Stronger Together:
How Event Planners and Restaurants Can Create Unforgettable Experiences
By Gabriela Moura Event Planner, Decor Designer, and Founder of Gabriela Events LLC
In hospitality, I’ve learned one simple truth — we’re always better when we work together.
As an event planner, I’ve collaborated with chefs, restaurant managers, and owners who share the same passion: to make people feel something special the moment they walk in. We both live for that reaction — when the food, atmosphere, and details come together perfectly. But too often, planners and restaurants operate side by side instead of truly as partners. And that’s where opportunity is lost. As we step into 2025–2026, collaboration isn’t just a good idea — it’s a real growth strategy. Here’s what I’ve learned from years of planning events and working closely with restaurants that truly get it. Start With the Same Vision — Not Just the Same Venue A great partnership starts long before the first guest arrives. It begins with a shared vision. When I meet with a restaurant, we don’t just talk about menus or setup — we talk about the feeling we want people to have when they leave. Is it connection? Celebration? Inspiration?
That clarity shapes everything. If I’m planning a fundraiser, I’ll partner with a restaurant that values community. If it’s a luxury corporate dinner, I’ll choose a team that understands elegance and service. When both sides contribute ideas, the event becomes seamless — not a transaction, but a story told together.
Page 12 | HOSPITALITY NEWS OCT
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