Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Confero
Hi Christopher, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am from a small town in Alabama, where I grew up with my grandparents, who were very conservative but very loving. I’ve always been creative, though music has led the way. I remember singing songs at church from the age of four and then being the little soloist in one of recitals starting in first grade. Early childhood singing led into theatre and show choir as I grew up. I became very active in the local community theatre and it evolved from there. In highschool, I joined the yearbook staff as the Lifestyle editor which was the right move as a teen to prepare me for college. I auditioned for the Auburn Singers and was accepted to attend Auburn University. I continued in music, show choir, and began to develop my education towards Public Relations and marketing. In a shocking surprise, I wasn’t elected social chair to any of the organizations and I know all my friends now regret those votes.
With the combination of a lifetime in the arts and an education in Public Relations – event production was the natural progression into adulthood and my career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, the road hasn’t been smooth. The bumps along the way teach us invaluable lessons as we grow.
CONFERO is all I’ve ever known. I’ve never had another job. I began my carrer in 2007 as soon as I graduated college. The next turn was the national economic crisis of 2008. You learn how to work lean – no frills. Coming out of that, I picked up traction for a few years and then 9/11 happened. Again, navigating lean and strateigc was key. I navigated the growing pains of small business ownership just like anyone else. You ebb and flow and hold on for the ride.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Listen, I’ve seen it all. I feel what sets me apart is my abilith to connect with people. My life and experiences allow me to talk to and get to know someone. I was raised to know, “You meet people where they are.” You’ve probably seen it all as well. From one party to the next, they might all blur together through your lens, but when our connection is unique – the party will be one of a kind.
In function, we all start with the same ballrooms and the same frame tents. It is our job as creatives to see things through a fresh eye for every project we take on. We work with the same flowers, lights, textiles – but we must combine those elements to bring life to the story of our clients. After standing in a space for a few minutes, I can close my eyes and see the entire buildout, fully finished – I know what the photos are going to look like. It’s truly how my mind works. The secret sauce is what I call “the innocence of imagination” – it’s the childlike ability to just play. Although I am stickler for the details and things being done in excellence, at the end of the day we’re creating. We’re crafting a bespoke experience for our clients and their guests.
Though, it really must be the crossroads of function and form – the cohesive and logical approach. You can’t be some abstract concept that no one will understand and call it design. That’s the nonsense. It needs to be relatable and tangible – it needs to flow and have an ease about it.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Collaboration is about listening. In the beginning stages, it’s my job to ask the right questions to hear what I need to learn who they are. How they travel, where they shop, what does a night out look like? Even if someone has a creative bend, they may not be able to articulate who they are or what they want for their event. I give people the room to feel relaxed and confident in conversation. I want to meet people where they are. I don’t want conversation to feel trite or forced. A relationship must develop naturally.
Every event is client specific and that’s the kind of work I want to take on. CONFERO doesn’t have a cookie cutter system where any party looks the same. It should reflect how they entertain their friends and family at home but elevated to my finishes – every linen napkin is hand pressed, every chair is perfectly edged and aligned. Hospitality isn’t hard – it simply requires thoughtfulness.
We love to collaborate with clients who prioritize art, culture and fashion. Being kind is also a huge plus.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.confero.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherconfero/
Image Credits
My headshot is Piper Vine Photography.
b&w at the table – Donna Von Bruening
Smile Inflatable – Piper Vine Photography
B&W carrying the dress – Mo Davis Photography
Table at The Garden Room – Michelle Scott Photography
Two brides – Rachel Santos Photography
London Ballroom – Natalie Evans Photography
Italian Ceremony – Mo Davis Photography
Chapel – Tec Petaja Photography
