In 2020, Kaitlin Donaldson ’17, like many professionals in the event industry, found herself with a lot of extra time on her hands. As someone used to working 80 hours a week, she wanted to fill that time productively. So, she started a blog.
That blog, , became a way to stay connected to the events industry when weddings, conferences, and celebrations had been postponed or cancelled. “It enabled me to continue my professional growth and foster connections in a time when I wasn’t maintaining those relationships through my typical work routine,” she says.
Time spent working on the blog was a revisit to Donaldson’s passions. While working at Jennifer Zabinski Events as an Event Planner and Executive Assistant, she managed a dual role specializing in event planning and public relations. Drawing upon her many years of experience in private and corporate events, fundraisers, and weddings, the blog was the perfect place to share expertise, build her network, and develop new skills like web design.
When events began picking up again in 2021, All the Best Moments turned into the business opportunity she wasn’t expecting.
“I was interviewing peers and colleagues on a weekly basis to publish spotlight features that highlighted their work and wisdom,” she explains. “I interviewed [Endicott alumna] Libby Moore ’86, who is on the Endicott New York Board of Advisors with me. We had a really interesting conversation about finding your calling, and challenging yourself to pursue it. I thought, ‘maybe I should think about my company in a different way.’”
With that seed planted, and referrals and connections coming at her from unexpected directions, Donaldson was on her way to expanding her business. “I sat on that for a while because I was fearful. I always knew that I wanted to offer planning services, but I thought it would have been further into my career. I decided, let me just embrace this—so I pivoted again.”
She continues, “In June, I announced that All the Best Moments was officially offering event planning services. I now manage a full-service planning and consulting services for B2C clients, as well as a variety of planning services for B2B clients. It’s a nice marriage of both.” Donaldson also on occasion works with celebrities and political figures, which she says is "an exciting deviation from other events, with its own unique nuances and challenges."
A Foundation of Hard Work
“I have never forgotten a piece of advice given to me by one of my professors—never underestimate the value of an opportunity.” —Kaitlin Donaldson ’17
While at Endicott, Donaldson was eager to do everything she could to launch a successful career, including taking on a whopping 10 internships. A Hospitality Management major, she credits her professors for encouraging her to pursue learning opportunities outside of the classroom. “I have never forgotten a piece of advice given to me by one of my professors—never underestimate the value of an opportunity,” she says. “I remember that advice whenever a new opportunity presents itself. Any experience is a valuable experience, good or bad, as long as you learn something.”
What’s on the Horizon?
Donaldson isn’t sure what concrete plans she has for All the Best Moments, but she’s eager to see what happens. “So much of what's unfolded in this last year has taught me that I shouldn’t doubt myself, because friends, family and peers in the industry have shown time and time again that they believe in me,” she says. “This next year, it’s less about navigating a specific plan and more about letting opportunities guide me and my business. It’s about relinquishing some control, and learning to be comfortable with the unknown. We can’t control the future, but we can accept the opportunities that come our way and be open to exploring the possibilities.”
“We can’t control the future, but we can accept the opportunities that come our way and be open to exploring the possibilities.” —Kaitlin Donaldson ’17
