Saturday, December 7, 2013

Elements of a Celebrity Gala - A Night of Glitz and Glam


The elements of a celebrity gala, when executed with the necessary precision and taste, results in the not-to-be-missed internationally televised events we all know and love. These star studded affairs are attended only by the creme de la creme and therefore, only the best will do. As soon as some events are completed, the last remnants mopped away, not much time is allowed to exhale and relax. It will already be time for planning next years event, and this time root out the little hiccups that may have taken place.

In recent times, a red carpet has been used by VIPs and celebrities at these sort of events, but traditionally they were only rolled out for heads of state on ceremonial and formal occasions. This finishing touch goes hand in hand with the event's theme, decor and catering plan. Teams of decorators, event planners, caterers and stylists are called upon to plan every detail of the elements of a celebrity gala.

The gourmet finger foods and plated options selected to be dined on will have to meet countless specifications and preferences. Although we all would question how much of it gets eaten based on the figure hugging ensembles that are flaunted in front of the cameras. Top chefs are able to showcase their flair by using unique ingredients and infusing the themes colors into the evenings sustenance. The finest wines, cognacs, bourbons and whiskeys are also sourced to ensure a fun time for all.

The less glamorous details of a public event of this magnitude are easily and professionally managed by companies who specialize in restroom trailers. These restroom trailers provide elegant and fashionable amenities which will not compromise the classiest of affairs. They can also be hired with professionally attired restroom attendants. Another group of important staff would be the most reliable security company in order to check that everyone there does in fact have a much sought after ticket or invitation.

One of the more fun elements of a celebrity gala is of course the entertainment. Live music is among the more popular selections, as well as a well-known and highly respected guest speaker. Another popular way to spice things up is to include a quiz or game which gets the party goers involved and interacting with each other. You are guaranteed a satisfied group of socialites should you provide them with an interesting and entertaining evening after all the planning they themselves have put into achieving their perfect look.

How to Host the Best Annual Corporate Event


A corporate event is a seemingly social gathering (like a party or luncheon) but is actually business oriented. A business may host a corporate event to raise the public's awareness of their company, to spotlight a specific aspect of their business or to boost employee morale. Events vary in size from small gatherings to very large venues.

To ensure that you plan the best annual corporate event keep in mind that the event is a direct representation of your company. The event should encompass some key elements that represent your company such as professionalism, creativity, and reliability. Attendees should leave the event with a favorable impression of your company so be sure to keep the event fun and lively.

Planning the best annual event should begin roughly six months prior. One of the first steps is to set a budget. How much money do you have available to spend and on what do you spend it?

Of course, you'll have to book a place to host the event. When considering locations ask yourself the following questions: will it be an indoor or outdoor occasion, how many people are estimated to attend, what is the cost for the facilities?

After you've chosen a location, the next step is to plan the menu. Food of some sort should always be served. Different options to consider are sit-down dinners, buffets, and appetizers. Look at your budget and evaluate which option you feel best suits the occasion and the people attending. Should drinks be served? Should there be an open bar or should only wine and beer be served? Again, consider your budget and the type of function you are hosting.

The third and most important step in planning the best corporate event is choosing the right entertainment. The entertainment you pick could make or break the event.

Make certain the entertainer matches the needs of your company. Identify what type of entertainment meshes with your group. Would the attendees enjoy live chamber music or a rock group? Or would they prefer a comedy routine and some laughs? The possibilities are endless so choose the entertainment carefully and wisely. Do research and pick a professional after consideration.

Try to hire unique entertainment that is geared specifically for your audience. For example, if you are hosting a medical convention choose a comedian who can adapt his material towards the medical field.

Make great entertainment a priority. Don't budget all your money for food, drinks and decorations. After all, the entertainment will make the biggest impression so don't skimp. Hire a professional who suits the needs for your particular function. Hosting the best annual corporate event takes time, planning and hard work. If you start early and make great entertainment a priority your event will be a success.

Insider Budgeting Tips From Top Event Planners in the Industry


If you're planning a major event like a wedding, conference, or family reunion, you need all the help that you can get. Thankfully, we've gathered the best of the best in advice from expert event planners in the industry to help you plan a memorable event with as little stress as possible.

Step 1: Separate Expenses and Income

Before you can book the first vendor for your event, you need to know how much cash you're working with. Pro event planners reveal that the best way to create an initial budget is by separating expenses and income on a spreadsheet.

For example, expenses for a conference or business meeting may include:

• Venue rental
• Marketing
• Guest speaker fees/accommodation
• Catering
• Staff
• Administration

Income for a business conference may include:

• Tickets
• Sponsorships
• Company budget

Understanding where money is coming in and going out will help you to make wise decisions when booking vendors. You can also use this information to help you effectively cut costs in rentals and vendor bookings to keep the overall budget for a conference affordable.

Step 2: Pay Attention to Detail

Expert event planners reveal that an event budget will only be successful when you pay meticulous attention to detail. If not, extra costs and expenses can easily creep up on you that were unanticipated to eat away at your overall budget.

Set aside time to account for and consider the cost of unforeseen details for an event, like table and chair rentals, Austin car service for guest speakers, security guard hire, cleanup fees, and much more. If possible, communicate with the owner of a venue to find out about any additional charges that may apply to rentals for setup, waitstaff, security, cleanup, and more.

Step 3: Ask for Discounts

Even though you may have to humble yourself to ask for a price discount, most vendors are willing to comply. In order to keep your business, a vendor may be willing to discount the rental charges for a venue, throw in extra waitstaff in a catering package, or provide freebies with equipment rentals, like extra speakers and microphone stands.

This is yet another case of where the squeaky wheel will get the grease. If you don't take the time to ask and make your needs known, you won't be able to take advantage of potential specials or discounts that may be available.

When booking any vendor for a special event, do your research in advance to find the best advertised rates. If you have your heart set on a certain hotel for a family reunion, check out the rates of competing hotels in the area. You can then inform the hotel that you have found a better booking rate nearby to see if they're willing to price match.

The good news is that you can plan an important event on a budget when you stick to the guidelines listed above. By categorizing your expenses, paying attention to detail, and requesting discounts, you can throw a high-dollar event on a dime.

The Use of Special Event Lighting Always Enhances the Beauty of Any Occasion


Regardless of the nature of the event, any major or minor celebration needs some sort of special event lighting in order to beautify the appearance of the venue which would help to create an atmosphere that would help to lift the spirits of every guest present in the event. The type of lighting you decide to use will determine the mood and tone of the event. Besides, different themes can be chosen and the lights selected accordingly depending on the nature of the event. If it is a birthday party of a child, the theme selected should be based on children. Similarly, wedding themes should be romantic whereas corporate events need to have a more professional approach. The lighting to be used should be selected on the basis of the type of theme chosen for the event. This will help to enhance the appearance and therefore, the mood of the party. Another place where proper lights can be used to make the event more cheerful is the dance floor because that is the place where people look towards for entertainment. In order to make the stage area and the dance floor appear livelier, several dance floor lights can be used in creative ways to attract the guests to let their hair down and begin to tap their feet. There can be no second opinion about the fact that the use of proper lighting can brighten or dampen the spirit of an event.

Most modern events make proper use of different forms of lights in the decoration of the event because lights are a must for any event and if those very lights can be used in an innovative manner to give the event a brighter appearance, the lights used are able to find their true purpose. Rather than just hanging big bulbs from their wires or stands, bright colorful lights can be used in place of these big bulbs to give the theme of the event a more cheerful look. Different forms special event lighting is available in the market today at very affordable prices and they can be used in ways more than one. For example, LED battery lights can be used in any place and in any manner due to the power source it is already attached to. Similarly, other LED Icicle lights can be used to light up trees and plants in the venue to appear as tiny water droplets on trees. Other innovative ideas can also be tried using the required form of LED lights and other lights.

An important aspect to remember when planning the decorations and the lighting of the event venue is that the choice of lights should be made according to the theme of the event and careful calculations should be made to ensure that the entire venue is covered with proper lighting. Tables should be lit up, the area where people can walk should have proper lights and stands with colorful bulbs on them, the stage or dance floor should have proper dance floor lights, etc. It is believed that if the decorations and the lighting during an event are attractive and great, everything else inevitably falls into place.

Incredible Birthday Supplies and Themes


Birthday is the most special and enjoyable moment in every kid's life. Every year they anxiously wait for this big day. Even the parents are highly enthusiastic about this event and make every effort to bring most exciting and action-packed ideas for their kid's birthday. The most creative and trendy thing which is very popular amongst the parents is to find exotic birthday themes. The event management companies try their best to bring the most innovative party themes. You will find an array of amazing birthday supplies and themes with these birthday party coordinators. These companies are a team of qualified and trained event management professionals who know the needs and the aspirations of the parents as well as the kids. After counseling with the parents, they decide for the birthday party theme and choose the supplies that would best compliment them.

The successful organization of any birthday party primarily depends on the birthday party supplies and of course the right combination of theme. If there is any mismatch between the supplies and the theme planned for the party, all the arrangements would go waste. Definitely, no one would like to face such a situation. This is why it is better to choose a professional event management company who is proficient in managing and planning such birthday bashes. These days it is a very common concept which is used by most of the families, irrespective of their financial status. Parents want to see their kids happy and for that whatever best they can give, they always try to do that. Are you planning a birthday party for your kid? If budget is no issue for you, you have several choices. Choose one of the most renowned event management companies who can offer you best of the birthday themes and birthday party supplies.

Birthday supplies cover a huge line of items, everything from decorations, food, favors and party ware. If you have chosen a thoughtful planner, he will first choose a theme understanding the needs of the customer. Few of the most popular birthday themes are Harry Potter, undersea, princesses, pirates, dinosaurs, fiesta, western, army and safari. Once the birthday party theme is ready, you will find that everything else required for the celebration easily falls into place. Eventually the birthday planning becomes great fun for the entire family, including the event mangers. So, what are waiting for? Find a good event manager and make your child's birthday - the most memorable event.

Let a Photo Booth Bring Life to Your Wedding, Corporate Party, or Quinceanera


For many people photo booths are something new. Actually, Photo Booths have been around for many year and saw a resurgence of interest in the 1990s. The booth is basically a cabinet with a camera, computer, high speed printer, and a monitor. Typically, the booth is enclosed by curtains or a door which ensures the privacy of people inside the booth so they can pose and ham it up without feeling inhibited.

In the last few years photo booths have become increasingly popular and are becoming quite common at events of all kinds. Be it a wedding or corporate event people of all ages can be seen entering and leaving the booth with a smile. If you plan on renting a booth for your special event you can feel confident that the youngsters and the grand parents will be taking their turn in front of the camera. A photo booth will quickly become a major part of the event entertainment.

The typical approach for a photo booth is to pay a flat fee for a set amount of time and let it become a part of the event. Unlike an open bar, you know the cost of the photo booth when you rent it. In addition to the booth, most companies provide at least one attendant who is there to maintain the booth and work with the DJ to get the guests in the booth. Once the pictures start circulating around the crowd the lines will form.

There are three ways that photo booths add to the entertainment at a wedding, birthday party, or quinceanera. The first way that the booth adds to the entertainment is of course the photographs themselves. Most photo booth companies can offer print sizes from 2x6 through 5x7 or larger. This variety can offer some really unique gift ideas at your event.

Another part of the entertainment is for the booth to print two strips of images of each booth session. One strip becomes part of the memories for the guests and the other placed in a scrap book. The booth attendant will assist the guests with pasting one of the strips in a scrap book and making sure that the guests write a special message next to their photographs.

A really unique addition to the photo booth is the ability to have an ongoing slide show of the images that have been taken in the booth. This slide show can be displayed on monitors through the event or projected on a large screen. When this is done you can watch your guests watch the slide show while pointing and laughing at the funny props and faces

Selecting a photo booth company for your event is an important part of the selection process. Here are some common questions you should ask a company as part of your rental.


  • Do you carry backup equipment with you? If not, how long would it take to have a backup printer, camera, or flash unit?

  • What kinds of props will you are bringing? May we make special requests?

  • Can we pick background colors?

  • Does your booth have a green screen option?

  • What colors does your booth come in?

  • If the booth is slow will your attendants try to get the crowd involved?

  • When you say unlimited prints does this mean that everyone in the picture can have a picture?

The answers to above questions will help you know if the photo booth company you are planning to hire is able to insure that your guests will not be disappointed.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Pre-Planning Checklist for Your Corporate Events


One of the most important elements of a successful event is pre-planning. This process is essential to designing and executing a meaningful function that will benefit the overall goals of your business. Below is a checklist you can use to complete the pre-planning process for your corporate meeting, conference, or event.

Determine the purpose: Any event that you design takes time and resources to make it a success. You want to be sure that your function serves a specific purpose for your business or organization. Take time to determine what goals you hope to achieve by hosting an event. Your goal may be to provide an informational meeting, like a seminar. Or, you may want to provide an opportunity for social interaction with your employees and clients.

Once you have determined the purpose, you are able to design your event around that vision. No matter what the purpose for your event, clearly identifying your goals will allow you to create a meaningful function that will be beneficial to your business or organization.

Identify your target audience: You will need to decide who will benefit most from your event. The type of event you host will greatly influence your guest list. A good estimation of the number of guests you will invite will help you as you continue the planning process.

Choose dates: Successful event planning occurs only when the time is right. You must choose a date and time that is convenient for your guests and does not coincide with holidays or local and international events. The type of event you host will also determine the time and date that is most appropriate. A cocktail mingle is best suited for after the work hours while a seminar may be most effective during the morning hours when your guests are alert and engaged.

Determine your budget: Create a list of all expenses associated with your meeting or event. Include marketing expenses, accommodations, transportation, entertainment, food catering, taxes and fees, gratuities, and any other expenses you can think of. Allocate which expenses will be assumed by the sponsor and by the attendees. Compare your budget with those from previous events to gauge costs. An event planner is an excellent resource for assisting clients in determining a reasonable budget. Their expertise and experience in this area is extremely useful in planning expenses.

Outline your event: Create an outline of the activities for your conference or event. This allows you to determine what supplies are needed, make seating arrangements, create a timeline or schedule, and generate a vision for the big day. You now have some direction as you make final preparations.

Pre-planning allows you to narrow your focus and begin the design process of your event. It is often during this process that individuals realize just how much work is involved in planning and executing a successful event. Enlist the help of a professional event planner to assist you in any service you need. Planners provide a variety of services guaranteed to help you create an event that meets your goals and impress your guests.

What You Should Know When Planning Corporate Meetings


Depending on time management skills, the job that event planners do can be either enjoyable or nerve-racking. A planner is the one person charged with the responsibility of ensuring that huge meetings are coordinated gatherings that have a purpose and matches the company's demands, often having to adhere to very strict details. The event planner also arranges for the meeting venue and works with the support staff to set up the requirements for the meeting, all under a set deadline.

For a large or small business, planning a meeting involves knowing how many people will be in attendance and thus making sure that the meeting or conference venues are big enough to accommodate all of the participants. Other logistical details, like the seating arrangements, food, sanitation facilities and sound or audio equipment are also part of the work with which the event planner has to contend.

In brainstorming sessions, intended to update the staff, flip charts or boards for use during demonstrations are vital. As effective as they are, a meeting can also be a source of conflict between participants who fail to agree on particular agenda issues. In such a case, the event planner has to find a facilitator, who creates an allowance for problem solving in such settings. This is done by clarifying the validity of each argument. A consensus is reached by voting, in which case the popular vote wins.

It is the responsibility of the event planner to ensure that speakers in meetings, conferences or conventions know when they will speak and how much time is allocated to them. The planner also organizes all the printed material to be used, in addition to all the sound and visual equipment that may be needed.

Ideally, an event planner has to understand the theme and the overall corporate image that the hosting company wants to portray. In addition, they need to have knowledge of the area they are working in. This allows them to employ the best conference planning strategies and to match their client's needs. A meeting that runs for several days may require the planner to organize the accommodation and transportation details for the attending participants.

Today, planning corporate meetings is rising in stature as a serious profession; one that oversees the organization of a major events, like political conventions, trade shows, and corporate seminars. For all events, the planner needs to be calm and should be able to handle pressure. Organizing a meeting needs professional self-starters and team players who have great interpersonal skills and a good level of management expertise.

Top 10 Event Planning Tips


When planning an event it is useful to have a checklist in place so that you can ensure that all things are covered and that all necessary preparation is done.

Events can be very expensive when you consider the cost of the event, the cost of the marketing, the time spend out of the office and the staff downtime that will happen over the event, you need to ensure that the results are as good as possible so as to maximise your ROI.

Top 10 tips for a successful event:


  • Properly prepare for the event (pre planning)

  • Properly market the event to your customers and potential customers

  • Ensure you have the best stand for the event

  • Ensure you have all your marketing material

  • Ensure you have goodies to give away

  • Ensure your staff are prepared and know what to do

  • Make sure your staff are presentable and available

  • Work the event

  • Have USP's on the stand or reasons for people to hang around

  • Have marketing follow up after the event

Success at an event can be broken down to three very basic components:


  1. Successful pre planning

  2. Successful event

  3. Succesfsful follow up

So many companies tend to focus so much on the actual event (number 2) that they miss out steps 1 & 3 and miss 2/3 of the potential of the event.

Preparing for the event

This would involve ensuring that you organise with the event planners what space you want at the event and if that space is the best possible site. Choosing a stall that is close to the drinks area/chill out area is good - as there will be more footflow. Equally, choosing s stall near the entrance of the event will ensure that everyone walks past your stand at least twice. Organising for all facilities to be ready (lap tops, communications, food for staff/staff rotas etc.)

Properly Market the event

Letting people know you are going to be at the event is very important, rather than it being a surprise let your customers and target customers know that you are going to be there. Maximise your exposure by putting a link on your e-mails so that the word can spread. Put the event on your twitter/Facebook page. It costs nothing but could double or triple your customers. Invite people to your stand for a drink or a free gift. Hold a raffle and get people to come to present their tickets to win a trip/PlayStation/car etc.

Getting the best stand for the event

There are lots of exhibition stand designers so shopping around for the best stand at the best price is advisable. There are lots of different sorts of stands, so choosing the right one for the right event is good. If it is a key event and you want a lot of exposure, it may be best getting a larger stand to maximise your presence. If it is a small event and you just want a presence - then a small stand and small floor space is possibly best.

Get your marketing material ready

Many companies turn up to an event with insufficient marketing material to give prospects or no marketing material. We have seen some exhibitors giving out old out of date material that they need to scribble a new address on, or a new website or for services that are not available. Very embarrassing and does not give a good impression.

Goodies

Having freebies is all part of an event and they are normally inexpensive but leave a lasting impression. Something related to your industry is clever (if you are builder, a stress ball in the shape of a wrecking ball or hard hat) but normally something that the punter will keep is better (like a pen, mug, clock or something similar). Bags are good but are thrown away so do not last.

Prepare your staff

Getting staff on the stand and working the event giving out flyers/brochures, goodie bags will get a buzz going. Hiring models to walk around giving out freebies or snacks will create more effect. Organising staff to attend the event for scheduled times will keep them focused (as opposed to 2 people for the whole event.

Staff working the event

Many times staff have been on a stand talking to each other, looking bored, talking on their mobile phones and ignoring customers. This is the best way to kill the event and wast money. Having staff smiling, talking to people, bringing punters onto the stand, looking smart will double or triple your enquiry numbers.

Working the event

This is important, as it is maximising the small amount of time the event is on. Having staff networking with other exhibitors will get you to know your industry, competitors and customers. As you are known, you are giving off an image - which is good PR (if it is done right). Have staff approaching visitors with freebies and gifts. Bring passers buy onto the stand and engage in conversation. Models work well at events as they give off a professional and friendly impression and tend to be approachable. Branding the models with your corporate image will give you great exposure.

Have USP's on the stand

Have a unique selling point on the stand. Something that will bring people in. This can be anything (a sports car, a games console with a plasma screen, a bar, a swimming pool) as long as it draws attention and gets people involved and hooked. A few seconds is all you need for the message to sink in or for them to be picked up by your hunter sales staff.

Marketing Follow up

Once the event has been and gone, people will forget you. Therefore all the hard work and resource you put into the above is gone, wasted and forgotten. That is unless you do a follow up. Organise a mailing or an e-mail campaign 2 days after the event. Call up prospects after the mailing. Get the conversations going again. Send more freebies in the post to prospects (chocolates work well) and ensure that everyone that visited was scanned (events normally provide scanners so you can see anyone that you have scanned and grab their contact information).

The follow up as mentioned is the main thing, if you do not do this then the great event will become a memory that disappears very quickly.

If you would like help or advise in organising an event or finding an exhibition stand designer just let us know.

Events can be expensive so you do need to ensure that the event is as successful as possible and more often than not, they are as successful as you make them. Many events are getting quieter these days with the introduction of the internet, they are sometimes overlooked for a cheaper alternative - however they are still a powerful marketing tool and used correctly, can be very successful.

Planning A Special Event? 5 Tips to Get The Perfect Party Hire Company


Planning a wedding or corporate event can be a daunting experience. An event or party hire company will make your life a lot easier, but how do you choose which one? There are so many around that even this choice can be a tricky one. Here are a few things to remember when you are trying to decide which is the right company for you.

1. Shop around

It is important to take your time deciding which company to use. You are likely to be spending a lot of money with them, so it is worth doing plenty of research to ensure that you choose the right one. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations, read company reviews on the web and shop around. Don't just compare bottom-line prices; look also at the levels of service included. The cheapest is not always the best value.

2. Check them out online

Once you have a shortlist of companies, have a close look at each of their websites and find out as much detail as you can about the services they provide. You may also be able to find testimonials and photographs taken at previous events that they have helped organise. This will help you to get an idea of their style and whether or not it suits you.

3. Choose the right company to suit your needs

Not all companies organise the same type of events. You may find that a company specialises in corporate functions or weddings or is particularly experienced in dealing with outdoor events. Establishing a company's areas of expertise will help you decide whether it is the right company for you. It is just as important however that you understand your own needs. You will already know the kind of event you want to put on, but try making a detailed list of what you expect to need from an event hire company (things like marquee hire and catering equipment). Try to find one company that can help you with everything. It will make your life much easier if you only have to deal with one company rather than several.

4. Don't lose sight of your budget

Party planning can be an expensive business, so it pays to be disciplined with your budget. If you know from the very beginning how much you can spend, you can find a company to provide a great event within your budget. The problems arise when you ignore your budget and get seduced by an idea that you can't afford. You'll end up having to cut back and the event will be less successful. Compare quotes from several companies before you begin and consider value as well as bottom line cost. It is not just about how much the event will cost, but how much you will get for your money.

5. Don't forget good service

From your very first interaction with a company you should assess its service. Good initial service is indicative of a professional company. When you speak to them on the phone are they courteous and helpful? Do you get the feeling that these are people you could work with? Don't underestimate the importance of this. Organising an event can be a stressful business, but a professional company that knows how to look after its clients can take a lot of this stress away, allowing you to put on a great event that both you and your guests can enjoy.

Marketing For Event Planners - How to Grow Your Business


For event planners, timing is everything. Sometimes hundreds of different variables have to come together to create one seamless beautiful function. It takes a great deal of skill, patience, and excellent communication skills. Planners are like conductors in an orchestra, keeping the pace for everyone else to follow.

The problem is you can be the very best at what you do, and yet if no one knows it, all of your talents are pointless. You need to build your business just as any other business would even if your business is you.   Since you are the very essence of your business, anything you do to build that business has to revolve completely around you.

Your skills and your talent have to be at the forefront. A great way to start is to partner yourself with other business that you would use or solicit as an event planner. For instance, let's say your area of expertise is as a wedding planner, a good business builder for you would be to introduce yourself to local bridal shops, florists and bakeries.

Use the old if you scratch my back I'll scratch your approach. Simply make a spoken agreement that you will use them for their services whenever possible if they agree to promote you. Get them to allow you to put flyers or business cards in their shops and make sure they know how to get a hold of you if they come across one of their customers that my need your services.

Just remember regardless of how you do it, the key to you success is that your customers see the value of having you in their corner. You must make it seem like you are an absolute necessity to anyone planning an event. Use these business-building tips for event planners to strengthen your hold on the marketplace.

Make the most of free online tools that can help you promote your business faster than ever before. Start today to learn about social media tools that millions of your potential clients use. Your clients are shopping for services like yours online everyday. Will they find you?

Reasons Team Building Events Fail


A lot of planning goes into a team building event. But even with meticulous planning and care a team building event may fail. There are a number of reasons why a team building event may not go off exactly as you had hoped. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects, you need to analyze why the event failed and what can be done in the future to prevent it from occurring again. Failure in business is inevitable at some point but learning from it can seriously impact the strength in which you overcome it. Working with your team is necessary in doing this.

Planning that lacks focus and direction may run your event off course. In some cases managers or leaders will attempt to plan team building events without actually consulting the team. This is a big mistake. The point of team building is to strengthen and empower. By leaving the entire team out of the planning process, they may become disinterested and lack enthusiasm that is needed to make the event a success. Poor planning is the culprit behind many corporate failures. Don't let it happen to you. Include your team. There is a reason that you rely on them for their expertise.

Having a lack of resources can hinder your team building event as well. This is why planning is an essential first step. Trying to pull off a team building event without the proper resources is completely pointless. It will take more than it gives. You need your event to be effective so if anything is lacking, determine what it is and take care to correct it before you launch your event.

Your team building event must have a purpose and a significant point that is obvious to all who attend. If this is unclear you will simply have many confused people who are not sure what it is that you wish to convey to them. It should be very obvious to all present why they are gathered and what it is that you hope to achieve by having this event. Communication comes into play here. Your team wants to have open lines of discussion in order to achieve higher successes. Present your goals and desires to them with great clarity and allow for feedback. You can learn plenty about event planning by receiving feedback and ideas from those in attendance.

A team needs to know what is expected of them before they can come through for you. Team building events should focus on the team and the team members as separate people that make up a whole. When everyone knows their role and feels confident in that position, the results are outstanding.

Never use competition between team members in your team building events. It will only create and encourage animosity. Co-operation should be encouraged rather than competition. Save that for your true competitors. Dividing your employees in that manner will only work against you. Team building events are never guaranteed to be a success. However, the important thing is to identify where you went wrong.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Effective Donor Management Solutions for Non-Profit Fundraisers


Maintaining a sustainable donor base is essential towards making a fundraising event successful. For non-profits organizing regular fundraisers is even more important as their growth as an organization depends of the same; funds raised through these events are allocated towards working for social causes. Availing comprehensive online event management solutions that come embedded with fundraising tools provides exceptional donor management facilities that make nurturing customer relationships a rather easy task. Whether it is for maintaining year-round communications through emails and newsletters, or for making year-end appeals to new and existing donors, a donor management system can prove to be extremely helpful in streamlining backend operations thereby reducing overall cost for the non-profits.

Wading through endless numbers of spreadsheets, email programs, dated lists of campaigns, and unfriendly donor databases constitute a major chunk of back-office jobs of most non-profit organizations. The situation worsens as the year-end approaches or when there is a fundraiser in the offing. It is during these times when pulling together contacts and contribution related information to identify the right donor or a prospective sponsor to send an email appeal becomes imperative for a non-profit. By making logical use of the online fundraiser management system one can sail through the situation quite smoothly.

The right donor management system helps to create exactly those targeted lists which are required to ensure that each donor on the list gets an email message that will convincingly encourage their support towards the cause. A good SaaS solution can facilitate an organization in understanding individual donors, and accordingly analyze, categorize, and communicate to the target groups of potential donors.

For smaller organizations with tighter budgets

For cash-crunched non-profits with limited staff and resources, it is always better to opt for free fundraising event management tools that are hosted online. These solutions, which are available to the end users at a monthly fee over the internet, are designed to work differently without requiring substantial upfront investments, and are surprisingly easy to learn.

The biggest advantage of using such tools is that an organization does not need to worry about its timely upgrades, or other maintenance related functions as the actual software is hosted by the vendor. The organizational staff can easily access them from anywhere in the world provided they have internet access.

Less expensive installed fundraiser management systems

Instead of opting for a "rented" database hosted online, a small non-profit organization can also choose to go with a low-cost fundraising event management solution that can be installed by an individual having basic technical know-how. This often requires a bigger upfront investment, but reduces overall cost if the entire lifetime of the system is taken into consideration.

Advanced fundraiser donor management solutions

These fundraising event management solutions have more expansive reporting and donor profiling facilitates that assists bigger fundraising organizations to manage their donor base with convenience. No wonder, they require more implementation resources as well as time to learn and support, while providing greater depth and width of service capabilities that are essential for effective donor management.

Salesforce is one such hosted software solution that offers a broad framework for managing all kinds of data related to the donor base management. Non-profits can make use of the free "Nonprofit Template" to gain unprecedented support for converting potential business leads into donors.

Event Photography - The Digital Workflow


The latest digital photography equipment makes the process of photographing an event a lot easier that in the pre-digital era. So what exactly is the modern day workflow for shooting an event.

If it's an indoor event such as a school prom or black-tie dinner then the studio will first be setup. Once the backdrop and lighting is setup and tested then it's time to take the pictures. You'll need a subject obviously and when they're posed in a relaxed and smiley manner then it's time to click the shutter.

Now the digital magic starts. Once the image is in the camera it needs to be transferred to a central computer system. Effectively the camera becomes part of the computer network either through an physical Ethernet cable or, more conveniently, over a wifi connection. The image is transferred to the central computer and it can then be displayed on a computer monitor where the guests can view the images almost instantaneously. Specialist event photography software is usually used for displaying these images. This software is specifically written to enable the images to be viewed and selected quickly. The software is usually operated by an assistant or sales person but separate viewing stations can be used that work with a touch screen and let the guests browse and select their images themselves as well.

The event photography software is also able to overlay graphics or text onto the photographic image to produce a wide range of finished images if required. Magazine cover styled images are popular as well as graphics relating to sports. Corporate logos can be incorporated into an image to brand a photo for corporate events.

Another popular function of the software is the ability to shoot green-screen. This is the same technology as used in the film industry where the photo is taken against a green or blue background and then an image is inserted into the background, you could walk on the moon or be on a beach without leaving the building.

After the photos have been viewed and an image has been selected by the guest it can be purchased. Again this is where the magic of digital comes into its own. A digital image could be put onto a USB stick or burned to a CD. If an old fashioned print is required it can be output to the digital printers. The latest Dye-Sublimation printers offer lab quality photographs, indeed most of today's high street photo kiosks use Dye-Sublimation technology for print output. An event photographer may use two or three printers that allow different sized prints to be produced, right there at the event and printing can take less than a minute. Slip in mounts complete the process to produce a quality printed product.

Other products such as mugs or mouse mats can be created given the correct equipment although this equipment is bulky and not usually taken on-site, these are more of an after event sale item. This leads us onto the next step that's been made possible by digital photography, that of putting the photos onto the internet where they can then be viewed and purchased after the event. Special gallery software to display the images on a website and allow the images to be purchased is the last step in the digital workflow for event photographers. Unfortunately, if a print is ordered, we have to rely on the good old analogue postal system to deliver the final product. Unless the guest chooses to purchase a digital version of the image that is.

How to Plan a Corporate Family Day Event


With the financial crisis fading, many businesses are still operating under tightened purse strings. Where staff celebrations used to help boost motivation and show appreciation, these have become an expensive luxury which many businesses can no longer afford.

The traditional staff party, with a meal followed by drinks has its pros and cons. For some employees, the hassle of organising childcare can prove expensive, while others enjoy the opportunity to see their colleagues in a non-work setting.

Something different

With more and more working parents in the UK workforce, perhaps it is time to change your approach to staff celebrations. Corporate family days are a relatively new idea in the UK, but originated in America. A corporate family day is an activity day planned with your employees and their families in mind.

Outdoor activities

Often with an outdoor activity theme, corporate family days usually involve the workforce working in small teams to complete a range of tasks. Similar to a team building day in some respects, a family day will challenge your staff in a variety of ways. The family element helps employers demonstrate their appreciation of their staff, not just as employees, but as parents too.

Planning the right sort of day

To plan a day that will be a success and enjoyable for all, you will need to find activities that are suitable for everyone attending. Find out the ages of your employee's children, and find out if any have disabilities so you will be able to cater for and include everyone.

A good mix

The next stage is to devise activities that will be suitable for everyone, and that will cater to each of your employee's strengths. Ideally you want each employee to have an activity which they can feel that they are good at.

Going to the professionals

You may decide, after thinking about the various risk assessments and health and safety forms you will need to fill in, that going to a professional would be a much simpler option!

There are several companies throughout the UK which offer corporate family day events. Often these will be based at outdoor activity centres, so look for some in your area.

The benefits of letting them run the show

Allowing an external company to take over the planning and organisation of your family day takes the pressure off of the internal teams responsible for organising it. This means that they will be in the same boat as the other employees, and be able to enjoy the event without worrying how it is received.

Also, by handing over to experts you know that they have a wealth of experience that they can call on in planning your event - giving it every chance of becoming a great success.

Things to check

• Make sure you have passed on all the important information to the family day organisers. These included details of ages, disabilities and dietary needs.

• Ensure that the event is planned on a day which is convenient for all or most of the attendees.

• Ensure that the location is one which everyone can get to - or provide transport if required.

• If you have and desired outcomes of the day that are work specific - let the organisers know.

• If you are planning to give a speech, or the head of the company wants to say a few words let the organisers know so that this can be worked into the schedule.

• If the events are weather dependent make backup plans - and if the whole day is subject to certain conditions agree a deadline time so that all attendees can be informed.

• Decide in advance if there will be gifts for the children - often company branded goodies can be created.

6 Criteria to Be Followed When Selecting a Venue for Green Events


The impact of green wave has encouraged a growing number of event organizers to opt for ways that help them to reduce the carbon footprints and help the planet. Recently, it has been found that every 80 million people across the globe attend meetings, trade shows and exhibitions; therefore event organizers play a great role in contributing towards environmental sustainability. Informed decision making and implementation will not only help them to do their bit but will also leave a positive impact on the natural environment and the local community. However, the most challenging task in hosting a green event remains in effective venue selection. Read this article to know some of the criteria that you should look into while selecting a venue:

Checking For Environmental Certifications

You must first check whether the venue has an Environmental Management System along with an ISO 14000 certification or accreditation. Nowadays, there are many venues that come with a LEED certification. Such an official recognition is allotted when a particular venue has plumbing fixture efficiency, alternative transportation access, better recycling and ventilation rates, etc. These venues are the perfect choice for hosting your green events without even a second thought.

Looking For an Eco Procurement Policy

This kind of a policy for a venue gives preference to sourcing and purchasing of environmentally friendly products and services. When you are hosting a green event, it is important to take care of the menu that is to be served at your event. Organic foods should mostly be preferred when you are planning to go green. Also, ensure that the venue uses local produce as opposed to importing food products and ingredients internationally.

Keeping a Check on Energy Efficiency

You must also keep a check on the energy efficiency quotient. Your venue should have natural lighting facilities and ventilation. In case it doesn't, then it should be compensated by high energy efficient lights like CFL or LED. Usage of solar power is also an energy criterion to be kept in mind.

Impact on Emission Reduction

While selecting a venue it is necessary to consider its contribution towards carbon reduction. Ask the venue manager whether the venue has any renewable source of energy to offset carbon emissions. Along with that also check out the location so that delegates required to travel can lead to reduced carbon emissions in terms of the modes of transportation used.

Facilities for Waste Minimization

Look out for venues that support a recycling program. This helps in reprocessing various waste products like glass, paper, plastics, etc. Also check whether the venue has facilities for composting the food waste. This will help in reducing environmental burdens to a larger extent.

Impact on Social and Community Development

You organize a green event to put across a message to the mass. While selecting the venue you must also confirm whether it lives up to your goal. Make sure whether the venue supports any corporate social investment program or any developmental project to promote local development. This will help you to understand how your event can contribute to such a program.

These are some of the basic criteria which you can follow if you are planning to go green for your next event.

Dispel Thoughts of Meeting Mishaps with Hotel Event Planning


Planning a meeting, corporate event or conference can be a trying task - particularly if you expect the event to be a large one. But before you despair over thoughts of potential meeting mishaps, remember that there is help at hand.

There are a number of comprehensive resources to which you can turn when planning a meeting or event - from extensive checklists to professional event planners. And whether you're a practiced corporate event planner or are about to embark on your first ever event-planning effort, it's always essential to make full use of these resources.

One of your most significant event planning resources will likely be the venue at which you choose to hold your event. That's because event venues are usually equipped with a range of internal event services and facilities, such as audio-visual technology and dedicated event staff. However, you'll likely still need to outsource various other services, such as transportation and accommodation (if the event requires travel) and possibly even catering services. In the end, all the outsourcing can amount to a lot more work than you had bargained for - meaning the organization of your event might face compromise.

However, certain types of venues, such as hotels, can offer a comprehensive set of event services through a single facility, meaning that your event planning package can encompass all of your meeting requirements. For instance, many hotels operate divisions that specialise in organizing hotel meetings and events, in addition to providing meeting facilities, catering and event staff, as well as guest accommodation - so you'll be covered in terms of both meeting services and event facilities.

Moreover, hotels can offer exclusive services which are personalised to ensure success for you and your event - so you can expect your event to run according to your company's unique needs and requirements. And finally, you'll find countless hotels that are ideally situated for business travel, whether that means being located in close proximity to the airport or having easy access to the city's business district.

So, whether you're planning a large corporate conference or a small company meeting, you'll have a number of essential factors to consider. Choosing to hold your meetings and events at a hotel will give you access to a wide range of meeting and events facilities, as well as tailored support to produce a successful event - meaning that no factor will be overlooked.

Owner-Manager and Owner Tension Is Caused by Differences in Tax Treatment


Sometimes owner-managers, who provide services to the business, own business interests in the same business with owners, who are not managers and do not provide services to the business. The differences in tax treatment for these two categories of owners causes tension between them, which can result in ownership disputes. The tension arises from the way these different types of owners take profit from the business, especially if the business is incorporated.

Partnerships and limited liability companies have profits or losses treated as having been distributed whether distribution of such amounts actually is made. Owners are taxed on profits and may deduct losses from other income to the extent of their basis (generally paid-in capital) in the business. Owner-managers do not receive wages or compensation for services rendered to the business entity, are taxed on profits, and may deduct losses from other income to the extent of their basis. Owner-managers are required to pay a 15.3% self-employment tax consisting of Social Security and Medicare taxes on profits distributed. Owners are not liable for the self-employment tax.

C corporations (corporations not electing S corporation tax treatment) are taxed on income and are allowed deductions for salaries and wage compensation but not dividends. S corporations are generally exempt from federal income tax (other than on certain capital gains and passive income) and pass-through profit (or net losses to the extent of basis) to shareholders. The S corporation's shareholders include their share of the corporation's separately stated items of income, deduction, loss, and credit, and their share of income or loss on their individual tax return. Thus, the business profits are taxed at individual tax rates. S corporation owners can use the business's losses (such as those incurred during startup) on their personal returns as deductions to the extent of paid-in capital. The pass-through nature of the income means that the corporation's profits are only taxed once - at the shareholder level. S corporations therefore avoid the so-called "double taxation" of dividends that occurs with C corporations where income is taxed to the business and if paid to the owner as a dividend also is taxed to the owner. S corporations, like C corporations, can decide to retain their net profits as operating capital; however, unlike a C corporation, all profits are considered as if they were distributed to shareholders. Thus an S corporation shareholder might be taxed on income not distributed (actually paid) to the shareholder. Owner-managers active in the business may be able to benefit from funds retained in the business, while owners, not active in the business, will be taxed on undistributed profits. A shareholder of a C corporation is taxed on dividends only when those dividends are actually paid to the shareholder.

The Internal Revenue Code allows a corporation to deduct from its taxable income a reasonable allowance for salaries or other compensation for personal services actually rendered or for payments purely for services. A dividend, like salary, is taxable to the recipient, but unlike salary is not deductible from the corporation's taxable income. So by treating payments of profit to an owner-manager as salary (instead of a dividend), a C corporation can reduce its income tax liability without greatly increasing the income tax of the recipient. Dividends are taxed at a lower maximum rate than salaries (15% for dividends and 35% for salaries) so the allocation may be adjusted for maximum benefit for the corporation and the shareholder. S corporations can save their owner-managers self-employment or Social Security and Medicare taxes by allocating profit amounts between wage compensation and dividend payments (the self-employment tax is paid only on the share allocated to wage compensation). Occasionally the Internal Revenue Service challenges the allocation of a corporate salary on the ground that it is not a reasonable allowance for salaries or other compensation for personal services actually rendered.

Generally, with owner-managers, an S corporation is motivated to pay as small a salary as might be deemed reasonable (reducing the self-employment tax to be paid by an owner-manager), while a C corporation is motivated to pay as large a salary as might be deemed reasonable (to increase the wage deduction against corporate income). An owner who is not a manager does not have the option of receiving funds from C corporation profit as wage compensation. An owner who is not a manager will be deemed to have received profit distributions from an S corporation when the funds were not paid. The decisions made governing payment of salaries and wage compensation and the amount of dividend payments will affect the net amount realized after tax differently based on whether the shareholder is an owner or an owner-manager.

On an after-tax basis, it is difficult to accomplish equivalent payments of profit to owner-managers and owners. Because these decisions are complex, unequal tax treatment may occur even though it is unintentional. The tension created between the parties will increase in proportion to the inequality. The best way to prevent this problem is to organize ownership so that there are classes of ownership and each class is treated appropriately with respect to the other classes. For instance, having two classes of stock in a C corporation would allow two different rates of dividend payments to be made to an owner-manager class and an owner class. While an S corporation cannot have two classes of stock, ownership percentages might be adjusted to accomplish equality in net payments of profit from the S corporation. If necessary, voting and nonvoting classes can be used (even with the S corporation if voting is the only difference between classes) so that control issues are alleviated. Organizing entities so that the net distribution from the business is accomplished in a fair and equitable matter removes a source of tension and prevents disputes between owners and owner-managers.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Making It Happen With Event Management School


Event management is the organization of large scale events, such as festivals, tradeshows, conferences and parties, but can extend to large scale wedding planning and other giant sized private ceremonies, promotional launches or even sporting events. The event planner is a master of logistics and booking, with a talent for making the most out of their budget and venue. Often graduates of an event management school must become a jack of all trades, adding handling selecting staff and suppliers, organizing and designing decorations, or even promotional materials to reserving the location, keeping track of expenses and other more traditional aspects of event planning.

Picking a Venue

Every event has to happen in a location. This means researching all the possible locations in an area, and having an intimate understanding for fire codes and liquor laws. You will learn to consider factors as varied as acoustics and handicapped access, depending on the needs of the client, including that it will accommodate all the other features they want and is decorated properly. If you intend to do a lot of musical events like concerts, you might also consider audio training. Thankfully many places that teach event management also have a sound engineer school for some extra classes.

Food and Entertainment

Catering companies, or onsite services cover what guests or event attendees will eat, but you will still be responsible with juggling dietary needs, budget and quality. Similarly people will need something to keep them entertained, and you will need to work to decide with the client if that's a live band, a full dramatic audio visual show, or an amateur with an MP3 player. Professional level even management makes the latter unlikely, which means you'll be interviewing performers and finding out what musical or DJ training or past experience they have.

The Paperwork

If you've got the place and what's in it sorted out, you still need to worry about tracking your budget, promotions, if applicable, and keeping up good communication with your client. In this instance your event management school will have needed to turn you into one part marketing guru and one part eagle eyed accountant. Expect to be on the phone all the time and pouring over mile long spread sheets, tracking everything from individual forks to gas prices for your delivery people.

If all this doesn't feel too much for you, you can make your first organization project getting yourself into a school. While some programs are offered as part of a specialty institute, often vocational colleges teaching skills that also contribute to a fantastic event, such as a cooking school with a focus on catering, will give you a great way to network. Regardless of what you choose, picking where you study will be a first chance to research, interview and budget, so have fun!

Six Important Wedding Catering Considerations For Event Planning


BBQ catering is great for informal dining but you might want to consider some other alternatives when planning wedding catering. There are many considerations that should go into the catering selection for a wedding, and not all of them revolve around the kind of food you have.

Here are six determining factors that have a bearing on your selection of the caterer and the food you will serve at a wedding event.

1. Budget - As much as it hurts to think about it, a wedding is a very expensive event. By the time everything is budgeted, the amount available to be spent on food might not be that much per guest. Unless you have unlimited funds, the bottom line is a matter that must be dealt with.

2. Caterer's recommendation - Once you have selected the caterer for the event, find out what their suggestions are. If you decide on the type of food you are going to have before you select the caterer, you may be limited as to what cuisine you can expect. If your caterers have sufficient experience, they will know the better choices to suggest.

3. Timing and location - A beach wedding held at dusk presents an entirely different situation than a ski resort wedding. The seasons and location play a large part in the availability of some foods as well as the menus people might expect. Even though you do not have to follow the standards, things work out much better when you do.

4. Variety and desire - The two most important people at the wedding should have an input into the menu. It is their special day and the food should be something they enjoy. At any large gathering, there will be varying tastes allowing for diversification in the food. Some wedding planners actually ask the expected guests what they want based on limited choices so there is enough food without a great deal of waste.

If the caterers are known for some specialty that is based on a successful recipe, that usually makes a good addition. Something that is a little unusual, such as a unique dessert, adds to the enjoyment for everyone.

5. Consider it twice - When the menu is planned, and before it is set in stone, write it down and consider all the things that can go wrong if you stick with the selections you've made. Try to find any gaps in hors d'oeuvres and entrees. Ask the caterers if they see anything that does not make sense or if a menu item will be difficult to accomplish properly based on certain factors to do with time and place.

6. Taste test - No matter how good it looks in a picture or how great you are told it will be, you should have the caterers prepare a sampling of what they are to prepare for the wedding. You might want to have the bride and groom give their opinions as well. A good caterer should not take exception to a dry run, and it is for their own protection. A bad reputation in food preparation is the kiss of death in a caterer's line of work.

Business Planning Can Be Conducted Successfully Through A Management Consultant


Have you ever wondered if there are any easy ways to achieve a successful business plan? Business planning is a science that requires the achievement of business goals and objectives. The achievement of these business goals and objectives can be done by the successful execution of the set objectives. That is the main objective of the manager preparing a business plan.

What is a business plan and what is its structure?

Business analysis is not an easy task for a novice entrepreneur. As it involves a detailed amount of research into the cost, time and scope of the business plan. A thorough analysis of the market is also required by the business analysis professional in order to analyze the success of the business report. Novice entrepreneurs and companies who are venturing into newer markets require the assistance of business analysis professionals to guide them on these aspects:

• A study of the Business environment analysis
• A complete industry background analysis
• A thorough competitor analysis
• A efficient and achievable marketing plan after conducting a market analysis
• A fool proof operations plan
• A financial summary after analyzing the finances.

Most companies have several departments who have had experience in preparing business documents, yet, to study newer environments requires the assistance of professionals or consultants who are aware of the market trends. They have the ability to study impartially the implications of the organization planning objectives vis-?-vis the current market trends and industry trends. Industry trends and market trends are constantly upgraded as the economy continues to grow. The company is not always capable of having an analysis across industries and markets for achieving a successful business plan. There is no better way to execute the objectives, be it financial or operational, of the business report than with the aid of a management consultant.

Business Planning Research with a Management Consultant

Business planning research is a thorough science that cannot be undertaken by all companies who are involved in day-to-day activities of their existing business models. So, in order to impartially achieve a successful business report, a research needs to be conducted by an outside body. This outside body could be a management consultant whose job is to be aware of the market trends and industry trends. The management consultant is an experienced professional who will be able to immediately identify the scope, budget and timeline for the completion of the business research. Since, they conduct researches for several organizations, they are aware of the needs of the company, no matter what industry or field they belong to. The management consultant keeps himself/ herself abreast of all industries in order to have a bird's eye view of the company vis-?-vis the industry, unlike a manager of the company who is only keen to ensure the goals of the company. It is no wonder that the management consultant is more successful in preparing a plan that encompasses all the necessary aspects of the business.

Thus, the management consultant will conduct a thorough business planning research and help the company prepare a business report. This business plan will be executable keeping in mind the current market trends and the strategies used by the most successful companies in the world. The management consultant can guide the company on these strategies as they are professionals in the field who are aware of the successes and failures of the companies in the world.

Let Online Tools Manage Your Virtual Business Networking Conference With Ease


Organizing a business networking conference can be a daunting task, especially when it entails a long to-do list. An organizer has to take care of all necessary chores, right from selecting a venue, preparing the guest list, hiring vendors, to the successful execution of the conference. At present, a lot of event planners and organizers are turning towards online solutions in order to perform all the administrative jobs seamlessly and that too without investing a lot of money and time.

The technological advancement in recent years has taken event management a step further. However, with the introduction of an event registration software the concept of virtual events is gaining ground. Today, a lot of corporate houses organize virtual business networking conferences to reap maximum benefits from minimum investments. Let's take a look how a competitive event management software can help you plan your conference with ease.

Create & Customize Event Registration Page

The event registration software helps you create and customize a registration page within a few minutes. It is available online 24x7 and can be accessed from any location. As a result, your potential attendees can sign up conveniently from the comfort of their home. Providing such convenience can help you attract large volume of attendees to your conference. Apart from this, an event registration page also supports group registration for recurring events at the same time. Attendees are not required to fill any separate paper registration forms to sign up for the event.

Reduce Administrative Workload by 50%

Using the software, organizers can reduce their administrative workload by 50%. Organizers do not require to print paper registration forms and physically distribute it to the interested participants, as the entire job is performed online with a click of a button. As soon as the registrants sign up, the database is updated automatically, without any manual intervention of your administrative workforce.

Promote Your Events to a Larger Audience

Effective promotion is the key to a successful business conference. Spreading your message to a larger audience helps in attracting prospective business people. Eventually, it helps you reaping maximum benefits. With the help of the software, you can make extensive promotion and that too with least effort and minimum cost. On-page integration with social media sites, such as, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and so on helps you spread your message by a single click of your mouse. With the online promotional platform, you no longer need to print flyers and brochures to reach out to your target audience.

Send Invites to a Targeted List of Prospects

Managing the guest list and sending invites to them becomes easy with event registration software. The software is seamlessly integrated with CRM package and hence you can easily import guest list from the remote location without any difficulty. With an Email and communication tool, you can send out invitations and RSVPs automatically, without writing separate mails for each invitee.

Track Success Rate of Conference

With the help of tracking and reporting tools, event registration software helps you track the success rates of your event. Once your events are over, you can conduct an online survey to evaluate if your attendees are satisfied.

Use event Registration Software today to manage your business networking conference.

What Is the One Audiovisual Item an Event Planner Cannot Live Without?


As an event meeting services professional, you know the value of great presentation services audio visual equipment. It can make or break your meeting. Now imagine striding up in front of your audience to find no PowerPoint presentation equipment, just a podium. What would you do? What piece of audio visual equipment makes your presentation soar?

Imagine you had to choose just one or two pieces of audio visual equipment, what would you choose?

According to industry professionals, the most requested items are many but typically consist of these three PowerPoint presentation equipment:


  • Projector and Screen Rental;

  • Personal Computer and/or

  • Internet connection.

When considering presentation services audio visual, it appears the most popular requests consist of the tripod screen and a LCD Projector (at least 2000 Lumens). Computer requests are further back because many presenters bring their own laptop (though an iPad rental is another excellent option) and Internet connections are expected everywhere nowadays.

However, if you were trapped on a deserted island, would those be the most important piece of equipment for you (besides food and water)? Would these factors come into consideration:


  • Is it light?

  • Is it easy to store?

  • Is it reliable?

  • Do you know how to use the PowerPoint presentation equipment?

Lani Arredondo, author of How to Present Like a Pro, said "Intonations, gestures, audiovisual media, and other delivery techniques have no value in and of themselves. They are simply tools for the purpose of adding expression to the content. So whatever you do in the way of enhancing delivery, make sure it supports the message."

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Event Management Guide - Finding a Venue


If you have been tasked with organising an event where a substantial amount of people are likely to attend then one of the most important jobs you will have to take care of is finding a venue. If you are inexperienced as an event planner then this may seem like something of a daunting task however with a little bit of forward planning there is no reason why your event will be able to go ahead without a hitch.

It is important that you start to look for a venue several months before the date of your event. For larger events you may even need to start your search at least a year ahead as bigger venues tend to get booked up way in advance.

The first thing which you need to consider is the amount of attendees you are expecting. This will instantly help you to narrow down your list of potential venues as you will be able to disregard those which don't have enough capacity as well as those who's rooms are simply going to be too large. The aspect which you have to take into consideration is the budget which you have available. Once you know what you have in the way of fund this will help you to narrow your list of venues down further.

Once you have made yourself a shortlist of potential venues you will need to get more specific in the criteria you require. You will need to work out what sort of venue will complement the theme of your event and also determine whether or not they will have the facilities required for your particular type of event. As the event planner you should ring round and enquire directly with staff at the venue to see if meets your list of requirements.

Not only will you have to ensure that the facilities meet your requirements but arguably just as vital is the actual location of your venue. This will be especially important if you are expecting people who will be travelling long distances to attend your event. This aspect of your event management will require particular attention as the venue must have good access by roads or rail and it would be beneficial if your venue was located in the vicinity of a large town or city as it is likely that it will be close to a hotel. It is for this reason that you may wish to use a hotel as your venue as they will usually be equipped with conference facilities, but they will also be able to take care of the catering. This will give you one less task to organise.

All that will be left to take care of this the marketing and promotion of your event.

Trade Show Strategies and Event Planning - Know Your Competition


To succeed in today's aggressive and fast-changing marketplace, companies/organizations need to continually identify their competitive advantage to both hold and increase market share. They also need an in-depth understanding of the competitive dynamics of their market. Trade shows are an excellent forum to research and collect information from current and prospective customers. From here, you can learn about your competition. Here are some important things to consider when researching your competition as well as potential and current customers.

If you are exhibiting in a show, there will no doubt be a competitor presence, and it's important to stand out to attendees whether they are current or prospective clients. Take the time to introduce yourself to the competition find out what they are offering and how they are presenting their product/service. Walk the show floor and take mental notes of just what your competition is doing, they may just tell you something of interest that will be beneficial to your business. Observe where they are on the show floor and determine if it is a competitive advantage. Is their booth crowded, and yours is not...why? How long has your competition been in business and what is their reputation in the eyes of the marketplace? Learn everything about their products/service and come up with ways your product/service is better - give the buyer a reason to switch. Just what is it that differentiates you from your competitor and does it matter to the consumer? A very important question to ask yourself is what your competition strengths are and what are their weaknesses. Make sure your competition's buyers know the difference between you and "them." These buyers may not be aware of just what you can offer them!

Lastly, remember the 80/20 rule. Listen 80% of the time and talk 20%. Ask good questions of your booth attendees (particularly if they buy from your competition!).

To take market share from your competition you first have to know all about them. From there you can use your competitor's perceived advantages and beat them. You've been given ways to best your competition, now go get 'em!

Baby Shower Party Favors Your Guests Will Love


One of the most delightful but challenging parts of planning baby showers is selecting the ideal keepsakes for the event. Far too many people underestimate the thought and effort that goes into selecting baby shower party favors. As many events planners and organizers know, sometimes, it is the smallest details that can color a guest's impression of a celebration, be it at first glance or in retrospect.

The most effective baby shower party favors often serve as more than just gaudy, disposable trinkets. One must bear in mind that these are not just simple giveaways: they are tokens of gratitude intended to thank the guest for lending his or her support to the expectant mother on her and her baby's special day. If the baby shower is a smashing success, the party favor may also double as a souvenir to honor the happy memories gathered from the event.

These days, a growing number of hosts and celebrants will not just settle for cutesy porcelain figures that one can get in every other shower. More practical-minded planners are now opting for baby shower party favors that are either elegant or functional. With the wide selection of trinkets available today, the baby shower host is guaranteed to find that perfect memento to reflect either the event's theme or the guest of honor's personal preferences.

Classic and elegant-looking baby shower party favors have been a longtime favorite of party planners. These souvenirs are made recognizable by their subtle and timeless designs, making them a joy to cherish and display. Plain, traditional shapes like teddy bears, cherubs and baby bottles are not uncommon. Stuffed animals and crystal figurines in shapes like carousel horses, pacifiers and pea pods for twin babies are also becoming easy to find.

With the growing demand for souvenirs made not just for show, practical and functional giveaways can now be readily ordered via most trusted party supply channels. Choosing the right functional keepsakes most often depend on your baby shower's theme. Personalized seed packets can be given away at garden-themed showers, while gingerbread cookie cutters and egg timers are great for people who love to bake. Mint tins and old-fashioned glass jars are also major crowd-pleasers. Other party favors available in this vein include custom key chains, candles, soaps, picture frames, notepads, candy dispensers, shot glasses, bowls, lotions, mugs and playing card decks.

Edible favors are also growing in demand. Many bakeries and party suppliers now offer souvenir packages that include customized cookies, cupcakes, lollipops, chocolate bars, jam preserves and even miniature fondant cakes. Edible mementos are becoming the preference of more attentive shower hosts who know how much guests dislike clutter accumulating in their homes.

One ingenious suggestion gaining popularity today is giving out invitations that double as baby shower party favors. In addition to conserving funds and resources, party favor invites are also a time-saving way to guarantee that no guests will come home empty-handed. This can also provide a unique answer to the problem of prompt RSVPs.

Proper Planning and Preparation for the Future Chemical Logistics


Chemicals are useful and necessary in order to produce the products that the public wants and needs. How do they get from point A to point B? The answer is logistics. Chemical logistics is distinctive than any other type. To mitigate the hazards of moving a chemical, it requires good planning and proper documentation. All freight transportation and storage has its difficulties. Chemicals, especially hazardous chemicals need to be handled with care and present greater risks.

There are a myriad of companies whose expertise is the movement of freight; however, there are few corporations that have the ability to properly and safely handle the shipment of chemicals, due to the stringent regulations that are enforced by federal, state and local governments. In the years ahead the requirements and regulations will in no doubt increase, and the properly prepared logistics company will rise to meet the challenge.

Warehousing is another issue facing the chemical logistics industry. How to properly store and dispose of chemicals before, during and after usage. Environmentally sound procedures and earth friendly solutions are challenges that the chemical sourcing corporations are facing in the years ahead. The main emphasis is safety. Whereas; some chemicals are considered hazardous, others are deemed to be harmless to the environment. A company with the most up-to-date policies and procedures will offer its customers the assurances that all chemicals will be handled properly and safely.

International shipments of products in a global economy will be preeminent. Vendors from countries outside of our own are competing for market share. Logistics will play a key role in keeping cost down and profits up. The logistics companies who know how to transport, store and distribute chemicals will remain solid.

The classifications by government regulators has added additional burdens for the companies who procure and transport chemicals for the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Even though it has been some time since a company could dump chemicals in any public landfill, all chemicals have a classification as to its environmental impact. There are stiff penalties that can be levied against a chemical sourcing company for mishandling dangerous and toxic materials. Improper labeling is not least among the violations that enforcement agencies pay close attention to.

Chemicals are here to stay. The transportation and storage issues facing the manufacturing community are not insurmountable. Proper planning and good communication are the cornerstone of a symbiotic relationship between a manufacturer and a supplier.

The Secret to a Stress-Free Party - The Event Planner


Throwing a celebration of any kind can be a daunting task for most people. Knowing how and when to use an event planner can make the experience less intimidating and more enjoyable. When planning a party, you should think about your personal schedule, party size, event date, your party throwing experience, being creative, and your support system.

Are You a Busy Person?

What does your daily schedule look like? If you are like most people, you have many things on your plate. Juggling everyday responsibilities while trying to not overlook every aspect of a special event can consume a lot of time, especially if you have a busy schedule. Having an event planner to take on the task of planning your party is a great resource because they are experts in this area. In fact, you can simply tell your event planner the type of party you want, your budget, number of invitees, etc. and they can do the rest. In addition, you can tell your event planner how often you want to be updated on your party's progress. Using an event planner can give you time to attend to your normal busy schedule without the extra burden of planning a party.

How Big or Small is Your Party?

Smaller parties (5 to 8 people) might be easier for one person to plan on their own. However, if you are planning a bigger party, you should look to an event planner to help. Event planners can help with decorations, invitations, catering, equipment rental, and entertainment. Many event planners also have a database of reliable vendors that they can go to to make sure your party is a success. In reality, any size party will benefit from using an event planner.

When is Your Event?

Is your event in 2 months, 6 months, or a year? Depending on the amount of time you have to plan your party, using an event planner might be a valuable option. Most event planners can help with the biggest or smallest of details. Many event planners can offer guidance with every aspect of your special event time frame. From, developing your party timeframe to day of event timeline, your event planner can help you no matter the amount of time you have before your party.

Do You Have Experience Throwing Parties?

If you have thrown a party or two in the past, then you have good insight into the amount of time that might be needed to get a party together. However, you also know that this is usually very stressful, especially when it comes to those last minute errands. Throwing a party on your own can also get in the way of your personal enjoyment of your own event. That is why it is good to know that many event planners also offer Day of Event Management. This type of management helps to make sure that the party is a smooth event and allows you time to actually participate and take pleasure in the party you are throwing.

Do You Need Some Creativity?

Even if you have experience throwing parties, it might be beneficial to utilize an event planner for party concept and theme development. A fresh perspective is good to have when you are planning an event that is special such as a weddings and receptions, milestone birthday, anniversary, bridal party, child's birthday, etc. Event Planners can offer you unique ideas on themes, decoration, party giveaways, favors, music, and other activities. If you prefer to plan your own party, you can still look to an event planner for development of theme ideas that you can do yourself.

Who Do You Know?

Having a group of people to help you with planning your party can be a good idea. If you have a few people (friends, family, neighbors, etc.) you can trust you can assign party planning tasks to them. However, if you don't have this resource available to you, an event planner might save the day. Event planners have staff and vendors they can go to to ensure your party is pulled off with flair.

An event planner can eliminate the pressure that you have when planning an event. No matter what your event needs, and a planner can make it a hit.

How Do You Say Goodbye to Your Clients? (You Need a System)


The thing about businesses is that some are just trends. It can be very profitable while the product is still a hot item but the people's enthusiasm eventually dies down. That's why many businesses always try to innovate their products by changing the packaging or making a few additions to make it more appealing to consumers. However, not all efforts pay off and sometimes a business really needs to shut down and venture into another. But when you have a few more loyal clients relying on your product, how do you say goodbye to them? This painstaking task needs to be done properly and professionally, and here are some steps on how to do it while still saving face.

Take note of your important clients and send them prior notice

Inform your clients ahead about what's about to happen. Explain to them the reason why the company needs to shut down operations. The information does not need to be too informative. Just provide a vague explanation. Some companies say that the company has decided to try out a new venture. Some say that they have to shut down for economic reasons or the source of raw materials for the product has become unavailable. Whatever the reason you need to disclose, it does not have to give too much information to the clients. The reason should just be enough for them to understand what's happening.

It would help to compose a letter that will explain to your clients what's happening. At the end of the letter, thank the client for their loyalty and hope that you may continue doing business with them again in the future. The notice can be sent via email or through post mail. Make sure to send in the letter several months or weeks before the company is scheduled to close, not after it has already happened.

Closing the books and pending transactions

It is important not to leave your clients hanging. If they still have pending orders, complete the transactions first before halting any further orders. If the product you have sold them still has a pending warranty, make sure to inform them on what to do regarding those privileges. Doing so will make them feel the good service you provided until the end and will leave a good impression. It also shows a great deal of professionalism that they will surely appreciate.

Close the books of the company properly. The work doesn't usually stop after the company closes. There will be documents to complete, permits to cancel and contracts to void. Doing things properly can help you move on to other business ventures, and allow you to start with a clean slate.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Add Glamour To Your Fleet With Limo Services


Every person yearns to lead a prestigious and luxurious life. People are always struggling to live a life that will display them as of a different social class from others. The car you drive determines how luxurious your life is and this yearning is always hindered by lack of enough money. Given an opportunity, people would drive their dream cars. A limousine is a dream car for many. A limousine will definitely add style to your fleet, regardless of where you are destined with your fleet. Since not many people can afford a limousine, limo services companies let people drive these dream cars affordably by hiring limousines out to them.

A limousine is prestigious car. The prestige in this car makes it relatively expensive and only a few people and organisations afford to buy them. This does not, however, mean that you cannot ride a limousine to that special event. Limo services companies ensure that everyone in the world can affordably ride a limousine. All you need to do is hire one from as low as $85 per hour. If you are planning to attend a special event and you want to get there in style, then you can simply hire a limousine and you can be sure of getting there in style and all eyes will be on you.

If you are planning to go for a business deal and want to create a good first impression to your business partner, you can hire a limousine. First impression is very important and a limousine will definitely display you as a person of a high social class. Going with a low-priced car to some of these business deals can make you feel inferior. This can lower your self-esteem and thus, undesirably interfere with your bargaining skills. You could be owning a limousine in your hometown or home country, but transporting it to another city or country just to use it for attending the business meeting would not only be expensive, but also ridiculous. The only wise thing to do is come and hire a limousine in the city or town, where the business deal will take place. Hiring limo services would be more economical and convenient as well.

When planning to go on a business trip as executives of a company, you need to have a good time and a good time should not necessarily be an expensive time. You can have a good time at very low costs. If you are visiting another country for the business trip, you can have a lavish time by hiring a limousine thanks to limo services companies. They will help you have a cheap, but luxurious tour throughout the country in the comfort of a limousine. With cost-effective limousine rental services available, a good life does not always to have to be expensive.

When going for an occasion, be it social or business, you can always add glamour to your fleet by hiring a limousine. It does not make sense to buy a limo for a one-day or one-week event and hiring is cheaper yet convenient.

Ben 10 Party Invitations That Will Make the Kids Go Nuts About Your Party


Ben Tennyson is every young boy's superhero. Kids simply love the way he fights against the bad men and saves the world against all dangers. If you are a mother of a Ben fan, throwing a Ben 10 theme party is the best way to celebrate your child's special day. In order to create excitement among the kids about your party, send out the invitations in advance. The invites must match your party theme and should be designed in a way that the kids will go crazy about attending your celebration. Here are some invitation ideas that you must consider for pleasing your guests.

The store-bought invites

Ben 10 is a popular series and finding the required Ben 10 party supplies will not be difficult for you. If you are one of those busy moms who are not able to make their own invites, the store-bought ones will be of great help. You can easily find them at any of the online as well as physical party supplies stores.

Omnitrix Invite

This is the watch that provides supernatural power to Ben Tennyson and therefore, it must get a special attention in your party. Sending out an invite in the shape of Omnitrix will clearly convey your party theme and will gear up the invitees to transform themselves into their favorite alien. If your budget permits, purchase ready-made Omnitrix watches, attach a tag to its wristband, and write your party details on it. Request the guests to wear the Omnitrix for your party. You can also make the watches at home. Make some watch dial shaped cutouts from a heavy card stock and paste Omnitrix sticker on it. Buy some discounted green colored wrist bands to tie them to these cutouts or make the bands from green craft paper. On the reverse side of the dial, write your party message. If you feel there is not enough space on the dial, attach a tag to it and write your details on it.

Ben Tennyson invites

Buy some stickers of Ben Tennyson and paste it on a cardboard. Cut it out along the edges and on the reverse side paste another sticker so that it becomes a double-sided figurine. Punch out a hole from it and attach a string so that it looks like a key chain. Attach a tag to this and write your party details on it. You can also consider taking printouts of Ben on magnetic papers and writing your party details on it. This invite can serve as a keepsake as well.

In order to match the expectations of your guests, use innovative Ben 10 birthday party ideas that will help you to organize the best party of the town.

Are Scene Setters Right For Your Next Event?


Looking for a creative and inventive way to completely transform your living room or party for your next special occasion? This hot decorating item may just be the backdrop you need to make any room into a fun and festive party destination.

What Are Scene Setters?

Also commonly referred to as insta-themes or party murals, scene setters typically consist of an oversized cardboard backdrop (sizes can vary depending on the specific scene setter) and add-on props (think palm trees, ski slopes or animal props) that can be used to tailor the scene to your liking and specific theme.

Why Use a Scene Setter?

Ideal for themed parties and events, these festive backdrops can be used to instantly alter a party venue and enhance or even craft from scratch a particular party theme, such as a luau or annual Christmas party. They can also be used in classrooms, as theatre scenes, or placed in any room you'd like to transform. Scene setters are available from most party supply stores (both online and brick-and-mortar locations) for virtually every type of special occasion.

Creating the Perfect Scene Setter

Once you have chosen the appropriate scene for your party theme, it can be easily set up usually in just two simple steps. Most scenes have a top and a bottom section and can be attached to walls using pins, thumb tacks, or double-sided tape. You can mix and match additional matching props and decorations to create the exact scene you want.

So Many Party Themes to Choose From

From Halloween to the Fourth of July, to princess parties. disco-themed parties and virtually everything in between, you can find a scene that will compliment virtually every kind of theme party, annual holiday, corporate event, or special occasion.