Is Corporate Incentive Travel Part of Your Management Mix?

Corporate incentive travel is an opportunity to show appreciation

Should your company consider incentive travel to boost employee performance? According to statistics, a huge percentage of employees in the developed world work much below their full potential. For example, surveys conducted in the US indicate that more than 50% of American employees do little more than what they are asked to do. Slowly but surely, companies all over the world have begun to realize that employees are their most valuable asset. An inspired and motivated task force is essential for the success of any company. However, employees need more than their pay if they are to become high performers.

A well planned, attractive and rewarding employee recognition and reward program is the best way to boost employee performance.

Why incentive travel? Although there are many ways to recognize and reward excellence in employees, statistics suggest that corporate incentive travel can motivate employees in a manner that other awards cannot. In fact, travel used for recognition and reward purposes beats cash rewards too. Employees are willing to redefine professional goals to earn the goodies offered by a good corporate incentive travel program.

The perceived value of travel is greater than cash benefits because travelling to interesting places is an experience that is cherished for a long time. Besides, many people would never spend money on a fancy trip themselves. Additionally, most employees balk at disclosing details of a cash bonus, but there is no shame in flaunting photos of a trip to say London, Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean.

A great incentive travel scheme motivates employees to offer better service thus boosting sales results and improving bottom lines. Employers can generate more employee loyalty from their workforce. This is why incentive travel is so richly rewarding, both for the employee as well as the employer.

What to look for when choosing incentive travel destinations Choosing the right event, destination, resort and activities for reward travel is a science. Top incentive travel events are target specific and are designed to cater to the requirements of the entire group.

Destination is an equally important factor. Employees like to go to a place that is perceived as trendy and happening.

Emerging trends in incentive travel According to a survey of recent travel and meeting trends conducted by Global Events Partners, a DMC (Destination Management Companies) partnership, the United Kingdom has emerged as the top spot for incentive travel for many Fortune 1000 companies, followed by the US (Las Vegas, Phoenix and Orlando), Dubai, France and Italy. More than 70 countries worldwide were surveyed.

Some of the top reasons for the popularity of UK as a sought after destination for incentive travel include:

1. Britain boasts of a long and beautiful coastline


2. Coming to the UK presents no language problem for people in the US, Canada and Mexico - something which cannot be said of locations like France, Italy and Dubai


3. Britain is acquiring huge popularity as a foodie destination


4. The UK is an under-exploited tourist destination but is fully equipped to handle the demands of tourists of all sorts, which makes it a highly fashionable place to visit.

By partnering with the right travel activity producer, it is possible to offer employees travel events, group activities, recognition and training programs based on themes that are exciting as well as motivating. Therefore, it is absolutely vital to choose the right provider for your incentive and team building events.

Companies that invest wisely in corporate incentive travel have experienced improvement in performance, retention and client experience, all of which ensure higher customer loyalty and improved sales. These companies know that corporate incentive travel programs are much more than a vacation. These programs are designed to build and strengthen positive association. Attendees open up to each other facilitating the spread of good practices among employees. New levels of commitment are thereby established and engagement levels go up dramatically benefiting the employees as well as the employers in the short term and the long term.

Vancouver Party Bus - Vancouver Limousines

Vancouver Party Bus and Vancouver Limousines by Seasons Event Group offers the largest selection of limousines and party buses in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

Visit our website for more details on the fleet we have to offer plus other services and rentals we offer.

Seasons Event Group Inc. staff have been in the business since 2004. Since then we have grown at unprecedented speeds yet continuing to maintain the same quality, professionalism, and one on one support we gave our very first client.

What We Do!

We are a universal event planning company specializing in start to finish organization of events. Weddings, birthdays, corporate parties, and sightseeing tours are just a few of the long list of planning and coordination we can do for you!

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff members understand that any event which you require assistance in planning or coordinating is a very special one which is why we'll make sure you are treated with the utmost care and professionalism every step of the way.

Business Hours!

We can provide service to your event year round at any hour of day or night with our 24/7/365 service hours. Office phone, email, and fax support or inquires may be restricted to a typical 8am - 10pm type of service. Please contact us anytime to find out our current seasonal office hours!

Limousine, Party Bus, Limo, Limos, Limo Buses, Limo Busses, Night Club, Bus Crawl, Prom, Graduation, Bachelorette, Bachelor, Stag, Staggette, Disco, Dancing Vehicle, Awesome sound system in all of our limousines and party buses, nightclub on wheels for sure, port moody, chilliwack, surrey, langley, richmond, coquitlam, port coquitlam, mission, abbotsford, aldergrove, langley, north vancouver, west vancouver, ladner, delta, blaine, western washington, burnaby

Call us at 604-200-1444 or visit seasonseventgroup.com today or call 604-200-1444 for more details!

Five Essentials For Successful Event Planning

In my career, which spans more than three decades of direct involvement in the events industry, having effectively negotiated and conducted hundreds of events, I have met numerous others who either portray themselves as, or really consider themselves event planners. It is important to understand that an effective event comes about only when it has been planned professionally and thoroughly, and all aspects have been considered. Although this article is simply a summary of what's needed (at the bare minimum), there are always five essentials to assure even a probability of having a consistently effective event. These five steps are: (1) Prepare a complete and meaningful Request for Proposal (R.F.P.); (2) Thoroughly explain your needs; (3) Do your homework; (4) Develop personal/ professional relationships; and (5) Always use a win- win negotiating philosophy/ model.

1. It all begins with the Request for Proposal. Before this can be submitted, the planner must fully understand all the needs for the event, based on both historical evaluations of previous events and a vision of what the event will be about, including its goals, anticipated attendance, financial implications/ budget, etc. Many disagree on how thorough an R.F.P. should be, where some think the initial document should be simply a weeding out technique, while others, including me, believe that a thorough document from the beginning demonstrates both professionalism and a seriousness of purpose and focus. Venues want business, but only if it makes sense for them, and the planner that is able to mesh the needs of the group with the needs of the venue, always has the best results. Too many groups underestimate the significance of this process.

2. The best event planners are those who maintain absolute integrity, throughout the negotiating process. There are those who ask too much and those that ask too little, both of which produce less than optimal results. The best approach to be upfront about your needs, expectations, limitations, and your willingness to be flexible so that both sides gain.

3. Great event planners do their homework prior to beginning negotiations. They thoroughly understand the needs, requirements, strengths and weaknesses of the venue. They thoroughly understand costs and profitability, where there is some wiggle room, what both sides priorities are, and what alternative approaches might save the venue money (in areas that won't adversely impact the event), and thus lower the organization's costs.

4. For the event planning process, which is often a lengthy one from the beginning of the negotiating phase until the end of the event, to be a fruitful and beneficial one, an event planner must develop personal and professional relationships based on mutual trust, integrity, understanding, and effective listening. Without these relationships in place, events often suffer because of the last minute revisions/ adjustments that often need to be implemented and/ or added on. When both sides understand contingency or backup plans, everything runs smoothly.

5. By far the most important ingredient is that the entire process must be based on win- win fairness negotiating. When great negotiators are involved, both sides feel they are fairly treated, communication lines are open, and a mutual comfort level is reached. This makes for a smoother event, with everyone working together towards the common goal of having the best possible result.

Not everyone is a negotiator, and not everyone should be negotiating for an organization. When every step before and during an event is overseen by a competent and honorable professional, there is always the best possible outcome.

Evacuations: 10 Logistics Tips for International Evacuations and Emergencies

Introduction

If you have international operations or business travellers, then you need to read this article. Following years of experience and numerous practical tests, here are the top 10 logistics issues associated with international evacuations that determine the success or failure of any evacuation plan due to international or transnational crisis.

This article will analyze and discuss the logistics considerations in order to assist planners and managers in developing the best possible and adaptive evacuation plans.

By the end of this article, you will immediately be able to add the priority logistics elements into existing plans or commence the process to create your own safety and security evacuation plan.

I have written, reviewed and implemented numerous evacuation plans over the years and have significant experience in what works and what invariably frustrates the evacuation operations unnecessarily.

Through this extensive theoretical and practical experience I will seek to distill the primary stages and priority tactile issues that must be considered or included in any plan to ensure a successful outcome.

Logistics relates to all the resources, cost, support and administration required to come together during an evacuation.

Accommodation

Accommodation requirements fall into three broad categories.

Private accommodation, as usually occupied by the traveller or expat in country.

Evacuation accommodation, such as the pre-identified and planned accommodation to be used in the event of an evacuation that may or may not be part of your existing/routine accommodation plan.

Ad-hoc accommodation, such as taking immediate refuge at a school, shelter, shopping complex or embassy as was necessitated by the sudden onset of events that forced personnel into non-planned accommodation options.

All required, and likely ad-hoc accommodation, needs to be both identified and documented in the plan.

These locations need to be independently documented in the appendices as a lift out guide/review and put into the continually updated evacuation mapping support tools.

Maps

By having each location as a lift out guide, they become more readily accessible in the event of an emergency, easily shared and updated between planners and traveler/expats and they may already be or become part of your routine accommodation plans within the area.

Muster areas, assembly points and channels for movement must be scripted where possible.

Emergency services and support must be evaluated and integrated into the plan.

Identification and mapping of relevant and proximal government and emergency services is required.

Ambulance, police, hospital, government shelters, embassies and the like constitute possible ad-hoc accommodation options, highly dependent on the nature of the threat, access, language and cultural elements.

Transport

Transportation choice for individual and group moves are required.

Private vehicles, buses, protected vehicles, government shuttles, military convoys and other options need to be considered during

the planning phase but also captured in the resources guide.

Redundant options, transfers, escorts, guides, drivers, spare parts, navigation, emergency stores, actions on, supplies, speed, traffic, road condition, luggage and first aid requirements should also be addressed in support of both static and mobile logistic options.

Much like the appropriateness of an evacuation plan, the logistics are dependent on planning and change management.

Providers

Vendors and support resources may appear to be ideal in isolation but fail on the day or time of activation because of poor planning, lack of understanding or over dependence on any one solution.

They may also fail because everyone wants to use them and they lack the surge or scale to accommodate everyone's demands.

Attempting to put together an alternate or ad-hoc solution in the midst of an emergency situation is always less effective than pre-developed "channels" for choice and activation.

Finances

Payment of services and even retainers are a matter for consideration.

Do you have a direct relationship or payment system in place?

Do you have the correct currency or cash reserves for payment of services?

How do you secure and manage such liquidable assets during unrest or emergency?

Is there likely to be profiteering or acts of piracy to increase prices significantly when demand significantly outstrips supply?

Ensure your financial management and response is measured and controlled but allows for change and circumstances beyond your control.

Financial compensation and insurance must also be addressed.

What are your limits, guidelines, standards and buying options that are pre-defined by your insurance policy or internal policies?

Some of these areas may be confidential (kidnap and ransom) but knowledge and access should be clearly identifiable to those charged with managing and implementing the resulting plan/s.

Location Specific

Resources are likely to be highly customized to each-and-every location.

No two countries, cities, suburbs or circumstances can be replicated nor will the choice of resources be the same either.

Cultural adaptations or simply making do with the best available options may end up being the order of the day.

Do not forget that logistic support and resources are not limited to the location of incident and point of departure but also the point of arrival, transit, diversion and end locations too.

While the plan and focus may be on the narrow concerns on the ground, much consideration and focus is also required for where your going to, where all or some of the evacuees will spend time, any counselling or administration that will need to be conducted before people arrive at the final stage of the evacuation.

Government facilitators, guides, translators, nannies, medical support personnel, specialists and administrators must be inclusive of this stage and clearly identifiable and contactable.

Tools

Tracking formats and criteria such as manifests, evacuee bio data, report lines, contact details, next of kin and other management tools need to be accessible and pre-formatted.

Mode of transport is optional but all points of contact, planning considerations/limitations, contingencies, owners, agents, brokers and captains need to be identified.

Fuel, load capacity, configurations, clearance, crew rest, back up crews, country of origin, civil or military, serviceability, cost, handling, range, weather conditions/limitations, runway/port access and the possibility of every affected individual swarming to your chosen means of evacuation in the absence of an alternate solution need to be considered and detailed as to how they will be managed, utilized or overcome.

Government Assisted Evacuations

Some governments offer support or free evacuation support.

This is highly dependent on high level relationships, events of the day, politics, economic sensitivities, official view of the situation and response/scale capacity of the responding government.

Despite these options or offerings, independent plans should always be in place or accessible should these "free" government options fail, be delayed or present greater threat than your own discreet alternatives.

Having been involved in government evacuation planning and operations I can assure you that they are not the well oiled machines that one might expect and they can/do fail outright.

Additionally, from experience, it may not be your best option to be transported on a military aircraft as you pass through hostile airspace in which ground forces see opportunity to target foreign military aircraft.

If you are to use such resources or end up on such a transport choice you also need to consider your supporting logistics to a location or destination that was never within your planning considerations but now the location in which evacuees disembark and you need to support.

Supporting Agencies

Medical, administration, safety and security all have a role to play but do they mix well or do they have competing agendas?

Beware circumstances which leave you with difficult or avoidable choices where a medical/security imperative splits your evacuee group/s because an insurance policy or support provider recommends to do one thing and your policy dictates another.

Know all the terms and conditions in advance and likely stressors that may occur and be prepared.

Never discount professional advice as all your planning may be for naught if your have made the wrong assumptions, chosen the wrong resources or even plan on heading in the wrong direction/country only to discover on the day that it all has to be abandoned and a new/ad-hoc plan developed on the spot due to such failings.

Formatting

All resources should be added to the appendices in a ready-to-remove and access format.

Elements or the entire section can then be quickly disseminated or updated without the need to read the entire plan from beginning to end.

Logistics forms a vital and major portion of any evacuation plan but it does not dominate the end product that must be both accessible and actionable by decision makers and evacuees alike.

Conclusion

In this article we addressed the key logistics issues associated with international evacuations and transnational crisis.

This article analysed and discussed the logistics considerations in order to assist planners and managers in developing the best possible and adaptive evacuation plans.

You will now be able to add the priority logistics elements into existing plans or commence the process to create your own safety and security evacuation plan.

Top 10 Small Business Ideas for 2012

Starting a small business takes a lot of planning and the ability to execute your business plans. Though it doesn't require a big capital for a small business however you cannot lose your capital as this will cause a serious trouble on the financial front at the same time your future expansion plans. If you have knowledge about how to run a business successfully, you won't be able to take a wrong move that can affect your business plans. Before we go on further to the small business ideas, refer to the tips for running a small business.

• Can it sustain your everyday expenses and can it profit you.

• Can it raise enough funds to get it running for a long time and can become a profitable venture.

• Is it something that is needed everyday and does it has an appeal to sell on a steady basis?

• Is it something that you know how to do and can you do it well?

• Is it something that you like to do and doesn't mind you at all doing it over and over again?

Now that we know our objective in putting up a small business let's go forward and see what are the best idea for small business this 2012.

1. Online business - this may include article writing/blogging, virtual assistant, translator, copy writer or bookkeeper, data entry, etc. This is one of the ideal business ideas for beginners would be to take advantage of various online business opportunities. By doing online data entry and online paid survey jobs, you can earn money per hour for your work. The more accuracy and consistency you show in your job, the more work you will get.

2. Mobile apps development - almost all people nowadays possesses a mobile phone and included on the mobile phone is application that people always uses. Calendars, Alarm Clocks, notepads are some example of applications that are commonly downloaded. Whether this is a businessman, a politician, an artist or just an ordinary person has a lot or even tons of mobile application.

3. Make-up artist or hair salons - Providing either makeup artist services or hair salons is yet another interesting small business idea. Makeup artists are in great demand in the fashion and entertainment industry. If you have the required makeup skills and talent, you can start your own company and do the makeup of television and movie stars. By providing good service, you can get long-term contracts which will increase your revenues greatly. The great thing about hair salons is that they are a sure thing. No matter how dismal the economic climate, women will still scrape together the money to get their hair done, even if they have to let their nails go. So hair salons with talented stylists and well-priced services will still be real money makers.

4. Cleaning services (pool, yard, garage etc.) - A cleaning service is a good business proposition for a person who relishes the idea of cleaning apartments, homes and commercial establishments. Housekeeping is an art and people are typically deterred by the prospect of getting grease, tough stains and odors out of carpets, keeping their bathroom clean and eliminating odors from their refrigerator. Hence, a cleaning service can be a steady source of income assuming that there are no immediate competitors. Otherwise, one would have to spend money on advertising and this may eat into one's profits. Cleaning services can operate round the clock since residential apartments are generally cleaned during the day while commercial buildings are cleaned after office-hours. Considering that cleaning services earn popularity and goodwill through word of mouth, a job that is well done will rarely go unnoticed.

5. Elder assistant or baby sitting - being a babysitter doesn't require you to have a license, with more parents needing to work and offering a home based child care can be a great way of starting your own business while taking care of your own kids too. The growing numbers of senior baby boomers also provide growing business opportunities for senior care. In-home care and senior residences are the obvious ones, but don't forget all the related opportunities such as driving, delivery, catering and cleaning services for seniors who want to stay in their homes. You can certainly develop your own business providing care for seniors.

6. Recycler - the best thing of being a recycler is that you're not just earning your own money and you're also helping the environment. Average homeowner doesn't always know where or how to recycle the stuff they've got. A pickup truck are all you'd need to start buying or simply offering to remove scrap metal, old computers, electronics, ink cartridges and other recyclable materials.

7. Event management/party planner - Event management or party planning can also be a good option for a small business. Event planners have to organize a particular event by taking into consideration the suggestions given by their clients. This job requires creativity, patience and ability to get work done from people on time. It can help you be a successful event planner if have a good team of creative professional that can help you organize the event under you.

8. Online selling - whether this is a pre-loved or brand-new stuff you can still earn big bucks. This is being popularized by e-bay. There are still some people who have a whole lot of money and are willing to spend it on the name products that matter. Luxury handbags, scarves, and shoes for women are still selling well, for instance.

9. Social media consultants - With the ever rising of the social media era and the giant social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and You tube, businesses have been taking advantage of this to gain more exposure for their brands and products. With more than 800 million active users in Facebook alone, business promotion in this top social networking site is now a priority for business owners and marketers. If you have the social media marketing skills that can outsource likes and follows for your client's business, then this business can help you earn cold cash on the Internet.

10. Pet related services such as pet sitter, pet cleaning and grooming services - Most Canadians and Americans loves pet especially dogs and feeding, caring for them and pampering their pooches a spending priority. Kennels, doggie daycare, dog treat bakeries and dog resorts are few of the things that you may want to venture in.

These are not necessarily ideas for businesses that anyone can start however you can get some idea on the list above. But in my opinion, these are business opportunities that are going to provide real chances to make money in 2012 and beyond. Business that is done right, in the right place and for the right people may be profitable enterprises for years to come. If you've been considering a sale in 2012, take your time and do it right. Plan ahead, research your market and stand out from the competition. Knowing the sales process is half the battle. With proper preparation, you can ensure a stress free transition and a financially successful exit from your business.

Centerpieces and Decor For Special Events, Bar Mitzvahs, Corporate Meetings, Weddings

Special event centerpieces need not consist of expensive flowers that will die within a day. For little money you can create fabulous centerpieces that can be the 'centerpiece' of any event.

For a recent engagement reception, we filled plastic sand pails with inexpensive flip flops, stuffed sea creatures (fish, octapus, seal), beach toys and lots of glitzy sea decorations. Around each centerpieces we added multicolored thin streamers, seashells, and glitzy underwater 'greenery.' The sand pails were created to not only decorate the tables at a beautiful beach hotel in Coronado, CA, but to allow the grandchildren of the host and hostess and the other young guests to partake of the goodies inside the centerpieces. Rather than flowers that would have been given out to guests, these centerpieces were intended to be taken apart at the end of the event and the contents taken my children. Out of the 170 attendees, there were about 20 children, who as the party was ending, began dancing in their fancy clothes wearing their new flip flops, wearing sunglasses. playing with their whirl wind toys, and playing with the toys from each centerpiece. It was an adorable ending to a spectacular event.

In keeping with the theme of the party, we designed beach baskets for the buffet tables and filled them with with flip flops, sunglasses (large and small), beach 'noodles' and beach toys. They added even more glitz to the theme.

My client contacted me and said not only were the centerpieces fabulous, but the guests could not stop talking about how well they themed the event.

The Role of Complex Event Processing and Application Performance Management in Fraud Detection

Many industries are concerned with fraud detection--insurance, trade and finance, retail. For each of these industries there is one technology that takes much of the guesswork out of fraud detection--complex event processing (CEP). CEP provides the backbone for application performance management.

Background Enabling Fraud Detection

According to an article available at msdn.microsoft.com, complex event processing (CEP) engines are driving the ability to develop event driven IT environments. Application performance management works with event-driven service oriented architecture (SOA) as well as legacy applications. This is possible because a CEP engine is not limited to working with data from a single source type. It can be used to correlate information from diverse sources, such as information technology (IT) and business key performance indicators (KPIs). This last point is especially important in that the CEP can be used to correlate IT metrics and business KPIs and thus, quantitatively explain the impact IT issues have on business metrics.

Of the many functions connected to providing application performance management, all of them are enhanced by integration of complex event processing within the APM solution-end-user experience monitoring, user-defined transaction profiling, application component discovery and modeling, application component deep-dive monitoring and application performance management database.

It is this same capability to develop a consistent view of events and standardize taxonomy that makes CEP the perfect choice for designing systems that are capable of detecting fraud.

• Business process models need the power of CEP to establish enterprise-level standards for data.


• Complex event processing enables background testing of models and problem trouble-shooting in a safe environment.


• CEP makes it easier to set transaction pattern expectations, to design and model business processes because it leverages information contextually.


• CEP enhances the ability to build in scalability without creating security vulnerability.


• CEP enables event harvesting, making every transaction visible at not only the IT level, but at the business level where decisions are made.

Detecting fraud depends upon the ability of to establish parameters. Event "normal" vs. event "abnormal" can only be identified once "normal" has been established. Yet, even once this standard has been achieved, the sheer volume of information requires the ability to evaluate that data.

The properly designed complex event processing engine must have both of these capabilities-ability to crunch huge volumes of data and ability to identify patterns and correlate those patterns to normal vs. abnormal. For example, a financial institution that is monitoring transactions from end-to-end can establish that any transaction that comes from outside a set geographical area, within a time range and over a specific dollar amount triggers a potential fraud alert. The failure to process a certain volume of transactions could also be set as an alert trigger. Other data that can indicate fraud can be integrated into the APM solution. Outside feeds from public records databases and credit bureaus can be used to trigger fraud alerts as well.

The types of alerts that can be established when an application performance monitoring solution is using a complex event processing engine are infinite. Create a fraud-detection rule and the CEP engine automates alerts instantly. This enables the correct action to be taken early. The mean time to know (MTTK) that a problem has occurred is cut significantly, reducing risk and cost substantially..

Advantages of APM over Stand-alone Fraud Detection Software

While there are solutions that offer only fraud detection, finding an APM solution that allows you to leverage the full power of application performance management and complex event processing across your business is the more efficient. Fraud detection is only one of the benefits APM offers. Business transaction performance reporting, business transaction management and end-use experience reporting are just three of the additional functions you can expect if you choose the right APM solution.

While some APM solutions are designed to embrace separate technologies rather than replacing them, if you don't already have a separate fraud detection solution, a carefully chosen APM solution will provide many more benefits than a fraud detection solution would on its own. It pays to shop carefully and to ask questions. The presence of a complex event processing engine and application performance management capabilities isn't a guarantee that the product will provide the level of fraud detection protection your company needs.

How To Sell Yourself As A DJ

The market is saturated with DJs, so why would a client choose you? The first thing that you have to understand is that people do business with people. Most DJ businesses get a majority of their business by referrals also known as word-of-mouth marketing. If you are speaking to a client, this means someone (usually a friend, family member, or someone that has seen you perform) probably referred them to you. This also means that the client will most likely consider your services before anyone else. While you may have the advantage of a referral, you will still need to meet the clients entertainment visions and budgetary requirements. Most clients are always looking for the best deal in conjunction with the best service. Is that you? Your main goal is to first paint a picture, and worry about prices later.

The client does not care about the features of your DJ company. They don't care that you have high powered 15" speakers and a subwoofer. They don't care that you can set up a music system using an iPod and a speaker for cocktail hour. They also really don't care about your 30,000 song hard drive. All they really care about is that their guests have a great time. Most clients just want to host an amazing party and are listening for you to say "by using us/me, your guests are going to have an amazing time". Isn't that the objective. They are also looking for comfort in the planning process.

Planning a party is not easy. Hiring a DJ is one of many responsibilities and clients want peace of mind. They want you to tell them that you are going to make this easy for them. How can you make the process stress free for YOU and the CLIENT? Offer them planning tools. You should have planning forms online or offline where they can provide the important event information. After you tell them about your planning system, watch their reaction. This should bring you one step closer to the sale.

My suggestion is to register with an online event planning website like "DJ Event Planner". Clients have access to their planning account online 24/7 and can enter any important information, activities, and even choose music. Registering with an online event planner will make you feel more confident and appear more professional to clients. When you offer this service, clients will be most impressed. Once you've painted the picture, guided them through their vision, and offered them peace of mind with a planning system, it's time to tell them your prices.

You should always give them a few pricing options from which to choose. Some common examples of packages are: 1. Basic Wedding Package (DJ/MC 2 Speakers)
2. Silver wedding package (DJ/MC 2 speakers and subwoofer)
3. Gold Wedding Package (DJ, separate MC, 2 speakers, subwoofer, lights)
4. Platinum Wedding Package (DJ, separate MC, 2 speakers, subwoofer, lights, cocktail hour included)

I can't give you an idea of Wedding DJ prices because I don't know your specific market. In the NJ/NY area a REPUTABLE DJ may charge between $1000 and $2000. Prices in other states and provinces would vary depending on the demographics. If you really want to know, contact some DJ's in your area and ask their prices. Why so much? you might ask. Why so much? The client may ask.

Planning for a wedding is much more involved than just pushing play on iTunes at a house party. Your clients are paying for professionalism, your planning time, your expertise, and for you to actually perform at the event. Don't ever under sell yourself. I know someone who gave a break to a client for a wedding last year and when it was over, It was't worth the money in comparison to the amount of time spent on the planning. You should always keep your prices higher and then come down if you want to give them a discount. If your prices are too low, you'll wind up losing money and getting frustrated in the process. If your prices are STILL too high, even after a discount, thank your client for their time and give them your card.

Don't ever compromise your integrity. You are charging your price because you know you're worth it. They will find other DJ's who charge much less but surely don't have the same training and knowledge as you do. They won't be able to meet the clients vision, and they certainly won't have an event planning system in place. Be confident that you are the best DJ for their event. Always assume the sale. When you give them the prices don't ask them if they like the options. Ask them which option would meet their objective the best. You'll most likely close the sale at this point. Don't be pushy either. If they say they want to think about it, ask them if you can answer any questions. If they still seem unsure, tell them that it's no problem and give them some information to take home. Follow up with them and you will surely have another opportunity to close the sale.

Negotiating Hotel Contracts to Your Benefit - For Easier Meeting and Event Planning

Is it really hard to negotiate a sales contract with a hotel sales manager for sleeping rooms, meeting space and food events? Well, it depends. It depends on a couple of factors.

First, do you know how a sales manager thinks and what the hotel is looking for?

The answer to this question may save you money or may allow you to get more of what you want and a better deal. Factors that influence room blocks and room rates are based on supply and demand. So, if the hotel is in their busy season, they have more clients requesting the same space and can either pick and choose who gets the space or they can set their price and you either take it of leave it. Thus, not much room for negotiation.

However, what if the dates you are requesting are in their off season or shoulder time period. Then options start popping up, the hotel then needs the business and your sales manager is ready to offer lower rates or special deals. But, you do not always have to take the first offer. Shop hotels to compare offers and tell the sales manager you are shopping. This way they might offer better rates in the initial offer to induce you to sign the contract.

Also, how does your room block pattern fit into their current block of rooms? Most hotels have a preferred pattern for arrivals and departures. If your pattern fits theirs, they may be willing to negotiate. However, if the pattern differs, you may have to pay higher rates.

To be better prepared, talk to the Convention Bureau in that city and ask what the normal occupancies are for various months of the year. That way you will have an idea of how much the hotel needs your business.

When negotiating, do not hesitate to ask for special items in the contract. The more the hotel needs your business, the more they are willing to give up or add to the contract in order to get your signature.

It may be easy to get that suite you wanted on a complimentary basis or at a special rate. If the hotel is going to have a low occupancy and would not be selling that suite in the first place, then they have nothing to loose by giving it to you in your contract.

So, the answer to my original question "Is it really hard to negotiate a sales contract with a hotel for sleeping rooms, meeting space and food events?" is based on availability of rooms, room patterns, your ability to be flexible and especially you being aware of what the hotel is looking for.

Therefore, do your homework before meeting with your hotel of choice and you will be better prepared to negotiate successfully.

Why Event Planners Should Use Event Registration Software for Their Next Event

For your growing commerce, you need a more effective way to manage registration and curtail mounting administrative costs. Increasing numbers of individuals and businesses are reaping the benefits of Event Registration Software to arrange, promote, and market their events, meetings, and conferences with just a click of the mouse.

By using an effective event management solution, organizers can easily create and handle online registration, payment system, and promotional activities. Whether you are arranging a small, medium, or large-sized event, the software comes handy to all who favors a quick and easy online access to meetings and seminars anytime and from anywhere.

Benefits

Online event registration software offers economical and competent Cloud-based solutions that companies generally look for. Besides, there are some more reasons for increasing number of businesses to rely on web-based software instead of traditional paperwork methods.

Instant Creation Of Registration Pages

You can create and publish an online registration page within minutes. Attendees can then access the page anytime and from anywhere to get all kinds of information related to the event.

Customizing the Registration Pages

Online registration solution helps to customize an event registration page to bring in the look and feel of the website of the organizer. Event managers can add their company logos and specific themes and color to generate their own modified registration pages.

User-friendly Payment Option

Handling payment processing is a big deal for most event organizers. The issue can be addressed by using online registration solutions that open up safe and secured diverse payment gateways for attendees.

Valuable Marketing Tool

Web-based event management solutions help to promote awareness among large sections of people. A large number of target audiences can be drawn toward your event by creating a profile page in social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and so on. Updating your clients about the events on a regular basis can also be done using various marketing tools, for example newsletters, email campaigns, and whitepapers, to name a few.

Decreasing Work Pressure

The event management software is a single integrated platform that does all your paperwork, thereby giving you time to focus on other important areas of the event.

Minimizing Administrative Costs

The burden of increased administrative costs gets lowered, as all kinds of information related to registration, payment facilities and promotion and marketing needs is provided online to the attendees. The web-based registration solution, thus, saves additional cost of printing leaflets or brochures.

Enhance Attendance Rates

Quick and easy sign-up and getting regular updates help to attract more attendees toward a particular event. Event planners can communicate with their clients on a daily basis and keep them informed about the present and future event and more.

A comprehensive Event Registration Software can be used by individuals and companies to ensure fast and secure online registration and payment options. It also helps to create, promote, sell, and manage events, classes, seminars, and training sessions.

Is It Realistic to Pursue Your Dream Job Today?

Are you contemplating changing careers? Mary's story warns us that we need to be thoughtful and cautious when making a dramatic change like this. Here is Mary's story in her words.

"I identified the job I wanted, my dream job. I went back to school full time, and racked up a lot of debt. By the time I graduated several years later, the economy tanked, and my dream job was no longer hiring. And the jobs that are similar pay so much less than what I was making before. I'm broken hearted and deeply discouraged. How can anyone suggest people go after their dream job when it only leads to disappointment?"

Mary's story makes me sad, and she is not alone. It happens more than we'd like to know. (It is also the reason I do what I do, to help people find their way without becoming another Mary.)

Mary's story is one most people fear will happen to them, isn't it? So how can you avoid Mary's experience? Do you have to throw away your dreams, and just take what comes your way? Or do you put everything on hold until the economy turns around, whenever that may be? No. If you do your research and careful planning, you can have a job you love and a thriving career, and you can have it now.

Rhonda worked hard to unearth the strengths and skills she loved to use, along with where and how she loved to use them. She also identified her ideal working environment, and the roles she preferred when working. It is from that list that we began to brainstorm different job titles she could go after. Rhonda's list included Project Manager, Executive Director (for a Non-Profit), and Event Planner/Party Planner. Before Rhonda chose one of these to pursue, she did her research.

First Rhonda met with at least 3 different people who held each title, so 3 Project Managers, 3 Event Planners, 3 Executive Directors. She conducted an informational interview with each one, to find out what their day to day responsibilities were, what the major challenges of the jobs were, and what the job market was like for each of them. She learned that in her area, Event Planners were losing jobs, and struggling to find work. She learned that Executive Directors needed a bit more experience than she currently had, but that she could easily get that experience volunteering.

Next Rhonda did some research online to learn about the salaries associated with each position. She learned that Event Planners didn't make as much as she needed. She began to rule out the Event Planner idea, and narrowed her research to focus on Project Manager and Executive Director jobs. Both still appealed to her, and after doing more research, she discovered there were more Project Manager jobs available, especially if she pursued certification.

Since Rhonda wanted a change sooner rather than later, she decided to pursue a Project Manager position now, and keep her eyes open for any Executive Director opportunities that might be available later.

Rhonda is now on a new path, one that works for her financially, and provides her with the security and future she desires. She ruled out the options that wouldn't work for her.

Once you know what types of jobs appeal to you, I encourage you to do your research. Find out as much as you can about the reality of those jobs and careers. Are they growing? Do they pay what you need? Are there certifications or training required? What are the real day to day responsibilities of the job? How hard is it to break into that industry or area? If you research all your options, you will find one that will work for you, now. You can end up like Rhonda, not Mary. And that story has a happy ending.

Alternative Halloween Celebrations for Churches: Outdoor Movies

Parents all over are experiencing increasing fears about the safety of trick or treating and other traditional Halloween activities. Adults worry about children being out after dark, especially unsupervised, and are concerned about the risks of consuming treats from strangers. Trusted community organizations like churches, youth groups, schools and daycare centers have begun filling the need for safe and fun alternative activities for children. Planning a unique event filled with fun fall activities will help both parents and children have an enjoyable and worry free Halloween evening.

Churches looking for a unique and non-secular way to help families in the community celebrate Halloween and the fall season should consider a Halloween or fall themed outdoor movie event on a giant inflatable movie screen right at their facility. An open air cinema event will appeal to both children and parents as an alternative to potentially dangerous trick or treating or other unsupervised Halloween activities. Fun games and activities and a wholesome family movie are the keys to a successful alternative Halloween event.

The church can start the evening by offering some fun activities like "Trunk n treat", bobbing for apples, fall carnival games, children's crafts, tractor rides and face painting. Volunteers can help run the booths and, if desired and possible, prizes like candy or other small favors can be given out to participating children. Offer a picnic dinner or warm snack food such as popcorn, hot cider, or s'mores during the evening's event.
A movie like "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown", "Scooby Doo", or any other family friendly movie, shown on a large movie screen with portable cinema equipment will be the perfect ending to the event. After time spent with friends and family enjoying games and other activities; children and adults will enjoy relaxing and enjoying a movie together on blankets and lawn chairs.

A safe fall event like this is perfect for families concerned about Halloween safety, or those who simply want to stay away from the stresses of trick or treating and enjoy a fun evening with friends and family. An outdoor movie event is easy to organize through the help of professional outdoor movie event companies who can turn your venue into an outdoor movie theater is only a few hours. A family movie night showing at church adds a unique element that will make the event stand out in the community and will encourage more families to attend.

Planning a 50th Birthday Party

Time to throw a fiftieth birthday party? Follow these steps for putting on the perfect bash to celebrate the big 5-0.

Invitations: These provide guests with the first hint as to the theme of your party. Will you be serious and elegant or have more of a playful, teasing theme? Finestationery.com has a number of sophisticated designs in many colors. Black cards with silver writing are particularly popular, and provide beautiful colors for the party decorations. Fun "Over the Hill" invitations are also available at vistaprint.com as are photo invitations for a truly unique option.

Decorations: For the simpler party, consider silver and gold balloons with silver and black streamers. You can place Happy 50th Birthday party signs at the door, or in the yard if guests need to park at the party. You can also place gold 50 centerpiece spray in the middle of each table, available at amazon.com/Century-Novelty-50-Centerpiece-Spray. For the playful party, consider ordering inflatable canes and walkers, as well as Senior Moment caution signs or cones. All of the items are available at Party City, whether you choose to search the store or look online.

Food: Whether you are serving a meal or just light refreshments, include some of the celebrant's favorites. Desserts are always a show stopper - a decorated sheet cake, or several decorated layer cakes, will look beautiful. Cupcakes are also very popular. Make them special with either personalized cupcake toppers putting photos on the frosting. Order edible images from icingimages.com.

Favors: There are many unique favors you can order to help guests remember your special celebration. Edible favors include birthday oreos, decorated especially for you, or birthday fortune favors, which are dipped in chocolate. Other fun ideas include personalized playing cards, complete with the date and celebrant's name on the box, or grippy socks in colors that match your decorations. These two choices can be used by guests repeatedly.

Diva Entertains, Copyright 2010

Setting Your Corporate Event Budget

Here are the important steps in planning your event's budget.

1. Decide on the reason for the event

The purpose of the event will help you guide the budget. There's a big difference between a senior staff meeting and a hosted convention. Set the objective for the meeting.

- Does your company need publicity?

- Do you need to boost morale in house?

- Do you want to educate potential customers on your offerings?

- Draft a clear set of objectives for your event so you can decide on the size of the event.

2. Survey the venues in your area

Once you know the type of event and the possible number of attendees, you should look at your venue options. You don't need to select the venue at this point. Your or a member of your event planning team should call different locations to find out the range of prices you're dealing with.

Knowing what several locations in the same area are charging can help you play around with the numbers and find the right mix of venue, meeting entertainment, caterers and publicity costs.

3. Get quotes from professional corporate entertainers

Meeting entertainment is a must have for modern events. You need to find entertainers with previous corporate experience so you can ensure that the entertainment will be appropriate. Look for vendors who can provide pre-packaged corporate entertainment that can blend into your other event needs.

4. Find potential caterers

Sometimes food and drink service will come with your venue, but if it doesn't you'll also need to price catering. Give potential caterers your estimated attendee numbers and have them deliver a quote. You can use these quotes to find the best match for your budget and your needs.

Deciding on the purpose of your event and then getting quotes from vendors is the best way to accurately create a budget for your corporate event. Once you get a variety of quotes, you can mix and match the services to find the best price for a professional event.

Buy-Sell Agreement Trigger Events

Buy-sell agreements are designed to accomplish one or more of the following objectives from one or more of several viewpoints: the corporation, the employee-shareholder, the non-employee shareholder, and any remaining shareholders. The buy-sell agreement provides for what happens to the shares of owners who leave, for whatever reason, whether favorable or unfavorable.

From the corporation's viewpoint, the agreement may prevent the departing shareholder from retaining his shares. By requiring a departing shareholder to sell his or her shares to the corporation, the corporation and remaining shareholders eliminate any potential for conflict over future corporate policies with the departed shareholder. They also eliminate the potential for the departed shareholder to benefit from future success of the business created by the remaining shareholders. Finally, the agreements prevent a shareholder (or his or her estate) from selling shares to "undesirable" parties, enabling the remaining shareholders to decide who the next shareholder will be, if any. These reasons for buy-sell provisions apply to virtually all trigger events.

We use "QFRDD" to denote common trigger events for buy-sell agreements.

If you think about the events suggested by QFRDD, none of them are very pleasant to talk about, particularly to a group of shareholders who may have just come together for a common business purpose. In fact, circumstances could be such that the shareholder most affected by a trigger event has a proverbial gun to his or her head. In the alternative, the company may perceive that it has a gun to its head in order to fulfill the repurchase requirements of an agreement.

Think of QFRDD to remember.

Q - Quits. A buy-sell agreement may provide a mechanism for shareholders who leave a business to sell their shares to the corporation or other shareholders. Shareholders may quit under a variety of scenarios, some of which are more favorable to the corporation and other shareholders than others. The circumstances of quitting may determine how the departing shareholder is treated under the terms of the agreement.

• Favorable circumstances. A shareholder may decide to leave a company to pursue other interests that are not competitive with the activities of the company. Assuming the ability to fund the purchase, the company and remaining shareholders are likely to view such a departure on favorable terms.


• Unfavorable circumstances. Alternatively, a shareholder may decide to leave a company and to pursue competitive activities. Under such circumstances, the company and remaining shareholders may be reluctant to pay full price (whatever that means - to be determined as we proceed) and desire to stretch out payment as long as possible. After all, no one wants to finance a competitor!

F - Is Fired. When an employee-shareholder is terminated, most corporations desire to retain control over the shares.

• Terminations generally result in diverse, or more likely, adverse interests between the fired shareholder, the corporation, and remaining shareholders.


• From the employee's viewpoint, the agreement assures that his or her shares can be sold at the buy-sell price and creates a market for the shares.


• From the corporation's viewpoint, buy-sell agreements create the right, or the obligation, to purchase the departing employee-shareholder's shares.


• They also eliminate the potential for the terminated shareholder to benefit from any future success of the business created by the remaining employees and shareholders. Some agreements call for a penalty to the valuation in cases of termination, particularly for cause.

R - Retires. The retirement of an employee-shareholder creates a potential divergence of interests between the shareholder and the corporation.

• The shareholder may desire current liquidity over the uncertain future performance of the corporation.


• The corporation may desire not to have potential interference or disagreement with corporate policy, or to have the retired shareholder benefit from future appreciation in value.


• Further, the corporation and the remaining shareholders likely do not want a retired employee to continue to benefit from their ongoing efforts.

D - Disabled. After a defined period of time, the corporation may have the right (from its viewpoint) or the obligation (perhaps, from the employee's viewpoint) to purchase the disabled employee's shares. If disability is a trigger event, it is essential to have a clear definition of what "disability" means.

D - Dies. The death of a shareholder creates issues that are often resolved by buy-sell agreements.

If a shareholder dies owning a minority interest in a corporation for which there is no market for its shares, the illiquidity of the stock can create estate tax issues.

• The shares must be valued for estate tax purposes, and the appraisal amount will add to the estate's value.


• To the extent that the estate is taxable, there may be no liquidity to pay the estate taxes.


• Buy-sell agreements provide a mechanism for determining the value of shares for estate tax purposes and for monetizing that value for the estate, generally in cash or in a term note.


• Therefore, the shareholder's estate realizes liquidity and can pay taxes due and does not face the combination of uncertainty of independent valuation and the certainty of payment of taxes in the absence of liquidity.


• From the corporation's viewpoint, the agreement eliminates the need to address uncertain ownership dictated by the deceased shareholder's will and can create the requirement for funding.

If the parties agree, buy-sell agreements also operate in the event of the divorce, declaration of insolvency, or bankruptcy of one or more shareholders (or even the corporation). In the event of the divorce of an employee-shareholder, the buy-sell agreement will most likely be designed to prevent the non-employee spouse from realizing any ownership in the stock of the corporation. If an employee declares bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the corporation may exercise its right to purchase the shares to prevent their dispersion to creditors.

It should be clear from the above that buy-sell agreements can be favorable from the viewpoints of employee-shareholders, non-employee shareholders, the corporation, and any remaining shareholders in many diverse situations. The emphasis is on "can be" because the operation of an agreement can go awry despite the best intentions of its creators.

In conclusion, buy-sell agreements are designed to provide objective means of transferring ownership in controlled and pre-determined ways under specified circumstances that may be difficult.

• In the absence of a workable agreement, the remaining shareholders and the corporation may be placed in the unenviable position of negotiating under adverse circumstances with former friends, their families, or their estates.
  


• Such negotiations, which would occur after the interests of the parties have diverged, are difficult, fraught with uncertainty, and often lead to litigation.

Workable buy-sell agreements are the cure for the potential problems enumerated above.

What to Look for in a Catering Company

If you happen to be living in or around in one of the huge cities on the planet, you surely won't run out of choices in terms of food and venue in case you're planning to hold an event, whether it's a simple family get-together or a big corporate function. Catering on this side of the land down under is one of the most sought-after as catering companies on this side of the planet have many years of experience under their belt in terms of serving hundreds to even thousands of guests.

Of course, if you're looking for a catering company for your next big event, experience is not the only yardstick for you to get one. They have to walk the talk and deliver what they promise in their advertisements or on their websites. Some companies tend to sweet-talk a lot and end up failing expectations on the event day in terms of the food quality and the services they deliver. The freshness of the food takes primordial importance; needless to say, it has to be delicious and should please everyone's palate.

The company you choose also has to be flexible enough to adapt to whatever comes up that may not have been covered during the event planning. There will always be unexpected things that would crop up during the occasion, so the company has to be able to deal with them professionally.

Aside from providing great food and beverages for the event, the company you'll choose should also be able to provide the necessary equipment, as well as have the ability to choose a suitable venue and even do the decorating. This should certainly lessen your stress in terms of planning as some areas are already covered by them. That should ensure a successful event.

Some clients surely entrust their caterers with almost all of the necessities when it comes to the preparations - from venue to food, to music and other essential parts of the event. It is also important to see if your choice of catering company has connections with other businesses under the event planning and catering industry. This can help both client and caterer in finding whatever or whoever is needed to complete the event planning and to have all the necessities in order.

If you have a personal computer and internet access (which you surely have since you're reading this), getting the best catering company is as simple as browsing the internet and letting your fingers do the walking.

Benefits of Community & Charitable Team Building Events

Team building events are specially tailored to unify your work force through all sorts of activities. Over the years, innovative charitable and community team building activities have gained in popularity thanks to the wide range of benefits generated, not only to your business and its employees but also to your local community.

If you like the idea of community and charitable team building activities then look no further as that is exactly what this article is all about. There are countless benefits that these types of team building events provide. From my point of view these type of charity focused events are the most beneficial and complete team building activities currently available.

Why Community Team Building Events are so valuable?

Because they benefit you, your employees and your community. In addition to providing your team with a valuable team bonding experience these events provide real tangible benefits to a wide range of charitable, community and voluntary organisations.

With that in mind, I would like to highlight the real benefits that these type of team building events bring in three specific areas - Business Benefits, Community Benefits and Employee Benefits.

Business Benefits of Community Team Building Events

* Charitable and community team building events provide a practical solution to help your company meet its social responsibilities.
* By providing real life experiences they motivate your employees by achieving tasks of real value.
* Enhance your brand awareness and develop better public relations through working in you local community.
* Effective vehicle to develop team and personal growth. Working to support worthy causes and benefit others is one the most rewarding and unifying tasks a team can undertake.
* Powerful tool for enhancing communication skills, team work and problem solving through real life situations.

Community Benefits of Community Team Building Events

As the name suggests these types of activities provide support to the community with projects that are in most need of help. Prior to undertaking a community or charitable team building event, try to identify a charity or worthy cause that you feel reflects your values and then speak to your event management company and let them take care of the rest.

Such events often encourage your employees to get involved in other volunteering activities within the local community which helps provide a longer term benefit too.

But above all these activities will provide a valuable link between your business and its neighbourhood as well as local community organisations.

Employee Benefits of Community Team Building Events

Your employees will have an opportunity to support and become involved in worthy causes within their own community. Working with real life experiences helps them develop unique personals skills that will have wider benefits in your business.

Community team building events are not only focused on raising awareness to the local community they also open the eyes of your employees to wider community and global issues.

Working with colleagues outside the work place and in their own local community is a priceless experience that brings many benefits and helps to develop personal skills.

And the reason why it's so important to hire an event management company is to ensure that the project is managed safely and effectively, meets your specific requirements and provides the team with a fully packaged event that not only helps bond and develop but also benefits a worthy cause in the community.

Event Management Companies for Professional Conferences

Hiring an event management company for a multinational technology conference or an evening party is the best option to make it memorable and mesmerizing. Event management companies not only give guidance and advice during the initial conception and planning of any event, but help to make it a perfectly successful event also. Event managers and staff members have exceptional skills and relevant experience in event planning and organizing.

From conference planning to any other event or party management, corporate events planners can handle everything in a professional manner. They can easily manage, plan and organize necessary stuff before time and design an impeccable itinerary/plan of action to make it as fluent and hassle-free as possible. Their planning and organizing service are designed to delivers an inspiring, passionate, creative and innovative experience. They lavish close attention to details. They tend to create a picture-perfect platform for enterprises to communicate effectively with their audience.

They organize and deliver an organized and streamlined event on time and within budget. They deliver professional services for conference arrangement. Some of the most vital services offered by event management companies for conferences are:

1. Venue finding
2. Incentives and reward programs
3. Corporate hospitality and tickets
4. Corporate team building
5. Trade shows
6. Audio and visual Services
7. Product launches
8. Conferences and award Shows
9. Event theme building and branding

Venue Finding - Most of the event management companies provide free venue finding services for the grand conference or events. In fact, it is the most necessary thing to consider before taking any further actions. They first consult with the organizers and marketing executives in order to understand the needs and overall objectives of the conference.

Conferences and award Shows - Event planners work with the company marketing experts to take time to understand what they're exactly searching for. They create your bespoke response document that will give you all the answers for your next event.

Trade shows - There is no better and striking way to showcase product or service to the market place than by getting the live feedback from the audiences. Event management companies can effectively organize a trade show, or any product launch ceremony.

Audio & Visual Services - Event planners provide with the complete AV system. They provide the inclusive technical assistance for the event and make appropriate arrangements.

In essence, event management companies help in refining the conference and event experience for the organizations, employees, corporate partners and its other associates.

The New Age Event Management

Modern day event registration and management has become so easy that in a few minutes you are ready to sell tickets for your events. Today, the concept of event management is well propagated online and there are innumerable companies offering an array of online event management services such as online registration and ticketing.

Through online event management one can increase participation and also make enormous money at their events such as seminars, exhibitions, fashion shows, musical concerts, etc. Online event registration and management companies offer organizers the perfect platform to register, promote, sell tickets, and collect payments online. The software used allows organizers to eliminate the administrative hassles related with registering and managing attendees.

How it works

The process is quite simple. Organizers can create and publish an Event Registration page in a couple of minutes and start selling tickets instantly. Interested attendees can buy online tickets directly from the event organizers, and thus there is no middle man to collect the payments. Those days are gone when organizers had to sign a contract and wait for days to get approval from these event registration companies. These web based applications offers hassle-free operation as you don't need to install anything on your computer.

The online application would process and confirm the registration and payment information instantly and send an automated confirmation email to the attendee or buyer. Interestingly, all the information or data that is entered by the attendees are stored in a database from where they can be downloaded any time. Event organizers can also get up-to-second information about the number of people registered and the amount of money collected.

Online event management is not rocket science. You don't have to be an experienced web marketer to enjoy the privileges of online event management. A little knowledge of World Wide Web (WWW) is all that is required. So, go ahead, grab your share of online world today.

Event Planners Must Understand Their Group

As a conference, convention, and event planner, negotiator, and organizer for well over thirty years, I have never ceased to be amazed by the large percentage of individuals involved in these activities that seem to follow the "one size fits all" type of philosophy. The greatest and most effective event planners understand that every group has its own needs, philosophies, priorities, demographics, financial needs, and goals that must be addressed prior to even commencing the actual planning phase for any event. It is important to remember that what may be a great idea for one group is not so for another, and thus all event planning must be individualized. Of course, there are certain rules of negotiating, as well as organizing details that is generally transferable from one event and group to another, but those will have limited value unless the event is first tailor made for the specific group.

1. What are the needs of the group for this event? Is it solely fundraising in nature, or completely social, or to perform some sort of essential business? Or, is this event a combination of these needs? An event planner must fully understand and have articulated these needs before beginning the process.

2. What is the organization's philosophy? What is its culture? What specific things are needed for this organization, and this event?

3. How would one state the top priorities? If there are multiple priorities, how would you balance (or prioritize) these?

4. What is the organization's demographics? What are the demographics of previous attendees? If these two differ significantly, then perhaps there is a need to clearly understand why the same demographics do not apply to both the organization and the event attendees? How might that difference impact how the structure and nature of this event could be evolved or tweaked, in order to broaden the appeal, without turning off those who currently attend?

5. Never proceed before the first four items are addressed seriously, and then create a detailed budget, including conservative revenue projections, and worse- case scenarios regarding expenditures. Is this event for fundraising, and if so, what is the goal? How might that impact decisions made? Event planners must prioritize and create both value and perceived value, by effectively negotiating all details. There is rarely a situation where financial success is based entirely on one item, but rather it is necessary to address multiple small savings possibilities to optimize the success of the event.

True event professionals work fastidiously to address all areas and potential obstacles. One of the major reasons that some events end up with better results (and that is defined by the specific needs of the particular event, group, etc., as discussed above) is because of the attention to detail, in an organized and proactive manner.

What Did He Say? Why Sound Is So Important to Your Meeting

In producing an event, sound quality is of the highest importance. It takes a lot of time and attention to coordinate all the audiovisual elements of a successful business meeting, presentation, or corporate event. Great sound services during an event or conference can improve the interaction between the presenter and the audience.

The sound equipment most frequently used for events consist of microphones, mixers, and speakers for amplification of sound in the room. The microphones used most often are either (or mixture of) the following: lavaliere, wireless, or cabled. These mics send their system to the mixer. The size of the mixer depends on the number of microphones or sources of sound expected during the event. A mixer allows the audio visual technician to adjust the volume and characteristics of each sound input, mix the signals, and resend them to the speakers.

The basic objective of a professional sound service is to "amplify" the:

* Voice of the presenter,
* Music playing,
* Presentation services audio visual,
* Video,
* Internet demonstration or
* Video conference.

The intent is to make it easily audible to all persons present in a meeting, conference center, or event room.

If the event takes place in a small room, that has no or little outside noise, the speaker's voice is loud, and there are 25 or less attendees, a sound system rental may not be necessary.

However, if the room is large, there is a lot of environmental noise, the speaker is soft spoken, and there are more than 25 persons at the meeting, a sound system should be considered.

Additionally, if the meeting is large and Q & A is expected, your event or meeting should have at least 1 wireless microphone for every 40 participants. It is also possible to use wired microphones placed throughout the room in strategic areas.

The main question event meeting planners need to ask is this: "Is what is being said, or listened to, important to be heard by all"? If so, use a microphone! The event audio visual company can inform microphone users -- where to stand, how to use the mic, and set up microphone stands exactly to the height of their mouths. The presenter needs to take the time to adjust the mic stand if necessary and speak clearly into the microphone. Many novice speakers think they are speaking too loud and back away from the mic which causes more problems because people cannot hear them.

It is very important that sound systems provide clear, clean, and reliable amplification. Feedback or noise in the signal may go unnoticed by the presenter, but can be very uncomfortable and annoying to the attendees if it is constant. The equipment and the advice of the event services company can provide resources that event planners should leverage to avoid audio atrocities.

Putting Up With Caterers & Event Planners

Warning: If you ARE a caterer, you will be offended, if you are a Mobile Bartender, chances are you have been offended BY a caterer!

In my experience as a Mobile Bartender, I have often noticed that myself and my bartending staff has always run into problems with caterers. It seems that there are power struggles and ego-trips at play with both parties...especially when YOU have been hired by the Host, NOT the caterer.

Caterers and party planners like to have full control of everything and so they may start telling you how to do your job or treat you like one of their employees.

This quick article is intended to help YOU (the Mobile Bartender) "deal" with caterers during your events. So, let's ALL put our egos aside and take some advice that does work:

1. Caterers ARE Control Freaks! - They have to be, that's why they are so good at what they do! So you must accept that fact and understand how their mind works if you want to have a pleasant night while working with them

2. You BOTH want the Same End Result - Both you and the caterer want the event to be as spectacular as possible. As long as you aware that you and the caterer/party planner want the same outcome, you can begin to work better together.

3. Be Proactive-Introduce yourself! - As soon as you arrive at the event (or even a few days beforehand) introduce yourself to the caterer or whoever is in charge. It is also good to meet any staff that the caterer may have brought along)

4. Offer Your Assistance - Do your best to finish setting up your bar-area early so you can offer help and assistance to the caterer. They will appreciate this.

5. Kill them with Kindness! - If you find a caterer that is being rude or treating you poorly, react by "killing them with kindness!" Compliment them on their work, their staff, their attention to detail. They LIVE for these compliments,so shower them! hint that you are looking for caterers to refer to your clients-take their biz cards

6. Use Leverage! - You are the MOST-desired bartender in your area (or at least you present that image!). Ask your caterer for some of his/her business cards and mention that you have A LOT of clients always asking for good caterers so you want to refer them business! http://www.BartenderforProfit.com

Planning a Charity Event

While the cause for charity may be a noble one, most hosts find that when planning a charity event they are dealing with several commercial issues, which if ignored can lead to the event collapsing completely. Keeping a few steps in mind will help ensure that the charity event in question is executed smoothly and is able to thus meet its aim.

The first and foremost step to planning a charity event is setting up a board of directors who undertake and oversee all the details of the organization. There are various aspects involved in the process of planning a charity event, and several hands will need to be delegated these responsibilities when a successful charity event is organized. While the executive director of the committee is to be held finally responsible, it is important that all other members also bring with them several abilities to contribute to the committee, as well as feel for the cause at hand.

Since there are charity events that qualify for tax exemption, it is essential that one enquires if the event does indeed enjoy this advantage. If the cause is not taxable, then it is imperative that all receipts be saved so that they can be presented later to the authorities when seeking the rebate.

Tap on the seemingly low profile individual to help out with the event. Most high profile people are too busy to contribute time to a charitable cause, while they may be happy to help with funds and goodwill. However, during the planning of the event, one is looking for helping hands that can commit time, which is required in the planning and execution of the event.

Be prepared with an alternative plan of action at all times. During the planning of the charitable event it is essential that a back up is also planned, since sometimes things tend to go wrong, which can lead to the fall of the entire event. In the same tune, it is also beneficial to plan for the natural elements like rainfall or snow when organizing a charity event, especially if it is an outdoor one.

Bring in the fun element when planning the event. While it is true that there are people who would contribute to the cause due to its nobility, most will prefer to have fun while going about the activity. So if the target group is a high income slot, then a golf tournament will do well, while a short run or a dog show will do better with another income slot. So, at all times, select the venue and activity of the charitable event by keeping the average target in mind, since the more people you attract the more likely it is for the event to succeed.

One must plan ahead of the scheduled time rather than waiting to get closer to the day of the event. The extra time helps to iron out the wrinkles, if any, during the last days without having the entire occasion collapse due to the added pressure. Remember that there will be fallbacks and not everyone will meet the deadlines demanded of them, and a buffer period will help extensively in this case.

The few tips listed above will help organize a charitable event with great detail, and will be more likely to result in a successful event rather than one organized haphazardly.

What Venues Work Best for Staff and Corporate Events

In a lot of cases offices organize corporate events inside their own office premises. While it is easy and familiar for everyone, the draw back to this arrangement is obvious: people can get distracted with their daily duties or find it hard to extricate themselves from the ongoing phone calls or dealing with some of their unfinished tasks.

When organizing corporate events, it is often best to go away from your work premises so that management and staff can achieve their goals for the event such as boosting the morale, finding a new direction for the company, reassessment of goals and even team building.

If the company has decided to host a staff Christmas party or event at a professional venue there will be added costs. Most companies plan for this in their budget forecasts at the beginning of the year so when the time comes the event can be organized with good planning and implementation knowing that the budget has been previously allocated.

An important aspect when organizing a corporate event is choosing the right the venue for the occasion as there are many different types of venues available.

They vary greatly in size with off-site venues for private events, conference rooms in hotels, fun venues outdoors and upmarket locations like restaurants or hotels.

For serious and business related corporate events, the most suitable venue could be a dedicated conference room in a professional events centre or for team building events an appropriate venue would need to have a fun atmosphere as there will definitely be a number of group activities. So there are a number of advantages to be gained by using a professional venue that suits the occasion and offers the right environment for different needs.

Initially, a well established corporate events venue can help generate the ideal space where a number of activities can be easily accomplished based on the needs and preferences of the company or business organizing the event.

Secondly, a good professional venue can provide superior quality services such as food and beverages, amenities and additional individual services that might be required.

Finally, most event venues offer competitive rates as well as great deals especially at Christmas time - and if you are well organized and book ahead you can benefit from these.

Good planning is important when it comes to corporate events and finding the ideal venue that will cater to all the activities you have planned and still come within budget is important for the success of the event.

The advantages will be memorable and your staff will appreciate the care and attention you have given to acknowledge them and their work throughout the year.

Become a Top Wedding Planner - 9 Steps to Take Before Your First Meetings With Wedding Vendors

When you are a new wedding planner, it's important that you develop a network of high-quality vendors you can work with to plan your weddings. Vendors are usually eager to meet a wedding planner because they see you as someone who can bring them many referrals. But you want to make a good impression so they take you seriously as a potential business partner.

Here are 9 steps you should take to prepare to meet vendors for the first time:

1) Study the vendor's website and any marketing materials you might have so you know something about them. Vendors will be impressed that you did some research before meeting with them. Your website should be up and running by the time you contact vendors so they can also do research on your business.

2) Prepare a list of questions to find out about their business, experience, style, services, products, and fees. From their answers you should be able to decide if they are the right fit for the brides in your niche and if you would work well together.

3) Prepare your portfolio and bring it with you. Vendors will want to see photographs of your wedding and event planning work. You will also need to show your portfolio to potential clients so be sure you take the time to select the photographs and information that represent you well.

4) Be ready to answer questions about your background and experience as it relates to wedding and event planning. Vendors will want to know the type of experience you have and that you will give good customer service to anyone they refer to you.

5) Call to confirm your appointment the day before your meeting. People get busy so be sure you are on their schedules.

6) Dress professionally, as you would for a client meeting. No matter how you think they might dress, you should look like a professional wedding planner when you meet.

7) Bring plenty of business cards and your marketing brochures so you can give them to vendors to distribute, if they are willing to do so.

8) Allow plenty of time to get to your meeting and plan to arrive early, don't make them wait for you.

9) Send a note in the mail after your meeting to thank them for taking the time to meet with you. This is a courtesy that few people do, so it will make you memorable.

Stay in touch with your vendors so you'll know when they add products and services that may be of interest to your brides. Also, let them know when you add services to your business so they can refer more people to you.

Use Online Event Management Solutions to Enhance Attendee Engagement

Keeping attendees engrossed in an event and making them take real interest in each and every activity throughout the duration of the program through proper interactions is very essential to make an event truly successful. Unless and until an organizer ensures real-time attendee engagement, the event does not pick up its actual momentum and falls flat at the end of the day. By using the cutting-edge online event management solution, an organizer can keep its attendees actively engaged and make the event a gala success.

Introduction of the Cloud-based SaaS solutions have revolutionized the way an event was managed up until a few years ago. Today it is way faster and easier to plan, promote, track, and analyze events within an integrated platform. One can avail of all the facilities that are needed to manage an event on a magnanimous scale in a true collaborative environment. As a result, every individual associated with their respective tasks, right from planners, exhibitors, attendees, business sponsors to C-level executives, can reap the benefits utilizing the best of technologies and automated tools integrated in these software solutions. The prospects of realizing true business value have improved at every level to a great extent.

Nevertheless, there are still certain areas left that need to be worked upon further to guarantee an all-round success of the event. One such area is attendee engagement. With the constant year-round bombardment of events related information and notifications via emails, mobile device texting, and social media updates; it has now become all the more relevant to ensure real-time attendee participation than just formally meeting prospective customers and key business professionals through the event platform. It brings in more competitive value by enabling the organizer to derive an insightful inference about the event's performance, and not just numbers and statistics. This further helps to generate potential business leads that focus on quality.

How to ensure maximum attendee engagement?

To rise above the noise is the ultimate tactic that most organizers have learnt to adopt these days; and to do that, they have resorted to the latest mobile apps and social media offerings. These are by far the best ways to keep attendees completely engaged throughout the event and even post the completion of the same. Following are the ways how an online event management solution can be used to keep participants attentive and connected throughout an event:

繚 Innovative mobile apps can keep an event right on the palm top of an attendee. Online event management software can be used to create participant polls, interesting questions about the ongoing program, session ratings, and mobile quizzes with the selection of giving out token rewards at the end of the event. This will help organizers to derive on-the-spot analysis of the event's performance.

繚 If there is a sudden no-show-up by a paid registrant, and the organizer is requested to give real-time updates of a certain event, online event management software can be used to provide the facility of remote participation. This way the life of an event gets extended and an existing customer relationship strengthened, which acts as a great value-addition in the long run.

繚 Attendees can be kept engaged on a year-round basis with other comprehensive communication facilities that come along with the event management solutions. Such facilities include the bulk email messaging tool, social media connectors, private community network, and so on.

7 Key Factors Affecting Corporate Bonds Performance

1. Market Conditions - Market conditions are one of the key factors that will affect the performance of corporate bonds. If market conditions change then this will affect the way that these investments perform. If the market improves then the economic outlook and interest rates will also improve, and this may increase the bond yield. If the bond is callable and the market and economy decline then this can cause the bond to be called, so new ones may be issued at a lower rate.

2. Interest Rate Sensitivity - Some companies, fields, and bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes then others. When the interest rates rise the bond prices tend to fall, and this relationship is true for all bonds. Short term bonds will be less sensitive to changes in the interest rate while those of a longer duration will have a higher degree of sensitivity in this area.

3. Credit Quality - The credit quality of specific corporate bonds will also affect the performance of these investments. Each company and bond is assigned a credit rating by the rating agencies, and bonds which have a higher credit rating will generally perform better and be more liquid than those offered with a lower credit quality. The lower the credit rating of a bond the more likely the corporation is to default, but the higher the possible yield may be.

4. The Bond Duration - The duration of a bond also affects the performance of this investment, because the duration will help determine the interest rate sensitivity. A longer duration means that the bond is more sensitive to any changes in the interest rate, and this causes more fluctuations in the performance to occur.

5. Current Events - One important factor when looking at the performance of corporate bonds is any news or current events that could affect the ability of the underlying corporation. If a company is filing for bankruptcy, even under chapter 13 reorganization, then the desirability of that specific bond can drop dramatically. Anything that affects the value of the underlying corporation can affect the performance of the bonds offered.

6. Corporate Cash Flow - This type of bond is backed by the company that issues the bond, and the financial aspects of the company are related to how the bond performs. A company which is not performing well financially and that does not generate a good cash flow will typically have a bond that performs poorly. Investment analysts prefer that the company generates at least enough cash to cover any debts. A poor cash flow and financial position could cause a downgrade in the credit rating of the bond, which adversely affects the bond performance.

7. Inflation - Inflation can have a negative effect on corporate bonds. When inflation rises this is bad for bonds, because the low yield will not generate enough income to provide the same buying power to allow the investment capital to keep up with rising interest rates. The price of bonds will usually decrease to compensate for this fact. When inflation goes up so do yields, but the bond prices decrease. When inflation goes down the yields do as well, but bond prices rise.

Event Successful! How To Throw A Great Event?

If you're planning a party or successful event, you'll have a lot to think about and do over the coming weeks. Being responsible for everything from the location to the party favors can be intimidating, but never fear. Here are some basic steps that will help you plan and host a successful event.

1. The Plan is the Party!

The most single important aspect of having a successful event is to plan successfully. Consider all the scenarios - best, bad, and really bad. Now build your event plans to address your best dreams and worst nightmares. First, what is your goal? Are you throwing a bash for a long, lost friend? Are you selling a service or product to your customers? Are you raising funds for a charity? Your purpose for having the event should be the framework for everything you do from here on out.

Plan not only what you want to happen, but what you will do if it doesn't go that way. Give yourself lots of time to do your research, arrange for services, get the accessories, and encourage great attendance. Start with the big picture items like the location, the date and time, your theme, and your goals. Work your way down to the details including, but not limited to, table decorations, menu and specific dishes, space layout, coat storage. Plan flexibility into your schedule, and you're more likely to have a successful event.

2. Get and Stay Organized

Once you've established your plan and schedule, stick to it. Of course, there will inevitably be problems and changes. But make it a point to keep personally organized. There'll be a lot you can't control, but you can control your own time, your health, and your attitude. When you start wandering away from your plan, things will become chaotic, harder to manage. Don't let the ankle-biters distract you. Be flexible, but keep your overall goals and schedule at the front of your mind. Keep your planning materials, contracts, and correspondence organized in folders. Use a day-planner to keep track of your appointments and commitments. And always, always plan "me time" to maintain your energy and interest in this project. Staying organized as a critical part of planning and executing a successful event.

3. Make the Venue a Driving Decision

Once you have your plan laid out, your first big decision will be where to locate the event. How many people do you expect to invite? What type of entertainment are you planning? (A keynote speaker will use a lot less space than a 10-piece chamber orchestra.) Are you serving a sit-down dinner, a buffet, snacks? How much space will you need for seating? Do you want to be in a facility where other services are available? How far are you willing to make people travel to get there? Do you want an elaborate, expensive setting? Or will a casual, relaxed environment be best? When you know what type of place you want to use, identify at least three candidate locations and visit each one of them personally. Talk to the facility managers. Ask lots of questions. Find out what they'll provide as part of the contract and what you'll need to provide on your own. Ask for detailed formal bids from the candidates, and be sure to let them know they are competing. That will bring in lower bids. The investment of time and effort in selecting and securing the perfect facility will pay off big time on the night (or day) of your wildly successful event.

4. Develop a Detailed Schedule for Event Activities and a Program

You probably already know the theme of the event if you've established your goals and you've selected an appropriate location. Now you need to plan activities that are consistent with your theme. The larger the event, the more carefully each activity must be planned. For big events, will you have speakers and presentations? Ceremonies? What types of activities are you planning? As a first step, sit down and make a list of every activity you want to happen. Then order them in a logical way that flows. Plan for some unstructured social mixing time at the beginning and end of your successful event. Decide how long you want to allow for meals, speakers, announcements, and entertainment. Allow extra time for your guests to leave for a smoke or a bathroom break. Keep your guests busy, but not so busy that they feel stressed or overloaded. Build in time for fun and relaxation as well.

5. Now Turn to the Details

The first major part of your detail planning is food and drink. Food arrangements range from the very complex sit-down multi-course meal to the pot-luck munch-n-go party. You'll need to decide whether you and your helpers can provide the food or whether it would be easier and more appropriate to hire a caterer. If you do decide on a caterer, go through the same process as you did when securing a location. Select candidates, interview them, and get formal bids. Decide what menu you can afford and want to serve you want the caterer to prepare. When you've made a decision on the caterer, sign a contract with your agreements outlined very specifically. Have costs broken out into line items so that, if you have to, you can make changes to adjust to your budget.

Many caterers also provide beverages. Do you want to have an open free cash bar or will you ask guests to make for their own alcohol? Do you want to have alcohol at all? If you decide on serving booze, you may also need to consider hiring some security guards to make sure things don't get out of hand. Again, whether through your caterer or as an independent service, get formal bids and sign a written contract for the beverage service. (Some locations will provide non-alcoholic beverages as part of the rental agreement.)

6. Focus on Entertaining Your Guests

Once you are settled on the facility, the theme, and the food and drink, you'll need to pin down your entertainment. For more serious gatherings, you may want to hire a keynote speaker or ask for presentations. For more social gatherings, you should consider a band or orchestra, a DJ or comedian, or other entertainers. Will your entertainment involve dancing? You'll need to be sure you have the space for that. If you're using an emcee, DJ, or comedian, a small podium will probably work. But if you're having band or group of entertainers, you'll need a stage. You may even want to have structured games or entertaiment (ever heard of the murder mystery party?) that your guests can participate in. If you're holding a fund-raising event, you might consider an auction or competition designed to get bids. Whatever entertainment you choose, make sure it's appropriate for you theme. And time the presentation of entertainment after dinner or snacks. If you have a keynote speaker, have them start their presentation about half-way though the meal so that they don't have to compete with the hustle and bustle of getting people seated, early dinner conversations, and the tinkle of glassware and silver.

7. Cultivate your Providers

To have a successful event, you must develop and maintain positive, productive relationships with your vendors. The first step is selecting reputable, dependable vendors that come with good recommendations. Avoid vendors who can't or won't get you in touch with their other clients. Be very clear with them about what you need and what your expectations of them are. Always get your agreements down in writing to avoid confusion and disappointment later on. Be kind and considerate with them. Don't think that because you've hired them, you can treat them without respect. Your successful event may well depend on the nature of the relationships you've built with them. Remember that important point as if your successful event depended on it ... it does.

8. Take Care of Yourself

No matter how busy you become or how difficult the job may be, you absolutely MUST take care of yourself. Stress can cause illness, and the last thing you'll need is a bad cold or the flu as your planning is underway. If you can afford it, hire an assistant to help you with the smaller details. Or get others in your organization to volunteer their time. Have someone you trust to be a sounding board for your ideas and plans so that you don't go off on some tangent that doesn't make sense. Two heads are almost always better than one.

But more than anything else, build time into your plans for self-care. Give yourself time to take a day off at the spa or the local nature preserve. Build a time into each day for meditation, reading a novel, playing with the kids or your pet, or visiting with friends. Do what you enjoy. Make sure to eat properly and get plenty of rest. Aim for 8 hours of sleep every night, and take naps in the daytime if you need to. Plan social time too. Go to lunch or dinner with your friends. Ask your partner to go to the movies. See a play or go to a concert. Do things that keep you interested and positive in life generally. That will maintain your physical and psychological health and your ability to cope with the myriad of decisions, activities, and events that will inevitably come up during the event-planning process.