Few names resonate as strongly when it comes to creating breathtaking event experiences as David Beahm. As the Founder of David Beahm Experiences, he has spent over two decades redefining the art of event design, seamlessly blending creativity, logistics, and storytelling. From grand social gatherings to high-profile corporate events, his work has graced some of the most exclusive venues worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
In this week's 10 questions on Thursd, David shares insights into his journey, the challenges of working in New York City, and the evolving landscape of event design. He opens up about the power of mentorship, the impact of technology, and the philosophy that guides him through life’s most stressful moments. Whether you’re an industry professional or simply curious about the magic behind unforgettable events, David’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to his craft. Read on!
Question 1
For those who don’t know you, who are you, and what do you do?
"I’m David Beahm, Founder of David Beahm Experiences. In 1998, I embarked upon the adventure of creating a full-service event design, production, and logistics house based in New York City. Alongside my team, we imagine and create immersive event environments; and then bring them to destinations around the world. When we’re not making magic in a tent or ballroom, I’m a passionate horticulturalist with a penchant for historical architecture. As such, I am renovating an 1834 farmhouse in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia that will—eventually—become a blooming branch and flower farm highlighting animal rescue, culinary, and hospitality programming."
David Beahm
Question 2
What is so special about your job?
"To set the stage, David Beahm Experiences services a variety of clients, designing and producing an even split of 50% social and 50% corporate events which, in turn, allows our work to touch (and hopefully impact) a large number of people. So I ask, “Can there be a better job that brings joy, celebrations, and education to the public?”
Since we do have one of the most stress-filled jobs in the world, it’s sometimes difficult to keep in the forefront of my mind that what I do is, perhaps, also one of the most privileged jobs in the world. Not only do we gain access to 'inner sanctums' that most people will never, ever see; but we also have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most influential, fabulous, and interesting people around the globe.
That said, we also must treat those inner sanctums with tremendous solemnity as we navigate our clients’ most intimate interpersonal conundrums. They entrust us to guide them through a time they know should be bringing them joy, but sometimes just can’t see through to the light and magic at the end of the journey. How precious it is to provide that kind of stewardship through a momentous life event."
Question 3
Are there any specific challenges or obstacles you’ve faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
"While it may not make sense to a lot of people, living in and working in New York City is one huge obstacle in and of itself. Parking, grocery shopping, walking, paying rent, maintaining relationships—truly—living and thriving in this city is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week challenge. And that’s what makes it so special. You never know what or who is waiting around the corner or when the next obstacle to the flow of your day might arise.
Simply living here becomes a grand game of strategy and the rules of that game apply to the event business too. There’s not just pulling up in front of a building on a whim and 'dropping off a party'. Every move takes planning, staff, and choreography. So, when it comes to huge productions and tens of thousands of pieces have to move from point A to point B, then magically disappear at the end of the night, there are day-long meetings just to figure out the hows, whens, wheres, and whos. I am so proud of my team who thrive on adopting such challenges and conquering them with aplomb."
Question 4
What are the threats in the industry, and if so, do you have any solutions for them?
"Wholesale floral and labor costs continue to be our biggest obstacle to growth as an ecosystem. The prices we have to charge now to make just a nominal profit are downright embarrassing.
Numbers don’t lie; event professionals are NOT getting rich. Our margins are smaller than ever, we are charging more than ever, and we are obligated to explain those differentials. I’m deeply concerned for the emerging professionals, that the kind of smaller events and budgets I cut my teeth on, may simply be a thing of the past.Thankfully, at DBE, we have been in business for 27+ years, so we’re established with clients who understand that a large investment is required for a large luxury event—but that knowledge requires repeat experiences and a tremendous amount of consumer education. Expectations toproduce beautiful within budget are HIGH, if not impossible. We must constantly educate our clients on how their money is being invested and that requires a whole lot of work.
Years ago, when I first started my company and had created the 'Wedding of the Century' for Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, I asked a former colleague, “What next?” He replied, “Now, figure out how to STAY in business. You’re only as good as your last event.” I think perhaps the idiom is better rephrased today as “You’re only as good as how much you cultivated your last client.”
Question 5
How has technology, such as e-commerce platforms or digital marketing, affected your industry? What strategies have you employed to stay competitive?
"I was particularly resistant to social media upon its emergence. I rather enjoyed being the 'new hot NYC flower guy' that everyone wanted to hire but you needed to know someone to find me. Once I took the initial jump in the early 2000s to a simple landing page of a website, it was a quick ascent into a proper website, blogging, social media, and beyond. The proof was in the pudding: our business opportunities expanded exponentially. We recently started employing a social media strategy and it is still paying off in both engagement and ROI, but the trick is consistency!"
Question 6
Who (in or outside the floral industry) is an inspiring example to you? And Why?
"I encountered my life’s mentor, Christopher Mahan when I was attending San Diego State University and working at San Diego Opera in the early 1990s. He was the former Executive Stage Director of the Metropolitan Opera but had retired to San Diego so he was regularly available to consult and offer insights at SDO. He saw a redneck kid from Virginia and took me under his wing, told me stories, played recordings and explained why they were important, fed me when money was tight, and was a friend and confidant. Most importantly, he constantly held up a mirror and called me on my personal BS. He didn’t let me have an excuse for anything; he forced me to face responsibility for my actions.
It was because of his constant encouragement and mentorship, that I gained the confidence and strength to pick up from my established roots in California and move to NYC to seek my 'fame and fortune' even though I had no job lined up, one suitcase, one suit, and maybe $800 in my pocket. Two weeks before I was scheduled to move, I started to get cold feet and voiced my apprehension. Suddenly, like a slap to the back of the head, Chris’ voice rose up behind me saying "SHUT. UP. If you have to flip hamburgers, you’ll flip hamburgers until you figure it out!” And you know what? I figured it out and I never had to work the grill."
Question 7
How do you handle stress or difficult moments in your life?
"I cannot stress this enough: we aren’t sending rockets to space and no one is dying. Cut out the drama. Just stop it. Start by reconnecting with yourself and take a deep breath.
Move your body through space to encourage your mind to move through to a solution. Recoup. Rethink. Re-strategize. There is always an answer, it just may not be your first (or second, or third) choice. There is ALWAYS a solution."
Question 8
What has been the best (floral or non-floral) news for you lately, or of the last year?
"It is hard not to get caught up in the drama of the world. It’s difficult to not get mired in the muck and let it impact your personal and business day-to-day. I try to always remember that the world moves forward; it will change; there will be obstacles; there will be moments of heartache and moments of despair. But despite all that uncertainty, it is the human condition for people to want to LOVE. It is the human condition for people to want to give.
People still want to celebrate and we know how to help them do it, so my recommendation is to turn off the noise and get to the issue at hand: balancing out the muck with beauty. So that’s the best news I can think of: we, as a profession, can bring peace, solace, beauty, and calm through flowers and event design."
Question 9
Which is your favorite flower/plant and why is it good for you?
"I love tulips. They have a huge variety of personalities, colors, styles, and attitudes. What’s not to like.
However, I think I love them most because they consistently do exactly as THEY want to do - not what YOU want them to do. They are inherently filled with such dynamic life! If you will humor me with a little anthropomorphism: one must give a tulip room to dance and grow, and if it is denied that freedom, it will dance and grow on its own in sheer defiance. Turn your back once and it changes.
Bravo to the bold independence of the humble tulip."
Editor's Note: David Beahm has a tulip variety named after him, the tulip variety named; Tulipa D. Beahm, was a dream come true for David, a process that took more than 15 years to actualize.
Question 10
What are you doing this weekend?
"I’m headed down to the farm to figure out some drainage issues in the new orchard, decide on some new growing areas, establish some beds with mulch, and then have me and Jim, the dog, sit down by the creek and listen to absolutely nothing while he sniffs to see who’s been poking around HIS farm. What a privilege."
Header image credits; Planning +design @Easton Events, Floral+design @David Beahm, Entertainment @Elan Artists, Tent @skylinetentcompany, Draping @veilcharleston, Picture by @Josevilla, Video credits to @Eastwestfilms
