Amos Gott has always been drawn to event planning, but growing up in the small town of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, he didn’t know it could be an actual career. He organized events for groups he was a part of in high school and college, but in terms of a job, he had the intention of heading down a path of marketing and PR. That was until shortly after college when he took a job as the assistant director of Alumni Affairs at his alma mater, Western Kentucky University, where he planned alumni events across the country.
It was a different time then, and Amos says event planning didn’t have the same popularity as a career as it does today. He had to work hard in order to demonstrate the benefits of working hand in hand with a client for their event. He says, “As I look back, I’m glad I had the youthful ignorance to defy the odds of the times and anchor myself into a career I love.”
These days, as chief event architect and president of AmosEvents, Amos is known for planning some of the city's most innovative and jaw-dropping events — from weddings to corporate parties to galas like Swan Ball and Ballet Ball. We recently chatted with Amos about his love for event planning, his company AmosEvents and some of his favorite things in Nashville.
Name: Amos Gott
Profession/title: President and chief event architect, AmosEvents
Hometown: Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Years in Nashville: 17
Zip code: 37209
Number of people at the largest event you ever planned: Over 1,000
When did you start AmosEvents? If I went back to the very beginning, I’d be revealing how old I am. But I got back into my business full time about eight years ago when I was invited to design Swan Ball.
What was your first job? My very first job was as a paperboy. (Do those even exist anymore?)
What have been some of your favorite events you’ve planned? There are so many. I love the variety of styles that I get to create for various clients, but Swan Ball was a highlight. Working with Ballet Ball is what brought me to Nashville, so that’s always special for me to design. Recently I did a Ho Ho Disco for a corporate client, and it was so different, especially for the holidays – a definite favorite. And there are too many favorite weddings to name.
What are the trends you wish would go away? Mason jars and baby’s breath. And probably the color blush …
What’s the biggest mistake people make when planning events? When a party is planned to just say they had a party. So often, especially around the holidays, hosts will plan a party for the sake of checking it off the list instead of making it a true experience for their guests. We all have too much on our calendars to take the time to attend an event that wasn’t well thought out and something more than a tray of veggies and dip. I often ask, “Wouldn’t you rather have people leaving your event wishing they could stay longer instead of being glad they were leaving?”
What does it look like for you when you throw your own parties? I’ll admit it’s been a while, but I love a fun dinner party of a few close friends with drinks in their hands and good food on their plates at my round dining room table. I do love to cook, but I prepare dishes that don’t take away from my time at the table. And my table is always set with layers of color and texture — and candles, lots and lots of candles.
What’s one thing you should never cut corners on when planning an event? Lighting. Just like in your home, lighting is key to making a room have warmth and highlight elements of your space.
What’s your favorite event to attend? Of course Ballet Ball is high on my list, and I’m excited to be chairing the 30th anniversary ball in March with my dear friend Amy Atkinson. Another favorite is Belcourt Theatre’s Red Carpet Evening to watch the Oscars on the big screens. And Swan Ball, Sunday in the Park and Harvest Moon are other favorites.
What’s your favorite type of event to plan? I love a great theme event because they are different than the typical party and allow me to really think creatively. But weddings are a favorite as well because a wedding is one event with the sole purpose of being a celebration — no sales goals, no return on investment, no fundraising goals, only celebrating.And also because they challenge me to create and produce an event that fits the style and personality of my client and not be like the wedding my client went to the previous week.
What do you predict will be the next big event trend? I’m not a big trend follower because if it’s a trend, then your event will look dated in a few years when you look back on photos. But I do see colors like coral and rust becoming more popular, and experiential elements at events are continuing to gain popularity.
What’s your favorite date-night spot? Rolf and Daughters continues to be a favorite restaurant, but I’m also a big fan of M. in Cummins Station, 5th & Taylor and The Mockingbird.
What’s your favorite place to shop for event necessities? AmericasMart in Atlanta. I go there at least twice a year for both elements as well as inspiration.
What’s your favorite local shop for buying a gift? I always have great success shopping at AshBlue, Batch Nashville, Epergne and Color.
What’s your favorite place for drinks? Park Café — best happy hour in town!
What’s one thing about Nashville you hope never changes? The small-town feel of this big city. It’s so fun to walk into a restaurant or shop and run into faces you know!
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