By Alezxandria Kapple
Event planning is an art that goes beyond logistics and organisation. It’s about creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression. One needs creativity, organisation, and a deep understanding of the audience to turn visions into reality. Bryler Tipa Jawa, a rising star in the industry, has mastered this art.
Bryler’s journey into event organising wasn’t born out of a grand plan but from a spark of inspiration during a casual conversation with his partner.
“It started as an idea of organising a house party when we realised we could monetise it, provided we catered to the crowd’s needs and wants,” he said.
This simple idea laid the foundation for his career in event planning.
The journey of an event organiser often begins with a spark of creativity and the realisation that a casual gathering can become something much more significant. For Bryler, it was the realisation that people sought unique experiences, even in the context of a house party. This idea served as a blueprint for his future endeavours.
Bryler’s journey took an unexpected turn with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia.
“The recovery from MCO helped because people had not been to musical events for two years, and we saw that as an opportunity and seized it,” he said.
This crisis presented an opportunity to revive the live event industry, and Bryler and his team quickly capitalised on it.
The pandemic brought the live events industry to a worldwide standstill, leaving event organisers uncertain. However, Bryler’s resilience and ability to spot opportunities in challenging times allowed him to pivot and turn a crisis into an opportunity. The two-year hiatus from musical events created pent-up demand among the public, and Bryler was keen to address it.
One significant milestone in Bryler’s career was “Stayin Alive”, a disco-themed party.
“Our second small-scale event opened my eyes, especially in the marketing department,” he said.
With only two months to plan and execute, the event faced challenges, and its success could have been better. It was a valuable lesson in the pivotal role of marketing in event planning.
In event planning, marketing plays a crucial role. Creating buzz, generating interest, and selling tickets are essential for any event’s success. “Stayin Alive” underscored the significance of a well-planned marketing strategy, even for smaller events, where time constraints can affect marketing effectiveness, emphasising the need for meticulous planning and promotion.
When asked about his guiding principles in event planning, Bryler offers a refreshing perspective.
“I prefer to organise an event that I would attend myself,” he said.
His philosophy revolves around authenticity and doing what he genuinely believes in, which resonates with organisers and attendees alike.
Authenticity is often the secret ingredient that makes an event truly memorable. When organisers are passionate about the experiences they create, they shine through and connect with the audience on a deeper level. Bryler’s approach aligns with this philosophy, as he strives to create events that he would be excited to attend. This commitment to authenticity has undoubtedly played a significant role in his success.
Bryler’s creative process involves collaboration and open dialogue within his team.
“Nothing special, other than having a physical meeting and opening the doors for everyone to throw in ideas,” he said.
However, staying proactive in research and drawing inspiration from real-world events in Malaysia is crucial to crafting unique and imaginative experiences.
Ideation and brainstorming are crucial in event planning, where ideas are refined and transformed into event concepts. Bryler’s open and collaborative approach allows diverse perspectives, resulting in widely resonating events.
In the event industry, building strong relationships with clients is paramount. For Bryler, the key is honesty.
“I truly believe that if you keep an honest conversation with your clients, things will go smoothly,” he said.
Whether it’s budgeting, timing, scheduling, or personal preferences, honesty paves the way for successful collaborations. Effective communication and transparency build trust in client relationships. Bryler’s commitment to open and honest dialogue ensures alignment and meets expectations, which is crucial in a collaborative industry.
The importance of teamwork and collaboration in event planning is not lost on Bryler.
“Setting a goal is the number one priority when planning an event,” he said.
A clear goal allows for a reverse engineering approach, where each team member understands their role in achieving the event’s success. Bryler believes in being realistic and holistic, never limiting the team’s vision or ideas.
Event planning is a collaborative effort with many moving parts. Setting clear goals, delegating responsibilities, and fostering a creative, holistic, and visionary team mindset is essential for event success, as Bryler and his team do.
Bryler and his team achieved a significant milestone with Black Parade in 2022. This emo/pop-punk music event aimed to relive the genre’s glorious days.
“Everyone left the event with the same question, ‘When’s the next one?’ and that leaves a really good feeling in ourselves, the organisers,” he said.
Black Parade left a lasting impact on attendees and established a high standard for future events.
Creating unforgettable events demands meticulous planning, attention to detail, and understanding the audience’s desires. Black Parade resonated with attendees, sparking nostalgia and excitement. Leaving attendees eager for the next event reflects Bryler and his team’s dedication.
From small, intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences and festivals, Bryler acknowledges the differences in managing events of varying scales. Small events may seem more straightforward, but large-scale events require exceptional communication and meticulous planning.
“A small communication mistake can affect the flow,” he warned.
Scaling an event from intimate to massive poses unique challenges with complex communication and a slim margin for error. Bryler’s focus on clear communication, streamlined logistics, and a coordinated team ensures large-scale events run smoothly and meet attendees’ expectations.
As for the future of event planning, Bryler envisions a continued trajectory, hoping for more ambitious and innovative events. He remains optimistic about the industry’s growth and adaptation.
The live events industry is ever-evolving. Bryler anticipates that future events will push the boundaries of creativity and ambition. While the fundamentals of event planning remain constant, the industry’s ability to adapt to changing trends and audience preferences will continue to drive innovation.
Reflecting on his growth, Bryler emphasises being human first and inspiring others in the industry. His journey in turning vision into magic evolves, leaving audiences eager for his next enchanting experiences.
Personal growth is a hallmark of a successful career, and Bryler’s journey in event planning has been marked by continuous learning and evolution. His commitment to remaining grounded and relatable in an industry known for its glitz and glamour sets him apart as a true visionary and a leader in his field.
Bryler’s journey in event planning is a testament to the power of creativity, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to one’s craft. From humble beginnings to orchestrating unforgettable experiences, Bryler’s career is a testament to what can be achieved when passion and vision are combined with hard work and a commitment to excellence. We can only imagine the magic ahead as he continues shaping the future of event planning in Kuching.
- This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
