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Behind scenes, Black Expo profiles
Posted: Jul 16, 2008 in Things to do, Culture
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To some, Summer Celebration is all fun, parties, concerts and games, but to the people behind the scenes, it's a major production. What's it like to be a model or an in-demand hair stylist?
Their roles are different, but they do share one thing in common -- a lack of sleep that final weekend.
Derrick Lewis, model, IBE's "Elements of Fashion" show
Lewis participates in fashion shows year-round, but the IBE production, which he's been involved with for two years, is the most im portant.
"I work on my walk and poses more for a major show like this. I can't afford to mess up," Lewis said.
Lewis increases the frequency of his workouts, too, as he gears up for the sold-out show.
"It's important to spend four to five days in the gym per week preparing for this show," said Lewis.
Anna "Lucky" Schnitt, hair stylist, Salon Solutions beauty shop
On a typical day, Schnitt sees about 10 clients. The week of Summer Celebration, though, that number jumps to about 20.
"I may come in at 7 a.m. and I won't get off until 5 the next morning," Schnitt said. She and her daughter sometimes just sleep at the shop.
New and old clients flock to Schnitt because of her reputation for creative hair designs. She's won awards from hair trade shows across the country.
"Everyone wants the biggest, baddest style for Expo, so..... they come to me to get something crazy," said Schnitt, who works to maintain clients' individuality. "If everyone asks for a mohawk, I'm going to do each of those mohawks different."
Marsha Bennett, general manager of special events for Indiana Black Expo
Bennett doesn't get much sleep this time year. In fact, she moves into an office in the Indiana Convention Center and books a room at a downtown hotel, as do many other IBE staff members.
"It's non-stop. There are so many details and if you forget something, it could throw off the whole show," she said. "I keep a pad beside my bed and I might wake up in the middle of the night and jot things down so that I don't forget them."
Bennett acts as a producer for the big show that is Summer Celebration, orchestrating and fine-tuning all the details,from booth assignments for vendors in the Expo hall, to seat assignments at the corporate luncheon.
"I am also responsible for generating sponsorship dollars to offset the cost of the events that we put on for the community at minimal costs," said Bennett.
Bennett says surviving Black Expo wouldn't be possible without help from her support staff, Nicole George and a summer intern -- and the vacation she takes immediately after the Summer Celebration weekend.
Lisa Young, general manager, ICE Ultra Lounge
Young feels the impact of Summer Celebration from the increased number of patrons at the door, to the increased amount of Patron being served.
ICE has an upscale image, and the clubs expects visitors to uphold that image, regardless of the occasion.
"The dress code is enforced, but there are quite a few exceptions for out of towners," Young said. "We hope that our promotions does a good job of showing that we are upscale and the dress should be club sexy."
ICE averages about only three fights per year, but Young increases security during IBE. Most nights require three security guards per floor of the lounge. During Summer Celebration weekend, security is doubled.
Additional changes to the lounge include larger liquor orders and, and increase in the cover charge to include VIP service.
"We do offer VIP and if you buy into that we try not to make you wait in line," said Young.
- By Le'Deana Brown / Indy.com correspondent
