Event Planning

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  • How to Plan an Event on a Budget

    PlanAnEvent.org
    Andrew Maxwell
    15 May 2013 | 9:38 am
    photo by www.ehow.com A seasoned event organizer knows that part of winning a piece of business means that their budgeting skills need to be sharp. In some cases it can be a deal breaker. Knowing which questions to ask a potential client can help an event organizer select the right venue. In this post I’m going to show you why the budget planning process doesn’t have to be the toughest part of an event proposal. The Budget Planning Process is a Key Component to an Event Proposal For most conferences or events, it’s the social functions that can add to a planner’s…

  • Comparing Catering Contracts

    About.com Event Planning
    20 May 2013 | 8:08 am
    Food and beverage is usually one the larger expense categories involved with an event, and one of the challenges involved with comparing vendors is that different vendor have different standards of service. On the one hand you may a catering supplier whose entrée prices are 25% cheaper than there competitor, but when you read through their contract you realize they don't provide linens or wait staff in the entrée cost. These "extras" can easily raise their prices above the competition....Read Full Post

  • Conference Organizers Should Transition From Familiar Terrain

    Velvet Chainsaw | Midcourse Corrections
    Jeff Hurt
    20 May 2013 | 5:25 am
    In order for conferences to compete in this new digital age, conference organizers must view conference education not as the place where content is delivered, but as a place where the content is discussed, analyzed and evaluated by the attendee. We have to move from our old school, out dated thinking that the conference education session is just about delivery of information. Providing Conference Content Is Not Enough With information available 24/7 online, why would an attendee pay to come to your conference just to receive information? Younger generations and veterans won’t! Instead, they…

  • Sports Events for Work and Play

    About.com Event Planning
    20 May 2013 | 8:06 am
    If you're in the event business then you have likely produced or attended an event at a professional sports stadium. The trend for business sports outings continues to grow, with stadiums scrambling to expand their hospitality suites and meeting rooms to keep up with the demand. It seems that everyone is planning offsite functions that incorporate the excitement of professional sports....Read Full Post

  • Sponsorship Package

    event-planning « WordPress.com Tag Feed
    atcapacitydesign
    15 May 2013 | 1:10 pm
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    Event Manager Blog

  • Event Tech Circus Winner and Wrap Up

    Julius Solaris
    17 May 2013 | 6:48 am
    Last week Event Tech Circus took place in Amsterdam. The conference was a great success and one bold startup won the 1st prize! The Startups attending Event Tech Circus Upon starting my presentation at Event Tech Circus I asked how many people in the room knew Event Manager Blog. 98% of the audience raised their hand. I immediately knew this was going to be a super cool event. The audience that gathered in Amsterdam was by far the most tech educated I’ve seen in Europe. The level of engagement at Event Tech Circus was just incredible. The event was a mix of pure startup energy and event…

  • The 10 Commandments of The Event App Bible

    Julius Solaris
    16 May 2013 | 12:43 am
    On Tuesday we launched The Event App Bible. Here are a feature presentation and infographic with highlights from the book. The Event App Bible has been downloaded more than 2000 times since Tuesday. It has been a terrific success. We are extremely proud of it. The 10 Commandments We created a presentation to highlight the 10 strongest takeaways from the book. Check it out here: The 10 Commandments of The Event App Bible from Event Manager Blog Features Infographic No doubts, the juiciest bit of the report is the mega-table with all the providers compared according to features. We created a…

  • The Event App Bible: A Free Ebook for Event Professionals

    Julius Solaris
    14 May 2013 | 5:59 am
    The Event App Bible is a free downloadable report with the most comprehensive research on the mobile apps for events ecosystem. Grab your copy now. I am very pleased to announce a project in the making for over 4 months, The Event App Bible. The Event App Bible is a comprehensive research of dozens of mobile apps. The aim is to give you an easy-to-use tool to make sense of an incredibly fragmented market. The ebook is free to download, no email submission is required. We’ve reviewed hundreds of apps, shortlisted 50+ and organized the most essential features in easy-to-read comparison…

  • The Biggest Event Marketing Mistake I’ve Ever Made

    Julius Solaris
    6 May 2013 | 6:18 am
    More than 10 years ago I worked as marketing manger for a conference. One small mistake cost us a lot of attendees. Want to know what was it? I remember it was quite a while ago. I got hired as marketing person for a conference. I was specifically looking after the website. At the time online was something really new for the industry. Websites were mostly brochureware. In fact most meetings, conferences and events just converted their brochure into a (dis)functional website. I was quite excited to be working with an international conference. Don’t get me wrong, I had some experience…

  • The Best Posts in April 2013 on @EventMB

    Julius Solaris
    1 May 2013 | 10:17 am
    Oh dear, what an April! I am flattered by the amount of visitors that decided to stop by. It means we are doing something good for the industry. For those who missed out. Here is our monthly recap of the most shared and read post over the last 30 days. The Best Posts in April 2013 1. 20+ Must Follow Pinterest Boards for Event Professionals Incredible response to this post collecting some of the best Pinterest boards for event professionals. This post is on fire! 2. 10+ Fresh Ideas to Inspire a Successful Event Concept A collection of the freshest ideas from around the World o inspire your…
 
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    Fresh Event Tips

  • Overcoming Challenges in creating an event blueprint

    Rose
    6 May 2013 | 9:25 am
    Submitted by the team at Mission Guru. Thank you gentlemen. The foundation to any well-run event is the event blueprint. Event Managers are in the business of risk management and a well structured event blueprint helps us reduce as much risk as we can. The event blueprint should clearly highlight the objectives and needs of your company or client so that throughout the planning process you keep in mind your deliverables. Preparing your event without having a clear understanding of your client’s objective is like navigating a ship without a compass; event managers should always be 100%…

  • What can you take online?

    Rose
    23 Apr 2013 | 7:43 pm
    As we've blogged before, our sister site is shaking up the way online registrations take place.  By offering a flat rate/form we're welcoming new organizations to move their registrations online with a la Reg, saving valuable time and funds.    We love to hear how clients are using a la Reg.  Below are some real use cases we learned about this week: * an Atlanta LL to accept online payments for the family picnic * a Nor. Cal Humane Society to accept donations online for the first time * a New Mexico Incubator for non-profits to accept conference registrations online * a…

  • Maximizing Your Corporate Event ROI

    Rose
    20 Apr 2013 | 11:32 am
    Planning a corporate event can cost a lot of money, be very time-consuming and take up a lot of resources. So it’s important to plan a corporate event thoroughly and think about all aspects of an event to mitigate disasters and also to get as much return on investment out of it as possible. Here’s a checklist of strategic considerations to help plan the perfect corporate event.  (Submitted by reader Sonya of Dreambooth, UK) Objectives It is critical to consider why an event is being held in the first place. It is really important to start the planning off with strong and…

  • Time saving tips for those who love to say Yes to Volunteering.

    Rose
    20 Apr 2013 | 11:08 am
    Whether for your school, church or favorite non-profit we’ve all raised our hands to say Yes to volunteering and 9 times out of ten that small job takes up more time than we anticipated.  Below are five time saving tips for the next time you say Yes….  No longer do we need the email ping pong between 6 volunteers trying to find a time to meet at Starbucks.  Post the options and let your team note their availability on Doodle.com (link).  Everyone can take a vote for their preferred times or venues.  Put anything to vote and cut out the emails.

  • One Day Sale on Tiny Prints

    Rose
    4 Apr 2013 | 12:20 pm
    For those who love stationery, Tiny Prints is hosting a one day sale, 40% off all thank you notes - more than 1700 designs.  You can add a photo, a monogram or just order the cards just as the designer created them.   Sale is today through 8:59am PST Friday. You can find designs for professional correspondence, cards for graduates to say thanks, Easter notes, and a specific line for children as well.  TinyPints Site: LINK Promo Code: Deal0404    
 
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    Michelle Rago Destinations- Blog

  • Mon Anniversaire.

    Michelle
    16 May 2013 | 7:43 am
    A delightful day…. I recently celebrated my 49th birthday-which is an utter shock to the system. It was a perfect New York spring day and I hosted it at my most favorite sneaky spot, The Norwood Club. My patient partners at Norwood, Camille, Allen, Rachelle completely delighted me with their heart and creativity. Thank you Team Norwood-I am devoted to you all.  Miss Brittney was my tireless partner in crime on all birthday details. I am sure I wore her thin…but she didn’t crack. And on party day… she twirled around effortlessly making sure everything ran smoothly.

  • Cooking up the Perfect Vacation!

    Michelle
    30 Apr 2013 | 1:58 pm
      Tropea, Italy. Water Seeks it’s own Level. What is continuing education for someone like me who is committed to her craft and always seeking enriching experiences to bring to the table? Do I… audit a college course… LAWD HAVE MERCY…no-I couldn’t work that out back in the day! Do I return to cooking school for a refresher… or do I put myself right into the thick of it? By way of my dear friend Jennifer Learmonth, Executive Chef at The Rock House in Harbour Island www.rockhousebahamas.com, with whom I have shared many a fine meal, I discovered In…

  • Love

    Michelle
    16 Apr 2013 | 8:05 am
    I didn’t get a chance to blog on Sunday because I was driving back from a site inspection in both Newport and Nantucket. Both gorgeous destinations and I anxiously await the client’s final decision. I like to write about destinations, entertaining and travel as obviously those things are my passion. But in light of yesterday’s tragic incident in Boston I have decided to write about love. I can’t think of anything else that would make me feel better. Love, although impossible to make sense of, and when safe in it’s clutches, is as mundane as breathing. But when…

  • That Niggling Feeling…

    Michelle
    7 Apr 2013 | 1:08 pm
    http://www.thelittlenell.com Two other times in my life I distinctly remember having the same niggling feeling upon arriving at a resort as I did upon arrival at The Little Nell in Aspen on Wednesday. This feeling I get is essentially a sense that things don’t quite seem in sync or simply don’t add up. After four breathtaking days at The Little Nell, what I have now come to believe is that this niggling feeling is a precursor to what is simply …unimaginable. What I now know is that … some experiences can’t be put into words. But let me try… In 2001, I was…

  • You are an Explorer!!

    Michelle
    1 Apr 2013 | 11:53 am
    If you are a creative geek, like I am… you are in constant pursuit of content to inspire you… promote your business… share with your friends and to help illustrate your vision to your clients. Where on earth do you keep all this stuff?? Well let me tell you …I hate clutter! There are no filing cabinets stuffed with samples or files any more at Michelle Rago Destinations. MAC computers, Iphones and Ipads have surely been the biggest contribution to any creative person having to manage content…. or is it?  My dear friends Michele and Frank Spiezia have cracked the…
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    About.com Event Planning

  • Comparing Catering Contracts

    20 May 2013 | 8:08 am
    Food and beverage is usually one the larger expense categories involved with an event, and one of the challenges involved with comparing vendors is that different vendor have different standards of service. On the one hand you may a catering supplier whose entrée prices are 25% cheaper than there competitor, but when you read through their contract you realize they don't provide linens or wait staff in the entrée cost. These "extras" can easily raise their prices above the competition....Read Full Post

  • Sports Events for Work and Play

    20 May 2013 | 8:06 am
    If you're in the event business then you have likely produced or attended an event at a professional sports stadium. The trend for business sports outings continues to grow, with stadiums scrambling to expand their hospitality suites and meeting rooms to keep up with the demand. It seems that everyone is planning offsite functions that incorporate the excitement of professional sports....Read Full Post

  • Who is in charge on event day?

    11 May 2013 | 10:57 am
    There are very few events that are planned and executed by a single person. Most of the time there are several departments working together on the occasion. This is definitely the case on the venue side of event production. Typically you have a coordinator who oversees the production of the three major departments: catering, operations and audio/visual....Read Full Post

  • How much setup time do you need?

    11 May 2013 | 10:54 am
    Your banquet room or meeting space should be completely set by the time your first guest arrives. This sounds like an obvious statement but I've seen plenty of instances where servers and event organizers were still putting the final touches on the room. Not only does this make the event look disorganized, but the quality of work being done while "scrambling around" is often sub-par....Read Full Post

  • How to Find the Right Event Planning Job

    28 Apr 2013 | 3:59 pm
    Many newcomers to our industry are unaware of how many career paths exist within event production. Of course the event planning roles are often highlighted, but these positions are only the tip of the iceberg. And while planners are perched near the top of the leadership hierarchy, much of the essential tasks are performed by those in the catering, operations and audio/visual departments....Read Full Post
 
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    Unique Venues

  • Decorating on a Dime

    Ann
    20 May 2013 | 3:10 pm
    Think about how much you invest into making a hotel not look like a hotel. The windowless boardrooms you try to cover up with big graphic posters. The generic ballrooms you spend countless dollars sprucing up with rental flair, only to pay more dollars to break it down at the end of the day. If you’ve never considered a museum or zoo, arena or scenic college campus for your next event location, now may be the time to do so for this reason alone: built-in décor. Paula Katz, director of tourism and event sales at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, states, “Our venue can help with…

  • Looking for a Great Place to Host Your Event? Keep Georgia on Your Mind.

    todd
    20 May 2013 | 10:36 am
    by Mark Polaski Ray Charles had it right! Georgia evokes dreamy emotion and true Southern hospitality. Check out these unique venues for your next event.  Beginning in Gainsville in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brenau University offers palatial, plantation style architecture mixed with state-of-the-art conferencing technology. Down Interstate 129, you will find Athens. This “Classic City of the South” shows off its stunning Victorian style setting but retains a very hip, chic modernism.  Here is the UGA Hotel and Conference Center offering breathtaking accommodations;…

  • Top tips for selecting the right team building events

    todd
    16 May 2013 | 6:19 am
    Match the product to the audience It is imperative that the organiser chooses an event that suits the whole demographic of their group of employees.  An office environment can have a diverse range of employees so the activity must be able to engage everyone. As a company we ensure that we get a good understanding of the attendees before suggesting products for their event. We have products that can suit very specific groups such as our ‘Around the World’ event, which has activities themed to different countries so it is particularly suited to an international group. Set a realistic…

  • Tips for venues to help close more meetings and events

    todd
    7 May 2013 | 9:33 am
    by Michele Nichols It can be tiresome to follow up with a meeting planner who can’t make a decision or commit to your event; and trying to understand what keeps a group from signing a contract can be even more frustrating. In actuality, the answer to the problem might be changing the questions you have for the meeting planner or group. Closed-ended questions that require a yes or no answer will allow the real objections to come forward. If you’re at the point of sale, these types of questions will allow you to be more direct and get to the answers you need right away so you can…

  • Lutheridge Conference Center…Get Inspired!

    todd
    7 May 2013 | 7:42 am
    by Mark Polaski Located in the mountains south of Asheville, North Carolina, Lutheridge Conference Center occupies 160 acres of private land. The center is only a couple miles south of the airport with easy access in and out. This is the ideal setting specifically designed for team-building, corporate meetings, family gatherings, religious meetings, youth events, and more. The level of comfort and privacy in the lodging accommodations is unmatched with access to other amenities for shopping and dining. Visit Biltmore House, Biltmore Village, Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, Cradle…
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    Velvet Chainsaw | Midcourse Corrections

  • Conference Organizers Should Transition From Familiar Terrain

    Jeff Hurt
    20 May 2013 | 5:25 am
    In order for conferences to compete in this new digital age, conference organizers must view conference education not as the place where content is delivered, but as a place where the content is discussed, analyzed and evaluated by the attendee. We have to move from our old school, out dated thinking that the conference education session is just about delivery of information. Providing Conference Content Is Not Enough With information available 24/7 online, why would an attendee pay to come to your conference just to receive information? Younger generations and veterans won’t! Instead, they…

  • Conferences Need To Focus More On Learning Design And Less On Information Transfer

    Jeff Hurt
    16 May 2013 | 6:05 am
    Recent research shows that conference organizers should focus their conference education efforts more on learning design and less on delivery of information. Too often, conference organizers and meeting professionals secure speakers to present specific topics and then think their job is done. Their focus is completely on the content and the delivery of the information. Research is showing that those steps are not enough. Learning Design Trumps Delivery Of Information Education Professional Nick van Dam reviewed more than 355 studies on learning, education and knowledge retention. He…

  • Why Your Conference Needs More Connexity: Community And Connections

    Dave Lutz
    15 May 2013 | 8:09 am
    With information accessible 24/7 online, networking has become one of the primary reasons people choose to attend your conference. The opportunity to connect face-to-face is too critical to be happenstance. Creating Conference Connections That Matter Conference attendees want dedicated time that they can connect with individuals to share stories, insight and experiences. Speed networking is not enough. People want to connect on a deeper level than spending five minutes with an individual and then moving on to the next person. It’s about more than collecting business cards and contact…

  • How Do Your Learning Opportunities Compare To These Top Ten Traits Of Quality Education Programs?

    Jeff Hurt
    14 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    In order to be successful in the 21st Century, organizations must make continuous learning and unlearning a core competency. If your organization’s team cannot learn quickly, unlearn outdated processes and data, and adapt and apply new knowledge and insights to current challenges, then it will be left behind. Organizations need team members committed to learning and unlearning. These organizations also need the best tools to rapidly disseminate and share the best learnings as well as information on how to apply them. Top Ten Traits The best learning opportunities are uniquely tailored and…

  • Lessons We Learned From Our Mothers

    Jeff Hurt
    13 May 2013 | 10:17 am
    Moms! We all have them. We need them. We love them. Once a year we celebrate them. In honor of Mother’s Day, the Velvet Chainsaw Consulting Staff compiled some important lessons we learned from our mothers. Dave Lutz: Lessons from Mom (Mary Lee Lutz) My professional success and personal happiness has been strongly influenced by my Mom. She taught me how to lead and more importantly, how to love. Mom had lots of balls to juggle! We had a pretty full house with four sisters and my brother. I learned that matching socks, digging potatoes and cooking are fun. She encouraged my independence and…
 
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    Special Events Magazine

  • The invitations that aren't invitations

    17 May 2013 | 12:13 pm
    Email and social media are a great way to share information--because they're broad-based, fast and cheap. On the other hand, email and social media are a terrible way to share special information—because they're broad-based, fast and cheap.Special Events Blog read more

  • Antisocial Behavior: When Event Professionals Have to Block Social Media

    14 May 2013 | 9:41 pm
    By Lisa Hurley Although social media can be a great way to extend events, sometimes confidentiality concerns trump social sharing Social media extends the reach of events, boosts engagement and often doesn't cost the event host a dime. So social media is great for events—except when it's not. Although very few special event professionals have felt the need to curtail social media at their events—and some question whether it can ever be blocked completely—others say that in certain situations, prohibiting posts is vital. And they use a variety of strategies to do it.

  • Greeting Gatsby: Samantha Sackler Creates a 'Gatsby' Premiere Party

    14 May 2013 | 4:12 pm
    Samantha Sackler teams up with designer 8 and Classic Party Rentals to put the "great" in the after-party for the New York premiere of "The Great Gatsby." read more

  • Special Events Business News for May 15, 2013

    14 May 2013 | 3:22 pm
    By Special Events Staff SARAH CARDENAS has been named group sales manager at THE NAPLES BEACH HOTEL & GOLF CLUB in Naples, Fla. ... read more

  • New Glass-Crushing Machine, LED Tree, Distinctive Stretch Tents

    14 May 2013 | 1:32 pm
    By Special Events Staff The "Glass Gator" from CEMCO reduces glass-related injuries and cuts waste-handling costs by quickly transforming bottles into rounded sand that is safe to touch. read more
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    event-planning « WordPress.com Tag Feed

  • Event Planning Software

    Zoe
    15 May 2013 | 1:38 pm
    Event Planning Software There are probably hundreds of thousands of event planning professionals in the world and there are probably many more that don’t publicly advertise their business even though they routinely act as event planning specialists for many of their clients throughout their city and surrounding area. Along with event planning, though, comes the need for a lot of technological help. Even though it is quite possible to remember everything you need to know and store information in your brain along with physically writing it down, chances are that event planning…

  • How to Teach Event Planning

    Zoe
    15 May 2013 | 1:31 pm
    How to Teach Event Planning There are many different sides of event planning and if you have been successful with event planning throughout your life then you may go through your life wondering why so many other people have trouble with it. If this is true in your case then you may just have to start considering yourself “gifted” and create an event planning company of all your own! There are many advantages of creating an event planning company, but the main one is that you’ll be essentially working for yourself. Even though realistically your business will have clients,…

  • Sponsorship Package

    atcapacitydesign
    15 May 2013 | 1:10 pm

  • City of London event venues - Wonderland

    eventmanagement58
    15 May 2013 | 1:08 pm
    Wonderland event is a UK based event management company . We have special event venues for hosting social, corporate and other types of events. Sharing some Central London event venues: City of london venues – NEW! CITY 010 Art deco hidden gem, Holborn Its a fabulous venue with ultimate interiors. Can easily accomodate 50 people. Here is another Central London venue: City of london venues – CITY 001 Like it? Please visit our facebook page for more cool event venues. We also provide event management services.  

  • Choosing your Executive Car Service

    aharringtonlimo
    15 May 2013 | 12:27 pm
    5 things you deserve from your car service. 1. Expertise Your needs are the main priority when it comes to choosing an executive ground transportation provider. Always ensure that you are choosing the right vendor for you and your company. A good vendor takes the time to understand who you are and what your needs may be because they know that not every client is the same. You may require a customized service experience because of the industry you are in or your particular travel needs. A vendor should be able to accommodate you or be able to make suggestions that may better suit your needs.
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    Nashville Wedding Planner | A Delightful Day Event Planning Blog

  • A Delightful Day joins Southern Weddings

    Mary Alice
    10 May 2013 | 3:14 pm
    Hey y'all!! I have to apologize for the limited amount of blogging that's been happening lately! BUT we have awesome rebranding and look overhauls that are coming very, VERY, soon, and let's face it, I'm not enjoying blogging on this blog anymore. SO, lots of gorgeous pretty will be coming very soon, including some incredible wedding recaps to blog. Patience is a virtue, right?! But, I had to share great news that we have just been approved to join the Southern Weddings family as a #blueribbonvendor in the Southern Weddings Blue Ribbon Vendor directory! See our directory here…

  • Nashville Wedding Planning Event for Brides

    Mary Alice
    11 Mar 2013 | 9:37 am
    Ladies, we all know that wedding planning can be a stressful process, especially if you don't have the help of a professional wedding planner or have the time to dedicate to planning your wedding. Let's face it, planning a wedding is a FULL.TIME.JOB! Are you looking for inspiration for your wedding design? Are you looking for answers to your planning questions? Are you still looking for many different vendors for your wedding day team to bring your event to life?  Join us for the 2nd annual StudioWed Nashville: Wedding Experience  Hosted at Ruby Nashville  Sunday,…

  • Nashville Wedding Professionals Event

    Mary Alice
    11 Feb 2013 | 8:54 am
    As a professional business, there are many things to think about to protect both you, your business, and your client. Whether you’re a seasoned business professional or a new business, the Law School for Wedding Professionals workshop will provide you legal advice, direction and guidance for you to refresh your business or a blueprint to get your business started the right way. Law School for Wedding Professionals, lead by attorney Katy Carrier, is a full day of education designed to help you understand and implement policies, practices and protections for your business.  Location:…

  • Nashville Wedding Planning Workshop

    Mary Alice
    6 Feb 2013 | 12:23 pm
    Are you interested in the wedding planning industry and starting your own business? Have you recently started your wedding planning business and are looking for ways to better your business or to get answers to unknown questions? The Wisdom Workshop for Wedding Planners is back! This annual event led by Mary Alice Sublett of A Delightful Day and Kristin Kaplan of Simply Stunning Events which was created after receiving so many inquiries and questions about the wedding planning industry and how to develop a thriving…

  • Modern Trousseau event, Nashville bridal gowns

    Mary Alice
    10 Jan 2013 | 3:37 pm
    If you're a newly engaged bride, or a bride still looking for "THE" perfect dress, come to this fabulous event hosted by Modern Trousseau and StudioWed Nashville. Try on gorgeous, one-of-a-kind dresses, sample some yummy food and drink, and meet some of the best vendors in town to incorporate into your perfect wedding day!  RSVP via Modern Trousseau's Facebook page here!   We look forward to seeing and talking with you there! Nashville weddings | Nashville wedding planning | Nashville wedding gowns | Modern Trousseau  ~ Mary Alice  Nashville…
 
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    HotelChatter -

  • Barcelona : Space Hotels on Earth the Next Novel Experience for Travelers?

    wakeandwander
    20 May 2013 | 2:46 pm
    We've gone over the fact that space hotels in space aren't going to happen anytime soon, but what about space hotels on earth? An agreement was signed recently with Mobilona LLC to manage the financing of a space hotel on Barcelona Island off the coast of Catalonia, Spain. Details are few and far between at this stage, but we will admit that what we're reading sounds pretty damn cool. The proposed project will have about 2,000 rooms and residences, each equipped with "immersive wall and surface displays that provide panoramic impressions of the universe."

  • Los Angeles: Now, Here are Three Hotels in LA You Can Actually Book

    juliana
    20 May 2013 | 2:31 pm
    This morning, we rounded up some of the planned luxury hotels coming to this world and while we're excited to stay in those future hotels, that's, like, years away at this point. We need something to satiate our new hotel fix now. Luckily, we don't have to fly around the world--just to Los Angeles. Here are three hotels that are now taking reservations: · The Line Hotel, Los Angeles: The first Korean-American-inspired hotel in Los Angeles will open now on September 16. Rates on the website are going for about $349 a night, $319 if you use your AAA card. Inside the hotel will be a bar…

  • New York: NYLO's First NYC Hotel is Ready to "Meet Its Maker"

    juliana
    20 May 2013 | 11:31 am
    Back in March we got a preview of the upcoming NYLO Hotel on Manhattan's Upper West Side which will open inside the existing On the Ave Hotel. Today, we learn the hotel is nearly finished with a June/July opening on the horizon but there's also a way to stay in one of the NYLO rooms as early as tomorrow night. We chatted up Michael Suomi of Stonehill + Taylor, the architecture and interior design firm responsible for the NYLO Hotel (and the man behind the awesome Hyatt House chair) to get more detes on just what to expect from NYLO's first-ever New York City hotel.Suomi and his team at S+T…

  • Bangkok: W Bangkok Loves Their Room-Wide Tech, And So Do We

    jetflyboy
    20 May 2013 | 9:31 am
    There's no question we were enamored with all of the shiny objects the W Bangkok had to offer us from the moment we stepped foot into gem-toned guest room. The one thing that managed to take us away from the glitz and glam trance was on the bedside table. No, it wasn't the notepad and pen, it was their high-tech wireless tablet that's like a little handheld butler. The tablet, tempting us with the message, "Do what you want, I'm yours" couldn't get into our hands fast enough. After a few minutes we were trying out all the different settings from the do-not-disturb sign to the climate control…

  • Dallas: These Boots Were Made For Runnin' With the Hotel Palomar Dallas GM

    ASchechter
    20 May 2013 | 8:31 am
    Between aerial yoga and those in-room work out videos we posted last month, it's been a very exciting time for hotel fitness amenities. Keeping up with the trend is Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Dallas, who just launched a new "Travel Lite" wellness package. Among the offerings are: in-room yoga mats, loanable bikes, and, our favorite: a morning run with the hotel GM, Andrew Wright. We were curious just what makes Wright such a good running buddy...so, we asked him. Here's what he had to say:
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    Marriott on the Move

  • The Natural Gas Revolution Begins in Newark

    Marriott on the Move
    20 May 2013 | 2:06 pm
    Ready for my first ride in the Courtyard's green van Marriott has a companywide program called “Spirit to Preserve.”  It’s a global effort to protect the planet.  It’s up to each hotel to make it happen.  I was visiting the Courtyard Newark Liberty International Airport Hotel around Earth Day and was shown new “green” airport shuttle vans.  I’ve been in my share of shuttle vans, but these two run on natural gas.  I learned that it’s during refueling that 50% of a vehicle’s fumes escape, and that natural gas vehicles emit almost zero…

  • If Phyllis Wasn't Here, I Don't Know if I Would be

    Marriott on the Move
    13 May 2013 | 1:55 pm
      Phyllis has guarded my door for 25 years I’ve known Phyllis Hester for 45 years.  The first 20, we went to church together.  The last 25 were as my executive assistant guarding the entrance to my office.  She’s one of this year’s recipients of Marriott’s “Awards of Excellence,” our top honor.  Let me tell you a couple of stories about her.  Number one, she’s fabulous.  She gets to the office before eight, leaves after five and eats lunch at her desk in spite of my encouraging her to go to the cafeteria or someplace else.  She’s…

  • No Boring Annual Reports Here

    Marriott on the Move
    6 May 2013 | 2:04 pm
    When you think of the words “annual report,” you probably think of a lot of pages of small numbers that only an accountant could understand.  But many annual reports are beautiful magazine-like corporate narratives.  It’s a chance to tell a story beyond the numbers.  That’s why – even though the SEC doesn’t require it – most companies start out with a nice cover and some pretty pages. Marriott International’s 2012 annual report, “See the World,” is one of our best.  It also includes a video and other online features.  Deciding on the theme and…

  • LISTEN: Thomas Jefferson’s “Art of Power”

    Marriott on the Move
    30 Apr 2013 | 1:18 pm
    A Book Review Anyone who has studied American history knows that Thomas Jefferson was a brilliant thinker who wrote the Declaration of Independence and was our third president, and also founded the University of Virginia.  But I learned so much more by reading Jon Meacham’s new biography, especially the quiet way Jefferson got things done and practiced the art of power. If more politicians had that skill today, it would help us solve many of our country’s problems.  Jon Meacham writes, “He immersed himself in the subtle skills of engaging others, chiefly by offering people…

  • Boston Strong

    Marriott on the Move
    22 Apr 2013 | 12:32 pm
    REFLECTIONS, RELIEF, RESPECT Boston’s most horrible and difficult week is finally over.  Like most of you, I was following the events closely.  I am deeply grateful to law enforcement and our Marriott security teams for keeping thousands of guests safe.  Hotels become safe havens in times of crisis.  Marathon runnners were searching for their families.  Guests were asked to stay in their rooms.  Room service did its best, but there were far too many hungry runners to feed.  A second floor free buffet was set up with the ‘OK’ from police. …
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    The Webinar Blog

  • Patent Suit Could Affect Web Conferencing Industry

    Ken Molay
    8 May 2013 | 8:24 am
    If you follow the web conferencing industry, products, or players it is worth your time to read the following long article from Roland Rick Perry on Seeking Alpha (a website for stock investors): Microsoft's Skype Named In Copytele Web Conferencing Patent Suit Warning - The full article requires a free registration on Seeking Alpha and is rife with grammatical errors and typos… At times it seems as though it was machine-converted from another language. If you prefer to simply read the short press release about the lawsuit (no background analysis), you can click here. Seeking Alpha is…

  • Should You Use Polls In Webinars?

    Ken Molay
    5 May 2013 | 5:38 pm
    Let's get your point of view as a webinar attendee and see how it matches other people's opinions about webinar polls. I would like you to answer this poll from your experience attending webinars, not hosting or presenting them. As a webinar ATTENDEE, how do you feel about interactive polls during a presentation? Always a waste of time Usually a waste of time Sometimes good, sometimes bad Usually worthwhile Always worthwhile pollcode.com free polls  (I have no idea what will happen to this widget inside of an email or feed reader. If you can't see the poll above this line, please visit the…

  • WebEx Reporting Insanity

    Ken Molay
    1 May 2013 | 2:41 pm
    I just finished one month of repeated emails, phone calls, and online test sessions with Cisco WebEx tech support. We found the answer to the problem I originally reported to them and in an attempt to save others the same frustration I thought I would write it up in this post. The symptom I observed was that the In-Event Activity Report for one of my WebEx Event Center webinars contained columns showing results for some of the polls we had run, but others were missing. It turns out that this was because WEBEX ONLY CAPTURES IN-EVENT ACTIVITY INFORMATION WHILE THE RECORDER IS RUNNING. My first…

  • New Presentation Aid For PowerPoint

    Ken Molay
    30 Apr 2013 | 8:31 am
    I just tried out a cute little add-in utility for PowerPoint called MagPointer. It gives presenters some convenient ways to interactively highlight information on PowerPoint slides during a slideshow presentation. If your web conferencing software relies on screen sharing to display slides to attendees, it might be worth a look. In a nutshell, MagPointer adds point-and-click icons on the right margin of your presentation when you put PowerPoint into slideshow mode. You can click the icons while a slide is displayed to highlight various pieces of content by framing them with a border line,…

  • Tips For Webinar Polls

    Ken Molay
    28 Apr 2013 | 8:55 pm
    Interactive audience polls are a marvelous feature of web conferencing software. They can engage an audience and give them an opportunity to feel like an active part of the discussion, even when there are too many audience members to hear from and respond to each individual. Unfortunately, polls are often used poorly in webinars. Let's go over a few considerations and best practices in webinar polling. 1) Don't start your webinar with a poll. Your audience came to get something from you. If the first thing they see is a request for them to give YOU information, the psychology is turned around…
 
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    ConventionPlanit.com Meeting & Events Blog

  • Visit Anchorage Event

    maureen-pickell
    6 May 2013 | 7:25 am
    ConventionPlanit.com supplier partner member Visit Anchorage came to the Denver area last week for a luncheon event attended by local meeting planners. Hosted by Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, participants enjoyed a delicious meal topped only by the excellent service. Along with finding out why their next meeting should be in Anchorage, the audience was treated to a history lesson by “Professor” Jim Henderson, Vice President, Convention Sales. The city of Anchorage got its start as a tent city in 1915 when the site was selected as the base for the construction of the Alaska Railroad.

  • MEC 2013

    Muzette Randall
    29 Apr 2013 | 3:18 pm
    The 2013 Meetings Exploration Conference was held on April 24 – 26th at the Georgia International Convention Center. Meeting Professionals International Georgia Chapter hosted the event. This year’s conference was titled RE:Imagine, highlighting an expanded and more creative program than ever before. Wyndham Hotel GroupConventionPlanit’s newest member!The audio-visual components included an LED Wall, 3-D Mapping, dynamic general session speakers and a lounge in the exhibit hall set up to meet clients and network. The conference featured a new twist on breakout sessions by…

  • Meeting Venues Re-Imagined

    Ashley Chalmers
    26 Apr 2013 | 9:34 am
    As a meeting organizer, would you ever think of staging your event in a storage container or present your attendees with a lounge chair so they could stretch out flat in order to watch a screen mounted on the ceiling? If not, you need to dust off your imagination and be aware that creating innovative spaces will be an important component of meeting planning moving forward. At a panel discussion during the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado’s Annual Conference, attendees were treated to ways you can work with venues to re-design meeting space to ensure innovation, collaboration and…

  • MIC of Colorado Educational Conference & Tradeshow Recap

    maureen-pickell
    4 Apr 2013 | 8:59 am
    Your intrepid ConventionPlanit.com Blogger came out of her winter hibernation to attend the 13th Annual Meetings Industry Council (MIC) of Colorado Educational Conference and Trade Show in Denver last week. Held at the Colorado Convention Center, the event attracted a combined audience of 900+ planners and suppliers for education and networking. General Sessions produced varied  presentations ranging from one acrobatic speaker tumbling across the stage in order to exhibit “how to be your best when it matters most” to a more “staid” panel discussion  on “The Changing Space of…

  • How to Keep Food & Beverage from Taking a Bite Out of Your Budget

    Ashley Chalmers
    2 Apr 2013 | 11:18 am
    Savvy meeting planners are always looking for ways to keep costs down without compromising quality for attendees. Food and beverage always consumes a large part of any meeting’s budget, but there are ways to help take a “bite” out of this expense. Meeting planners from across the nation shared their favorite tricks of the trade when it comes to saving on food and beverage costs by posting them on the popular ConventionPlanit.com Stellar Tips list. Beverages *        Serve pitchers of water with and without slices of lemon. Attendees love the twist of lemon and it cuts down on…
 
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    Elite Meetings Blog

  • Focus on Scotland

    Susan Campbell
    14 May 2013 | 3:12 pm
    When it comes to destinations with powerful appeal, Scotland has it all: rich culture, history, natural beauty, and, for meeting professionals, hospitality standards that virtually guarantee a crowd-pleasing event. These venues, from a site visit in April, suggest the range of offerings for upscale and luxury groups. Name: Stirling Castle Location: an hour from both Edinburgh and Glasgow What Groups Can Expect: An imposing, impressive site for atmospheric events in the heart of Braveheart country. The sixteenth-century castle, voted Britain’s #1 Top Heritage Attraction by Which?, includes…

  • What’s New for the Show’s Chicago Debut?

    Susan Campbell
    13 May 2013 | 3:48 pm
    With registrations on the rise, a robust education program in place, and new places at the show to recharge, AIBTM promises to be productive and enjoyable, too. The following show particulars will have you primed and ready to go. If you’re attending, you’ll be in good company. Even weeks before AIBTM makes its Chicago debut (June 11-13, 2013), the show has surpassed last year’s numbers. Both exhibitor and hosted buyer group coordinator (or GCO) numbers have seen an increase. AIBTM, which stands for the Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (as if you didn’t…

  • Use the TSNN Top 250 List to Find Ideal Meeting Space

    Martha Brooks
    7 May 2013 | 4:19 pm
    The Trade Show News Network just released its 2012 list of the top 250 trade shows in the United States. Sponsored by MarketArt, the list ranks trade shows based on the net square footage occupied during the event. Topping the list is the Consumer Electronics Association’s gigantic International CES Show. The show was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in January and amassed 1,862,097 square feet of exihibit space. More than 50,000 exhibit personnel participated and nearly 105,000 people attended. Here’s a look at the shows that rounded out the top ten: 2. The International…

  • 10 Takeaways from the Scotland Means Business Show

    Susan Campbell
    3 May 2013 | 12:03 pm
    What makes Scotland so attractive for groups? The 2013 Scotland Means Business show, which took place in Inverness on April 23 and 24, gave insights into the year ahead, the country’s unique attributes, and just how good Scottish hospitality can be. 1. The Scottish hospitality industry really “gets it” when it comes to the needs of North American groups. They’re currently making a $US3.1 billion capital investment into tourism infrastructure across the country, and have spent the better part of a decade ramping up its MICE offerings. Beyond the brick and mortar aspects, Scots are…

  • EliteMeetings.com How To: Share, Print or Send an RFP to an Existing List

    clynch
    3 May 2013 | 8:40 am
    Did you know? EliteMeetings.com allows you to easily create personalized lists as you search for the best hotels for your meetings. Creating lists of your preferred hotels can save you lots of time when sourcing your next event. How so? If you plan multiple events in the same location, you can create a list of your ideal hotels as you search on EliteMeetings.com. Or, if you plan meetings with the same amenity criteria (i.e. golf, spa, city center, etc.), you can save lists of hotels that meet those requirements. Here’s how you can use your lists after you’ve created them: Planning an…
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    Inside The Costume Box

  • CostumeBox Is Proud To Announce Express New Zealand Shipping

    Ned Kelly
    16 May 2013 | 12:22 am
    CostumeBox.com.au is excited to announce our new DHL Fast Service to New Zealand! With a 2-3 business day turn-around, the biggest range of fancy dress costumes in the Southern Hemisphere, and our 100% Happiness Guarantee, we're sure you're going to love shopping with CostumeBox as much as Australia does! Stop by and check out our massive selection of women's, men's, and kid's costumes and accessories. We have all the latest outfits, from Great Gatsby flappers to The Dark Knight Rises Batman, with new arrivals coming in every week to keep things fresh! Spread the word, and get planning for…

  • Win Tickets for The Great Gatsby 'Girl's Night Out' Sydney Preview

    Ned Kelly
    9 May 2013 | 11:00 pm
    Hoyt's Australia has teamed up with Revlon to present a 'Girl's Night Out' special preview of The Great Gatsby... and CostumeBox.com.au wants to send you along!  If you live in the Sydney area, we've got 2 tickets to give away for the Sydney Entertainment Quarter showing on May 27th... All you have to do is enter to win here: Facebook/CostumeBox and cross your fingers your name is drawn on May 23rd. If you aren't in Sydney, don't panic!!! We have a Second Prize of 2 tickets to see The Great Gatsby at your nearest Hoyt's cinema...  Don't forget to check out our ritzy…

  • The Roaring 20s Are Back! View Our Gatsby Inspired Range and Sale

    Ned Kelly
    8 May 2013 | 11:48 pm

  • Pin to Win a Spiderman Birthday Party for Your Little Superhero!

    Ned Kelly
    25 Apr 2013 | 11:46 pm
    Have you got a birthday party coming up? A Spiderman fan in your house? Or just looking for a reason to throw a themed party? Well, CostumeBox has something you're going to love!  We're giving away a Spiderman Party Kit for 8! All you have to do is share this photo on Pinterest and you'll automatically go into our draw to win! *Please Note: This offer is open to residents of Australia and New Zealand only. 

  • Need an Excuse to Dress Up? Join the Frenzy! 24 Hour Sale - 30% Off - Don't Miss Out!

    Ned Kelly
    22 Apr 2013 | 11:46 pm
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    Inside The Costume Box

  • CostumeBox Is Proud To Announce Express New Zealand Shipping

    Ned Kelly
    16 May 2013 | 12:22 am
    CostumeBox.com.au is excited to announce our new DHL Fast Service to New Zealand! With a 2-3 business day turn-around, the biggest range of fancy dress costumes in the Southern Hemisphere, and our 100% Happiness Guarantee, we're sure you're going to love shopping with CostumeBox as much as Australia does! Stop by and check out our massive selection of women's, men's, and kid's costumes and accessories. We have all the latest outfits, from Great Gatsby flappers to The Dark Knight Rises Batman, with new arrivals coming in every week to keep things fresh! Spread the word, and get planning for…

  • Win Tickets for The Great Gatsby 'Girl's Night Out' Sydney Preview

    Ned Kelly
    9 May 2013 | 11:00 pm
    Hoyt's Australia has teamed up with Revlon to present a 'Girl's Night Out' special preview of The Great Gatsby... and CostumeBox.com.au wants to send you along!  If you live in the Sydney area, we've got 2 tickets to give away for the Sydney Entertainment Quarter showing on May 27th... All you have to do is enter to win here: Facebook/CostumeBox and cross your fingers your name is drawn on May 23rd. If you aren't in Sydney, don't panic!!! We have a Second Prize of 2 tickets to see The Great Gatsby at your nearest Hoyt's cinema...  Don't forget to check out our ritzy…

  • The Roaring 20s Are Back! View Our Gatsby Inspired Range and Sale

    Ned Kelly
    8 May 2013 | 11:48 pm

  • Pin to Win a Spiderman Birthday Party for Your Little Superhero!

    Ned Kelly
    25 Apr 2013 | 11:46 pm
    Have you got a birthday party coming up? A Spiderman fan in your house? Or just looking for a reason to throw a themed party? Well, CostumeBox has something you're going to love!  We're giving away a Spiderman Party Kit for 8! All you have to do is share this photo on Pinterest and you'll automatically go into our draw to win! *Please Note: This offer is open to residents of Australia and New Zealand only. 

  • Need an Excuse to Dress Up? Join the Frenzy! 24 Hour Sale - 30% Off - Don't Miss Out!

    Ned Kelly
    22 Apr 2013 | 11:46 pm
 
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    ZipSetGo.com

  • Tweets from Last Night - Building Relationships

    Travelers Night In
    17 May 2013 | 7:28 am
    This week #TNI branched out with a travel theme we have never done before...Building Relationships! HYATT house sponsored the event and one lucky traveler won a stay at any HYATT house, and three others won Patricia Rossi's ettiquette book. If you missed out on the fun, read on for the best stories about meeting new people and networking while on the road. Q1: Handshakes, hugs, name tricks… how do you make a good first impression on the road? read more

  • Top 5 Wildlife Encounters

    Guest Blogger
    30 Apr 2013 | 12:08 pm
    Byline by Natalie Morawietz read more

  • Tweets from Last Night - Movies and Travel!

    Travelers Night In
    26 Apr 2013 | 11:18 am
    Last night Travelers' Night In #TNI was all about Movies and Travel. Lucky for us, Palace Resorts sponsored the chat and gave away an amazing prize - a GoPro Hero3 sports camera to film a great adventure! Read on for travelers' favorite travel movies, documentary recommendations, and even where they'd like to film their own adventure in Mexico. read more

  • Benidorm -- Leave the Stereotypes at Home

    Guest Blogger
    23 Apr 2013 | 1:11 pm
    Byline by Katie Belle Benidorm probably only has one rival when it comes to the competition for the most mocked Spanish beach resort – Torremolinos. It has always been joked about among my friends as the place not to bring a T-shirt back from: to show you’ve been there, along with millions of other Brits. read more

  • Summer Vacation: 5 of the Best Beaches in Florida

    Guest Blogger
    9 Apr 2013 | 7:50 am
    Byline by Amna Alam If you’re looking for summer vacation ideas, look no further than the pristine beaches of Florida. It’s my favourite time of the year to drive down to the southeast in my car (I usually use Alamo USA) and stroll along the shores. Whether you like sunbathing, building sand castles, playing water sports or collecting shells, there’s something for everyone. read more
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    Viktorix

  • The Ultimate Wedding Cost Checklist [INFOGRAPHIC]

    Viktor Nagornyy
    14 May 2013 | 2:45 pm
    In our last year's infographic about the true cost of a wedding, we've looked at the possible expenses associated with weddings. It serves as a good starting point for anyone planning a wedding on a budget. But, if you want to assess your wedding cost to see how everything played out. Aussie Blog has created rather detailed checklist in a form of an infographic to help you look at your budget, vendor estimate and the actual cost. It serves as an excellent tool to review and assess a wedding - a postmortem. Yet, it can also serve as a tool to help you plan your budget as you plan a wedding,…

  • How Important Are Face to Face Meetings [INFOGRAPHIC]

    Viktor Nagornyy
    22 Mar 2013 | 3:39 am
    Online and virtual meetings are becoming more popular in the event industry. They help deliver content without wasting money on location, travel and lodging. You can participate in the luxury of your own home. But, face to face meetings are still very important to many businesses. Nothing can replace the immediate rapport you can establish with someone in person. Over 83% of businesses believe that personal relationships are key to doing business successfully. Bizzabo recently compiled data and created an interesting infographic on how important face to face meetings are to businesses. The…

  • 21 Most Hilarious Tweets from the Grammys

    Viktor Nagornyy
    11 Feb 2013 | 12:46 pm
    Photo by Viktor Nagornyy With social media at events, you get the beauty of audience engagement - like it or not. You get to deal with the good, the bad and the funny. As I had to endure the Grammys yesterday, I did what any other social media savvy individual would do. I went on Twitter. It turns out, it wasn't all too bad. The Twitter commentary kept me entertained throughout the Grammys, something the show wasn't that good at. But, I might be biased, I'm not a pop culture fan. I did enjoy Bob Marley tribute, that was great. Here's a list of 21 most hilarious tweets I saw on Twitter…

  • Events in Crisis: You Need a Plan

    Maggie Crowley
    26 Nov 2012 | 11:56 pm
    NEW YORK (Nov. 7, 2012) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, from Gulfport, Miss., operate a skid steer to remove debris from a residential road during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in Staten Island, N.Y., ahead of a forecasted storm. NMCB-11 is operating under the U.S. Northern Command Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission, working closely with civil authorities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency following the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Martin Cuaron/Released) We can’t…

  • 6 Last Minute Forget-Me-Nots for Event Planners

    Maggie Crowley
    8 Oct 2012 | 7:56 am
    After all the time and effort of planning your special event, the last thing you want is for a small detail to wreak havoc on your big day. Sometimes, the tiniest details have the most lasting impression on guests. Okay, I’m trying not to harp, but you get the idea: you never know what minute error will turn into a disaster. Now, it’s up to you to take care of the big stuff, but I want to share some commonly overlooked tidbits that can make your event perfect down to the very last drop. Here are a few of my favorite (you-better-not-)forget-me-nots. 1. Pens & Pencils Sounds simple, but…
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    ACTIVE Network Business Solutions blog

  • 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Event Management Software: Question #8

    Don Munro
    20 May 2013 | 11:05 am
    We work with a variety of customers from small to mid-sized businesses to global organizations with thousands and hundreds of thousands of employees. But each customer – no matter how large or small – has very similar questions when it comes to buying event technology. We brainstormed the top 10 questions that we believe smart companies should ask before buying event management software. In this blog, I’ll spotlight the importance of each of the questions – and their answers – in a series of 10 posts. Last week, we explored how event management software can improve your relationship…

  • 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Event Management Software: Question #7

    Don Munro
    13 May 2013 | 2:14 pm
    We work with a variety of customers from small to mid-sized businesses to global organizations with thousands and hundreds of thousands of employees. But each customer – no matter how large or small – has very similar questions when it comes to buying event technology. We brainstormed the top 10 questions that we believe smart companies should ask before buying event management software. In this blog, I’ll spotlight the importance of each of the questions – and their answers – in a series of 10 posts. Post # 7 in our series focuses on the question: “How will event technology boost…

  • 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Event Management Software: Question #6

    Don Munro
    6 May 2013 | 11:50 am
    We work with a variety of customers from small to mid-sized businesses to global organizations with thousands and hundreds of thousands of employees. But each customer – no matter how large or small – has very similar questions when it comes to buying event technology. We brainstormed the top 10 questions that we believe smart companies should ask before buying event management software. In this blog, I’ll spotlight the importance of each of the questions – and their answers – in a series of 10 posts. Thanks for following this blog series. In our last post, we discussed how event…

  • 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Event Management Software: Question #5

    Don Munro
    30 Apr 2013 | 5:15 am
    We work with a variety of customers from small to mid-sized businesses to global organizations with thousands and hundreds of thousands of employees. But each customer – no matter how large or small – has very similar questions when it comes to buying event technology. We brainstormed the top 10 questions that we believe smart companies should ask before buying event management software.  In this blog, I’ll spotlight the importance of each of the questions – and their answers – in a series of 10 posts. How to improve the event experience for attendees? Make their lives simpler! In…

  • 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Event Management Software: Question #4

    Don Munro
    22 Apr 2013 | 5:00 am
    We work with a variety of customers from small to mid-sized businesses to global organizations with thousands and hundreds of thousands of employees. But each customer – no matter how large or small – has very similar questions when it comes to buying event management software.  We brainstormed the top 10 questions that we believe smart companies should ask before buying event management software. In this blog, I’ll spotlight the importance of each of the questions – and their answers – in a series of 10 posts. In this post, we’d like to talk about one of the most important…
 
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    icon-presentations.com

  • Four Quick Tips for Saving $$ on Event Audio Visual

    Jenise Fryatt
    17 May 2013 | 10:55 am
    Sound n' SightLast week my friends Lindsay Rosenthal and Liz King over at Event Alley, asked me to share a few tips for saving money on AV with their event planning listeners.  I thought of a couple and after also consulting with the true AV whiz in the family, my hubby Mike Fryatt, I shared the following. Understand Objectives of In-House vs. Outside Audio Visual Companies Going with the in-house audio visual service provider at your venue may be easy, but it won't always save you money, let alone provide you with the best bang for your buck. In-house AV companies have to pay a…

  • The New Breed of Meeting Professional: Q&A with Miguel Neves

    Jenise Fryatt
    9 May 2013 | 1:18 pm
    Sound n' SightMiguel Neves could be said to embody a breed of meeting professional perfectly suited to the 2013 industry landscape. At a time when seismic change rocks businesses everywhere, let alone the meetings & events that propel them, Miguel's combination of personal initiative, persistence, passion and curiosity has certainly served him well.  An event producer since 2005, Miguel has risen to prominent positions within both Meeting Professionals International (MPI) where he holds a double role as vice president of  finance and director of online marketing for MPI's United…

  • Why Now is a Great Time to be an Event Planner

    Jenise Fryatt
    26 Apr 2013 | 12:09 pm
    Sound n' SightIf you are an event or meeting planner, your time has come. The age of the Internet has made connecting people together more important than ever and that's exactly what YOU do.  Now I know that things are moving fast these days and we are all very busy, but have you stopped to ponder the tenor of the times in which we live and how it relates to event professionals? Networking Marketing has had a make-over. No longer is it about repetition, name recognition and loud, widely spread broadcasting. The focus is clearly on building one on one relationships. And meetings and…

  • Produce Quality Hybrid Events Without Breaking the Bank

    Jenise Fryatt
    11 Apr 2013 | 2:11 pm
    Sound n' SightHybrid events with all the bells and whistles can be costly affairs. The combination of live online communication with streaming via the Internet has provided event organizers with a great way to extend their audience reach and contain travel costs. But do you really need a semi-truck load of technical tools to ensure a quality hybrid event experience? Absolutetly not. Not long ago,  I was fortunate to be part of MPI's research into hybrid events. One thing we learned right off the bat is that in most cases, rather than depending on high tech solutions, success hinges on a…

  • Demystifying Audio Visual With Brandt Krueger

    Jenise Fryatt
    2 Apr 2013 | 11:55 am
    Sound n' Sight Brandt Krueger can make audio visual seem interesting, easy to understand and almost fun. As "the man on the headset" for most of metroConnections' large scale meetings and events, calling the show for hundreds of productions, and continuing to call two to four productions a month, he certainly knows his stuff.   But in the three years I've known him, I've seen him speak about audio visual on a few occasions and each time I'm amazed, not only by how much I learn, but also by how much I enjoy the process. So when I heard he would be presenting a session entitled "Audio…
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    Corporate Event Planning & Incentive Travel | Cvent

  • IMEX Frankfurt 2013: Cool Events You Won't Want to Miss

    Anne Thornley-Brown
    19 May 2013 | 11:45 pm
    The doors for IMEX Frankfurt 2013 swing open in the morning, there will be many incredible exhibits and a chance to network with event planners and hospitality industry professionals from around the world. Hosted buyers, visitors and exhibitors will be able to get a lot of business done this week but do remember to carve out some downtime. Here is a quick sample of receptions and events that various exhibitors will be offering. Pre-registration is required for some events. Happy Hours While a couple of exhibitors like Cyrus and the Hub Hotel at the Italy booth are featuring all day Happy…

  • Planner Smarts: 13 Tips for Designing Dazzling DVDs

    Anne Thornley-Brown
    17 May 2013 | 7:45 am
    One of the best ways for event planners to add value for their clients is to offer them the option of creating a video to capture event highlights. My company has arranged DVDs and videos for a number of our corporate clients and we recently recently shot another one. Based on these experiences, here are some best practices to keep in mind: Get quotes from at least 3 suppliers and review samples of their work. It may be surprising but there can be quite a range in what videographers charge. Don't let a low budget stop you from considering the possibility of videos. There are many film and…

  • Selecting the Right Season For Outdoor Team Building and Corporate Events

    Anne Thornley-Brown
    16 May 2013 | 7:45 am
    There are incredible outdoor team building and adventures for corporate groups in every corner of the globe. We have profiled a number of them right here on the Cvent Event Blog. Unfortunately, corporate groups can end up being disappointed if they select destinations or try to book outdoor activities in the wrong season. To help plan the right outdoor activity at the right time, here is a quick calendar to ensure your group doesn't miss out on activities they want to enjoy:  The Middle East Mid-October to Mid-November A full range of outdoor activities including desert safaris,…

  • Incentive Destinations: The Wonders of Jordan

    Anne Thornley-Brown
    15 May 2013 | 7:45 am
    With panoramic views from rocky vistas, lush seaside resorts and ancient sites like Petra, corporate groups seeking a unique Middle Eastern destination for meetings, conferences and corporate events should consider Jordan. Petra Petra, one of the 7 Wonders of the ancient World and a UNESCO World heritage site, is where the ancient Nabataeans carved their homes in the clefts of rocks about 7,000 - 6,500 BC. Sand covered Petra and perfectly preserved the ancient city until it was re-discovered in 1812. Hotels near Petra include Moevenpick Resort Petra. Near Petra, corporate groups can camp out…

  • Re-capturing the Attention of Rowdy Meeting Participants

    Anne Thornley-Brown
    13 May 2013 | 7:45 am
    Capturing attention can be a challenge when participants get rowdy, or even if there is a lot of cross-talk. Simply speaking louder and trying to shout over the group is likely to backfire. Not only do you risk alienating the group, you can risk irritating your vocal chords.  Set-up for Success Set the stage at the beginning of the meeting by letting the group know that, from time to time, you will be checking in to ensure that content is relevant and targeted. Create a short "How are we doing?" form. Put a few of them upside down in the center of each table. Let participants…
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    PlannerWire

  • Hanging by the Meeting Pool

    Keith Johnston
    8 May 2013 | 11:15 am
    What have I been up too? Where have you been? Any new articles coming? These are just a few of the questions that I have been getting lately. Truth be told, I have been hanging out at the pool….. Not... Read the rest at PlannerWire

  • A Slick Evernote Trick for Meeting and Event Planners

    Bob Toovey
    19 Mar 2013 | 8:05 am
    The more I explore Evernote the more I love it. There are so many business uses for it and not just for organising projects or staff. I really like the idea that it can be used as an organised... Read the rest at PlannerWire

  • Why you Need an Online Community for your Offline Event

    Eran Ben Shushan
    18 Mar 2013 | 9:28 am
    Not so many years ago, the community we belonged to was determined by our physical location. Thanks to the emergence of the web, social media and mobile devices, distance has less impact on our... Read the rest at PlannerWire

  • Images are Essential to Your Event

    Keith Johnston
    18 Mar 2013 | 8:25 am
    About once per year, my seven year old son accompanies me to a client event. He does this with the client’s enthusiastic permission as the event is pretty kid friendly (it deals with animal... Read the rest at PlannerWire

  • Technology – The Missing Piece for Meetings and Events

    William Thomson
    12 Mar 2013 | 1:02 pm
    Technology – with the important caveat of when it is used properly – is adding significantly to every area within our events. We see it playing a supporting role, through the cell or... Read the rest at PlannerWire
 
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    EventIQ Blog

  • Red Deer student won’t let go of the past

    Ken
    13 May 2013 | 12:37 am
    It’s easy to lose focus in the senior year of high school; there’s a lot of hoopla around grad with talk about limousine rides, fancy dresses and of course a big dance. But Laura MacTaggart, a participant and planner for her school’s Grad Service Committee, manages to keep everything in perspective. A senior at Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame High School, MacTaggart is not only ensuring that her graduation year is memorable, she is making sure a fellow classmate who won’t be graduating this year, is remembered. To to honour a classmate who can’t be with her to…

  • Chance encounter changes life

    Ken
    10 May 2013 | 9:30 am
    A hero on the hardwood, Jordan Kelso doesn’t need lessons in how to be motivated. Kelso, a Frank Maddock High School senior, doesn`t have much space in his trophy case – he’s been part of two league championship teams, won several tournaments and was named the school’s Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year. It wasn`t until he met 16-year-old Eric Stitzenberger that he was truly inspired. Stitzenberger  was asked to serve as the team’s manager; filling up water bottles and helping out in practice. Knowing that Stitzenberger was passionate and knowledgeable about…

  • Learning from ATLE 2012 Conference

    Mitch Lieu
    8 May 2013 | 11:19 am
    Alberta Technology Leader in Education is a conference that supports education through the convergence of learning, leadership and technology. Kelsea Rose Klassen, a student who is currently becoming a teacher shares her experience with last year’s conference and how informative the keynote speaker Drew Dudley was. What I couldn’t agree more is what she takes away from the conference. “We have to take pride in our accomplishments, especially as future teachers, because we are role models and if we can not accept a compliment how are we supposed to teach others to.  We build…

  • Feature Focus: Manage guest responses

    Ken
    6 May 2013 | 12:26 am
    A common question from non-InviteRight users is what happens when guests RSVP or register for their event? Where does the information go? One of the best features about using InviteRight is you have access to every guest response whenever you want it, simply by signing into your administration area. And guests are automatically send a confirmation email listing their RSVP/registration details. After you have opened your event to registration, sign in to your Administration Area to view who has responded for each event created. From your admin area you can also: View a summary of all the…

  • 5 Ideas to Save Your Next Event

    Ken
    5 May 2013 | 7:27 am
    Working for eventIQ has given me the luxury of experiencing many different types of events and while every gala has similarities – tables, chairs, food – each one has something unique about it. Even though I’ve managed to hang around here for two years now, I still haven’t experienced as many fundraising events David Kravinchuk who works with fundraisers to enhance their donor campaigns. Kravinchuk, who cut his fundraising teeth at the MS Society of Canada and now consults through Fundraising Pharmacy, recently spoke at a luncheon for the Association of Fundraising…
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    ABCey Events » Blog

  • ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 5.9.13 – 5.12.13

    Monica Smith
    9 May 2013 | 11:00 am
    There’s lots going on in the Bay Area this weekend! Concerts, festivals, Mother’s Day on Sunday…you’re certainly not going to find yourself bored. ABCey has gathered up some events for quite a musical weekend! 1. Bottle Rock Napa Valley | May 8-12 | Napa | BottleRock is a five-day, delicacy-fueled foray into the absolute best music, comedy, wine, food, and beer the world has to offer.For five days, downtown Napa will be the epicenter of a collision of music, food and wine that will reverberate for miles around. The lineup for this festival is amazing!  2. Silicon…

  • Top 10 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

    Monica Smith
    8 May 2013 | 8:49 am
     This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and it’s time to show the most important woman in your life how much she means to you! Planning an outing with Mom is a great way to ensure a good time. Gestures small and large are always appreciated, but sometimes we’re stumped for ideas. ABCey has helped by creating a list of things that you and Mother can do together this Sunday! 1. Enjoy a game: Moms love sports just as much as Dads do! Even if your Mom isn’t the biggest sports fan, Bay Area teams are doing so well that there’s no better time to get her interested. The…

  • Tech Tuesday: The Pocket TV

    Christine Chang
    7 May 2013 | 10:25 am
    Tech Tuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. ABCey would like to recognize these up and coming companies for their innovative ideas and ability to think outside the box! Tech companies are always coming out with all sorts and sizes of new and innovative gadgets! A few months ago, Apple released the iPad mini and it’s no secret that most smartphones possess the most basic functions of a tablet. Today, we’re featuring The Pocket TV, a connecting dongle that creates a regular TV screen into a “smart” TV. The Pocket TV is a clever device that…

  • Startup Monday: TripIt

    Monica Smith
    5 May 2013 | 7:52 pm
    Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that features some of the best and brightest companies in the Bay Area. They are often companies that we have our eye on or have worked with in the past that we would like to share with the friends and followers of ABCey Events.  As event planners, we are well aware of the frustration that turns up after attempting to organize a trip. With so many details to worry about, people often end up losing track of valuable information or forgetting to tie up all the loose ends of what they’ve worked so hard to plan.  Luckily, there’s a mobile app…

  • ABCey’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Checklist

    Monica Smith
    3 May 2013 | 8:35 am
    We love all different kinds of events, but a Cinco de Mayo fiesta always seems to be near the top of the list when it comes to our favorite reasons to celebrate! There’s something about margaritas in May that just feels right. ABCey has compiled a list of things you’ll need this Sunday to throw the ultimate Cinco de Mayo fiesta! 1. Tasty drinks There are countless variations of the classic margarita. Brit+Co put together an awesome list of ways to change things up with your margs this year! 2. Festive decorations Not all of us are super creative, but here are decorating ideas…
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    Science Meetings

  • Good Advice from One+

    strategicresults
    23 Apr 2013 | 9:44 am
    One+ Magazine is a pretty reliable, monthly source of smart tips for meeting planning and other management scenarios. Here are a couple highlights from the latest issue, available online here. On Managing Communities Yvonne Nassa, head of marketing & innovation at Amsterdam RAI, writes about the role of meeting planners as community managers. What used to be about “facilitating two-dimensional physical meetings” has evolved into “providing a stage for meaningful dialogues,” both physically and virtually, before, during, and after the meeting. Thanks to advances like the Internet…

  • Want Airlines to Listen? Fill Out a Survey

    strategicresults
    19 Apr 2013 | 11:49 am
    Have you ever taken a customer satisfaction survey with an airline, only to feel like they aren’t really listening? Well, according to Scott McCartney of the Wall Street Journal, it turns out they are—and the flying experience can only get better because of it. Says McCartney, “Airline surveys are influencing everything from menu choices to airport and airplane repairs, not to mention employee training and executive bonuses.” The fact is that airlines would much rather hear out your grievances on a survey than see you file complaints with the Department of Transportation, or worse:…

  • The Downside of Virtual Meetings

    strategicresults
    14 Mar 2013 | 2:35 pm
    We have posted before about the advantages of virtual meetings. But in the interest of accuracy, we’d be remiss to ignore any disadvantages, as well. According to Sue Hatch of MeetingsNet, there’s a pretty glaring one: virtual meetings can stifle creativity, compared to face-to-face interaction. At an exhibition in Germany, a research group called Meetology set up pairs of participants to work on creative tasks. The pairs were made to work in one of three settings: face-to-face, on the phone, or via videoconference. The researchers than judged the results based on “quantity, quality,…

  • Watch Out for Hotel Fees

    strategicresults
    3 Mar 2013 | 9:15 pm
    You know those annoying extra fees which most airlines try tack onto your (already costly) flight experience? Well, watch out: it turns out that hotels are following their lead, according to Christopher Elliott of the Washington Post. The good news is it hasn’t gotten nearly as ubiquitous as airline fees—yet. Common fees to watch for include charges for “exercise equipment, wireless Internet access, printing your boarding pass and using the pool.” The hotel might never inform you about these costs, and worse still, you might be forced to pay them even if you never used the facilities…

  • How to Get Someone’s Attention When it Matters

    strategicresults
    22 Feb 2013 | 1:01 pm
    Tim Sanders of One+ Magazine has coined an elegant term for the needs of a modern, up-and-coming businessman. Return On Attention (ROA), says Sanders, is absolutely crucial. These days, between e-mails, social media, and other channels, successful people receive so many requests for attention that many of them are filtered out altogether. But your business needs attention to thrive—you need that call returned, that meeting attended. There is so much “noise” today that people need to ignore a lot of it, or else overwhelm themselves. If you want attention, you need to make yourself worth…
 
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    Plan Your Meetings

  • Mega-meeting trends in 2013

    Stacey Ruth
    20 May 2013 | 10:09 am
    Within each of these trends are many related trends. What have you seen invade the meeting landscape, for better or for worse?

  • New perks for meeting travelers from Delta, SkyTeam

    Plan Your Meetings
    20 May 2013 | 9:15 am
    Delta Air Lines and SkyTeam, a global airline alliance, have announced a program that gives meeting attendees a self-booking option and lets them confirm discounted travel on any of 19 SkyTeam member airlines. These reservations are booked through a dedicated portal on SkyTeam.com, with discounts of up to 15 percent. To qualify, events must have at [...]

  • Raleigh Exhibitors/Partners

    Plan Your Meetings
    16 May 2013 | 4:37 pm
    The exhibitors at PYM LIVE Events are Plan Your Meetings partners. Our partners help fund our programs, and they are the reason we are able to deliver free and affordable resources to you. We encourage you to support our partners.

  • How to slide into your presentations with confidence

    Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM,
    16 May 2013 | 10:52 am
    Securing the right ballroom for your meeting is essential for a successful event, but it’s only part of the equation. Managing the content and presentations is equally critical.

  • Weekly deals and highlights: May 15, 2013

    Plan Your Meetings
    15 May 2013 | 1:11 pm
    In this issue: @westinstfr @visitgrapevine @CobbGalleria @CobbEnergyPac @atlantiscasino AMA Executive Conference Centers
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    Plan Your Meetings

  • Mega-meeting trends in 2013

    Stacey Ruth
    20 May 2013 | 10:09 am
    Within each of these trends are many related trends. What have you seen invade the meeting landscape, for better or for worse?

  • New perks for meeting travelers from Delta, SkyTeam

    Plan Your Meetings
    20 May 2013 | 9:15 am
    Delta Air Lines and SkyTeam, a global airline alliance, have announced a program that gives meeting attendees a self-booking option and lets them confirm discounted travel on any of 19 SkyTeam member airlines. These reservations are booked through a dedicated portal on SkyTeam.com, with discounts of up to 15 percent. To qualify, events must have at [...]

  • Raleigh Exhibitors/Partners

    Plan Your Meetings
    16 May 2013 | 4:37 pm
    The exhibitors at PYM LIVE Events are Plan Your Meetings partners. Our partners help fund our programs, and they are the reason we are able to deliver free and affordable resources to you. We encourage you to support our partners.

  • How to slide into your presentations with confidence

    Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM,
    16 May 2013 | 10:52 am
    Securing the right ballroom for your meeting is essential for a successful event, but it’s only part of the equation. Managing the content and presentations is equally critical.

  • Weekly deals and highlights: May 15, 2013

    Plan Your Meetings
    15 May 2013 | 1:11 pm
    In this issue: @westinstfr @visitgrapevine @CobbGalleria @CobbEnergyPac @atlantiscasino AMA Executive Conference Centers
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    Thoughtfully Simple

  • Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts

    Your Hostess
    10 May 2013 | 10:29 am
    You love your mom, we all love our moms. Remember making those cute Mother’s day gifts from Mom is school? You know the ones that included things like popsicle sticks, glue and glitter? Mom loved your homemade gifts then and will surely appreciate these grown up homemade Mother’s Day Gifts. Pick one, make one, put a smile on Mom’s face.  Muffins and Mimosas gift basket.  Painted wood bead necklace DIY Mother’s Day Planter So, what are you making Mom this year? Leave a comment and let me know! Pin It

  • (Single serve) summer salads

    Your Hostess
    28 Mar 2013 | 6:02 pm
    Single serve summer salads. Say that twice. It’s barely spring but the warmer weather just makes me even more anxious for summer to arrive. One thing I love to do in the warmer months is to entertain outdoors (who’s with me?). One thing that is always tricky to dish out at a casual backyard gathering are salads. Rather than having guests pile up the leafy greens on their way through the potluck line, why not have individual serving sizes ready for them to grab and go? I also really like this idea because it opens up to the possibility of serving salad as an appetizer! Small…

  • Simple Easter Brunch

    Your Hostess
    27 Mar 2013 | 1:00 am
    If your Easter morning is anything like ours, it’s full of giggles and kiddos running around collecting eggs in their Pajamas and slippers. Some years we have Grandma and Grandpa over in the morning and other years it’s just us. One constant is that we are busy — very early in the morning. I wanted to share with you some simple ideas for your Easter breakfast or Easter brunch that won’t require you to be stuck in the kitchen (missing all the fun). My advice is to make it easy on yourself. You can create an impressive morning spread without all the hassle, check it out:…

  • Cute Easter Breakfast Idea

    Your Hostess
    26 Mar 2013 | 1:39 pm
    Today I’m sharing the perfect easy + cute Easter breakfast idea with you. My girls will LOVE coming downstairs to this on Easter weekend. I think I’ll surprise them on Saturday because I can’t stand waiting until Sunday to dish this up for breakfast! This really couldn’t be more simple. Orange Juice, a donut hole (plus a cute patterned lollipop stick of course) and a bowl of yogurt topped with fun sprinkles. Plus, check out the darling wooden spoon – so cute!   Don’t forget the cute Easter printable to tie it all together: “Some Bunny loves…

  • Easter Centerpiece Ideas

    Your Hostess
    24 Mar 2013 | 4:57 pm
    Are you in need of some simple {yet stunning} Easter centerpiece ideas? How about an impressive arrangement to welcome Spring? I saw these gorgeous and creative Easter centerpiece ideas by Martha Stewart and just had to share! This tulip basket is simply stunning and so unique, destined to be a conversation starter. I love how fresh this looks, and would also be fitting for a Mother’s Day brunch. Gather your cakes stands, eggcups and a few fresh blooms for a tiered centerpiece. Transform hallowed out Easter eggs into festive votive candle holders or display my personal favorite, spring…
 
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    Austin Social Planner

  • FIVE FOR FRIDAY Experiences the 2013 Downtown Living Tour

    Kevin Smothers
    17 May 2013 | 7:00 am
    It’s the end of the week, which means it must be time for another installment of our Five for Friday feature, where we give you five fun facts about an upcoming event. Today, we feature the Downtown Living Tour, organized by the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA), which takes place this Sunday, May 19, from 10:30am to 5pm at a variety of locations across the central city. So put your urban thinking caps on kids, and see if you are as knowledgeable about downtown living as you think you are! For instance, did you know: 1.  While you may think that downtown living is all…

  • RECAP: “Free Love” Luncheon for Emancipet

    Kevin Smothers
    14 May 2013 | 3:00 pm
    Monday’s “Free Love” luncheon benefiting Emancipet marked the 14th anniversary for Austin’s premier advocate of spaying and neutering pets. When it all began, who could have known that a sell-out crowd of 500 at the Four Seasons Austin would join them for lunch on beautiful sunny day? Mary Herr Tally did…and so did Bobbi Topfer, Alex Winkleman and Armando Zambrano, all of whom served as co-chairs of the event. Pets are a calming factor in many people’s lives and provide boundless unconditional love, a lot of which was on display by the humans in attendance.

  • RECAP: Toast of the Town Salutes Robert Godwin and “Austin Faces of Philanthropy”

    Kevin Smothers
    9 May 2013 | 6:00 am
    Some parties are just so great that they take more than one day to complete. Such was the case at the Toast of the Town event celebrating Austin’s favorite social photographer, Robert Godwin, and his new book “Austin Faces of Philanthropy 1976-2012.” The initial setting was the bluffside home of Dr. John Hogg and David Garza in West Lake Hillswhere stellar sunset views of downtown Austin almost outweighed the social star power in the room. In addition to Hogg and Garza, the evening was hosted by Charmaine and Gordon McGill, along with Marina Sifuentes and Tad Davis. After…

  • Spotted: This Week’s Event Trends

    Laura Villagran Johnson
    6 May 2013 | 11:43 am
    The past week was filled with everything from fashion shows to fiestas and black tie cocktail hour to the now annual Color Run (for those who may not know, that is pretty much the antithesis of a black tie event). Through it all, we spotted a few of our favorite event trends of the week. Our Favorite Event Ideas of the Week 5.7 [see the SlideDeck]

  • RECAP: Toast of the Town VIP Palate Pleaser Preview

    Stacey Harrell
    1 May 2013 | 5:30 am
     A gorgeous Austin sunset set the mood for an unforgettable Toast of the Town party at the home of C3’s Charlie Jones overlooking Brightleaf Preserve. Celebrity Chef Tim Love gave guests a preview of his Austin Food & Wine Festival fare with a delectable multi-course dinner, followed by an amazing dessert prepared by Uchi’s pastry chef Phillip Speer with wine pairings by Master Sommelier Devon Broglie of Whole Foods. The party is part of St. David’s Foundation’s series of intimate events taking place this month that raise money for St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Fund.
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    PlanAnEvent.org

  • Event Planners Need Good Communication Skills (Comedy Video)

    Andrew Maxwell
    17 May 2013 | 6:05 am
    photo by peiliteracy. wordpress.com It’s a funny thing, communication. You actually have to listen to what the other person is saying. How many times have you been talking to somebody when it became quite obvious that the person was really just waiting for you to finish so that they could start talking. In other words they’ve completely zoned you out. The Importance of Good Communication Skills To be a great event planner means that you’re good at effective communication. Written communication skills, as well as verbal communication, are essential to an event planner as they…

  • Need Help Cocktail Party Planning?

    Randy Markus
    16 May 2013 | 10:53 am
    Photo courtesy of NinaZed I always feel a bit of extra stress whenever I am planning a party. As a person that plans events for a living, I am constantly asked “how to” planning questions from friends and family organizing their own parties. The latest round of questions was all about cocktail party planning and tips to ensure an enjoyable and delicious time. As it happens cocktail parties are my most favorite parties to organize. They are easy peasy to plan, filled with fun and pretty low cost when it comes to the budget. The three main recipe fixings for a traditional yet successful…

  • How to Plan an Event on a Budget

    Andrew Maxwell
    15 May 2013 | 9:38 am
    photo by www.ehow.com A seasoned event organizer knows that part of winning a piece of business means that their budgeting skills need to be sharp. In some cases it can be a deal breaker. Knowing which questions to ask a potential client can help an event organizer select the right venue. In this post I’m going to show you why the budget planning process doesn’t have to be the toughest part of an event proposal. The Budget Planning Process is a Key Component to an Event Proposal For most conferences or events, it’s the social functions that can add to a planner’s…

  • Going Green with the Colorado Convention Center

    Randy Markus
    14 May 2013 | 9:48 am
    Photo courtesy of teh Colorado Convention Center By making small adjustments and modifications, a convention center can make a substantial and impressive impact. The green, eco-friendly crusade started small and developed into the sustainable infrastructure it has become today. Whether it is at home or at work the “green” passion has stretched across the globe. Phrases like eco-friendly and green have become popular and key words in our vocabulary when it comes to describing the planet and our environment. Everywhere you look and everything you read says green is the new black. Meaning it…

  • Luxury Hotels That Cater to the Rich and Famous

    Andrew Maxwell
    10 May 2013 | 9:27 am
    photo by www.news.com.au Have you ever wondered where the rich and ultra rich stay when they travel? Or if you’re an event manager then perhaps you’ve been fortunate enough to have worked and stayed in some of these luxury hotel chains. The Robb Report has published their list of the top 100 luxury hotels in Canada and the US. The Robb Report has been around for over 30 years. They described themselves as the definitive authority on connoisseurship for the ultra-affluent consumers. The Robb Report provides insights, for their target audience, on subjects including; luxury…
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    My Meeting Professional

  • Conference Organisers Should Transition From Familiar Terrain

    Jeff Hurt
    21 May 2013 | 1:59 am
    In order for conferences to compete in this new digital age, conference organizers must view conference education not as the place where content is delivered, but as a place where the content is discussed, analysed and evaluated by the attendee. We have to move from our old school, out dated thinking that the conference education session is just about delivery of information. Providing Conference Content Is Not Enough With information available 24/7 online, why would an attendee pay to come to your conference just to receive information? Read more

  • NatWest and RBS launch £150m leisure industry fund

    Big Hospitality
    21 May 2013 | 1:56 am
    NatWest and RBS have worked closely with VisitEngland on the details of a new £150m fund designed specifically for the leisure industry which was launched today. Read more   

  • How Do Your Learning Opportunities Compare To These Top Ten Traits Of Quality Education Programs?

    Jeff Hurt
    20 May 2013 | 2:06 am
    In order to be successful in the 21st Century, organisations must make continuous learning and unlearning a core competency. If your organisation’s team cannot learn quickly, unlearn outdated processes and data, and adapt and apply new knowledge and insights to current challenges, then it will be left behind. Organisations need team members committed to learning and unlearning. These organisations also need the best tools to rapidly disseminate and share the best learnings as well as information on how to apply them. Read more.

  • Exclusive book signing and expert Newtonstrand events knowledge at IMEX 2013

    Newton Strand1
    17 May 2013 | 2:31 am
    Shuli Golovinski , CEO of Newtonstrand has just released his third industry book about how meetings and events are changing and IMEX 2013 attendees in Frankfurt can collect a free signed copy of the latest industry book about events in the year 2020. Reserve your copy of Events in 2020 - How do the industry movers and shakers envision them? by emailing press@newstonstrand.com and then drop by Stand D795 in the TechTap area until Wednesday (22nd May) at 1pm. Newtonstrand will also be at the Meetings Innovator Breakfast – Wednesday 0800-1000 at the Movenpick Hotel – free entrance but…

  • Mike Clanton explains the pitfalls of free event WiFi at two major European events

    MMPAdmin
    16 May 2013 | 5:55 am
    My Meeting Professional’s Mike Clanton has a busy schedule ahead of him over the next week as he offers guidance, knowledge and advice on event WiFi and network management. On Sunday (19th), Mike is presenting in Frankfurt, Germany at the AIPC International Sales and Marketing Summit – part of the IMEX 2013 programme – where he will be speaking about Meeting Design and the pitfalls of the loss-leader approach, aka free WiFi. http://www.aipc.org/trai_sales.php He then prepares to present at one of the IMEX event’s “Campfire” sessions on the question “Is Free WiFi Working for…
 
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    P&V Enterprises

  • Using Event Technology Effectively

    Pat Ahaesy
    16 May 2013 | 11:42 am
    Clearly technology has changed and continues to change our lives, both personally and at our jobs. Meeting and Event Planners confront this all the time.  We hear about every kind of technology or whiz bang gadget. I personally love to use technology. But, before I recommend a technology for a client event I ask is [...]

  • Event Planner Concerns About Deceptive Pricing

    Pat Ahaesy
    8 May 2013 | 8:19 am
    Recently, I read an excellent article by Alan Kleinfeld, titled “Smart Budget: Drip Pricing Primer”, an extremely important concept for all in the meeting planning and event planning business. What does Kleinfeld mean by “Drip Pricing”?  He says that according to Juanita Gaynor, president of Elegant Affairs by Juanita, drip pricing is a technique in [...]

  • Hybrid Meetings and Virtual Meetings

    Pat Ahaesy
    8 Apr 2013 | 9:50 am
    When I was a college student I took a course on creative writing. We had to write an essay of sorts twice a week. At first, I received  so-so grades. My professor asked to meet with me and he told me that he thought that I could do much much better by writing from my [...]

  • Looking Good At Your Next Video Chat

    Pat Ahaesy
    21 Mar 2013 | 11:06 am
    Looking Good At Your Next Video Chat Whether you’re using Skype, Google Hangouts, FaceTime or some other Video Chat Application, you want to look your best. Whether you’re chatting your grade school pal, you college buddy, your committee, your collaborative work group or a client, it’s important to look good. I don’t mean that you [...]

  • Do You Consider Bandwidth Information Part of Your Site Visit?

    Pat Ahaesy
    6 Mar 2013 | 7:39 pm
    Most everyone who is a meeting or event planner has or should have a basic site inspection checklist. If you don’t, there are several excellent basic lists on various professional publication websites and on our professional associations. If you like, I can send you a list of where to find them. However, I want to [...]
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    Event Checklist Blog

  • 5 of The Most Active Event Planners on The Web

    Arwin Adriano
    19 May 2013 | 12:12 am
    I never taught I would become this active engaging and sharing event planning ideas on the web as I first started Event Checklist as a website focused on sharing current and upcoming events around the world. But as time goes by, I felt I have to do something more from that then I came up with the idea of revamping Event Checklist objective and turning the website into a blog focus on sharing Event Planning. I think the development of the blog marks as the start of becoming one of the trusted and go to site of event planners on the web. EventChecklist.net would not be a success without the…

  • 10 Tips to Get The Most Out of Your Next Conference

    Guest Blogger
    17 May 2013 | 7:27 am
    If you are planning to attend an upcoming conference to gain new skills, network with professionals in your industry, or learn about new trends, it is important to prepare yourself for the event. There are plenty of reasons to attend a conference, including the free refreshments and meals, but if you do not prepare in advance you are not going to get the most out of the event. Here are the 10 tips on how you can find time to do everything you planned at your conference, while still finding time to enjoy yourself: 1. Participate Why just be an attendee when you can be a facilitator or a…

  • How to Brief an Events Photographer to Get The Shots That You Need

    Guest Blogger
    14 May 2013 | 8:46 am
    When you run a big corporate event it’s always a good idea to hire a specialised events photographer to capture the day. It’s also great to give your staff a reminder of your successful event because these photos can help them to be motivated and build their team spirit. High quality photos are also good to use as promotional materials and brochures. Once you have chosen your events photographer you will need to brief them carefully to make sure that you get the shots that you want. The event only happen once so you don’t want to miss your chance to get things right. Here are 5 ideas to…

  • How to Create a Corporate Event That Everyone Will Remember

    Guest Blogger
    10 May 2013 | 9:47 am
    Does the thought of having to organise a ‘Team building day’ bring on cold sweat and palpitations? Do you need to organise a corporate day event which includes seminars, group exercises and a social afterward. and feel that it will be your neck on the line if the event isn’t a swinging success? If the only thing you know about events management so far is that Ferro Roche is also served at the ambassadors function then this is an understandably daunting prospect. The good news is you can put the paper bag down and resume breathing normally; this quick guide will help ensure that not only…

  • Five Innovative Team-Building Activities to Try

    Guest Blogger
    8 May 2013 | 9:07 am
    Team-building activities are a tried and tested way to boost staff motivation by ensuring employees work together as a team to solve problems. However, some methods of team-building can become stale if employers continue to carry out the same exercises with their employees. Shaking things up by organising a unique team-building exercise for employees can really prove effective for bringing a team together. Below are just five of the most exciting and innovative team-building exercises that you might want to try for your next work bonding session. 1. Da Vinci Code If you think your workers…
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    Key Events | The Scoop

  • Key News Corner

    admin
    7 May 2013 | 2:00 pm
    Keeping up with the Key Events Team By Kelly Stoneberg   Key Welcomes 2 New Team Members – Elliott Bernstein and Chris Ochoa Key Events welcomes two new summer interns to the team with open arms and many exciting projects!  Having just graduated from Ohio State University, Elliott packed his bags and made the journey to the Bay Area to join our operations team for the summer.  Given his enthusiastic attitude and keen design skills, Elliott fits right in and we’re excited to have him on board. Chris recently graduated from CSU Sacramento and joins Key Events as our Sales &…

  • Event Showcase

    admin
    7 May 2013 | 1:51 pm
    Key Events teams up with VisitDenmark to celebrate Scandinavian Airlines new non-stop SFO-Copenhagen route! By Chris Ochoa   Last month Key Events had the pleasure of working with VisitDenmark and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to create a one night event celebrating the launch of the new SFO-CPH non-stop route. The new route will connect the West Coast to Copenhagen, Denmark and give California travelers direct access to one of the consistently ranked “happiest cities in the world”. The event featured a two hour travel workshop held for Bay Area Travel Agents, vacation planners and…

  • It List – Spring in Napa Valley

    admin
    7 May 2013 | 1:14 pm
    By Marisa Ceballos   When you think of Napa, you immediately think of wine. However, the Napa appellations offer much more than what’s in your glass. In late Spring, not only do the flowers make their exciting appearance, but also various festivities and gourmet standouts that make Napa the place to be! Here are Key Events’ top 5 suggestions to enjoy in Spring in Napa Valley:   The Thomas The Thomas is a hot spot for warm Spring nights in Napa. It features a lively bar on the ground floor with a world-class cocktail program, an open kitchen on the second floor and a roof top…

  • Beef Stroganoff

    admin
    3 Dec 2012 | 10:26 am
    Stephen Lazar – VP of Sales Makes 4 servings Ingredients: 1 2 1/2-pound piece beef tenderloin ( mix of tips and filet), well trimmed, meat cut into 2x1x1/2 inch strips 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots 1 pound mixed mushrooms thickly sliced to include • Crimini mushrooms • Shitake 1 cup canned beef broth 2 tablespoons Cognac 3/4 cup crème Fraîche 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 12 ounces wide egg noodles 1 tablespoon paprika Directions: Pat meat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

  • Matzo Ball Soup

    admin
    3 Dec 2012 | 10:22 am
    Josh Quinn – VP of Events One of my best friends celebrates Chanukah every year with her famous matzo ball soup. She substitutes the chicken broth for my vegetarian request and has the lightest fluffiest matzoh balls evah! Ingridents: 2 (10 ounce) packages matzo cracker 1/2 cup butter 6 eggs salt and pepper to taste 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 2onions, minced 5 ounces matzo meal 96 ounces chicken broth Directions: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Break matzo crackers into small pieces, and place in a large bowl. Add water to cover; allow to soak for a few minutes,…
 
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    Jennifer Ritchie

  • iTuned Out last night

    Jennifer Ritchie
    16 May 2013 | 4:00 am
    My reading nook This week I banned all screens for my kids. There was uproar, so I agreed to ban them for myself too (with the exception of necessities for work). Indeed I composed this blog post the old-fashioned way, with a pen and notebook. The liberation from the distraction that is the internet these days, was overflowing. I have done the ironing, walked the dog , the kids are asleep on time (and without any quarelling over TV), I have done the laundry and I have lain (for the first time ever) on the lounger on the terrace at sunset reading my book and drinking a gin and tonic…

  • Thoughts on Entertaining Guests

    Jennifer Ritchie
    8 May 2013 | 1:56 pm
    1. SETTING THE SCENE People can be deadly serious about their parties, many of them forget that entertaining is meant for pleasure. Once I walk into my party, there is nothing more to be done than to relax and enjoy. The weeks of planning for my wedding, organising contractors and guests and even final table laying on the morning of the event meant that when I put my dress on, I thought only of US and just enjoyed the rest of the day. It is easy to throw a proper dinner party with beautiful food, flattering light, elegant displays and a balanced list of guests, but it is not so easy…

  • Housekeeping Books

    Jennifer Ritchie
    30 Apr 2013 | 2:03 pm
    from OnBoard the magazine http://www.onboardmagazine.fr/ Housekeeping – love it / hate it? If you’re in the hospitality industry, it’s just something you have to deal with, so you had better at least like it! I get great job satisfaction turning a messy room into a tidy, clean room. But I have worked with lots of people who just don’t get it, and have not lasted too long in the business. Cleaning is perhaps the least favourite part of the job for everyone. But I have to say that working as a stewardess on yachts (and yes, cleaning them) allowed me the privilege to…

  • Top 10 guide – Dinner Party Checklist!

    Jennifer Ritchie
    25 Apr 2013 | 3:50 am
    photo courtesy http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2011/5/13/fairytales-come-true.html Friends coming for dinner – make sure you get to enjoy YOURSELF too. These are quick and easy steps to make sure you don’t hiccup along the way: 1. Prepare guest list and invite, ahead of time, to allow for cancellations and replacements. Don’t forget to ask guests for a quick reminder of any food allergies or special diets to enable you to tailor your menu and avoid last-minute hiccups. 2. Plan a menu that can largely be prepared in advance. I omit serving a starter in favour of an array…

  • The Waiting Place

    Jennifer Ritchie
    12 Apr 2013 | 9:15 am
    Dr Seuss ‘The places You’ll Go’ Are you stuck in the Waiting Place? Are you mindlessly consuming other people’s content? Do you wake up in the morning and check what other people have written on facebook / twitter / blogs / newspapers ….. Do you watch endless hours of TV, but never have enough time to do what you would like to do? Stop now. Start whatever it is that you have ALWAYS  wanted to do. On Seth Godin’s blog post ‘The best way to learn marketing’ , he says “When you put your ideas in the world, then, and only then, do you know if…
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    Estate Weddings and Events

  • 5 Barn Wedding Favor Ideas Your Guests Will Love!

    Suzy Guese
    20 May 2013 | 4:52 pm
    A barn wedding by design is one that doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of memories. The barn setting is usually a spot that guests won’t forget, especially if you leave them with a lasting favor. The options for barn wedding favors are limitless, but those gifts to guests should be associated with your theme in some way, shape or form. Whether you select favors that are handmade or a little bit rustic, your guests will remember your barn wedding, the special day that stood out from the rest of the weddings that they attend. With this unique theme for a wedding, you can play on the location…

  • Rent Your Estate With Confidence, Winter Wedding Themes, & Latest Noteworthy Event!

    Nancy Ly
    18 May 2013 | 10:51 am
    Photo of our featured Estate, Camarillo Estate in Camarillo, CA   Happy Saturday EWE-ers! What a busy time of the year as we get ready to jump into a slew of Summer Events! We just had a lovely wedding this past week at our Valentino Estate that had fun elements like oversized Jenga and coral chevron prints. Check out the blog post below to see some photos. Our blog posts this week were written in mind for brides currently planning winter time weddings- snowfall or not, your show will go on and it will be amazing! Lastly our Executive Director/Co-Founder wanted to clear the air about…

  • 9 Enchanting Winter Wedding Themes of the Typical & Not-So-Typical Nature

    Bree Brouwer
    17 May 2013 | 11:49 am
    Now that you’ve done the work of getting a date set for your winter wedding, you’re ready to take the next steps. Perhaps you’re considering looking at wedding venues or are trying to figure out your colors. However, you should be focusing on your wedding theme, because it will have a large impact on all your planning and what choices you make. Last week, we ran a post on how to pick your winter wedding theme, and this week, we’re giving you some ideas to help you along! Though many of these themes can be found in other wedding seasons, they have all been customized…

  • A bright May wedding at the Valentino Estate

    Claire Lewis
    16 May 2013 | 3:23 pm
    On May 4, 2013, Kelsey and Michael wed at the Valentino Estate, in Rancho Santa Fe. Surrounded by close friends and family, they exchanged their vows in a beautiful ceremony down by the lake with willow trees providing the backdrop.   Valentino Estate Ceremony Location   Wine was a common theme throughout the décor, including the two wine barrels on both sides of the aisle for the ceremony, corks used to support the escort cards, table numbers on top of wine bottles, as well as wine bottles used to support the dessert display. The color theme was perfect for this warm May day, with…

  • Are you interested in renting your home for events, but worried about the liability?

    Jamie Ehrsam
    15 May 2013 | 9:43 am
      If you are nodding your head and this sounds like you, that’s great because we are going to answer all your questions below…   Here are just a few ways Estate Weddings and Events protects you and your home:   Renting your home to strangers can be a scary thing. What if something breaks? What if they spill on my brand new couch? What if someone gets injured? These are just a few of the many concerns we hear from homeowners and of course you have every right to be concerned. After all, it is your home. Estate Weddings and Events takes many precautions to protect…
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    Endless Entertainment Blog

  • Will Curran Recognized as a “40 Under 40” Industry Leader by Connect Magazine

    6 May 2013 | 8:08 am
    Will Curran, president, Endless Entertainment, was recognized as an industry leader in Connect magazine’s “40 Under 40” feature in the May/June issue. Connect Magazine is a national, B2B magazine that provides resources and ideas to association and specialty group meetings professionals. Curran was nominated by his peers in the professional and specialty association meetings world. Numerous nominations were reviewed and evaluated by the Connect editorial staff based on references, industry involvement and other resources. The annual “40 Under 40” feature is not advertising-driven…

  • Have You Met Ted? - The Power of Referrals

    3 May 2013 | 10:57 am
    As Barney Stinson exemplifies in How I Met Your Mother, there is no better way to start a conversation with someone you’ve been wanting to talk to than an introduction. This does not only apply in the dating world, but also in sales. Referrals are one of the most overlooked, but powerful, tools that can be used to gain prospects.  We know; it can be awkward asking a past client to facilitate an introduction to someone you have been dying to meet with, but, if you have provided satisfactory service, why would they NOT want you to help a friend? With a referral, your prospect already has a…

  • Jaws dropped at the amazing 3D mapping of the release of the new...

    23 Apr 2013 | 10:19 am
    Jaws dropped at the amazing 3D mapping of the release of the new Volkswagen last month. At the 2013 New York International Auto Show held from March 29 to April 7th, the Golf 7 was revealed through a 3D video show surrounding the vehicle with video mapping on the Golf itself. This system, normally used at festivals and raves, left all of the viewers in awe. Who would have thought this car release would outdo a lot of events that have happened this year? 

  • Phoenix Comicon & Endless Entertainment join forces

    15 Apr 2013 | 2:25 pm
    Endless Entertainment is proud to announce our partnership with 2013 Phoenix Comicon!  This Memorial Day weekend (May 23-26, 2013), Endless Entertainment can be found working with The Phoenix Comicon at the Phoenix Convention Center, Hyatt Regency, and Renaissance Hotel providing entertainment, custom videos, giant screens, and MORE. People from all over the country can be found in the heart of Downtown Phoenix at this all ages event.  Throughout the weekend, guests can attend speaker panels from all different realms — Anime, Comic Books, Sci-fi shows and more! Children can…

  • Twitter's Vine for Events

    9 Apr 2013 | 1:02 pm
    Vine is Twitter’s new short form video app that allows users to create six second long videos with their iPhones. Since it’s launch back in January, Vine’s community has grown immensely and if you haven’t checked out what this innovative app can do for your events, its time to listen up.  Vine gives you the power to create and edit a compelling video right at your fingertips. Simply touch the screen to record and let go to stop. Once your video is finished, share it with your Twitter followers or facebook friends instantly. Vine also added an embed feature which makes adding your…
 
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    Fairplex Insider

  • L.A. Spirits Competition 2013 Has Begun

    Heather
    20 May 2013 | 4:40 pm
    Last week we gave you a peek into the 74th annual Los Angeles International Wine Competition. We haven’t slowed down one bit this week as we dive into the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. Held behind closed doors at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel, hundreds of glasses are lined up and ready to be filled with a variety of spirits: gin, whiskey, vodka, tequila and rum for starters. The judges started sipping and spitting bright and early this morning with tequila and whiskey (not your typical breakfast fare.) We’ll be covering the event here on our blog but be sure to check…

  • Event Industry News: Billboard Music Awards, Event Tech, QSR trends, Tumblr

    Heather
    20 May 2013 | 4:33 pm
    Bruno Mars opens with newest hit “Treasure” (photo taken from Billboard) Billboard Music Awards: The 2013 Billboard Music Awards was full of fun: confetti, balloons floating through the air, laughs, falls and flashing lights. With Tracy Morgan as host and a smooth flow of performances and award presentations, the night was an overall success. Selena Gomez, who performed at the L.A. County Fair in 2010, sang her latest hit and Carly Rae Jepsen from the 2012 Fair made an appearance on camera. Additional guests included Chris Brown, will.i.am., Justin Bieber, Nicki Manaj, David…

  • L.A. Weekender: Hockey, crawfish, art and wine

    Heather
    16 May 2013 | 2:20 pm
    It’s almost the weekend! We are wrapping up the Los Angeles International Wine Competition here at Fairplex and are getting ready for Food Truck Thursday, Preakness and our other weekend happenings. As for you, there is plenty to see, do and taste throughout all of Los Angeles… Photo taken  from Examiner Go Kings Go!: If you’re a hockey fan, you might want to start your weekend a little early and hightail it over to the Staples Center to see the L.A. Kings face off against the San Jose Sharks in the second round of playoffs. Whether you have nosebleed seats or the best…

  • L.A. International Wine Competition: Day 2

    Heather
    16 May 2013 | 1:43 pm
    Los Angeles International Wine Competition employees prepare the wine for our judges The wine judging began yesterday morning and continues strong today. Anyone walking into the ballroom will be greeted with a whiff of wine… a lot of wine. The sound of clinking glasses and the scratching of judges’ pencils and the sight of plates heaped with generous amounts of cheese, grapes, crackers and other pairings completes the scene. Here are a few photos we’ve taken from the competition: All lined up and ready to go Judges Reppin' Dodger blue in the judges room The judges ended…

  • Los Angeles International Wine Competition (TODAY!)

    Heather
    15 May 2013 | 9:08 am
    The 74th annual Los Angeles International Wine Competition kicks off today at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel. As we speak, our esteemed panel of judges (coming from around the world) are being welcomed and and settling in for two days of sipping, swirling and spitting as they go through thousands of wine entries. We’ll be covering the event here on our blog but be sure to check Instagram and Twitter for up-to-the-minute coverage: #lawinecomp #purpleteeth #spitacular Follow along: @lawinecomp Cheers!
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    Creative Party Themes and Ideas

  • May 13, Host a Zoo Theme Birthday Party

    13 May 2013 | 10:53 am
    Host a zoo theme party guaranteed to be a roarrr-ing good time! Find ideas for invitations, decorations, activities, and more.

  • May 7, Creative Party Themes and Ideas

    7 May 2013 | 3:30 pm
    At Creative Party Themes you'll find tons of ideas for adult party themes, teenage parties, college party themes and, of course, kids' birthday parties. All you need to plan a great party!

  • May 7, Cocktail Party Ideas

    7 May 2013 | 3:24 pm
    Here are our favorite cocktail party ideas to help you host an event that is both fun and sophisticated. Just mix some great drinks, tasty appetizers, yummy desserts and good friends.

  • May 7, A Backyard Barbecue Party

    7 May 2013 | 3:16 pm
    Gather the gang for a backyard barbecue party. Here are our favorite ideas for decorations, invitations, party activities, and more.

  • Apr 23, Robot Party -- Host a Robot Birthday Party

    23 Apr 2013 | 11:30 am
    Love robots? Crank things up with a fun robot party! Here are some great ideas for invitations, decorations, games, activities, and much more.
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