I arrived at AARP for the first day of my internship not too sure of what to expect. Little did I know that I would be thrust straight into the trenches that was the preparation for the 2011 Life@50+ National Member event in Los Angeles. I went straight to work on the seemingly tiny – but very necessary – tasks of stringing lanyards on badges, sorting tickets and preparing Board books. All typical “intern” duties, but this intern got to go to LA!
 
On arrival in LA, I was greeted by a gentleman holding a sign with my name on it [insert loud dancehall DJ horn sound] and we headed to the hotel. I knew the Event was happening in the vicinity of LA Live, but it wasn’t until we got to the hotel that it dawned on me that I was going to be staying (for a week) in LA Live. I missed the Emmy’s by a day, but awesome was still in the air.
 
During my summer internship at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center I witnessed several conventions but I never imagined how much detail goes into staging a production of this magnitude. Everything, from the Board members’ schedules to registration, the exhibit floor, speakers and concerts was strategically planned and executed. It was hard work – reporting for work at 7 every morning and staying until late, but I got to experience every aspect of the event. Not to mention the random celebrity sightings. I confirmed that I am as tall as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s waist, saw Richard Simmons singing along to Nicki Minaj, walked past Charlie Sheen and met stood silently in front of Tim Gunn. I did eventually manage to get out a feeble “hi”. So much for my “make it work” introduction. And how could I forget the flash mob!
 
One thing I know for sure is that the 50+ crowd knows how to party… they danced the electric slide and did the salsa on the plaza and danced on the ceiling with Lionel Richie. I couldn’t keep up!!!
 

Working the Red Carpet at the Movies for Grown Ups premiere of The Way