Deggendorfer refocuses event business in Sisters

Helping people in Sisters celebrate life on a daily basis is the key goal for special events coordinator Erin Deggendorfer.

Deggendorfer has been professionally involved in events planning for more than seven years, working in both the non-profit and private party arenas. Now, Deggendorfer is specializing in planning private events in Sisters and its surrounds.

"What I want for Sisters is for people to take some time to celebrate each other and celebrate being with one another - the small things in life. A wedding is a big step for one couple. It's a small thing if you look at all these negative things that are happening in the world, but that's definitely a reason to celebrate," she said.

Deggendorfer started working in the special events industry in 2000 and established her own business, Fast Creek Productions LLC, in October 2003. Last Thursday evening Deggendorfer celebrated with the Sisters community the grand opening of Fast Creek Productions new office on the ground floor of the Sisters Art Works building - and the firm's fresh focus on private party planning.

More than 100 people dropped by to learn about the services Deggendorfer is offering and enjoy good conversation, delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by Redmond's Tate and Tate Catering, a taste of the wines of the Bend-based micro-winery Volcano Vineyards and a sampling of the delectable chocolates from Portland's artisan chocolatier Moonstruck Chocolate Company.

According to Deggendorfer, like in New York and in Los Angeles, there is a real need for a party planner in Sisters since, no matter the location, a party's host and hostess rarely have the time to talk with their guests and enjoy their party.

"That's where I come in," she said.

Deggendorfer job is to step-up and do what needs to be done to assure that the host and hostess are alleviated from concerns like "making sure there is toilet paper in the bathroom and ... the chicken is started on time."

Deggendorfer also sees her business as providing a much needed service for out-of-towners.

Deggendorfer told The Nugget that people from California and Portland want Sisters to be their wedding destination.

"I had a client come in last weekend ... and say 'OK, we want to talk to you and find out about Sisters because right now the decision is between Sisters and Maui. ... Literally, those are the clients we are getting. People remember Sisters from their childhood as far as vacationing ... and because it's so beautiful people want to be here. This is the rustic elegance that is really 'in' right now for destination weddings," Deggendorfer said.

Working as an independent consultant Deggendorfer has a great deal of flexibility in serving her clients. She is available to plan all types of affairs: weddings; birthday parties; dinner parties; open houses; employee gatherings for businesses; charity events; and any other affair a client might request. She can do as much or as little as the client desires. She likes to think of herself as working with any budget.

Many in Sisters know Deggendorfer for her work since 2001 with the Sisters Folk Festival where she served as an intern, the volunteer coordinator and finally as its executive director, a position she vacated last December to devote her full energy to expanding Fast Creek Productions.

Deggendorfer holds a Masters in Tourism Administration with a focus on special events management and sports marketing from George Washington University in Washington D.C.

Although Deggendorfer is spending as much time in her new office as possible, she does not have set business hours. She is often out of the office consulting with clients and making arrangements. To schedule an appointment contact her at 549-8115.

"Anything you can throw a party for, I'm your girl," she said.