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Kotas keeps Quarles’ events running smoothly

Kotas keeps Quarles’ events running smoothly

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Sheri Kotas - Quarles & Brady
Sheri Kotas –
Quarles & Brady

At large events such as Quarles & Brady’s labor symposium or smaller client-focused training events, Sheri Kotas is there in the background ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Kotas, an event planner at Quarles, concentrates on creating the ideal client experience for anyone attending a function sponsored by the firm.

“Nothing is better than hearing after an event that the client – both internal and external – felt everything was taken care of and they didn’t have to worry about anything,” she said. “It’s fun to think about an event and think about it from the guests’ perspective and anticipate what is needed.”

For Quarles’ events, Kotas handles everything from booking a venue and ordering food to making nametags and signs. “There’s a lot involved,” she said, adding she works on more than one event at the same time.

Patti Hutter, chair of Quarles’ Mergers and Acquisitions Team, said Kotas does a great job of understanding the reasons behind why an event is being held and then working to ensure the experience is memorable.

“Sheri is the woman behind the curtain who makes our client entertainment events elegant and a huge hit,” she said. “She is a master of making us look good, and making sure our clients see how much we value their relationships.”

Of course, everything doesn’t always go as planned. “That’s a challenge with the job. There may be IT issues or someone doesn’t show up,” Kotas said. “I try to think everything through and plan for the unexpected as much as possible.”

Hutter said Kotas directs her efforts toward making sure events run smoother. To that end, an automated online form was created this year to improve firm-sponsored events. The form covers everything from brainstorming and creating an idea for an event to the post-event evaluation. The process created by Kotas has led to an increase in attendance at Quarles’ events, including training sessions in business law, she said.

Kotas joined the workforce right out of high school, working as a receptionist at a law firm. She then held administrative roles at a hotel and accounting firm. It was there she became interested in planning events after being asked to help plan the holiday party. “I just loved it and it grew from there,” she said.

When she joined Quarles eight years ago, taking on an administrative role in the firm’s marketing department, part of her duties included helping with event planning.

“My duties evolved and now it’s all event-focused,” Kotas said.

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