Trotman planning for bigger and better

On the heels of staging the successful Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend organiser Elan Trotman is already in planning mode for 2023. The internationally renowned saxophonist told Barbados TODAY that he is pleased with the way that things turned out. He said: “The mission statement and vision for the event is bringing old and new friends together, that’s my motto, so I think that mission was accomplished. This event was birthed to bring people together from all over the world.”

Speaking on the challenges encountered, he admitted the forced change in venue because of the rainy conditions did have an impact on attendance. Trotman observed that some guests preferred the activities to be hosted at their hotel for the sake of convenience. However, despite the move the feedback thus far has still been positive. Determined to keep elevating the experience he will he conducting surveys, with the help of his hardworking team, to see what improvements can be made.

The musician was filled with praise for all the stakeholders who worked together to ensure the success of the event. Trotman expressed appreciation for the team at the Frank Collymore Hall who were accommodating with the last-minute change. Trotman is confident in the brand. “I think the event will continue to grow, there is so much potential for this event to bring a thousand people to Barbados and I think it is going to happen next year. I really do,” he said.

As a strong proponent for making music accessible to the children of Barbados, Trotman is pleased to offer one local musician the opportunity to attend a course hosted at his alma mater the Berklee School of Music. Saxophonist Daniel Harvey is the recipient of a scholarship to attend their Aspire Summer Intensive. The Barbados Community College graduate was selected through an internally hosted talent search. A portion of the funds raised this weekend will be used to cover the cost of his food and accommodations for that trip.

Trotman is grateful for the support of his sponsors who all helped to make the event a success by creating an exceptional experience for the guests to the island. However, he does believe that with even greater contributions he would be able to capitalise on the momentum that has been generated.

Already his initiative-taking nature has propelled him to conduct a meeting with his team to get the ball rolling . “We will not settle for where we are at even though we are celebrating the success. We are not content until we can double the numbers that we are getting here as far as visitors coming to the island and we want to place an emphasis on being more inclusive to local attendees,” he said.

Even though over forty local golfers participated in the tournament, the event producer has recognised that many Barbadians are not aware of the event and those who do believe it is exclusive to the overseas guests. He will be strategizing to dispel this misconception and get Barbadians out in their numbers to support their continued fundraising efforts. (STT)