly, it was a high- profile community event that brought together diverse stakeholders and showcased the spirit of unity and celebration during the holiday season. Secondly, the scale of the event required careful planning and coordination to ensure everything ran smoothly. From securing the venue to managing logistics and coordinating performances, every detail was carefully executed to create a magical experience for the guests.
What made this project particularly special was the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed personalities and community leaders, contributing to a meaningful and impactful event for the city of Brampton. The feedback we received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, emphasising the joy and sense of community fostered by the Christmas Carol event. Personally, it was gratifying to witness the result of months of planning and hard work resulting in a successful and memorable occasion that brought happiness to so many people.
Influence of coordinating Trade Mission events
Coordinating Trade Mission events has profoundly influenced my approach to event planning and offered invaluable insights into managing large- scale, international gatherings. One crucial lesson I have gleaned from organising these events is the significance of cultural sensitivity and embracing diverse perspectives. Trade missions involve participants from various countries and industries, each bringing unique customs, business practices and expectations. To ensure the success of these events, I’ve adapted my approach to accommodate diverse cultural distinctions and preferences, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. Moreover, coordinating Trade Mission events has honed my expertise in logistics management and strategic planning. These endeavours demand meticulous coordination of travel arrangements, accommodations, venue selection and scheduling of business- to- business ( B2B) meetings and networking sessions. Through this experience, I have developed the ability to anticipate challenges, proactively address potential issues, and remain adaptable in response to evolving circumstances. Effective communication and collaboration with delegates, including government agencies, trade organisations and business leaders have been pivotal in orchestrating the success of these missions.
Contributions to community engagement
Community engagement and decorative expertise have been integral aspects of my professional journey, allowing me to combine my passion for events with a commitment to serving and enriching local communities.
Read the remaining part of this interview on www.guardian.ng