Deeann Harper

I have worked over 13 years in the event planning industry. During that time I have planned events of all shapes and sizes including conferences, concerts, meetings, and yes, even birthday parties. I truly enjoy taking someone’s vision and turning that into a reality.

As an Event Manager with The Get Real Project, I get to use my passion for planning to help the team deliver their vision and message to companies around the world.

As an Event Manager with The Get Real Project, I get to use my passion for planning to help the team deliver their vision and message to companies around the world. When I’m not working, I love trying out new recipes, spending time at the beach (or anywhere outside), or planning a fun outing with my family or friends. My home base is in Orlando, FL.

My Get Real Services

I make sure all the logistical details of our workshops and other learning programs are always taken care of so our program leaders can focus on delivering world class experiences.

My Trust Temperament™

The Steward

My Get Real Story

My primary responsibility at a past employer was being the first, last, and only customer service representative to my boss’s clients. He was amazing at meeting their needs; they just needed a go-to person for their minor questions and concerns. I had been in this position for about three months when a client asked for a meeting to discuss some issues. I had a week to thoroughly prepare, and I was ready with notes and recommended steps to make sure she was happy.

As soon as she picked up the phone, I began my “rehearsed” speech. Once I was done she asked … “How’s your husband doing?”

It was the last thing I expected to hear. I answered, then asked about her family. We ended up having a wonderful conversation about her grandson spending the summer with her.

As the conversation came to a close, she thanked me for my wonderful customer service  and said she was confident we would take care of the issue. Here’s the thing: we spent about two minutes of the conversation on the actual issue.

In that moment, I realized I had assuaged any fears she had on the business side by taking an active interest in her life outside of our client/customer relationship. She felt important to our firm and that made her feel confident in us—more confident than 100 offered solutions could have done.

Since then I actively try to add a personal touch to all of my business conversations as another way to let my clients know they matter.

Getting a Little More Personal

Words people often use to describe me

Responsible, organized, cheerful.

What inspires me

People who are constantly innovating and are always looking for the new best way to do something.

What brings me joy

Spending time with my family, traveling and reading John Grisham novels. A few of my favorites include The Firm, A Painted House and The Summons.

What anchors me

Spending time in the gym at the end of each day—it allows me to clear my mind and be present for my family each evening.

What drives me nuts

Focusing on the issue or problem instead of the solution. Angry drivers.

My guilty pleasure

Enjoying a rainy day on the couch snuggling with my puppy, Bogey, while catching up on my favorite reality show (currently Amazing Race and Big Brother!).

A favorite quote

“We may not have it all together, but together we have it all”—Unknown

What I can’t do without

Our nightly family dinners, traveling when possible, and every once in a while really good thin crust pizza.

My secret ambition

Be a contestant on Jeopardy.