Wedding Pro Spotlight: Rob Alberti’s Event Services
I’ve been getting Rob Alberti’s email newsletter for years – he was one of the people who inspired me to create my own ezine and keep writing about the job I love so much! He was kind enough to meet up with me at Panera last week and talk shop.
Tell us your name, business name, what you do, and where you do it!
I am Rob Alberti, owner of Rob Alberti’s Event Services based in Westfield, MA. We help couples transform their wedding with the use of light, sound and our award winning entertainment services.
How many people currently make up your team?
I currently have 12 DJs, 6 lighting crews, and 2 photo booths.
What – or who – got you started in the industry?
I was always a huge music buff. In high school, I became involved in theater productions, working behind the curtain with lighting and sound. During role in student government, we were trying to put on a school dance but couldn’t afford a band, so I decided to wire my stereo and my friend’s stereo together and “I was a DJ”. When I headed to college, I decided to take all my college savings and buy my first real DJ system and I started DJing every weekend to work my way through college. After college, the business just kept growing to the point that I just didn’t have time to go to my day job anymore.
What are some of your tricks to get shy or reluctant guests out on the dance floor?
It’s about knowing how to manipulate crowds into coming out of their shells and becoming involved in the celebration. It’s about knowing what song to play next to get the impact you are looking for out of your audience. It’s not about tricks, it’s about watching a crowd – not just the people on the dance floor, but everyone – and figuring out what makes them tick.
What inspires your professional style and the work that you do?
My involvement in organizations such as the CT Professional DJ Association and national trade shows has inspired me to become better – not just in being a better DJ, but in being a better business person. We want our clients to walk away not just saying they had a great time at their wedding, but telling us that we made the entire planning process from their first email and every interaction with us as smooth and as professional as possible.
What types of clients do you work best with?
We love soulmates and trend-setters. We want couples with a vision of a celebration that is not like the McWeddings that so many people have attended in the past. No chicken dance, no corny jokes – just an amazing time for both the couple and all of their guests. We are looking for couples that want to be involved in planning a personalized and unique celebration of their love for each other.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job?
One of the most challenging things is to explain to potential clients that not all DJs are alike. Their decision about entertainment can either turn their wedding into a boring and forgetful event, or one that will have friends and families raving about the fun they had and that it was “the best wedding ever!”
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
As one of my DJs stated, “We work for hugs.” If our couple comes up and hugs us at the end of their wedding, that is by far the most rewarding moment of the night.
What tips do you have for couples looking to hire a DJ or event services provider?
Not all DJs or lighting designers are alike. You need to hear them make announcements (video clip, audio recordings), you need to read the past client reviews, and you need to have it all in writing. Remember, you get what you pay for. If someone is charging significantly lower than another, there is something inherently different in the level of service that you are going to get. (Craig’s List is probably not the best place to find a DJ for your wedding!)
Tell us a story about one of your favorite jobs.
This past July, Chantal & Steven’s reception at St. Clement’s Castle in Portland, CT. They were just such a fun couple from the start. Chantal & Steven probably sent me more emails and details than any other couple. They knew exactly what they wanted. (Not bridezilla style, just really engaged in the process of planning the party!) They made a video clip to be played during their introduction to help get the crowd excited. They made slide shows to go along with their parent dances. They brought their own props for guests.
Their ceremony was down by the CT River. As Chantal and her dad came down the hill, Train’s “Marry Me” was playing. The ceremony was short but heartfelt. As they were pronounced man & wife, “Get Down Tonight” came roaring in and Chantal & Steve and their bridal party boogied back up the hill to the cocktail hour.
They were a party crowd. Everyone was enjoying using our photo booth. Their guests signed their very own hockey jersey (Chantal’s dad was a professional hockey player). The room just glowed with our wireless controlled uplighting. I remember at one point Chantal came up to me to request a song and she made this comment about how cool the DJ gear was, so my assistant coordinated with her to “spin a set” at her own wedding – she donned the headphones and everyone cheered. It was awesome!
