SOUTH FLORIDA – Damian Davis, more commonly known as BLU Dash, is the President/CEO of Pure Marketing Group. He has made a big splash in our community showing that you no longer have to go to the Caribbean to experience the music, food, beauty, coral reef, turtles and fish.
Davis can create a formal, tropical dinner party or a bash where you wear your sexiest beach attire. In either setting, he can put on some of the most popular tunes, give you some rum punch to sip on and let you enjoy island-themed activities long after sundown. He will light up your event venue and turn it into a tropical island paradise with coral reef colors like orange, yellow, turquoise and lime green. He can offer an exquisite atmosphere with wild centerpieces and lots of flair or if you are on a budget, he can lay out beach towels and surfboards in a way that still looks like a party photo from a magazine.
Essentially, Davis has put party planning back on the map and the Caribbean community knows it. If you have ever been to a gala, wedding or other organized event, you can likely appreciate the behind-the-scenes work that goes into its production. “Party planning is more in-depth than people think because you have to get flyers, stay current on social media, book talent like athletes, DJs and other superstars that will attract people’s attention and keep customers updated about the next week’s event,” said Davis. There is no reason to just rent a venue, throw on some Bob Marley and call up some friends when you have the potential to work with a professional party planner and create a night to remember for years to come.
A few highlights of his career over the years include meeting Russell Simmons, Michael Jordan and Jay-Z. Aside from that he has never seen an unhappy face, one of the best parts of Davis’ job is that he is given the opportunity to play a role in a memorable event in people’s lives, whether it is a wedding, fundraiser or concert. “It makes me feel wonderful to know that people appreciate what I do,” said Davis.
Davis works with clients to determine their needs and expectations and uses that information to develop budgets and timelines and secure an appropriate location. He is deadline-driven and thrives on the fast-paced environment which he finds fun and exciting.
Like a nurse, Davis has an office but rarely has time to sit down. He is always on his toes and hustling to make sure that all aspects of the event stay on schedule. Over the years, Davis has built strong relationships with vendors and performing artists alike. “I have built great relationships with football athletes from the University of Miami and have stayed in touch with everybody I have met,” said Davis. He is also responsible for marketing and sponsorships to ensure an event takes place and runs smoothly and stays current with the latest trends in technology. Given that he is resourceful, attentive to detail, a skilled problem solver and works well with others, Davis is in demand and often deals with the challenge that he has yet to figure out how he can be in ten places at one time.
Most recently, Davis has lent his name to Blue Martini, a premiere live entertainment club with an upscale bar. “I like how it is run more like a corporation than a mom-and-pop venue because they have more organization and backing which has helped put me in a larger category,” said Davis. While staff and visitors are glad to have his time, talent and energy, they also know it is just a stepping stone in his quickly-growing career. “I hope to eventually own my own nightclub and produce larger scale events like concerts,” said Davis. In addition to networking within the industry, researching issues and being open to feedback from clients, word of mouth is a vital factor in becoming successful as a party planner. In Davis’ case, the word on the street is that he is unrivaled in his trade. He possesses the same redeeming qualities in his personal life as he does in his professional life. Everyone who has a personal relationship with Davis cites their favorite thing about him as being the way they feel when they are with him – and every wedding party, bachelor bash and nightclub in South Florida would make the same case. Davis is a genuine, caring and gets things done, whether the task is filling a living room, a nightclub or Sun Life Stadium.
Whether you are just a private citizen or the head of a corporation, you will be treated the same. Davis is humble and goodhearted, never forgetting anyone he has crossed paths with and always taking the time to thank others for their support and decision to work with him. Provided that Davis is not just a superstar but a person of influence who has changed his field just by being in it, he is expected to remain a widely-recognized name and face in party planning for years to come.
Reports state that the party planning industry is predicted to have a bright outlook with projected national growth of 44 percent from 2010 to 2020 which is considered much faster than average. Living in South Florida, a region that is so focused on nightlife, gaming and hospitality, Davis is clearly in the right place. While the field is competitive, he stands his ground and if you ask anyone in our community, they will tell you he is here to stay.
