Charity Fundraising Ideas For a Red Carpet Event

Recently I produced a red carpet event and thought I would share some of our charity fundraising ideas with you. The event was for PCRM and like other red carpet events we produce, many hours of planning went into creating this successful non profit event.

One of the main non profit ideas was to make this non profit event stand out among the crowd since the charity was being introduced to a new audience on the West Coast. Thus it was important for this red carpet event to adhere to the highest level of professionalism in terms of food, service and design. We accomplished this by bringing in one of the top live TV show producers who in turn assembled a top-rated production team making the television portion of this event seamless.

Other charity fundraising ideas we used to maintain our budget was to create elegant floral arrangements at cost and recycle the glass containers. We even used one of the floral designs from Budget Bash, which is to submerge a cymbidium orchid.

Like all other red carpet events, we placed "asks" for sponsors for our bar. Because this was a vegan non profit event we had very strict parameters in terms of what beverages we could serve but found generous sponsors for our liquor, beer and wine. Other sponsors were kind enough to let us "borrow" their recipes in which the caterer created our delicious three-course dinner menu.

Additional non profit ideas included our live and silent auction which also adhered to a vegan code to ensure our patrons were not offended from what we offered to help raise funds. We used lighting effectively as our main design element for this red carpet event as well as vegan friendly drape and linen. We incorporated our design elements from the save-the-date card as well as the invitation to create our timeless yet elegant room d矇cor.

And what are red carpet events without an after party? For this part of the event, we quickly transitioned our cocktail area into a night club with a white dance floor, white faux leather couches and a vegan dessert station. Additional charity fundraising ideas included sleek modern-looking informational kiosks to help translate, explain and support the charity's mission statement.

I hope you picked up a few non profit ideas for your next non profit event. I learned a lot from producing this event especially in terms of healthful eating habits and incorporating aspects of a vegan diet into my everyday routine. Until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, delicious, stylish, fun & economical to all!

Tips to Help an Event Planner Plan a Corporate Meeting

A corporate event planner knows that planning for a conference or a meeting is not as easy as some may think. The challenge is in the details. It's easy to be complacent about planning meetings because people think it's simply informing the people about the event and gathering them together. But there has to be a focus for the event and participation from the invited people.

An effective agenda for any meeting must include the general topic of discussion, along with who will be speaking or giving presentations. The amount of time allotted for each discussion must also be factored in. The final outline for the agenda must be distributed by the planners to the participants so they can come prepared, with their concerns and questions about the topic of discussion. To create an effective agenda for a productive event, start by sending an email or memo to everyone who is expected to be

involved in the conference. Ask them to confirm or decline their participation and make sure they are aware, that if they confirm, they will be expected to attend. Get back to the confirmed participants and ask them if they have anything to add to the agenda, such as a specific topic they would like to talk about and the time they'll need to do so. Once all agenda requests have been submitted, analyze if they are realistic and related to the general topic. Submit the revised agenda to the participants and be sure to follow the agenda during the event.

Sometimes, a company will decide to hold an off-site conference for a change of environment. Holding the event outside of the office can ignite the creative juices of the participants and evolve into a more engaging event full of fresh ideas. A corporate event planner can arrange conference venues at inspiring places so that the people will stay focused.

But planning even just small meetings requires careful planning, which also begs the question, "Is it within budget?" Determining the budget and deciding if an off-site event can be afforded by the company is vital. However, if it is a viable solution, then the planner will take care of arranging for needed transportation, refreshments to be served, audio equipment and whatever else is needed to make the meeting a success.

It can be hard to plan a meeting because of all the details that have to be ironed out. Superb organizational skills and attention to all details are the qualifications that conference planning professionals bring to the table. If even one detail is missing or incomplete, it can lead to an unsuccessful event, so hiring event management services can be beneficial because it will keep everyone focused on the reason for the event.

Audiovisual Basics for Novice Event Planners

So you are new to the event meeting services industry. Congratulations! Now you are ready to plan your first event, and you are wondering about this budget line item called audio visual. Renting audio visual equipment is one of the most important budget line items because it helps make the presentation come to life.

Regardless of the type of event, appropriate sound and lighting rental, projector and screen rental, and PowerPoint presentation equipment will play a part in determining the success of your event, as perceived and remembered by the attendees.

BASIC SMALL MEETING

The most basic meeting, under 25 people, will require a flip chart, easel, whiteboard, and/or podium. It is best to ask the speaker what he will need and make certain to get that in writing both from the speaker and the venue or

MEETINGS WITH MORE THAN 25 ATTENDEES

LIGHTING
Lighting equipment rentals allow the audience to see the speaker. If the speaker is at a podium, the light on the structure helps them easily see their notes. You will want to test it to make certain the light works before the meeting and have an extra bulb handy if it burns out. The audience needs to see well enough to read workbooks, handouts, and their own notes. When using screen rentals, lower lighting makes the presentation more visible and prevents it from appearing washed out.

SOUND
If the presenter is staying at the podium, a cabled microphone mounted to the podium gives the presenter the freedom to operate the PowerPoint presentation equipment. These mics come with a flexible goose-neck holder and allow the speaker to point it in the most comfortable position. Another option for the presenter is a wireless lavaliere microphone that is worn clipped to clothing or as an earpiece. These small mics give the presenter freedom to roam around the room without compromising the sound quality to the audience.

When using sound with PowerPoint, you need to plug the computer into the sound system in the meeting room or utilize a set of external speakers to ensure the attendees can hear.

PROJECTION
PowerPoint presentation equipment reigns as the most widely used presentation system with event meeting services companies. Relatively simple to master, PowerPoint allows users to create slide presentations featuring a variety of backgrounds, fonts, audio, and visual effects.

SCREEN
When setting up the screen, you should make certain the bottom of the screen is at least 2 feet off the bottom of the floor to insure the audience can see the entire screen.

When should you work with a professional corporate audiovisual provider?
If you are coordinating a meeting or event with break out sessions in several rooms or if multiple microphones are being used in one room or the audio visual requirements are becoming too complex, it is probably time to bring in audio visual specialists. An event audio visual rental firm will analyze your needs and budget and then recommend the best equipment for your desired results. Consult an AV service provider early in the process so expensive, last minute changes can be avoided due to poor planning.

How To Organize Great Birthday Parties

Gone are the days when birthday parties were limited to celebrations with family and friends in the home decked with birthday decorations. Nowadays, birthday parties have moved out of homes to attractive venues where the traditional birthday festivities are combined with events to entertain guests.

How to Organize Unique Birthday Parties

Professional party planner

By departing from the ubiquitous event ideas, if you are planning to do something unique, you can seek the help of a professional party planner. You can share your ideas with the planner, who will help to develop an exclusive party plan. Event planners are also available at popular event venues. They can manage every aspect of a party, ensuring a stress free party experience for the host.

Professional party host

You can even hire a professional party host to supervise the birthday party, while you are free to enjoy yourself. Your event planner may help you to find an experienced event coordinator or professional partyhost. A party host welcomes guests, supervises kids in the birthday party and guides them throughout the event, ensuring a hassle free event environment.

Party supplies

Regardless of the location of the party, you will require an array of party supplies. The supplies are chosen according to the age and preferences of the person whose birthday is to be celebrated. You will need invitations and different types of event decorations such as brightly colored balloons, hats, bells, whistles, costumes, chairs, tables, party linens and food service items.

Party food

Food is the integral part of celebrations. Birthday parties cannot progress without a birthday cake. This most important food item of the event should be chosen carefully. Numerous types of birthday cakes available in a reputed confectionery will spoil you for choice. You may even order a beautifully decorated customized birthday cake. However, if you are eager to flaunt your baking skills, you can yourself bake a delectable birthday cake for the event. Other party foods and beverages can be supplied by a caterer.

Entertainment

Entertaining guests is the most challenging of a party. You may organize games appropriate for birthday parties. When the person whose birthday is being celebrated and the guests are teenagers or young adults, you will need great rocking music and suitable mood lighting to create the ambiance of a dance floor. However, for a different party experience, consider entertaining your guests in an entertainment venue with multiple exciting gaming opportunities. Nowadays, laser shows are extremely popular in birthday parties.

Should You Enforce The Use of Corporate Clothing at Your Office Christmas Party?

When it comes to the office Christmas party, many individuals focus their attention on the word "party," completely ignoring "office." This can cause major difficulties during the event. When you are organizing a Christmas office party for your employees, you need to be concerned about what your employees are wearing to the event if you want to avoid potential attire blunders.

Corporate Clothing and Your Office Christmas Party

Without a metaphorical line in the sand, your employees may arrive in attire totally unsuitable for the occasion. They may try to show off a little bit of skin, or get overly excited about the holiday and appear decked out in reindeer sweaters and Santa hats. While this type of clothing may work well for a neighbourhood Christmas gathering, they do not keep up the professional appearance of the office, especially if your office is also entertaining corporate clients.

By enforcing a corporate clothing dress code, you can help your employees avoid these common clothing mistakes, and make the most of the party. Your workers may not realize it, but the annual holiday party will be attended everyone, including their superiors. If you allow for a casual appearance, the mood of the party may be a little too casual as well, leading to too much drinking and inappropriate behaviour their superiors will remember for a long time.

When you are attempting to enforce your Christmas office party dress code, there are a couple of steps you can take to ensure everyone in the office remembers to dress appropriately.

• Have The Party In The Office - If you can set aside a few hours during the workday for a Christmas party, your employees will have no choice but to wear their typical corporate attire. For some businesses, however, this may not be feasible, and it does not allow for spousal attendance.


• Send Out A Memo - A couple of memos would be best actually. When you first send out a memo, informing your employees of the office party, make sure you mention they must wear their corporate clothing. The day of or the day before the party, send out another memo with a friendly reminder of what they are expected to wear.


• Hold a Meeting - Some of your employees may not understand the benefits of wearing corporate attire to the Christmas party. If you hold a meeting, you can listen to their concerns and inform them of the many advantages their regular work clothes will bring.


• Reward Them For The Correct Attire - If you are unsure your employees will adhere to your clothing guidelines, or you are also allowing their spouses to attend the party, consider rewarding them for appropriate attire. For instance, you could make sure they know they will only be eligible for the office Christmas raffle if both your employees and their spouses are wearing the right clothing. Who would pass up a chance to win a big screen TV or a day at the spa just to wear a skin tight dress or jeans?

When it comes to the office Christmas party, make sure your employees focus their attention on the word "office" and wear their corporate clothing.

Corporate Team Building Away Days - Has Your Team Lost Its Va Va Voom?

From time to time we all need a little help along the way. Is your company not performing as well as it should do? Is your staff in the doldrums? Do you feel you all need a lift?

Teamwork is the way most companies/organisations work these days and it is essential that staff and managers at all levels are able to get along with each other. It's not always easy for new staff to integrate into new surroundings with new colleagues and work to their optimum without a little push along the way in the form of encouragement.

It is important that all teams are able to communicate effectively, share ideas and demonstrate trust in each other, whether it is on an employee/employee, boss/employee, or team to team basis. Trust in each other will lead to more dialogue between members and give them the opportunity to discuss workplace problems with the common aim of agreeing upon solutions. Agreed solutions in turn avoids conflict in the workplace and can lead to a happy and harmonious workforce willing to work towards the company's greater success.

The way to optimise the above is to organise a team building away day for your staff, including yourself of course. Greater good-natured participation between team members will eventually lead to more effective ways of working, leading to the common goal. It's always a good idea if the boss joins in with the staff to show that he/she is faced with similar problems to them and is also part of a team, it will also demonstrate the 'human side'.

Team building events are guaranteed to be FUN whilst stimulating discussion between team members and provoking challenges to overcome problems (as reflected in the workplace). These events are designed to draw out strengths and weaknesses of individual members of staff with, in some cases, surprising results! Following post-event assessments of events some members of staff might have demonstrated strengths or weaknesses that you didn't know they had. This could be reflected in their jobs in the future and might ultimately benefit teams by recognising this and boosting their confidence.

It is a well-known medical fact that laughter releases chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin in the brain giving us the "the feel-good factor" which is a great form of preventative medicine and is a natural anti-depressant and stress-reliever. Laughter is a way we can be part of a group and it makes us feel more comfortable with each other, promoting greater co-operation in teams.

There are numerous events to choose from on the market from team building activities, motivational activity days and evening entertainment. Evening entertainment can take the form of themed party nights or Christmas parties with a particular theme to suit your company.

Maybe you wish to launch a particular product, then this can include your staff and specially bespoke days can be designed, which will make employees feel part of the company and be able to make personal contributions.

Perhaps you would like some event organised as part of a conference.

Maybe you would like to reward employees and their families and provide special family fun days.

Team building takes many forms and it is worth enquiring from corporate team building companies what form these can take.

Event Planning Checklist: Can a Venue Make or Break an Event?

Event planning checklists are vital when it comes to running a successful event. One of the main items on your checklist should be your venue.

When it comes to meeting and event planning, especially finding your ideal venue, there are a number of organisations that can help you to find a venue for your event. Your local conference bureau or a national venue finding service is often a good place to start. Obviously the internet is also a valuable source of information when looking for venues.

With so much choice there are some key things to consider when deciding which a will be host to your event venue: Use an event planning checklist with the following questions.

How accessible is by road, rail and/or air? Think about the pros and cons of out of town vs city centre. What's car parking like and will it cost?

Will it comfortably fit all of your delegates/visitors? (You need to also think about the space required for your audio visual equipment here)

Do you need breakout rooms, or a separate room for lunch/an exhibition?

Cost - do you need to pay per delegate (DDR) or pay for the room hire plus catering?

Does the venue have good 'green' credentials?

How welcoming and helpful are the staff - will you find them easy to work with?

If the hotel can't go out of their way for you, the potential organiser, what approach may they have towards your delegates? Remember, it's your future business at stake here!!

What is the quality of the food and facilities? Have a meal there and experience it.

Will you/delegate need hotel accommodation, if so, what's the standard of the rooms like and can you negotiate a special rate?

Do you need to hire the venue the day before the event for set up and/or a dress rehearsal?

If you need WIFI access for delegates and/or speakers, what speed, type of connection can the venue offer? What back up do they have available?

By having an event planning checklist containing all the questions above, you can work your way through the list and establish if a venue is a fit and a match for your event. Be aware about making compromises.

Be clear about what you want and you will find a venue that will want to work with to make your plans happen. If that means you start your venue search early, do it.

Now Sit Back and Relax at Your Own Corporate Event by Hiring Corporate Event Planners

Do you remember your last corporate party? Probably not! If it didn't leave impact in your mind, then how could other people possibly remember the day? Thousands of dollars that you have put in go in vain, just because you have given the responsibility of organizing a corporate party to some un-reliable hand. Maybe you have the expertise in running a big organization, but to organize a perfect business party is entirely different.

To make the corporate event more meaningful, the corporate event planners play a vital role. The corporate world of the New York City demands more social networking and business meetings to survive in between the cut-throat competition. Imagine the nightmare one has to face, if something goes wrong amidst the party, in front of their key business client. You can't afford to have a negative impact on your clients mind. To avoid such situations corporate event planners can be of great help.

One can find many corporate event planners in New York City and the rates differ according to the services provided by them. A little research work is required before you hire a corporate event planner. Some of the reasons to elaborate why you should hire a corporate event planner are listed below.

a. A corporate event planner is a local entrepreneur or they have a good network in the major places. This ensures that they are well versed with the hotspots for organizing the events. They can come out with great venue ideas that you would have hardly thought of.

b. They have good contacts with other resources required for organizing an event like a DJ and caterer. Whatever you require for your party, they will help you to arrange that.

c. Many a times, the experiences of corporate event planners play a major role. They are aware that just in last minute anything can go wrong. Like the DJ might get cancelled or some other entertainment needs might turn up. They keep themselves fully prepared for such issues and always keep some alternatives with them.

d. To plan an event is a time consuming affair. Hiring a corporate event planner frees your time. Now you can enjoy your own party like other guests and still have the full control of the party.

No matter what kind of event you are planning, turning to a professional event planner will certainly enhance the success of your event. Now leave all the worries of planning a corporate event in the hands of an experienced event planner.

All About Corporate Entertainment

Organizational activities are important strategies to improve the production of your bottom line. Having entertaining programs help encourage mutual communication between corporate members, colleagues, superiors and subordinates. Instead of ongoing interaction during work time, altering the environment and having the tinge of relaxation will help them get rid of the stressful days and enjoy learning more about each other. In contrast to the pressured work environment, corporate entertainment programs can provide opportunities to extend relationships rather than conversing only about job-related issues.

Corporate business owners may organize events to develop business strategies, expand the corporation network and explore new ideas. The events can be done during the evenings, weekends or breaks. You can come up with some team building activities besides social entertainments. Entertaining organizational activities that requires the involvement of all members and making a common decision will inject basic teamwork skills and inculcate the mutual respect for each other. During the program you may also include internal review courses to keep your staffs updated about new policies and business ideas. Do not hesitate to distribute reward to boost up motivation for your employees.

Organizational activities can also improve the loyalty, confidence and working ethics of your staffs. With the chances of every staff mingling around one another, learning new stuffs about each other will turn out to have great impact towards your business. Corporate entertainment is never a waste as they will be productive if they are happy and positive. A company that has well-trained employees will ensure that any arousal of problems or business calamities will be resolved quickly.

A company can never ignore the fact that it needs corporate entertainment to develop better interpersonal relationships between the staffs. The benefits of implementing the get-together may have a profound impact in the production of a corporation. From the interaction and idea of positive inspirations plus the relaxation and team spirit, every employee will definitely look forward to the corporate entertainment plan.

Business Event Management: Starting a New Business

A new business needs good understanding of strategies and policies to implement to make the business successful. Event Management has been developing as a business for many years. There are many things that should be focused while doing an event business management. Getting started with this business requires gaining some important skills.

Event Management expertise

One should have enough verbal and written communication skill to deal with clients. Time management is another important skill need to establish the business. Always negotiate the money issue with e customer in order to avoid problems. Public relation dealing is of vital importance for marketing of your business.

Business Plan of event management

One should always be clear what kind of event management he/she is going to implement. Later on make the business plan accordingly. A good plan ensures the success of the business otherwise business becomes a disaster.

Insurance for the Business
Insurance for the business is a compulsory thing. It should be secured with insurance policies.

Resources and Suppliers
An event manger requires a large number of resources and suppliers for communication and consultation with clients. Resources include photographers, florist, distributor, caterer etc. Other people for distribution, marketing, sales, account and administration are also needed. It is better to develop a good communication with all of them.

Services Charges

Make a clear fee charge plan for all kinds of services. The charges can be made on some criteria including rate per hour, commission rates, flat charges, expense percentage etc.

Marketing for the event business management

After the plan is ready, resources are finalized and charge list is prepared start working with the marketing of your business. Select a suitable name for your company or business, make attractive business cards, develop a website, contract and agreements for clients and promote it on media.

Entrepreneur Bootstrapping Business Idea - Event Planning For Piles of Cash

Event planners are everywhere. Think about how many weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, company parties, and graduations occur in a given month. An event planner is a broker of sorts, getting a lot of different businesses together to create the event. The demand is high and so are the profits.

If you are outgoing and love organizing multiple groups of people at the same time, event planning may be your small business niche. With so many events available, you can specialize or generalize.

This is a great business to build up a list of testimonials and repeat customers. You can market to different demographics (the affluent, new brides, teen birthdays etc.) and really carve a niche for yourself in your particular location.

You can also be a corporate event planner. Some events, such as grand openings, happen overseas, where 99% of the event is planned over the telephone. However, you should assume that no matter what event you plan, you will probably be attending it at least for the beginning and for the tear-down.

Weddings are a permanent part of our culture and appear to be quite recession proof. If you are willing to work with bride-zillas and the like, this may also be a good niche to take. However, for many people this can be a very unforgiving event and if the napkins aren't the right color or the flowers weren't exactly as planned, you may never see another referral.

There are quick and dirty events, like kids parties, where you might have to arrange for a caterer, a tent, and a pony ride.

In all of these events you will be establishing a set of caterers, florists, designers, and other contractors that will become your elite team. Some will stay and some will go. You will need to develop a basic contract with a lawyer, but besides that, the start-up costs are low. The person that hires you pays for all of the deposits up front. Very little money should come out of your pocket for the set-up, and you will get a large fee in the end.

Online Event Reporting: Is It Good or Bad?

There are many ways to generate reports on the completion of an event. One such way is the online reporting system. Many big and small corporate firms are using this method to simultaneously produce reports on multiple areas, post-event. The rising popularity of the online reporting system can be attributed to its nature of cost effective operations and user-friendly interface.

Let's have a look at the main benefits of implementing an online reporting system.

Easy Accessibility

You can access the reporting portal anytime you wish to, via any web enabled device such as Smartphones, laptops, etc. This easy accessibility of the Cloud-based reporting module on a 24/7 basis is a primary reason behind the popularity of this platform amongst the new generation corporate honchos.

Creation of Numerous Reports

You can generate an endless number of customized reports over the internet. This means you don't have to indulge in the age old time consuming process of manually entering data on multiple spreadsheets. Rather, you can retrieve the data in minutes directly from the registration forms submitted by the participants.

Additionally, you can produce multiple reports at the same time like sales, revenue, registration, payment, and so on. Moreover, whether you have organized a single event or multi-location events on the same day, generating reports will no longer be an issue once you start using the Cloud-based reporting app.

Real-time Feedback

You can generate reports almost instantly just after the end of a meeting or a conference. Since the module is available online, so anyone from the event management side can log onto the dashboard to complete the reports creation process in real-time.

Automatic Data Capture

Cloud-based reporting systems often come with the facility of online data capture. Tradeshows and similar other event organizers capture data using apps such as bar code scanning, mobile computing, voice and RFID recording. Now, data captured via multiple apps can be uploaded on to PCs and this information can then be provided via the same reporting portal.

Easy Storage of Reports

Once the reports have being created, one can easily store such reports either in his/her PC or on the company's centralized database to allow it be accessed anytime by anyone. In case, you want to restrict the access of some reports, you can do that easily by making selected reports password protected.

Cost Saving Method

Through the usage of such an online system, you can eliminate manual data collection, data review, and re-entry of information. This saves on significant labor costs as well as productivity time for generating reports in whichever format you wish to.

Event Management and the Cloud

Cloud computing is the delivery of shared resources, software and information over the Internet. It is a relatively new delivery model for IT services and provides users with a completely different way to use and manage their IT software and platforms. A common way to use cloud computing is to subscribe, or pay a monthly fee to use a particular software solution. Instead of the software being installed on a user's computer directly, the user accesses the software remotely, via their web browser.

Some of the generic benefits of cloud computing include:

• Cost: Cost can be greatly reduced since capital expenditure is converted to operational expenditure, lowering the barriers to entry


• Local Independence: Users can access systems using a web browser, regardless of their location or device they are using


• Scalability and Peak Load Capacity: Using software on the cloud means that companies can manage peaks in demand with ease


• Reliability: Reliability is improved making is a safer option with regards to disaster recovery


• Maintenance: This is easier on cloud computing since the software is not installed on the user's computer; meaning that support and upgrades are managed and taken on by the provider themselves.

Event managers are able to take advantage of cloud computing and use it to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of their events.

Two of the most popular cloud software solutions for event managers are:

Google Docs

Google Docs is a fantastic example of cloud computing. Traditionally, working off a master document on a conventional server or network could cause many issues, such as:

• Not knowing if you're working on the most recent version


• Only one person at a time being able to gain access


• Only those working on the server/network would be able to access the document


• Issues with duplication

However, hosting documents on the cloud means that key members of the event team (and external partners and suppliers) can access documents at any time from any place (Internet connection pending). There's no limit to the number of people who can view the document at any time, updates are made in real time, and there are no issues with document duplication. Additionally, hosting documents on the cloud is also safer, since they are not relying on the security of the network or server they would normally be kept on.

Event Management Software

Event software is starting to play a key role in the organisation and management of events. Comprehensive event management software includes features such as:

Website integration: event software should seamlessly integrate with your existing website without the need to re-design or re-brand

Online Registration: event management software should allow event managers to create a fully customisable online booking form capturing the most relevant information from your delegates

Event Communication: Clear and targeted communication to your delegate audience is crucial, the event system should include integrated event communication tools such as email marketing, invitation and surveys

Event Badges: One of the most time consuming jobs for an event manager is production of delegate badges. Event software enables personalised badges to be created pre or during the event simply and quickly

Event Resource Management: Simply manage and allocate all resources through a comprehensive calendar feature, providing total control of all aspects of the event management process

Event Financials: Technology enables event managers to offer a variety of options for delegates to securely pay online with confidence, providing ease of use via automation

Event Reporting: Determining the true ROI from events can be determined and managed through a powerful reporting and analysis suite

Event Scheduler: Manage and schedule multi-faceted one to one meetings for your delegates and suppliers simply and efficiently

Venue Management Software: Flexible venue planning and scheduling tools that manages the event facility no matter what type of events are being hosted

Document Management: An easy way to publish and manage speaker abstracts and biographies

Event software can help event managers create more effective, successful events. Research has shown that during the current economic downfall, many event companies have begun to take advantage of the benefits of automation and event technology to help stay afloat. Increasing efficiency and reducing the cost of hosting events is helping to increase the return on investment provided to both the event company and to the delegates attending.

A cloud based event management solution offers the opportunity for event managers to manage event teams and service delegate and booker requests, from any location at any time. At the same time, event promotions, bookings, cancellations and updates can also be undertaken using the internet as the key delivery vehicle.

From the event managers point of view, event management software on the cloud will take care of high volumes of outbound transaction (email newsletters, invitations, etc) and inbound transactions (event bookings, modifications, cancellations, etc), saving time and money, whilst giving delegates a smoother and improved experience.

From a management point of view, a cloud based event management solution provides the mechanism to be in real time control of all of events activities - event managers are able to get an accurate view of the state of active events, what stage particular event marketing campaigns are at and the feedback being received on your on-going events programme. Third party partners - trainers, speakers, sponsors, caterers, venue managers, etc - can also be granted easy access, in a secure fashion, to the event related details that they need access to and can respond to any event changes that affect them, again on a real time basis.

Having a cloud based event management solution in place opens up significant opportunities for integrating the solution with complimentary applications and solutions both internally and externally. For example:

Internally

• Finance applications


• Customer and contact management solutions

Externally

• Partner websites


• Third party online payment providers


• Social networking environments

With a cloud based event management solution, the management of events becomes wholly a business issue with the IT issues being handled by the cloud application provider. The availability of the events management solution, the backing up and securing of data, as well as the scalability of the solution in times of peak activities are all handled, transparently, by the cloud application provider.

Event Planning - Considering It As a Career Choice

Event planning as a career is relatively new. This trend of paying professionals to plan, organize and execute all kinds of events ranging from a simple birthday party to an election campaign has been a recent phenomenon. More people are realizing the value in investing in an events planner to relieve them of unnecessary pressure and stress normally associated with planning an event so they can attend their own events and actually enjoy them.

For someone considering events planning as a career, it would be important for the person to be highly efficient, creative, well-organized, and detail-oriented and have a lot of people skills. Physical stamina would also be a major consideration as they will be working long hours and doing quite a lot of physical activities like carrying and moving things around. They also need to be able to handle pressure and also be able to react quickly to all kinds of emergencies.

Some activities that an event planner would be involved in would be looking for venues, talking to caterers, florists, entertainers, printers, and other suppliers, designing invitations, fliers, programs, menus and other printed materials, developing themes and motifs, identifying possible speakers, lecturers, hosts for events, scheduling and coordinating deliveries, making travel arrangements and booking accommodations when needed, creating guest lists and seating arrangements, and even arranging marketing and advertising for certain kinds of events.

There are several ways to get into this field of work. One can apprentice with a professional planner and learn the ropes and work your way up the ladder or one can also volunteer to organize parties and fundraisers to get experience and develop a network of suppliers and contacts in the business. A degree in hotel and restaurant administration, public relations or hospitality management would be an enormous advantage as well.

There is still no formal training program for event planning but a person determined to make a career of it and has the all the required skills, character and stamina for the job could make a successful living in this field. A passion for organizing, a skill for handling all kinds of people, and an almost obsessive attention to detail would be all you need to start you off in this potentially rewarding and fulfilling career.

First Steps In Event Planning

Planning a large event is not an easy task. There's a reason why people hire professional event planners to take care of large party planning. The task requires a large amount of time, coordination, organization, and networking. If you've been assigned to plan a large event, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of everything you have to coordinate. Here are a few tips for planning the big event.

First, figure out how many attendees there will be. This is vital information that you need in order to proceed with the planning. All of your plans depend on the amount of people you expect at the event. Of course it's hard to plan for an exact number. But even if you have a rough idea, you'll be able to go ahead with the planning. First, figure out what type of venue you'll need. If it's a corporate dinner, you'll need access to a large hall, tables, chairs, and catering. Make a list of what you need from a venue and call around to find out which venue has the best price for everything you need. You may find a venue that is the ideal space, but doesn't provide tables, chairs, or catering. That's OK too. Your best resource for finding the materials you need is at an event rental company. Talk to event rental companies in your area and get rental quotes for your materials. Another benefit of event rental companies is that many of them have event planners that can help you.

Hydration is Important For Events

Hydration - An important element for any outdoor event planner

When considering planning an outdoor event whether it be for public or private use and there will be numerous individuals including men, women and children. It is important for the event planner to consider having portable restrooms available for either gender specific or non-segmented toilets. Attendees at public events as well as private events take into consideration how long it will take them to go to the restroom. If public restrooms require a long walk many people will curtail their fluid intake. Depending on the conditions and particularly if it is a hot dry day, some individuals can become dehydrated and extremely tired. Events are supposed to be fun and if an individual decides that fluid intake should be restricted and they become fatigued due to dehydration, depending on the individuals health history it could become dangerous.

Quite often an event planner will decide due to the cost of portable restrooms that they can be eliminated and funds can be saved. If there are physical activities involved in the event, people need to stay hydrated and if restrooms are inconvenient to find people may decide to curtail fluid intake. An event planner is really making a grave mistake not providing adequate portable toilets. We all know, not everyone enjoys using a portable toilet but the fact is hydration is extremely important. Since hydration is an important factor in weight loss and with the majority of our population being overweight, event planners should always consider hydration, the loss of hydration, event activities, convenience of public restrooms in making the final decision to rent portable toilets.

Especially during the summer when heat and humidity can cause rapid dehydration event planners should consider sponsorship from a company that provides beverages suitable for that event so that participates can be properly hydrated. There are numerous new start-up companies that offer a variation of water or a water product. Consult with these vendors and take into consideration how convenient public restrooms are at your next event before making the decision not to provide portable toilets.

At a recent event, portable restrooms were excluded and public restrooms were somewhat inconvenient. Some participants mentioned that they were not drinking water because it took too long of a walk to the restroom. Later on that day some of the same individuals expressed fatigue early on. I also noticed that several individuals decided to leave the event early and one even mentioned it was because it was a " drag" to go to the bathroom. Make your next event fun and convenient.

Top 9 Event Meeting Services Trends for 2011

Benchmark Hospitality International, which operate 30 hotels, resorts, and conference centers throughout the world, announced their trending list for 2011 based on the observations and feedback of their staff. Here is what they predict:

Trend #1: Business travel is back. Booking pace for most of the Benchmark properties are outperforming 2010 results.

Trend #2: The tried and true are back. Insurance, financial, consulting, technology, health care, and education markets have supported the conference services industry over many decades. The projection for 2011 is that companies within these industries will be stepping up hiring and training, thus making the need for meetings more prevalent.

Trend #3: More heads in beds. 2011 will find the hotel industry with growing occupancy and the ability to maintain rate integrity, which is generally comparable to last year. To win business though, properties are going to have negotiate value-added options with their event meeting services planners.

Trend #4: They want to be entertained. Properties are seeing a return of recreation and entertainment as part of the meeting experience. Benchmark is seeing inquiries for options such as theme parties and comedians for the first time since the AUG fiasco. Here are some ideas on how to make your meeting fun and interactive.

Trend #5: Team-building is in. Demand for team building is back and planners want unique programs delivered within tight budgets.

Trend #6: Cost trumps green. Being green remains important to many event meeting services planners who look for properties to have these initiatives in place. However, when asked to choose between being green or providing maximum cost savings, budgets will still take precedence in 2011.

Trend #7: Social Media and Connectivity are key. Social media usage is beginning to take hold within the meeting industry. The widest use among event attendees includes LinkedIn for networking and contact reasons and YouTube for videotaping sessions and posting them on-line for the colleagues back at the office.

Connectivity is key when an event services company is planning an event, as well as, for the attendees once they are there. The Internet will be used to for site selection, group recommendations from LinkedIn, and email communications. Attendees will be bringing their own laptops and/or smartphones. Meeting planners may rent iPads or rent Tablet PCs if they want a consistent platform.

Trend #8: Planners want choices. Meeting planners want all-inclusive packages, a la carte pricing, and everything in between. They want the property and their suppliers to provide maximum flexibility to suit their clients needs.

Trend #9: Planners are making a comeback. Planner positions have been streamlined or eliminated over the past several years, but with a recovering economy and improved business conditions, 2011 will provide a renewed focus on these positions.

Best Event Planning Guide

Organizing and executing an event can be a very stressful and time consuming task. A professional event organizer or catering services providers can make the process easier as they can arrange everything, right from food to decoration and make your event extraordinary. The information provided in this article will guide you to organize grand parties and events.

Event Planning Analysis: A number of factors must be considered while planning and developing the strategies for event like:

- Vision and purpose of organizing the event

- Goals of the event

- People who will attend the event

- Budget of the event

- Invitations printing

- Theme of the event

Consider each of these factors carefully to make your event a huge success. You must set the deadlines and should start planning about 3 months prior to holding the event. It is also important to have regular planning meetings to make sure everything is taking place in the right order.

Budget of the event: Event organization is not possible without funds therefore formulating a budget plan is the first and foremost thing. The funds for a commercial event can be arranged from hosts, supporters and sponsors. The selection of various services like catering, decoration, publicity, venue, and staffing should be based on the purpose of the event as well as the budget.

Organizing and Finding Professional: Professional event managers can help you organize events in a well-ordered, hassle-free way. Select event management professionals who can take your entire burden from sending invitations to the guests to arranging and organizing the entire event. You can find event planning professionals at www.bidgourmet.com. Event planning and catering companies listed at Bid Gourmet are experts in providing quality culinary and event management services. After selecting the event management professionals, it is necessary to delegate the responsibilities for better planning and make someone in-charge of checking work in progress.

Promoting an Event: The most important point in making an event a success is to promote and publicize it well especially incase of corporate events, fashion shows, social gatherings, seminars, etc. You can publicize by:

- Distributing flyers and pamphlets

- Putting posters in public area

- Publishing advertisement in newspapers

- Announcing on the radio or TV

These tools are an effective way to reach to a large number of people and will help in brand promotion as well.

Event Safety Plans for the Final Day: Safety and security of the people participating in the event is a critical point and the whole event management team is responsible for it. They need to identify the error prone areas where various hazards can take place during an event. To prevent any kind of mishaps the team should make sure that:

- The exit doors should not be obstructed

- Exit signs should be clearly visible

- The decoration material used should be flame retardant

- Rooms should have the adequate lighting

- If lasers are used, signs must be posted.

- Smoking signs should be posted in the pivotal areas

After Event/ Clean up: Once the event is finished, it is necessary to clean up the entire facility. You can also hire a crew to help you with the clean up process. You must not forget to thank the event managers, speakers, service providers for making your event a success.
To find professional event organizer and best catering firms, please visit www.bidgourmet.com. Here you can also advertise your event management firm for FREE.

4 Popular Event Venues for Weddings in India

In recent times, people in India are greatly concerned about the venues for hosting weddings. Even people from other countries are keen to get married in magnificent venues all across India. The beaches of Goa, the historical places of Rajasthan and the scenic beauty of Kerala are the most famous event destinations for hosting weddings in India. However, while hosting a royal wedding or a beach wedding, hire the services of experienced event organizer for dealing with the managerial activities, as it can help you enormously. The top 5 venues within India to plan a grand wedding are listed below:

繚 Jaipur: For those couples, who are planning to host their wedding in a royal style, Jaipur, the pink city, can be the best option. The place, Jaipur, has become a very favorite and popular destination for marriage, as because there are a variety of venues available for weddings. Some most beautiful places for hosting wedding in Jaipur are the Jai Mahal Palace and the Raj Palace. As weddings in great palaces are quite expensive, you can also look for less costly alternatives, and opt for the old mansions in Jaipur such as the Mandawa Haveli or the Alsisar Haveli, which are quite popular.

繚 Goa: It is the most preferred place for weddings. People fly from various parts of the world for tying the knots in the beaches of Goa. For hosting wedding in the beaches of Goa, you can take help of wedding planners or event organizers and even grand hotels, as beach weddings require authorization. Top hotels in Goa include The Taj Exotica on the Varca beach and The Leela on the Morbor beach.

繚 Kerala: This place is gradually being discovered as an event venue in India. It is a perfect place for those who are planning a quiet and pleasant wedding in a natural setting, along the banks of the lakes. You will find a number of resorts in Kerala, which caters to such weddings, particularly the Zuri Kumarakom, near Alleppey.

繚 Udaipur: Popular for its lakes and palaces, Udaipur is one of the most charismatic places in India. The charms of the city are the royal palaces and buildings and the best part is that you can get married in them. For a more contemporary style wedding in a historical place, the Devi Gargh can be the ideal option.

While the popularity of these venues, for hosting events is increasing rapidly, you must also have the ability of selecting the appropriate venue for your function or occasion, which can bring applauds and appreciations and help in making your event, memorable.

Corporate Event Planning - Tips For Summer Parties

Not everyone has the skills for corporate event planning in NYC. It takes persistence, dedication and knowledge to organize a summer event that participants will truly enjoy. Although event planners generally have help, they are still in charge of putting all the party puzzle pieces together. This is not always an easy task, especially when assigned helpers have little imagination. If that happens, the summer event organizers will have to rely on their past experiences and tips, such as these:

1. Know your budget - The amount of money you have at your disposal for your corporate event planning in NYC will largely determine what kind of summer event you can organize. Will you have enough to hire an entertainer and rent a tent, or will you have to settle for a potluck picnic in the park?
2. Know your guests - Planning a summer event for children will be different than festivities for adults. There is also a huge difference between a celebration that includes entire families, and one attended by company executives. Be smart, and ask your audience what they enjoy the most.
3. Find the perfect location - Keep note of the information employees have provided. If many live on one side of New York City, do not plan your corporate bash on the other side. If you do, few people will show up. The event location should be easy to find and have ample parking - always provide maps and driving instructions.
4. Do not forget the details - Experts in corporate event planning in NYC know how important details are. When you rent a tent, you will also need seating, tables, a stage, a dance floor, lighting, and a bunch of other accessories. Do not forget the ceiling fans as temperatures can rise quite high during the summer.
5. Drinks and food - Plan your refreshments, snacks and meals well. Offer lost of choices so everyone will find something they like.

Managing An Event Center

The investment plan, goal and magnitude of a facility are what determine the management style to be adopted in running the affairs of an event center. There is no written law or rules and regulations that can be said to be the guiding principle in this business. So, what we need to understand here is that we are simply discussing on the management aspect of an event center. By this, we are referring to the act of running or controlling the business, or the personnel that are saddled with the responsibility of managing or controlling the activities of a business, for the purpose of making profit, or for whatever purpose that the business was set up.

So, managing an event center, is all about taking care of a facility that has been set up, investment wise, for the purpose of taking care of the activities organized by other people, in exchange of cash payment for using the facility. So, it can be established here, that managing a facility is more of the investment goal of the facility.

There are different levels and categories of event centers; depending on the type and magnitude of the event center. A multipurpose event center cannot be at the same level of management like the general way of managing an event facility. A typical multi-purpose investment center combines many investment options into one investment goal. We shall briefly discuss them one by one.

1) EVENT CENTER WITH GYMNASIUM: If the location of the event center is in an area with mixture residential and commercial developments, then the investor has to strategically invest to maximize his profits here. This can be achieved in many ways, and one of the ways is to incorporate a gymnasium with all the necessary facilities here. If the investor can afford to fix all the necessary modern facilities for work-out here, then he is sure of a profitable investment here, even before the outfit becomes fully operational. In order to achieve the maximum result, the investor must be sure that the percentage of people that reside here is higher than those that just come to do business, but live at other destinations.

Investments in an event center could be a money spinner if the right things are done first, and the center is managed properly. Any property investment with a proper laid out maintenance policy will definitely achieve the desired result.

Invest wise.

Corporate Team Building - Events and Themed Parties

As a part of the corporate exercise, most companies conduct special team building events that are meant to promote team spirit and closeness among people working as a team. Usually, this is done in batches. Employees are taken to the location in batches of 2-3 teams, or division wise, where they are introduced to a whole host of themed parties and team building activities. These activities are co-ordinated by companies which specialise in corporate events, and have sufficient experience and knowledge of people management.

Corporate events

You can have your employees taken to some really good locations - like resorts or picnic spots, where they will take part in team building exercises. These are generally fun events, but which teach the employees the importance of team work, and how co-operation and collaboration are the key to success. They give fun activities to perform as individuals, and then as a team. Then, the instructor involves the employees in discussions related to analysing what the team did right, and where they went wrong. They also compare team performance Vs. Individual performance, and include it in their results. You could also have themed parties to add to the fun.

Usually the activities involve fun team building games. For example, employees may be asked to form small groups of 4 or 5 and given a set of spaghetti noodles (uncooked and still straight), some marshmallow and jelly. They will then be asked to build a tower out of this, and the team making the tallest tower wins. This will require the teams to concentrate on the task given. People with leadership qualities immediately take charge and subconsciously ask the employees with the required skills - for example someone with engineering background or degree to concentrate on supporting the beams and so on. The co-ordinator usually makes these observations and sends it back to the HR department of your organisation, which could be used for career as well as succession planning.

Benefits to employees and the organisation

Corporate team building events provide employees a much needed break from routine life. They feel refreshed after being introduced to a whole lot of new team building ideas and sub consciously try to incorporate these when they return. Having spent time with colleagues at a non-formal setting, the employees develop a deeper bond among each other, and are thus able to understand each other better. They also serve as great ice-breaking sessions, and could be used for new entrants to the organisation. You could even have a number of activity days where instead of just one day, employees could be sent for a weekend to a resort for receiving their team building training. It will also serve as a great unexpected vacation for the employees, and improve their productivity when they get back to work.

Event Planning - An Inspiring Career Field

Event planning is a process of scheduling any festival, competition, convention, party or ceremony. It includes budgeting, determining dates along with alternate dates, choosing as well as reserving the event location, obtaining permits and managing transportation plus parking.

Event planning, (depending upon the event) take few more things in to consideration like creating a theme or design for the event, setting up for the speakers and also alternate speakers, arranging site support for e.g. electricity and many other utilities, assembling all the items of decoration like tents, tables, chairs, event support as well as security, fire, portable toilets, signage, parking, health care professionals, clean up, emergency plans, and catering.

Event planning is comparatively a new field of career. In fact people get training that really helps them to get in to this field. Event planners are trained to handle different types of situation, pressure so that they can work efficiently. This career requires two important aspects that are communication and organization. Event planners are called by different names like coordinator, meeting manager, special event coordinator, convention planner etc.

An event planner need to follow few steps while arranging any kind of event and these steps are listed below:

1. First determine the purpose of the event, whether it is for any wedding, graduation, festival, company, birthday or any other kind event which requires good planning.

2. Secondly he/she is supposed to choose the entertainment, guest list, content, speakers and location. However the site for events is unlimited, many events are organized at a number of hotels, reception halls, or many other places just depending upon the event. Moreover menu is also arranged according to the theme of the event.

3. Now the budgeting, advertising, marketing and decorations become a great consideration. All this things are important in order to make the party successful.

An event coordinator should have the ability to handle their time and preparation should be done wisely for each event so that the event becomes a smash hit.

55 Creative Entertainment Ideas For Your Next Event Or Meeting

1. Hire a comedian who can poke some fun at your CEO, do an impersonation of him, or even make light of your industry as a whole.

2. Hire a magician that can incorporate your sales message into his magic, or cut your CEO or receptionist in half. He might even be able to vanish the CEO, much to the delight of the employees.

3. Book a vocal improvisation group to take requests and spin them into a funny performance.

4. Have a musician write a song about your company and play it at the event.

5. Hire a celebrity impersonator to come to the event and sign autographs and take pictures with guests.

6. Book a caricature artist to draw personalized sketches of each employee at the company. These are fun souvenirs as well.

7. Book a digital caricature artist who composes his or her photos digitally on a computer right in front of your eyes. They can even personalize the backdrop to reflect the company
or event. This is a great souvenir for the guests to take home.

8. Book a balloon artist that makes the life size figures such as Disney characters, scenery like palm trees, huge company logos, and more. The balloon artist can do these figures with everyone watching making it an experience to watch the balloons being put together.

9. How about a strolling juggler who can mingle through the cocktail hour.

10. Book a stilt walker to make a big announcement for your company at an annual conference or meeting. It is a fun and guaranteed way to get everyone's attention.

11. A clown is a great option for events with children or families. There are also evil clowns for events with no kids or around Halloween.

12. Book a palm reader to make psychic predictions about the future of the company or to tell people's fortunes.

13. Hire a reality TV star to interact with guests. They are far less money than big time Hollywood celebrities.

14. Book a tribute band to play the songs of an artist that is popular among the guests.

15. An a cappella group can perform on stage or stroll through the event during a cocktail hour or dinner.

16. Hire a symphony orchestra to play at the event. You will need to consider space requirements for this type of an act.

17. You could have a mime act out a corporate message to employees or event customers.

18. Book a DJ to play only requested songs or songs from a certain era such as the 80's

19. Break dancers can be lots of fun. They are generally young, hip, and add a sense of youth to an event.

20. How about a mariachi band for some festive music.

21. A steel drum band can be a nice addition to a high end gala event.

22. Booking a fire eater can be a great way to kick off the launch of a hot new product or service.

23. Carolers can be nice addition to any holiday event.

24. A living statue can be a great idea for almost any event. Make sure you ask for a living statue that matches closely to the theme of your event or meeting.

25. Booking a cirque act is a great idea when the event needs something remarkable or to get a buzz going. Make sure you can accommodate for the space some of the cirque acts require.

26. A snake charmer is a unique way break up a meeting or attract a crowd at an event.

27. Hire a mentalist to read the minds of the guests. This is creative way that the performer can interact with the audience.

28. How about an ice sculptor who can sculpt the company logo or a corporate message live while people watch it being carved.

29. Acrobats provide a lively addition to an event.

30. Singing waiters are an a cappella group dressed as formal waiters. This catches guests off guard and is an offbeat way to infuse entertainment into the dining experience.

31. Ballroom dancers can be popular with all the dance themed TV shows like Dancing with the Stars and others.

32. A barbershop quartet is an a cappella group where all the members wear red and white costumes, similar to that of a barbershop pole. This has a nostalgic feel to it.

33. Dueling pianos are a fantastic way to get the audience involved with nonstop entertainment

34. You could have your employees put on the entertainment by having a talent show and getting everyone in the company involved including the CEO. You will want to record this so everyone can watch it later on, or you may even want to send them all home with a copy, or mail it to them afterwards. You could also post them on YouTube for all to comment on.

35. A marching band can be an official way to introduce somebody special at the event. It can also be a way of showing that the company does not take themselves too seriously if they book a fun themed marching band.

36. Book the 60 second novelist. He comes with his own table and a manual typewriter and asks guests a few questions to get a sense of who they are, and he types out a short life story in one minute. He even binds it so guests can take it home. The story is funny, imaginative and true. This is a fun way to get people to open up and share their stories and get to know each other.

37. Face painters are a neat way to entertain the younger kids.

38. A choir can be a nice way to make a grandiose statement.

39. How about an opera singer for a classy event or gala.

40. A graffiti artist that can create a painting of someone or something with a large crowd watching. Some artists do this type of thing super fast, making it intriguing to watch.

41. Book hula dancers to mingle on the dance floor with guests.

42. How about Polynesian dancers to inject a unique culture into the event.

43. A ventriloquist can be a great entertainment choice that can play well for kids or adults depending on the performer.

44. Hire a dynamic storyteller who can weave a message about the goal of the event or meeting.

45. An escape artist is a dramatic way to convey messages such as, escaping or breaking free of limiting beliefs and constraints. This can be a nice way to motivate employees to achieve a goal.

46. Booking a hypnotist can provide a serious element or a comedic one.

47. A rapper could perform a comedic rap specifically written about the company. Some rappers can even improvise this on the spot.

48. A puppeteer is another option for younger children to keep them entertained.

49. Hire a sword swallower to attract the crowd or if it fits into the theme.

50. You can always hire a real Hollywood celebrity to attract the attention and buzz you need or try booking a couple of smaller celebrities to make better use of your funds and get more celebrity drawing power.

51. You might want to book a political impersonator that is popular such as Sarah Palin or Barack Obama.

52. A harpist can add a light musical touch without loud music. This would be nice for a laid back, high end atmosphere.

53. How about having multiple celebrity tribute artists on stage performing a bunch of hits songs from the various artists they impersonate.

54. Have a stage where different executives from the company do karaoke for a variety of songs.

55. Finally, the best way to guarantee a creative entertainment experience is to have the performer or performers customize their acts to your event or meeting. This creates a memorable experience guests are sure to remember for a long time.

Event Planning - How Specific Your Plan Should Be

Event planning might be an interesting work to do but it requires hard work, determination and responsibility. There are some rules that should be followed to make your event planning successful. When ever you plan or arrange any event the first thing you should keep in mind that there are certain limits for every kind of event. You might tend to get more color and glamour into a wedding reception or a cruise party but if you plan a business meeting in the same pattern, you would make a disaster. In the same way a child's birthday party does not require a musical band or a DJ. So there are some specific lines for every kind of event which you must follow.

Time: always consider the category of the event before planning further. Usually business meetings are arranged in day time so if you are given the task to arrange a business meeting or any official event keep the day time in mind and plan accordingly and in the same way if you are planning for a birthday party for a child, the time should be early evening. For dance parties and cocktail dinners you need to make arrangements at evening till the function lasts. So there is requirement to be specified about time for any sort of event planning.

Venue: like time the venue is also specified for different sort of events. For example if you are arranging a wedding reception, you need to keep this point in mind that people from every age group are going to attend the party so the place should be comfortable for every one. All the guests can easily arrive on the venue by time.

Food: again about choosing the food the theme and type of the event should be considered. You can not serve fast food or casual food in official meetings as it would spoil the decorum of the event. You need to know what sort of the event is being arranged and how many guests are coming to attend so you can arrange for a good menu.

D矇cor: of course you have to be particular about d矇cor of the event; you need to arrange props and seating arrangements according to the type of the event.

These all things are considered while event planning and you have to be specific in these things when you plan any event because these all points create a difference between a common person and a professional event planner.

Become a Top Wedding Planner - 8 Questions to Ask Before Investing in Wedding Planning Certification

I get a lot of questions about wedding planning and bridal consultant certification courses. You don't need a certification to be a wedding planner in the United States or many other countries. Most brides look first for wedding planners who have had experience planning the type of weddings that they want and who have a network of high-quality vendors.

But if you want to enroll in either an online or offline certification program, here are 8 questions you need to ask before you invest your time, energy and sometimes well over a thousand dollars of your money:

1) Are you ready to commit to attending classes or do you have the self-discipline and motivation it takes to complete online or home study training?

Before you do anything else, decide if you will take the time to complete a certification course. You will need to get to classes, work on online projects, read chapters in books, do homework and take tests. You probably already have work and family commitments so be sure you can take the time to commit to this also.

Doing classes online might be an advantage for you if your schedule is unpredictable, because you can complete the work according to your own schedule. Just make sure you can finish the course within the allotted time, usually six months.

2) Is the course by a reputable school or wedding planner and bridal consultant association?

In the United States, there are online and home study wedding planner schools that are accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a legitimate accrediting agency which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education and the US Department of Education. However, that doesn't mean that any of the courses will be approved by your local colleges if you are also trying to get a regular degree. Check first, if this is important to you.

Other online and home study courses are offered by wedding and event planner and bridal consultant associations and although they may not carry accreditation, many are well respected in the industry.

You'll find offline programs offered by colleges and experienced professional wedding planners. Some local colleges have partnerships with online schools and you get a combination offline and online education.

Find a few schools and courses that interest you then do some research and investigation. Call and ask questions and get references. Google the school or course names and look for testimonials and complaints.

Caution - be careful when doing research, some names of wedding planner schools and associations are very similar. Make sure you are getting information on the correct one.

3) Who are the instructors?

You want instructors who are or have been wedding and event planners or are in the industry, for example, florists and caterers, who might give special training in their areas of expertise.

4) What level of support do they offer to you?

If you are someone who likes to ask a lot of questions and you are thinking of taking an online or home study course, find out if the program allows you access to an instructor or professional wedding planner when you want help. If not, check sites such as Facebook to see if there are any active online forums with students who offer each other support during the learning process.

5) Does the course cover the subjects that you need?

Some wedding planning courses are specific to one area of wedding planning, such as design or green weddings. Or, I've seen courses that include classes not only about planning weddings but also children's parties, sweet sixteen parties, almost any celebration you could name. Read course descriptions carefully and take notes to compare one to another. Make sure you will be getting the education that you want.

6) Do they offer hands-on experience, internships, and apprenticeships or support you after you have received your certificate?

Both offline and online courses with ties to local professional wedding planners may offer the opportunity for you to get experience. Wedding planner associations may give you membership after you complete your course so you can take advantage of some of their member benefits and attend their conferences.

7) Does it have a payment plan?

This might be a deciding factor for you. Some schools allow you to make payments as you complete the course, others may ask for your investment upfront.

8) Do they have a refund policy?

Find out if they allow you to change your mind after you have enrolled. Some may allow you to do it within a short period of time, if you have not yet utilized any class materials.

There are no regulations regarding wedding planning certification courses. Decide the type of training that you want to receive then take the time to do thorough research before you make your investment. And, don't forget, a certification is not a substitute for experience.

The Ideal Event Management Company

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event Planning Software - How to Avoid the Biggest Mistake Event Planners Make

Event planning software is gaining in popularity across the world and yet there are still event planners out there that don't use event planning software. I know it took me a while to get around to the idea myself. I always thought that my team could handle everything and save money at the same time. Oh how wrong I was. The biggest mistake an event planner can make is to think they can do everything themselves and save money. This is a Big Mistake. Why can I so confidently say that? Because I made that mistake, many times before I learnt my lesson!

Planning a large event, whether it is for an internal or external client, can be a huge undertaking and for the main event planner often results in the odd sleepless night!

In spite of this, it is easy to carry on thinking, "I can do it all" or "we can do it". After all, you are experienced at these things. Let's pause though and take a step back for a moment.

First things first. When you are leading such a project, we both know the starting point is being absolutely clear in your own mind about things such as:

- What the event outcomes are
- What your audience's needs are
- How you can creatively deliver these needs on time and on budget

However, have you experienced or known of situations where delegates are calling up days before an event because they either haven't received, or can't find, confirmation of a place, or their joining instructions?

How about your main client, or your boss calling you late one evening asking if a certain speaker or delegate has confirmed their availability?

How often have you been short of admin staff, to ensure the smooth running of an event?

Worse still, I wonder how many event planners have unfortunately invested thousands in cash in admin and support staff over the years, only to have some of them make unfortunate or costly mistakes.

If you and your clients, or your employers want to feel confident that everything is under control, then event planning software is a great way forward. You can be safe in the knowledge that at any time they can go "online" and check for themselves every possible details they might need e.g. when speakers have been invited and when they have confirmed, check the money coming in, numbers of delegates etc.

If you are serious about evidencing that organiser error is reduced to an absolute minimum then it's simple. Make your life easy, inspire your clients with confidence, ensure your delegates experience is convenient and pleasurable and save your business 000's in the process.

You can achieve all this, simply by using event planning software.

Imagine for a moment if your delegates could register online on a unique event web page, pay securely, receive email confirmation and prints VAT and Tax receipts.

While your delegates do this, you can check out the online reports. Clients keep themselves up to date if they want. Plus remember, you will save yourself thousands in admin costs over the year. What business wouldn't want that?

So, avoid making the same mistake I and other event planners have made in the past. Use the latest event planning software to enhance your client's experience of your service, achieve your meeting outcomes and make a positive impact on your own cash flow in the process.

Event Management as a Career Option

Event management in India is still in its nascent stage. It is just ten years old as a profession. Event management is a process which involves market research, planning, marketing, execution and evaluation of an event. It involves procurement management, resource management, crowd management, attendees' management, risk management, information and finance management.

Event management from a distance looks like a glamorous profession but infact it is not. It involves horribly long working hours and lot of hard work and dedication. Event professionals are required to organize events like wedding, concerts, parties, trade shows, exhibitions etc.

Any person who has good communication skills, enjoy interacting with people, can work for very long hours and has a very strong networking can become an event professional for events which are not corporate (like Meetings, Incentives, Conference, Exhibitions). For non corporate events there is no minimum qualification required to become an event professional.

However when an event is used as a marketing tool to promote a brand or enhance its image or increase sales then it becomes necessary that the event is organized by certified event professionals or people who are qualified enough to understand sales and marketing.
There are many event management schools in India which provide courses in event management. These courses are generally certificates, diplomas or sometimes degrees. They also assist students in job placement. However majority of event professionals in India are not certified.

Certified event professionals are basically for corporate events. They are trained to use events as a powerful marketing tool to promote a company's products/services. But most of them end up organizing events which are not corporate like weddings, parties, stage shows etc. As such they don't get the opportunity to utilize the skills for which they got the training in the first place. Moreover certified event professionals have not been able to differentiate themselves from the uncertified one so far (by organizing events with high degree of professionalism) therefore the relevance of the event management courses in India is still under the scanner. Either the course material is not up to the mark or it is not imparted and implemented thoroughly.

For large scale national/international events (esp. trade shows), companies still prefer MBAs and not certified event professionals. Starting salary of an event professional can range from Rs 3000 to Rs 8000 (depending on the job location, hiring company and amount of exposure to events).After two or three years of experience you can expect a salary of Rs 15000 or above. Working as an entrepreneur after 2-3 years of work experience is the best option to earn in lacs and crores per month.

Event Planning - Event Planning Is Important!

Today occasions are organized in the best possible way. The hosts want their events to leave an ever-lasting impression on their guests. There is a very tough competition between which event is the best and which event is the worst. So event planning plays the key role in this regard. Without proper planning the event will never become successful.

The guests whom you are inviting would be more interested in noticing the arrangement rather than the main people for whom the occasion is organized. The main arrangements which are noticed the most are location, sitting arrangement, food, lighting arrangement and sanitary. If there are problems with these aspects then your guests might be dissatisfied. So make sure these things are in their perfect state.

It is important that you at least learn the basics about the occasion you want to organize. Then the next step that you should take is that hire an event planner who will organize your occasion in the most appropriate way. But make sure that you give him guidelines about how you want your event to look otherwise he would organize it in whichever way he likes and it does not satisfy you then you might face problems.

Not everyone is great at organizing occasions so accept it or not, it a must to hire a professional and organized event planner who will give your event a perfect touch. America has got some of the most fabulous event planners, so why not take advantage of it. Whether it is a wedding, promotion party or a business conference, with the help of our country's event planners they will be turned into your dream events.??

It is also important that you understand that no matter how small or big your occasion is, it takes some time to plan it. So if you are someone who has a very busy schedule then you should take out some time at least three months before the final date of your event. Otherwise your event would be incomplete and will leave negative impact on the guests.

Secondly the demands of people also play a main role while arranging an event. You should do what is in fashion right now or bring out something new which is unique and inspiring. Or else people will get bored. If you want your event to be exciting, fun-filled or interesting then add music, good lighting or short movies into it whatever would be suitable for your particular event.

Boost Your Company Morale With an Events Organizer

If you are searching for a way to organize an event, especially a corporate event, it is necessary to have an expert around who has experience in the field. These types of services are essentially offered by expert event organizers.

A company should face a lot of unusual circumstances that help them to achieve their goals and uphold a high level of competition. If the company want to achieve its goals, then the company should think about one of its greatest assets 'employees'. The employees of a firm often signify the backbone or supporting crutch of a business and when they are strong the company can be a strong force.

The latter is also true since when workers are unhappy or do not have much belief the company frequently experiences in sales or productivity. This is why one of the objectives of any company, should contain taking care of the individuals they have selected to symbolize their company. This is most effectively achieved only when a company makes a decision to invest in an event rewarding and recognizing their employees.

In the past these types of events has been restricted to a small get together or a paid lunch with the staff members who are available at that time but this doesn't not make any impact. Events that go the extra mile and well planned out allow employees to escape the working surroundings and attain a genuine enjoyment of the company's efforts. When taking an event to this next level, it is essential to utilize an events planner. An events organizer represents an person who is well-known with event planning and can present an imminent into what a company needs to succeed in their events objectives.

A lot of companies try to stay away from the expense related to an events organizer by converting one of their workers into the events planner but this often results in costing them more money. This is because an inexperienced events planner will not have the buying power and best connections to give organization and savings for the company's events. A expert events planner has extensive event planning experience and has long term relations in the right industries.

The professional services of an events organizer will allow your company to set an correct plan immediately from the beginning which leads to limited financial shocks in the future. They will also plan your event delicately to make certain that your key objectives are achieved.

Learn The Art Of Professional Event Management

If you want your event to be a masterpiece, then you need to explore the art of event management. Even more appropriate is to appoint professional event management team which has sound skills and experience of planning conference and events, and of arranging a variety of events ranging from a birthday party to a professional modeling show. If you aim for perfection in managing any event and want the Excellency to be reflected in all your events then you must initiate by learning the techniques of planning conference and events.

Previously events and conferences in the business world were managed somehow on short notices which saved time and no emphasis was laid on planning beforehand. But with closer study it was found out that these events did not turn out to be much successful and with time it was realized that planning matters a lot in bringing up the results. Thereafter event management emerged in the form of a revolution in the business world as the importance of planning was understood.

I think everyone of us can understand this article and the importance of learning how to manage events really well, because there can be hardly anyone who has not experienced assisting in arrangements of their family occasions. We all know that how haphazard things become when events come up suddenly; we are not already prepared for. Today's busy life requires every day to be scheduled ahead and most of us even have this habit. Thus even if an invitation for an event pops up suddenly, we think ten times before we decide to attend it.

Learning professional event management makes you capable of managing any kind of event because once your brain is trained that way, the plans naturally start invading your mind with only the thought of the kind of event you have to arrange for. Arrangement for any kind of event requires some basic steps like invitations to all guests are reached on time and not on last moment; comfortable venues are selected comprising of proper ventilation, proper lightening system, and hygienic environment. Location of the venue should be such that it is within the easy reach of all guests. Event should begin at the right time without any delay and food should also be served on time. Special emphasis should be made on seating arrangements. It is better that 50 or 100 more seats are arranged than required for the expected guests if it is a big event. The event manager should be vigilant and must have excellent supervision skills.

Event Lighting to Make Your Event a Success

Normally the two main lighting categories can be classified into Entertainment and Agriculture lighting. In the entertainment industry, event lighting is booming since technology plays a huge role in it.

Event lighting has huge scope to improve since more and more people understand the advantages of having proper luminous lighting to make any event successful. Weddings, discotheques and weddings use these gimmicks to transform any empty space into an elegant and sophisticated venue.

In the entertainment industry lighting plays a supporting role with the other elements use for that particular event. Without lighting the event will look dull and boring. So it is very important that you take very good care of your guests by giving them a night to remember. You will always be able to find Event lighting bay area companies that are affordable and who are known for their professionalism.

Event lighting can be used for:

Cake Lighting: So that when the birthday girl/boy cuts the cake the decoration around the cake is visible and noticed by your guests. When it comes to your children you want to give them the best on this special occasion so that it can be captured are a beautiful memory and will stay with you for a lifetime.

Bar lighting: At any occasion where there are beverages served majority of your guests will surround the bar. So that it looks exceptionally exquisite and unique proper lighting must be around to highlight the d矇cor around it.

Buffet lighting: Lights are put around the buffet table to even enhance the beauty of the food presentation.

Dance floor lighting: When it comes to having fun at any event, the dance floor is the place where it all happens. You need some very good lighting to give the dance floor a more vibrant and inviting look. If the lighting is good your guests will have a wonderful time since the lights and the music will go hand in hand.

Different Event lighting bay area companies analyze the project and check which kind of equipment is required. Once they know which lights are needed they start to install them, probably one day before the event or on that same day. It is always advisable to get all the work done from one service provider so that there is no chaos during the event. Another thing to keep in mind is that the company you decide to hire should make full arrangements of any backup that is required.

The lighting that is used for an event should have a purpose and a theme to it. It should highlight areas like the stage, ramp, bar and so on. It's also important that you keep the lighting simple so that there is not too much going on in one space, so that the impact of the lights is distributed equally.

Catering Companies in the UK - The Cream of the Crop

There is no doubt that the UK's catering consultants are at the very top of their game. Competition within the catering field is fierce, and with such a great deal of event business up for grabs in London, Surrey & beyond, catering companies have to be creative and forward thinking at all times, in both their product and their service.

Of course there are hundreds of different kinds of caterer in the UK. Some, such as Absolute Taste or "rhubarb" are large, luxury organisations employing hundreds of staff and operating in lots of different business sectors (such as fixed venues and retail). Others are smaller, more budget and more family run catering companies - companies that are ideal for catering at a small family christening or birthday bash.

The very best catering companies in the UK though, are normally based in London. Whilst based there, where the hub of the events industry is located, they often operate further afield and can even cater for celebrity, business and corporate events abroad.

It is in this high end celebrity, business and corporate event market that a catering company really needs to up the ante. At a charity and celebrity gala for thousands of people the catering alone can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, so the variety and scope within the catering industry is enormous.

The style of these event caterers, particularly at weddings, birthday parties or charity events, is almost as crucial as the food! In fact, some of the catering consultants based in London have made their food an absolute art form. Picture the scene - towering ice laden piles of seafood, dessert tables heaving with miniature cakes and ices, wok stations and sushi bars, oyster boys and caviar girls...anything is possible in the luxury catering industry.

The larger UK catering companies such as The Admirable Crichton or Urban Caprice have very large event catering planning teams, whose job it is to organise all the catering services for an event and finalise all the outside catering arrangements for their clients. Employed on a full time basis they can build up superb relationships with their clients and ensure that their expectations for their birthday or gala dinner are always more than exceeded.

Most good catering companies can work in varying venues too, and of course the UK can provide the perfect choice of those - grand museums and galleries, atmospheric courts and castles, green parks, fairytale palaces and grand public spaces. Other countries simply do not have the ability to take their catering expertise wherever it needs to go, and from that perspective too, the UK catering industry is simply second to none.