Tag: event planning

Peggy Bilous, Vice President at SMASH, joined this week’s Roundtable to share her journey through senior living and the evolution of one of the industry’s most dynamic events. 

With more than a decade of experience cultivating SMASH, Peggy offered insights on how collaboration, creativity, and a deep understanding of the industry have shaped both her career and the event’s success. She also reflected on the changing landscape of senior living—and what it takes to stay ahead in a field that’s always moving forward.

COLLABORATION FUELS GROWTH

Building something from the ground up takes time, but collaboration makes it thrive. The SMASH team constantly bounced ideas off each other, keeping things fresh. Daily check-ins and open dialogue made all the difference in turning a startup into a lasting success.

SENIOR LIVING EXPERTS SHARING KNOWLEDGE

The senior living industry is filled with passionate professionals who truly care about their work. People spend their careers here, not just for a job, but to make a difference. Industry leaders are always willing to share their knowledge, offering guidance to those eager to learn.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED IN EVENTS

Event planning always comes with surprises—no matter how well you prepare, something will go wrong. Expect the unexpected, stay flexible, and be ready to problem-solve on the fly. The key is preparation, adaptability, and knowing that challenges are just part of the process.

ADAPTING TO INDUSTRY SHIFTS

The senior living industry is constantly evolving. Adapting to change—whether demographic shifts, the pandemic, or rapid technological growth—is essential. Collaboration has become more critical than ever, as providers streamline solutions and embrace new tools to work more efficiently. Flexibility and innovation are key to staying ahead in this field.

THE POWER OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

Genuine customer service is key to successful sales. Taking the time to understand clients’ priorities and going the extra mile builds trust and long-term relationships. It’s not just about selling, it’s about helping clients grow their business by addressing their needs with care and dedication.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Christine Hall is a regular Roundtable attendee and Varsity was happy to welcome her recently as a Roundtable guest presenter.  

Christine is an award-winning marketing director with more than 20 years of experience in community development projects and senior living. She’s also part of the team that turned the 100th anniversary celebration of Franke Tobey Jones into a case study in how to celebrate a centennial in style. She shared that winning formula (and more) in a recent Roundtable. 

RESIDENTS LEND A HAND

It became clear that Christine would be handling the centennial project alone, without additional support or extra budget—quite a daunting task. Realizing the need for extra hands, she decided to reach out to the residents, inviting anyone interested to join in and help bring the centennial celebration to life.

Christine’s vision for the centennial celebration came together with an ambitious and exciting scope of work. She planned to collaborate with the resident committee, Franke Tobey Jones Senior University, and the philanthropy department to pull it all together. The resident team included seven dedicated members, led by Redmond Barnett, a historian and museum curator.  

A CELEBRATION BASED ON FOUR KEY EVENTS

Christine and the team landed on four main events to serve as the centennial’s anchor celebrations. They’d kick things off on May 22nd—Frank Tobey Jones’ birthday—with a special centennial spring tea, building on the annual tradition they already hold. 

Then, the big celebration would come on the first Friday in August, when residents and their families gather for a festive picnic. This year, it would double as the official centennial bash. Following that, they’d host a special event for the Centennial Circle donors, celebrating those who’ve been key supporters. 

And finally, in October, the centennial would wrap up with a Senior Writer Showcase, a highlight from the Senior University program. Together, these four events would mark a year of celebration, reflection, and community.

100 STORIES & FRANKE TOBEY JONES DAY

Christine asked the committee if they’d stay on through the end of the year to tackle the next big question: deciding on the “Franke Tobey Jones 100 Stories”—the key moments and memories to highlight in honor of the centennial. Thankfully, they all graciously agreed, extending their commitment to help shape the story of the community.

Later, Christine collaborated with a PR company to craft a media plan and drafted a letter to request that Tacoma declare May 22nd as Franke Tobey Jones Day. With help from the committee and a former congressman’s endorsement, they sent the request to the mayor. 

THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

The centennial celebration drew 350 guests, including residents, team members, families, and city representatives. With vintage cars, a caricature artist, and a swing band, it was a lively nod to the 1920s, all thanks to Life Enrichment Director Heidi White.

On August 19th, Christine hosted a small gathering to thank the centennial committee, presenting each member with a glass plaque in recognition of their dedication and hard work.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here.