Joan Balinson & John Terence, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

BEING ORGANIZED … IS IT THE KEY TO SUCCESS …

In regards to Organization – Joan shares with us … “Behind my desk, on the wall, is a poster of a woman riding horseback and juggling several balls in the air.  She is my muse.  We multi task by setting up extensive files on all email correspondence; hard copy binders in alpha order tracking our volunteer job descriptions; give our Senior Managers the responsibility of planning throughout the year; keep hard copy binders for our marketing materials and media coverage (for easy reference) the following year.  Our bookkeeping is done in Quick Books and Excel programs.  Our office is located in the same coliseum where the show takes place and we have plenty of space for dressing rooms and satellite offices during show weekend.”

BEHIND THE SCENES - PROBLEM SOLVING …

I asked Joan... "As an Executive Director of the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival, I would imagine you are good at problem solving and managing people! As hectic as it is with all the chaos and details, how do you maintain your professionalize and composure."

Ms. Balinson replies … “Problem Solving Techniques - Many of our volunteers have been with us for years and served in different capacities.  If someone is unable to show up, we can find another person, give them a quick review of the job descriptions and get on with the show.  Weather is not an issue as we are inside.  Last minute performer cancellations are rare but we would just shorten the show by that one act.  There is no one act that carries the whole show.”  I appreciate Ms. Balinson’s further insight and knowledge when she discussed with me the issue of Risk Management. She states … “Risk Management - We carry heavy public liability insurance; work with a venue that has evacuation plans in place; have a heavy military presence in our performers and veterans who respond well to changes and emergencies.”   After speaking with Mr. Terence, the Producer, I learned also that if something were to go “challenging”, what better place to be then with a building full of Military service men and women.”

All the best for this years Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival!