Behind the Hustle: Alena Powell

Alena first started in film production working on such projects like, Steve Buscemi’s directorial debut, Trees Lounge. She eventually transitioned to events within the film, television, nonprofit and corporate industry. A couple of highlights includes scheduling 550 meetings in four days to creating a flawless event featuring His Holiness the Dali Lama. Alena has worked with clients like: the New York Food & Wine Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, The Rockefeller University, Tribeca All Access, CineWomen NY, Burson-Marsteller, and HBO.

She holds an Executive MBA in Media Management from the Metropolitan College of New York and a certificate in Producing at New York University.

Alena is currently working on a conference at the Trinity Institute, followed by the Harlem EatUp Festival. She is also transitioning her expertise online to teach others how to create personal events for their friends & family by using some of the lessons she learned over the last 20 years.

“hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as (name):  Alena Powell

I am wicked good at (brag!): Compartmentalizing

Least favorite house chore:  Washing Dishes

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: New York Style Cheesecake w/vanilla ice cream a la mode

Favorite App: Exit Strategy (Tells you which NYC subway car to sit in to get to the closest exit)

Favorite quote: “Book Smart doesn’t mean anything, if you don’t have Common Sense” – Bettye Powell (Mom)

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Event Planner

Professional Superpower:  Queen of Logistics

My primary role in the events industry is: Production Logistics

Years in the events industry: 20 years

To me, being an event hustler means: Finding a way to get it done

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: how small the event world is and how many people are willing to help out and pitch in for the betterment of the event

How did you get your start in the events industry? I was hired to work as a production assistant at a corporate production company

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Printing Name Badges

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I’m an introvert

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Guy – 1st Album and Depeche Mode – Music for the Masses 

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: Model or Lawyer

Text or phone call?: Both

Android or iphone?:  iPhone of course!

Toilet paper roll – Over or under?: Under

Connect with Alena

Social links Website: StressFreePartyPlanning.com
Instagram:.instagram.com/alenapowell/
Facebook: facebook.com/StressFreeParty
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alenapowell