What Are The Main Advantages Of Using Event Scheduling Software?

Event management has become an industry of late, with many companies extending their services to manage events of almost all types. The greatest challenge for these companies is to plan and manage corporate events. According to market experts, it is best to go for corporate event management only when the business hosting the conference has prior experience in smaller event management. Nevertheless, the fact that hosting a corporate event is an important marketing tool has lured many start-ups to venture into hosting conferences in which they can gather a great percentage of the thinking crowd. Today, with mobile applications available that further simplify various aspects of event management, almost any business can take this bold step.

Managing a corporate event starts right from fixing the time, date, and venue, to online registrations to the conference. Promoting the workshop, laying out a successful event plan, and sharing each detail with attendees is the next most important part of the job. However, the greatest perk lying in hosting an event comes when the conference or workshop is actually in progress. Did you know that with event specific mobile applications you could make each of the aspects quite simpler for your team of event organizers? Take for example, event scheduling softwares available these days.

Event scheduling involves fixing the date and time for each and every part of the main event, and you may have to spend too much time researching on available options before selecting the best set of timings. Cut to the use of event scheduling softwares, you can be sure that a major burden related to all this work is taken off your shoulder. How?

To begin with, the integrated features of scheduling softwares furnish all details of the event online as soon as they have been finalized. When you are planning details, its leading features furnish suggestions that would be best suited to your initial plan. Last, but not the least the software is actually programmed to give you suitable alerts to complete each and every task related to the scheduling process.

Most event scheduling softwares being developed these days are being integrated with online registration services which itself is a great boon for organizers. Further on, you have greatly detailed graphics of the proposed floor plan of the venue. This allows you to take your time and decide the type of changes you want to make in room allocation and supply of facilities. In short, these softwares make every aspect of event scheduling a dream ride for the organizers and therefore serve as a great factor that determines the success of your event.

How to Increase Attendance at Holiday Parties With Maximum Conversions?

Every event planner wants his/her holiday parties to run a fully packed house and be the talk of the town. However, only a few planners see their dreams come true. It is not that they haven't worked hard to plan and setup the party or didn't send invitations to guests in time. The reason behind a poor turnout can be because of an outdated registration process, late delivery of invitation cards, and poor marketing strategies. Let's discuss the following points in detail.

Outdated Registration Process

As a holiday party organizer, you need to be really careful when choosing a registration process for your upcoming event. You can't carry on with the same old procedure of manually distributing and compiling forms and from the registrants when the local event organizers have already updated their event registration processes. Nowadays, people really don't prefer wasting their time in traveling and bearing additional expenses for such cases. An online event registration solution is the in-thing today. It lets people from any part of the world easily access your holiday party registration form, 24 hours. Thus, it saves the registrant's traveling costs and their time and in a way increases your event attendance and ROI.

Cloud-based event registration application lets you create multiple holiday party registration forms in the shortest possible time span. There is no question of sending the forms to be printed since you can easily publish a customized registration form with just a few clicks of your computer mouse.

Another advantage of using an online holiday party registration system is that it allows an individual complete registering and paying on behalf of his friends or business colleagues using the bulk registration facilities. It thus automatically guarantees maximum a boost in registration numbers for any particular day.

Late Delivery of Invitation Cards

In spite of sending out invitations to all the intended guests, you find most of them absent from the party scene. You wonder what could be the reason. Well, an obvious explanation for their non-appearance may be the late delivery of your hard-copy invitation letter or card sent via post. To avoid making such a mistake this holiday season, start using an emailing service that lets you send out multiple soft-copy invitations, notifications, and reminders quickly. You can instantly inform your past and current attendees about the schedule of all your forthcoming holiday parties; adding the online registration link in the email will let people complete the registration process immediately. Automatic notifications will reach you after every successful registration is processed.

Poor Marketing Strategies

Inadequate marketing strategies can lead to fewer turnouts at an event or party. You need to explore online social media platforms other than traditional advertising channels to inform the maximum number of people about your upcoming programs. Try posting all event related news on your event website, company site, and on your blog to attract more eye balls and maximize registrations and conversions.

Sell Tickets Online to Save Time and Money

The idea to sell tickets online is a new but a very helpful technique of managing corporate events. Internet is perhaps the only communication media, which reaches the largest number of people at one point of time. So, when an event management company decides to sell tickets online, the outcome is always good. Selling tickets on the Internet is the best way of popularizing your event. On one hand the web world has a wide reach as a result of which the news of your event reaches even to the remotest corner. On the other hand purchasing tickets online is very simple. You can get a ticket suiting your budget and preference within a few minutes. No hassle of cash dealing as well, because when you sell event tickets online payments are done via internet only.

Most of the bigger corporate event management companies prefer to sell events tickets online in order to make the process more systematic and hassle-free. Corporate events are generally organized in a large scale. Thus there are plenty of things to manage and organize. Selling tickets is one of the most important parts of any type of event management. Tickets are the biggest source of revenue apart from advertisements and sponsorships. Thus a vital part of the event's success depends on the sale of the tickets.

Earlier tickets were generally sold from some particular place. As a result of which many a times people who wanted to participate in the event many a times could make it to the place. In this way the sale of the tickets suffered a setback. The corporate event management companies realized that Internet has a great marketing potential. Thus they began circulating tickets on the web as well. Now whenever a big event is organized, you can purchase tickets both online and offline.

When event managers sell events tickets online, you have to understand that they are actually benefiting in several ways. First of all there is no need of a human resource to handle this job, secondly the event is getting its due propaganda and thirdly the process is cost effective. The event organizers are successful in saving a large chunk of money and the interested participants are getting access to the tickets of their favorite programme without much hassle.

Moreover, the event managers don't have to worry about keeping a track of the sales and the revenue, because the online ticket sellers use such software, which are capable of handling all these simultaneously. The best thing about the online event managers is that they make you feel relaxed even before a very important and big event. So, if you wish to arrange an event successfully get in touch with any of the reputed event management companies and see the magic of their expertise.

Increase Meeting Attendance - Not Cost - With Online Event Marketing

Today's economy is tough on meeting and event professionals. Keeping attendance numbers high is especially a challenge, as attendees are finding it more and more difficult to factor your tradeshow or conference into their budget. Your resources are limited, too -- there simply isn't enough money to book in the most sought-after destination, source a five-star venue, or employ one of the other tactics you may have used in the past to successfully entice guests.

Don't resign to lower-than-ever registration numbers, yet. It is possible to maintain and even improve attendance without exhausting your budget by taking your event marketing online. No longer does event promotion require long hours dedicated to writing press releases or calling journalists. Nor do you need an ample budget for publicity. In today's digital world, it's fast and easy to reach a large audience of potential attendees at a low cost.

Here are a few ways meeting planners can successfully promote their event without breaking budget:

Start social networking. Social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are quickly becoming the go-to ways to connect to attendees. Such sites foster discussion among potential meeting-goers, who generate word-of-mouth advertising that's more valuable than any newspaper article or press release. Social networking sites create buzz leading up to your event, and in the future can serve as a great reference for attendees who want to see what your event was like last year.

Create an event website. Event websites have become the expectation, not the exception, for all types of meetings. In the past, organizations used websites for little more than posting basic event details and offering online registration. Though these features remain important, event websites today can do so much more to market your events. Post information such as speaker biographies and agenda session descriptions, or upload videos and pictures from last year's event. A clean, professional event website full of relevant content is a great tool for convincing your audience to attend.

Get listed. At event directory listing sites such as Zvents and Eventful, you can list your events and meetings for all to see. Sign up at no cost to start listing your event details, and make sure to provide a link to your event website. Once again, you'll reach a large audience searching for an event just like yours to attend.

Email invitations. Social networking and event directories are great strategies for marketing to a large, varied audience. A successful online event marketing strategy also requires you to directly target your existing set of meeting contacts. Do this effectively and economically by sending event invitations by email, the go-to form of communication for busy invitees. Email invitations can elicit more than double the response rate of paper campaigns, and they don't cut into your time and budget like direct mail does.

Though the economy is down, your event turnout doesn't have to be. Take your event marketing to the next level by going online. A minimal investment of time and money in web resources and technology will yield big results for your meeting attendance.

Corporate Events: Make a Better Workplace!

Corporate events are the nicest way to make cordial relationships with the employees of a company. It is very much beneficial for the working of a company and its related business activity. These types of events can come in so many different shapes and sizes, level of adventure such as bungee jumping, sailing a boat etc. Mostly, the best form of corporate event is planning a day out with the employees. It proves pivotal and beneficial when the departments and teams sizes are relatively very large and want to formulate an environment to develop the kind of culture that you are looking for your organization.

Importance of Corporate Event:
Indeed, no one can deny the role of corporate events in the lifetime of a business entity. It simply indicates that everyone has to come out of their comfortable zone and put in lots of efforts to make a space that can be shared by all. It is always treated as a positive role for an organization where employees help each other and approach themselves to find concrete solutions for their issues and for the betterment of the whole entity.

Team-building events will allow employees to get in together to find solutions for any problem by building a positive bond. For example, if there is a game of treasure hunt and participants have to make a team and work collectively to find the hidden treasure. In such activity, participants have to combine their understanding, intelligence and team efforts to get the work done right.

Even Simple Event Mistakes Can Cost You Thousands

Event promoters, and event planners, sometimes make mistakes without thinking about it.

Have you ever been to an event where the doors get locked at lunchtime every day? You might think that's okay, because from a security perspective, you are keeping everything in the room safe while everyone is gone. But here's the problem. There are a lot of sales going on at events in the back sales area, there are speakers, event promoters, and sometimes outside speakers the attendees would like a chance to talk to, ask questions of and maybe even take a picture with.

• What happens when you lock the doors to your meeting room during the lunch break?


• What happens when they are locked in the morning until the last-minute before you officially start?


• What happens when everybody has just enough time to come in and sit down, and you literally start 5 minutes later?


• What happens when your attendees leave at lunch and can't get back in the room?


• What's the problem, anyway?

Here's the issue. If you open the doors even as little as 30 minutes before your event starts in the morning, it gives your attendees a chance to network and it gives them a chance to go to the back sales area and ask your staff, your event promoter or event planner, or whoever is working the back area, questions about things that have been sold, and questions about your products and services. If they're asking questions, it usually means there's a very good chance they're going to invest in something you have to offer.

If they're asking questions and are showing interest in things, they're probably going to invest more money.

You want to teach people to go to that back sales table. Even if they're just asking a basic question like where's the restroom, they've gone to that back sales table. The back table now becomes the area of focus in your room, which is exactly what you want.

The same thing happens as people come back from lunch. When they come back from lunch early, and the doors are open, they can walk to the back and look at the things in your bookstore, they can look at your products, and they might pick up an order form. They have a chance to ask questions about the speaker who was there before lunch.

Everybody has to eat, but a good philosophy when you're running your own events is, you can eat and sleep later, the first priority is to take care of your attendees, be available to answer questions and to help them in any way possible.

A good rule of thumb is that somebody from your staff or your team has to be in the room at all times.

So, during the lunch breaks, there are people at the back sales table. The back sales area should never be empty. There should always be somebody there that can answer questions and who can make a sale. Because not having your back table properly staffed costs you, the event promoter, money in the long run - and usually it costs you a lot of money.

It may seem like a little thing, but it could make a big, big difference.

So, at lunchtime, have somebody back there, leave the doors open. Tell people they can leave their belongings if you're comfortable with that.

You always want to lock the meeting room doors at night, always double-check and you and your staff as well as hotel security will want to go to great lengths to secure the room when you're done for the day with the event.

The point is, you want to do everything you can to maximize sales, and that means you want to give people a chance to visit the sales area, and network with the speakers.

Not everybody is a quick decision maker that jumps up and runs to the back, invests their money and they're done. Some people have to weigh things over, they want to think about things a little bit. They have questions that come up about the product and whether or not it's the right investment for their business.

Attendees have questions and you want to make that sales area as available as possible to maximize your investment, and get your marketing money, and all of the effort back that you've already put into that amazing live event you're putting on.

How to Manage a Party Event

Party planning can seem like a daunting task, especially when you have a large event to organise. It might be worth investing in an event company to help you along with the planning process.

Before you start organising your party, you will need to create a budget. A party can be planned to any budget, it's not all about glitz and glamour, event companies can work with any budget to create mesmerizing events. Your budget will be the framework for all of your party planning decisions, it's important to stick to it so you don't spend above your means. You will need to consider the essential upfront costs such as venue hire, staff hire, entertainment hire, special guests etc. When considering the expensive aspects of your party, venue hire for example; it's important to find a venue that's practical, not one that tugs at your heart-strings. If you spend less money on venue hire, you'll have more money to decorate and theme your party, and throw some brilliant entertainment on for the evening.

If you are organising a party with a large number of guests, it should be properly coordinated and will more than likely need proper expertise and planning. Event companies have access to all sorts of entertainment and venues, and will be well-tuned in organising themed parties. A specialist can help you creatively and financially by giving you guidance and inspiration on themes, d矇cor and entertainment.

There are endless lists of themed parties you could hold; swinging 60s, glamorous cocktail parties, anniversary parties, Christmas office parties etc. For example, if you are holding a 60s themed party and you don't know where to start, party planners will be able to organise all creative and financial aspects of the event. A successful 60s party could follow the theme of free-loving, psychedelic colours and peace. D矇cor could include pop art on the walls and groovy lava lamps dotted around on tables. A cocktail party should be a dazzling and sophisticated event and the cocktail bar should be the main focus. Invest in all of the ingredients you'll need to make the perfect cocktail, the more obscure the ingredient, the more impressed your guests will be. To make the occasion extra special, and if you have the budget, you could hire some expert cocktail bartenders who will be able to excite your guests with their cocktail-shaking moves.

Christmas office parties are usually a highly anticipated do, it's time for all colleagues to let loose and spend some time together outside of work. Christmas office parties can be large and glamorous or a quiet meal with a few drinks. Most party planners know that the key to a successful office party is the entertainment. A good band never fails to draw people on to the dance floor or perhaps you could charm your guests with a fire-breather or circus-performer. You should assign a large part of your budget to entertainment as it is important in bringing your guests together and leaving a lasting impression with your guests when they leave the event.

7 Ways To Ensure Your Events Go As Planned!

1) Visualizing

You must learn to visualize exactly how your whole event will turn out. Spend some quiet time before you start planning for your next event to sketch the picture in your mind and picture it as a successful event.

Visualising is a powerful tool. It is difficult to create something before you can picture it in your head. Before anything is built, it is first a thought. So have that successful event in your mind first. Now, let's get on with the details...

2) Have A Programme Schedule

This is important so that you and everyone involved knows what is going to happen minute by minute of the event. The flow of the programme is determined by no one but you, so create a schedule to plan out the start of the event to the end. This will give you an idea of how much time to allocate for each item on the programme. How long should the CEO's welcome speech be, when and how long will the timing be for tea breaks and other meals. How long should you allocate for each exercise or games that you want your participants or guests to take part in.

3) Have An Event Task Force With Their Job Scope Spelt Out On Paper

Depending on the size of your event, you must know who and what support you need to make the event happen. If it is a 1000 pax 3-day conference involving 7 to 10 speakers per day, you may need a team to handle registration for delegates, usherer, a team to take care of the audio visuals, speakers liaison officers and media liaison officers and so on.

Know what their exact job responsibilities are and write it down. As the event planner or project manager, you must work with all of them and ensure that everyone knows what needs to be done and when to do them. Get it down on paper, allocate responsibilities and assign a team leader if need be.

4) Banquet Instructions To The Banquet Staff/Venue Manager

If you are organizing your event in a hotel or convention venue, you will be working with someone from the banquet department. No matter how many meetings and prior discussion you have with them, it is not enough just to instruct them verbally. They must be given clear instructions on how you want everything to be set up in writing. From the wordings on the signages and seating arrangements, what food to be served, where the banquet will be, stage and registration set up - you must write down a list of instructions to the banquet staff and venue manager.

5) Run Through Everything That You Planned The Day Before With Everyone Involved

This may sound like common sense but not everyone practice this. You must have a mini-rehearsal or at least an event briefing before the event starts. Go through the event schedule, event task force list, banquet instructions, with everyone that are involved. Ideally this should be done on the day before. If it is not a big event, two or three hours before the event starts should be sufficient bearing in mind that everyone already has a copy of the event schedule and the event task force list prior to the briefing.

6) At Your Event - Have a standby technician to help you with the Audio Visual

The number one thing that can go wrong at any event is the audio visual systems. Its always a "technical fault" Remember that when you do your events at hotels, they only provide a basic sound system. If you want your event to go smoothly, get a reputable sound system vendor - you may have to pay a bit more but it is worth it. What's more, you can get them to standby at the event to ensure that the AV system works and if it doesn't, they can rectify it immediately.

If you use the hotel's sound systems, their technician has to take care of other rooms in the hotel if there are other events going on. To get them to give you a new microphone if yours suddenly did not work can take ages and as you know some guests do not like to wait.

7) Anticipate! Anticipate! Anticipate!

As the event manager, even though everyone has been briefed on what must be done and when, you must be able to anticipate what is going to happen minute by minute of your event. For example, if the first item on the programme is the welcome speech and the CEO is already on stage speaking, you must always anticipate what is next on the agenda and ensure that whatever it is that must be there is already standing by.

The idea is to anticipate what must happen next. I can assure you that if you follow all these 7 tips, your next event will go smoothly and as planned!

Text Message Marketing for Events - How to Use a Mobile Club for Event Planning

Text message marketing is one of the best ways to promote your next event - whether it be a huge outdoor concert or a small party at a local club, using mobile marketing is a great way to ensure a successful event.

So how can text message marketing help you achieve event success throughout each stage in the event planning process? Mobile clubs are the key - creating an opted in list of attendees to market to via text before, during and after the event.

Before the event - create your mobile club and start promoting

Create a mobile club - Before the event, get your promotion right with a multi channel marketing strategy. Make text message marketing an integral part of this mix by promoting sign ups to a text club via many different types of media. For example 'Text EVENT to 80672 to sign up for text alerts and special offers leading up to the event' - you can promote sign ups by including this mobile call to action on event posters, print ads, radio and tv ads, email newsletters and online. Use you new text club list to send messages to attendees, keeping them engaged leading up to the event with news, reminders and special offers.

On Event Day - engage attendees with interactive text campaigns

Use your mobile club to engage attendees. You might like to run text to vote or text to screen competitions throughout the day to create an added level of interactivity. Alternatively send your attendees mobile coupons throughout the day to redeem on food and drinks. You get also get a message out to attendees quickly throughout the day via text alerts e.g. 'Check out the red stage for free giveaways in the next hour!'

Post Event - stay in contact and promote your next event

Stay in contact with your mobile club with text message alerts after the event. You might like to send them a link to the website with post event info and photos. Once the event is over, your mobile marketing doesn't need to stop. Keep in contact with your text club via SMS, ready to promote your next event to them when the time comes.

Sustainable Green Event Management

There is a new trend in the events management industry to organize functions that are carbon neutral and eco friendly. The trend is called Sustainable Green Event Management and it is an event management system that addresses a number of problems that often arise during events such as environmental, economic and social issues. This means that every sustainable green event management function will incorporate socially and environmentally responsible decision making while using sustainable development principles and practices throughout the entire organization of the event. To ensure that the best practice eco friendly events management principles are adhered to the "greening" of the process needs to start right at the beginning and has to include contributors that understand and subscribe to the same event management principles. These contributors need to include all of the key members of the function such as the clients, organizers, venue owners and even sub-contractors.

Green Events of The Past

The first eco friendly events international events that were held were the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics in France. This was followed by the first "true green Games" held in Lillehammer, Norway back in 1994. The 1994 games were so successful in fact, and adhered to the eco friendly ideals of the time so closely that the Lillehammer Olympic Organizing Committee was awarded the UNEP Global 500 Award. This award is only presented to companies or organizations that set new environmental standards.

The Benefits of Event "Greening"

Everything from product launches to vast international showcase events are very resource-intensive and often can have wide ranging and lasting negative environmental consequences for the venue and city in which they are held. Because of this most multinational companies and organizations are starting to make a concerted effort to host events in a responsible way and leave a positive and lasting legacy for the community in which the event is held.

The Benefits of Holding a Green, Eco-Friendly Event

There are a number of long lasting and positive benefits to holding an eco friendly or green event. Some of the biggest benefits are:

• There is a significant cost savings benefit as green events typically have a much lower energy need and help to reduce waste. This in turn helps to reduce costs.
• Green events have a positive reputation benefit as every green event is a visible demonstration of a companies or organizations commitment to sustainability.
• Eco friendly events management principles generally lead to environmental innovation. This is because greening efforts promote technological innovation that help companies and organizations use resources more efficiently.

How Tablet PCs and iPads Can Help Meetings Go Green

Why rent Tablet PCs or iPads for your next meeting or event? There are many reasons, but one of the most compelling reasons to consider this slate technology because it is environmentally friendly, cuts costs, and saves resources.

Today's blog will focus on energy usage and paper reduction; this is where event and meeting planners can see immediate improvements as the result of adopting the Tablet PC or iPad technology.

Energy Usage

Traditionally, attendees and meeting planners bring their laptops to events. The problem with laptops is:

• They require you to be sitting at a table or hard surface in order to ensure stability


• They can weigh up to 7 or 8 pounds


• They create a barrier to conversation because of the screen


• The battery life is limited up to 5 hours so you need to be make certain you are near an outlet


• Many are not energy efficient, up to 45 watts of energy and


• You most certainly cannot walk around, or stand and navigate applications on a laptop

Now, think about the benefits if you rent Tablet PCs or rent iPads:

• They can be used standing, sitting, or walking around


• They weigh as little as 1 pound


• Meeting and trade show information can be downloaded to rental unit


• No barriers because you can carry it just like a paper notebook


• The battery life can be up to 10 hours, so the recharging is at night


• The latest iPads and Tablet PC have EnergyStar ratings, using around 15 watts of energy

Reducing Paper Usage

Tablet PCs are suitable for cutting down on all kinds of paper, including note taking, reading documents, filling out registration forms, and surveys or other reports.

Architectural design firm, BCRA, adopted the iPad to lessen impact on the environment and decrease printing costs. The company uses the iPads to showcase presentations, designs, and maps to their clients. The iPad has reduced their paper need by 41 pounds per month, representing over $1,500 per month in printing and paper savings.

By the end of 2011, the firm estimates printed brochures will be reduced by 80%, as those brochures and video displays will be on the iPad. According to BCRA officials, the estimated savings for the year will be over $15,000 on printing and paper costs.

Bottom Line

Looking at interactive technology tool rentals, such as Tablet PCs and iPads make sense for any event planner. However, this requires looking at the total picture, including energy output, paper, printing, copying, your time and your staff's time, and green initiatives within your organization and your client's.

Outdoor Movies: Finding The Right Equipment Provider So You Can Have a Successful Movie Event

Outdoor movie events on inflatable movie screens re-create the experience of the old drive-in movie. With today's new technology of inflatable movie screens and portable high-powered projectors, an open air cinema event can be hosted at any outdoor venue. Movie night events are becoming popular for organizations such as schools, churches, businesses and cities. Finding the right equipment provider to produce your movie night event is essential so that your organization produces an event that it is well received by your audience and is stress free to organize.

Before you hire an audio/visual company for your movie night event, you need to know that there are two kinds of companies that produce outdoor movie events:

1.) The first kind of company that produces events are: DJ, Bounce House rental companies, and people who think it showing flicks outdoors is fun as a side businesses to their actual full-time employment.

• Typically these kind of outdoor movie providers carry no insurance, or say they have insurance, but it does not cover outdoor movie event productions.


• These kind of companies typically hire people with NO particular skill set to work their outdoor movie events.


• Equipment from these kind of providers are inexpensive, usually is not commercial grade (but rather equipment meant for personal use) or that is under-powered for an outdoor movie setting. Their equipment is really ment for indoor movie events.

2.) The second type of company that produces outdoor movie events are full-time businesses that specialize only in outdoor cinema productions.

• Professional companies that produce movie events outdoors will use theatrical grade screen surfaces, professional grade video and audio sound systems. Cinema production companies equipment include HD digital projectors and high-definition sound systems.


• Employees of professional cinema companies typically have background in working with stage and audio-visual equipment and often work in the film industry.


• Full time outdoor cinema productions companies will carry General Liability Insurance for exactly what they do which is outdoor movie events.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR HIRING A COMPANY TO PRODUCE YOUR MOVIE EVENT OUTDOORS.

Ask the following questions to the company you are looking to hire:

- Do you carry insurance and how much insurance do you carry?

Request a copy of the provider's insurance and call the insurance agency listed on the paper. Find out if the business is covered for outdoor movie events or is the provider list as something else.

- How do I obtain a movie license?

Beware of a companies that tell you do NOT need a movie license for outdoor movie events in public. These providers are asking you to break copyright laws. Via copyright laws all outdoor movie showings require a public performance license to be purchased, except for events shown in your backyard for personal use.

- What brand of screen do you use?

Currently there are only three professional manufacturers of inflatable movie screens: AIRSCREEN, Open Air Cinema and EPIC. If a provider can not name their equipment then they do not know a lot about what they are doing. The brand of screen that is being used will both effect the presentation of your movie and safety of your event.

- What type of screen surface are you using?

Professional grade screen surfaces will use theatrical grade surfaces, just like in the movie theater. Quality of the screen is measured in gain. Screen surfaces should be highly reflective so to produce a bright and colorful picture image. Big-box store and inexpensive screens will have a cloth or plastic surface that is see-through and not very reflective which will produce a dull or poor image quality.

- What type of sound and projection are you using?

Most companies will claim they are using state-of-the-art audio or video, but when was it state-of-the-art? Equipment that was top quality 5 years ago, is not top quality today.

- Do you maintaining your projectors? Are you changing the projector bulbs regularly?

Bulbs that are not changed in projectors will get dull over time and effect the image quality at your show.

- How do you measure your screen size?

Is one companies 50' inflatable screen the same as another companies 35' inflatable screen? Do they measure the screen surface or frame? Are they measuring their inflatable movie screen on the diagonal, width or height? These are important questions to ask when comparing screen systems.

- Can you provide references for the last 3 events you produced?

Professional outdoor movie providers should be able to provide references of the last three shows that they produce, not just a select list of references that may be old. Also ask to see pictures of actual events that company has produced.

Tips on How to Hire a Wedding Planner

It used to be that wedding planners were considered a luxury for the wealthy and/or celebrities. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you are recently engaged, or even one month from your wedding and need a little help, here is a sensible, intelligent and real guide to finding that special someone who can get you down the aisle to your other special someone with style. These are the quick, crucial bullet points you need NOW:

1) Talk to friends, vendors and look at blogs and sites that you trust. Ask their recommendations. Schedule meetings with at least three highly vetted consultants/planners after checking out their websites and seeing their work. Come armed with questions and use this as your guide. Most of all, follow your gut and see who you click with. Those consultations should be by appointment only and of course, gratis!

2) First question: do you like their style (of manners, humour, dress, organization)? Does he or she make you smile/feel calm? If so, that's a good sign you'll be a great team. Remember, a wedding planner is part budget guru, part organizational ninja, part shrink, part style consultant and part family therapist. He or she (and their team) will be your sanity, your laugh, your respite and your guide. Choose wisely!

3) How long has he/she been in business? How many weddings has he/she executed? If the answer is "I planned my own wedding and it was SO much fun" or, ditto, "I planned my daughter's wedding and it was so fulfilling!" then, run. These are called hobbyists and there are hundreds of them masquerading as experienced pros. Taking a class in wedding planning does not make a wedding planner, either. You want to make sure your planner has done at least 50 weddings. A good rule of thumb is also at least three years in business. Do they have any lawsuits filed against them? Bad sign. Do they get lots of local and national press? GREAT sign.

4) Do they have a variety of ways to plan, such as full-service (best for most brides), weekend of and hourly? Are they reachable during most business hours and some after hours? Don't abuse it and call at 3 am in a panic, but expect that they will get back to you promptly when you have burning issues. Planners live on their smartphones, so text and email as well. They are super organized!

5) If they charge extra for rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, that's a a red flag. Great wedding planners will also take care of that and brunch the day after. Your ideal planner may even offer to pack you for your honeymoon and make sure a car take you to the airport. Soup to nuts is why you pay a premium for excellence! If you opt for a more abbreviated planning experience, expect great attention and excellence as well. "Day of" is never really "Day Of" - your planner should start meeting with you a few weeks prior and know your wedding like the palm of his/her hand, double checking contracts, drawing up timelines, vendor lists and being on-site for the big event, setup, breakdown and other parties.

6) Speaking of money - cheaper is never better with wedding planners. A great wedding planner will pay for him or herself given they have the relationships with all the best vendors - they buy in volume and will get MUCH better prices for you on cakes, site rentals, floral design, stationery, photographers, caterers. They know the BEST vendors in the business and will offer you many choices for each facet of your wedding. Sadly, to a vendor, YOU are a one-trick pony (I know this seems harsh, but you only get married once, right?), but that planner is their bread and butter and they will go out of their way to please a planner. What may seem a little steep is actually going to come out as a budget saver for you. Great wedding planners will follow your budget to the letter and keep you there. Awesome!

7) To that point, a wedding planner who takes kickbacks from vendors is NOT ethical or for you. He/she is your advocate and charges you enough money. This also means he/she will use the same vendors over and over, without regard for your personal style. Double-dipping to line their pockets? Run away. It's a valid question to ask. It is unethical and immoral.

8) Can your ideal candidates get you coveted appointments for the bridal fashion shows? Get you a last-minute tasting at that great caterer? Take you out to see a coveted band or DJ? Get the most elegant papery quickly, without drama? Create the favors of your dreams and deliver them to the hotel or on a plane to your destination? Go with you to fittings and help you with your registry? They must be able to do this! They should also encourage you spend real time with your fiance and even order you to get massages, go to dinner with your beloved sans wedding talk and get your exercise and nutrition on track.

9) Does he/she quickly provide you with references, a plan of action, an outline of his/her services that is crisp, professional and aesthetically pleasing? Are the contracts easy to read and decipher? All good signs.

10) Does he or she take more than one wedding or event per weekend? Ideally, you'd like to be the only one. Also, in looking at their online portfolio, do you see many different styles of weddings? The wedding should be YOURS, not the planner's style. This is so very important. It's YOUR day - we are the hired help!

11) Finally, don't be a diva. Having a planner doesn't mean you can order her around or belittle him or her. That's just bad manners and taste. He or she is your partner and holds your big day in his or her capable hands. If you have concerns, air them with grace and class. A planner wants to please you, ensure a fantastic and gorgeous wedding experience and she usually has the answers you seek! Now go and find your dream planner!

12) The right planner should make you feel like his/her only client. Without a doubt. You may see that they are busy, but you should always feel like top priority! Also, follow them on Facebook and Twitter to get some creative ideas! Great planners love social media and put great stuff out there for YOU!

A great wedding planner can be a lifesaver. Do you really want to stand there in your gown and wonder if the cake arrived while getting your false eyelashes applied and listening to your mother ask about the escort card table? A great wedding planner will no doubt have a huge suitcase filled with just about everything to ward off dress tragedies, hangovers, broken nails and annoying relatives. They will order umbrellas if a monsoon blows in. They can bring heaters if a cold snap comes. They will dry your tears and deliver a gift to your groom. They will make your beautiful day just beautiful.

To find a great wedding planner, go to the websites of your favorite wedding magazines, blogs, ask friends, check out online guides in your area, ask the receptions site that you think you love for the wedding and other vendors. If you keep hearing the same names over and over those are the "go-to" folks.

Happy planning, beautiful wedding readers!

Why You Should Outsource Your Social Media and Public Relations

Outsourcing itself is nothing new. Firms have long hired outside vendors to handle marketing, advertising, public relations, media buying, event planning, web design, printing, and many other services that are deemed by companies as "necessary functions best left to experts". And when it comes to the time-consuming tasks of social media and public relations, seeking outside expertise is a smart idea. So we call it "in-sourcing" because the key is to integrate your outsourced services with your team and mission cohesively, fluidly, and successfully.

That's what outsourcing does: creates an efficient 24/7 team of experts for your organization, removing workplace inefficiencies such as time, expense, and inexperience when strategizing, creating, planning, implementing, maintaining, and coordinating the intricate details of a successful PR campaign

Benefits of Outsourcing Your Public Relations/Social Media

Public Relations & Social Media is 24/7, not 9-5...

In a digital age, news, developments, and crises happen instantly and spread through social media even faster. Any positive or negative effects on your organization need to be reacted to just as quickly; as such, the reactionary nature of PR and social networking requires a 24/7 work ethic and involvement. The days of pitching media and writing press releases for eight hours a day have been trumped by trends of sending brief messages throughout the day. If you don't have staff that reacts instantly to positive, negative, or lucrative developments, even when off typical 9-5 work hours, your organization could be left in the dust by competitors and could be pushed to the back of consumer's minds. Hire a person or firm that understands the 24/7 nature of PR and your organization will be well-prepared for developments and happenings that are good, bad, or ugly.

... and is one of the most time consuming workplace tasks.

Social media, when performed incorrectly and inefficiently, is a huge time sink. Simply posting news items on wall's and feed's or trying to build your number of "Like's" and "Tweets" isn't enough to maintain a competitive presence in the media landscape. Creating profiles and maintaining blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Digg, and dozens of other social networking accounts can be time consuming tasks that drain your organization's and employee's time for other important tasks. Worse, having employee's involved in social networking may lead to slacking off on their own social networks, reducing work focus and ethic. Time is the biggest advantage SM agencies offer to the workplace and for companies without the resources to adequately bring a dedicated social media expert on board, outsourcing is the best option. Outsourcing your to an outside agency allows your organization to keep employee's time and energy focused and efficient.

Saves costs (making your dollars go further).

Saving money and stretching your dollars further is a juggling task on every firm's mind. In tough economies, firms need to do more with less. Budgets for PR and social strategy can be very tight, especially during a slow economic recovery. Yet smart companies and organizations understand that when times are tough, public relations and social media are important cost-effective alternatives to traditional marketing and advertising campaigns. By outsourcing those tasks, your firm is able to work within your budgetary framework, reduces overhead and operating costs (such as office space and employee benefits), and increases worker efficiency by allowing them to focus on more important and concentrated tasks.

These taskse aren't "filler work for staff".

Public relations is the art of helping the public see your organization in the most beneficial and cutting edge light. Poorly written and inexperienced public relations work shows the world just the opposite of what you intended. Employers who put less of a focus on public perception tend to take a "do it yourself" approach and assign PR and SM tasks to inexperienced workers in an effort to save money. Assigning workers that lack experience, required skill sets, and strategy tools for an extensive social media and public relations campaign is not a cost-efficient option in the long run; in fact, factoring in months of training, salary, and trial and error periods makes it a potentially expensive proposition with little to show for at the end of the day. Social media alone requires the art of being social and creative, a skill not all employee's excel in. Bring in the experts in public relations and social media - it's a more cost-efficient option that includes a team oriented, creative, goal-focused perspective.

Integration made easier and sensible.

Social media has redefined the traditional tactics of PR. Certain aspects of PR fuels the "going viral" part of social media and social media redesigns public relations from a press release into an online elevator speech. With the close ties between these two forms of communication, having separate people for public relations and for social media doesn't integrate your message and brand as clearly as possible. Which is why outsourcing your campaigns to the same expert team is the most sensible option when creating an integrated campaign among all media outlets.

By outsourcing, you'll end up working with creative experts with a 24/7 work ethic and an eye for integration, helping your business or organization save money. Outsourcing is starting to make a lot of sense.

Chiavari Chair Rentals Make the Event Look Stunning!

Chiavari chair rentals are one of the most popular seating that most of the people prefer for their events. These are the most traditional seating arrangements that every one of us feel comfortable.

These are the most convenient and affordable means of putting that final beautiful touch on your big event - whether it's for a wedding ceremony, reception, corporate event, or formal banquet.

Chiavari chair rentals are the most preferred seating arrangements for weddings and some high profile events. These chairs are beautiful chairs with no arms. They are elegant, practical and affordable. You will find them a smart selection for any event.

Even if you want them in various colors, there are many colors available such as clear brown, silver, black, white, mahogany and gold.

Wood chiavari chair rentals are also one of the most popular of all the chairs. They are what event guests expect. That is why they are continued to be a timeless classic in the event industry. It's the perfect chair solution for any kind of event.

Choose the best party rentals that have the best chair inventory available. Just take a look at the inventory before renting from the rental agency. They are both strong, beautiful and very popular. It's the perfect answer for those in search of a gorgeous chair for both indoor and outdoor events. Also consider cushions along with the chairs.

Silver chiavari chair rentals:

These are the most popular color among all the chairs. With the metallic finish, they are perfect for evening parties and wedding receptions. If you are searching to add elegance in your party, these are the best choice.

White chiavari chair rentals:

These are also most popular and are best suitable for winter weddings. If you are looking for white themed wedding, these are the perfect choice. White is the most traditional and give pleasant feel to your event.

Mahogany chiavari chair rentals:

These are dark colored chairs next to the black ones. For getting a classy look, they are the perfect choice.

Black chiavari chair rentals:

If you are planning for black and white colored theme, these chairs are the perfect choice. Black and white combination really makes your event look stunning.

So, what are you waiting for? Immediately place your rentals order. Make sure that you choose best party rentals that supply quality products. Also prefer party rentals that supply not only chairs but also multiple rentals products. Renting the items in bulk lessen your party's budget.

Have a wonderful party! Enjoy.

Is it the First Time You Are Planning an Event - Get Some Ideas From Us

Event planning is the procedure of planning a festival, party, ceremony, competition or any gathering. It includes many things like budget; confirm date for the event and also the alternate date for it, choosing and reserving the sites for the event, obtaining permits and managing transportation and parking. Depending upon the type of event the arrangements are done accordingly.

As you know that New York is considered to be the most vibrant, most classy, most fascinating and the most exciting city in the world. There is no need to mention that large number of visitors comes here so you can imagine the number of social events, functions and all types of meeting or gathering are continuous part of New York social life. In reality it is quite easy to find a New York event planners anywhere in this happening city because it has thriving demand in event planning. If you are looking for New York event planner in respect of your event you will get the best arrangements that would be provided by many fantastic event planner companies.

The company should be good enough in taking care of every single aspects of your social function in the New York City like from event planning to acquire the place for the event to take place. The company should also take care of your budget which you actually desire to spend for the event. Decoration of the event place also comes under event planning. An event looks very attractive when decoration and arrangements are done properly.

The event can look very grand if your event planner can plan it wisely. Many nightclubs in the New York City offer the best amenities and other facilities at a very low budget and will make your event the most memorable one. Some of the nightclubs which offer space for event planning are:

1. Dune: this one of the most famous and reputed hotel in the city. This hotel hosts many grand and famous events almost every month. And if you are planning to organize an event in this hotel you can also avail this opportunity that too in your budget or at a very low rates. In fact the hotel also gives high discount at the time when the hotel nightclub remains closed.

2. Pink elephant: this night club has extremely great atmosphere and has a very beautiful decor which attracts the people a lot. It is one of the best nightclubs in the New York City. Those who are looking for low budget event this will be the best place for them. Events of low as well as high budget are planned here. Event planning in such a nightclub will make it one of the memorable one.

Effective Event Management Step By Step

To many casual observers, or even attendees, producing and putting on an event does not appear to be that difficult. Indeed, if all one wants to do is put on an event, that may be true, but if the goal is to have a well run, well planned and well produced program, there are many things that go into its creation.

1. Before any event should even be planned or negotiated, it is essential that the organizers decide what its objective is. Depending on what one wants to do, and what its goals and events are, will determine the best way to then proceed.

2. One of the first things that is needed is to effectively negotiate favorable terms for the program. Organizers must determine if they anticipate many people staying over and requiring guest rooms, if there will be Food and Beverage provided, and if so, will it be included in the attendee's cost for the program (often referred to as the Registration Fee), or will it be sold as tickets, or will food and beverage be of the on your own variety. What kind of Audio/ Visuals will be needed? How many meeting or breakout rooms will be required? What size (how many people) will each room be accommodating? Will there be a need to provide any complimentary accommodations for any lecturers, organizers or honorees? What kind of facility will be needed? Other than meeting and banquet rooms, what else is needed for this conference? Is the type of facility or its location a major factor? What is the total budget for the event? Is this going to be a fund raiser, a break even, or a subsidized event? What is the target figure for the registration fee for the attendees?

3. Who will make the decisions regarding this event? Will it be the Chairperson, a Committee, or a larger group? How will monies be collected and reported? Who is responsible for each aspect?

4. There is a need to set up a detailed Action Plan far in advance. This should clearly spell out all responsibilities, goals, and actions that are needed. It should accompany a time line for tasks that are needed to be accomplished by a specific date, as well as best to review on an ongoing basis, to assure that everything is progressing as desired.

5. How is this event going to be marketed? Again, a specific Marketing Plan including both responsibilities, a time line and tasks must be established, and there must be included sufficient time to promote the event. Generally, promotion and marketing should begin with a "Save The Date" promotion very far in advance, and numerous and continuous follow ups. Too many organizations begin their marketing and promotion of their events far too late, especially if travel and a substantial expense to the attendee may be involved.

6. Professional event planners understand that there is always a need for contingency, or backup plans. Invariably, something changes unexpectedly, such as weather, speaker cancellation, additional items added to the program, etc. Organizations must realize that it is better to add something additional to a program than to take something out that an attendee expects to be receiving.

7. When budgeting for this event, revenues should always be based conservatively (under-anticipated) while expenses should be over-anticipated. That is the only fiscally responsible way to plan.

8. Organizers must create a priority list, so that if changes are needed, they have an organized manner to decide what is most important to maintain, and what it would be best to eliminate (if necessary).

9. The Event Chair must regularly review with his Committee Chairs regarding their progress, and keep on top of any possible eventuality that might impact the success of the program.

10. As the event nears, more regular contact and more detailed review and evaluation is necessary. One of the main reasons that adequate earlier review is worthwhile is that it makes this step far more predictable, easier and more efficient.

If an organization decides to use an Attendee Survey, they must have it prepared professionally, to assure that the questions do not provide a bias or prejudice. These surveys optimally should be distributed and collected at the end of the event, to provide maximum benefit to the organization.

Organizations that follow these simple steps listed above, and then personalizing the procedure in depth for their organization and specific event, almost invariably have more successful, consistent, and satisfying programs. If an attendee is satisfied, there is a great probability that he will seriously consider attending in the future.

Cooking Up An Event Management Solution

I'm getting technology lessons from a chef. How embarrassing is that?

Crissy Gershey works at Parties That Cook, a San Francisco-based company that does "hands on" cooking events in cities throughout the U.S. She used to be a chef at some pretty well-known restaurants in the Bay Area, and then did catering work. Now she's a director of marketing and is teaching me a few things about event management technology.

To coordinate the dozens of public cooking functions the company conducts throughout the year, Parties That Cook uses event management technology from Eventbrite. By coincidence, I've been using Eventbrite over the past month to help manage the software training webinars and seminars that we do. Guess who does a better job at this? It's Crissy, the marketing chef.

She knows how to take advantage of free services. Sure, like me she found setting up her events on Eventbrite to be pretty easy. But like all technology, if you want to do more, it becomes more complex. Crissy called Eventbrite's customer service frequently for help in the setup process. She leaned on them for assistance when setting up payment processing and formatting of the pages. She had them walk her through how to take the code they offered so she could embed widgets like a registration page and calendar on her own website. I could've gotten the same assistance that Crissy got. And it's all free. But I'm a guy. We don't ask for help. So I wound up spending way more time in the setup process than I needed to.

Crissy immediately understood how to use Eventbrite's social networking features to help her promote her events. As with everything that's social networking, I'm still trying to figure out what it all means. That's because I'm in my 40s and live in Philly. But she's much younger... and from the Bay Area. So she's been connecting her company's events to its Facebook and LinkedIn pages. She's been using Eventbrite to tweet about upcoming cooking classes. She encourages registrants to share the event with their LinkedIn connections, Twitter followers and Facebook friends and to e-mail event details directly from the site to their friends. She recognized that her events, because they are listed on Eventbrite's site, are quickly picked up by Google's search engine, so she's created Google Alerts to track. She carefully crafts her event descriptions so they get found by other Eventbrite visitors when searching the site. Sometimes she sends out invitations to potential customers through the site, too (she's allowed up to 2,000 per day).

But I'm not a complete idiot. I signed up with Eventbrite for some basic things that would save me time and money. I'm happy with the progress. Before, attendees would register on my site. I would get their registration via e-mail. Someone in my office would manually send out a confirmation e-mail. We would keep a list. We would send reminders. We would manually process the payments. It was pretty tedious. Now when someone registers for an event they get an automatic e-mail. I just get a notification. Eventbrite keeps the lists. It manages the payments. It maintains a "wait list" if an event sells out. I can print out name badges and an attendee list on the day of the event. We can send out bulk reminders through the site. For a company running events, this is a big thing.

Crissy lists her company's cooking classes on a bunch of sites to attract potential attendees. This is very time consuming. But this is a smart chef, because she figured out how to use Eventbrite's tracking capability to see which sites were generating the most visitors for her events. So she focuses on just those sites.

She's also a big believer in using promotion codes and wait lists. That way if attendance is lagging at a location she can offer special deals. Users can punch in a code when registering and get a discounted price. For popular events, she lets users sign up for a wait list. This way if someone drops out, Eventbrite automatically notifies the next person in line that there's a slot opened and gives that person a specific period of time to register before reaching out to the next person on the wait list.

Eventbrite is not cheap. It's free. But it's expensive. What does that mean? If you're putting on free events, then listing them is free. That's perfect for me because my company does a lot of free training webinars and seminars for the products we sell. But I recently scheduled a few for-pay events and got sticker shock.

If you want to use Eventbrite to accept credit card payments you'll pay 2.5% of the ticket value plus $0.99 per ticket. When we set up a seminar where we charged $199 per attendee I was kind of surprised to see $5.96 charged additionally for each ticket sold. There is a maximum fee of $9.95 per ticket, though. You can eat these charges yourself or set it up so that the charges get added on to each ticket. Then there is a 3% charge for processing from the credit card company. Crissy chose to pass these costs through to her customers...and it hasn't been a problem. Me--I just eat the cost. I'm afraid of the backlash.

There are also some indirect costs. Crissy handled most of the setup on her own. I hire others to compensate for my inadequacies. To brand my registration page I paid a marketing designer. To embed the Eventbrite widgets on my site, I'm hiring my webmaster. To set up payment processing I've turned to my bookkeeper. Of course I'm paying my internal marketing manager to keep the event site updated and current, too.

One thing that took me by surprise when setting up the service is how Eventbrite's branding is all over the place. This doesn't seem to get Crissy too bent out of shape. I realize Eventbrite is a free service and it is doing its best to attract as many visitors as possible who will hopefully put on paid events so Eventbrite, too, can get paid. If you just put a simple link on your site for attendees to register they'll get bounced to the Eventbrite registration form, which has its logo and branding. Even though Eventbrite gives you the code so that your web developer can embed the registration form on your site, there's still Eventbrite branding on the form. There's no way to really hide that you're using their service, so be prepared for that.

So far, so good. I'm liking Eventbrite and so is Crissy. Of course, she's using their capabilities much better than I am. But I bet she can't cook a better steak than me. Oh, who am I kidding? Of course she can.

Sunflower Party Planning

Actually, choosing a theme for a party is usually the hardest step. Once chosen, it guides all of the party planning steps. See below how easy it is to plan a sunflower party!

Invitations: The starting point for any party is sending out invitations. And if you send out Sunflower themed invitations your guests will know immediately that the beautiful, happy plant is going to play a key role at your party. To find the perfect invitations (or wonderful ideas for invitations) go to Google.com/Images and type in the term "sunflower invitations".

Decor: Decorations, centerpieces and paper goods all make up 'd矇cor'. Decorations can include yellow and brown streamers, balloon bouquets, hanging lanterns and other such items. You can also purchase faux sunflowers at craft stores or silk flower shops and incorporate them throughout the room or location. Of course the centerpiece should, if possible, consist of real sunflowers. Talk to your florist or supermarket floral department about securing the necessary flowers for your party. Tie an over-sized organza or satin yellow ribbon around the vase for a dressed up look.

As for paper goods, you can always use yellow plates, napkins and utensils for a cheery look. Or perform a search on "Sunflower Paper Goods" to see what is available. Gracioushome.com has beautiful sunflower plates and napkins.

Cake and/or Cupcakes: Of course the cake and/or cupcakes should be decorated with sunflowers! Once again turn to Google Images for wonderful inspiration. Print out the decorated cakes and cupcakes you like best and take them to your bakery to see if they can replicate them for you.

Sunflower Party Favors: It is always a lovely gesture to send your guests home with a small favor as a token of your appreciation. Theme related favors include flower shaped cookies and soaps. Or give a sunflower seed favor or plant favor. Favor boxes with a faux flower on top or the image of one on the box will turn any favor into a sunflower favor!

Diva Entertains, Copyright 2010

Porta Potty Rental - Hire Clean and Hygienic Portable Toilets for Your Guests

Are you planning for a birthday party or any event? Worried about the sanitary facilities for your guests and visitors? Here is a solution! Whenever you are planning for your outdoor event and feel unsatisfied with the sanitary facilities, then go for porta potties.

Portable toilets are widely used by most of the people in various situations like birthday parties, events, wedding, political gathering, get-together, and outdoor events. Portable loos are made up of plastic material which is eco-friendly (do not harm environment). Portable toilets are mostly installed in outdoor events where there is no access to the lavatories for the visitors and gusts.

There are various types of porta potties available in the marketplace. Few of them are:

• Standard portable toilet
• Deluxe restroom flushing
• ADA complaint portable toilet
• Large holding tank
• Mobile restroom trailer and
• Mobile shower trailer

As there are various portable toilets with wide range of styles and designs, people can rent any of these restrooms based on their requirement. However, each portable loo is enclosed with few of the sanitary amenities to the basic needs. Few restrooms are enclosed with tissue paper, holding tank, seat cover, and flush. If you would like to accommodate your special guests or VIP's, there are also few restrooms which consist of more sanitary amenities including the above basic needs.

Standard portable loos are generally installed where there is a huge crowd of people in the event. Standard restrooms are perfectly suitable for public events, political gathering, etc., A wedding outdoor event needs a very good restroom for bride. There are certain restrooms specially designed to accommodate in wedding events.

All the other luxury restrooms are enclosed with various sanitary amenities like tissue paper, holding tank, seat cover, towel, washing station, mirror, flowerage, and deodorizer etc., Renting such restrooms for your guest can sure satisfy them and make your event successful. If you would like to rent restrooms, you need to contact the right portable toilet rental service provider in your location.

There are many porta potty rental companies available in the United States of America. To choose the right restroom rental company, it is better to do Internet research. You can filter all the other companies choose the right one that is nearer to your location. The cost of the porta potties varies according to the company and location. Choose the right restroom renal company that can provide quality service at affordable cost. By renting portable loos in your event, the visitors and guests can easily meet the sanitary needs in clean and hygienic condition.

A Brief Introduction to Describe a Corporate Magician and What He Does

A corporate magician makes use of magic to communicate and to sell which is different to the conventional use of magic. Most conventionally magicians perform their tricks to entertain but a corporate magician usually has a background of commerce or business and will also perform their tricks at conferences, meetings and even at the launch of a product. Such magicians will also run their own workshops and will often also be present at a trade show where they will patter and perform illusionary tricks to help in enhancing the presentation of a product that is being offered by certain corporate sponsors.

Eddie Tullock was a pioneer corporate magician. In any case, such magicians are mostly used at corporate galas, parties and at sales meetings as well as hospitality suites and corporate conventions and the like. Most such magicians are thorough professionals that are well dressed, usually in a black tailcoat as well as bowler hat (for males) and in white tailcoats for women.

They will perform various acts including close up strolling magic while the guests entertain themselves with cocktails or are having their dinner.

These magicians make use of certain apparatus which include items such as money and cards, rings, silks, credit cards, ropes as well as other objects meant to amaze and delight a corporate audience. Interesting tricks will keep the guests baffled and puzzled when they find that their costly watches are being stolen and then returned in the most mysterious ways.

The best part about watching a corporate magician is that they will use very innovative styles including those of silent magic comedy that easily helps in overcoming all kinds of language barriers. A good magician will generally use a tactful approach and will be very friendly and also very interactive. When using the services of such magicians at a trade show, the main aim is to help in attracting greater number of visitors to a booth.

In addition, these magicians can create a warmer and friendlier atmosphere between visitors and the sales staff. They are also very good at communicating your companies marketing message in the most informative, captivating and unforgettable manner. All this means that by employing a corporate magician at a trade show you can increase your sales potential significantly.

Such a magician can also help in drawing bigger crowds to his customized magic and he will also help the sales staff in zeroing in on key visitors by helping to qualify the prospects while conducting his show. He will also succeed in collecting business cards while performing his round the clock show which allows the staff to concentrate more on other important activities such as helping to build relationships with prospective clients.

Of course, a good corporate magician needs to possess more than good sleight of the hand expertise because they must also have good public speaking skills and they should be excellent communicators as well. He must also have experience in magic and marketing as well as in sales as only then can he succeed in creating magical presentations that will help the company shine out and shine even when faced with stiff competition.

High Profit Corporate Events to Book

Typically, I prefer to book performers for corporate events because I have found you spend the same amount time booking for these events as you would for a birthday party.

The profits are usually higher for these types of events and the clients are bit more sophisticated. Below are some ways to finding the events.

For this article corporate events pertain to all types of groups ranging from corporations to civic organizations.

1) Contact companies in your area.

Usually an employee from human resources, marketing, or the receptionist will handle the company's special event(s). When you speak the the person ask if they would like to receive information regarding entertainment for their special events and send them an email or brochure via mail. Do not try to sell them on your services on the initial call.

Companies that have events usually have holiday parties in December or company picnics from April to October. In some warmer climate areas, companies may hold outdoor events during the winter.

2) Cities and Municipalities

Lots of cities have holiday, Fall, and special day parades. Find out what your locale has or even other cities across the country.

3) Holidays

There are numerous holidays, religious and non-religious, where there are groups celebrating and needing entertainment. Some of them are:

* Christmas

* Saint Patrick's Day

* Fourth of July

* Halloween

* New Years Eve

* and many more

4) End of Year Events

Again, the list here is enormous if you live near a mid-size to large city. But, this business is so fluid you can book entertainment in any city even if you live in a rural area.

Many pools and homeowner associations plan end of the year parties right before school starts or during labor day weekend whichever comes first.

If you were to focus on 1, perhaps 2 of the above ideas, you would be able to sustain an business for a long time. These customers tend to be repeat, and when your contact person leaves to go to another company, they will take your information with them and also leave information behind for their replacement.

All it takes is action and a belief in yourself.

Business Operations for Which You Can Use Strategic Planning Software

Strategic planning software helps you macro and micromanage each management aspect of your business. More than ever, businesses today are relying on planning software to improve their performance and curtail extra costs. Lean processes are being designed with the help of planning software.

1. Product mix planning

Software allows you to build an effective product mix. With the help of planning software, you can identify the best product mix and improve your standing in marketplace.

2. Supply chain strategy

Supply chain strategy is very important for timely delivery of a product to customers. In supply chain strategies, focus has shifted from a cost-based approach to a customer-centric approach to a strategic approach. Software allows you to optimize your supply chain network, rationalize capacity and allocate production materials to manufacturing plants after calculating and improve logistics performance.

3. Inventory strategy

Having sound strategies in place for inventory stock enables you to deliver products on time. Inventory stocks also impact the cost of planned safety stocks. Software will perform scenario comparisons so you can determine the optimal level of inventory to keep. This ensures that you deliver a high-level of performance while keeping your costs minimal.

4. Production planning strategy

Complex software allows automatic planning and optimization for even large manufacturing companies. This software takes various aspects into account such as demand and orders, ideal stock levels, materials planning, labor planning, machine routing and factory scheduling constraints.

A master production plan is generated with the help of several planning sheets. Any changes in demand and orders, for instance, can be accommodated by the software and an entirely new master plan is generated by the software for your easy management.

5. Lean manufacturing

Scheduling production planning software can also turn around manufacturing process in your organization. Software will take into account line scheduling, production planning, employee scheduling and will build 'what if' scenario models which let you compare different scenarios for an optimum decision.

6. Sourcing strategy

Many manufacturing companies wonder whether they will financially benefit from outsourcing certain business operations. Macro planning software helps them determine this. The software will create many 'what if' scenarios so you can compare costs and benefits.

For instance, if you are thinking of outsourcing your marketing operations to another agency, the software will calculate marginal costs and benefits as compared to doing it in-house. This detailed analysis will help you negotiate better with suppliers on price and quality.

Corporate Promotional Clothing - Not Only for Company Staff

If you have been a keen observer, you'll notice that corporate shirts are being used by many companies as their primary mode of marketing. This is due to the fact that with a well made promotional corporate shirt, it can take a business to its next level. Sometimes, you'd observe that consumers are the ones paying the company just to wear their logo. This is because people find their logo stylish enough to be part of their fashion. This only means that as long as a business has captured the attention of their potential clients and have gained trust from their loyal customers, people will voluntarily want to have their own set of shirts that includes a printed logo of their favorite store. Some would even go as far as purchasing this Corporate Clothing at popular events like concerts or shows.

With the term "corporate" wears, it usually implies that these are only worn by employees or staff. Yes, that may be true for some; however, other companies use them as promotional giveaways during trade shows or an important event as a token of appreciation for those who attended.

Let's go back to these being used as a company uniform. A lot of businesses nowadays are utilizing these types of clothing for their employee's everyday get up. It actually helps a business appear more professional, as everyone who comes into a store would know which person is working for the company. If you have a special corporate shirt for events, people will think that you are indeed serious about your business. Additionally, getting your staff to wear the same corporate promotional clothes make them feel like a part of a team, hence getting them to work harmoniously together. Now these may all sound too expensive, but you'll be surprised to know that you don't have to break the bank just to get these shirts made.

There are actually a lot of different designs and styles when it comes to choosing a corporate shirt for your promotional needs. You can opt for:

- Embroidered Polo Shirts - Polo shirts are a hit for both men and women, and with an elegantly embroidered design, people will surely go crazy over them. With the right color combination, most people would definitely want to wear them and unconsciously help in promoting a business name out in the open.

- Hanes Printed T Shirts - We all know how popular Hanes is, and with this type of clothing printed with your business name, people will surely love to wear them for you, and be your walking billboard for as long as they wear the shirt.

- Promotional T- Shirts - This is one of the most common and cost efficient type of corporate shirt. You can choose to go for a higher quality fabric t-shirts and print your business name and logo. Once done, you can both ask your employees to wear them at a said event, or give them away as a souvenir.

- Corporate Clothing and Branded Business Shirts - If you want to look much more professional, then you can go for this option. It can range from short sleeved corporate wears to the classy long sleeved business attire.

Whichever corporate Branded Promotional Clothing you choose, as long as you put your efforts and thoughts into it, you'll definitely nail it!

A Beginner's Guide to Sponsoring Events

As an advertiser, sponsoring events is a good way to get a company name associated with a worthy cause or event with strong interest to the public. One look at the name brands splashed over major sporting events like the Masters, US Open, World Cup, World Series, NBA Play-Offs, Indy Racing, and many other major sports activities makes it clear that brand association is a powerful tool of advertisers.

Everyone knows that the most expensive television advertising is associated with the Superbowl. Why? Attention and association---each advertising sponsor is trying to get the public watching to link its company to the event in a positive way.

There are a few things most advertisers need to consider when taking on sponsorship of the event, no matter whether it is a local charity event or a major Red Carpet happening. The questions and issues are merely ones of scale.

Among the questions that those hoping to sponsor an event should consider are the following:

* How many other advertising companies are also laying claim to sponsorship?
* What advertising will occur before the event, and how will the sponsoring company's logo be featured in that advertising?
* What are the costs, and what does the company hope to gain by sponsoring the event?
* What signage, programs, and auxiliary advertising (such as promos, giveaways, sponsor-led tented areas, or activities within the major event's parameters) will be available?
* Is the crowd attending (or watching) this event the core consumer group for the company's product?

Of course, the essential question for the sponsoring company is

* What is the budget, and what can the company get for that amount of money it is willing to spend for its sponsorship?

It is not surprising that cognac companies sponsor polo events while beer companies sponsor baseball. Targeting the intended consumer base is key to the success of sponsored events. No matter how great the advertising, if the targeted consumer is not at the event, it's money wasted.

Frequently, sponsored events provide the opportunity for the company seeking to advertise its product the opportunity to provide special incentives for favored guests. Giving away tickets, providing VIP tented areas for attendees, and offering valuable swag (high-end giveaways) that will linger on long after the sponsored event is over are some of the ways advertising companies get their messages across.

Key to the success of any advertiser is the campaign conducted throughout the sponsored event. How easy or difficult event planners are to work with, how involved the sponsoring company's own personnel are in planning, and the amount of "bang for the buck" are all major considerations in having a successful advertising result from a sponsored event.

Planning, oversight, and imagination are all key to a successful event, both from the advertiser's and the event group's points of view. A well thought-out campaign with full integration of a company's branding and advertising messages can make sponsoring an event a win-win for everyone.

Corporate Hospitality

Whether you are planning meetings or team building events, creating a warm and welcoming attitude of corporate hospitality is critical for the success of your conferences. Corporate hospitality allows colleagues and clients to socialize, relax, and work toward positive team building. Seminars, meetings, conventions and conferences all allow opportunities for corporate hospitality. Corporate hospitality can add fun and flair to your annual general meetings, PR events and training courses.

Several components come into play when planning corporate events of all sorts. Location, conference venues, and activities are all relevant aspects of meetings, conventions and conferences. While all corporate event planners hope for a successful and welcoming event, making wise and thoughtful choices can help your annual general meetings, PR events, training courses and sales presentations grow and thrive. Good client and staff relations are one of the most important parts of a successful business and of successful events of all sorts. Team building and corporate hospitality will ensure that sort of success.

Location, in the most general terms, is an important consideration for all conferences and events. Select a location easily accessible by your conference attendees. Airport and railway access can be especially important. Location is also an important consideration in terms of entertainment and corporate hospitality. Activities of all sorts can play well into your events, whether you are planning a sporting event as part of your corporate hospitality or looking for more specific team building events. Choosing the right conference centre or venue for your team building event is also an important part of organizing corporate events of all sorts. Your conference venue will help to set the mood for your events, seminars or meetings. Good food, comfortable spaces, and excellent service will all help with team building at your events and meetings. If the conference venue you have chosen includes a hotel and conference support staff, this can be especially helpful for out of town attendees.

When planning team building events of any sort, corporate hospitality can be a critical component. Corporate hospitality can be as simple as a company day out or as lavish as private entertainments. Corporate hospitality is a critical aspect of team building, allowing bonding, socialization, and a feeling of unity as team members work together toward a common goal. Corporate hospitality, whether in the form of tickets to a sporting event or concert or larger group activities can be a positive bonus for employees and a morale booster in the workplace.

Corporate hospitality is also a fine choice for PR events, product launches and more. Introducing new concepts, plans and products at a corporate hospitality event like a sporting event, concert, outdoor gathering or other team building event can be a memorable and welcoming choice. Creating a positive environment for training courses and seminars will help your clients or employees to remember the material and integrate it into their professional lives in a positive and beneficial way.

Even serious corporate meetings and seminars can benefit from corporate hospitality and team building activities. Integrating a game night, themed activities or treasure hunt into your training courses, seminars, or general annual meetings can help cement the professional bonds between colleagues and clients. These team building events can even help teach cooperative work skills. Corporate hospitality and team building activities can make your seminars or events more than just educational opportunities for professional networking, but also events that leave both clients and employees with a positive impression of the conference or event.

For assistance planning a corporate hospitality event, consider consulting an experienced event planner or event planning service. It can take a lot to organise a corporate hospitality event or team building activity and an experienced professional can help make your conference or event activities a success. Whether you need a day of team building fun outdoors or a gaming night at the conference centre, an event planning service can help you make your team building dreams a reality. An event planner may be especially helpful if you would like to plan your corporate hospitality events at a sporting event or concert venue.

Corporate hospitality can range from seats at a sporting event with important clients to large scale activities and events for the entire company. Corporate hospitality and team building help to build valuable relationships, encourage networking and aid interpersonal skill development in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The chance to socialize with colleagues and clients outside of the workplace can improve overall relationships and help to build valuable professional and business connections. Consider consulting experienced event planning professionals to design, plan and organise the ideal corporate hospitality or team building activity for your company. From planning a company events to arranging corporate hospitality at general annual meetings and conferences, corporate hospitality and team building experts are a fine addition to your marketing team.

Five Keys to a Successful Product Launching Event

A product launching event can be one of the most expensive and time consuming part of any corporate marketing and event planning department. Launching a product too early can create distress and upset with current and potential clients. Launching it too late can underwhelm clients. Here are the keys to making it a wonderful and fulfilling event.

Good Preplanning: Determine the goal(s) of the event. Is it to bring new sales, competitive differentiation, or both? What type of launch makes sense? A soft launch is good for minor product enhancements or a product that has a small target market. A full-fledged launch is for a breakthrough product that will improve your competitive position. Set your budget. A good rule of thumb is the budget should be 5 to 20% of your expected revenue for that product or service. Choose one project manager who will be the focal point for all communications.

Establish the Marketing and Media Campaign: What is your compelling message? Establish your 30-, 60-, and 2 minute elevator speech. What are the benefits of this product and who does it help? When considering a successful product launching event, consider the age, sex, race, religion, and occupation of your audience members. How can you most effectively reach them? What do they read and watch? This is key to the campaign.

Define the Audience and Fill the Room! There is no worse feeling than spending thousands of dollars on an event only to have few attend the event. Identify your "A", "B" and "C" Prospects and Customers. Call and cultivate the "A" list. Make them a priority and give them an incentive to attend. Perhaps a grand prize drawing, dinner at a very expensive restaurant, or the ability to sample the product before the rest of the public. Make them feel special. Continue to send teaser emails out to those confirmed. Have a count down on your website. Be excited and your audience will be too.

Engage the Audience with the "wow" factor: Consider the following interactive technology tool rentals to turn an ordinary event into something memorable: A computer kiosk can be used in the lobby or foyer to give the attendees a "sneak peek" about the launch. PowerPoint presentation equipment, along with sound and light rental, can bring a dynamic feel and style to the event with video, music, and lights. Rent iPads or Tablet PCs for audience members to see the visuals within their own space. Giving your attendees wireless audience response system allows an immediate pulse on what the audience thinks about the new product or service. Lastly, if appropriate, raffle off one of the new products as a grand prize.

Follow up! Follow up! Follow up! Create a plan to contact the attendees and determine if they are going to buy the new product or service and when that might happen. There needs to be a mix of ways to follow up including telephone calls, emails, and face-to-face visits.

Do You Know About the Top Trends of Event Management in 2012?

The growing tendency of creating and managing events online has resulted in the development of some new trends in the field of event management in 2012. People as well as organizations are using mobile phones like never before. These devices have opened up great channels for instantly interacting with millions of mobile phone subscribers. These devices are also facilitating concepts such as 'green' events, hybrid programs, and more. This article discusses in detail some of this year's most important event management trends.

Mobile Phone Application for Event Promotion

In recent times, countries around the world have seen a tremendous growth in the number of people using mobile phones to stay in touch with friends and family. Organizations, with the use of various mobile in-built applications, have started targeting specific groups of people like never before. Mobile phone applications (email clients, news readers, currency convertors, and many more) have opened up a pool of opportunities for organizations to communicate instantly with their potential contacts. These applications help you easily send product ads, emails, and SMSs covering details of your next conference or fundraiser directly on the Smartphone or on any such mobile devices.

Hybrid Events

Hybrid events have become extremely popular because of the convenience it provides in holding meetings and conferences across multiple locations and even across different time zones. With live video conferencing facility, management as well as executives will hardly get a chance to miss out on a meeting or seminar held in some other city or country. Thus, the hybrid components, such as live broadcast and video streaming, can be used to easily interact and discuss with practically anyone across the world. These hybrid components can also be used to cost-effectively share files in real-time, over the internet.

Green Events

The concept of 'green' events has become the catchword of 2012. Rising air, water, and noise pollution and cutting of trees is adversely affecting earth's ecological balance. It has led organizations seriously think of some alternative, environment-friendly way of organizing trade shows, seminars, and such other programs. Holding green events is the most convenient way to show how much you care for planet earth. Organizers of such events pay utmost attention to sustainability and focus on recycling the waste materials generated during an event. They are also paying importance in an event to the use of various green elements, such as food made from organic ingredients, drinks prepared from organically grown liquors, and using reusable plants for decoration purpose.

Greater Social Media Interaction

Organizations have understood the importance of penetrating into the social media world in order to promote their activities on the social media websites. There are many advantages of becoming a member of social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others. These sites help you display, market, and share all your social event details with the account holders. Social media websites help you convey your message to people across any geographical boundary and location. Hence, these platforms can be used to easily reach out to millions of people at once, thereby increasing the chances of high attendance rate and increased tickets sales.

Hen Parties in Ireland

In Ireland, a Bachelorette party is known as a Hen Party. This event usually takes place a few weeks before the wedding. The party is normally organized by the chief bridesmaid or maid of honour. While the format varies widely the event usually involves alcohol. Many Hen parties include some daytime event or activity like paint-balling, makeovers, bowling or other fun pursuits. There is nearly always a meal in a restaurant followed by a night of drinking and dancing.

The typical Irish Party includes the mother of the bride and the future mother-in-law. Irish parties vary in size but are usually made up of between 12 and 30 girls often wearing outlandish outfits. The peak time for Hen Parties in Ireland is between April and September. You will often see large Hen Party groups roaming the streets in the popular Hen Party towns of Kilkenny, Kenmare, Galway, Limerick and Carrick-on-Shannon.

An overnight stay in a Hotel is the norm although some Hens take place in the home town of the Bride to Be. Pink Hats and printed "T" shirts are a pretty common sight on any Irish street on a Saturday night. Most parties involve some form of fancy dress or wild costumes.

Strippograms and Kissograms are sometimes used to add extra entertainment to the evening where allowed. Most Irish pubs are easy going about girly Parties but some will not allow Large groups of women intent on having fun. All in all the Hen Party is part of the wedding tradition in Ireland and it is very unusual for a future bride not to have some form of Hen Party to celebrate her last bit of freedom. Most Hens Nights are planned by the girls themselves but there are Event planning companies that specialise in organizing the whole process.

Of course while a Hens Party is an important event in Ireland it is an event that takes place in some form in nearly all cultures.