Saturday, July 20, 2013

Set the Stage With Exciting Corporate Entertainment


Getting some entertainment in life is really important from time to time as there are going to be many moments when you will get exhausted with the daily routine of life. Additionally, you will be required to arrange some really great entertainment options for various work related events too. There are a wide variety of options that you will be able to consider for your events but getting some really good entertainment will be an easy task once you get some comedy entertainment options for your corporate events.

Your work related events don't have to be boring and this is exactly what you will be able to prove once you get some interesting corporate entertainment for an upcoming function. There will be many advantages that you will be able to experience once you decide to spruce up your corporate events with some fascinating entertainment options. Without a doubt, you will be able to lay out a fantastic event if you get one of the many entertainment options that will keep your guests entertained at all times.

One of the most entertaining options that you will be able to choose for your corporate events are comedy shows that will be able to ensue a laugh riot which will have your guests entertained at all times. There are a wide variety of comic acts that many professionals offer and you will be able to choose their acts in order to ensure that you have some interesting corporate entertainment lined up for the evening. The comic actors will be able to offer something new for your events with a wide variety of comic themes that won't be monotonous and will offer something new every time.

It is not just the events related to corporate affairs that need such kind of entertainment options and you will be able to use these hilarious services for wedding entertainment options too. You will have a lot of fun planning and executing these wedding entertainment options too for your loved ones by offering them something great on their special day. These entertainment options can be used for various events like corporate affairs, weddings, birthdays, parties and more. You will be able to use them for a wide variety of events in order to make the evening spectacular.

Events will keep on coming in your life and in order to create an event that people will remember you will need to take some efforts to make it special. A wide variety of options are now available at your disposal and you will be able to plan exactly the kind of event you want with these fascinating options at hand. With the kind of options that you will have with corporate entertainment options, there is no doubt that you will be able to create an event that all will remember with a big smile on their faces for a long time ahead.

Embark on an Exciting Party Spree With Creative Party Invitations


Throwing a party for any special occasions is very common these days. Some people like to send specialized invitations to their parties. Whether it is a simple get together at your house or wedding party, you want to lure the people with invitations. There are a lot of exciting and appealing ways in which you can invite people to your party. Creative ways of party invitations are getting very popular. A number of websites offer specialized service in this area. You can choose from a number of predefined party invitations or create your own.

Parties on special occasions

Many of us like to throw parties on special occasions like birthday, wedding, movie nights and game nights. It is essential that you plan your invitations in a proper manner. An invitation acts as a bridge between the host and the guests. This is one of the main reasons why you should take care of the invitations. With predefined designs and templates, you can choose from a number of options. Events like bachelor of bachelorette parties demand special invitations so one must keep in mind the whole idea behind inviting the people. If the invitation is catch and enduring, it lures the guests to come to your party and makes them feel welcomed. Party invitations play an important role in creating a good rapport.

Planning your work

Personalized daily planner provides great help in managing daily activities. It is the perfect way to stay connected with important things your life. Planners also provide a perfect way to organize your life in a much better manner. Wedding planners have a very important role to play before the wedding. You can manage your wedding with the help of this planner by writing specific notes and things to do. These planners contain sections like checklists and remainders to keep you on your foot. Some planners also provide ideas to plan the wedding. Calendar notebook is another type of personalized daily planner. It helps you in managing your professional and personal life in easy manner. You can write down the telephone numbers, addresses, birthdays and anniversaries of your friends. Day planner comes in different formats. You can use them weekly or monthly. It helps in managing commitments, appointments and meetings efficiently. These planners also have a specialized section in which you can jot down important notes and tasks that have to be done on high priority.

Meeting Agenda Format


A fixed meeting agenda format is hard to find. Also, it is not recommended that you use a stereotyped agenda structure for your meeting. That is because your meeting might need a different kind of agenda than what is prescribed in the format. So, open your mind and be flexible. There is really no need to stick to a hidebound format that is not tailor-made to suit your needs. If you do not stick stubbornly to a redundant and rigid format, I assure you that you shall do much better. You shall be able to generate relevant and useful conference agenda that will make your conference a whopping success!

A Quack's Prescription

Most meeting or conference agenda formats tend to sap a meeting organizer's creativity. A meeting or conference agenda format urges you to formulate your meeting agenda according to a strict and invariable pattern, which might be totally irrelevant for you and your company. The makers of most conference agenda formats think that they have done a wonderful thing by devising one solution for all companies, one medicine for all patients. The fallacy in their thinking is pretty self-evident. There cannot be one single cure for the maladies of different organizations or even for that matter, for the different maladies that ail one particular organization. So, a standardized format is not only useless, it can also be harmful as it tries to offer blanket solutions for diverse issues that require individual attention and separate treatment.

A Specialist's Touch

However, there are some meeting agenda formats that offer customized solutions to the process of agenda framing. These formats are based on a broad framework of topics, most of which apply to and are valid for all meetings. Fortunately, such conference agenda formats also make way for variations and deviations peculiar to each company and each meeting. Despite following a structured approach, such meeting agenda structures give enough scope to managers to lay down meeting agenda as per the particular needs of their companies. These meeting or conference agenda formats are not sheets of paper charting out a course but consist of sophisticated software to help company managers to plan for events and in the task of goal setting. They are an integral part of high-end meeting planning software that facilitates event planning and management and makes the job of managers easier.

The Choice is Yours

Modern meeting planning software is made using state-of-the-art technology and helps managers to plan and organize meetings in a jiffy. From helping you to write meeting agenda to prompting you to deliver the valedictory, they are capable of transforming you into an expert in the meeting management and event management processes. They are equipped with meeting or conference agenda formats that aid managers to set meeting agenda. However, you have to be careful in choosing a meeting planning software. Most of them cannot keep their users' data secure even if they guarantee information security. So, make a judicious choice. Selecting the wrong meeting planning software will cause you endless sorrow as your confidential company information will be hacked into and publicly distributed. But if you select the right meeting planning software, there will be no end to the rich dividends that you will receive. Sky will be your limit if you use the right meeting planning software with its right meeting agenda format.

Throw a Holiday Party for a Cause in Indianapolis!


As the holiday season approaches in Indianapolis, there's no better time for good food, good company and, of course, doing good for others! For your next festive affair, why not host a charity potluck or fundraiser event at one of Indianapolis' many party venues or private dining options? From downtown to Broad Ripple to the 'burbs, the Circle City has countless options depending on how formal a soiree you imagine. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year to help out the less fortunate and host a unique event that's sure to ring in the season with style!

Add a charitable twist to party invitations.

Depending on the number of guests at your holiday party in Indianapolis, adopt a family or two through a local organization who deserves what you and your guests can offer. Simply mail your chosen families' profiles out with your party invitations and guests should be in the giving spirit before even arriving at the event venue or restaurant!

The Adopt-a-Family Christmas program at Anna's House right here in Indianapolis is the perfect way to bring holiday joy to those in need! The program matches families in need with individual, family or group sponsors. Many sponsors have found the experience so fulfilling that they participate in the program year after year.

Choose your Indianapolis cause!

Consider hiring an Indianapolis event planner whose extensive professional network could connect you to some great Indiana charities. From school fundraisers to glamorous benefits, many charitable events become smashing successes through the party planning expertise of professional Indianapolis event planners! He or she can help you decipher who to contact at your charity, how high to aim in terms of monetary donations and numerous other planning logistics.

A few of Indy's most charitable options:

-Indianapolis' local Make-a-Wish Foundation

This Indianapolis nonprofit organization has one overarching goal: to grant terminally ill children their greatest wish. The company receives an outstanding amount of support here in Indianapolis!

-The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana

Give guests the option to donate to this home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill or injured children receiving medical care at Riley Hospital for Children and other Indianapolis hospitals.

Select an Indianapolis venue with heart.

Once you determine the ideal size of your holiday fundraiser or party, you'll know if an intimate dinner at your home or a formal event at an upscale Indianapolis event space is more appropriate. Wherever you hold your event, you'll definitely want to gear it towards the type of organization for whom you're raising funds. Hosting your first large scale charity event for a historical society? Host a period themed event at a local Indianapolis landmark. Consider a few Indianapolis event venues with giving spirits and plenty of local flair:

-Skyline Club

-The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

-Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral

Indianapolis' wide array of event venue vendors and professional party planners know that it's simply in the Hoosier spirit to give back to others-why not utilize their services to host an Indianapolis event that spreads nothing but good will and holiday cheer? Get in touch with your favorite local charity and start the event planning process in Indianapolis today!

Moving Towards Zero Waste - The Importance of Waste Audits in the Event Industry


Many companies are taking advantage of the growing momentum in the environmental movement by claiming to be "green" or "zero-waste". However, most of these claims are not supported by actual data. In order to truly understand the environmental impact of an event, an analysis of the waste stream or a "waste audit" must be conducted.

A waste audit is a way of collecting detailed information about the waste generated by an event. The procedure can quantify the different types of waste being created as well as the effectiveness of a given waste management policy. One of the most important pieces of data resulting from a waste audit is the diversion rate. The diversion rate is the percentage of material generated from an event that is being diverted away from a landfill (i.e. the percentage of waste being recycled or composted).

A high diversion rate means that most of the waste generated by the event is staying out of the landfill. An event with a 100% diversion rate is considered to be zero-waste. If composting and recycling is an option at your event then a diversion rate between 65-75% should be easy. With proper planning and an educated staff, a diversion rate of 75-85% percent would be quite good. A rate above that, approaching true "Zero-Waste" or 100% diversion, would take full cooperation of event planners, staff, and participants, and would be considered outstanding.

There are three categories of waste in a typical waste stream: compostable material, recyclables, and trash. Compostables are any food items that are no longer fit for human consumption (food waste) as well as other items which must be marked biodegradable: bags, napkins, plates, cups, and tableware. These compostables are sent to a facility to be broken down into organic soils and fertilizers. Recycling is a concept that most people are familiar with and includes the processing of bottles, cans, cardboard and paper products for reuse.

Trash is the material that cannot be processed or reused, which must be sent to a landfill. The ultimate goal of a "zero-waste" event is to divert 100% of the waste away from a landfill. Throughout the event, waste is sorted into the three distinct categories by trained staff. After the event, the different waste categories are analyzed in a variety of ways to come up with accurate information that reflects the waste management policy specified at during the planning of the event.

This will result in detailed information regarding which waste management policies are working well, and which have large room for improvement. Consequently, one can then use this information to invest more time and energy into the areas where they can improve the most, and create a comprehensive policy that will be mutually beneficial to both the environment and the organization. In this way, an organization can ensure that the waste is being disposed of in the most environmentally responsible manner. In addition, an organization can promote the data of the waste audit in order to show a quantifiable commitment to sustainability.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Content Management Software For Event Management Companies


The events industry is growing at a very fast pace. For the concept of global business and global market have given rise to increasing number of events being held world wide that jumpstart opportunities for board clients and vendors. With this unprecedented increase in the number of events worldwide there is an increase in demand for highly sophisticated Software Systems to manage events.

The web platform for each event has become the next to mandatory for all event management companies. It is easy to go for a Plain Jane website for each event but surprisingly the costs escalate year on year as users demand to be able to more on the website. Also several events are annual in nature causing a lot of redundancy in the tasks that are performed for initiating the event and managing all the event related activities like contact management, newsletter management, check lists etc.

It is those important and useful to have an intelligent website management for content management system that handles events exclusively. Such an intelligent system understands that the data are that stored in the system will be used again the next year. Keeping this in mind it should archive data for easy use in future. Another important aspect of event management is online user registration. More and more users now you want to register online instead of more traditional methods like registration by a phone, fax etc. This registration option opens more possibilities for event management companies to be able to give better knowledge of the event to the user. It also allows them to gather all user data at one place and export it in usable formats.

They are being event management companies that hold hundreds of events per year. It is very expensive and difficult to manage large number of websites for each of these events. An ideal solution would be a single central system that allows them to create web sites and deploy them at will. They should be able to manipulate templates, copy previous web sites, manage contacts, allow online registration etc.

These are some of the features that are ideally required by event management companies for managing event websites.

Event Planning Training - Interested In Event Management?


If you are good at managing time, have good communication skills and creative; then event planning can be a really suitable profession for you. You will enjoy doing event planning as a job and be totally dedicated to it. Nowadays it is gaining a lot of popularity because people do not have enough time to make all the arrangements for their event. Thus, instead of wasting their time, they hire event planners who organize their event just the way they want it.

However it is not easy job and without event planning training you cannot execute it. Right now there are many well known institutions that offer event planning courses and you can even acquire them online if it is a problem for you to go to their campuses. Event management gives a lot of physical stress so you need to have a lot of patience, the right skills, information about the latest trends and marketing ways, and all of these can be acquired through event planning training.

Event planning industry is going rapidly and when you will have these certificates in your portfolio then you will become more demanding than others. These courses are not even lengthy so you can complete them in a couple of months and work in the professional world.

This way of event management and planning training will enhance your skills and teach you how to approach to your clients. Once you have gained experience of a couple of years then you can start your own business in this field and increase your earnings. You will not need to make any big investment your computer; internet and telephone will be enough to carry out the tasks related to event planning as it required physical work more.

Moreover, you will already have good relations with some consumers and a number of reliable services so there will not be much problem. In the beginning, start working on smaller events and then slowly pick up the larger projects. At some point you will need more staff to help you and enlarge your business.

As the event management and planning career has a lot of options in it like wedding planning, corporate meetings, charity shows, kids' parties etc. you can choose specialization in anyone of them and then implement on it. Remember all you need to have is a lot of tolerance and enthusiasm if you do not want to fail in this profession.

Business Development in the Event Management Industry


Business development involves identifying new business opportunities, marketing opportunities, partnership opportunities, new markets, after sales follow up as well as generation of orders, sales and leads. The key to successful business development in event-industry is to stay abreast with the latest news in the industry and to keep a close eye on what your competitors are doing in terms of business development and marketing strategy.

In this industry, event-managers generally get business through outsourced work. This work can be an outsourced social-event, corporate-event, charitable-event etc. For e.g. if I run an organization and I wish to organize a product launch to promote my product, then I will prefer to outsource my work to an event-management-company as they are better experienced and equipped with logistics required to organize an event in the most effective and efficient manner. If event-management-activities become an integral part of a company, then it may open up an event-management-department to cut down the production and marketing cost.

Over the last two decades, the event-management-industry has grown exponentially and turned into a 500 billion dollar industry. To voice the concerns of the event-planners and help them in producing outstanding results for their clients, many event-management-associations like ISES (International Special Events Society), IFEA (International Festival and Events Association) etc are there. These associations can also be used to get businesses. Social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Orkut etc can also be used for business development. Since not all events are of same size, it is possible to manage only those events which you can afford to manage both in terms of budget and manpower. Event-management is all about networking. More contacts you have, higher is your probability of getting clients.

iPhone Apps for Event Planners: The Top Six


Event planners on the go need to find a convenient way to stay organized, connected and informed. Here's a list of the top 6 must-have iPhone apps for event planners.

Quickvoice
The award-winning voice recorder has finally made an app. You can record everything from voice notes to interviews to entire lectures. Its coolest feature? You can email using your voice.

Google mobile app
Search Google for free using your voice, pictures and location! This powerful information tool gives you instant access to the information you need. To get it, go to m.google.com/search on your phone's web browser and they'll send it to you.

A Personal Assistant
This little genius brings all your online accounts into one location so you get all the necessary info quickly and easily. If you're okay with storing all your passwords on your iPhone, you have to get this one.

Eventbrite
Now you can manage your guest list on the go! Eventbrite's mobile app also ties into the main dashboard so you can view ticket sales from everywhere. Hopefully a barcode scanner is next on their to-do list!

Evernote
Winner of the Best Mobile App Award from TechCrunch, Mashable and the Webbys. With Evernote, there isn't much you can't do. Use it to synchronize with your Mac, PC or web, take photos, search text in photos (really!) or record voice memos.

Skype
Who doesn't love to save their precious cellphone minutes? With Skype's mobile app, you get an easy to use interface with unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls and IMs.

Five Important Tips For Organizing a Team Building Event


Organizing a team-building event is an important process for the growth of a corporate establishment. It involves a series of activities partaking to methods that result in increased communication between the participants. If you want to organize a great team-building event, there are five main points that are essential to be taken care of. Let us discuss these in detail:

1. Take Inputs from the Team
It is always advisable to discuss the aim of the activity with the team. By way of explaining the purpose of organizing the activity, you can be able to get the inputs of the team and know what kinds of activity can make them feel happy.

2. Involve People
In corporate events, try to cultivate a sense of understanding and maturity to get the end results. Usually, larger groups try to dominate smaller groups in most of corporate setup. And while in a team building activity it is ensured that everyone contributes towards the success of the team - the concept of 'big bullying the small' is negated from the mind of participants.

3. Experience the Games Before

By experiencing the game before you can check the timing of the game in advance. Knowing the time will help you in planning out strategies to the fullest.

4. Clarify the Instructions Properly
If you are in charge of organizing an event and considered as an authority by the team, you need to plan out your strategies very carefully. Once you are through with setting up the measures and rules, convey it to the team members. The trainer should be in a position to explain the instructions very clearly.

5. Take Care of the Logistics
Organizing a joyful event involves taking care of everything resulting in success for an activity. It includes through understanding of the logistics and supplies. Prepare a list of supplies so that you don't forget them on the day of the event!

Event Management Companies for Birthday Parties, Conferences And Festivals


Whether it is a bachelorette party Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, birthday party or any wedding party, planning and organizing is a daunting task. People find it highly difficult to plan and arrange party in a flawless fashion. It needs field expertise, practical experience and simplified approach to make an event completely exclusive that every person can enjoy. Not every person can arrange a successful party. This is the reason people prefer to consult party planners. They can arrange different types of things and assemble a one of a kind occasion requirements. They can plan and arrange from birthdays, outings, galas, ceremony, graduations, anniversaries, showers to engagement parties of any size.

For Birthday Parties

Event planning companies can easily solve all the party related problems and make it as smooth as possible. Their event planners and experts can customize an astounding theme for birthdays, bachelorette/bachelor parties in town. You are only required to consult with them to detail your party needs including budget, theme, decoration, number of guests, etc. Based on the requirements they can arrange everything for a remarkable night out. They also provide valuable insight and understanding to the demands of their clients. They understand the vitality and value of events. They help you creating your identity in public by implementing figurines, murals, wood sculptures and paintings.

For Conferences

From corporate or banking conferences to the mega awards ceremonies, product launches, fashion shows, trade exhibitions, grand openings, marketing and advertising presentations, receptions, these event planning companies can handle anything efficiently. Their planners understand the eminence of branded events as well as signature galas and its very impact on the society. They know that conveying a company's messages across the demographic platform creatively and innovatively are the best way to anchor their roots in the society.

For Festivals

Event management companies can produce and direct carnivals, festivals as well as casino events of all sizes as per your specific requirements. They arrange all types of entertainment for both young and adults. Their trained friendly staff will be on site to make sure that your day runs seamlessly well. They arrange every possible thing under your budget and apply their skills and expertise for that shimmering and glittering occasion.

Event planners understand that any public or corporate event is both eminent and stressful. Keeping that in mind, they ensure that nothing is left to chance to avoid any unseen problems or unwanted circumstance.

The 2012 Formula for Success


If you want to make 2012 count as a year of success and achievement, you're going to have to do what others aren't doing - you're going to have stop thinking like everyone else is thinking. Standing out from the crowd starts with pretty much ignoring how the crowd is thinking and behaving. A mentor of mine in years past reminded me on a regular basis: "The masses are always wrong." Dave Ramsey, one of my favorite radio personalities, reminds his listeners: "Stop trying to keep up with the Joneses - the Joneses are broke."

Looking for a good New Year's Resolution? Here you go - stop believing everything you see and hear in the media and stop paying attention to the naysayers. Here's why - the two things you can absolutely control are your thinking and your behavior. Let's face it, whatever happens with the leadership in North Korea, or the turmoil in the Middle East, is out of your control. You can't change a thing that's going on in either of those countries.

Here's your formula for success in the year ahead: E+R=O

Event + Response = Outcome. This formula is based on the fact that the outcome of any event is not predicated on the event itself - but rather on our response to the event. And I'm not just talking about what's happening in other parts of the world. I'm talking about what's happening in your world.

Years ago, I taught time management for a company here in Phoenix. One of the principles we espoused was that time management was really event management - and everything is an event. Getting up in the morning is an event. Interacting with our family and friends, driving to work, shopping at the local grocery, are all events.

The outcome of each of those events will be determined by your response to the event as much as the event itself. Wake up on the wrong side of the bed today? Your response will set the tone for your entire day. Does getting the kids ready for school in the morning feel like you're herding cats? Someone cut you off in traffic on your way to work? Does the person in front of you in the "15 items or less line" have a basket full of groceries? These are all events in which you have the ability to control the outcome.

Making 2012 a success will in large measure be the result of how you respond to the curve balls life throws at you. Solomon said: "There's nothing new under the sun." We all face similar challenges every single day. The issue isn't will we face these challenges but rather how we'll choose to respond to them.

We have absolute control of two things: how we think, and how we respond as a result of how we think. Start the year off making the resolution to control your thinking and your behavior in each event you face - and in doing so remember - EVERYTHING IS AN EVENT.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Corporate Team Building and the Positive Effect to the Organization


Small and big companies need a group of employees that are united and do work well together as the main ingredient for its success. It is important that each and every person in the team coordinates well with each other. Yes, team building is an important factor that the head of the organization should consider if they want to achieve the main goal of the company. It is an event in the organization that will revamp teamwork from the employees.

Somehow, it is difficult to achieve unity because each member of the group is unique and has their own different battles to make. Although, it may present as a difficulty for the company but when treated will be very useful for the company's main goal to be successful. Team building activities may consist of diversified exercises but it is designed to motivate team unity and teamwork at its finest. This will help resolve differences between employees just to make sure that flow of realizing the target of the organization. The designed activities are made sure for employees to participate in it despite the differences as a person, as an employee and of the hierarchy of the organizational chart. Corporate team building binds the group into one goal and mission by rebuilding the communication between each other. When communication and trust is improved then there is a surefire progress for the output of the group. When the group overcomes the gap which is an obstacle for a smooth relationship then success is the only way to go.

It is divided into two types which aims to develop the competence of each working group. First is the outdoor team building activities wherein the employees will be able to use their physical strength to be able to engage with the group. This type can eradicate negative vibration from each other because it will increase the inner strength through the exertion of energy to be able to conquer different challenges. When working in a group, teamwork is developed because the more you communicate with each other, the more you can overcome the challenges since you have a smooth flowing relationship going on. Remember that the most advisable kind of activities to be chosen should be more of an activity that binds than grinds with each other.

Indoor team building focuses on the proximity of working with each other and the level of concentration to be given in this type of activity. Since it does not require too much space, the indoor type can be done in the office during office hours or can be mixed in with outdoor depending on the situation and how you collaborate the two types. Some of the example of an indoor activity may be social events, workshops, training, seminar, discussion with the group, charitable events, skills based, etc.

But before you conduct a corporate team building activity, you need to evaluate the lacking character of the group and what activities can boost their weaknesses. There is no need to rush in engaging in these activities without getting ready on how and what to target to the characters of your subordinates. Team building is like a refresher course, it makes them think in the first place, why they are standing there with the entire group that works in the company. This will enable to boost positivism and awaken the best of their skills to commit to the organization.

Conference and Exhibition Organisers - A Great Asset in Event Management


Well experienced Conference and Exhibition Organisers are always capable of delivering a well-organised and successful product at the end of the event. The more the experience that these organisers carry with them, the better result they have in organising events. Most of these companies who market themselves as event managers have proven track records in organising conferences and exhibitions of all sizes.

These organisations are a great asset as they offer their services to organise these events from start to finish, leaving the client and his employees to get on with their daily work, free of worries on their forthcoming event. They are also very competent in successfully organising and managing your event from conception to completion and ensure that everything works well and smoothly, in an effective manner. There will always be a senior person appointed to overlook your event from start to finish.

The initial negotiation with these Conference and Exhibition Organisers is to obtain a quote for their services. In order to do that you would need to provide all your requirements for the event, including every detail, so that the company will be able to study the cost of the project and come up with a reasonable quote.

Given below are some of event management services that are offered to organise an event:


  • Imaginative proposals and themes

  • A personalised service

  • Package can include additional event needs such as: flights, transfers, accommodation, ground programs, food, entertainment, team building, corporate entertainment etc.

  • Management of invitations

  • Handling all resource persons and special guests needs

  • Coordinating with delegates - confirmation and invoicing

  • Manage onsite registration and badge or name tags printing and production

  • Coordinate with all suppliers and companies involved with the event

  • Prepare all documentation - welcome packs, badges etc.

  • Onsite management for the whole event by a senior and highly experienced conference manager

  • Briefing and evaluation

  • Working within the budget

Conference and Exhibition Organisers are teams of professionals who will work with you whenever a conference is combined with an exhibition. You need the right expertise to handle this event since it is a combination of two, and you need to make sure that both events will work well with no failures in the organisation.

These types of events will require some additional areas of work, such as:


  • Securing a location that can hold both events

  • Coordinating venue management, exhibition stand designers, display banners, exhibition and conference equipment, contractors

  • Selling sponsorship/stand/exhibition space to potential exhibitors/partners

  • Supervision of the smooth dismantling and removal of all conference equipment, exhibition stands etc. on completion of the event.

Conference and Exhibition Organisers is a great asset and they are a team of professionals whom you can fully depend to organise your event successfully. Coordinating a conference and exhibition is a very stressful exercise, with a great amount of details that need very careful attention.

It is an event which will bring in a good image and reputation on your company. Thus it is vital that all areas are taken well care of, to ensure that it is a successful event which will help to make your name known in the market.

How To Organize A Successful Corporate Event


A corporate event is one of the best ways for a company to generate buzz. Many times, these corporate events are planned in order to show client/employee appreciation, or to generate new clients. For most people in the business world, the concept of working is easy to grasp, however, planning and organizing a successful corporate event requires additional effort and expertise. No matter the theme or purpose of your event, it is always a good idea to have a reliable event blueprint that allows you to seamlessly see your plan through to completion. It is difficult to go into an event without a solid plan, so here are 6 ways to successfully organize a corporate event.

1. Budget. Many professionals are accustomed to setting and sticking to a budget on the job, however, it is common for the need for a budget to be ignored when it comes to corporate events. Of course you want to set a budget that will allow your event to be memorable, however, keep in mind that even the wealthiest people in the world have budgets. If you have to sacrifice a few things in order to stay within your financial boundaries, but remember that if you plan things carefully, it is highly unlikely that anyone will actually notice the corners that you cut. The most important thing to remember is that your guests will enjoy themselves no matter what your budget happens to be.

2. The numbers game. How many guests are you inviting to the event? The number of guests will usually depend on what type of event you are planning. If the event is to generate new clients, you will probably need to invite more guests because it will be more of a "free for all." However, if the event is more intimate and designed to thank your current customers for their loyal business, you will want to invite fewer people. It is important to double check the list because you don't want to accidentally leave people off the list and offend clients who have been forgotten.

3. Location, location, location. Determining the guest list is important because the guest list determines the venue. However, it can be difficult to decide on a venue of the guests are slow to RSVP. A great way to encourage the guests to RSVP is by offering them some type of prize or entry into a drawing once they respond. This will allow you to get a general number of guests without coming across as pushy.

4. Have several sub-committees. Let's face it; one person cannot plan an entire corporate event without any help, and for this reason, it is essential to have several sub-committees to help with the event. You will find that the more help you have, the smoother the planning process will be.

5. Menu. A tasty menu is essential to planning a successful event because when guests are dissatisfied with their food at an event, they are less inclined to attend another event hosted by that same corporation. Many times people are not looking for a complicated menu, instead they simply want something that will keep them happy throughout the duration of the event.

Outsourcing events and event management to other companies is always something you can do if you are too pushed for time to organize your event yourself. Just be certain to find a reputable company with a proven track record if you chose to outsource the organization of your corporate event to another company.

Innovative Ways To Get Creative With Your Used Birthday Party Mylar Balloons


Mylar balloons have a glossy printed surface that makes them look attractive. This is the reason why an increasing number of people prefer them over the solid latex balloons. Even though they are durable, they slowly lose their charm and sink to the floor. The colorful graphic makes it far too good to be thrown away. Even if they cannot be reused, you can still use them creatively. Here are some interesting ideas for reusing your birthday party Mylar balloons.

Use it as a gift wrapper

Cut the bottom of the balloon to transform it into a bag. Put your gift inside it and tie the open end with a colorful ribbon. Alternatively, cut the edges of the balloon and open it up completely to get wrapping sheets. Used Mylar balloons are much better options than the packing paper. Moreover, recycling will help you to unclutter your space along with saving your money that you would have spent on buying wrapping supplies.

Reuse them as packaging material

Scrunched up Mylar balloon will act as a cushion to your gifts and will prevent them from breaking and shifting when they are being transported. Moreover, they would obviously look better than the bubble wrap or newspaper.

Make placemats

Take two clear adhesive backed vinyl sheets and sandwich your Mylar balloon between them without leaving any bubble. Cut any desired shape out of it and use it as a placemat.

For various home d矇cor purposes

Cut long strips out of the balloon and use them to wrap around your fence or the plant in your living room, etc. Fill these strips in a wine glass to make centerpieces. Paste the entire balloon on an adhesive backed vinyl sheet and cut along the edges. Attach a hook to this and use it as a wall hanging. You can also use it for wrapping up your child's book or for his/her craft projects.

Make balloon weight

Save your child's Curious George foil balloons for his next party to use them for anchoring the balloons. Cut the balloons from the bottom so that they become a pouch. Insert rock, stones, beans, or anything that can add weight to the pouch and tie it with a curling ribbon. Viola! Your balloon weight is ready to beautify your party table.

Sippy cup wrapper

If your child loves using new things every day, satisfy his/her desires by designing the Sippy cup anytime you want. Cut the Mylar balloon into strips and glue them around the sipper. The glossy look will surely catch their attention.

Birthday parties generate a lot of clutter that can be harmful for the environment. Celebrate green birthdays by using recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable supplies.

Banquet Hall Event Planner


Banquet hall event planners can save you a lot of headaches and hassle by handling all those small details that add up to a great banquet hall event. There is another way that can also make a huge difference to your event - and that is announcing it and organizing information in a centralized location.

Corporate Event Management

While your banquet hall event planner will be doing most of the corporate event management, there is still some aspects that you will want to control yourself - one of these being the sending out of event announcements and also delegating tasks to your staff members or volunteers who are involved in the event All of this can be easily done from a central location online.

A great place to start would be by putting up a page that announces your event to the world. Add photos related to the event share some tidbits about the plans your banquet hall event planner has for your guests, and maybe even add some music or video clips.

Once you have set up a great web page then send out emails to tell everyone where to find your event website. They can also respond online or buy tickets and you will easily be able to keep track of who is coming.

Event Planning

Another aspect of your event planning that you will want to do yourself is the delegation of tasks and management of your budget. These can be easily done using the task manager and budget manager.

Delegate tasks to your staff and volunteers using the task manager and then manage the budget for the event using the budget manager to ensure that everyone working with money sticks to the amount they have been allocated.Your banquet hall event planner will also be able to access this information and so help you achieve your objectives for the event.

After the event you will probably also want to go back and add more photos to the web page, add some music, add video clips of the night (or maybe even a live video feed at the time of the event for those who couldn't make it).

Making event planning easier begins with appointing a banquet hall event planner to ensure that all the details go like clockwork but you will also want to create an event website to announce your event as well as keep all your information in a central location such as allocating assignments for your staff and volunteers and managing your budget. This can be easily done by signing up for a free account at Events Listed.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Importance of Team Building in Corporate Environment


Like other very important concepts such as team building, corporate events etc; team activity is also very much important in today's world that is full of cut throat competition. With the evolution of new paradigm the world has seen different revolutionary changes in which the old paradigm shift was completely changed, in the old paradigm shift the human was considered to be the one of least value but in this new paradigm organizations have realized this fact that human is the source of all the resources and that is why they are giving full importance to their employees and are arranging different sort of activities to get their full attention and that is why instead of considering normal routine activities they are more focused on team based activities.

Due to the revolution in different areas specifically in communication has given recognition to different firms globally but due this globalization the competition has also reached its peak which means that more quality oriented activities are required to increase the involvement of the employees in the works of organization which will certainly lead to the fulfillment of the organizational goals and in these quality oriented activities the most common and efficient activity is called team activity. The reasons behind performing team activities are many like; such activities are performed to inspire the members of the team, such activities are aimed at making the work environment more pleasant and more workable, such activities are done to enhance the communication and coordination among employees, such activities enhance the personal relation among manager and his subordinates which then lead to a very pleasant environment in which no one hesitates while working or helping other and thus face every challenge very efficiently and such activities are laid down to flourish the inner ability of the employee in order to take best out of him and to give him full chance of exploration.

Some of the team activities are given as under


  • Activity called Roller coaster: It is sort of indoor activity in which personal coordination among employees is increased. In this activity a roller coaster track is built by the members of the team in which the main theme is that track is traveled by the gravity alone and is made for football.

  • Activity called together we can: The nature of this activity is out door it is done to enhance the cooperation between one another and it is done through the method of building informal team based activity, in this method one team after performing its large task transfers it to the other team for further fulfillment and this all carry the time span of one day.

  • Activity called drumming workshop: it is also an indoor activity in which the teams are taught the playing of drums as well listening. It is a psychological sort of activity and done to increase communication among employees.

Services Provided By Event Planning Companies


Bay Area is a popular place in every aspect especially because of the businesses that have recently come up there. It is considered to be the main hub for upcoming businesses, entertainment and science. It is situated in California in the United States of America. Event planning can be a tough job because you have to keep track of everything which makes the work hectic. Though the people living in Bay Area have the habit of doing all their work themselves it is recommended that one hires a party planning company while organizing any event. Event planner in Bay Area provides the best event management services which are inexpensive and affordable. You can find many websites which provide event planning services at discounted rates. They provide a wide range of services and organize almost all kinds of parties which easily help you decide what you need for your party.

Event planners have a good experience as they have planned many events before. You can be highly benefitted by their expertise and service quality which will make the event a grand success. They plan the whole event in an organized way with proper planning. The food can be easily ordered and transported to the venue with the help of event planners. You can also get easy and inexpensive transport facilities. Lighting is a very important aspect when organizing an event. Event planner provides the right kind of lighting techniques which give a different effect to your event and make it look more dramatic and attractive. The lighting technique can be decided according to the theme of the party or the size of the venue. Uplights is the most popular and interesting type of lighting technique used by the event planning companies. This gives a unique effect to the party venue. Bright lights always work well for highlighting the main things in the event. The party planners usually highlight areas like entrance, bar, dance floor and cake.

All these services are provided by the event management companies. Make sure that they are using the LED lighting system to reduce the heat levels. This prevents blowouts or any other problems in the party. Event planner in Bay Area also provides string lighting facilities for outdoor dinners which create a calm and soothing atmosphere. All these factors together can make the party a great success. Thus, hire the right kind of event planner in Bay Area and make your event a grand success which will leave an everlasting impression in the minds of the guests.

Making Others Happy Brings Joy To Real Leaders


Although many individuals want to be leaders, far less become really effective ones. One of the primary qualities that differentiates great leaders from the rest of the pack is the individual's true motivation to want to lead. While a great leader must be dedicated to his organization and its mission, and have a clear cut and vital vision, unless his primary motivation is to help others by providing valuable leadership, he rarely achieves true greatness. Far too many individuals' desire to lead stems from their own ego or a desire for some sort of perceived glory, when greatness only arises when the primary consideration is service and providing real value. George Bernard Shaw wrote, "We have no more right to consume happiness without producing it than to consume wealth without producing it." As this applies to leadership, true happiness must stem from bringing joy, happiness, satisfaction, and joys to the organization one serves, and its members, donors, supporters and sponsors.

1. If you wish to be an effective leader, you must first examine your true motives for wanting to serve in such a position. Are you willing to put in the time, effort, and get whatever training and knowledge you need, or do you want to be in charge but have others take care of the necessary details? Do you realize that effective leadership is not a part time endeavor, or even a nine to five endeavor, but rather an often time consuming, sometimes energy sapping effort, where you must not only lead but must simultaneously motivate others to sharing your vision, and upgrading and enhancing their personal actions, as well? Are you able to clearly articulate your reason for wanting to lead (in honest straight- forward terms rather than in jargon or rhetoric)?

2. Do you understand the difference between value and perceived value? Great leaders must consistently pay attention to both of these and realize that merely providing what they consider to be value, without taking into consideration what others see as being of value, creates a huge divide between the one in charge and his constituents. Nowhere is this more obvious than when it comes to event planning, where professional event planners painstakingly negotiate to achieve value (cost savings, efficiencies, better ways to achieve the desired result), but unless they are able to effectively communicate this to attract participation by motivating potential attendees (demonstrating effectively the value creates the perception of value), the event will invariably under- perform and disappoint.

However, a true leader only feels satisfied when he is convinced that he has done all that can be done to make his organization attractive to others, and to make others proud and happy to participate in. The joy and happiness of constituents is what, in the end, creates a leader's contentment and happiness.

Benefits of Using Corporate Hospitality Providers


In this current economic climate business can be tough, with lower demand; the pressure is on to win contracts and hold onto those contracts. One way to show your best customers that you value their custom is to spent time with them at a memorable and exclusive event. Using hospitality events is also a good way to spend time with sought after potential clients.

Quality Time

Using the corporate facilities at a sporting or other big name event is vital it you want to spend quality time with a client and show them how much you value their business. If you were to sit in the regular crowd it would be impossible to have a decent conversation and wouldn't really leave a great impression.

Create Loyalty

By taking clients and potential clients to a very special event such as a high profile sporting event like the glamorous world of Formula 1 or Wimbledon tennis championships in July it will definitely demonstrate how much you value them and create a lasting memory linked between the event and your company.

Networking Opportunities

At a stylish event you will have time to network with not only your own important clients but will meet like minded companies who may provide you with new and important business contacts. A hospitality group can provide many similar events where you can create more opportunities time and time again.

Launching New Products

A corporate hospitality event is the perfect opportunity to launch a new product in style. You can have a very stylish event, creating excitement and engaging guests that will maximise the interest and create the desired effect - maximum impact.

Differentiating from the Competition

Be taking clients to prestigious events you are offering something above and over what competitors will be doing for their clients, giving you an opportunity to entice new clients as well get referrals from existing clients if you look after them properly.

Motivational and Reward Tool

Hospitality events can also be used as incentives and rewards for employees. Top performers could be given the opportunity to enjoy the next six nation's game from the privacy and relaxed corporate hospitality room as well as a method of attracting high performing individuals into the business.

Corporate hospitality events offer huge benefits, distinguishing your business from competitors, creating a lasting impression with clients and providing the opportunity to win more clients. Going with a hospitality group allows you to coordinate hospitality events in multiple countries if you are a global organisation.

6 Reasons Why Event Planners Need A Website For Each Of Their Events


Individuals or companies often find they lack the expertise and time to plan an event themselves, therefore they hire a professional to take care of all their event needs. Using a planning professional eliminates the stress of booking and organizing. There are so many event planners out there to help arrange a couples dream wedding, a bar mitzvah, a reunion or any other milestone occasion. By providing your clients with their own website dedicated solely to their event, you are offering them something new and differentiating yourself. This will get clients to choose your service over that of your competitors.

Here are 6 reasons and advantages of having a website for each of your client's events:

1. Easier to manage and stay organized

As a planner, the key to being successful while having to plan numerous events simultaneously, is to stay organized. Nowadays, building a website is so easy to do and you can use similar website layouts for multiple events. No longer will you have to run from one client to another carrying books and writing everything down as all information can be easily integrated onto the website.

2. Convenience

By having a website specific for each clients event, everything pertaining to the particular client is in one place - on the website. You just simply have to type in the domain name created for that event, and all the information is right in front of you. This is convenient for both you and the client, as information can be easily collected, updated and disseminated. From the website, you can see the how things are progressing, what still needs to be done, and whether or not you are keeping to the predetermined budget.

3. Save time and money

You no longer have to worry about mailing and printing costs as invitations, RSVPs and thank you notes can all be sent online. You can reduce your marketing costs by promoting your event by connecting your social networking sites with your event website for everyone to see.

4. Differentiate yourself

Clients will choose a service provider that offers them something new and unique to simplify their lives. Developing a website for each of your clients events is a means to differentiate yourself from competitors and increase the scope of your business. Utilizing a website is an advantageous and attractive addition for you and your clients.

5. Increase breadth of services offered

If you are planning a corporate or fundraising event, you can offer the client an event website with integrated e-commerce and fundraising elements, such as online registration and online donation acceptance. This will allow you to tap into a brand new market as it will greatly appeal to those arranging corporate events and fundraisers. This can essentially change your whole business as you can now provide additional services and solutions to existing and new clients.

6. Make more money

By offering the ability to take care of absolutely everything related to your clients event - from planning, booking, decorating, invitations, and online fundraising - is an added value. Not only will this bring in more clients, but also higher profit as you can charge more for the additional services being provided.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Are Project Management Skills Required at Event Management?


It does not matter what size an event you will be conducting it needs to be managed. Of course, a bigger event will have a larger need for event management to make sure nothing is forgotten.

Events are conducted at schools, businesses and other locations that might need to have a little more preparation. A bigger event could mean it is a good idea to contact an event management company to make sure it is organized and professional. Still there are some elements that could be done to help save money and prevent the need of a professional event management company.

Do you want to plan a big dinner, awards program, conference, fancy party or fundraising event? You could decide to have the professionals take care of it. You want to find a reputable group with a proven track record. If you are working with a company they might have a group they have done business with in the past. Otherwise, do some research by talking to colleagues and even friends, for example. Sometimes when working with a group you might tell them what you want and they do it. Other times you will be involved throughout the process. Remember to not just consider the company, but the employee record as well that will be assisting you. Do they serve their clients properly and really help with the event management?

Even though working with professionals has the best chance of event success there are ways to save money. If the event management group is taking charge of the entire event it will get expense. You might decide to take on the event management yourself. This might work out if you are experienced and if it is a small affair. You might decide to hire event management groups for a few of the elements for the event. This could save money and also ensure that the event is well organized and professional. Suggestions are for a DJ, flowers and catering with a wait service. Get quotes before deciding on your plan for this.

Using an event management company or doing the organization yourself all depends on what you want. Remember to set a budget and get a count of how many will be attending. It is also a fantastic idea to have a plan to implement if the original falls through. Either approach will produce a wonderful event if all the elements are remembered and organized. It can even be fun to plan an event.

Finding Event Management Jobs


Various event management jobs employ approximately 57,000 professionals throughout the US. Employment for event planning is available in different industries such as religious organizations, non-profits, or government agencies. 14% of all event management careers are in the hotel industry. Roughly 6% of professional event planners work as independent contractors, and the remaining ones work for educational institutions or independent event planning agencies. Event planning is also a popular career option throughout the UK.

Event planning affords the opportunity to work in a wide variety of areas. Professional event planners on both sides of the pond typically stage large scale events such as:

* Industry trade shows

* Music festivals

* Conferences

* Product launch events

* Charity fundraising events

Event Management Salaries

The average event planner's salary is around $45,000 per year on average. Some planners with several years of industry experience can earn up to $75,000 with some hard work and dedication. These specific salary figures are comparable for both the US and the UK. Some supervisory event planning jobs can have slightly higher salaries in some cases. Common college or university degrees that can be helpful for event planning include:

* Public relations

* Business communications

* Hotel management

Some event managers enter this career field from other unrelated areas or even without a formal college education. They can usually gain the needed experience on the job and while learning from more experienced planners. Good speaking and writing skills are especially helpful for event planning as well. Event management professionals also need to be able to work in busy, fast-paced environments and interact with many different people. Prior supervisory or management experience can also be a plus. Common entry level positions for these types of event planners include assistants and sale representatives. These jobs often come with basic responsibilities, although they can be valuable experiences for learning about this industry from the ground up. As with many types of career areas, building a good network of contacts can be helpful for future employment.

Applying for an Event Management Job

Event management jobs are often fairly easy to obtain with prior experience and references. A college degree in a related field is usually helpful in many cases. Many event planners gain their first practical experience with school internships. A good event planning resume includes information such as the names of past events and data measuring the numbers of attendees from one year to the next. Increases in attendance are particularly good indicators of a seasoned professional. Aspiring event planners without formal career experience can often create effective resumes by listing their past job positions and describing how this experience is relevant for event planning. Recommendations from past supervisors are also indications of a strong candidate for an event planning job position.

9 Benefits To Outsourcing Your Small Business


Have you ever asked yourself "If I could start over again, I would... ?" It's like the saying "If I knew then what I know now" kind of thinking.

I can tell you, through my own experience, If I could start over again, I would outsource, plain and simple. It was not fun doing it alone and it certainly took up a lot of my time. While I did learn a lot and can use my new skills to help others, I realized you can't be an expert at everything. That's when I realized the need for outsourcing.

When I first got started, I spent the first year learning everything and spending hours upon hours learning how to do all the techy stuff like, how to set up my blog, my Facebook, my Twitter, email marketing, and everything else that goes with setting the foundation for your solo biz. I spent so much time on the technical aspects of the business that the overwhelm took over and the confidence and enthusiasm started to fade.

Lesson learned.. I don't have to do it alone, I can get help through outsourcing.

I started to realize there are so many benefits to outsourcing so I put together these 9 Benefits to outsourcing for the solopreneur and small biz owners. Many newbies or established business owners don't recognize these benefits can really help them move forward in their businesses.

9 Benefits to Outsourcing Your Small Business

O = Opportunity to collaborate. This is where you can find experts for the techy part of your business that you don't have time to learn or you don't have time to do it.

U = Understanding You Can't Do It All. Solopreneurs can't do it all so outsourcing helps you find the experts so you can concentrate on doing what you love to do.

T = Team - Yes, now you can work as a team. Just like working any job, there are always people who concentrate on what they do best while others do what they do best.

S = Solutions - This is a perfect opportunity to find solutions. We all want to find solutions to our daily struggles.

O = Opportunity to Organize your thoughts and your biz plan. When you hire someone to help you, the two of you can brainstorm to move you forward.

U = Unload some of the busy work to an expert. It takes so much time to do it all. Let others help you.

R = Release the stress of doing it all by hiring a virtual assistant.

C = Concentrate on other areas of your business while your assistant is doing the things you don't have time to do.

E = Event Planning and Speaking arrangements can build your biz and hiring an event planner can help you find locations, fees and get you the information you need for your event.

Even though you are a solopreneur, you don't have to do it alone. Why not hire the experts to help you get more time, more clients and more money in your pocket while outsourcing those tasks that take up to much of your time?

Service Advice to Hire Best Event Planner For Event Planning Services


Do you want to throw a birthday party or an anniversary celebration? Perhaps you'd like to organize a fund raiser but don't know how to go about it? You may have ideas brimming over you and now spilling through your ears. Grab a piece of paper and pencil and get your thoughts organized. There are quite a number of questions you will need to answer and once you've jotted those questions down, you'll start to realize that perhaps you might need a little extra boost in throwing your party or getting your event together.

Some of these questions will range from how many guests are coming, to the type of paper to use for the invitations you need to send out, to what kind of canapés you ought to serve. Then there are also more detailed items to turn your attention to like whether your event needs a host or master of ceremony, the sound system provider, chairs and tables, etc. Now you're beginning to realize that maybe there's more to events than just the main costume theme or event title. There are countless other things that go unseen by the guests but are essential for the event to be successful.

There is a question of getting in contact with suppliers and owners or managers of the chosen venue. If your event requires catering, your planner will also be the one getting in touch with the catering service and staff and making sure that they can get a team together for your little shindig. If you're trying to convince yourself that you can take on all these responsibilities just to save some money on hiring a professional planner, then you're in for quite a rollercoaster ride. It's difficult being both the host and organizer of any event?especially if it is on a corporate scale. Events like galas, charity balls, exhibits, etc are best left to the pros because if you are the host, you will need to keep yourself as stress-free as possible so as to enable you to entertain your guests and still look and be at your best. Taking on the responsibility of an event planner will leave you frazzled and haggard, stealing time away from you that could be spent talking to your more important guests and making essential network connections among your guests. You want to avoid a scenario where the head honcho of a certain corporation you have been trying to get acquainted with comes over to talk but you end up excusing yourself in order to find out why on earth the salmon and lemon dill cucumber tea sandwiches weren't served on time to your slightly famished guests.

Unless you're throwing a Super-Bowl-Sunday event at your home, or a Grey's Anatomy 5- season DVD marathon in your apartment where the only gastronomic menu desired is nothing short of a bag of chips or a bowl of popcorn and some canned drinks, it is good to hire best event planner in putting your event planning services together because you will want your occasion to come out smooth, organized and polished.

It's Party Time - VIP Style on a Luxury Coach


Have you noticed the difference in the way people celebrate an event or 'party' now, compared to how they celebrated parties, occasions and events twenty or thirty years ago.

Then, you would be more likely to have a party at someone's home where the hostess would prepare food and refreshments, or you might book a restaurant for a group of friends or even book a house at the beach and take a group of friends with you.

Lots of fun and lots of work....not any more.

Partying today is designed so you can have all the fun while someone else does all the work.

When you think about celebrating or partying these days - luxury party buses are the way to go, guaranteed fun and a great time is guaranteed for everyone.

All that is required from you is deciding on the date, the number of people you want in your party, the style of luxury coach you desire, where you want to go and that's it! Jump aboard the party bus where everything is supplied for you and the only thing you need you have to think about is having fun and partying!

People of all ages are using luxury party buses and getting together in this way for all sorts of fun and festivities:

• Christmas functions
• school balls
• corporate events
• board meetings on the go
• out of town travel
• girls' hens night
• guys' stag night
• birthdays
• anniversaries
• wedding parties
• pub crawls
• or just a bunch of friends getting together to have a jolly good time

In fact, you don't even need an event or an excuse to have a luxury transport experience.

Luxury coaches or party buses offer a fantastic alternative to the traditional party at home. All the details are taken care of, you have a dedicated driver, no mess to clean up afterwards and the sound system is always top of the line.

Luxury coaches are fully equipped with laser lights, dance floor, bar and much more to guarantee a fun time.

All you have to think about is having a good time with your friends.

Having a party this way is a great way to make a statement. It gives you the opportunity to impress your friends when you have a special event coming up.

Most luxury party buses have several options and cater for different needs and numbers - some can even seat 32 people in luxurious lounge seating comfort.

The crews on luxury party buses are generally trained to the highest standards, have loads of experience on how to have a great time and will even put together a pub crawl route designed especially by you.

The drivers should be of the highest calibre and possess all the right qualifications to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the entire journey. They know the right places to go and you can bet they will give you an experience to remember that your friends will be talking about for a long time afterward.

Choose the Best Countryside Restaurants for Your Corporate Events


The region of East Anglia is the perfect place for your corporate events. Restaurants in Norwich, Norfolk and Beccles, Suffolk offer world-class services and meals. These places will delight the senses of your business partners and other distinguished guests.

There are many reasons you should hold your next event in East Anglia. Take note of these when you're looking for restaurants in Norwich or Beccles, Suffolk.

The region's proximity from major locations in England is convenient. Your guests from London, Cambridgeshire and Essex can arrive in Norfolk and Suffolk via road, rail or air travel. Traveling to and from the area is possible in just a short span of time.

One way is to hire a coach to drive you all the way to your event location. Your guests can also take the National Express train to East Anglia. The hotel concierge can make travel arrangements on their behalf. Alternatively, they may go directly to coach hire websites to reserve a coach or the National Express' official website to for train tickets. Land travel also does not take too long. Driving from London to Suffolk, for instance, only takes an hour and a half.

There are two airports that accommodate people flying in and out of East Anglia. Norwich International Airport is located right in the heart of Norfolk, while the London Stansted Airport is situated in nearby Uttlesford, Essex. Those who want to get to their destination faster should always go with an airline. Stansted welcomes Ryanair and Easyjet flights, while NIA caters to Flybe carriers.

East Anglia features a range of corporate events packages. The eastern part of England is growing more popular as an events destination. People choose Norfolk and Suffolk for weddings, corporate events and other affairs. This is the reason restaurants in Norwich and Beccles provide events packages matching every budget and event requirement.

You can choose a simple buffet dinner package for conferences or an elaborate sit-down dinner for executive meetings. There is a wide selection of cuisines to choose from, as the region of East Anglia is rich in fresh produce. Make sure to taste each restaurant's offerings before you decide which one suits your event. Talk to each restaurant about other arrangements you may need, such as audio-visual aid or perhaps even a DJ. They will be able to provide all these things and more for a much lower price than that of Essex or London.

You can buy unique items for your souvenir basket in these East Anglia provinces. Get fresh produce from local farmers' markets and include these in your gift basket. Both Norfolk and Suffolk create quality regional wines and beers you can include as thank you gifts. You may alternatively choose natural concoctions for the skin or aromatherapy products that relax your visitors. You can also find farm products such as sheepskin gloves and wool scarves that make charming souvenirs. The choice is yours.

Norfolk and Suffolk offer wonderful views. Inland, these counties offer scenic views of farms as well as old English churches and historical buildings. Near the coast, your guests will see wonderful views of the North Sea. There is a wide array of elegant, breathtaking and relaxing locations to choose from this side of the country. You'll create an event that your guests will remember and talk about for days on end.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Benefits of Using Corporate Hospitality Packages


More than ever it is important for businesses to be offering the best service to their clients and ensuring that their needs are being met so they stay loyal customers. The increasing use of electronic communication benefits business with efficiency gains but can be detrimental with the interaction with clients. We all need to hold onto and look after our customers and one of the best ways to obtain quality time with valuable clients as well as potential clients and top performing employees is to take them to an exclusive or very popular event such as a high profile sporting event demonstrating to them how much you value them. The best way to spend time at an event is going with a corporate package, for many reasons.

Firstly by doing it in style and creating a special occasion people will remember it for years to come and will certainly show how much you value them by going that bit further than buying tickets to the event. Taking employees and clients here will pay you dividends in the future as it will encourage loyalty and continue bringing in valuable income.

Using hospitality facilities will provide you with space to spend time with valuable clients and those contacts that you want to convert into customers. Having that prime location at the event gives you a huge benefit over sitting in a crowded and noisy stadium. It is a much better suited environment to enjoy the event while talking business too.

Going with a hospitality package can often give you the opportunity to network as other companies will be sharing the facilities with their clients. You can find valuable clients and contacts this way.

If you run a sales team you can use these types of events as a motivational tool or reward your best performing employees as well as attract other highly competent people to your organisation. The initial cost of paying for a hospitality package will be repaid plus more with extra sales for your company.

Finally with these economic times it is important to offer the best service and have a competitive edge over the competition in order to win valuable business. Using corporate hospitality will certainly do that.

Personally I prefer motor racing to any other sport and have had recommendations for THG Worldwide for their packages they offer at the Formula 1 events.

How to Avoid the Common Mistakes of Event Planning


If you are planning an event, you will inevitably need to hire entertainment of some form, be it a DJ, band or jukebox. I want to start this article by relating a story that shows exactly what not to do when looking for a DJ hire company.

A local sports club decided, fairly late, that they needed entertainment for their New Year's party for the end of 2009. Having left the decision too late and not leaving enough time to check up on the potential entertainment options, they decided to go with a local DJ having heard about him from a club member's teenage son. After a short telephone conversation with the DJ, the person in charge of organizing the event made a deposit for the full amount of the DJ's services to his bank account.

Having checked off the entertainment part of the New Year's party, the organizing committee went ahead and finalized every detail of the event including catering and advertising. On the evening of the 31st the DJ did not show up and to cut a long story short the club lost a great deal of money and also good will from members who supported them by buying tickets for the event.

So what did the club's organizing committee do wrong? Firstly, they did not allow themselves enough time to organize the occasion. One of the most important things to do is to ensure that you allow enough time for your event organizing task. You need time to get at least three quotes for every aspect of your party, from catering through to entertainment. The club in question did not have the time to research entertainment companies and therefore took the first option that crossed their paths.

Secondly the DJ or DJ hire company that you decide on for the entertainment of your guests should be a business or at the very least a professional person. Not only will a professional DJ or DJ company have the best equipment, but they will also have a reputation to uphold. Our mentioned club never even enquired if the so-called DJ had equipment, but they also hired him without checking his reputation with past clients.

Lastly a professional DJ company will have some sort of a service contract that needs to be agreed upon before money is paid. The purpose of the contract is to protect the rights of both parties, and is an essential for any professional company. In the case of our sports club, they paid a deposit without a service contract and subsequently lost that deposit as well as any other money that the spent on the disastrous event.

In conclusion, the above scenario can and should be avoided at all costs. There is a basic rule of thumb when dealing with any service provider including DJ hire companies - always do your due diligence and contact some previous clients of the prospective company. This will ensure that you get the service that you pay for.

Free Corporate Team Building Activities - Ideas and Games for Events


People work together oblivious to the person they are sitting next to. Thus, organizations can promote healthy work relationships with corporate team building activities for. Staff picnics and parties work magic for the teams to get friendly with each other and games help form teams to build a connection the best.

Survey Says

No matter how different people may be, there would be some things that would be typical like common interest for a book or a cuisine. To make out the familiarity, try playing Survey Says where the host asks each member five questions about something. It could be a show or movie or band or something everyone is familiar with. Many of the things would be common among the staff and they'd realize how similar their choices are.

Back to Back Drawing

After the initial introductions, members can get directly to the communication exercises to make the teammates talk to each other. Back-to-Back Drawing is one of the games that foster teamwork. While playing this game, the two partners sit with their back to each other. One of them verbally communicates the instructions on how to draw and the other one draws the shape. This exercise requires communicating and interpreting and the role of both the players is equally important. The success of the game depends on how well they do their parts.

Disaster Management

In a corporate office, everyday is a challenge when you have to deal with many problems. Problem-solving is a game where the team is given a problem with some causes. Every employee has to think of solutions that are creative and unusual. This activity will acknowledge the creativity and sensibility of the co-workers.

When planning an event for a team, be specific about the goals. A day of fun would be nice for the office environment but it must also unite them as a group. However, if these exercises are too competitive, they would just add fuel to the fire. Organizing these events regularly would be more effective in making them feel like a team and help achieve better results.

Organising a Corporate Treasure Hunt for Your Staff: What's In It for You?


When it comes to spending money on a fun incentive day for your staff, the main aim you probably have in mind is making sure that your employees feel valued and have a lot of fun. But there are also a lot of benefits for you as the boss.

Sure, fun is part of it, but you can have fun at an office party. With well-planned incentive day activities, such as corporate treasure hunts, you get so much more out of it than just fun.

Here are a few of the things that you can expect to benefit from when you organise an incentive day.

Motivated Staff

Incentive days for staff in the form of treasure hunts are the ideal way to keep staff motivated. There is nothing boring about a treasure hunt, and you'll be providing them with something that they can really look forward to.

This is the ultimate way to reward them for hard work and to let them know that their work does not go unnoticed, and they will get back to the office ready to go and up for the challenge.

Staff Working Together

A corporate day out is the ideal way to iron out any communication problems between staff and improve relations. No office can function properly unless all of the staff are able to communicate well, and after a successful incentive day they will get back to the office as a real team, using what they learn out in the field to improve how the team works back in the office.

Boost Creativity and Problem Solving

Corporate treasure hunts are based around problem solving and coming up with creative solutions to problems. By focusing on an activity which rewards them for coming up with innovative solutions to problems, you can try to encourage the same behaviour back in the office.

Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

A corporate treasure hunt will test talents and possibly uncover hidden potential. Some people can excel in such situations who might not have proven themselves back at work, and you can use this by trying to incorporate such skills back in the office.

You can also use it to work out where your team needs improvement and you can then devise ways to work on this later on.

Take Advantage of All the Benefits

If you want motivated staff, teams who work well together and improved communication then a corporate treasure hunt could be ideal for you. There are lots of different treasure hunts now available for all budgets, so treat your staff to a fun day out and take advantage of all the excellent benefits that it will provide.

Computer Kiosk - The Cool Interactive Technology Tool


A computer kiosk rental is a stand-alone PC that contains a locked integrated housing unit. This type of terminal usually contains a monitor and keyboard or pointing device, unless it is touch-screen operated.

A computer kiosk is designed to be a "self-service" unit. This means users do not have to know anything about the computer itself or the applications that run on it. The event meeting services organization should make certain that all applications on the computer kiosk are highly intuitive. The best way to test this is to have someone who is afraid or unfamiliar with computers try out the various applications.

A number of kiosk rentals could be placed in a variety of locations throughout a large conference or event. Many touch panel kiosks could be running the same application, but a few may be running different applications. The main intention of utilizing a computer kiosk is to allow for more fluid movement of the attendees and to allow the conference services organization to employ fewer employees to manage the event.

Here are some great applications for kiosk rentals at your next event or conference: a welcome message, information about the agenda, speakers, and/or Conference Room directions, short videos on speakers, launches, and/or entertainment, check-in to event for those pre-registered, walk-in self-registration with credit card, "Who to Call" for support or questions, or a photo booth.

Kiosks can also provide neighborhood maps with the following information: local restaurant listings, entertainment, and walking or running paths.

When departing the event, use a kiosk for check-out with a survey, or to provide Internet access for flight information, weather, or traffic updates.

Consider contacting a meeting services company when you are thinking of computer kiosks or any interactive technology tool rentals. Their technology experts can recommend the best touch panel kiosk for your next conference or event.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Organise Conferences With Ease Using Event Management Software


Organising a conference can be a daunting and time consuming exercise. Whether it's a small one day event for 20 delegates or a huge three day event in Earls Court, the general process and common problems are the same.

So what are the stages of planning a conference?

  1. Booking a venue

  2. Sending invites to a targeted list of prospect delegates

  3. Organising and booking all the resources, such as catering, collateral printing, promotional items, A&V etc

  4. Dealing with presenters and guest speakers

  5. Taking registrations

  6. Taking payment

  7. Sending reminder emails to delegates

  8. Printing badges

  9. Organising staff on the day

  10. Managing the budget throughout

This is an extremely basic and simplified list to indicate the general check list event managers must consider. This process can start from 6 months before an event or even as long as 12-18 months before for really large, national events. Managing all these steps can be extremely complicated and it can be very easy for event managers to make major mistakes.

To avoid costly errors, and to ensure conferences are organised in an efficient manner, many event professionals are looking to employ the use of an event management software solution. These solutions have the tools and capabilities to manage and track activities throughout the whole of the event and conference planning process, as well as the activities carried out as part of the event follow up (such as post event surveys and the creation of reports for intelligent analysis).

Taking the above steps in planning an event, here is how an event software solution can help:

1. Booking a venue

Control to an event manager is key; whether it's a meeting/conference room in your own office or a larger external venue, event software can help by ensuring the allocation has been made and that payment has been taken. For more complex conferences which require multiple rooms across multiple days, event solutions include a comprehensive planning, resource and scheduling venue software tool. A highly configurable and fully customisable function sheet and a multiple calendar feature which will give you the ability to manage your resources and venue from one central and flexible application. This helps to simplify the normally complex process of booking and managing the venue.

2. Sending invites to a targeted list of prospects

The event manager may know the exact number and names of the delegates they are targeting or in some cases they might have been told to invite a certain demographic (based on relationship, job title, location etc). Managing the selection of delegates to invite is made easy with event software, since it is able to be integrated their CRM package. Meaning that all corporate records and data can be accessed easily and records automatically updated, so others looking at that record will know that the contact have been invited and whether or not they have registered and paid.

Event software also comes with sophisticated email marketing tools. Event managers are able to easily build and filter a selection of targeted delegates from their CRM and put these into a custom-made, HTML email which can be sent out. From the event management software platform, event managers will be able to track opens, clicks and other recipient activity.

3. Resource management

Event software will come with a Resource Management Module which is where event managers can track and control all the resources needed to manage an event. External suppliers can be given access to this module so that they can keep track themselves, rather than dealing with the event manager directly. For example, caterers can be given access so they can easily see current, up-to-date information on delegate numbers and any specific dietary requirements. Giving them direct access to this module in the event software means that event managers can deal with one less person and one less phonecall! Mistakes are also reduced since a layer of communication has been removed.

Resource modules also contain multiple and powerful calendars enabling conference managers to manage numerous resources on these various calendars; this is all accessible from one central location ensuring all updates/amendments/additions are recorded in real time. From the information collated through this Resource Module, event mangers can run bespoke reports providing details such as the number of pods available, number of brochures etc. Event managers will no longer have to juggle multiple spreadsheets across multiple calendars which will ensure fewer errors.

4. Dealing with presenters and guest speakers

Event software can also manage this process. Emails can be scheduled automatically to remind guest speakers about the event and to request certain information such as a bio for the marketing collateral and presentation slides for delegates. Speakers can also be given direct access to the Resource Management Module, where they can manage and update their own profile, and upload materials and other items. Again, this takes away the involvement of the event manager, freeing them up to work on more strategic activities.

5. Taking registrations

A convenient way to take registrations is online. This suits both delegates and event managers. It is a fast, effective method and is increasingly becoming the standard method of event registration. But there are good and bad ways of taking registrations online. Ideally event managers should want to direct prospect delegates to their own website, where a specially created page, with the branding of the company and the event have been included. Taking registrations on your own website plays an important part in increasing delegate sign up rates - delegates will be more trusting and more likely to sign up if it's on the same site, whereas taking them to an external site may cause trust issues. It's also important to be able to amend the information requested at the point of registration. Some events will just require a name, telephone number and email address, whereas others may require more detailed information. Event software can easily handle these changes.

6. Taking payment

Having a registration and payment process that is easy, straightforward and efficient is vitally important if event managers want to ensure a high level of delegate attendance. Event software gives event managers the ability to take payments online, via a secure web portal - giving delegates an easy, trustworthy method of payment. Since the event management software can be integrated with the back end finance application, payment can be easily accepted, records updated and receipts sent out automatically, without any intervention from the event manager or accounts payable staff. If payment isn't taken online, the event software can automatically sent out invoices to the delegate. For an even smoother payment transaction event solutions will include connectors allowing seamless integration with your internal finance system.

7. Sending reminders to delegates

The email marketing tool included in the event software can have emails created which can scheduled to automatically be sent to all delegates. These can be reminder emails, or emails with updates or event amendments. They can be created in advance and then forgotten about as the event software will manage the rest.

8. Printing badges

The production of delegate name badges is a small part of hosting a conference, but is one that can be extremely time consuming for event managers and can cause real issues on the day of the conference if any mistakes have been made. Event software packages will come with easy to use, effective badge production tools. Not only will the creation of custom badges be easier, but the section of delegate names will be done automatically since the event software will be integrated with the CRM - so it'll know exactly what names and details to print.

9. Organising staff on the day

The effective Resource Management Module enables all staff to be accurately managed - it will be easy for event managers to delegate activities to individuals and log it in this Resource Module. Staff can access this module anytime and from any location (via the Internet) so they will always be aware of what their responsibilities are and where they need to be.

10. Managing the budget throughout

Event software is an excellent tool for managing finances and budget. All costs can be taken via the integration with the finance system. These can then be easily tracked and monitored, with alerts to warn the event manager if there are any issues or if costs are rising fast. Reports can be instantly created, with a click of a button - useful for event update meetings and if event managers need to compile any statistics for senior management.

So we can see how event software can revolutionise the stages of planning a conference. Without event management software, a lot of these tasks would be manually created, tracked and organised via huge spreadsheets. There would be high chances of errors and mistakes and the whole process would be time consuming, stressful and ineffective for the conference manager and those associated with the event.

Minibus for Corporate Events


You will often see minibuses hired for corporate events. You yourself have probably been carried in one as part of a corporate event. They are a great transportation solution to having a large, or small, number of people all gathered at one central location and needing to drive them to various places.

Most often during a corporate event, all participating will be staying at a hotel which might be away from the place where the seminar or meeting is being held. It is easy to have a minibus pick up everybody and take them to the place where the meeting or seminar is being held and not only have everybody arrive together, but also everybody to arrive at the same time. This way time doesn't have to be wasted waiting for latecomers.

Minibus drivers are always professional and personable. Most importantly, they always have the latest GPS equipment and traffic updates and know exactly what routes to take to get you where you're going on time. They are dependable and efficient and this is exactly what is required of them. They are the biggest reason why you will use the company's service again.

Very often corporate events have team building exercises, activities designed at getting the employees to build communication and trust and partnership with each other. Having them all transported around on a minibus is a great way to do this -- it is a small environment where people are going to have to talk and where people will feel comfortable talking. Jokes are going to be made, relationships will become more natural and relaxed and it's a good way to have employees get used to conversing with each other.

A minibus for a corporate event is a great transportation solution and valuable for the aim of the event.