TAKING LIFE ONE SIP AT A TIME by Jennifer Sand I had been in the events industry for almost 20 years, 16 of which at the same agency, when the pandemic hit. Like many others, I found myself without a job while the events industry teetered on the edge of uncertainty, leaving very few opportunities available to us experienced event strategists and managers who were suddenly out of work. Fortunately, I had earned an Intermediate Sommelier Certification last year when I decided I wanted to escalate a hobby into continuing education and possibly a retirement career path. Talk about good timing! As my former agency’s clients were pivoting their customer and partner in-person events to virtual formats, I was asked by a former colleague if I would be interested in leading a virtual wine tasting.
AND JUST LIKE THAT – VOILA! SANDY SOMM WAS BORN. My extensive experience in events has given me the unique perspective of being on the other side of the camera. I could follow all the guidance I used to give clients and keynotes as an event producer. Rather than just mimicking a face-to-face wine tasting that one would have at a winery, I created tasting classes tailored to the virtual format by applying the following event concepts. 36 Januaryz February2021
