Selecting Rodeo Awards: Your Options for a Successful Event

People participate in sporting events, such as the rodeo, for the love of the sport. But that doesn't mean that they don't want or deserve recognition for their skills and accomplishments. As the event planner, you have a lot of available options to choose from for your award ceremony.

Belt Buckles

Shiny silver belt buckles are the quintessential rodeo award. Rodeo winners are instantly recognizable by their beautiful silver buckles, heralding their accomplishments. These buckles are beautifully handcrafted by skilled silversmiths, with intricate designs embossed, engraved, or inlaid on each plate buckle. The motif on each buckle can be personalized to the exact image and message that you choose. Popular buckle motifs include animals like horses or eagles, stars, western scenes, and detailed patterns. Buckles made for awards often feature the name of the event, the sport, and the year, so that the recipient can display it like a trophy.

Banners and Ribbons

Another very common form of awards for rodeo events is banners and ribbons. Large woven banners, often with a beautiful thick fringe, are great for commemorating large accomplishments, such as a signature event or a team competition. Teams especially love these because they can be displayed in their clubhouse, meeting room, or stable. Ribbons can range from small simple printed ribbons to large elaborate ones with beautiful rosettes. All of these items can be found in any color, and can be printed with any text you choose.

Saddles and Tack

Not all awards have to be purely decorative. Some professional rodeo events reward their winners with elaborate trophy saddles, elegant tack equipment for the horses, or handcrafted saddle silver. These make excellent awards because they are useful, and can be used every day - reminding the winner every day of his or her accomplishments.

Gear Bags and Shirts

Another useful category of award can be found in gear bags, totes, or items of clothing. Specialized bags for rodeo equipment are always in demand, and can easily be personalized with an embroidered logo or wording. Shirts are a popular memento for all kinds of events. Denim or khaki work shirts are popular with working cowboys, and everybody loves a good t-shirt.

Jewelry

Still useful, but more decorative, are jewelry options. Any winner, especially women, will love to receive a commemorative ring, bracelet, earrings, or necklace pendant. Handcrafted silver jewelry can be customized to suit your event, your winner, and your budget. More useful objects such as keychains, decorative knives, or money clips are also a good option to consider.

Trophies, Plaques, and Certificates

Of course, let's not forget traditional award types. Trophies are available in many sizes, and can easily be customized to suit your needs. People and groups alike both love to display a case of their shining trophies. Plaques, made of glass, acrylic, or wood, can be made for display on a wall or on a flat surface such as a shelf or desk. These are great for people who have an office, such as a team coordinator, coach, or manager. Similar to plaques, an engraved certificate, in a nice frame, is appropriate for any recipient and sure to be appreciated.

Event planning is a stressful process, full of difficult decisions and intricate details. Don't let the awards for your event fall through the cracks - let your trophy shop or silversmith help you make the right selections for a successful rodeo.

Innovation and Measuring Business Planning Using Value Added Modeling

Vale Added Modeling (a.k.a VAM) is one of the hottest topics in business today. VAM is used to find and measure the most effective strategy, person, or approach for getting a desired outcome. In discussing the use of VAM, businesses often speak of finding innovative ways to do or conduct business effectively.  Most often businesses feel that VAM is achieved by presenting innovative programs and techniques that reduce the noises that outside elements may cause on desired outcomes without performing analysis to ensure value is effectively added.  However, what is often lost when using VAM, is measuring the effectiveness of innovation.

The classic example of VAM as an innovative practice is the development of hybrid cars. The technology of combining gas and electric power claim to produce a more energy efficient, fuel saving, and cost effective mode of transportation. While it may seem obvious that hybrid cars adds value to drivers' life. Is the car indeed more cost effective than non-hybrid cars? If so, how much more effective are hybrid cars? Is the effective of hybrid cars enough that drivers feel satisfied in the product?

On the innovative side of the argument, the hybrids seem to be a no brainer. However, the true answer will not occur until this value added technology is measured over time. This is the beauty of VAM, which suggest measuring the effects of factors on desired outcomes overtime. In this case, measuring if factors associated with hybrid cars adds more value to the driver's lives. To understand the effectiveness of hybrids compared to different types of non-hybrid cars (gas-powered and diesel-powered), we must take into account factors such as the cost of purchase, gas per mile, maintenance cost, and pollinates.

Given these factors, some have argued if hybrids are as good as the carmakers claim. Ann Job of MSN Autos reported that in a test by Consumer Reports magazine, which calculates its own fuel economy stats, noted that the Toyota Prius hybrid test car got 44 miles a gallon in real world driving, not the city/highway rating of 55 mpg that the government reports. While 44 mpg is still lower than most cars and the difference in the mpg of a hybrid is a reported 30% higher than like-sized non-hybrid; we still have to ask, what is the true value added? For instance, comparing the Primus to a VW Jetta TDI, is that there are greater value added on mpg. Further, Roy Rex of AOL Auto reports that hybrids are $1750 to $15,000 higher than like-size non-hybrid gas-powered cars. Even with tax breaks and some company incentives, is the difference in gas mileage enough to off set the price difference between hybrid and non-hybrid like-size cars?

Another question is whether than is a greater difference between hybrid and diesel-powered cars than between hybrid and gas-powered cars. The noticeable difference between hybrid and diesel cars is that hybrid cars are cleaner. But Ben Stewart of popular motors explains, "today's diesels have been engineered to burn cleaner while still delivering impressive mileage." This further brings to question, what is the true value of hybrid cars versus diesel cars?

The point being made here is not that hybrid technology does not provide more value. The point is that to truly understand the value added by this innovative approach, we must complete the VAM process by measuring the effects of factors (cost of purchase, gas per mile, maintenance cost, and pollinates) associated with hybrid cars against other cars. In this process, we might find that the hybrid is strong in many areas, but lacking in other areas.

Further more, while we can see how hybrids may add value to the driver's (customer's) life, VAM is more than just see what the customer values and producing a product based on that value. For years, the US auto industry listened to customers and produced bigger cars that were not cost-effective. The result is the collapses of the US auto industry. Because of this type of outcome, VAM is about sustaining customer satisfaction so to ensure that customers will return or the customer will lead to more sells. The best way to ensure this result is by developing VAM that produces innovative services and/or products; and ways of measuring the effectiveness of services, service delivery, and products over a period of time.

Why using statistics analysis is an important step in the VAM process?

We have all seen list of 10 effective ways to make a sale, or 10 effective ways to win customers. The burning question is how do we know the techniques presented are effective? In social science research, we ask are these approaches valid and reliable? This suggests, are these approaches accomplishing what they claiming, and can we rely on these techniques every time we go to make a sale. The best way to truly know if these approaches are effective is by statistically measuring the effects of these approaches on actual sales made.

In a VAM sense, we want not only the measure the effects of these techniques on sales, but to measure these techniques on multiple person over a period of time. In additional, we want to eliminate factors that may bias the effectiveness of the 10 effective ways to make a sell. Let's say 5 of the 10 effective ways to sale are 1) Networking, 2) Respecting client's time, 3) Listening to clients needs, 4) Product Knowledge, and 5) Sell customer only what they need. To measure the effectiveness of these techniques on sales growth overtime, it is importance to only focus on measuring the effects of techniques on sales by collecting data associated with sales. So, do not measure things like quality of product, product warrant, or specials associated with the products. By uses these factors, you are not measuring the value added by the sales techniques. You are measuring the value of the product. Additional, but adding these factors, you can bias the value of the sales technique.

Further, if you are interested in measuring the effectiveness of an innovative product, think about what sets you product a part from other similar products. Here, you do want to assess data associated with the product and not data on the approach of the salesperson. 

Keep in mind that statistically measuring the effects of factors on desired outcomes are not as simple as saying, in the first quarter the company sold ten products using the 10 techniques and this month the company sold 15 products using these 10 techniques. Like the situation with the hybrid car, you are not sure if all 10 techniques are effective, which technique produces the greater sales growth, or if a combination of difference techniques produced the greatest sales growth.

By developing effective or innovative approaches to developing a better product is a start to VAM process. However, it is key that companies continue the VAM process by analyzing data to ensure that they approach or product is 1) valued by the customer and 2) can be sustained over time.

For companies wrestling with implementing VAM, appropriate steps are needed to develop effective VAM to your business.

1. Brainstorm to understand the strengths and weaknesses of reaching your desired outcomes,


2. Develop plans to build on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses,


3. Develop measurable factors (what makes the new improvements better) so to assess effects on your desired outcomes,


4. Compare again benchmarks from prior years or quarters, and


5. Use VAM statistical technical to determine if the method used for desired outcomes are total effective.

Choosing the Right Events Management Company

Are you or your company organizing a party? Or maybe an offsite live music event? You must be worrying about a hundred things that have to be arranged. The invitations have to be sent out on time, a venue has to be selected, food and music have to be arranged, and the list has no end. And then, you would also have to think about situations like rain and traffic. The numbers of things that can go wrong on the D-day are so many that you can never be sure that you can make the event successful. This is why it is always better to take the help of a professional events management company.
Hiring a team of professionals to take care of your event will not only make sure that your event goes through without a glitch, but also give you that extra time and peace of mind to network for the event and otherwise concentrate on your work. You can relax in the understanding that able group of people is taking care of every little detail for the event. However, before you take the decision to calm down about the event you need to choose an events management company and to be able to choose the right company whose services would be right for you, you need to be aware of a few things. You should keep the following things on your mind before you approach an event management company: so that you're able to evaluate the company's services and also tell them about your requirements.

- You should understand the exact purpose of your event, so that the company is able to personalize it accordingly. Are you planning on team building exercises? Are you planning to do some fundraising through the event? Also, look at how much experience the particular company has in organizing your type of events.

- You should decide on a venue or at least the type of venue you would be using for your event and find out if the company you're trusting with the work has experience in handling the type of venue you have in mind. You might also like to find out if the company has local contacts in the city you would be organizing your event in.

- Find out in detail about the prices of materials and how much you would save. One of the advantages of hiring an events management company is you get decoration items for cheap.

- Be sure to ask your event management company just how much they will cover and what all you will have to do on your own. Ask them if they will take care of guests' travel plans and accommodations and whether they are capable of making special arrangements for guests.

There are companies that organize events according to previously established formulas, you should not go for these companies because you would want to make your event unique. You should try to evaluate the enthusiasm the company is able to bring to your event and find out if they have range of services to cover all your requirements.

Contingency Event Planning And Negotiating

The quality, detail, sophistication and process used when negotiating for any event, most commonly determines the level of success that might be anticipated. Details must include preparing for weather conditions, avoiding potential liability, dramatic change (either greater or less) in attendance (actual versus expectations), audio/ visual needs, food and beverage, etc. Many organizations, fearing that they are ill - prepared for negotiations, rely upon outside assistance from individuals or companies they believe will professionally handle their needs. Depending upon who they choose, and how clearly they communicate their needs, organizational ethic, etc., often determines their ultimate success. There are basically two prevalent types of event consulting organizations. The most common are companies who generally negotiate with many hotels for many organizations, and generally view their role as hotel room acquirer. This is not at all surprising, because these companies often easily find lowest generally given rates. They will help with contracts, etc., but since they are compensated (generally ten percent commission) by the room revenue, their main focus is on that aspect. The other type of event consultant works on a fee basis, paid to him by the organization, and focuses not only on room rates, but all the group's needs.

1. Many organizations automatically opt for the consultant who they do not need to pay, but is compensated by the hotel in the form of commission. Organizational leaders who lack event sophistication often falsely believe that this is the less expensive, less risky approach. What they fail to realize that because the hotel is paying a commission, they generally have less leeway to negotiate. Most hotels work on a net basis in determining their total revenue needs, so if they are receiving a net of less from the rooms (after commissions paid), they have to make up for it by needing a greater margin in other revenue bearing areas, such as food and beverage, etc.

2. The fee based consultant who is truly professional and comes highly recommended is one that will offer a guarantee of his services, in terms of the benefits, savings, efficiencies, and total package that the organization receives. They will get greater negotiating concessions, plan for contingencies, have everything anticipated and in writing in the language of the contract. They will know how to work with hotel 's executive chef to create menus that maximize what they can receive that works with their budget. They plan the details, always have backup plans, understand that one can't predict or control weather so has everything built into their overall action plan.

Groups that prepare the most and predetermine their needs maximize and optimize their chances for success. They determine whether they need outside assistance, and if they do, select one that best meets the needs of their organization.

A Beginners Guide to Event Planning Certification

Up until recently, event planning, although a very promising career stream, was not considered as a very concrete or profitable career path. Volunteers and committees used to organise special events and paid only a few people involved. Such events were mostly taken care of by the marketing department or the administrative wings.

So, there was never a formal training for events. Most people learnt it on the job, by getting into the grind and gained practical knowledge. Slowly more and more companies have learnt the value of a professional and well-organised event and appreciated the quality of it. The industry is still sprouting but these days almost all good and well-known companies have their event planning teams in place. The work of organising events is mostly outsourced to a firm, an agency or an individual with the appropriate skills and qualifications. Such agencies and individuals hold an expertise in organising professional events and corporate shows.

Event Planning Certification

Appropriate certifications leverage the growth and path of an event planner and can provide greater opportunities for those looking for more desirable and higher paying job opportunities. Gaining qualifications and experience can help potential event planners to learn the basics of event planning extremely well. The main advantage of gaining admission in event planning certification programs is that one gets the opportunity to interact with those that are experienced in the industry, as well as allowing you to interact with fellow students, where ideas can be shared and tricks of the trade can be learnt.

As an event planner, one gets handsome remuneration along with a sense of job satisfaction. Being an event planner can involve lots of fun and entertainment, but it also demands shouldering many responsibilities and dealing with problems that may arise. An event planner starts gaining respect in the industry when they have successfully completed a variety of different events to their clients satisfaction, and word of mouth will play a great role in drumming up future business.

A lot of event planning certification programs are currently present in the market and students pursue them after their graduations. These certifications can surely be useful for those who are looking for a long-term career in this field and wish to get to the top position fast.

What Does an Event Planner Do?

There is a wide genre of events that an event planner has to organise. There are corporate conferences, exhibitions, large scale events, shows, Weddings, seminars and so on. Each time an event is planned, people look for some new additions in terms of elements and creative ideas. Right from arranging drinking water for the invitees to the final good bye, an event planner has to think of all the small elements involved. They also need to be ready for the worst and most unexpected situations that can arise at the venue on the day of the event. Crisis management is also one branch where it is imperative to gain additional expertise. Besides this, one needs to have presence of mind, effective communication and great interpersonal skills, to make the event a big success. They should be of an outgoing personality and have respect for the deadlines set.

Many event planners start their career by taking up any job in order to gain experience and set up their own firm later on. The self-employed event managers earn better than the employed ones.

Secrets to Successful Corporate Gift Giving

Ideas for corporate gifts are sought year after year, especially in anticipation of the holiday season. The right gifts will capture repeat business, establish or strengthen professional relationships, and show your customers, service providers, and employees how much you value them. Although corporate gift giving sounds simple, there are a few secrets you should know in order to be successful.

The first secret is the promotional product given as a corporate gift. Giving merchandise that will promote your brand is an excellent way to show your appreciation to business associates. Carefully chosen items will be kept and used, leading to repeated exposure to your brand, name, and logo. The promotional gift you offer with respect and appreciation, and how you present it, says a great deal about you and your firm.

A well chosen branded gift will not simply collect dust - it will help build a business relationship. A functional, eye-catching gift, when given with respect, will be valued and remembered. A promotional product will continue to remind the recipient of your firm and its products and services for years to come.

The second secret is the personal touch. Attaching a note of appreciation to your corporate gift will be well worth the extra effort. Personal delivery will make the gift even more meaningful to the recipient. Personal associations are critical to the success of your business, so take the opportunity to build positive professional relationships with carefully chosen promotional corporate gifts.

The personal touch may be the most valuable secret of all. Delivered by you with a personal note, your gift will show your associates how much you appreciate their business. It will strengthen your professional relationships. Offered as an expression of respect and goodwill, quality promo items will help ensure repeat business for years to come.

You may be surprised to learn that the third secret is simply a well-organized gift list. Start your registry with the names of clients, employees, and service providers. Make notes by those names that will help you choose the right gift for each person. Notations should include gift ideas, appropriateness, and each recipient's tastes.

The third secret will be especially helpful to you, as chief executive, business owner, and gift giver. The organized gift list will assist you in choosing an item that will reflect the interests and tastes of each recipient, and gathering information for your notes will require personal contact. In the process, you will get to know your business associates For a large company with many clients, suppliers, and employees, it won't be feasible to make contact with each and every individual recipient. You may have to task the people within your organization who have the most personal contact with certain clients - such as your sales team - to send corporate gifts on behalf of your firm.

Don't forget employee recognition. Your company is only as good as the people who work for you. Make it meaningful when giving to your employees. Holidays, birthdays, and corporate events are opportunities to show your appreciation for a job well done.

Is a corporate gift always appropriate? Unfortunately not. For example, you will want to be sure to remove from your list anyone involved in a bidding process with your firm. It's important to avoid the perception of trying to exert undue influence.

The company you choose to produce your gifts of branded merchandise should also offer item suggestions and design advice. Working with you, a reputable firm will provide expertise to help create unique promotional items to fit your specific gift-giving needs.

Team Building Events - How to Choose the Best Corporate Team Building Event

Team Building Events (and specifically how to choose the best, most appropriate, team building event) for your group or situation can be extremely difficult because of... Hello?! Team Building Event Companies! If you Google "Team Building Events," you will get results from every type of activity from classroom team training, to charity events, to outdoor scavenger hunts, to ropes courses. You will also get results from non-team building activities but fantastic shared-experiences that can be a fun way for teams to spend time together and can be a fun memorable event, but these types of activities are not really team building events -- meaning that the results of the activity will be fun and memorable, but will not actually build teamwork unless the team atmosphere is already pretty high.

So how do you choose the best corporate team building activity?

There are three different, main, genres of team building activities or team events. I have listed them below along with the situations that each will be most appropriate.

1. Small Group Shared Experience Team Activities: These types of activities include any type of shared-experience whose primary purpose is to just let the group have fun with each other. As long as you have a small group and a pretty good atmosphere within the group, these types of activities are fun and very inexpensive. You are only limited by your creativity here, so you can do the old standbys like go bowling play golf (or miniature golf). There are neat places like Dave and Busters where your team can have dinner and play pool or arcade games, etc. You could take a day off and go to a theme park or dinner and a show. Pretty much, any type of fun activity will work here. There are lots of "non-team building" organizations who specialize in these types of events. (When I say "non-team building," I really just mean that these organizations primarily do some other service as their main revenue stream, and team events are just a side revenue stream for them.) Organizations that specialize in these types of activities include big resort hotels, cooking schools, race tracks (racing schools), theme parks, bowling alleys, etc. Once your group size increases to more than 20 people or so, or if you have a specific challenge within your group that you want to improve like communication challenges, a new team leader, groups that have merged together, or other team issues, these type of team activities can actually be counter productive -- so be careful unless you have a small group and a pretty strong team atmosphere already.

2. Classroom Team Building: Many people think classroom=boring, because for most of our lives, if we are in a classroom, we are being bored to death. However, good team building companies and instructors are enthusiastic and fun. Teams who have professional facilitators come in and lead these classroom events can really improve a lot of team building activities in a very short period of time. Since participants learn faster when they are having fun, a group can really get fantastic results and feel like the activities were time well spent. This type of corporate team building event is best for groups where a specific team result is trying to be reached such as if an organization merges with another company, and the leaders are trying to create a new team culture or if leadership has changed and the new leaders want to start fresh. If you are having quarterly meetings or annual meetings at your office or if you have breakout sessions at you annual convention, then these types of events work really well in those types of time slots. You can also have these facilitators come out and do keynote speeches that are fun and funny if you have an open slot at your convention or meeting. Unlike the shared-experience events, very few companies specialize in classroom activities, so they are harder to find. Be careful, because if the company specializes in big events and not seminars or workshops, you can end up with a bunch of rah-rah activities that don't get you the best results. Try entering "classroom team building" or "classroom team building seminars" into Google, and you should get a nice shortlist of qualified companies.

3. Big Group Shared Experience Team Events: This type of event is very similar to the small group team events above, however they are much, much, much more challenging to pull off. For instance, if you have eight people in your group, you can go to a bowling alley and rent two lanes or have two foursomes at a golf course, and everyone will be active the entire time. However, if you have 100 people, or 1000 people, if you try the same activities, at any given time, a ton of people will be standing around watching (doing nothing and getting bored) unless the facilitators really know what they are doing. So if you have a big group and you want your team to have fun and stay active, this is where you really want to invest in a professional team building company. (Especially if your reputation is on the line.) DO NOT leave this decision to your event planner, by the way. Event planners are very good at getting great deals on hotel rooms, organizing complex events, making sure the food works for the group, etc., but many of them will do whatever it takes to please the customer (you). So if you ask them for a specific team building activity, they will give it to you, even if the event or activity is not the best result for your group. You will get a MUCH better result if you contact the professional team building company yourself, because these professionals will help you pick the absolute most appropriate event for your team. If you are making a mistake, the facilitators will tell you, however if you have an event planner as a go-between, and you are making a mistake, the team facilitator will tell the event planner. The event planner, because he/she wants to please you, will likely just find another company who will do what you want. Typically, you will end up with a group from category number one above. So be very careful when you have a lot on the line with a really big group.

The key to picking the best event for your group is to ask two main questions. Question number one is (1) Are you looking for a specific behavior change? If so, hire a team building company who specializes in classroom team training or hire a good team oriented keynote speaker. The second question is (2) Do you have a big group or a small group? If the group is small and you just want the group to have fun, some money and take everyone bowling. If you have a large group and you just want them to have fun, hire a company that specializes in big charity team building events or fun corporate activities and take charge of the hiring of the company and take their advice into consideration. They will save you a lot of money and make sure the event comes off without a hitch.

Event Planning Certification - Is It Important to Start an Event Planning Business?

If you are thinking to go into business line and event planning is your interest, then without wasting any time you must go for event planning certification as it would help you in running your business. If you ask me about the importance of event planning business, I would say, it is one of the most successful professional lines. Where ever you live in this world, people need event planners in any way.

It is no doubt a beneficial business because people today, prefer event planners to arrange their programs instead of doing themselves. People are highly involved into their professional lives and other commitments that it becomes hard for them to take out time from their routine to make arrangements for their events. It is not easy to arrange an event of high standard; it takes a lot of efforts and skills to make an event go successful and many people want perfection in their events even a birthday party.

People who have talent and style can easily flourish in this business because you would not need to have any specific degree for this profession and you don't need to acquire any college degree. This is a joyful business for those who like fun and adventure as there is a huge margin to go out and explore the world and you would not find it boring and dull. There are certain courses and certificates offered in this field from various institutions; you can avail them to enhance your professional skills. You can groom your skills by event planning certification.

You can have a good future for your business in event planning because there are plenty kinds of events take place in your town for example weddings, birthday parties, corporate functions, business meetings and even charity shows. For all such events people look for professional planners to make them successful. If you are event planning certified, you would have chance to groom your professional skills and boost your business as these institutions make you to learn to handle the things in a professional way and this is the reason that people prefer to get their arrangements for their events.

This business is important because in this time of recession, event planners have their professional contacts with different dealers and make the arrangements in your budget which common people can not, so they ask event planners to get the arrangements for them.

If you are interested in this field, you can enter into this business and groom your skills by event planning certification to gain confidence of clients to run a successful business.

Secrets to Making Your Corporate Events Unforgettable

Have you ever noticed how some events generate a lot of buzz among guests? While you may have mastered orchestrating a well-executed event, it is possible you are overlooking some great opportunities to create excitement.

Top event planners know the key to unforgettable events is logoed promotional gifts before, during and after the big day. The following tips are sure to leave your guests talking about their experiences long after your event is over!

Pre-Event: Get attendees pumped!

Whether your event is being held for participants who opt to attend or employees who are required to participate, you'll have many factors to consider (besides budget) when selecting a pre-event gift.

Is everyone eager to attend the event? Build excitement by placing an imprinted countdown clock on their desks (after hours) reflecting the days remaining until the event kicks off.

Will people be traveling to a destination event? Consider gifts that are certain to be useful, such as luggage tags, a rolling duffel or a brightly colored luggage spotter handle wrap. If your event will be held overseas, a debossed leather passport holder will be much appreciated.

Local guidebooks, maps or coffee table books about the destination, accompanied by a bookmark or book light, will often excite attendees. Be sure to include a "romance" card or letter with the gift explaining why you've selected this product. You may even wish to allude to the additional promotional gifts that await participants once they reach the meeting site.

Will attendees bring their family to the out-of-town meeting or conference? If so, think about gifts for spouses and family, like playing cards, travel games, or disposable cameras.

At Event: Wow Them On Site

Avoid empty chairs at afternoon sessions! Remind your audience that you appreciate their involvement - especially when a lush golf course or sparkling pool is nearby - by periodically surprising them with thank-you gifts. Here are a few opportunities to earn some favorable remarks:

On arrival, present attendees with a welcome letter and product they can use during the event - like pens, padfolios, or notepads. Will guests be staying at a hotel? Arrange for "pillow gifts" to be waiting in their room - a toiletry kit, flip flops, sun visor, custom chocolates, mints or gum.

During an afternoon break, provide "wake-up" gifts of custom-imprinted snacks or water. At the final session of the event, distribute a gift the recipient will use back at the office to remind them of the program's key points. Desk clocks, calendars, organizers flash drives with your presentations on it.

And don't forget logoed attire! You may want to consider giving out random prize drawings of high-end gifts such as apparel. Present participants with a jacket or shirt decorated with your company logo and it's likely they'll proudly wear it on their way home (and for years to come).

Two caveats as you consider these take-home gifts:

1.) Make certain that your selections are not cumbersome; if they won't easily fit into a suitcase, chances are they'll be left behind.

2.) Don't give a gift that won't make it past airport security.

Post Event: Create A Lasting Impression

Let's assume your company conference is top notch and attendees depart with a clearer understanding of how your organization can help achieve their goals. Equally important, however, is how attendees feel about the event once they're back in the office.

A "thank you for your participation" letter, written by upper management, accompanied by a post-event survey and a promotional gift designed to commemorate the trip will send a strong message about employee appreciation. And if you want attendees to approach the next event with gusto, be sure you take advantage of the opportunity to remind them of the value of the unforgettable event.

How to Select Products

Selecting promotional gifts for attendees at your next event will be even more difficult than choosing a vacation memento for yourself. The reason? More than 600,000 promotional (imprintable) products are available in the marketplace. A thorough search will yield countless products appropriate for your audience.

It's critical to define your target audience, objective, and total budget before beginning the process of searching for promotional gifts. It's essential to know the total budget (not just per-piece), because there may be peripheral costs involved such shipping or assembling kits/gift baskets comprised of multiple products.

Once you're armed with this information, you can begin your search! If you need help, be sure to choose a promotional products distributor that has experience not only suggesting suitable products but in finding creative ways of packaging and presenting them.

Micro Reality Racing: What Is All the Excitement About Micro Reality Stock Car Racing?

Have you ever been at a fair, festival, company picnic, or other indoor or outdoor gathering of people and seen a huge racetrack that is about the size of a two car garage? Did this racetrack have a huge crowd of people around it screaming their lungs out with excitement? Perhaps this racetrack was under the canopy of a huge inflatable tent with a checkered flag design on top? When you moved in closer to see what the excitement was all about, did you find four to six 1/10th scale Sprint Cup Replica NASCAR cars being driven by remote control from full-sized steering wheels? If so, then what you have witnessed is Micro Reality Racing action. Micro Reality Stock Car Racing is an attraction that has been around for about 15 years and it has quickly swept the nation as one of the most addictive amusements for kids ages 3 to 83. It was invented in Atlantic, Iowa, by three brothers known as the Namanny Brothers. They took a great money-making idea that they invented and decided to mass produce it so that other entrepreneurs could have the opportunity to create a great part-time or full-time income providing racing excitement to patrons at public and private gatherings of lots of people.

There are different formats that a Micro Reality event may have. The three main options are pay-per-play, private event rental, and fundraiser. A pay-per-play event is one where the Micro Reality Racing business operates as a vendor, sets up the track in a public place, and charges each individual racer to pick a car and race for either a set amount of time or a set amount of laps. A typical race would be between 2 and 3 minutes or 12 to 15 laps. A typical charge to race would be between 3 dollars and 5 dollars, depending on the type of event, the region, and the demographics of the crowd. Sometimes vendors will offer multi-race discounts, such as two races for 5 dollars. Typical venues for pay-per-play events are fairs, festivals, shopping malls, car shows and carnivals. The main drawback to this type of event is that the racing revenue is dependent on several factors, such as weather, location, and crowd turnout. Although the potential is there to make a significant amount of income from events lasting anywhere from 2 to 14 days, there is also the possibility of losing money, in the event that the revenue does not exceed the space rental, fuel, lodging, insurance, payments to helpers, food, and other expenses the business will encounter.

A private rental is when the Micro Reality Stock Car Racing track is hired out by a party planner or event coordinator to appear at a specific time and place to offer the patrons of the event unlimited racing for the duration of the event. Instead of being paid per race by the event patrons, the Micro Reality business is paid by the organizers of the event or by the event coordinator to provide unlimited racing for an agreed upon number of hours. This type of arrangement is better for the Micro Reality Racing business owner, as the money is guaranteed and he is usually paid an up-front deposit of 50%, with the balance being paid at the conclusion of the event. With a satisfied event coordinator, the Micro Reality track is guaranteed repeat business for years, if the event is annual. The event planner will also schedule a well-run operation for other functions they have planned throughout the year. There is also a good potential for referrals to other event coordinators. The types of events that private rentals are used for are birthday parties, corporate hospitality events, company picnics, team building retreats and church outings.

A fund-raiser is similar to a pay-per-play event, but there is usually a revenue share between the Micro Reality Stock Car Racing business and the event coordinators. The revenue share will be anywhere from a 90/10 split up to a 50/50 split. At this type of event, sometimes the track owner and event coordinators will agree to use a ticket system so the revenue can be tracked.

A Micro Reality Racing System consists of 18 modular track sections that are similar to folding tables with only two legs. There are twelve 15 degree Curved sections and six straight sections. The track can be configured up to 9 different layouts, anything from a small 10' x 10' circle all the way up to a 25' by 30' Indianapolis Brickyard layout. There are also various oval, superspeedway oval, and asymmetric layouts that can be set up. The cars are adorned with replica NASCAR paint schemes, and usually between four and six cars are raced at one time. The drivers operate the vehicles from behind full-sized steering consoles that are wired with radio controls on the inside. Most successful track owners also track laps with a digital lap counter. Some vendors use a computer and lap counting software which displays race statistics on an LCD monitor.

There are many different ways that a Micro Reality Stock Car Racing system can entertain the crowd at your next event. Although there are many variations in events and venues, the one thing that will be consistent among them all, is the high-level excitement in the crowd and the Micro Reality Racing participants.

Establishing Yourself in Event Management

Event management is a rewarding and high paced career perfect for driven people who like to be challenged. Coordinating staff, finding a location and managing events is the dream job and ideal situation for someone who is extroverted and full of high energy. One of the most important things to remember when establishing yourself in the event management industry is to set yourself apart from the competition. You want potential clients to feel your energy and commitment to producing and running a well organized event. It is indispensable that you look polished and like an event planner; nobody wants to hire an unkempt and disorganized person to organize their party or big event. Invest in a professional and sleek wardrobe that will emphasize your responsibility and motivation to take charge. In this industry, looks do matter.

One of the next things to plan is where you want to start and house your new business. You will need to incorporate yourself into the local business world by advertising and word of mouth. Network as much as possible attend conferences, pass out business cards. You need to do anything you can do to get your name known. Once you have been contacted to plan an upcoming event it will be extremely important that your execution is flawless. One mistake and your business could be on the line. You want to ensure that you have confident and capable staff and that your venue is without any problems prior to the date. Always have a back-up plan should anything happen. You never know when a pipe may burst or the weather will turn bad!

If all goes according to plan, your first event as a professional should go off without a hitch. It is extremely important to remain calm and organized under any problem that may arise. If your staff thinks you are not able to handle a situation, they will feed off of your energy and either exploit it or only add to the frenzy. Always remember that any problem can be fixed or altered. This is when a "Plan B" should come into play. This is not to say that a situation will arise with each event. However, it is wise to be in control and no that if a crisis arises that it can easily be diverted.

No matter where you plan to start your event management business make sure that there is an available market in event management. Manchester, for example, is great town to start a business and it is good way to get your foot in the door of this competitive industry. If you start in medium sized cities like Manchester and have a successful business then this will help you get to the big leagues of London. The goal is to provide consistent and well run events so that your reputation builds in event management. Manchester, or similar cities, can help you establish your company and future rise to the top.

Be the Appreciating Host of the Luxurious Corporate Events

Nowadays, event management is highly essential for successful planning efforts for the contemporary professionals meetings and conferences. Online event management software and event planning tools have very smartly presented and organized multiple business conferences, projects and corporate meeting venues. Your corporate events are easily handled and managed by the event management company so you can totally rely on their bespoke services.

If you are really interested in a new kind of luxury event, hiring the event management company would prove to be the best option for you because this is the only platform where you will find everything beyond your expectation and recognition. The corporate events are the most sensitive and of course the impressive part of any company since it directly effects the growth and functionality of the company and its employees. Therefore a great amount of care and attention is demanding in this respect.

An event management company being professional will take every single care of every requirements and will turn your corporate event into a mind-blowing affair, the impact it will have on your invitees and co-workers will amaze you. Whether you are hosting your get together locally want to have your luxury event on any part of the world, you will find them placidly waiting to offer you bespoke services as only the best service provider offer global event management.

Now you must be thinking of their outstanding services, right? We must tell you that these companies have many dedicated and hard working members which together bring great results from, performing at optimum levels to deliver only the best. Right from reserving to managing they are the experts and the time frame they use are miraculously impressive which will surely lessen the burdens on you.

For any kind of event, a venue plays a platform which can be arranged perfectly according to the theme of the events. We know that a corporate event can come in any size depending upon the related market, theme and purpose of the company, which they thoroughly understand and make arrangements accordingly. The event management company can also prepare invitations and welcome the guests with great hospitality. Since they maintain contacts with the necessitated agencies therefore you can surely rely on them for the arrangements, decorations, lighting, stage setting, catering and beverages; and much more.

If you want to surprise your guest with some stunning entertainment, an event manager can provide you with various options. Since, it is the same event planner that will make arrangements for you. If by any matter of chance your event will face any kind of interruption, these planners can easily handle it without bothering you and you can enjoy your event without even knowing about it.

Consequently, you can totally trust on them and the only function you will have to perform is to enjoy your corporate events without any anxiety and worries. Now the only work remained from your side is to search the superfine event management company that you will find at major search engines. Pick the best out of the choices available that will typically match your requirements and approach them. We are very sure they will not let you down and you will find a great memorable luxury event.

Event Planning Tips - Portable Restroom Trailer and Toilet Rentals

When planning large events there is a lot to keep track of and some things just cannot be overlooked. If you're hosting a large event, especially one serving alcohol, for example, please consider the following tips to help your event run smoothly and keep your guests comfortable and enjoying the event rather than waiting in a line.

For smaller events a few of the regular porta potty type units are good enough but as you add more guests then the amount will increase along with the factors listed in the next section. You may need to add restroom trailers if guests are there that require special facilities such as the bride at the wedding or a DJ at a music festival. Anywhere from one to hundreds of portable toilets could be required for an event so consult with a professional if you aren't experienced in this aspect of large event planning.

As for the number of portable toilets that should be made available, it varies based on how many people attend the event, the amount of time those people spend at the event, and a few other factors. If alcohol is being served at the event, increase the number of units by around 20%. If more than 50% of the people at the event are women, you can add up to 50% to the total number of restrooms to accommodate them comfortably. You should have at least 1 wheelchair accessible portable toilet for each cluster of regular ones, amounting to around 10% of the total amount of portable restrooms. Subject to these factors and a little bit of common sense you should be able to figure out a suitable number before you go talk to any portable restroom rental companies about your plan for the event.

Factors to consider when placing the toilets are usually concerned with actually placing the portable restrooms around the site of the event. Level ground in an area a safe distance away from the event, proper lighting, and some place specific factors like not placing them near monuments or residential areas; there may be specific requirements in your city or town as well so bear those in mind when planning the event. Try to keep them out of the way so traffic flow isn't interrupted and space them out enough from each other to allow for lines to form.

Using these tips and knowing who your guests are you can plan a good event where everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves. The longer the wait for them is less time they are spending on the event and a for pro-fit event should know that is bad for business, less t-shirts and beers are being sold, so plan your event with an expert local company to ensure the special event is being planned accordingly.

The Ideal Event Management Company

As an event management company you will no doubt have experience in dealing with a number of different occasions be it a fund raising event or simply organising a wedding for a lucky couple. I am sure that all the events you have dealt with have been great successes and some that you are proud to speak of on a daily basis or even use them as pitches for new business. Quite rightly as this is the way the world works so go ahead and do it, however don't become complacent as this could be a major fault for you and your business. Just because you have had some successes up to now does not mean this will continue.

You have to be open to new ideas and you have to network with people in your industry to ensure you are offering the best possible service you can. All this is required just for you to stay ahead of the competition as this industry is very cut throat especially in the current economic climate where everybody is looking for the bargain of a lifetime. The key is to think outside the box each time for each event and essentially be unique it's not difficult in most cases as sometime it just takes a small but nice novelty idea to get people talking.

There are so many ideas out there that can help you stay ahead of the game but you just need to be creative with your ideas and explore your suppliers and other people around you to see what they can offer. Ultimately the main reason people seek out an event management company is that they expect them to be able to deliver a wow factor for their event and it doesn't matter how that wow factor is created it just has to be unique.

Here are some ideas that may help get those creative juices flowing. Imagine you are vent managing a wedding something that could make the difference is getting the bride and groom outside the venue with all their guests for a professional fireworks show but include them by providing them with sky lanterns and setting them off out into the air. The sky lanterns could even have messages on them for the special couple to make their even more unique. Obviously there are so many ideas out there it's just what you make of them for your client.

On that point which also combines the point about being complacent, listening to your clients is paramount after all it is their occasion and they know what they want. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't advise or go to extremes to make their come true obviously it is all at a cost anyway so you won't necessarily lose out. Remember that's how business works, impress your client and their colleagues, friends or family and essentially you will get repeat business.

To summarise keep your ideas unique and ensure they have a wow factor, always, always listen to your client, it's their occasion not yours but feel free to provide your expert opinion.

Company Picnics - How To Plan One

STEP 1: GET ORGANIZED

Start with a notebook divided into sections for Budget, Location, Raffle Items, Party Favors, Food & Beverage, Invitations, Activities, and Games & Entertainment. Even for the smallest picnic, having this notebook will make your job easier and keep all of your important info in one place.

Get your picnic committee together and decide who will cover what duties. It is important to have people on the committee who are god communicators and who work well together. It is also important to appoint a committee chair who would be responsible for all final decisions which need addressed.

STEP 2: Check Your Calendar

Since your employees' families are going to be invited, the event will more then likely need to be held on a weekend. Make sure the date you pick is not a religious holiday, and unless you want to encourage a mutiny, don't plan to hold the event on a long weekend or when half of the staff is away on vacation.

STEP 3: Determine an Approximate Head Count

Determine who will attend your company picnic and attempt to put together an approximate head count of those who will attend. While there is no exact science to do this, we have found through our experience that about 80% of those invited will attend. Multiply that number by 2.5 to account for spouses and kids. This should give you a number to work with which makes sense.

STEP 4: Establish a Budget

The company will give you limited amount of dollars to spend on your event. This budget will dictate most of your decisions. Make sure to remember Food, Drink, Entertainment, Prizes, Location Fees, etc. Corporate Picnics & Events is an all inclusive turn-key event company. This means that you can call us up, give us a budget to work with and a head count and we will do all of the work for you. We arrange the location, provide catering, print fliers for your office, take pictures, and more. We take the stress upon our shoulders which gives you more time to focus on other things.

STEP 5: Pick a Location

If you have had your company picnic at the same spot for more than 2 or 3 years in a row, consider moving it. If you decide to have it in the same location as before, consider moving it to a different spot on the event site. This will give your employees a refreshingly new feel to the annual event.
Try to find a location that can offer privacy. Many companies are having their picnic on their own grounds, either in a grassy area or in the parking lot. However, if you do decide to have it off site, you should attempt to find a location which can be reserved. Who wants to police other groups and compete over ball fields and other facilities? Make sure you have enough room for your group. It's a picnic, so people will want to move around and kids will want to explore and run around.

If you are having the picnic in a hot month, find a place with lots of shade trees and/or pavilions. You should also think about room for tents. Make sure to plan ahead. Most public parks require a permit which start at about $20.00. The permit will ensure the spot you have in mind is reserved for the event along with picnic tables, fire pits or grills, and the like. Make sure to consider parking. You will want to have enough space for all of your guest's cars which should be within short walking distance. If this is not possible, you may want to consider a shuttle to help transport people to and from the event site.
Some companies have chosen to have their picnic at an amusement park. These evens can be fun, but they lose the group feel and may not promote the cohesion which an event like a company picnic should. It is hard to get everyone together with the large space for all of the activities. Having a smaller site where all of your guests are within ear range of the DJ or bull horn creates the unity that these events are planned for in the first place.
We suggest your entire picnic committee goes to see the event site. This will help establish in everyone's mind a feel for the site and what activities would work within the space. This will also help give everyone a chance to come up with ideas on how to make the event an exciting one.

STEP 6: Laying the Groundwork

Get the committee together and decide the times of the event. Most picnics last between 3 and 4 hours. If you have people working who come in shifts, then make sure the event lasts long enough to accommodate those employees.
Next, decide on any themes you may wish to have. Though a theme is not necessary, it adds a different kind of spice to the event. Some popular themes are Western, Mardis Gras, Circus Big Top, Country Fair, Safari, Luau, etc. You will want to decide on food to correspond to the theme. Your picnic can be catered or potluck. Your budget will dictate what you can and can't do. If you choose an entertainment company which provides turn-key event planning such as Corporate Picnics & Events, They should have you covered on catering if you so choose.

STEP 7: Activities and Entertainment

It's a picnic, so every one of all ages should have something to entertain them. At Corporate Picnics & Events, this is our specialty. We have many different packages and options which provide zones of entertainment for all ages, individual and family interaction included.
Inflatables are a huge hit with the kids all the way through the high school age group. Of course, many adults love to play on them as well. At Corporate Picnics & Events, we have the largest selection of inflatables to choose from in Arizona. All age brackets will have a fun and challenging experience with a variety of inflatables.
Carnival booths work great also. They offer a wide variety of games for all age groups. Just like at the fair. Prizes, which are often included in the cost of the carnival booth rentals, add a nice touch which gives all of your guests an opportunity to bring home a souvenir. Frisbee golf, volleyball, badminton, bocce ball, and other outdoor games can also be a popular segment of your picnic.
For the crowd that does not wish to participate in the more physical games, nothing beats old fashion Bingo. You can choose from a simple set-up, or a deluxe set-up which comes complete with a professional ball hopper. Prizes are what make this game so exciting, so make sure to pick some great ones.
For that extra touch, live entertainment is a great option. This could range from face painters, clowns, magicians, stilt-walkers, and balloon artists to a DJ or live band. They can also come in handy to fill in the gaps between planned events at the picnic.
Another popular option which goes over well is the classic family games package. This is a combination of old style picnic games such as egg toss, water balloon toss, 3 legged race, monster tricycle races, centipede skis, stick pony gallop races, beach ball hop races, and more. Ribbons or medals are often provided as part of this package.

STEP 8: Start an Information Campaign

Approximately one month prior to the picnic, you need to start getting word out about the event. There are many ways to do this such as talking it up in meetings, put an article in the company newsletter, attach notes to payroll, e-mails, and putting up posters and fliers in strategic locations throughout your building. When you book with Corporate Picnics & Events, we provide you a free event promo kit. This includes full color 11x17 customizable posters which feature all of the picnic information including pictures of the games and activities which will be present. We also provide a smaller size slick to use to pass around the office.
Be sure to let people know about what kind of prizes you will be giving away at the picnic. There are many ways to give the prizes away. You can have a raffle or you could even have a casino section where the employees play Vegas style games and bid their winnings on prizes at the end of the picnic. Most corporate events have prizes and gifts which are given away to reward their employees in one way or another. They also boost morale and show employee appreciation. It is not enough to just have several nice prizes or cash rewards without announcing in advance what will be given away.
Several companies worry about attendance if they spend the money and have a big event. This worry can be justified, however, we have found that poor attendance correlates with employees really not knowing what to expect, what activities will be at the picnic, and what prizes will be given away. Employees often respond better to an event which focuses on group and family fun, rather then the individual activities. Pre-event activities at the office can also spark interest in the picnic. Give employees opportunities to win or achieve additional raffle tickets to win prizes at the event and they must be present at the event to win. Also, make sure the event is located at a central site which is convenient for everyone.

STEP 9: The Big Day

As the stress and worries come to a peak, make sure to get some sleep the night before the event. Inclusive turn-key event companies like Corporate Picnics & Events take a lot of the stress away by providing all of the services which are required to make your picnic a success. In addition, they have their customer relations / Sales people keep in periodic contact with you in the weeks leading up to the event. This contact should include a map and layout of how the event will be set-up, a timeline for activities, and courtesy calls. These are added benefits which we have found to take much of the stress away from the committee and employees who are in charge of planning the event.

Tips On Corporate Events

When it comes to planning corporate events it can be painful and tedious, when it comes to planning corporate events it's big, hairy, and audacious. Corporate event planning is not for the faint of heart, it requires much planning, and the details can make it or break it. Save yourself some time and jot down some tips to make your event planning smooth sailing.

The first step in preparation for the corporate event is the planning and vision behind it. If you have not planned out every meticulous detail, you could run into problems, and you don't want that with an event of this size. Jot down all of your ideas on paper and begin the brain storming process there, as you slowly get closer to the event you can transform the notes into an outline.

While in the planning stages of the event the second tip is to secure your venue as soon as possible. Some venues will allow a year in advance reservation, so it's important to get that done early on. Expect a deposit for the reservation. The best venues will go fast so make this your top priority.

Budgeting in the beginning stages of the planning will save you lots of money, but give yourself some cushion for the unexpected expenses. Budgeting will also give you a structured process, which will help keep the event on schedule.

The fourth tip is to make sure you have all the odds and ends covered. You will most likely have disabled attendees which means you need to have special accommodations with parking and seating. This will directly affect where they sit which means you will need to have a seating chart. These details if not addressed early on could cause major problems. Don't forget the music, lighting, and other miscellaneous details that could bit you in the butt if you forget about them.

SWOT Analysis In Event Planning: Why Research Is Important For Corporate Events

Research is important whenever you are planning to invest on your events. Mainly for corporate event planning, as an event planner, you need to know which products and services your client would like to promote through his events.

So, even before you start planning for your corporate event, find out the answers to the following questions:

1. How does your client enterprise promote their product?


2. How does the enterprise wish to enhance their brand image


3. What is the market value of the corporate and its products?


4. Who buys their product?


5. What are the selling points of their products?


6. How they are ahead of behind of their competitors?

These questions may not be directly connected to your event planning for the corporate client, but the answers to these questions are going to help you tremendously. When and how?

Well, all event planners know that only planning a great event is not enough until you ensure good marketing and promotion for the event. These answers will help you immensely when you will start promoting your event.

When you use online marketing tools such as Email Marketing, Facebook and Twitter, your online event website, word of mouth and so on, start analyzing your research findings following SWOT Analysis method.

S for strengths, W for weaknesses, O for opportunities and T means threats. Now you categorically arrange your findings under suitable headings: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

Following this method, you can find out what aspects of your client and their product can be promoted to get a favorable impact on your prospective attendees.

The same analysis can be followed to find out what are the areas you need to focus more on while planning an event.

Collect brownies on the Strengths of your Event Management Organization:

Examples:

• You have an experienced team with high motivation level


• You use an online event management solution


• You streamline your administrative workload


• You have effective event promotion tools

Areas of Weaknesses you need to overcome or manage:

Examples:

• Lack of funds


• Inexperienced event team


• Lack of media and corporate contacts etc.


• Manual data entry

Factors allowing more Opportunities:

Examples:

• Less competition


• Support from the local authorities,


• Modern infrastructure

Mark your Threats in Red:

Examples:

• Strong competition


• Bad weather


• Backdated infrastructure

After the SWOT analysis, all highly practical information you needed to know before you plan an event will be just in front of you. Now with the results of your analysis, you develop a strategy to maximize the prospective of your strength points and opportunities. And on the other hand you make sure that you reduce the negative impact of the weaknesses and threats. When you have enough time, take a step forward and find out a way to overcome your weaknesses. Start using cloud based event management solutions which are an amazing way to streamline administrative workload, ensure attendee satisfaction, and the success of all your events.

Catering 101 - 10 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Caterer

Planning the menu for your catering event is extremely important. Whether it's an elaborate wedding reception, a casual corporate Christmas party, or a small client appreciation reception, food can turn your event into a smashing success or a total disaster.

Choosing the right catering company for your function is a key element in your event planning process. A knowledgeable and experience caterer can make your life a lot easier, so it's worth the effort finding a catering company with which you can rely on, enjoy working with, and trust.

1. Have a budget

Before you start looking for a caterer, you need to define your budget. As in any other industry, catering companies come in all shapes and forms and cater to different markets. You don't want to waste your time on a catering company that you won't be able to afford. Nor do you want to settle for a neighborhood take-out, if you have the budget for something a bit more sophisticated.

2. Do your research

The catering business is extremely competitive. There are tons of catering companies, each having their own specialty. Take some time to search through the caterers in your area to find the ones that you think might work for your event. Look through their websites, menus, and prices. Usually you can get a feel of what the company is all about. Ask your friends, family members, colleagues - there's a good chance that someone in your social network used a catering company in the past and might have some recommendations for you. There's nothing better than a referral from someone you know and trust.

3. Compare apples to apples

Different catering companies set their prices differently. Some tend to have a basic price displayed and all "bells and whistles" will be extra. Others will operate on a more inclusive basis. When you do your research make sure that you compare apples to apples. Don't be fooled by low prices. If it sounds too good to be true - it usually is. Make sure that you compare the food of the same quality, the same portion sizes and similar inclusions in the price.

4. Schedule a consultation

Any respected catering company should offer you a complimentary consultation to discuss your particular needs and requirements. This is a good opportunity to get an idea of the company and people you will be dealing with. You will get a feeling of the level of knowledge and expertise they provide and how comfortable you are dealing with them.

5. Sample the food

It is sort of obvious - before spending $20,000 on your wedding reception, you want to make sure that the food is exactly what you expect. Different catering companies might have different policies when it comes to food tastings. Some caterers will charge you a nominal fee to eliminate people who are not serious, others will do it for free.

6. Ask for references

There's nothing wrong about asking a catering company for references. It might also be a good idea to read through the customer testimonials - and not just on the company website but in other sources as well. In this day and age, where social media defines the rules of how we conduct business, organizations can't hide anything anymore. So, do you home work, read about the caterer you consider doing business with.

7. Understand terms and conditions

When reviewing a contract, make sure you read and understand terms and conditions. There are 3 main questions you need to ask:

1) Payment schedule. Most catering companies will ask you for a deposit. It might be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total invoice. Sometimes they will charge another portion 2 weeks prior to the event, and the remaining balance right after the function when all the charges are finalized.

2) Cancellation policy. What happens if your need to cancel your event? Will you lose the deposit? What is the cut-off time when you can cancel without any penalties? Be very clear of the cancellation policy and get everything in writing.

3) Changes to the guest count and menu. When is cut-off date for making the changes to the menu and number of guests? Normally a catering company will require all the information 72 hours prior to the event. At that point you'll need to confirm "guaranteed numbers". So if your guaranteed number is 200 people, and 8 hours prior to the event your attendee numbers drop to 180, it will be too late to make the adjustment, and you will have to pay for 200 people.

8. Be aware of extra charges

Having a budget is important. Sticking to your budget is very important. Being aware of the real price for the catering services is extremely important. That's where you can get yourself in trouble. First of all, you need to know about all mandatory fees, such as taxes and gratuities. If you live in the area with 12% tax (like we do, here in Vancouver, BC) and then add the industry standard 15% gratuity - you're looking at an almost additional 30% on top of the food prices. You also need to know what is included in your catering company services. If you are planning a sit down dinner, you will need service staff. Normally, it's not included in the price but that could be your negotiation tool. For big functions you might be able to work out a deal. Does the dinner price include linens, china, cutlery, and glassware or will it be extra charge? There's really no standard - it depends on how a catering company structures the prices. Basic white linens and napkins might be provided but if you need a particular color, most likely you will have to rent them. That leads to the next point...

9. Ask what additional services your catering company can provide

Will your catering company arrange flowers for your event? Will they take care of all rental needs - linens, napkins, chair covers, etc? Keep in mind that it might be cheaper to do it yourself though.

10. Don't assume. Ask questions

You don't want to annoy your catering company by calling them 5 times a day with various questions, but you don't want to assume things either. It's better to ask if china and silverware are included in the price than make that assumption. Diligent, detailed oriented caterers will appreciate you asking the questions, providing them with all the necessary information, and re-confirming everything- it actually makes their job easier.

Whatever your function is, choosing the right caterer is an important and sometimes not an easy task. Do your homework, be prepared. Don't get fooled by cheap prices and shady companies that promise you the world and deliver nothing. Ask the right questions. Be demanding but reasonable and professional.

Cirque Du Soleil Not Clowning Around With Corporate Events

Are you in charge of planning your corporate conference or convention, but are stumped about booking the entertainment? Creating value in the minds of your employees is key - but keeping the costs down will keep the bean counters off your back. So, what will you do?

Cirque du Soleil's new Events Program might be your solution. They can arrange a short performance (of seven to ten minutes) with a single performer, or a full-length show with a team of performers. It all depends upon your company's budget, the amount of time required for the show, and the type of facility being used. The talent, for instance, required for a 30-40 minute show would run your company around $80,000. However, the perceived value by your employees would be much greater than that. They'll think you spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the show. So, you'll get a high emotional return from your employees for a fee your corporation can live with.

Additionally, Cirque du Soleil can customize the show to complement the theme of your event. So, rather than making no real connection to your employees (other than to entertain), the performance will incorporate your theme into their act so you'll have a consistent message running like a thread throughout your event.

And, yes, while there are many Cirque du Soleil-styled performers, your employees will come away with a much higher value for the event if you book the real thing. There's a reason so many acts are mimicking the artistry of Cirque du Soleil - because it has a high value. Only things with high value are copied. So, if you book the authentic performers, your employees will view your corporation as a real frontrunner in your industry - not an up and coming corporation that can only afford to hire copycat acts.

Event Planning School - How To Become An Expert Event Planner

More and more people are entering in the world of event management because this career has proven to be very fruitful. It is such an interesting career that you will never get bored working as an event planner. There are many event planning businesses that have gained a lot of popularity around the work. Moreover, this field has diversified so much and there are special courses and certificates are designed for it.

There are so many people who find it better to hand the arrangements of their event to professionals rather than doing it themselves because no matter how much efforts they make they can never compete with the outstanding work that the professional event planning firms deliver.

Now there is so much competition developed in this field that just like other field in the world it has become necessary for people to enroll in an event planning school and gain proper education otherwise you will not be hired. Experience is not the only thing that counts, now you should be properly trained to handle all the tasks related to this profession. This can only happen if you get education from event planning schools.

It is not difficult to attain the certificates that these schools offer because they are also available online and if you are one of those people who assume that online education is garbage then you need to realize the fact that in this era almost everything is done over the World Wide Web. There are many reputable online schools that provide quality education and do not let your money waste. The courses that these schools offer are not lengthy like the four years bachelor's degree and they are not even that costly.

These courses will enhance your skills and make your informative about event planning. This field is not as easy as it seems you need to be very dedicated, organized and energetic and you can learn all of this in an event planning school. They will also teach you how to attract and impress your clients and gain big profits. Some schools even provide internship which will familiarize you with the professional world.

The career of event management is going to flourish in the coming time because there is a great demand of event planners in every aspect of life. Hence, find yourself a reputable event planning schools in which you can study properly and become an expert event planner.

6 Important Questions to Ask About Your Corporate Events Ideas

Most areas of expenditure in business are fairly tightly regulated. We have purchase orders, approval processes and stocktakes, as well as pre-employment interviews and reference checks. So it is strange that in some areas of business, managers ignore Socrates' pearl of wisdom - "The unexamined expense is not worth incurring"! Ideas are a common business expense that have little management planning, and are only rarely examined to see if they achieved their goals. Today we check out the top 7 questions you need to ask about your idea, to make sure that your expenses don't remain unexamined!

Do I want to remedy, maintain or improve performance?
This sounds like a silly question about your ideas... everybody is looking to 'improve performance', after all. The answer you are looking for here should tell you where you think your team dynamic is sitting right now. Are there problems that need to be fixed? Is it going along okay, but could be better? Or would you like to keep everything just how it is?

What is the activity designed to do?
There are 3 main types of ideas, in terms of team building strategies. These include problem solving events, communication events, and pure fun events. The type of corporate event idea that you choose will depend on the type of change (or non-change!) you want to achieve in your team.

Will the activity achieve the change you want?
Nobody can predict the future - but you should at least meet with other senior management to discuss the activity's potential for creating real change in the workplace. Try to be realistic about what you expect your event to achieve, but by the same token don't fail to set goals for it.

Will all the team members be happy with the event?
If you have a particularly large organization, it may be smarter to split people into different groups according to their preferred event type. Look for that meet different employees' requirements, like:
• Different levels of physical fitness
• Differing pre-existing skills
• Different social expectations - some may not drink alcohol, etc
• Different family commitments - some may not be able to attend corporate events ideas after working hours because of childcare commitments, etc.

Does it pose any psychological risk?
This is one of the most important questions to consider when shortlisting corporate events ideas. Think about whether your event idea:
• Encourages people to be treated equally and respected
• Has the potential to create humiliation or stir anger
• Will include everybody, or has the potential to leave some people excluded
• Won't expose fears of failure, fears of incompetence
• Won't require that workmates feel they have to 'expose' themselves unnecessarily.

Is the timing, budget and venue convenient?
A corporate event idea that feels like 'more trouble than it is worth' will be of little value to your organisation. Think about aspects like:
• Timing: In relation to major projects and staff workload
• Cost: Will the event take money away from an investment or activity that staff see as more important?
• Venue: Can people get there easily? Can you provide transport?

You'll need to consider both the logistical questions, the goals of your event, and the cost effectiveness of any you consider if you want to be sure of actually getting benefit out of it!

Top Tips on Planning a Grand Corporate Event

Organizing grand events constitutes a significant part of the business strategy of the major corporate houses. Hence, they should be planned well to avoid any last minute issues. Many corporate houses hire event managers to plan out these events. Some tips of corporate event planning are shared here, so that you can have a good idea about how to plan your next event.

Corporate events such as meetings, seminars, and conferences are usually organized to discuss vital objectives of the company. Hence, it is imperative to plan these properly, as inadequacy in event planning can lead to mismanagement. Besides, it can also create bad impression on the attendees, who are likely to be to be your potential clients or sponsors in the long run. Hence, you must try to take care of all those minute things, which help to create a positive impression on your attendees.

To make a corporate event successful, some entertainment needs to be included in it. There is no strict rule stating that official gatherings should always be formal. Instead, engaging the audience through minute details is more important and steps should be taken to perform that.

The corporate event planner should be aware about the clients' requirements. Experienced planners can suggest you the most appropriate venue for the event, manage the staff required, ensure the meal is of high quality, and confirm amount of food necessary for the guests. However, a lot of corporate organizations rely on event management software to plan out their program. Doing it online can help you save the money spent on hiring professional event planners. Moreover, you can reduce your back-office workload, while ensuring a safe registration and payment transaction for the event.

Corporate events offer you direct exposure to the target audience. Hence, you should focus on things that reflect your corporation's qualities as a professional, reliable, and innovative organization. Make sure that the events you have organized are of high quality and creative. Besides, they need good planning and proper execution. In fact, such events are vital to create a public image of your organization.

Provide adequate time in planning your event, depending on its type and size. You should invest enough time in:

-簫 Selecting venues and suppliers
-簫 Submitting order forms
-簫 Issuing corporate invitations to the existing and new clients

Start your corporate event planning today with an experienced team of professional event managers who can help you with their expertise in online event registration software.

Why Event Planners Must Explore Social Media?

From planning a large 20,000 attendee conference to a small and intimate wedding for 200 guests, event planners are finding new ways to promote different types of events through social media. Social networking sites are easily available plus they don't require any additional expenses in terms of purchasing a plug-in or hiring a maintenance man. Most importantly, you get a whole new channel for effective promotion to millions of people out there who may be very much interested to attend. Most importantly, this platform is such that you can repeatedly inform your target audience re updates on your upcoming events which is not the case when you advertise through traditional means like newspapers and magazines.

Every other man in this world is aware of social media and its uses; to read, post, and chat with peers and business contacts on a daily basis. Event planners should therefore explore social media to build up a rapport with potential attendees, trying to bring them in the loop with what they are planning and organizing.

Engagement

Social networking websites, including Facebook, Twitter, and more, offers tremendous possibilities of reaching out to prospective participants very quickly. The basic difference between offline promotions (newspapers, magazines, etc.) and online advertising (through social media platforms, blogs, etc.) is that the later provides room for a two-way engagement in terms of instant interaction and responses from the target audience. In case of printed adverts, event planners have to wait for individuals to contact them either through a call centre service or via email.

Create Event Pages

Try to create event pages on Facebook and add relevant information, images, and hyperlinks relating to that specific category of events. For example, if you specialize in planning both formal and informal events then you can develop two separate pages; one for formal occasions such as meetings, seminars, tradeshows and other containing schedules of all your current and upcoming informal events like weddings, birthday parties, etc.

Interaction

Event organizers can post numerous types of questions with regards to their plans and way of executing meetings, conferences or dinner parties on the Facebook wall or Twitter profile page. Fans and followers can come up with suggestions and comments on how a party or function be organized and managed in an innovative way. In this way, you can dig out unique ideas from engaging with experts online.

Use the Content on Blogs and Wikis

Try to spread out the event news on other popular social networking platforms, including blogs, wikis, podcasts, YouTube, Pinterest, and so on. Promoting your events on different social media websites will increase the chances of catching the attention of a vast number of people likewise developing chances of maximum registration or ticket sales.

Planning for Audio-Visual Equipment, Lighting, and Staging of Your Corporate Event

Exciting new technologies like interactive computer use, live video enhancement of speakers, and teleconferencing can be utilized but the associated cost of these new technologies can be steep. The type of AV support you will need for your meeting or event may be simple or more complex. Be sure to review all your options and plan ahead:

o Get a list of all speakers' needs well in advance of your meeting date and schedule a rehearsal.

o Allow for rehearsal and set-up time in your meeting rooms.

o Give speakers a chance to rehearse with equipment they will be using.

o Test equipment immediately prior to the beginning of the event. Check acoustics

Clap your hands sharply... talk loudly... listen carefully

Check to see if there are any echo's or dead spots.

Do drapes or acoustic panels need to be added.?

Plug-in and test the audio.

Is the public address system working?

Is there any feedback at working level?

Are the speakers correctly placed?

Are there enough microphones, cords, stands?

Have spare bulks and extension cords on hand.

If you are taping, is the tape recorder microphone working? Check to see if you have to erect a stand or move a table

Is the audiovisual the right distance from the screen, rigid and level?

Know the location of circuit breakers and fuses

Have spare fuses and standby circuits ready

Test the intercom system.

Is the emergency work light ready?

o Having a technician available to attend to your needs throughout the meeting may be your best insurance policy.

o If the facility where you are holding your meeting has AV equipment available check to make sure it is in good working order.

o Remember that poor-quality AV equipment can ruin a meeting.

To maximize your audio visual budget, try the following:

o If using an outside vendor, choose a reputable company and reserve equipment early. If you have never worked with the supplier before, ask for references and check them.

o Negotiate all costs. Package deals are good for you and the rental companies. If they know your needs and have your timelines, it will be more cost effective.

o Make sure all agreements are in writing. If one company is not able to meet your needs, look at other companies until your needs are met.

o Provide clear instructions in writing. Include agendas and room layouts so your vendors know exactly what you expect.

o If you need help, find experienced production managers and technicians to oversee the AV portions of your event. Introduce yourself to the technicians who will be working your event, and find out how to contact them should the need arise.

o Barter goods and services with your rental companies. They may want to advertise in your publications, exhibit at your trade show, or acquire leads from your attendees.

o Guaranteed performance is often a policy of AV companies. They will compensate clients for rental costs in the event of equipment failure. Even better, many will provide on-site back-up.

Check the audio-visual equipment that is available at the meeting facility you are using. Many facilities have their own in-house audio department. Ask if any audio-visual equipment is included in your room charge? Be sure to check out the quality and age of the equipment provided.

Most facilities only provide a podium and microphone, so you will need to rent additional equipment from a qualified local audio-visual rental company. The facility where you are holding your meeting or the local Convention and Visitors Bureau can provide recommendations.

Party Planning Software - The Magic Wand for Party Planners

Planning a party successfully is not everyone's cup of tea. You need expertise to do that and if you are not meticulous and systematic in your approach you are sure to mess up occasionally. To avoid these hassles, most organizations or even individuals nowadays hire professional party planners when they are contemplating the idea of throwing a party. The party planners are well versed of the latest industry trends and technology solutions. They follow those trends and use these solutions to organize a party successfully. Among the numerous applications that are available to the party planners presently, the party planning software is surely the most striking one.

Why do we call the party planning software the magic wand? This is because, with the help of the software application party planners, who are out modern-day event wizards, can streamline almost all of the back-end procedures of party planning in a swish!

The party planner software automates the following key functions:

繚 Create multiple online party registration web pages/forms using pre-built, customizable form template

繚 Provides round-the-clock availability of the online party registration forms for public access in any part of the world

繚 Provides multiple, PCI-secure, online and offline payment options, via which party registration fees can be sent using various credit cards, wire transfers, or PayPal

繚 Enables organizers to track every online transaction in real-time using the online payment management solution

繚 Sends out bulk email invitations, RSVPs and notifications in a "set it and forget it" manner using the automated emailing service

繚 Promotes the party online using a number of free marketing tools such as online event calendar and promo code engine

繚 Makes social media connector available to those who want to promote their parties on social networking sites directly from the software interface

繚 Enables waitlist management by the organizers to make every event/party a sold-out success

繚 Provides latest mobile applications using which party updates can be texted to the invitees

There are many more user benefits of the party planning software. If it is a premiere club, house party or corporate dinner, and if there is a need to track business leads after the party is over, then the software application provides the organizer with the feature to design name badges that may be emailed for "print at home" to the event attendee in advance.. They printed badges may be used for instant check-ins on the event day and instantly capture the attendee information resulting in a quality business lead. The software application allows the organizers to use their Smartphones to scan these badges instead of heavy and outdated scanners to speed up the check-in procedure.

There are facilities to analyze the overall performance of the party as well if there is a need to calculate the return on investment.

The party planning software is not an expensive application. It is Cloud technology based and very reasonably priced. Plus, it is easy to deploy and user-friendly. So, if you are a party planner and seeking the most efficient way to streamline your back-end administrative operations or are running short on manpower then do take advantage of this technology solution.

Enterprise Event Planning: A Checklist For Event Planners

An increasing number of organizations are focusing extensively on enterprise events. As an event planner, you will understand the importance of corporate events in the present times. There are various types of corporate events that are hosted for different purposes. Some of the popular types of enterprise events include the following:

• Press conferences


• Annual functions


• Product launches


• Partnerships and tie ups

While it is true that events have always been a part of organizations, it is interesting to note that in the present times their frequency has increased at a rather swift pace. Both small sized and large corporations are hosting various kinds of enterprise events for different purposes. The scale of such events varies and herein lies the challenge for you to plan a successful event for your corporate client.

Given the demanding nature of corporate events, you need to take every bit of detail into consideration during the planning stage. Aspects that call for special attention include the following:

Budget

Your budget will determine the scale of the event. You might have a great idea for the event but not enough resources to take it to the next level. So, set realistic goals for your events after taking the budget factor into consideration.

Some event planners fail to understand that smaller budgets do not necessarily translate into lukewarm enterprise events. Even with tight budgets, you can organize successful events. All you need is effective planning and a blueprint for the event.

Venue

Whether you are organizing a press conference or an annual party, you should not go wrong with the venue. The first thing that you need to ask yourself is the scale of the event. The venue should accommodate the event attendees. Furthermore, it should be accessible for your attendees. Your attendees should not find it difficult to locate it. When it comes to venue selection, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, you need to choose wisely and negotiate tactfully. The final selection should be made after reviewing a few locations for the event.

Invitations

Your attendees should get their invitations for the event on time. This is particularly important when your event is around the corner. Make sure your invites contain necessary information about the event, venue, speakers etc.

Time management

You may get a request for arranging a corporate in just a week's time or even less. While it is indeed challenging to pull off the entire thing within such short notice, excellent time management skills can ensure the success of your event. You need to get a dynamic team that will focus on various aspects of corporate event planning including food, lodging, entertainment and more.

Food

Most venues offer catering services for event organizers. This option saves both time and resources. You can suggest the menu and look for options. Significantly, the menu has to be determined by the ambience of the event. For example, you need to decide whether alcoholic beverages should be offered at the event.

Enterprise event planning is a challenging domain that requires you to plan everything properly. Your priorities will differ and you will be required to put in extra effort. So, always have a checklist ready to meet your deadlines and arrange a successful event.