The Urban Marketplace Vendor Showcase 2011!! Something for Everyone!

Hey Guys!! Today I have something really special in store for you! I had the pleasure of interviewing the co-founders of TUM; DeeDee George and Somachi Dumebi- Kachikwu. Their excitement and anticipation of this event got me JUST as EXCITED as them!

I am even more excited because they've selected BCG Events as a featured platinum vendor for their Premier Showcase Event on Sunday, July 31st, 2011. Please come by and say hi to us! You'll get to meet me and the entire BCG Team as well as be exposed to other TOP-NOTCH vendors in the DMV area for absolutely ALL you need for an ultra fab event!!! Keep reading for more information on TUM and the ladies behind it!

What is TUM - The Urban Marketplace?
The Urban Marketplace (TUM) 2011 is a Premiere Showcase Edition featuring select premium wedding and lifestyle vendors in a modern open house. Located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, MD. TUM has been staged as a single platform for everything YOU need to facilitate your next glamorous occasion - elegant event merchants, trendy clothiers and chic pop-up fashion boutiques, all sure to deliver the WOW!!!!-factor.

How was this idea born?? 

We (Dee Dee and Somachi, co-founders of TUM) share a passion for quality event management and after attending and hosting numerous events, we thought it would be a great idea to stage a showcase featuring the talent and creativity of select, local entrepreneurs. TUM 2011 DC is The Premiere Showcase Edition and will be focused on providing a selection from the best celebration event vendors and fashion retailers, who represent the new frontier in personal style and professional event design. Pairing this lifestyle showcase with an eclectic music mix, the event will be all about flair, fashion and fun.  TUM literally stands for The Urban Marketplace, an innovative event that pairs premium vendors with VIP guests.

Somachi & DeeDee

How long has TUM been in the works?

The idea of TUM was birthed approximately six months ago. We are grateful to God for His guidance and to our family and friends for their support. We remain very excited about the direction and growth opportunities for TUM.

What inspired TUM? Why did you feel like our community needed this?

TUM is inspired by the need to promote the exciting talent within the African Diaspora in the US and the need to elevate these businesses beyond their immediate community. The community can benefit from TUM because it is a one stop shop for some of the best products and services in the DC/MD/VA area; also all vendors will be offering discounts at the TUM showcase. It is an excellent opportunity for guests to browse through our selected vendors, purchase chic, fashionable products and contract event merchants for their next glamorous occasion. 

What is the impact you are trying to make with TUM? What do you hope to accomplish?

TUM is designed to be a one stop shop for any celebration. By providing a single platform to hosting any noteworthy celebration, TUM will provide quality vendors to guests and an extensive customer base to vendors. Our vision for TUM is to host frequent events featuring select vendors. Each event will have a targeted vendor group seeking to network, expand and grow their business. Percentage of proceeds from TUM events goes to established non-profits working to assist the less privileged within the African continent to encourage economic development and entrepreneurship, especially for women.

 
What do you look for at an event? How would you define a successful event?

A successful event is one that is well-designed, well-managed and well-executed, where guests are entertained, vendors satisfied and everyone’s searching for the replay button! This is exactly what we see for TUM. We are event management experts and have designed the TUM event structure to generate cross-promotion and expanded clientele for vendors, while attracting, entertaining and retaining guests. 

How would you describe your style?

Our style is Afro contemporary! We are forward thinking and culturally inspired.

 
What motivates you, personally?

We are motivated by the passion of our clients/vendors and excitement of our guests. 

What are your goals with this movement? Where do you want to see this go? Our goal is to create a showcase that will mainstream our clients and provide networking opportunities that will elevate their businesses. TUM 2011 DC is our premiere event; we have a lot of exciting packages that will showcase our vendors virtually and other events in the future. In the coming months, TUM will host specialized events catering to different beauty, fashion and lifestyle sectors. Most definitely look out for more after TUM 2011 DC.

What can guests expect from this event?

Guests can expect to have an unforgettable experience. The vendors have been carefully selected and will offer their quality products and services at exclusive TUM rates. We’d love our guests to take full advantage of these offers. There will be an array of entertainment options including live music performances, free makeover tutorials, a mini-fashion-runway and signature spotlight sessions, while guests peruse the fashion items for sale and event vendor services. Prizes for our raffle draw include an iPad 2, a pair of tickets to see Fela!, The Musical in DC and luxury gift cards. The first 100 VIP guests will receive a TUM Fab Bag and access to our complimentary cocktail bar, which includes an array of summer snacks and delectable desserts. Our music partners, DJ Universe and DJ Obi, will provide an eclectic soundtrack, sure to keep guests entertained. 

Here are the details again if you may have missed them.

When: July 31st 2011 from 3pm to 7pm

Where: The Civic Center in Downtown Silver Spring (1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910)

By the way you must RSVP to attend so check out: http://www.tumdc.com/ to reserve your spot.  The ladies of TUM also want us to remind you they have fabulous Swag Bags filled with goodies for the 1st 100 attendees, so get there early, you can also win an iPad 2 (which I so covet right now).

YESSS! They have me SOOO excited about this event, I will be there and hope to see you all of you and for all my lovelies who can't make it, watch this space for our special update on the event. We'll have pictures, vendor giveaways and more.

Stay Beautiful My Loves,

Memi

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