The True Value of Strategic Planning

Strategic planning using a goals based process focuses the organization on its mission and vision, it offers a mechanism to establish goals, and strategies combined with realistic action plans while adhering to the company's values in all decision making.

A focused approach and communication of goals does help organizations move forward, however, one of the biggest values of strategic planning is buy-in and support of that the approach. Strategic planning can be a great team building exercise. It offers the opportunity to let everyone in the organization know that their thoughts and opinions are being considered. It lets everyone know they belong.

Another valuable result that you can achieve from a focused approach is agreement on how to maximize the organization's resources and the in-depth understanding of the factors that affect those resources should conditions and situations change.
How do you start?

Decide who will facilitate the process. It can be done internally, however many companies choose to bring in an outside consultant who can offer expertise and objectivity, which increases the likelihood that the plan will be one resulting from open participation. Regardless of how objective internal experts want to be, they cannot help but see the world through their filtered lenses that are influenced by their intimate experiences and personal motivation for and with the company.

Decide who will participate in the process. Participation can be at different levels through the meetings, outside conversations, questionnaires or contributing research. It can also be less formal gathering of information. Ultimately, you would like each employee to feel they participated in some way. It is incumbent on all levels of management to make that happen through great communication.

The size of the organization influences the time it takes to plan. Meetings should be spaced far enough apart to allow for further information gathering, but close enough to keep the momentum and memory of previous meetings from fading.

A complaint about strategic planning is that it produces a document that takes a large amount of focused effort and then collects dust on a shelf. This is a problem of implementation and most often arises from lack of buy-in from the staff and poor communication of the plan. It also can be related to a lack of skill of the executives, managers and front line supervisors in understanding the power of managing through goal setting and how that ultimately impacts the attainment of goals. Clearly, the involvement and support of top management is crucial. Realistic and specific action plans should be established and adhered to. This is not only true for those at the senior level, but also at each level of the organization. Ultimately each individual should know how what they do every day influences the organization's success. Often this includes regularly scheduled status checks that confirm adherence and progress of the plan at all levels, as well as identification of the obstacles to moving forward and solutions to overcome those obstacles.

An implemented focused plan can greatly improve your business results and assure success.

Combining Catering And Event Planning Services For Greater Success

As the host of an event, you have many options for planning and securing the arrangements for your personal or corporate function. These range from simple consultations to fully managed special events in Florida and corporate events. But as experience has shown, the best success is enjoyed when one service is combined with another, so that the end result is a seamless, smooth, cohesive event that goes off without a hitch.

It's All In The Food-And Delivery

As much as you would like to think your event-its purpose and message-rules the day on its own, this simply is not true. In addition to being a part of your event, your guests and participants expect to be entertained and satisfied (and we all know that means fed, even if your buffet is a simple matter of refreshments and hors d'oeuvres).

Choosing a menu that will fulfill both your expectations and the expectations of the people at your event is elemental to the impression that your event will make, and integral to its success. However, choosing a catering company is not just about choosing what kind of food you eat. It is also about

* Choosing a catering company with a reputation for excellence

* Choosing a catering service that is committed to quality

* Choosing a caterer that has a steady track-record of success and client satisfaction

* Choosing a catering company for events that offers a menu befitting of your event, its theme, and your culinary interests-with enough diversity to satisfy the tastes of all your guests

But of course, being able to produce great food is not enough. You also need to hire a caterer who

* Is capable of catering for your size group (whether it is large or small-you do not need a caterer who provides too much or too little of a good thing)

* Can work within your event budget

* Is capable of working with serving, waiting, support, and event staff

* Is flexible and open to changes (to a practical extent) to meet the needs of your Florida event

Stressful and frustrating are two words that come to mind when one thinks about all that really needs to go into choosing and managing a caterer for an event. Both can be eliminated with your event planning insurance policy.

Your Catering Insurance Policy: Your Event Planner

A select group of professionals are experts at choosing a caterer for an event, at assisting menu design, and at managing event catering from the planning to delivery stages. That group? Professional event planners.

A good event planner will come with

* Knowledge of local catering options for events

* Experience doing business with a variety of caterers

* Management skills to ensure top-notch catering service delivery

* Speed and efficiency-with the worst weeded out of the realm of possibility, only the best catering services will be offered to you (yet still firmly within budget and need)

* Budgetary management skills to help fit the cost of this important element into the overall event

* The time to dedicate to your event, and the attention to excellence in customer service

Given the partnerships that experienced event planners have built with local catering services, the skill of budget and negotiation, the experience selecting the right menu to match the right theme and event, and the dedication to the success of their clients, event planners are the best resource for catering and event planning. With the right event and destination planner, yours will be a raging success of a day, in just the way you want it to be.

Things to Consider When Planning an Event

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

Type of event

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

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

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

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

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

Theme of event

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

Location

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

Number of participants

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

Age and interests of participants

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

Dietary requirements

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

Pre-event drinks/appetizers

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

Event Planning Software: A Beginner's Guide to To-Do Lists

Just the fact that you need event planning software uncovers you have a lot to do. Since you have a lot to do, wisely, you will create to-do lists. This should be more of a reminder more than something new. That's OK. We need reminders every now and then.

This may be old hat to some but just in case you haven't thought much of this, here are a few benefits of to-do lists:

Trains you mind to focus/refocus. We live hectic lives and things can easily get out of control but if you keep a to-do list you can get yourself back on track quickly.

Indicate your productivity. On any given day your to-do list will show you how efficiently you are completing tasks.

Helps you remember what needs to be done. We have all forgotten something we've needed to do. When you write your tasks down on a to-do list, you don't have to rely on your mind to hold it all together. As you and I both know, the "all" is getting bigger everyday.

Your event planning software should allow you to create to-do list categories so that you can segment them based on any criteria that you wish. Each to-do list category in your event planning software should give you a monthly view of your to-do lists. You should be able to make customizable lists that are free form for maximum flexibility.

In conclusion, to-do list find their place in the group of essentials for event planning software. It is good to be reminded of some of the benefits of to-do list so that their incorporation into your use doesn't get overlooked. Monthly views of to-do lists are a good idea and you should be able to create multiple to-do list categories in your event planning software. This concludes this 4 part series on "event planning software: a beginner's guide."

(c) Copyright 2005 Olan Butler All Rights Reserved

Top 9 Tips to Make Your Next Event Successful

Planning a successful event is a daunting task. As an event planner, you need to take care of a lot of things, including all the back-office and administrative workload well in advance to avoid the last-minute glitches. Moreover, you need to appoint staffs accordingly, so that they can help you plan an effective program. Hence, an increasing number of event organizers are looking for a highly effective and functional way to streamline the planning process. The online event registration system offers the same, thus making it one of the most sought-after solutions among the organizers. Here are the top 9 tips for planning a successful event.

1. The event organizer should have a clear understanding of the purpose of your event. Be it a corporate one or a social gathering, such as birthdays and anniversaries, a fair knowledge about the program helps you plan it accordingly and anticipate the outcome as well.

2. Setting realistic goal for your event is extremely important for its success. For social events, there are no such specific goals; however, when it comes to corporate events or fundraisers, you need to set some specific targets to make it successful. For setting your goals, you need to consider how many people you expect to attend your events. Be realistic while calculating the expected turn out, as it allows you to plan a winning event.

3. Setting a specific event budget can help you eliminate the financial discrepancies cropping up in the final stage. Hence, you should do this on a priority basis. Create a chart calculating all the potential expenses involved. According to that, you can decide how much you are willing to spend. All the more, you also need to decide how much revenue you can feasibly earn from your registrations.

4. Selecting the date of your event plays a significant role behind its success. Check out if there is any important event scheduled on the same date. If it is so, then it is better to avoid that date.

5. You need to check out all the available options. You can choose local clubs, banquets or public places to hold your event. It is better to visit the site in person before selecting it. While considering a venue, you need to keep several things in mind:

- Capacity of the room
- Lighting and electrical supply
- Parking features
- Phone hook-ups
- Computer and internet access
- Price of renting the venue

6. Start planning from months before, so that you are perfectly ready to execute your plan on the scheduled date. It is better to set up a project timeline with specific tasks that must be accomplished within specific dates.

7. Make a list of the vendors you will need to work with. Working with local vendors can help you reduce your expenses. The vendors, who are going to support you plan your event includes caterers, florists, photographers, printers, registration assistants, audio-visual suppliers, and so on.

8. In case you need any special licenses or permits to host your event, try to get it as soon as possible.

9. Check out your public relations network carefully, as your PR skills are going to play the main role in making your event successful. You need to decide how to publicize your event. Are you going to the local card shop to get pre-printed invitations, or, do you need to develop a promotional brochure for mailing your potential attendees?

Use these tips to plan your next event successfully.

Corporate Event Planning

Corporate events can be held on a large scale or may be a small time affair, it may be formal or informal, and can be exclusive or open to the public. Corporate events are organised to attain a wide range of objectives. The main goal of an event may be entirely social or celebratory and can also have serious implications on the business prospects of the host. Such events generally are hosted to rejuvenate a corporation and to build relationships with the key players in business. They are also a great way to celebrate a company's accomplishments, promote team building among employees and guarantee an outstanding evening for your guests.

However, without good planning an event may have very little likelihood of success even if the objective of the event is in place. Proper planning is very important for the success of any corporate event such as a corporate party, trade show, a retirement party, a promotion party, an annual office picnic, employee recognition dinner, a sales meeting, the annual year end party or any other hospitality event for your clients. It involves vigilant planning and coordination of the various aspects of the event.

A corporate event can be well planned by employing the services of a professional or an Event Planning Company. Event planning professionals are exceptionally qualified to handle all areas of organising an event in a number of ways that help in producing a successful event within the budget. They have the expertise to handle all the attributes of special events including the right venue for the event, catering and entertainment among others. Event Planners are well equipped to deal with all the tensions, frustrations and problems that come with planning a special event. They are also well trained to tactfully resolve issues with bothersome third parties, late deliveries, legal documentation and other event services which are critical to the success of any event.

6 Important Questions to Ask About Your Corporate Events Ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event Decor and Special Event Lighting

No matter if it is a wedding, Mitzvah or corporate event, event lighting is a crucial element of event decor. Many times, special event lighting will make or break an event. What I thought I would do is provide you with some event planning ideas for event decor to include on your event planning checklist.

You can create any type of atmosphere using lighting. Special event lighting can be a relatively inexpensive use of event decor and will enable you to turn a tent into a Louisiana bayou or a warehouse into a circus. With special event lighting anything is possible including projecting images onto scrims or walls.

One of the event planning ideas I give to my clients is to project their names with a gobo (metal disc that is used with a Leiko light to project an image) onto a dance floor, wall or ceiling. Using gobos, especially for weddings and mitzvahs, is a fun event decor idea that calls attention to the couple or child being honored at the event.

All you need to do is create a PDF file of the name you want to project. You can also purchase or rent additional generic gobos as well. With one corporate client, I always have on my event planning checklist to rent special event lighting pre-made gobos such holiday bells, reindeer, a Santa or holly leaves.

Another great inexpensive use of lighting is to up-light trees. These trees can be in your backyard; planters that already exist at the event site or greenery you rent for the event and then highlight them with color.

Depending upon your theme and decor, you can use amber, green, blue or pink to name a few colors. Special event lighting using LED lights on the perimeter of your banquet room floor will add color throughout the event with the lights transitioning color from pinks and blues to ambers and greens.

Pin spotting table centerpieces is another one of the event planning ideas I give my clients to add designer lighting to the event. The best way to pin spot tables is to hang the pin spots above the tables; however, if this is not possible, then try to have your pin spots at least 14' high attached to a pole.

The higher the light, the less likely a guest will complain that light is shining in their eyes when they are at the table. Of course, you will need to accommodate for the ceiling height you are working with so be sure you include checking the ceiling height on your event planning checklist and relay this information to your event decor contact or event lighting company.

Finally, another event decor idea using special event lighting is to use lighted tables and bars. Most party rental companies either have these tables and bars in their inventory or can recommend a company that rents event lighting tables with plexi-glass and LED lights.

I hope you found these event planning ideas on special event lighting something you can add to your event planning checklist. Until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, delicious, stylish, fun & economical to all!

7 Tips for Successful Event Planning

Event planning is not an easy task. It requires step-to-step process to be executed perfectly. At times it also becomes stressful. To make it less stressful, seven tips are given below that can help immensely.

1. Planning of event should start as soon as possible. Sooner you start planning, better the results will be. Think carefully before putting any idea in execution. This will help in putting action plan in order. Working out time and money to complete particular event will help. Think about human resources, committee, how much your profit will be, and whether it is viable or not.


2. If you are planning big event then you will need more human resources. In such condition, pull out a team together which can help you complete big event successfully. Once you have action plan and team ready to execute it, half of your work is done.


3. Budget is a very important element in event planning. Cost related to marketing, photocopying, equipments, human resources, and other hire charges should be taken into consideration while deciding on budget.


4. Listing everything will help in order to make your plans work easily. Make lists of everything and anything that you are trying to do in event.


5. Marketing your event is essential if event is targeted to be profit making. Things like targeted audience, flyers and posters, places for marketing, and online marketing are essential tactics for marketing of any event.


6. Venue of the event is crucial. Selection of venue depends on things like date & time, area, disabled access, budget and deposit, tables, seats, and catering facilities.


7. Last but not the list, whether should be considered in event planning because all your plans will go in vain in case of bad weather if you have not taken that into the consideration.

Simple Tips for Effective Baby Shower Planning

A baby shower is a simple yet important event that many first-time mommies should experience before giving birth. Since it has to be a memorable event, there must be a creative and well-organized baby shower planning. In order to do this, there are some important tips that a planner should take note to deliver a wonderful shower for the mom-to-be client.

To start with, it is best advised for the shower planner to have an interview with the client to determine their preferences and to give them idea about the best things that can be done in order to achieve a successful party. Some of the important preferred things that must be finalized are the theme, venue, and the schedule. If the client has not yet decided for the theme of the party, the baby shower planner may show some pictures of previously held parties that can be used as examples. For the schedule of the party, the ideal date is on a Saturday or Sunday that is 2 to 4 weeks before the due of the baby's birth. It is also important in baby shower planning to know the number of people to be invited so that the planner can help the client choose which venue is suitable for the event and determine whether it is available on the chosen schedule.

Upon finalization of those preferences, the focus of the planner can be given to the processing of the invitations to be sent 5 or 6 weeks before the date of the event. An ideal invitation should at least include the date, time, and venue of the event. It should also indicate that it is a baby shower and the design must be related to the theme of the party.

After that, the baby shower planner can start giving attention to the decorations, activities, foods, and party gifts. As a suggestion, it is better to start planning with the food because giving priority to the food budget will significantly help the planner to determine how much should be spent for the other expenses for the party. About the decoration, an effective baby shower planning should involve creativity in making use of various baby stuff such as alphabet blocks, baby pillows, crib and extra-large safety pins as decors. Colorful balloons and rainbows are also good decorations but all of them must be arranged according to the party theme. It is also necessary for the planner to exert effort in organizing the technical aspect such as the sounds and lightings.

There is no standard itinerary for a shower program but the planner should make one that is well-arranged according to the given conditions. An example of a baby shower program itinerary starts with a welcome period, then to the mingle period and some ice breakers and games. The meal is ideally at the middle of the event and at the end, there should be something that will surprise the client by presenting some touching messages and videos or slideshows.

Moreover, an effective baby shower planning is not just about having too much expenses. The main concern should be on how the first-time mommy will be touched by the people around her and be prepared for the upcoming giving birth.

How Does Disaster Recovery Planning Benefit Businesses?

Most companies never experience an event that threatens to put them out of business, but those that do know the value of having a disaster recovery plan in place. Disaster recovery planning involves anticipating what a company needs to survive an event that makes its location uninhabitable, and/or destroys important data that is stored there. In most cases, a plan involves at least four elements:

• Establishing an alternative business location


• Arranging for the delivery and setup of emergency hardware


• Developing an offsite data storage arrangement


• Establishing how the plan would be executed

Although the elements of such a strategy sound simple, selecting the right disaster recovery services provider, gaining support for the initiative, and then passing the initiative can be challenging. With that said, there are several reasons why companies are likely to pass such an initiative, particularly the ones below:

Simplifies decision making when an event occurs

When companies lack an effective recovery plan, they are not prepared to handle the effects that a catastrophic event has on their business. Instead of developing a workable plan on short notice, they are confronted with numerous options that they have not researched. As they decide which options are best, their chances of going out of business quickly increase. According to Bernstein Crisis Management, 80 percent of companies that do not rebound from a major data loss within a month are likely to close permanently.

Prevents data from being destroyed

Data storage is the most valuable aspect of disaster recovery planning. By storing its data on the servers of a disaster recovery services provider, a company ensures the data is safe from events that happen at its location. Because the provider also supplies emergency hardware, using the provider for both data storage and emergency hardware procurement makes the most sense.

Reduces the risk of casualties

When a catastrophic event makes the location of a company uninhabitable, the owners of the company may attempt to salvage storage hardware or paper files before departing from the location. When a fire or an earthquake has damaged a building, reentering the structure can be extremely dangerous. When business data is stored offsite, a company will migrate the information onto new storage hardware and in a new location, and therefore has no reason to return to the site of the catastrophe.

Helps companies stay in business

By developing an effective plan, a company increases its chances of staying business in the wake of a catastrophic event. According to DTI/PricewaterhouseCoopers, forty-three percent of companies that experience a major data loss will go out of business. According to the University of Texas Center for Research on Information Systems, over fifty percent of those that experience a major data loss close their doors within two years. These statistics are a sobering reminder of how a plan helps companies stay in business by protecting their data.

Conclusion

Disaster recovery planning is essential for a company to stay in business following a catastrophic event. To learn more about developing and implementing a recovery plan, contact a provider of disaster recovery services today.

How to Plan An Event Successfully

Event planning is perceived by many to be "difficult. Impossible as it may sound, event planning is not that hard. In fact, event planning can run quite smoothly given that you make a proper plan and stick to it. One of they key qualities a good event manager has is to be prompt. The other mandatory quality is to look far ahead to see what you will need.

Event planning can done by organizing three categories and attending to them properly. They are,

People, Money and Resources. If you're planning an event that has already been decided on, these are the key things to focus on.

People, you'll have to find early on. For one thing, this will allow them to pin point any things you will definitely overlook along the course. Then, they come in handy in managing money and resources. Money not found is bad. Money found, left in your hand is worse. With people around, they'll bring up questions. If you've got money, give them wisely. If you haven't got any,

Money, is the next important thing. Figuring out how and where the money will come from is the next important thing. Usually, people can suggest ways to do this, but rarely others take initiative in finding money. Therefore, it is really important that you take initiative on any ideas and start collecting money. Marketing is important here.

Resources, are the stuff you gather from money. The first resource you need is the "place". The next is the "attendees". Once you add these two up, you'll need more resources to "make them mix". If it is a conference kind of event, you'll need all formal stuff for them to mix. If it is a party, you'll need stuff for games. Marketing is important to get people.

Event marketing will need to come in early. Remember those world cup count downs saying "100 days to the World Cup" or alike? That's 3 months before the grand event right? That is how far you can actually plan ahead.

To summarize, when planning an event, think in terms of people who you can get help from, how and where the money comes from and what resources you need. Once you've got these three basics enlisted on paper, start working towards getting them. Having people ready initially helps a lot because they will help you in ways you even would not guess. Money sometimes needs marketing and so does getting people. Make sure you book the place of your event early to avoid losing the slot. Event planning isn't easy, but it isn't hard either if you plan it out properly.

There are many online event planning tools available. Minimally, create an email thread on your event among the planners. If not, have all the contacts on your phone SMS or chat IM group during the entire event. But keeps things very simple or you'll get disoriented.

Always respond with confirmations to people. Replying "Ok thanks" is not required for the message you just got, but if the sender knows you 'always respond to messages with something', they also know if you didn't respond to something, you missed it, and will ping you again. That is where your "Ok thanks" comes in handy.

Happy Event Planning!

Full-service Virtual Events on an Open Source Platform

Being the oldest kid on the block has its advantages. Ask Tom Wieser of Computer Generated Solutions, Inc (CGS). He believes that his company's 25 years of experience in the industry uniquely positions it to play a leading role in the expanding field of virtual event planning. The majority of players in the virtual event field today tend to be singular in focus, mostly younger companies with a single mission. CGS, on the other hand, employs a multi-faceted model, utilizing multiple lines of business-consulting, call centers and e-learning modules-all of which make CGS a formidable player on the virtual event stage and one of the reasons they are bringing formerly reticent industries into the fold.

CGS offers, among other services, comprehensive professional networking including free-flow as well as moderated chat rooms dedicated to specific topics with screened and moderated questions. Also, users have the ability create their own profile and upload photos. Third, CGS offers profile matching in which individuals can check on others with similar interests during the course of an event. Wieser also stresses that some of the options offered by CGS are limited by the client's technology which may not be able to support specific services.

Wieser is excited about the new frontiers opening up to virtual event planners. Industries that once shied away from the virtual environment such as health care and pharmaceuticals are beginning to embrace the new technology. This creates limitless opportunities for a company with the experience and resources of CGS. Wieser believes that virtual event production is primarily a service industry, not a self-service or subscription industry, and this has caused some problems in the past. The tendency for some, specifically some publishers, to squeeze providers with pricing led to too much emphasis on self-service when greater hands-on involvement was required.

As Wieser sees it, one of the greatest challenges facing the industry is perception of competence. In a field littered with young start-ups and technology crashes, assuaging the fears of potential clients is vital. This is where CGS's experience comes in. "I think that that's a major issue that obviously CGS is leveraging extremely well, because people tend to see that suddenly our legacy of being a strong technology company for 25 years suddenly plays a major role to mitigate that risk," he says.

Founded in New York City in 1984, CGS currently generates $250 million in revenue. It serves North America, Europe, and Asia with 20 global locations and roughly 3000 employees worldwide.

Green Event Planning Tips

If we are to arrest the negative effects of climate change we all have to buy into a sustainable future and the one way we can do this is by planning low carbon or carbon neutral events; in a nutshell, green event planning.

Weddings, conferences, festivals and concerts are all startling sources of green house gas emissions. The unnecessary use of heating or air conditioning at the venue; guests travelling long distances; superfluous decorations; disposal cutlery and crockery and even embossed invitations have the potential to create a significant carbon footprint but fortunately sustainable strategies can be found to limit the damage!

Identify the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions

The first step to take when planning a green event is to identify the various sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Where is the event going to be held? How will the guests get to the destination and how will they get to and from the venue? What will the guests eat, how is the food going to be prepared and how will the food be served?

Find a strategic solution to the problems

Then it's simply a matter of finding a strategic solution to these problems:

• Choose a destination which is close to the majority of invitees so that long haul flights are not an issue or offer long distance guests the opportunity of participating via teleconferencing.


• Select a venue and accommodation that use energy and water-efficient equipment and practices.


• Arrange a fuel efficient or fuel alternative guest shuttle service.


• Insist the caterer only use organic, locally produced ingredients and flowers.


• Use recycled goods and services as far as possible, from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper for the invitations to catering equipment hire for the cutlery, china, glassware and kitchen equipment. Disposable plates and cutlery will simply end up in the landfill.


• Opt for genuine linen tablecloths and napkins, sourced from catering hire companies, instead of paper alternatives, as these can be used over and over again.

Dispose in a sustainable manner

After the event it's essential to dispose of the remnants in a safe and sustainable manner too. Left-over food should be diverted to homeless shelters and the scraps tossed onto the compost. Flowers can be dropped off at the local hospital, church or old age home and any decorations should be collected and recycled.

For your event to be a resounding eco-friendly success, simply give your event planning a lot of thought and use green alternatives as often as possible.

London catering equipment rental - the smart and eco-friendly option

Hire catering equipment instead of buying cheap, disposable items; email your invitations or use vegetable-based ink on recycled paper and, if all else fails, put your hand in your pocket and purchase Renewable Energy Certificates to offset energy wastage and you'll not only be investing in a clean, renewable energy source but a bright future for generations to come!

Benefits of Hiring a Wedding Planner

A wedding is an unforgettable occasion for any couple. People take extreme measures and spend enormous amounts of money in order to ensure that their wedding is perfect. In earlier times, all aspects of the wedding had to be managed by the couple and their close relatives. In addition to being joyous and memorable, weddings are an extremely stressful affair. If not managed properly, the stress of a wedding can take a severe toll on the bride and groom. This is one area where a wedding planner can be of immense help. Nowadays, these planners can be hired to ensure that the wedding takes place without a hitch.

Budget is a very important factor in today's fluctuating economy. A professional event planner will be able to make the best use of the budget in planning the wedding. Some people hire a planner to manage certain aspects of the wedding while others trust them with planning the entire wedding. Reputation is an important factor that should be taken into consideration while looking for wedding planners. One can look at photos of weddings that have been managed by the event planner before making a decision.

The opinion of friends and relatives who have used their services may also be taken into consideration. Coordinating a wedding is an extremely stressful affair. The venue has to be decorated and seating arrangements have to be perfect. Photographers and caterers have to be arranged and managed.

The wedding attire of the groom, bride and entourage has to match the theme of the event. Music, gifts, invitations and other aspects of the wedding must also be managed accordingly. Without prior experience, managing a wedding can be an extremely tedious affair. This is one of the main reasons why wedding planners are becoming increasingly popular.

The internet is a good place to find reputed wedding planners in one's locality. Once a few reputed planners have been shortlisted, their rates may be compared to identify the cheapest one. Although the service of wedding planners comes at a cost, this is negligible compared to the numerous advantages of hiring one. It is always best to look for wedding planners well before the actual wedding date.

This gives you enough time to perform adequate research on the planner and communicate all requirements accurately. Having a wedding planner ensures that the bride and groom can concentrate on their vows rather than running around making arrangements.

Is Attending the Meeting or Event Worth It? Five Things to Assess ROI

As an event meeting services professional, you know how important it is to attend professional development industry events and trade shows. However, you also are aware how hard it is to measure the results of your attendance at a 3-day show in Vegas vs. staying in the office making sales calls and attending to your existing client base. Here are some ways to start to measure ROI to help you build your case to management.

According to Investopedia, Return on Investment (ROI) is a performance measurement used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment. To calculate ROI, the benefit of an investment is divided by the cost of the investment. The result is a percentage or ratio.

Here is an example. Let's say it cost you $3,000 to attend a two-day trade show. This includes travel, registration costs, rental car, meals, and opportunity costs (because after all, you aren't in the office). Then let's say, as result of attending that conference, you close $15,000 worth of business. The calculation would be ROI = ($15,000 - $3,000)/$3,000 = 4 or 400 percent. Which means, for every dollar you spent on the meeting, event, or conference, you sold $4 worth of services or products.

This is obviously the simple way of looking at the hard dollars and cents. But what about other factors? Here are some other things to take into consideration:

1. How much does it cost your organization to identify a prospect? Remember your target market will be at the conference, versus doing a direct mail campaign where little to no individuals will read your message.
2. It is always easier to sell and follow-up if you meet face-to-face. You now have a reason to follow-up with that prospect versus just your standard cold call.
3. Be very concise on why you want to attend the conference.

It is important to come up with 5 things that you will gain by attending this meeting that you can't get back at the office. You need to do the following:

1. Study the agenda and know exactly what sessions you are going to attend
2. How many clients are you going to interact with?
3. How many prospects are you going to meet?
4. How many suppliers, such as event audio visual rental firms, are you going to meet?
5. What about the speakers? How are you going to interact with them?

Create a detailed schedule and share it with your management team. Let them know what your schedule is going to be including sessions, networking events, and when they can expect you to return emails and telephone calls. It is important that you are still available to the office, even is it only for 30 minutes per day.

After the conference, make a listing of all the people you met and how you are going to follow up with them. Send an updated listing monthly to your management team.

Nothing is worse than gathering a bunch of business cards at an event and letting them gather dust in your desk drawer. Show a follow up plan and categorize the people you met in the areas that make sense. Follow through and if a sale ensues, it will make it much easier to justify the event the next time.

How to Rent a Portable Toilet

If you've ever been on a desperate search for an available rest room, renting portable toilets is already at the top of your event planning logistics list. Before you start contacting portable toilet rental companies, you should identify the special needs you'll have to address.

How many portable toilets will you need to rent? This will depend on the duration of your event and the number of participants anticipated. You don't want long lines if you want your guests to stay. Ask each portable restroom rental company that you approach for their suggestion, and average your need from the answers. While you want to keep your participants comfortable, a successful event must be cost effective.

Make sure your portable toilets are well ventilated and deodorized. No explanation needed requirement.

Who will clean and restock the portable toilet rental? If you have your own people who will check on the portable toilets, replacing toilet tissue and hand sanitizer on a regular basis, you can use this to negotiate the price of maintenance. How often will you need the rented toiled cleaned, and at what level? Will they pump, pressure wash, wipe down and sanitize? How quickly will they respond to an emergency? If someone decides they will block the maintenance access point because it's a convenient parking space, will your event coordinator be notified, or will they just move on the next scheduled stop?

Are the portable toilets handicap accessible? Access the need of your event attendees with disabilities. What percentage of your rental units will need special provisions? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that no less than one unit, but at least 5% of facilities at public events be wheelchair accessible.

Do your local ordinances require hand washing stations or any other specific provisions for your event? What about if you provide food?

How large of an area will your event encompass? If this is a wide spread event, you'll want to locate your facilities at reasonably convenient locations. When planning your event map, identify areas for placement of your portable toilet rental according to pickup/delivery and maintenance accessibility, lighting, and safety.

Would your event benefit by a luxury restroom trailer? Is it worth the money to provide this amenity for your VIP attendees? Ask about the availability and cost with each contractor you approach for a quote.

Now that you've identified your needs, you have to search out the best supplier. If you're using the internet, be aware that portable restroom rental suppliers may use a variety of keywords on their websites. Search for porta-potties, portable sanitation item rental, portable toilet, portable toilet rentals, renting portable restrooms and narrow your search by typing in your city or state.

If you're using your local business directory, contact construction companies, rental companies and local sponsors of recent events to identify rental sources.

If you've planned properly and found the right portable restroom rental company, you can turn your attention to other event activities, confident that your waste management needs are enhancing the enjoyment and comfort of your guests.

3 Top Ways to Promote your Business Corporate Event

Businesses whatever their size, will always have to promote themselves and get known amongst their local community, nationwide or globally. Corporate Events are an essential part of promoting your company and getting the word out about who you are and what service you provide.

In order to make your business, product or service known, you must promote you event in the best way possible. Here are 3 Top tips for promoting your companies corporate or hospitality event.

Press Releases

Using the media to create some followers. News does indeed travel fast, and a simple press release (PR) to a variety of publications, whether printed or online, can make a massive difference to the awareness of your corporate event or campaign.

Depending on who you are targeting and what the deadlines are, you may need to think about getting your press release out 2-3 months before the event is due to take place. However you can also do last minute press releases as well just weeks, days or hours before the actual target date which can be picked up quickly by local and national media.

Balloons Decoration Specialists

Balloons for events can have a dramatic impact on your companies corporate event. Not only do balloon designs and sculptures look amazing, but they are also a creative and eye-catching way of promoting your companies image, logo or brand.

At conferences and exhibitions, a host of balloons in corporate colours or printed with your strap line will give your business that wow factor to make you stand out from your competitors and make your business stick in their minds. If you are planning to open a new shop or promote a product, then a specially designed balloon sculpture will make a real impact.

You can also go the whole hog and organize an explosive pyrotechnic balloon explosion to open or close your corporate event with a bang and capture peoples attention. Your beautiful balloon creation can be as simple or elaborate as you require, but you can guarantee it'll look spectacular.

Advertising

Make sure you get some advertisements out there to promote your corporate or hospitality function. Depending on your budget, this will vary but it could include adverts in the national or local press according to what sector you aim to attract.

Posters, leaflets and flyers can be distributed depending on the area you are targeting. Not forgetting the medium of TV and Radio which often proves to be a powerful but expensive advertising tool, however local radio or television stations at hospitals, colleges etc... may prove to be useful.

Event Planning - How Do You Treat Your Clients?

How do you treat your clients and customers? Do you do it right? Do you meet their expectations, do it with a smile and how do you show your appreciation? We all work for companies that try, but some do it better than others. So, today we are going to talk about going above and beyond, not just partially, not most of the way, but all the way and beyond.

Appreciation in Style - Courthouse Retrieval System showed their appreciation in the manner they do business, first class. Their brochure states "Focus on Quality. We are committed to superior customer service and we value our customer feedback." and I believe what they say. While attending a convention at the National Association of Realtors in New Orleans, they invited several of their clients to an appreciation breakfast at Brennan's Restaurant and I was fortunate enough to be invited as part of the group.

For those of you including myself that had never had the fine opportunity to dine at Brennan's, they are a fine dinning restaurant, winning many awards and that's why Courthouse Retrieval Systems decided to plan their event with them.

Greeting and Smile - what I like most from anyone taking care of me, either personally or business wise is to be greeted with a smile and that was what we got. Every time I see Sara with CRS, I get a warm welcome with a smile and a hug. Needless to say, she is warm and everyone becomes a friend. So we were met at Brennan's with a smile and that smile was extended throughout the breakfast from each server that graciously took care of all her guests. Our special greeting from Brennan's started off with a mimosa.

Reputation and Expectations - Brennan's name itself tells the story. They provide such great service and quality, that you just know you will have the right experience and we did. So, what Courthouse Retrieval Systems was trying to do was show the same kind of service, smile and effort with a restaurant like Brennan's that has a reputation to supply the same expectations time and time again.

Excellence and Entree - while Brennan's has an extensive menu, we were offered a choice of three appetizers, four entrees and two desserts that were all exquisite. My choice was New Orleans Turtle Soup, but others chose Creole Onion Soup or Strawberries with Double Cream.

I normally try and eat healthy, but the day encompassed some extra walking because it was impossible to resist the gourmet options. So, my healthy entree was "Eggs Ellen - Grilled filet of fresh salmon topped with two poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce." Most of the others at my table selected "Eggs Hussarde - Poached eggs atop Holland rusks, Canadian bacon, and Marchand de Vin sauce. Topped with Hollandaise sauce." The entrees were prepared to perfection and the quality was superb.

Customer Satisfaction and Dessert - we were perfectly happy with the service, entree, quality and smiles, then we were offered the "Icing on the Cake." In this case, Brennan's had two choices, but we went with their signature dessert "Bananas Foster - Bananas sauteed in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and topped with banana liqueur, then flamed in rum. Served over vanilla ice cream." The motto here is to take your customer satisfaction to a higher level.

Service with Style - to all of the above, add a service staff in tuxes, an elegant New Orleans surrounding, an intimate room seating about forty guests and a never ending supply of water and hot coffee. By the way, my idea of service implies "doing" before one asks, so we never had to ask for anything. They were always replenishing coffee and water, so glasses and cups were never empty.

Thank You - Remembrance - so, while we don't always treat our clients like this every day, we can always provide the service, excellence, attitude and smiles that make our customers return. Create the atmosphere and mentality to thank your customers for their business. They will return if you treat them right.

4 Tips for Surviving With Online Event Management Solution

In the world of business, many situations crop up that can create challenges to the budget of a corporate organization. Some are beyond the control of the organization such as the falling state of the economy worldwide. However, some factors are within the reach of an organization which includes including planning and management of an event, its marketing strategies, and deciding on your sources of funding. A smart professional will always choose solutions that are easy to adapt to and work with at an affordable price.

Perhaps, an online event management solution can give you the kind of respite you are looking for. Let's find out how event organizers can survive and grow in these challenging times using an online event management solution.

Controlled Budget

Before planning an event, an individual needs to finalize the amount of money to be spent in executing all the phases and aspects to make it come together. It is also important to keep a tab on the variable sources of funding to execute the plan of action.. After you finalize the budget you can then decide on the event venue, number of invitees, venue decoration, and so on. An online event management solution can help you arrange an event within a restricted budget. With this system in place, you don't need to rent a venue because a webinar can be arranged conveniently with the attendees joining in from their respective places over the internet.

Online Registration

The registration part can be managed in a hassle-free manner, if it is transferred to the online domain. You can save printing and domestic postage expenses plus additional cost of international couriers. Online registration system is eco-friendly eliminating the need of paper usage. Additionally, you can create and publish sign up pages and choose a template that best meets with the design of your corporate website and business goals. Feel free to customize the sign up pages adding your company logo or banner.

Easy Payment Methods

There are a host of online payment methods and gateways that can be integrated with this platform. These payment modes are becoming very popular these days because of faster processing and transfer of payments via cyberspace. En-cashing checks can take up to 3 days whereas your registrants need to visit your organization in person to pay via direct cash. These processes are quite time-consuming and a way out is going the online route. Many event organizers are using online payment options (credit cards, PayPal, etc.) to accept event entry fees from would-be attendees.

Event Marketing

Many event planners fail to regulate their marketing budget because of unnecessary wastage of money on less important, promotional channels that yield no satisfactory results. Hence, you first need to complete a thorough research on the most popular and time-tested marketing channels in use let's say by your competitors. Decide your own marketing plan after giving this its due thought. Besides, printed promotional adverts on newspapers and leaflets, it is good to have an online marketing plan to have better sales results. Social media, websites, and blogs are increasingly being used to create awareness amongst people about events and push people towards registering for the same.

Public Relations Manager Jobs

Public relations manager jobs take care of the top most needs of the company. A company is a big organization with various activities. Public relations manager work is usually involved in the highest echelons of the company. While production, purchase and sales are the ground level functionaries of a company, PR manager jobs are on the highest level of company strategy.

If a mishap happens in the company and it is in fear of losing its reputation, then it is the duty of the public relations manager to make the company look the best possible. If on the other hand the company does something good, then it is again the duty of the public relations manager to make sure that everyone hears about it.

Basic Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of a professional in public relations manager employment is to make and execute such campaigns so that the organization is looked upon favorably by the public. There are many duties that a manager of public relations has to do.

He has to give interviews, write and send press releases, draft speeches, hold press conferences, oversee the charity programs run by the company and meet with various community leaders.

In fact, he is also responsible for representing the company at various social events. PR managers generally specialize in some specific area of management such as crisis management or event management.

Job Requirements

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that companies generally prefer individuals who have done graduation or post graduation in Journalism or Public Relations. In fact, they also look for candidates who have completed their coursework in business administration, advertising or communications.

But the fact lies that in top level positions such as public relations manager jobs, people are usually promoted and not directly appointed. It can take you seven years to reach this top position. Even if you do not have a degree in public relations there is nothing to fear.

You can always start by doing an internship and learn more on the job. This kind of internship also helps you to gather practical knowledge which becomes very useful for the future. However to be a master of this field, one must have good communication and computer skills.

Working Conditions

If you are interested in PR manager careers, it would be helpful for you to know about the working conditions of this job. A PR Manager generally has to work under very stressful and fast paced environment.

In fact, a lot of these professionals also work during the night and holidays to meet deadlines. You might also have to face long work schedules and extended hours during crisis. In this kind of job, it is quite common to travel. A PR manager also will have to meet government officials, media personalities and groups with special interest throughout the country.

Job Outlook

It has been estimated that the growth of public relations manager jobs will increase by 13% in 2018. This would create around 7,300 new jobs. As the senior managers retire or leave, these high level jobs will gradually become available to other candidates from outside the company.

In spite of this, Public relations manager jobs continue to remain some of the most coveted jobs in the country.

How to Successfully Book a Celebrity For a Private Or Corporate Event

If you're organizing an event and worried that booking a celebrity to attend will invariably end up being a disastrous blunder like Katie Price's appearance in this year's I'm a Celebrity, then fear not. With some thought, planning and savvy rumor seeding, you can create real hype and intrigue around your event.

First off, you want to think about the connection between the celebrity and the event. Envision the ideal tone of your event and think about personalities that will reinforce it. If you're hoping for a social yet focused and businesslike environment, the cutting sound of Lee Evans impersonating a Chicken on stilts will probably sabotage this mood - much better to have a personality like Adrian Chiles, who you could trust to lighten proceedings without offending or going schizophrenic on your guests!

Once you've thought through some realistic options, the next step is seeing who you can land. When booking a celebrity for an event, it is possible to cold-approach the celebrity's agent. This can work if you've got connections with the relevant agents or enough experience with booking acts to know how much the service of a given celebrity is worth. The problem is most people don't and many agents are opportunists. If they sense you don't know, they can easily quote you too much, call it the standard price and say "take it or leave it". Leaving you in a position where you either pay up, or move on. Agents get so many offers; they probably won't be too heartbroken if you do move on.

The way round this is to use an established entertainment agency. A consultant working for an entertainment agency will have both the connections and leverage to properly negotiate the attendance of your desired celebrity. Aside from doing the leg-work in sourcing and hiring the best celebrity for your event, the other key advantage of using an entertainment agency is that they haves tons of experience with running events. They know what makes an event work, and can make suggestion on how to make it memorable and even work with you to turn new ideas into reality.

Lastly, once you have the celebrity booked, the temptation is to mention it at every opportunity and cover the promotional material with the celebrity's name. This can work if you're certain the celebrity's name alone will generate hype. However, it can be more effective to avoid making anything official and instead circulating a rumour. If the event you're planning is not a media/PR event, it's likely that your attendees - and guest they're likely to bring - are part of a social network. Take advantage of this! Ask a couple of 'connected' people to surreptitiously mention that they've heard X celebrity is attending. Ideally you want one person (or people, depending on the scale) whistle-blowing in person and another person to make similar noises on Twitter and Facebook. This lack of certainly will soon spread, which is good for intrigue and intrigue leads to action!

The Role of the Wedding Planner at Your Event

For a grand occasion such as a wedding, you require a lot of expertise to enable you plan, organize it. In many instances, family members, friends and associates have helped with wedding planning but there are limitations with this approach. The helpers may not be able to devote all their time to the event because they have something to do. Again, since it is not their line of business, they may not be able to obtain the best services for the benefit of the couple. This is the reason why you may need to get a wedding planner to oversee your wedding vent.

The wedding planner will save the couple a lot of headaches. He will be doing the running up and down whilst the couple take a rest towards their day. He will also be able to locate the best vendors who are reliable and proficient enough to handle the wedding. But most importantly, the consultant is able to negotiate for lower prices as he does repeat business with the vendors. A wedding coordinator knows what causes weddings to fail and can offer the couple protection against all these common occurrences. Wedding planners are also advisors. They can help the couple to choose their bridal wear, accessories and shoes.

The role of a wedding consultant in the planning of the bridal event is paramount. They are able to obtain very low prices and advise on what will work best. From years of experience they have been able to strike better relationships with vendors so they are able to offer couples low prices. The most important role that the coordinator plays is one of an organizer. He assumes a central role over all the aspects of the wedding and ensures that each vendor or service provide provides timely services and assures quality. Investing in a planner will therefore save you time, embarrassment and high cost in your wedding planning.

Toilet Rental - Planning An Outdoor Event

Whether you're planning for a small golf tournament or a major music festival, you can't afford to forget about toilet rental. Providing your guests or attendees with a place to do their business might not have been at the top of your priority list when you began planning the event, but it should rocket straight to the top of that list now. You can forget a lot of things when it comes to planning something where a lot of people will be involved with room for forgiveness. You might get some gripes here and there if there isn't enough food or if the parking situation is less than optimal. But if you don't provide enough facilities, you can guarantee yourself a disaster. Renting portable facilities doesn't need to be a hassle. Here's how to do it.

Estimate Your Needs

Your first step will be determining how many portable facilities you'll need for the event. If anything, you'll want to overestimate when it comes to this calculation. You're far better off going too far with toilet rental than erring on the minimal side of things. Figure out how many people will be attending your event. Some in the industry recommend using 1 facility per 100 people as a good rule of thumb. This is a decent starting place, but take other factors into consideration. If alcohol is being served, for instance, you should increase your estimates.

Search Local Listings

If your local phone book doesn't have a section named "toilet rental", you may have to check under event planning or similar fields. If you don't get any satisfaction from the book, check online with search engine queries that should give you the information you need. If there are businesses in your area that can help you, they should come up when you search for that type of service. If you know anyone in the event planning business, ask them who they use when it comes to larger outdoor events. You may also want to check with anyone you know in the construction business.

Start Early

The earlier you can get your toilet rental needs taken care of, the better. You don't want your own procrastination to be the reason you couldn't provide your attendees with the facilities they need to be comfortable. The further out from the date you start contacting companies, the better chance you'll have at finding someone who can accommodate you. If any one company can't meet your needs, consider renting from more than one.

Organising Corporate Events Such As Clay Pigeon Shooting in Ireland

Many organizations are increasingly opting for Ireland as the location of choice for some sorts of corporate events, especially those that require some degree of quietude - like for instance 'company away' and 'fun' days. The serenity of the Irish countryside, combined with aggressive marketing (mostly by the Irish event organizers and the authorities) have over the last few years seen Ireland emerge as a leading destination for corporate events such as company away and fund days - to an extent that entering a search term like 'corporate events Ireland' on any search engine is likely to give you scores upon scores of relevant hits, a considerable number of them being favorable reviews of Ireland as a destination for corporate events, especially those that are best done away from the work environment.

Another considerable portion of the results you get from a search term like 'corporate events Ireland' will be made up of companies that offer to organize such events for an organization on an 'as a package' basis. This way, having paid for the package, all that the company staff or team members (as may be the case) have to do is to hop onto a plane and get on with whatever corporate event is taking them to Ireland, unencumbered with intrusive thoughts about what they will eat and where they will sleep. Now this is attractive to corporate event organizers because after all, one of the aims for organizing corporate events that take place in off-site locations is to give the company members the opportunity to get away 'from it all.' And when you say that you are giving your company's people the opportunity to 'get away from it all', and then you encumber them with concerns about where they will sleep and what they will have to eat, then far from getting them away 'from it all', you are actually getting them 'into it all.'

The beauty of taking corporate events to Ireland is that the Irish countryside, which is normally the setting for such events, offers participants the opportunity to engage in activities they have never engaged in before - like for instance clay pidgeon shooting - a popular pastime in rural Ireland. Engaging in activities like clay pidgeon shooting, which will almost inevitably be a completely new activity for anyone who has never been to Ireland will make whatever corporate event in question is to be remain etched in memory of the participant. Now getting a corporate event - like a team building event for instance - etched into the memory of the participant is one of the things that the event organizers in the company yearn for. This is because it such deeply etched memories which make people come to feel a part of the 'company family.' This is because when all is said and done, what makes you feel a part of your natural family, the family you were born into is nothing more than memories you have of the times you spend together and the experiences you had with that natural family. If people are to feel part of the 'company family' then, there is need to create for them indelible events in their minds for them to 'show for it.'

Custom Printed Backpacks

Custom printed backpacks are used in various occasions, events and purpose. The backpacks are used by school going children, high school students, university students and corporate events. The backpack comes in different designs and sizes for various purposes. The bags vary in color from a single color to multiple colors. The backpacks are made of various materials such as nylon and polyester. Companies can use the message printed on them to market their various products or services.

Corporate, non-governmental institutions and even educational institutional can promote their products and services by using the custom printed backpacks. The organizations can use the rucksack as advertisement space bearing the corporate logos and messages. A learning institution may provide knapsack bearing the institution logo and address. This way the kids and students can promote their institutions.

Companies the world over are looking for ways to increase their brand awareness. Custom printed backpacks are a superb way to increase brand consciousness. The company's logo and addresses can be printed in on the rucksack creating the brand affinity. Since the bags will be used for a long time the publicity will last as long as the bag is being used.

Custom printed backpacks are used by people of all ages and social standing. The rucksacks are used by kindergarten children, high school, tertiary colleges and university students. The rucksacks are also used in sporting events and other social gatherings. With such a wide base of users then the printed bags are an ideal marketing tool. The printed messages can be spread far and wide to the target audience.

Sporting events such as high school games are events where the custom printed backpacks are used greatly. These events represent a good avenue for the various organizations and institutions to display their corporate brands. A company may sponsor some sporting events and give rucksacks bearing their brand identity. This publicity will go a long way in promoting the company and providing an effective way to market their product and service.

The custom printed backpacks vary in design and sizes. The bags designs are based on the purpose of the usage. Rucksacks for kindergarten children are smaller in sizes while those for college students are larger. Companies dealing in various products may choose the design that best promotes their products. Companies dealing with mineral water may choose a rucksack that has water bottle compartments. A computer company may have the brand name printed on the backpack designed to carry the laptop.

Companies may have custom printed backpacks bearing their corporate colors. This allows the companies to choose the colors that reflect their corporate identity. The organization can have backpacks bearing their logos and messages. The choice of color enhances the corporate image with some organizations identified with some colors.

The custom printed backpacks are very effective way to promote the company products and services. The backs offer the advantage in that they are durable and the message can be spread for a long time. The bags can be branded with the corporate colors and logos using screen printing technology. The rucksacks are used by people of all ages and social standing making it an ideal way to market the company products and services.

Establishing Yourself in Event Management

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

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

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

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

Successful Event Planning

Successful Atlanta event planning starts by determining exactly what you need. Knowing how many people will be attending the event is a crucial piece of information. Sometimes that number is limited by the space you have available. And sometimes you're renting the space according to the number of people who will be attending. If you know there's a limit that can be helpful. At least you'll know that the size of the group can't go beyond a certain number.

Atlanta event planning is a little bit simpler when you know suddenly an extra hundred people won't show up. So if you're planning according to the size of a room, it's already going to be a little bit easier for you and you can breathe a sigh of relief. If the event is outside where the number of people could vary greatly, try to be sure to limit the amount of people who can attend anyway. Know the cap because no one can plan for any number of people; there has to be a limit.

Work very hard at your Atlanta affair planning to make sure there is a limit on the number of people who might show up. And then contact an Atlanta event rental company to help you with details like video equipment, audio equipment and various equipment for presentations.

Whether you're planning on showing a movie outdoors, making a sales pitch or holding a conference, having the right technology at your fingertips can make the difference between a successful event and one that isn't what you'd hoped.

A good Atlanta event rental company can look at your event and help you decide what kind of equipment you'll need. If you're going to use an LCD projector, for instance, they're not all created equal. A small projector might not be powerful enough for huge crowd in a large room. The most powerful LCD projector that an Atlanta event rental company has available might be too much for your event.

While good Atlanta event planning means having enough of everything for the group, it also involves not having too much. Companies don't like to waste money. If your group is for 50 people and you rent the largest and most complex audiovisual equipment available, you may be overpaying by hundreds of dollars. While the event may be successful and everyone may be happy, the numbers are going to make someone dissatisfied with your event planning.

Use the expertise and experience of a good Atlanta event rental company to help you get the right equipment, which means it's not too small or too big. They can suggest the equipment you need for the types of presentations you'll be giving, and they can help you with your Atlanta event planning in another way, too.

The best companies deliver the equipment for you, set it up carefully, test it and then show you how to use it. Companies like this know that no matter how much time you spend on your Atlanta event planning, if you get great equipment and don't know how to use it, you might as well not have rented the equipment at all.

5 Insider Tips For Maximizing Online Event Ticket Sales With Promo Codes

With the right timing, and a little know how, advance sale promotional codes for event ticketing can put a steady stream of revenue in your pocket months before your event begins. As setup manager at a top online ticketing company, I have worked with hundreds of show producers over the past decade and have seen the exciting direction promotional code marketing has taken in recent years. Here are 5 tips event producers can use to improve event ticketing sales through promotional code discounts.

1. Know Your Tools- Promotional codes (also known as promo codes or coupon codes) trigger a price discount on selected tickets when entered during an order; understanding how, when and where to set these codes up will influence your overall effectiveness. It's critical to have the ability to create your own promo codes, at any time. A good online ticketing provider should have these tools built into a system that is user friendly and intuitive, enabling you to maximize marketing efforts as the opportunities arise.

Using the reporting features within your system to monitor the usage of a specific code and the total revenue it generates is also essential. By having access to this information, you can fine tune your marketing, even while your event is taking place. Be sure to request training from your online ticketing support team or web developer if you are unclear on how to use the promotional code tools within your system.

2. Use the Media & Track your Results- Promotional codes were made for the media! A promo code can be assigned to a specific print ad, commercial, radio spot, or partner website. Promo codes in the media can be exceptional at reeling in pre-sales and measuring your success with the networks, stations or publications you invest in. A catchy advertisement with your web address clearly stated, accompanied by a simple promo code, is sure to maximize results. Create codes that are easy to remember; use the TV or radio station's call sign or choose a simple word that is related to the campaign. Words are easier to remember than numbers. Most media ad campaigns are launched at least one month prior to the event and should be more aggressive at least two weeks out.

3. Phase out Paper Coupons & Build a Bigger Database- Many of our clients have gradually replaced their paper coupons in favor of online promotional codes. They run similar print ads but replace the clip-able coupon area with a clear referral to their website along with the promotional code. This will motivate the customer to buy online and receive the best available price while eliminating any hassles associated with redeeming paper coupons. By moving more people online, show producers build a stronger database for future marketing campaigns. This is valuable data including name, email, address and more, which could not be captured from a customer using cash at the door with a paper coupon.

4. Consider Deeper Discounts Earlier- Most ticket sales reports show a natural bell curve as opening day approaches because most people tend to buy online at the last minute. An early start on your promotional code campaign can help balance out this phenomenon putting more revenue in your pocket weeks before your event. It is best to start your deepest discounts as early as possible and gradually minimize the savings as your event nears. Frequency plays a large role in the success of an early campaign. Having a consistent "rollout" of codes released at carefully planned dates and times will keep you on the minds of your faithful followers. Organized promo code management is essential to aligning your codes with an early marketing campaign. Seek tools which give you direct access to create and manage your own promo codes with options to set expiration dates and usage limits. Try running one day promotions with the message, "Only 100 codes available, order now!" or "Order now, offer expires this Friday at 11:59PM!"

5. Social Networking & Newsletters - Get Your Message Read- Many show producers are seeing the positive impact social networking and newsletter communication can have on their event's popularity. For those with limited marketing budgets, these are essential. Since promotional codes are easily posted, emailed and distributed with relatively no cost, they lend themselves well to the social networking audience. Hit your social networking markets as soon as your tickets go on sale. Try targeting certain groups such as friends, fans, followers and last year's attendees, giving them the "first opportunity to save" and rewarding them for their loyalty. Post a special discount link on your event page or use the bulletin features to get the word out. Messaging such as, "Use this code before it's too late!" and "$5 off for our loyal followers who buy before August 1st" are great ways to encourage sales.

An email announcement should also be sent once you begin selling tickets online. Customers will be more likely to open your email and make an order if your title includes discount messaging such as, "Tickets on Sale Now, Advance Discount Code Inside!" Be sure to make your email short and easy to read, with clickable links that drive them directly to your online ticket sales page. Options for links which have the promo code prefilled streamline the event ticketing process and help track your campaigns.

5 Tips To Planning A Corporate Holiday Party

One of the best times of the year are around the holidays. Of course, with the holidays comes corporate holiday parties. Every corporation wants to ensure that theirs is the best and lots of fun for the employees. However, there are employees that think corporate parties are boring. So some corporate planning is challenging, as you want to make sure everyone has a blast.

To plan a corporate holiday party, we suggest hiring a caterer for the food and drinks at a minimum. This is the best way to ensure success. A caterer can ensure that there is enough food for everyone and that there is a variety. If you are looking for a turnkey program, look for a corporate party planning company. They will manage not only the food, but also all the other elements of the party experience.

One thing to consider is whether or not to allow alcoholic beverages. The employees can bring in their own, if allowed. Serving alcohol can be costly. Or you can ban alcoholic beverages altogether, especially if on company property. Sometimes, people think that they will have more fun with alcohol, but that is not the case. Alcohol consumption at corporate parties should be carefully considered since alcohol can create awkward moments and we will see our co workers back in the office on Monday morning.

The entertainment is very important, as you want to ensure that everyone has lots of fun. It is best to hire a dj or band. Either one of these are good choices. A dj may offer more of an assortment of music. However, there are bands that can play more than one genre. Music should be an array of genre, so that there is something suiting for every one's taste. One additional option is to hire local talent. Some of the top companies are always staying up on the current music trends and will have a local group that can perform. In today's musical landscape with Rap, country and pop, finding a good band can be a challenge.

Other ideas for a successful corporate holiday party Tampa is prizes. Everyone loves to win something. If the company doesn't want to spend a lot of money on prizes, use things like time off from work. It can be something like, leave one hour early one day or come in one hour late one day. There are many things that can be offered regarding time off.

Remember it is a party, so you want to ensure everyone has a good time. Planning a Tampa holiday party that is successful is something that can be done easily. Make sure that you do not wait until the last-minute to plan the party. Allow for yourself more time, which will make your party more fun and successful. Some companies have lots of availability and the companies that have a great track record, fill up their calendar very quickly. So book ahead and follow these great tips.

What to Look for in a Limousine Company Beyond the Price

There are many occasions in our lives that hiring a limousine can improve. Once you've decided that you'd like to hire a limo, for whatever reason, you may notice that a lot of hired car companies have relatively close rates, which may make the decision more difficult. What else should you consider to narrow down the selection?

Extras! Extras!

The magical ride to and from your special occasion can dictate the overall evening. Depending on the number of people and the reason, the difference between companies usually comes down to the little extras.

Most limousine companies offer a wide variety of vehicle styles ranging from a traditional classic design to elaborate stretch Hummers and Escalades. With a large group, look for a service that offers a party bus or a specified tour around the area you will be staying.

If you have a group that loves music, make sure you can provide your own soundtrack. If there will be children, find out about DVD availability. Concessions are another perk area to consider. Is there a complimentary bar, and what is it stocked with? Make sure the refreshments and snacks will be enjoyed by everyone.

Learn About Their Company

Know the company you will be dealing with. How long have they been in business? How long have they been at their current location? What are their requirements to be a chauffeur? What is their safety protocol?

Thanks to the internet, reading reviews from previous customers can provide insight into the experience you will have. Pay attention to comments made about punctuality, chauffeur conduct, condition of the vehicle, and the overall encounter they had. Make sure you look at a multitude of websites and sources for your reviews. Look at how long ago the comment was made and if they seem to be biased in any way. Is the website affiliated with the business, a competitor or completely separate?

Don't neglect to ask the company for references and follow through with contacting them. A company's choice in references (or lack thereof) can be very telling. When you get in touch with the references, be sure to ask the important questions to understand what your experience will be like.

Insurance Coverage

No one wants to think about the worst, but planning ahead can save your experience. Confirm the limousine company you choose has insurance coverage that fits your needs and requirements. Inquire on the process that takes place in the event of an accident. What type of compensation is offered during and after the incident?

Hidden Fees

While the flat rates among limousine services are similar, added fees and charges can drastically alter the total of the bill. Cleanliness of limo after use, mini bar consumption, and mileage are often factors that can modify the cost. Investigate every possible stipulation that may possibly increase the price, and have the company detail these items before you sign.

Greening Your Hotel Meetings and Conferences - Green is For Go

Does your hotel offer meeting and/or conference space? Have you noticed a trend in the RFP's you receive from groups, asking about your "green" or "sustainable" initiatives? All signs are pointing in the direction of a widespread increase in this trend.

Even with the current recession, business meetings in the United States alone constitute an amazing $175 billion industry, and Americans make more than 400 million long-distance business trips each year. Don't let your hotel miss an opportunity to garner its share of group business.

Despite a global recession, investment levels in energy efficiency have remained strong, according to the Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) released June 3, 2010 by Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI). As stated in this report, the primary motivation driving sustainable investments is cost savings, with 97% of respondents identifying it as significant. Or, as stated by Dennis Quaintance, CEO of Proximity Hotels (the first platinum LEED certified hotel), "It ain't sustainable to go broke."

What is a "Green Meeting"?

The Convention Industry Council (CIC) presented this definition: "A green meeting or event incorporates environmental considerations to minimize its negative impact on the environment." There are almost a limitless number of ways to green a meeting - and many of these offer opportunities to save money and increase efficiency.

Event planners will look at numerous aspects of your hotel's efforts toward sustainability, including such areas as:

繚 Food and Beverage: Do you maximize the use of reusable, rather than disposable glassware, flatware, tablecloths, etc?

繚 Registration and Exhibitions: Do you use electronic communication over paper as often as possible? Do you encourage exhibitors to do the same?

繚 Location: Do you offer shuttle service or mass transit? Are areas of interest and entertainment nearby in order to decrease vehicle emissions?

繚 Do you have an energy and water use conservation program currently in place?

Why are Green Meetings becoming more Prevalent?

There are many reasons that this green trend is growing exponentially across the globe. Consumers and businesses are becoming much more aware of their "carbon footprint" and as more companies feel the pressure to create sustainability goals, they increasingly are asking their employees to stay in green-certified hotels. Companies that are closely scrutinized by the public sector (government agencies, for example) do not want to present a mixed message to the public - stating they want to help the planet, but ignoring a hotel's approach to sustainability when planning for a company meeting. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an amazing 93,000 federal employees are traveling on any given business day to 8,000 locations across the country. Federal travelers alone use 24 million room nights of hotel space in the United States annually. Now add to this number businesses both large and small who are making efforts toward sustainability, and the totals can be staggering.

Are Green Meetings an Example of "Greenwashing"?

When a product or building (such as a hotel) extols its virtues of being "green", but does so in a misleading or exaggerated way, it is described as "greenwashing". That can be a difficult label to shed, as guests and/or groups may feel as though they've been misled, or worse. Many green standards are in their infancy and thus still ill-defined.. There is no need to try to fool meeting and event planners, as many of them are looking for some effort toward sustainability, and will be happy with the progress you've made so far and the goals you have set. Much like social media, it is important to be transparent.

Green meetings can have a tremendous impact on our environment. Most hotels purchase more products in one week than 100 families typically purchase in a year. By initiating green goals such as recycling, reducing and reusing, you can feel good that you are helping the environment in a big way, helping your revenue stream, and reducing many of your operating costs.

Who Supports Green Meetings?

Depending on where your hotel(s) are located on the globe, various government, for-profit and non-profit organizations are jumping in to assist and encourage hoteliers to go green. There is a plethora of information available to help you (some excellent web-sites are posted for you at the bottom of this publication), and the number of green experts available for consulting or commissioning grows every month.

It has been through such collaborations that some hotel brands are now "pre-certifying" a few of their prototypes. For example, Marriott has launched such a prototype for their Courtyard Hotels. By taking advantage of "volume certification" or "portfolio certification", Marriott may be able to save property owners approximately $100,000 in design and other costs, and about six months in design time. More prototype brands are expected to follow.

As Michael Kawecki, LEED AP, GA and owner of Axiom Sustainable Consulting, LLC states, "with volume certification, each credit is documented based on regions, and then further documentation is provided during construction. For example, rather than energy modeling each store, a prototype is modeled in each climate area, and then that model is good for all future stores." It is obvious how this type of certification could save a significant amount of work for hotel owners, and flow into their group meeting venues.

Hyatt Hotels is also making numerous green initiatives. Jim Milkovich, corporate vice president of purchasing for Hyatt Hotels Corp. explains that Hyatt has won group business to its convention hotels in part because of its green initiatives. In an interview with Beth Kormanik of Buyer Interactive, Milkovich states, "If you can show a meeting planner how you are reducing, recycling and reusing products throughout the hotel and how your associates are engaged in the process - it's not something you're doing for this meeting, but it's in your culture - that is what is really evident to those meeting planners."

A terrific example of how a hotel has monetized and calculates an ROI for their green meetings is the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. As Herve′ Houdre′, GM of the Willard InterContinental states in HotelNewsNow.com, "The hotel carefully tracks its individual and guestroom bookings that result directly from its sustainable practices. I gave myself and my team a goal to generate $1 million in extra revenue (in 2009) due to

our sustainable development strategy. Guests are impressed with the development strategy because they believe the strategy corresponds with their own culture."

Keep in mind that prospective clients won't know what your hotel is doing to limit its impact on the environment if you don't tell them. "Don't be shy," advises hotel consultant Daniel Edward Craig. "Advertise your green initiatives on your website and in sales kits, proposals, your in-room directory and social media activities. Meeting planners and travelers want to know."

What is the Future of Green Meetings for Hoteliers?

The landscape is changing quickly. In the United States, the meetings industry is working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a green meeting industry standard. With such standards, hotels will have common goals to reach to win group or convention business. Because the EPA is a government-based organization, and the green meeting planning associations are not, such joint efforts are rare and cannot be ignored.

What Groups Can Help My Hotel With Green Meeting Initiatives?

There are a growing number of organizations eager to help hoteliers with sustainability and green meeting initiatives. The following limited list does not address the numerous and qualified private enterprise consultants:

Green Meeting Industry Council: info@greenmeetings.info
Meeting Professionals International (MPI): btess@mpiweb.org
International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (IACVB): http://www.meetingsnet.com/contact/
The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) - Green Hotel Initiative: 617.247.0700 X 21

"Green" Hotels Association:

NW Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) - Hospitality Sector
Green Seal - Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties
Hotel Association of Canada - Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program
U.S. Green Building Council

Is there a cost to "going green" for your hotel and group or conference meetings? Yes. Is there a larger cost involved in ignoring the trend? Absolutely. Don't allow your hotel to languish in meeting sales. Get educated on "green", and pencil out the numbers. Or let an expert guide you. You will be surprised and delighted to learn -

Green is for Go.

穢 Ridgeline Hospitality, LLC 2010
By Dr. Diana Driscoll