Party Planning Success - 3 Steps to Setting the Stage For a Great Event

There is No Business like the Party Business!

I call this stage "Building the Set" and it certainly is much more detailed than I will spell out here in these brief words but you will have a semblance of what it means to get ready for an event. With that being said, let's look at what I call the "Big Three" for making sure the stage is set in a way that will best serve your business.

Now I know that every Event is different and every venue offers unique challenges that you must accommodate for but there are some very common elements of every venue that can and should be managed. These three element s are common in that they generally do not change form venue-to-venue and there are ways you can make them work for you every time.

Step 1: Make sure you have specialized team members for the Event Planning details. So you thought I was going to say something about the physical aspect of the Event Planning. Well, I am in a sense. You see, it is vitally important that you have, either on staff or in a freelance capacity, those who are able to focus or have expertise ?on the part of the Party Planning process that they manage the best. Example; if you have a person who excels in the actual staging of the Event, don't you dare divert their attention off of that task. Use your team where they are the most effective.

Step 2: Keep the team sparse at the initial stages of planning the Event logistics. In many ways, this goes against convention in that you would think that it is necessary for getting the Event off the ground. The initial panning process is best left in the initial planning stage by an elite few. Let me give you a theatre analogy. When we would build the first stages of the set, it was always best to let a few who were highly skilled do the building do the initial building as they did not need any training to build, they just needed direction. They knew how to use the tools and they could create with what they had. The same is for Party Planning. The "Elite Squad" takes the reigns until the cast and crew get there to fill in the missing pieces.

Step 3: Bring in the Ants. Many a Party Planner loses at this stage because they don't see the benefit of gathering a bunch of people to do the last minute tasks, instead they over work their "Elite Squad" and fail to hire, if they have to, the minions that they need to secure the last minute details that will drive most Event Planners crazy.?

Again, we will use a theatrical analogy. As with Events, so it is in a theatrical production that there are a million tiny details that, if left unattended, will create a mountain that will bury you if you let it. At this stage, hire young people who just want some spending cash if you have to who will do all of the little things that the "Elite Squad" ?need not be burdened to do. This tells the "Elites" that they are valued and that they will not be used for menial events.

While the events may change in your Event Planning, these three steps are a constant no matter who you have in your employ or the nature of the Event. Make sure you specialize, have an "Elite Squad" and have an army of ants ready to make your Event the best it can be.

Remember, Life is a Party, you just have to know how to Plan it!

Starting an Event Planning Business - 7 Real Steps to Becoming an Event Planner

You've decided you want a career full of excitement and fun. You know that you are organized, social, and creative. So you decide you want to start a career as a meeting and/or event planner.

Now what?

You start doing research, and you find article after article telling you "how to start your own event planning business, today!" They outline how to get organized, how to set up your office, and to print your own business cards.

You wait for the phone to ring. Maybe, if you're really on the ball, you join some network associations and get your name out there. You make a website. And maybe, just maybe, you get your first client.

Uh oh. Now what?

Exactly.

I am going to tell you something you might not want to hear. But, unlike all those other articles selling you false dreams, I'm going to tell you the truth.

You absolutely, positively, can not start your own event planning business without at least three to five (or more) years of experience.

The good news?

Yes, you can become an event planner. Yes, it is a fun and exciting job. And no, it does not require any further schooling or certifications. But being an event planner is so very much more than just picking out fun décor and great entertainment.

The bad news?

It won't -- it can't -- happen overnight. Organizing legitimate, large-scale events and meetings requires extensive knowledge and years of experience. There can be thousands, or hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars at stake. Why would you ask a client to trust you if you haven't had the appropriate experience? And, more importantly, why in the world would you do that to yourself?

Even if you think you want to start out by organizing smaller events, you must know how to select venue space, negotiate vendor contracts, organize registration, create itineraries, organize vendors, select menus, and so on. Not to mention you need to know how to charge for your services, write legal-binding contracts protecting yourself and your vendors, select insurance, and how to manage the final billing.

We are an impatient society. We want everything, now. We believe we can lose weight by taking pills, and bust cellulite by applying lotion. And, we believe we can actually go out and start an event planning business without ever having worked an event.

Would you trust a pilot who wanted to start a business offering "flying tours of the Grand Canyon" without ever having flown a plane? Would you trust a surgeon to operate on you without ever having assisted on a surgery?

Of course not. And, therefore, neither should you hope to run your own events without ever having worked one.

Forget those websites that tell you, "Yes, you CAN start your own event planning business TODAY! Take our two-day course and be set up by Monday!" They are merely trying to sell you their course or their ebook.

Most smart, educated people realize that anything worthwhile takes a little effort. You are intelligent enough to look into the future and realize that, in hindsight, dedicating the next two or three years to learning about this industry you love is well worth your time, in order to guarantee that the rest of your working years are spent doing what you enjoy.

And that's the irony. So many people want to get into event planning, but aren't willing to do what it takes to get there. If you truly love events, then you should be excited at doing anything it takes. You should also realize that, as with any job, it is necessary to learn from the bottom up.

Here are the true, real-life steps you need to take in order to work toward becoming an event planner.

1. Understand, truly understand, that it will take at anywhere from one, to three, to five years or more to get the experience you need to become an actual Event Planner (depending on your current experience and how hard you work at learning). Make your mistakes on another planner's dime. You will thank yourself in the future!
   
   
2. Understand that you can still be a part of events, and work any number of jobs in the event planning industry, while you learn. Yes, you CAN start a job in event planning by the end of the month; you just won't be the event planner. Let go of the need to be the Head Cheese or the need to open your own company right out of the gate, and enjoy the ride! (Actually, many people find that they don't want the responsibility of being the head planner, and are perfectly happy in support positions; allowing them to still be a part of great events, without all the pressure and stress).
   
   
3. Start reading everything you can about the industry. The world of meetings and events has its own language, and the sooner you understand it, the more quickly you will learn.
   
   
4. Go on some "Informational Interviews" and/or find a mentor. Informational Interviews entail finding a person in the field and asking them if you could have 20 minutes to one hour of their time. Offer to take them to lunch, and have a list of questions prepared. This interview is for information on the industry, not for a job.
   
   
5. Join a networking association. There are many in your town or city; contact your Convention & Visitors Bureau or research the Internet.
   
   
6. Start volunteering for local special events. Find an event that will happen in the next 4-6 months, find the planner, and call them up, and ask you might volunteer your time to help them. Let them know you are in this for the purpose of learning about events, and hope to build a career on it. Not only will you gain experience, but you will open endless doors with the many contacts you will meet.
   
   
7. If you don't need to make a ton of money, get a job either catering or working for a Destination Management Company. If you can't quit your day job quite yet, work on the weekends. Again, you will gain priceless experience, and meet contacts that will open many doors of opportunity.

If you follow these steps, I guarantee you that you will start your dream job in event planning in no time at all. After a few years of experience, you can open your own event planning business. Remember, anything worthwhile takes time...and before you know it, you will be living the career of your dreams!

© Copyright 2007-2008 Sirena Evans, Careers In Event Planning. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Event Management - 3 Great Reasons to Leave Breathing Space Between Events (Minty Fresh Events)

Do you find yourself or your assistant double booking your event calendar? Do you find that there are lots of overlap in the timing of the events? Do you notice there is very little breathing room or mental debriefing time between events?

1) Guaranteed stress meltdown- When scheduling appointments, meetings, projects, luncheons, and events much too closely together is an emotional stress meltdown waiting to happen. You see, it leaves you extremely vulnerable to even the slightest delays or miscalculations. The stress of always having one eye on the clock and becoming distracted and rushed will eventually cause you to miss things and make mistakes. Do not try to be super scheduler. Plan for the delays and enjoy the event or project that you have worked so hard to achieve. Being a pleasant participant will say more about yourself and your company's event then you are self-imposed stress and disorganization.

2) The domino effect- Do not stack up events like dominoes standing on end. As you well know life does not work out efficiently, and you stress will accelerate as the event monoliths drop in a constant stream. The best stratagem is to spread out your schedules. Remember to always leave enough breathing time between events to allow for the unexpected.

3) Time on your hands- Do not let this found time go to waste. You will find that you will have time for making a few phone calls, answer some e-mails, and the taking care of those minor details that could make a real difference in the event final impact. You can also use this time to plan and prepare for your next event or presentation. The learning experience, the mistakes can be priceless. Using calming thoughts during this breathing space will help you to be more productive in the end. You will also enjoy your job or business much more as a result.

Bobble Heads - The Importance of Trade Shows and Corporate Events

We all know how great bobble heads are. They are very popular no matter how you use them. With more and more manufacturers offering personalized ones, they are now being used by more and more people. They are used by companies, businessmen, politicians, teams and a lot more.

Any manufacturer will tell you that distribution is almost as important as production itself. There are a lot of uses for bobble heads. But nowadays, it's mainly used for marketing and promotions. If you want them to be effective and efficient, you should be able to distribute them to targeted markets. For example, it doesn't make sense to distribute personalized figurines of a local politician in California if he's running for office in New York. If you're making these dolls to represent an athlete of your team, it also makes sense to distribute them in your arena where you can find the most fans of that athlete. There's a reason why a bobble head manufacturer would tell you to distribute them properly - because your success depends on it.

So how do trade shows and corporate events come in to the picture? These events are very important if you're a business. Trade shows, also known as trade fairs or expos, are big events organized so that businesses in the same industry can get together. Usually, you'll see your competitors here if you decide to join one. You'll often see strategies or the latest news in your industry. A bobble head manufacturer would suggest that you join trade shows. If you do decide to join them, you should stand out and using personalized bobble heads is a great way to do it.

Why would you want to stand out? This is simply because the event is full of targeted customers. They're there because they're looking for a product or service that you're offering. So among your competitors, you want your prospective customers to notice you so you'll get their business. You cannot do that with something as old as t-shirts. It's just a matter of using quality and effective figurines. To do that, approach a reliable manufacturer to make yours represent your business or service.

As for corporate events, it's usually grouped into two - serious and fun. The serious corporate events are professional gatherings to discuss the business while the fun events are to celebrate something or boost the morale of employees. If you're a part of a serious corporate event discussing strategy, this is where you can introduce the use of bobble heads for promotional and marketing campaigns. This is a good time to do so because there's a good chance that the "who's who" of your company will be there. But you have to be careful because you wouldn't want to present something of bad quality. That's why it's important to approach a reliable manufacturer. For the fun events, you can use the personalized figurines as a sort of trophy to award top performers. It's sure to boost the morale of your employees.

So now you know the importance of trade fairs and corporate events. It's a good opportunity for you to make an impression so make it count. Use these dolls made by a reliable manufacturer and you'll be able to take advantage of trade fairs and corporate events.

Important Considerations When Hiring Quality Limousine Services

When planning for an event, you need to consider various things. Among them is the type of a car to use. Limousine is one of the most luxurious cars used by many people on their special occasions. Weddings and parties are some of the events where the vehicle is used. Other people use it while attending important corporate events.

Today, there are many companies offering limo hire services. Majority of these companies have a wide range of these vehicles, which one can hire depending on the occasion that one want to attend. They are also available in different sizes. To get the best value for your money when hiring these services, you need to consider the following:

• The number of people who will be using the car. When attending the event, you may have other people accompanying you. This is an important consideration, as it will guide you in deciding the size of the vehicle to hire.


• You also need to consider the companies available for you. Since there are many companies offering these services, you should be able to get a good company with ease. Consider what other clients say about the company. Your friends or family members who have hired these services before may also give you important insights that can guide you in choosing the best company to go for your services.


• You also need to know more about the event that you are attending. Many companies offering limo hire services have different vehicles for different occasions. These are those meant for weddings, corporate events, prom nights, parties, among others. When you know the kind of the event you want to attend in the limousine, you will be able to make the right choice. A choice that will make sure that you create the desired impression.


• Consider the reputation of the company you hire the vehicle from. Different companies have developed reputation from their services. A company with a good reputation is more likely to give you quality services. Today, Internet has made life easier for many people. You can search on the Internet to get more information about companies offering these services. You can also consider clients' reviews about the services of a company. This will guide you in deciding the best company to hire.


• Make sure that the company you hire your vehicle from is licensed to operate in the area where the even will be. This will help you avoid confrontation with the authorities. The company should also have an insurance policy covering the passengers and the vehicle. This will ensure that in case an accident occurs, you will have the expenses catered for.

Wedding Planning Course - Making The Perfect Wedding Invitation

There are plenty of institutions that offer wedding planning course; wedding planning is a part of event planning industry. Event planning covers many areas and it has become a very popular industry; it has taken the responsibility of planning weddings for those who do not have time to spare to arrange their events or who think they are not capable or creative enough to arrange the event properly and at the same time it has become the source of income for many. This is the reason more people are inclined towards this field and getting their skills polished through taking wedding planning courses.

Wedding planning includes many things for example deciding the date, location, dress, d矇cor, catering, reception, guests list and the cards.

Invitation card is a very important thing while planning the wedding; you need to put all information about the program in a small yet a sophisticated way. Invitation card has a very emotional value for people especially for the bride and the groom so it has to be a perfect one.

During wedding planning courses students are taught a few important things about invitations; how to invite the guest; what should be written; what kind of language should be used and how to express all the feelings and information in a short brief note.

If you have a particular theme for your wedding, then choose the card and its material according to the theme. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on the cards; you can match the color of the card with the theme.

Many people use their talent and aesthetic sense and use DIY method; you can make the invitation cards your self and save your money; this is a way to get more involved into the event and keep your wedding more memorable; the more you put your effort the more you have a memorable wedding; you can get different ideas on the internet for making nice and elegant invitation cards.

Take nice material for invitation cards in bulk from the market; you can find discount shops from where you can get different materials for making invitation cards. You can use different colored papers and decorate them with ribbons or use butter paper and make prints with different stamps on it. You can collect big thick leaves of plants and preserve them in books and then write the details with golden marker, coat with mixture of water and glue; this is a simple but a very unique idea. Take a piece of thick paper and cut into a nice shape; write the details with bold marker then place a piece of golden net on it; use this as an invitation card.

You can learn about different techniques and etiquettes about making and sending the invitation cards in wedding planning course which can help you in your professional career.

Importance of Timelines and Checklists When Planning Your Events - The Secret to Getting It Right!

Timelines and checklists for events serve as important and essential planning tools in nearly every step in the planning process. They are extremely helpful in keeping you focused and on track. You can be as specific as you want or need for every area of your event.

Checklists guarantee that significant and essential tasks and details are met in a timely manner. Think of the checklist as an opportunity to double check everything, leaving all questions answered and tasks done.

Timelines will become your best friend if you use them. They are reminders for what needs to be done and when to do it. The complexity or simplicity of your timeline will be determined by the size and length of your event and, of course, your personality type.

They are useful in your meetings, delegating responsibilities, working with vendors, and designing and publishing marketing material. They are also useful when writing the summary report at the end of the event. Good lists with notations and dates are very useful in summing up the event when it is over.

Event Timelines

Timelines are used to meet critical dates. You can create your timelines with high-level key dates or milestones only or you can be incredibly detailed with each task and deadline listed. It is your choice. We suggest creating several timelines for different areas of responsibility.

A detailed timeline will ensure that no task or detail goes undone. Consider these questions when creating your timeline:

Who is it for? The planner, the staff, the committees or all of these.

Who should create them?

How many are needed?

Who is the keeper?

How often will they be revised? Daily, weekly, monthly.

Should you use software application to help manage?

When to begin creating the timeline?

Are the dates attainable and reasonable?

The best time to create an event timeline is either during or after the planning session, once the dates are confirmed, after your site has been confirmed, or whenever you see appropriate. Remember the purpose of the timeline is to keep you on track; therefore, start early and keep it amended! One way to create a timeline is to start from the day of the event and work backward. It may seem strange at first, but it works! Remember revise your timeline as often as needed. The point is to get everything down and give you enough time to complete each task.

Event Checklists

Similar to the timeline, event checklists will vary depending on your circumstances. They will keep you and everyone else moving steadily forward without omitting any event details. The smallest missed task can ruin your day and throw off your schedule.

When is the best time to create checklists? Create checklists during or after the planning session, after dates are confirmed, when roles and responsibilities have been defined, or whenever it is appropriate for you. The purpose of the checklist is to organize all the details. Be smart and start early!

As you develop your checklists include as much detail as possible for each task. Here is an example, for a "day of the event" checklist; assign these types of tasks:

• Set up briefing with volunteers and staff


• Arrange for airport pickup for VIPs, speakers, and entertainment


• Assign supervisor for A-V equipment


• Find greeter


• Get help desk personnel


• Assign supervisor for breaks


• Assign supervisor for meeting room set-up


• Hang signs


• Meet with facility personnel


• Make sure to have cash on hand

Do not underestimate the value of timelines and checklists! Just like every component in the process, event timelines and checklists will vary depending on your unique circumstances. These essential tools keep everyone involved on track and help you meet your deadlines! To meet your deadlines, refine your event timelines and checklists and use them often! Whether your event is large or small, the success is in the details. Give yourself plenty of time for planning every aspect of the event.

Amazing Services Offered By Event Planners

Planning an event or conference should be an enjoyable and amazing experience for both the hosts as well as visitors. An event and conference is said to be successful when people get the knowledge what they are looking for and enjoy the overall event at the same time. To make an event successful and innovative, event management companies offer extensive services and make it exciting involving all the members and visitors simultaneously. They plan and organize events deliberately and provide innovative ideas for flawless and peerless execution.

Some of the most amazing services offered are:

Corporate Events Planning:

Corporate events are the most important functions and need to be as impeccable as possible. In fact, it is more than just a gathering and intended to communicate company objective and clear cut goal. Event managers of event management firms work with you to understand your requirements and tailor their plans to meet those particular objectives. They arrange everything from meeting/event venue to audio visual system arrangements for the flawless experience.

Whether you want to entertain your global clients/corporate partners/associates/share holders at a function or inform them at a conference, they have a wide range of packages available to suit all specific requirements.

Wedding:

The success of wedding depends upon the satisfaction of the visitors. Primarily, wedding planning experts help in venue selection, theme development, catering and food services, music & entertainment, d矇cor and lighting & audiovisual. They offer supplier information and explanation of charges, and accompany you to meetings with your shortlisted suppliers as required.

They effort to make your memories everlasting and cherished! They ensure that you, your family and friends can relax and enjoy every moment of your incredible day.

Fundraising:

Many non-profit organizations need superior events and programs so that they can collect funds through them. It has its own prominence for the non-profit organizations. Event managers understand its need and prepare an absolute plan for the event.

In essence, event management firms offer a great range of planning and organizing services. They also provide creative themes and ideas in order to save money and time. They act according to the principles of honesty, integrity, reliability, serviceability and fairness so that their clients can see the difference.

They offer a vast variety of planning and organizing services to their clients, including, but not limited to, venue finding, corporate, private & nonprofit events, wedding protocol, business meetings, galas & award ceremonies and booking facility, catering, decorations, and every possible detail in between!

Getting Into the Live Events Industry

Are you looking for a job in the Events Industry but are struggling to get your foot on that ladder? Maybe you have recently been to a concert or festival which has made you realise you're in the wrong job and your future is in the events industry. There are many specialist recruitment companies you could enlist the help from but like any job, experience is vital. So how do you get experience in a job you have never done before?

Well quite simply the best way into any industry that you have no experience in is to simply offer your services as a volunteer. You will gain a wealth of experience through volunteering at live venues. With the event industry you will be working with large groups of people, solving problems, have to be organised and motivated, all of which would be great experience and look great on your CV. If you're keen and work hard you could even get yourself a reference. Having voluntary work on your CV shows potential employers you're keen to work and serious about working in the industry.

So where to you start? There are many concert halls, conventions, clubs, sporting events around the country that you could approach. The types of jobs are very varied. Jobs such as security, catering, runners, AV (audio visual) crew, technical crew, sales, managers, directors, talent bookers, waiters, managers and directors... I could go on. You could start off as a runner, and in a few years be running the whole show!

If you're thinking of working at music festivals and the like because you think it's a great way of going to all the events without paying. Well this could be classed as one perk, but you will be working away, possibly behind the scenes and not have time to sit and watch the show. Your there to help the show go as smoothly as possible. As a volunteer you should be watching and learning from all the paid event workers, making yourself invaluable. Volunteering could be classed as a form of networking because you will working along site like-minded business people in the industry. If you show your stuff, get some contacts you will soon be well on the way to working alongside these people but being on the payroll.

Once you have experience you could approach events or recruitment companies. You could look online as most recruitment companies show all their vacancies on their websites. But it is all down to you. Like any job, you need to work hard, sell yourself well the fruits of your labour will come to harvest.

Corporate Golf Events - Organize and Seal a Business Deal

Business and golf are synonymous. It is said that eight out of ten people that play golf are in a business decision making position and that playing golf with clients offers an 85% better chance of securing a business deal than other conventional methods of marketing or promoting your business. Sounds weird? Well, this is exactly the reason why a corporate should include golf in their marketing strategy. So here comes the role of corporate golf events.

Make no mistake; a corporate golf day is quite different from a normal golf day. A corporate golf day always includes company signage in the form of branded and personalized scorecards, which provides for a kind of personal touch dedicated to the business. A large number of players can even keep track of each other's scores in a competition on a specially designed scoreboard akin to a professional golf tournament. Some of the attributes that make such an event effective are:

1. A feel of a professional tournament is created by incorporating staff to organize the event on similar guidelines.


2. A lesson from a professional after a light breakfast, a full round of playing and a presentation ceremony help in securing an excellent introduction to golfers of all abilities.

These golf days can be hosted at various golf clubs available in a country. Courses offered should be selected according to the needs of the event. For example if you want to host a large event with many golfers, it is vitally important that the club you choose have the right level of experience in hosting events. It is less important for smaller golf days as these are generally easier to manage. It is also important to be clear with what you expect from the day. For example you may wish to have the event filmed or recorded by a professional photographer and it is important that you request this in advance.

Owing to an enormous range of variables in a corporate golf event, the cost can vary massively. The price can be as high as you are willing to pay if you are looking to host a top of the range corporate golf day. Conversely if you want a cheap and cheerful event then you can keep costs low by cutting down on the additional extras.

It is important to remember that although business golf is widely used nowadays as a method to mix business with pleasure, it does not actually translate into closing a significant number of business deals on the golf course. In spite of this, the savvy business person understands that mixing golf with business is a skillful method that can be effective in instilling confidence and respect with business associates or potential clients. It is also notable that corporate golf balls offer a great option in helping to brand a company.

Budgeting For Party Planners

Whether you are a professional party planner or a private individual hosting a party for friends you need to keep an eye on the money you are spending. To do this properly you need to create a budget. A budget is a written document, normally prepared using an excel spread sheet that forecasts the potential costs and in some cases income for the event. A well created budget that is updated regularly is an essential tool that will help you check your spending under control. It will serve as your money guide throughout the planning process.

A budget is important for many reasons, otherwise it would just be a waste of time. At the beginning of the process when quotes are been prepared it will help you decide whether or not to take on the job. Corporations, charities and individuals are all becoming very aware of costs and you need to be sure that the party can be organised within the proposed price point. Then once you decide to go ahead with the event the budget will facilitate the decision making process from start to finish. It is a critical toll in helping you to spend money wisely.

Any budget will have two main heading, revenue and expenses. You must not only know the source and date on which money will be received but also when you will be expected to pay for items. In other words cash flow forecasting, but don't worry you can use the budget template for both.If you are an experienced party planner chances are you are well aware of how to set up a budget but you will also need some "hard figures". That is where experience comes in very handy. By referring to past events you can be more certain about the cost of the various elements. For those new to the business it will take longer. Do not take short cuts when it comes to populating the budget template. You may have to make a large volume of calls or spend hours trawling the net for accurate prices but it will be well worth the effort.

The individual line on a budget should reflect the overall vision for the event. General heading such as Venue, Wine, Entertainment, etc will remain the same but once you get further into the detail the line items will change. For example the budget lines for a top end corporate event are likely to be very different to the detail for a 10K sponsored run. In the context of business events a budget is also a very effective form of internal communication. If you are an employee who has been placed in charge of the event you can use the budget to keep your line manager informed throughout the planning process and of any problems as preparations for the event get under way.

If you expect to receive money for the event then the budget detail should clearly show the sources of that revenue. Generally there are a number of revenue sources, own reserves, ticket sales, sponsorship or a combination of all three. The important point to note is that the revenue may not be received until after expenses have been incurred so it is essential that you confirm your suppliers terms of trade. If you have reserves built up from previous events then it may not be such a big issue. This point highlights the important of running an adequately funded business.

Top 10 Corporate Event Planning Services

Corporate event planning services are in great demand nowadays, whereby companies are outsourcing even planning services to professional firms to save time and money and bring in more expertise. Corporate planning as a profession is also gaining ground. Top 10 corporate event planning services that are in high demand are listed below:

Specific Company Events

Event such as annual meetings, and picnics are most common among corporate. You as an event planner should organize these events several months in advance to make them special for each attendee. You should have your focus on the petty but important areas such as food and logistics, which is central for any picnic. You should select a caterer, if needed, who can give best value for money.

Conferences and Holiday Parties

Among all corporate events, conferences are most time consuming affair. Lot of details need to be taken care of, including, business materials, to attendee turnout. Conferences should be organized and presented well to provide a meaningful experience to its participants. Another popular variant in corporate event is holiday parties often held to reward its employees for a good performance during the year. These events are a great way for the employees to reconnect with each other and an event planner pays a vital role.

Public Events and Retreats

Corporate event planners are also in demand for special events like opening a new branch or office. These are detail-oriented job requiring special execution skills and expertise. Weekend retreats are another area requiring special service of an event planner.

Seminars and Sales Meetings
Sales meetings and seminars are the most crucial corporate affairs. Sales meeting to reward top sales executives and seminars with eminent speakers requires lot of endeavor and planning, as they help to motivate the employees making them company loyalists.

Trade Shows and Workshops

Successful trade shows and workshops often reflect the professionalism and image of an organization, so one should event planners go extra mile to organize them properly. Rentals and location acts as an important factor while organizing workshops, so companies often pay top dollar to corporate event planners to execute them successfully.

Corporate event planning is a meticulous task and requires lot of eye for details. A successful corporate event can enhance the image of an organization and vice-versa. Increasingly, event managers are relying on event management software to streamline the process and automate tasks to take their event s to a different level.

Wedding Cakes - Discover the Benefits of Event Management Companies

Organizing a wedding includes decorating the wedding hall, buying cakes, designing invitations and much more. It is not an easy task to plan for a wedding event in a single day. Be it a small or a large wedding, you cannot plan an event if you don't have enough time.

If it's too big a wedding or you don't have enough time to organize an event, you can always get the help of event management companies. These event management companies take complete care of organizing your wedding event for a nominal cost.

If you want the most stunning designs for your wedding cake, you have to decide on the design well ahead of time. First and foremost, you have to decide on the size based on the number of guests for the event. You can visit various cake store design catalog and decide on one that fits your needs.

Following that, you have to determine the cost. Fondant cakes are more expensive when compared to the regular ones. If you are planning on picking up in person, you can save the cost of the delivery. Moreover, don't just go by the appearance of the cake, make sure that you get to taste it. An important tip may be to learn the ingredients of the cake and take care not to have ingredients that may result in potential allergies.

Wedding cakes are sold in a variety of styles, shapes and colors. If you simply walk into a cake store without preparation, it is very hard for you to choose a design. If you want to have a unique cake for your wedding, you would probably have to choose from higher cost cakes that have intricate designs like molded shapes or hand-made cakes with vibrant colors.

Never rush into a purchase decision. Step into several stores and check out several online cake stores and decide on one that best fits your budget. If you are planning to hire the services of an event company, it is better to leave the buying activities to them. The company will have experts who will be able to buy the perfect cake for your wedding. Some companies even take in the likes of the guests and make the purchases accordingly.

There are plenty of aspects you have to look for before taking up the services of event organizing firms. Determine the experience of the company in event organizing. Find out how fast they can plan your special event. Figure out the various wedding services offered by the company. Determine the cost of the service. Compare the cost of event planning at various companies and decide on the one that offers high quality service at a lesser price. You can even check with your friends and family to get recommendations about event organizing companies. Find out whether they will be able to do just one particular service that you are looking for. For instance, you can even check whether the company will help you out in buying wedding cakes.

The Event Planner's Guide to Managing Space on Tent Rentals

Tent rentals tend to go wrong if there are too many people more than what it can lodge. When planning an event, it is not just the number of guests you have to take into consideration. It also includes the number of tables and chairs, size of the stage and the length of the buffet table. Looking for the right tent rentals may require a little math then.

Standing or sitting. There are two ways to enjoy dinner parties: a sit-down dinner or a cocktail event. Obviously, you will need more area for a sit-down dinner than a standing cocktail event-around 15 to 16 square feet per person. For cocktails, you only need half as much, since there is no need for chairs and huge tables. However, dinner and cocktail parties differ in terms of the kind of food served so consider this tidbit.

Number of guests.Sometimes, it pays for your party, especially a formal one, to be marked as by-invitation only. This way, you can have a better figure at the number of guests attending the event. One major advantage of tent rentals is that the workers can adjust the frame of the tent to accommodate different volumes of people. They can use a larger fabric for more metal frames to create a larger party space.

Setting the stage.A stage is essential if you plan to have a band to perform for your party-and it considers both the band members and their instruments. For example, the drummer needs at least 50 to 75 square feet of space; the pianist around 50 square feet; and the guitarist and lead vocalist a mere four square feet. Supposedly, the band has this number of members, the stage overall needs to be more than 130 square feet big.

Buffets and bars.Coordinate with the catering service on how much space the waiters will need to set up their stations. If you have at least 100 guests attending, consider having two buffet and bar stations so that food distribution will be easier. Another option is to have one very long table but serves two sets of the same menu on either side. One long table will accommodate more people in queue.

Dance floor. Surely, you want your guests to dance the night away after the party proper. The ideal measurement for the dance area when you opt for tent rentals is at least five square feet per person. But make it 10 feet just in case people want to dance by pairs, just like in a ballroom.

Caterers For Corporate Events

It's true that food and catering services can make or break an event. And when it's a corporate event, the right decision is to hire professional corporate gourmet caterers to organize it. Gourmet caterers are ideal for corporate events because of their scrumptious food preparation and divine presentation. Gourmet professional catering companies have highly experienced and skilled chefs to prepare exquisite gourmet meals and polished wait staff that extends the best professional services for your corporate event.

Finding a best gourmet caterer for your event is an integral part of event management. If you think you have the capability to manage everything for the event then it's fine, otherwise you can always hire an expert corporate event manager to take away your worries of event management to give you sound sleep. A search for gourmet caterer can be started from the network of your peers - find out which gourmet caterers are mostly hired by your friends and members of your professional associations. Another place to search for gourmet caterers is museum, yes, museums are great resource for caterers. Museums have their own preferred list of gourmet caterers and can helpful to you if you can get it.

Once you have made your list of professional gourmet caterers, sit back to narrow your list down to two or three gourmet professionals that are most highly recommended by all. Filtration of list makes your gourmet caterer search easier. Personal assurance of their services and presentation can be achieved by an interview with the gourmet catering company.

Before heading towards an interview with your corporate gourmet catering company, finalize your menu, venue, number of guests, theme, etc. Creating a theme for a corporate event can make it more exciting and personalized to your company. If the event is too formal for any other theme then use your company logo to design it.

With all this information in hand, you may interview your potential gourmet caterers and ensure that they can offer you all desired services. Ask for references - it is always wise to talk to other people who have used the caterer for their events, as well as direct corporate clients. Finally, review the gourmet caterer's proposal for your corporate event.

Fundraiser Planning Made Easy

Planning a fundraiser will likely never be a simple task, but there are ways to make the job much easier. The list of tasks that need to be completed will definitely not be a short one, but with a little help and a few tools, you will find yourself checking things off of your list quicker than you expected. The first thing you want to get done is determine which tasks have top priority.

Obviously finding a venue to hold the fundraiser, finding a caterer to provide food for the fundraiser, and hiring staff to attend to the guests are all high priority duties to be completed, but much more must be done. Three tips in particular can help you to make your fundraiser planning process much easier.

1. Choose a venue that can be set up early. If it is at all possible, find a venue that either is not used often or that can be set up early. Or ask the venue you are going to use if they have some sort of storage, so you can bring in supplies ahead of time.

This way you can get as much set up as possible before the fundraising event rolls around. At the very minimum you may be able to get your supplies there and organized, so it will at least be easier to set up on the day of the event.

2. Hire a catering service that will handle everything. While some event planners will hire a catering service that handles the main course and then hire another service to cater the cocktail portion, it may be better to hire one service to do both. One advantage of having one catering company handle everything is limiting miscommunications. The event will seem much more put together when you hire the same company.

This way the food and decorating that goes along with the food preparation will be tied in together. Also, the manager of the company will have a better handle on the timing of each portion of the fundraising event when handing both the cocktail hour and the main course. Things will likely go much smoother this way.

3. Communicate with caterers and other important players with conferencing. Aside from the caterers, there will be a number of other important players involved in planning your fundraising event. Who those people are is not really what is important. What is important is planning a conference calling meeting with these individuals to be sure every detail has been attended to.

Conference calling is easy and downloading a conference calling program is even easier. You will have no trouble finding a free conference calling program online, and it will not take that long to download either. Simply schedule the conference call and download the conferencing program in advance, and then use it to finalize all of your last minute fundraiser details with everyone involved.

Fundraising may be difficult work, but there is no doubt it is also very rewarding. Planning ahead, smart planning, and using conference calling can make the experience even more rewarding in the end.

A Look Into Event Photography

Often people relate the word 'event photography' to more formal corporate events or weddings, proms etc. however event photography can cover any event! Whether it is the covering of a local football team or a fundraiser, all you need is a gathering of people, the right equipment and the right attitude.

So what makes a good event photographer?

A successful event photographer will need a real 'can-do' attitude. Enthusiasm and flexibility are essential as they ensure you can get any sort of event covered. Although experience in photography is obviously a bonus it can also be helpful to have a background in marketing or customer service to ensure the job is done quickly and effectively. Event photography should be considered very much in the service industry.

How stable is a job in event photography?

Event photography can be viewed as a recession proof business if the photographer knows how to market themselves. For example, if you are covering a charity event, you could offer a percentage of your earnings to the charity. This way you increase your chances of improving your relationship with the organisers.

A typical month for an event photographer will mainly involve researching events to work at. The amount of events covered per month depends entirely on the photographer themselves. Some events such as many sporting events can last over a week and so factors such as accommodation and meals need to be taken into account.

A lot of event photographer's offer onsite printing. Meaning they can offer their clients a preview of the photographers instantly and give them the choice to be printed there and then. This can prove to be more popular than having to order the photographs which takes up time and involves having to come back to the site. This sort of fast print service is ideal for other sorts of photography such as key rings.

For events such as graduations and weddings on site printing is probably less suitable. Clients for these sorts of photographs may request for effects to be added to the pictures of different sizes to be made and would often prefer for the photographers to be taken away, treated and then framed before they get them back.

If you think you have what it takes to be an event photographer then get researching today! Take a look into the right sort of cameras you will need and then take a look into future events. You might even want to start getting a feel for the industry by practicing anywhere you can. Look into any restrictions you might come across such as limitations on permission of taking photographers in public places and at private events.

How Can Event Technology Help Your Event?

The technological world we live in has left no stone unturned, and the field of event technology has changed and improved dramatically over the years. If you are planning an event or are keen to start organising one then learning about what event technology is available and how this can be used at your own event is a good idea. By using relevant and high quality audio visual equipment at your event, you can dramatically improve the experience of the attendees. Having audio visual equipment present can mean the difference between an average event and one that is never forgotten.

Slideshows and overhead projectors as you likely remember then are a thing of the past. Today projectors and projection screens offer an incredible quality and work brilliantly to provide a conference with visual materials. If you organising a conference or a meeting of some kind then the chances are good that your speaker will wish to point to information or provide visual representations of the ideas being discussed. Using a projector with a projection screen is ideal for this. It can be connected to a computer or laptop and therefore can be used to show graphs, slideshows or other presentations easily.

Another relatively new aspect of event technology is that of an interactive whiteboard. These are brilliant for large scale brainstorming sessions and can really encourage audience participation. If you want to particularly encourage interaction between delegates then ensuring you have an interactive whiteboard at the front of the room will help do this. If you are organising a music event or some kind of performance then getting the lighting correct is absolutely critical. Lighting displays are necessary to guarantee a good performance and to ensure the audience enjoy themselves. Lighting systems are more efficient, more effective and better for the environment than ever before. Whether it is a drama or music related event, planning the lighting system is one of the first and most important tasks that should be done.

Digital signage can also make a huge difference to the success of an event of conference. Video walls are available as are single screen displays and a host of other multi screen facilities. Depending on what event you are planning, you may wish to hire some digital signage of some kind to ensure the day stands out in people's minds. If your event is being hosted outside then you are likely to need some kind or personal address system. These are perfect for making announcements and passing along information. The equipment available today is clearer than ever before and they can project a sound over a considerable area.

If you want to display and present information to a large number of people then hiring some kind of technology is important. The high standard of event technology that is available in the modern age means that business events or conferences can be more interactive than ever before. Musical and theatrical performances too have benefited tremendously over the years due the huge improvements made to lights and sound equipment. Now musical performances can enjoy crisp and clear sounds and theatre productions can make the most out of lighting displays.

Event technology is very important regardless of what type of event you are organising. AV furniture is also available to house the equipment and ensure it works well. Audio visual installation is often included in the overall cost of hiring. You should check this out though with the company you are using. If you are new to the world of event management then it is well worth looking to hire an event management company to organise the event on your behalf. This can save you a great deal of time, money and stress too.

Your Company Anniversary - Create a Profitable Event

Whether it be 10-year, silver, gold, or platinum, a company anniversary can be a great reason to spend some of the promotional budget on one's own employees, clients or vendors. While many corporate cultures may shirk away from internal objectives, developing internal branding has been proven as a method to drive sales goals, improve customer service, and increase efficiency and performance across the board. But a run-of-the-mill event that employees feel obligated to attend will not do the trick. It is only with a hefty amount of zeal and style that a company anniversary can be transfigured from an awkward middle-school dance, to a healthy ROI.

Corporate events allow for a number of worthwhile exchanges to occur. Clients can meet employees outside of the normal work environment, forging ties that produce loyalty, both internal and external. Employees can meet corporate executives and finally take the five minutes of face time they have wanted for years, which also bolsters loyalty and motivates increased performance.

To promote that effect, employee incentives can be released via keynote speakers. Consumer promotions or award shows can celebrate the achievement of performance goals. Externally, online events can spur increased sales and activity in the weeks prior to the internal event, to synthesize an aura of accelerated success and accomplishment, to give employees personal reasons to celebrate. In so doing, a company anniversary and the promotions surrounding it can refresh employees' feeling of connection to the brand's success.

At the same time, a company anniversary, what is in essentially an aggregate's birthday celebration, provides the opportunity for self-praise. Just as a birthday gives proud parents license to show old family albums or videos, so too does an anniversary grant the ability to educate employees and clients about the brand's history and the core corporate values. Oftentimes, as tasks filter down through the corporate structure to divisions and subdivisions, initiatives can lose focus and become a mere set of instructions without purpose or goal. But impressing employees and clients with a stylish celebration can help bring out the uniqueness, even quirkiness of a coherent, internal image.

An entertaining ambiance and good food will give political clout to a corporate event, but a captivating and engaging theme, well-executed, will be a lasting boon to the profit margin. Some people will be excited about the event; others will take more convincing than free food. Expressing the theme through pervasive details, such as rented furniture, props, and costumes stimulates a celebratory environment and signals a departure from business concerns. A compelling array of decorations, creatively deployed to reflect the era when the company was founded, for example, can instantly transport attendees to a foreign place, which can serve to educate, stimulate, relax and reward simultaneously. Rented furniture, props, and custom-made graphics can induce nostalgia and reverence of the company's history.

Some anniversaries implement a "through the eras" approach to the evolution of corporate culture, which feature a number of rooms made to represent various decades in the history of the company. Each room is decorated with photographs taken during the relevant time frame, marking events that shaped company history, as well as a general cultural heritage. Coincidentally, incisive use of lighting and scent machines can help guests distinguish between separate chambers and ambiances, making a variety of experiences open for anyone to join as they see fit.

Even themes that are less directly related to the company can be effective in creating an entertaining atmosphere where guests will sincerely enjoy themselves. Tropical themes can give everyone an evening vacation in the middle of winter, or Mardi Gras can be chosen to emphasize fun and relaxation. Each of these themes, when performed down to the smallest detail, show attendees that they are appreciated for what they do, and simultaneously give employees a source of pride. The more impressive the display; the more memorable the anniversary.

Things to Consider When Planning an Event

There are many things to consider when planning an event. This article will not cover everything, but it does talk about the main factors that go into planning a successful event.

Type of event

First of all, what type of event are you organising? Here are a few of the possible types of event and the differences between each.

Corporate event - These are generally quite formal, so this should be reflected in the dress requirements
of the guests, the location, the service and the food.

Family event - Family events can be more casual affairs, depending on the occasion. Dress codes may be more relaxed, and the food served can be less formal to accommodate for children.

Wedding reception - Wedding receptions usually follow very strict protocols in terms of dress codes, seating plans and activities, so each guest must be made aware of this so they can prepare themselves accordingly. Traditionally the men are dressed in black tie, with the women in dresses. Definitely no jeans unless that is the theme of the wedding. The bridal party has the last say in what people can wear, and it is possible that they will specify exactly what must be worn to the event.

Birthday celebration - Birthday celebrations are quite likely to be a themed event, possibly with costumes as well. In addition to food you of course need to consider a cake!

Theme of event

Coming up with a unique theme to your event rather than just something standard will leave an impression on your guests, and have them talking about your event for some time after. If you plan to involve the guests in some way (with costumes or interactive entertainment) it is a good idea to alert your guests before hand, and give them constant reminders as you approach the event date. This will save embarrassment and frustration on everyone's behalf.

Location

Do you want to have an event in the city, out in the suburbs, next to the beach etc? Each location has its' pros and cons, it is up to you to weigh each of these up and determine the most appropriate location for your event.

Number of participants

This may seem very obvious, but you must gain a clear number of the attendees well before the event. You must also make sure that you specify on the invitations whether or not people are allowed to bring guests, and the limitations each invitee is allowed. This is especially important in wedding functions, as the people organising it would have a very clear idea of who they would want, and not want to attend the reception.

Age and interests of participants

Break it down into groups based on age and sex. A teenage boy is going to have a different outlook on the event than an elderly woman for example. Calculate the percentage of males vs females that will be attending, as well as their ages. The age and sex of the majority of participants will greatly influence the food and style of service to be employed, as well as the possible entertainment.

Dietary requirements

Ensure that you clarify whether or not any of your guests have special dietary requirements. This can include vegans/vegetarians, lactose intolerance or special dietary requirements due to religious beliefs.
What sort of service do you want or expect?
If you are planning for a formal three course meal then the service must reflect this, but if you are planning on having a buffet the service can be more relaxed.

Pre-event drinks/appetizers

Will the event be dinner only, or will there be pre dinner drinks and snacks? This is something to consider as well when booking the venue; if you chose to have pre dinner drinks you must make sure that the venue has a bar area that is large enough to accommodate your guests, and that you hire enough service to provide drinks and snacks.

Fundraising Event Planning Ideas

Common types of nonprofit events, such as auctions, fairs and festivals, lectures, tournaments, contests, sporting events, and so on are organized to raise money. However, in many cases, such special events are not enough to raise the necessary amount of funds. Here are few tips about how to plan out a successful non-profit fundraising event.

Select the Perfect Special Event for Your Non-profit Organization

While selecting a special event for your non-profit fundraising, make sure that the event perfectly fits with your existing resources. Organize big events, such as auction, fair, festival, or home tour, if you have enough resource to manage it. However, make sure that the event perfectly matches your mission and is likely to attract attendees, who can be your potential donors in the long run.

Attractive and Affordable Venue

The venue of the event should be attractive enough to keep your audience engaged. Find a nice place that suits your cause. Make sure that there the audience can have pleasant time and all the services and amenities they need. Check out if it fits your budget.

Choose Add-ons to the Main Event

You must choose some add-ons to make your event exciting. In that way, you can also encourage the attendees to donate in a generous manner. You can organize an auction with a dinner. You can also sell T-shirts, calendar, and other things to attract donors. Dessert auctions are also expected to attract attendees in large numbers.

Keep Your Events Green

Keep in mind that attention to the environmental issues can make an event attractive to the attendees. By doing this, you can draw media attention, which is likely to boost your attendance rate.

Select Event Activities Carefully

Event activities help a lot in creating a positive impression on your attendees. To plan out your event activities, you have to pick a proper date, which does not conflict with major holidays and popular local events. Besides, you must also allow adequate time for planning the program. Special events, such as gala ball, golf tournament, or benefit concert normally take between six months to a year to prepare.

Draft Your Promotional Campaign Properly

Promotion is an integral part of any successful event. An effective promotion can get you higher attendee turnout and potential donors. You must provide attention to promote the events through newsletter, website, and Facebook page, which are likely to generate excitement among people about a month in advance. For media reporting, you can send out press releases along with photos.

Start your fundraising event planning today and make it a big hit.

Disaster Recovery: Scary Statistics Stress the Need for Increased IT Planning and Protection

Picture arriving to work and finding that you have lost your business's IT

infrastructure to a power outage, fire or flood. If you were not prepared and did not have a disaster recovery plan already in place, your business would likely have to shut down. Alternatively, if it did recover, it is unlikely that your business would achieve the previous level of success.

43% of companies that experience a major data loss do not reopen (DTI/Price Waterhouse Coopers)

80% of companies that do not recover from a data loss within one month are likely to go out of business in the immediate future (Bernstein Crisis Management)

93% of companies that experience a data disaster are out of business within 5 years. (U.S bureau of Labor)

Disaster recovery planning has become the cornerstone trade of most IT professionals and upper management alike. Although upper management and the IT team don't usually collaborate, creating a Business Continuity plan and a Disaster recovery plan bring the two departments together for the company's emergency backbone. The BCP and DRP in collaboration outlines procedures in the event of a disaster so that the business can function with minimal or little down time. Creating a success and effective business plan consists of:

1. Detecting a severe disaster: A monitoring system should be in place, preferably 24/7 to recognize the problem as soon as it surfaces.

2. Damage Assessment: IT management will detect what sort of damage your business has incurred. Whether it be a company network, an email server or your entire IT infrastructure it is important to know what exactly has been affected and act accordingly.

3. Recovery Time objective: A recovery time objective (RTO) is the amount of time and service level which a business process must be restored to avoid unacceptable consequences that your business would have communicated to the IT management team associated with a break in continuity.

4. Resume Critical Business processes: The number one priority for an IT management team is to resume the business' critical processes which ensure the firm's ability to protect its assets, meets critical needs, and satisfies mandatory regulations and requirements.

Once you have your companies disaster plan established, you will need to make sure that your IT team holds up their end of the bargain. Data backups (Both hosted and onsite) will give your company the ability to access data, application and even emulate hardware if a storage, power or network failure were to happen at any time. Implementing these services in desperate times requires IT management software installed on every device that could be affected by a disaster.

In conclusion:

A disaster recovery plan helps businesses operate during disaster that without would devastate a company's IT system. Without a clear and concise plan in place, most business will never fully recover. To learn what solution is right for your business, contact a provider of disaster recovery services today.

Events Planning: Tips on Making an Event a Success

In any event, planning is very crucial to its success. That is why most people decide to hire the services of event planners or event managers to do the job for them. Although hiring event planners are not necessary, you can choose to the events planning yourself if you have the time. It is not an impossible task but it may require patience from you.

So how do you start doing some events planning? You need to start by knowing what the event is all about and start from there. Start to list down all the ideas that come to your mind for the event. Making a checklist will be very helpful and you can put the things you need to hire and purchase. Also indicate the people you will need to talk. Include your deadlines as well. And as you go along with your events planning, you can always refer to your checklist if you have missed something.

Second is to determine the goal of the event you are planning. If the event you need to plan will require that you have a bigger turnout this year then you must clearly think of ways on how to achieve this goal. These types of events are not as simple as planning a birthday party, you will need to think creatively of your marketing schemes and how to get more people to come.

Third is to set the budget for the event. You will need to know how much you or the company is willing to spend for the event. If this event is supposed to be profitable, you may also want to talk to the company about their plans on how to get revenue from the event. Profitable events will require entrance fees to earn a little and reunions will have registration fees to cover up the expenses.

Now that you know the goals for the event and how much the budget is, you can now pick the location for the event. If you have a place in mind, you need to check for its availability immediately. Ask your client what the target date is and if it's still movable, this way there are more options to choose from. Your venue's capacity should be able to hold your maximum target turnout. You will need to visit the place to check out if there is adequate parking space, if the venue is spacious and comfortable, does it have phone or Internet access or whatever your event will need to have.

Lastly, you will need to decide on the food you will be serving. If this is a profitable event that you are planning, you will need to get some food stalls in there. However, if you are just planning for a reunion that will need to have a bigger turnout, you will need to find an affordable caterer to service the event. It will really depend on what the event should be so your events planning should already be detailed from the start.

Event Management Within the Corporate World

Event management is actually a very old concept within the corporate world and this has been used for many years as a way to promote businesses. The success for management events has been for about fifteen years.

For many years time these events have been a big part of the activities for a vast number of different companies although for many years the significance of these events has been ignored. As businesses all across the world are changing they have accepted how useful these events can actually be. It has become increasingly viable when it comes to organising them and this is especially the case for the big company events.

In the early days of management events the companies and organisations conducted these events that are organised and managed by the companies own team of staff and these may be qualified or not within this line of work. These events are very time consuming and they can also be very stressful.

The amount of stress and time that is spent on these events actually reduces the amount of effective working time that he employees can be involved in. Nowadays it is actually a lot easier for companies to organise these events and it doe not require as much stress or time.

There are a lot of companies that actually specialise in organising this type of event. These companies are operated using a team of people that are qualified and experienced in this type of work. These companies are actually known as being genuine, reliable and also they put in a remarkable amount of effort in order to make sure that the event is a success. These companies will all actually have their own team of contacts that will include caterers, decorators and other professional individuals and companies.

Regardless of the reason why you want top organise one of these events you will find an events company that is able to deliver an event that you can be proud of. The companies that organise these events are high trained and they can be classed as masters in transforming the special occasion into an event that will be remembered for all the correct reasons.

Regardless of whether you want an event for five hundred people or five thousand people it is very important to leave no stone unturned, as there is a vast number of things that need to be done in order to make an event a memorable time. The event companies that are available organise a vast array of different things and they will cater to the strategies and needs of the client.

During the course of the event the companies will also take care of the various different things in order to make sure that the whole event from start to finish goes smoothly and as the client would it to do so. There is a vast number of reasons why companies have these events and this includes product launches, introduction to services, award ceremonies and new business ventures to name a few things.

Corporate Events in Val d'Isere

Entertaining special clients or work colleagues is always a challenge. With a weekend or weeks hospitality to organise and certain criteria to meet it can be problematic. However if you fancy taking your group for a week of fresh powder skiing, fantastic apres-ski and 5 star luxury then we may have the answer. The ski resort Val d'Isere is one of Europe's hippest and yet most family friendly resorts.

There are a variety of 5 star hotels and skiing chalets to choose your accommodation from - many of which are linked together to facilitate social networking and team building. Most of the 5 star chalets are serviced with a concierge, a chef, catering and cleaning staff and will organise nannies & dog walkers upon request.

A luxury catered ski chalet can offer the kind of pampering experience usually associated with a 5 star hotel at a fraction of the cost - organising their facilities around the hectic skiing day, they provide a sanctuary where the only time you have to lift a finger is to call attention to the fact that your champagne glass requires replenishing.

When searching for accommodation for corporate clients your check list should include a generous living area to dine and socialise within (especially for larger groups) a large terrace for fabulous winter barbecues and in some cases a snow bar, daily champagne and canape receptions, gourmet 5 course dinners, fine wines, fresh flowers and daily international newspapers.

More specifically, to relax after a day on the slopes, hot tubs are a great ice breaker (champagne may or may not be optional) and for the more energetic a swim spa will be most appreciated. Most good accommodation providers have a trained physiotherapist on hand to help you unwind and de-stress at the end of the day, but if your budget does not extend to this level of corporate hospitality make sure there is an open log fire for guests to curl up beside with a decent sound system for background atmospheric ambiance.

Val d'Isere has extraordinary views within the Espace Valley offering really breath-taking surroundings and understated elegance which make a week or weekend's corporate hospitality most enjoyable. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Val d'Isere also offers snow activities such as paragliding, helicopter tours, snow-mobiling, heli-skiing, ice karting, quad biking, sleigh riding and husky sledging.

Val d'Isere is part of the 3 Valleys ski range and with around 300km of slopes it really does offer something for everyone regardless of their skiing ability. Lessons can be arranged for complete beginners while there are plenty of black runs to challenge the most experienced skiier in your group.

If your trip is being planned around an annual Conference there are a number of 4 and 5 star hotels in the resort centre which cater for large groups - Le Tsantaleina and Hotel Christiania being exceptionally well designed to accommodate corporate parties.

The Conference Centre in Val d'Isere, which is open throughout the year has an- an amphitheatre, multipurpose hall, individual conference rooms for breakout sessions and an underground car park with 130 spaces for those travelling each day.

Val d'Isere combines 5 star luxury and snow sports in the most perfect manner - all in all the best way to mix business with pleasure.

Sweet 16 Party Ideas For Your Precious 16 Year Old

Another important milestone in your daughter's growing up is when she is finally turning sweet 16. It doesn't happen everyday. She is about to reach her full bloom, something that we as parents fear as she is growing up. The little bud we once had is turning into a lovely delicate flower - and it is happening very soon and right before our very eyes. We sure want to make it worth remembering for our daughters.

Parents would most likely hire an events planner, something worth your every penny. We have to admit that we do need experts in planning something that happens once in a lifetime. A planner would host the event and be responsible for an awesome and electrifying theme for your Sweet 16 and her expected guests. The theme must be equally rousing to the party favors you are about to distribute afterwards. These party favors become symbols reminiscent of the sweetest event in your precious ones' life. Giving out party favors is optional but it is something the guests really look forward tot. Let me cite some sweet 16 party ideas:

• Fairytale Theme- This is the most probable choice of parents and celebrants for a sweet 16 party. Invited young ladies normally would give in extra effort dressing up to be enchantingly lovely. It can be expensive but it need not be. Simple gowns can be turned into really fine, elegant pieces with some additions to the design which any parent can and would definitely love to do. The party favor ideas that would perfectly blend in would be: handmade couture party dress cookies or chocolate, or personalized tins for collection items. Enough to reward the young ladies for dressing up.

• Slumber Party Theme- This is something that young ladies would love to do. It is more spontaneous and they would love the privacy of sharing stories to each other without the need of an adult around. Some party favors that would be perfect for this theme would be: personalized playing cards or lip balms that they would surely love.

• Retro Themed Party- Get the groove back to the 60's. It will definitely be a flashy day for your young lady and her other guests. Perfect colorful outfits would be a surefire hit and would make the sweet 16's album worth browsing every now and then. Top party favors to match this event are: personalized party goodie bags, personalized chocolate bars - all with colorful and big prints to highlight the theme of the party.

• Masquerade Party- Stay mysterious behind the mask while savoring the night. This theme is elegant and fabulous and very enjoyable. Masks may be ordered or fabricated for a more personal touch. These fabricated masks can be the best party favor for this kind of party, paste a tag somewhere unnoticeable to personalize it.

5 Ways for Destination Management Companies and Event Providers to Become Local Area Experts

Succeeding as a Destination Management services provider or Events Services company and handling large groups requires a special set of skills - expert people-management, superior organization, an altered sense of timing (things take longer with large groups), and the desire to achieve the best experience for each and every participant, no matter how large the group. And while there are many companies that handle large group logistics, relatively few have dedicated the time to become local area experts and really delve into all their local region has to offer. Doing so will not only set your services apart and add to your company's credibility as a logistics expert, but will also enhance marketing opportunities by allowing you to offer new excursions and activities for all of your groups.

Becoming a local area expert and developing the personal relationships to back that up is a time-consuming quest and requires a commitment to stay on top of things, but some pre-planning and organization can go a long way toward maximizing your time investment. Here are 5 ways to get started in your local area:

1. Set up Google Alerts - This service allows you to monitor the web for interesting new content about a subject matter of your choice - a great way to stay current on activity trends, or be informed about what your competitors are doing. (Be sure to use quotation marks around your search term if it's more than one word - otherwise the search engine will give you any results it finds for any of the single words you type in)

2. Subscribe to your area's top Events Calendars - most have a feature now that allows you to select your areas of interest, then subscribe to e-mail postings/alerts. And while you're at it, set up a new e-mail account that is just for these notices so it won't clog your regular Inbox, but you can still have handy access to the listings at any time, without having to search each Calendar every time you need to know what's going on locally.

3. Harvest the local associations and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) websites. For example - have a wine region nearby? Chances are there is a vineyard association or a winery marketing association with a wonderful website full of great events info for groups. Don't rely just on your local Convention and Visitors Bureau for info, since most of them now use a paid advertising model for their listings and you could miss some great local venues worth discovering.

4. Become a local tourist. Get out there and drive around! Go see things in person, take a guided tour if any are offered in your area, and personally check out the local events and activities - there is no better way to see if you can recommend something for your clients than to experience it yourself.

5. Meet & Greet. New people, not the same ones over and over! Make appointments with new venue managers, go see the local wineries, make it a point to dine out at a new restaurant each month. Meet the people and establish new relationships - you'll have fun doing it, and your business and your groups will benefit from all of your efforts.

Planning Corporate Away Days and Getting it Right

Team building through corporate away days are popular events. They are more than fun days with everyone letting their hair down and getting to know the real person inside. That sort of thing may happen to some extent, but it should never be the main focus.

One of the first things to plan for on corporate away days is a definite strategy. There has to be well defined goals to accomplish. A foundation has to be set that everyone understands. The objectives need to be fully measurable. With a solid strategy in place the event becomes a task, or series of tasks, that have to be completed in order to achieve the overall goals.

Don't try to achieve too much in one day. If the corporate away days are spread over a weekend there will be more time to do everything. However, it is usually the case that events overrun. Allow for this. It's better to have team members sitting around for 20 minutes discussing the weather than to have them getting halfway through an event and having to stop because time ran out.

Involve team members in the design of the corporate away days. Ask for their feedback, what they would like to see happen, or how they would like to have events structured. This makes the whole event a cooperative effort. It has a better chance of gaining commitment, and it helps to engage the team members better.

Someone has to facilitate the activities. This needs to be someone whom the other members trust and respect. It needs to be someone who has good organisational abilities, someone who is fair minded, and someone who is committed to the intended outcome.

When the dust settles and everyone goes off home, when next month comes around and the corporate away days become a hazy memory, this might be a good time to do it all over again. Reinforcing the team building strategy by having regular corporate away days is something that works. The team members quickly understand that it's a kind of training they will go through at regular intervals. They will also get better as time goes on.

Corporate away days are not to be left at the place where the event took place. They are exercises to be learned from, and that's where the follow up reports come in. By analysing the results of corporate away days the strengths and weaknesses of a team can be ascertained. Then something needs to be done about them. That's the power of following up.

Corporate away days become essential training when they are strategically thought out and properly executed. They have to be more than a workers bonding day. That will probably happen, but as a by-product of the intended result, not as the main focus.

Corporate away days have the potential to teach management so much they don't know about their employees. The data can be utilised to increase production and efficiency, and this can be achieved while producing happier, more engaged loyal and committed team members.

Events Organiser is Responsible For Negotiating With Contractors and Departments

The events organiser is usually responsible for negotiating with various contractors and various departments like catering or security services. He is usually quite well-organised and efficient and works closely with a wide range of people. He may work long, unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends and be a great help in corporate and other busy events. His training involves team building sessions or training courses. He usually works for some independent event management companies and large organisations which have their own in-house departments to organise events. He is always willing to offer an expert, friendly service, and service and is always there to help. An organiser always gives his 100 percent to enhance the quality, simplicity, and reliability, which are the keys to a successful outcome of an event.

1. Events organiser usually divides his time between working in an office, visiting venues and meeting clients. This means that has to spend lengthy periods away from home. He can also offer cost-effective way of organising conferences, road shows, exhibitions and live events.

2. He is also responsible for putting together all the behind-the-scenes details connected with a large event, corporate meeting or exhibition. He would give you tips on units or systems that are best suited to your specific needs and facilities and is quite capable of managing seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings, both national and international.

3. The exact role of events organiser usually depends on the type of event and the organisation, that he is working for. He can play a great part in research, planning, marketing, administration, preparing budgets and managing income and expenditure. He can really help you save a lot of your precious time and money.

4. He has good organisational and transferable skills, multi tasking abilities and enough experience, which is extremely beneficial to help people organise things for their big day. He can also provide additional support like the complete relocation or removal service, and guarantee to deliver your requirements on time.

5. Whether it is a corporate event or conference, planning your party or wedding, or simply providing entertainers or promotional staff, he has the knack of managing the stress of the event with extreme calm, whilst delivering it with creativity and style.

Being events organiser, he has a simple aim to create and deliver the most amazing event. He can offer advice on most extensive range of advanced presentation technologies, including full equipment supply as well as set-up. He has an excellent communication and people skills, can solve problem creatively. He can do whatever is required to make sure that everything runs smoothly and within relevant regulations and usually has a proficiency to either work on his own or as part of a team and possesses good attention to detail. An organiser would provide services that would not only give you a peace of mind but really compliment all forms of your hospitality events. He is the one who can make your event really successful, giving you an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.

Wedding Planner Series 1 - Is It Worth It?

If you are now or have ever planned a wedding, you know that the thousand and one details involved can quickly overwhelm even the most dedicated multi-tasker. As the bride or groom, not only do you have every practical aspect of the wedding on your mind, but also the inevitable emotional upheaval that comes with a major life change, as well as navigating the sometimes complex process of blending two extended families and learning the boundaries of in-law relationships. With all of that going on, it's no wonder that the temptation to shell out some extra cash to take a logistical load off in the run up to the big day can loom large. The question at hand, though, is this: is it worth it?

The long and short of it is that if you are planning a wedding of any size and/or a reception with any degree of complexity, then the return you will see on your investment in an event planner will most likely be worth it, not only in peace of mind and stress reduction, but possibly even in cost reduction over other aspects of your wedding experience. That is not to say that every wedding needs a dedicated planner. Obviously if you are getting married at the courthouse with a couple of witnesses, followed by a small family dinner at a favorite local spot, you don't need an event planner to help you sort out the details. If, however, you fall somewhere else along the wedding spectrum, more toward the big party/theme wedding/ "I've had a vision since I was six years old" end, for example, then an event planner might be just the thing to keep your head from exploding as you get closer to the big day.

From venue choice to flowers to table linens to cake to bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses, an event planner can certainly be there to help make the big decisions that inform how an event takes shape. That, however, is not truly where an event planner shines. An event planner's true worth is behind the scenes. When you are having a meltdown because you've just found out that your soon to be mother in law is being completely irrational and wants to wear a head to toe scarlet dress to your black and white wedding that you've been planning for the past six months, who is going to take the call from the florist when the flower arrangements you chose three months ago are no longer possible because last night's shipment of imported tulips were splattered all over the interstate in a 13 car pile up and an 11th hour substitution has to be made? When you are in hair and makeup and the venue staff misreads the seating chart and puts your groom's mother and father (who have been divorced and haven't spoken in 13 years) sitting next to one another, who steps in and fixes the seating arrangement before world war 3 happens during cocktail hour? The event planner. Without someone in your corner taking care of those details, you have to look your best, handle your own nerves, soothe your insane family, get married, and handle all the last minute practical details of a wedding and reception on your own with little or no backup. You have bigger things to worry about. Leave the details to the professionals.

How an Event Management Solution Can Help You to Manage Attendee Data

As an event planner, your top priority is to ensure the success of your event by getting maximum attendees. While it is true that drawing attendees to your event is no mean feat, you should know that appropriate strategies can help you to exceed your Return on Investment (ROI) effectively. To help organizers manage their attendee data properly, a number of sophisticated event management solutions have been introduced in the market. These software tools are extremely effective in ensuring smooth management of attendee data for different events.

A comprehensive event management solution provides several benefits to you to monitor attendees, registrations and post event activities. Some of these include the following:

Access to Reports at No Additional Costs

An integrated event management software provides unlimited access to multiple reports for your convenience. These standard reports are available at no additional cost. Therefore, it is an extremely cost effective means by which you can get necessary data in an easy to read and understand format.

Multiple Reports for Monitoring the Success of Your Event

As an event planner, you must have access to relevant information and necessary data at all times. With the help of a comprehensive event management solution, you get as many numbers of reports as you want about your event. Some of the standard reports that you can access include customer and sales report, check in reports, registration status reports and post event feedback reports from the attendees.

Filtration Option

You get to fine tune the data from all reports using a wide range of filters that are provided by cutting edge event management solutions. With this option, it gets easier for you to review the data and measure the success of your event more effectively.

Reports in an Easy to Understand Format

An online event management solution creates an unlimited number of customized reports for event planners at the click of the button. Data is presented in an easy to read format and the reports are sent as Excel or a CSV files to benefit organizers.

Measure Return on Investment

The role of an event planner is such that it becomes necessary to monitor each and every aspect of the event. In the post event stage, you should have a clear understanding of the factors that worked in your favor and aspects that call for immediate attention to ensure the success of your upcoming events. Post event surveys, therefore assume a lot of importance. By seeking the opinion of your attendees, you measure the effectiveness of your initiatives. By opting for a feature rich event registration solution, you can get customized reports on the post event surveys.

Accounting Support

The success of your event is ultimately about the numbers. So, accounting reports provide necessary details about the status of registrations, payments and cancellations. With these reports, you can track financial data concerning your events.

To plan effectively and streamline all the processes, you need to opt for a customizable solution that helps you to manage your attendees in the most professional manner. So, invest in a cost effective event management solution to put an end to all your worries when it comes to planning and hosting events.

Limousine Rental Guide

There are different occasions wherein hiring a limo service is most appropriate. However, you have to make sure that you get satisfaction with the money you pay. Renting limousines is not always the option of a lot of people because of the high cost. If you decide to hire a limo service, consider booking one on an early date to avoid hassles. When planning your luxury transportation experience, consider the following:

• Occasion - There is an ideal limo for each type of occasion. A limo best used for weddings is different from the ones that can be used for birthdays. The limo service company may customize available limos for your event. A regular one can be decorated depending on the occasion. This is why the company offering limousine transportation service would ask details about the event that you will be attending.

• Cost - Limousine services are for the high-class market, but the price can also shift depending on the size of the vehicle, distance of transportation, and the time of the year. There is no need to make unnecessary splurging. Get only the right service for your budget. Note that each limousine company has its own pricing scheme. Usually, limo rentals are charged on an hourly basis, but you may be surprised to find companies providing flat rates and packages. Limousine companies may also charge fuel surcharges on top of the base fees. Now, drivers would have customary gratuity fees that are around 20% of the base charges. So, make sure you know all the costs you may incur when looking at your options.

• Packages - Limo companies offer luxury transportation service packages for weddings, proms, concerts, casino tours, and other special occasions. These packages are ideal for events whose start-end durations are determined. The number of hours that the luxury vehicle will be used determines the price of the package.

• Vehicle - There are different kinds of limousines, although they all seem to look the same. A limo can be small, accommodating only one or two people, or it could be long and stretched, like the ones you see at casinos or concert venue parking areas. It is recommended that clients should check out the cars before making arrangements with the company. They may post pictures of their cars on its website, but it is better to actually see the limo units in person to come up with a better choice.

• Booking - Limo service reservations must be done as part of your event planning. If you are planning for your wedding and you wish to rent a chauffeured limo, make reservations a year before your wedding date. For events like proms and parties, book a limo a few months ahead. Make sure you have confirmed your limousine reservations, and do not forget to call the company a few weeks before the scheduled event to further confirm.

• Safety and Insurance - Some limousine transportation companies do not have appropriate insurance that will protect their passengers in case an accident happens. Trust only companies who will look after your welfare. At the same time, make sure the company is legitimate and registered.