Meetings Blog Jul 01, 2019
Who would have guessed that the series that kicked off in 1994 would make its actors and actresses superstars of the screen, and entertaining to the viewing masses. Over the ten seasons that spanned 236 episodes, we all went through the full spectrum of emotions, as the characters evolved and matured. Their adventures were hugely varied – at times pushing our boundaries of realism – but did they show enough to convince us they would be an effective event planner? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and consider how they have done.
Rachel Green“I’m gonna go get one of those job things”
The early version of Rachel that we saw in the series would have most likely arranged for someone else to do the planning. Always well presented, and not unaccustomed to admirers, she began as rather a spoilt brat. As time went on, however, she matured somewhat, and demonstrated many times that she could put other people’s needs before hers, so there’s a decent chance she may turn her focus to the attendees’ requirements in her planning.
A challenge she may have, probably, is that she would struggle to get a good deal in any negotiations, being as she was, a bit of a pushover at times. That being said, on occasion she had an inner strength of her convictions, and that would certainly be the case if the venue she wanted wasn’t as chic as she demanded. Truth be told, though, it’s more than likely she’d just call on her best friend Monica to take control of the event while she put her feet up.
“Well, the fridge broke, so I had to eat everything”
Fun loving, positive and usually well intentioned, Joey appreciates food and women in equal measures. A problem this latter desire could create is that tables full of tempting bites may somehow disappear without trace, as well as any pretty females in the room. As an aspiring, but often unsuccessful actor, he is not short of confidence and could take the reins no matter what the occasion to liven up an event.
Creativity is a wonderful attribute of this proud New Yorker and he developed themes using simple items like bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, or even a hockey puck. None of his events would ever be dull, although an element of sophistication may be lacking in the decor. Further intrigue could be added if he brings along his star-studded cast of fellow actors from the Dr Drake Ramoray show to mingle with the crowds.
“Why didn’t you make a copy and keep it in a fireproof box and keep it at least a hundred yards from the original?”
At first glance this incredibly organized individual would be the go-to person for event planning. Every aspect of the occasion would be set out well in advance and every detail considered, right down to the shape of the cutlery. Speaking of food, as a highly successful chef, Monica is no doubt going to take a keen interest in what delicious morsels are laid out for the guests, and may well pop in and out of the kitchen throughout the day to check on standards.
Attendees would do well to make sure they put everything they touch back in its place as this ‘neat freak’ will know if even a centerpiece of flowers has been shifted an inch. Either way, you can be sure that her competitive edge, and honest joy of making others happy, will lead to a wonderful event.
Chandler Bing“I’m not great at the advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?”
Attendees to a Chandler organized event better prepare themselves for a humor-filled day, as the wise cracking retorts are likely to grow when any situation is uncomfortable for him. His brash, and often immature style may not immediately endear him to the attendees, but they will quickly see that his intentions are always in the right place, and he will be trying his best to make their stay enjoyable.
If a little glitz and glamor is required for a particular event, then ‘Toby’ could call up his cross-dressing father, Charles ‘Helena Handbasket’ Bing, to come and perform with his burlesque crew. One thing to remember, however, is that if you need with Thanksgiving, this guy is not the one for you.
Phoebe Buffay“Something is wrong with the left phalange”
All too often a scatterbrain, Phoebe may not seem like the ideal event planner but there is a plethora of talents that would allow her to pull everything together with great success. Her strong belief in doing what is right for the world, including a focus on the environment and animal rights, would ensure that her event followed a generally moral path, although she may herself stray somewhat from it at times.
As well as being able to offer massages at the end of intense sessions, she would also have her guitar ready to rock the joint in a weird yet wonderful manner. Phoebe’s events would be remembered for many years, with ‘Smelly Cat’ being requested multiple times. And who wouldn’t want to attend something organized by Princess Consuela Banana-Hammock?!
Ross Geller“Unagi is a total state of awareness”
Ross may be Monica’s elder brother but there are few similarities to draw between their personalities, and meetings organized by them are likely to be rather different. As a paleontologist college professor, habit of getting a little too carried away with his own interests and would be surprised, for example, if his attendees didn’t immediately share his fascination in, say, a break out area covered in fossils.
Socially awkward, he may find himself in some uncomfortable situations when trying to solve problems in group situations, although his polite nature would be welcomed by many attendees. Ross is a smart cookie – he has a doctorate, don’t you know? – so he would ensure that aspects like the technology required for the guest speaker’s presentation was all in working order on the day, assuming he’s not on a break!
Of course, it may be that one of the members of the vast supporting would actually be more suited to the world of meetings and events. Possibly Mike, Ursula, Richard, Emily, Gunther, or could it be ‘oh…my…god’ Janice? Whichever style the wonderful Friends series inspires us with, we are sure it will prove to be a success. Especially when you remember that NH Hotel Group ‘will be there for you toooooooo’.
