CSR Is Corporate Social Responsibility - A New Trend in Team Building

CSR - Corporate social responsibility and team building

In its narrowest sense, corporate social responsibility refers to activities through which a company or a business gives back to the society. In its fullest sense though, corporate social responsibility means not just what the company does with its profits but also how the money is made. It is much more than philanthropy because it focuses on appropriate management of the economic, social and environmental effects of the activities of the company on the workplace, the market, the clients, supply chain and the community as a whole. In short, CSR is an awareness of the whole over and beyond the individual self and an attempt to make a meaningful contribution towards the well-being of the whole.

The corporate practice of a giving back to the community has been gaining a lot of popularity with people like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates coming out strongly in favor of such practices. However, in many companies, a large majority of employees watch these practices from the sidelines. They are just not given a chance to be a part of corporate social responsibility.

However, in the years following the recession, CSR has grown in a big way, so much so that many businesses are purposely reversing existing trends where philanthropy is deemed as the forte of the people who have the last say. There are many reasons for this volte-face.

Many companies have been faced with layoffs, dwindling profit margins and shrinking budgets. Team building events are generally quite expensive. Grappling with a weak economic outlook, it is hard to cough up a high budget event that can engage, entertain and educate employees. When a company spends money that combines training with charity, they are able to optimal use of their budgets. By combining CSR with developmental and training goals, companies get a chance to tick more boxes in their list of priorities!

Many progressive businesses are actively looking out for opportunities to embed corporate social responsibility into various aspects of the corporate culture. Thus, CSR is ingrained into different activities carried out by the organization.

Many companies are deeply aware of their social responsibilities and feel the need to demonstrate this awareness to employees as well as give them a chance to do something to help.

As a result, organizations are now beginning to hold community-based, aid-based team building events for their employees, so that employees too get an opportunity to demonstrate their sense of social responsibility. Charity events are gaining more popularity over activities such as taking attendees to the mountains for rock climbing and so on.

A number of factors must be operational to make charity events achieve everything they should.

1. The cause that is chosen by the company must inspire strong vibes in team members, or must at least be in line with the organizational culture. Fortunately, there are hundreds of programs to choose from and employers may easily find the event that employees appreciate.


2. The event must include all the attendees and encourage them to engage meaningfully in the activity instead of sitting and watching from the sidelines. When this happens, the event not only helps the community but also boosts the morale of participants and forges a strong bond between them.


3. The event must feel worthwhile so that the activity becomes a life enriching experience that leaves an impact for a long period of time. Therefore, instead of choosing a soft training option, managers must allow attendees a chance to work with real clients on projects that really make a difference.

CSR corporate social responsibility team building events could range from planting trees to exploring eco-friendly travel options, recycling, green tips, carpooling ideas and so on.

So, the next time your organization thinks of conducting team building events, make it an event that can make a difference, to the team as well as the community you are in.

Corporate Entertainment

The image of corporate entertainment has been damaged in the last couple of years. Reports of Government subsidised banks having expensive events entertaining clients, sticks in the throat for many people who have lost their jobs, or who are struggling to pay their mortgage. Hospitality tents at Wimbledon; half empty, but paid for in full, also annoy many people.

Yet in all cases, the banks booked and paid for the events before the financial crisis AND corporate entertainment is part of the process of developing relationships in business. Many businesses: particularly City companies are concerned about visibly entertaining clients given the current economic situation. They cannot be seen to be having 'jollies' even if they are entertaining existing and prospective clients. Of course, this has had an impact on the Events, Conference, Hospitality and Entertainment sector.

Simon Speller from Hillier Hopkins LLP Accountants said that the Event sector is a very good indicator of economic stability. Clients of his in this sector began to be hit at the beginning of 2008: before other sectors were affected, but, he optimistically said that his clients are now seeing increased activity in the latest quarter: suggesting that there is economic growth - or optimism.

Before the Credit Crunch, large or even limitless budgets were available for corporate entertainment, and lavish affairs were organised with no expense spared. Prices were high, and it was not unheard of for Event Companies to have huge mark ups on their suppliers prices, which they passed on to their clients. Now, however, the trend is for limited budgets and for fees to be negotiated and some entertaining to be cut.

One of our clients mentioned that they were no longer organising their regular hospitality events for all of their clients; instead of taking 100 clients for a corporate day at Twickenham, including watching an International; they were now taking 10 high earning clients to see the match and a curry: cutting the cost from 瞿700 per person to 瞿70. They were also going through their database; inviting people to fewer events and saving the best invitations to their highest earners only.

Another client, who works for a major supermarket that made record profits last year, said that all of the Christmas Office parties were cancelled last year as a cost cutting exercise. Normally her department of 20 would have had a budget of 瞿40,000, yet the company were reluctant to even organise an in house drinks party. Of course cancelling office parties impacts on staff morale and is not always the most effective cost saving measure!

So why do organisations entertain? Is it for fun, or to make them look good? Is it to show off or to reward their staff? There is a little of all these factors when organisations entertain, but it is generally for business purposes. Providing employees with a fantastic away day experience or Office Party is a good reward for loyalty and hard work - hence the demoralisation when these are cancelled. However, first and foremost it is to establish and maintain relationships with clients.

If you arrange to meet a high earning client in McDonalds for a coffee, it says little about how you value the client and their business to you, but if you take care with the venue you choose to meet for coffee: that it is private and quiet to have the opportunity to discuss business in a professional way - it says so much about how you value the business relationship. Likewise, a restaurant where the service and ambience is not good (even if it is expensive) will do little for the business relationship that a lovely family owned restaurant where the chef and front of house really care about their customers.

It is no longer necessary to lavishly entertain clients with high budget events. If you have a limited budget, it is fine to have an in house drinks party, but ensure you have arranged the finer details - such as a cloakroom for coats; clean glasses (yes: that isn't always the case with hired glasses!) and a few canap矇s: and organising who is going to serve the drinks and canap矇s.

We have offered clients who are organising in house events a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) entertainer. The fee comes from their CSR fund, and the entertainer is a 'busker' who plays background music, and guests put money into his hat, raising money for a charity. The benefits are that there is a fundraising element to the event and the entertainment is paid from the CSR fund rather than from the budget, and the quality of the event is enhanced by live music.

If you are arranging entertainment at another venue, see what the venue events team offer with the package; for example, is entertainment included in the package; are they able to offer discounted accommodation? Is there an option for a cash bar? What is the difference in price between a buffet and served meal?

When adding the 'entertainment' element to an evening, here are my top tips for the perfect icing on the cake.

• We would always recommend going to a respected agency: someone you can talk to, rather than an internet based company. Friends of friends are not always reliable!

• A musician playing background music during the drinks reception and/or meal lifts the quality level of an event. A CSR funded musician adds value to the event, although this isn't always necessary. A harpist, string quartet, saxophonist, guitarist or pianist work very well in this situation.

• After a dinner, it is always good to have entertainment, to finish off the evening and enabling guests to leave happy. We have found Singing Waiters; Surprise Singing Guests and our Flamenco Guitarists and dancers particularly popular.

• After dinner speakers are a successful choice, although we recommend you are very specific in the contract as to what you would like them to speak about, and give them enough information about the expected guests, to ensure they tailor the speech for the audience.

• Stand up comedians are fun; however, many have material that might not be suitable for mixed audiences or specific groups. Personally I would avoid this option unless you are very confident of the comedian and know your audience well. Some events have been ruined by the choice of comedian.

• A singing act, such as our Romantic Tenor who sings Operatic Arias and Andrea Boccelli songs is very popular. As a rule, Tribute soloists and bands do not impress valued clients, so search for a good quality singer who will add value to your event. Make sure he or she has not set the sound levels too high, and if necessary, manage the sound checks to set the volume lower and request adjustments in the evening. A great evening has been spoilt by the entertainment being too loud - so manage the artiste!

• Get as much advice and help from the venue as possible. They are experts at their venue and might have some great ideas.

Corporate entertainment is an invaluable way of developing business relationships. At this time when people are cutting back, it is an ideal time to increase client hospitality to stand out from the crowd. Good entertainment is not about spending huge amounts of money, but taking care with the details, so that your clients have a positive experience and you, as a company, present yourself well. Good luck!

Planning Your Next Successful Corporate Seminar

Successful businesses always look to the future. Planning for contingencies in the marketplace, readying new services and products while keeping current with advances in technology and business practices requires regular face time with associates and employees. Corporate events, seminars and regular business meetings help to motivate employees and bosses alike. A well planned seminar or conference helps a business remain competitive in the marketplace, and allows employers and their employees to exchange new ideas, devise new and better marketing strategies and troubleshoot problems in both the marketplace and the company. Off-site business events in particular go a long way towards boosting the morale of the workforce, and inspiring employees to a higher level of performance.

Anyone who has ever found themselves organizing one of these corporate events knows how daunting a task it can be. There's quite a bit of juggling that needs doing. Presentations need to be prepared, media services must be secured and itineraries must be set. Of course, one of the most important considerations is finding the perfect venue for the proposed seminar. That's quite a bit to be concerned with, and while choosing a location for your corporate event may seem like the lesser of your tasks, don't be fooled. Choosing the right location for your conference is vital to a successful and trouble free seminar. Weeks and months of planning can easily be undone by booking an unprofessional service, or an ill suited venue.

What To Consider When Choosing Your Events Venue

When planning any corporate event, there are a number of important things to consider. If it is an off-site event, can the location accommodate the number of people in your group? Do you have a choice of rooms or halls? Remember, an over-sized meeting hall for a small group will likely make your party uncomfortable, and will fail to engender the feeling of camaraderie that is so beneficial to a successful business conference, Likewise, a room that is too small to comfortably accommodate the people in your party will also leave them fidgety and ill-attentive. In this respect, size does matter. When planning your conference or seminar, be sure your events coordinator can offer you a choice of venues to suit you and your group's needs.

What Should Your Events Coordinator Provide

Whatever size venue you require, you will need to consider decoration. Proper furnishings are vital to a constructive seminar. Can your event planner provide adequate seating? Tables and chairs must be comfortable and serviceable for the afternoon's speeches, and easy to negotiate when breaking into discussion groups and work teams. The furnishings must also be clean and ready for service come refreshment time.

Speaking of refreshments, will you be breaking for lunch or dinner during your seminar? What can your event planner offer in the way of catering? A five course meal may be perfect for an awards dinner, but is definitely too cumbersome for a business seminar. Consider the culinary choices available to you when booking your event, and choose the events coordinator that offers the widest variety. The best services should be able to offer menus that fit any occasion, from large ceremonies to practical business meetings.

You may wish to consider an open bar for the evening. A hired bartender and a wet bar gives the attendees a chance to unwind and socialize after the days work is done. And it's not unusual for a great deal of the real work to get done when people start to unwind at the end of a seminar and begin to discuss the days events.

Yes, there is much to consider when planning any off-site business meeting or corporate seminar. But if the secret to success in business is delegation, than choosing the right events coordinating service is the secret to a successful business gathering. While you concentrate on preparing the presentations, and editing and printing spreadsheets and reference materials, your event coordinators will be handling all of the on the ground arrangements for your gathering. From location to refreshments, service staff to d矇cor, let a professional event coordinator help make your next corporate gathering or conference successful, productive and rewarding.

Mac Hotel Offers Catering Services For International Cuisines At Special Occasions

Mac Hotel is based in Koh Chang, Thailand. It is a hotel that offers accommodation rooms, restaurant and bistro services, as well as catering services for private and corporate events. The hotel offers high quality international cuisine for small and large gatherings.

It provides catering services all over Koh Chang and the surrounding suburbs, for private functions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and engagements; and for corporate events such as business meetings and official dinners and lunch gatherings; and almost all types of other social functions and events. It even offers functions venues for wedding parties and other corporate events. It is known for its excellent food menu that includes a wide range of international cuisine for different events. The continental and international cuisine that it offers includes Indian, Pakistani, Middle Easters, Italian, Moroccan and other unique and delicious international food.

For private catering, the hotel offers a number of dishes that suit the specific occasions and events. Small and large, all private events are catered for. For corporate events, they offer snacks, lunch and lunch boxes with a variety of juices, and other beverages. Corporate catering is offered for all events and functions. For wedding parties, they offer complete wedding packages. Whether the catering service is required outdoors or indoors, they have facilities to arrange a perfect catering system for your guests. They try to make the special day even more special by offering a wide range of cocktail drinks and other beverages, along with the food menus that are especially designed for different parties.

Photo Booth Rentals - 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Company

Looking to add a photo booth to your upcoming special event? Not sure what to look for or how to find a good company? There are a number of important factors to consider when researching and ultimately choosing a local photobooth business for your special occasion. As we all know, planning for any type of event can be a time-consuming and strenuous process. Here are five questions to help facilitate your research when it comes to a rental:

1. What type of equipment do they use?

Camera/Printer- The quality of a photo booth camera and printer is very important if the quality of prints and/or online photos are important to you. Professional photography cameras, such as DSLR's, produce amazing images. You should also look for sub-dye printers or high quality laser jet printers for the best results.

Booth Material-What is it made from? How does it look? Ask for pictures or view images on the company's website. Cheaply constructed photo booths may be a sign of lower quality end results. You may also be able to visit a local photo booth company to see their booths before making a decision.

If possible, visit local photo booth companies to see their equipment first hand. If they don't have an office or if you are traveling into a city from out of town, ask them for a video or pictures of the booth.

2. What is included in their packages and pricing?

Many companies offer unlimited photos during the specified rental time. You should also ask if their packages include an event host to help your guests, if there are any additional fees for set up or delivery, and if sales tax is included in their pricing. Also, if your event is outside of your county you may incur additional travel and delivery fees so be sure to ask about that.

3. What experience and expertise do they have?

First, you want to find out how much experience the company has. It can also be a good idea to see if they can provide references from past clients in the city. Lastly, you can search online to see if there are any reviews from past area customers on Yelp or other popular sites.

4. Do they communicate effectively?

This is a very important item to gauge. Make sure the photo booth company is very responsive to your emails, phone calls, and questions. If they are not, you may run into similar issues the day of your event.

5. Is the company fully licensed and insured?

Hiring a fully licensed and insured company protects both yourself and also your guests. Many businesses will not be insured in order to cut costs and pass some savings to you. However, issues can arise dealing with a company that does not have protection. You can check with the County office to verify their license.

Although there are many items to consider when choosing a photo booth company, following these guidelines will help you along the way. If you do, everyone will have a great time using the photo booth, you and your guests will cherish the memories, and things will run smoothly!

Fundraising Event Planning Ideas

Common types of nonprofit events, such as auctions, fairs and festivals, lectures, tournaments, contests, sporting events, and so on are organized to raise money. However, in many cases, such special events are not enough to raise the necessary amount of funds. Here are few tips about how to plan out a successful non-profit fundraising event.

Select the Perfect Special Event for Your Non-profit Organization

While selecting a special event for your non-profit fundraising, make sure that the event perfectly fits with your existing resources. Organize big events, such as auction, fair, festival, or home tour, if you have enough resource to manage it. However, make sure that the event perfectly matches your mission and is likely to attract attendees, who can be your potential donors in the long run.

Attractive and Affordable Venue

The venue of the event should be attractive enough to keep your audience engaged. Find a nice place that suits your cause. Make sure that there the audience can have pleasant time and all the services and amenities they need. Check out if it fits your budget.

Choose Add-ons to the Main Event

You must choose some add-ons to make your event exciting. In that way, you can also encourage the attendees to donate in a generous manner. You can organize an auction with a dinner. You can also sell T-shirts, calendar, and other things to attract donors. Dessert auctions are also expected to attract attendees in large numbers.

Keep Your Events Green

Keep in mind that attention to the environmental issues can make an event attractive to the attendees. By doing this, you can draw media attention, which is likely to boost your attendance rate.

Select Event Activities Carefully

Event activities help a lot in creating a positive impression on your attendees. To plan out your event activities, you have to pick a proper date, which does not conflict with major holidays and popular local events. Besides, you must also allow adequate time for planning the program. Special events, such as gala ball, golf tournament, or benefit concert normally take between six months to a year to prepare.

Draft Your Promotional Campaign Properly

Promotion is an integral part of any successful event. An effective promotion can get you higher attendee turnout and potential donors. You must provide attention to promote the events through newsletter, website, and Facebook page, which are likely to generate excitement among people about a month in advance. For media reporting, you can send out press releases along with photos.

Start your fundraising event planning today and make it a big hit.

Basics of Corporate Event Management

When you're planning or managing a small event, it's usually possible (and often preferable) to handle the decisions and details yourself. Dinner parties, small meetings and even medium sized events are manageable affairs. By contrast, corporate event management typically requires outside help. The scope of these events is much larger. The number of decisions to make and details to manage are far greater. Many companies specialize in helping others plan such events. In this article, we'll explain the parts of an event that these companies manage and the types of corporate events that can benefit from their services.

Outsourcing Event Management

Because corporate events tend to be large affairs, the margin for error in planning and execution is small. What's more, the time and effort required to organize these events is substantial. Those who attempt it on their free time often feel overwhelmed. Companies that focus on corporate event management can handle many of the details easily. These companies already work with a number of vendors and venues. These relationships allow them to organize large events efficiently.

Corporate event planners will typically handle most of the details for your event. These include hiring caterers, entertainment and reserving a suitable venue. They'll also supply the staff needed to serve drinks, prepare and serve food and take care of any requests from your guests. You'll also be able to outsource your technical staffing needs. For example, your event may require certain audio or visual equipment. The event management company you work with will be able to supply the staff to oversee this equipment and resolve issues as they arise.

Types Of Corporate Events

There are several types of events that need careful planning and execution. For example, many companies host product launch shows to which they invite industry analysts, customers, partners and even reporters. The success or failure of a product launch event can have a dramatic ripple effect as the affair is covered in local or national media. On the other hand, corporate holiday parties may be a quieter occasion, but still require professional management. A corporate event management [http://event-entertainment.co.uk/event-management.php] company can help organize employee meetings, industry awards shows and company sales meetings. The larger the event (and accompanying budget), the greater the need for organizational and planning help.

When It's Time To Get Help

The financial resources that are allocated to prepare and plan corporate events are significant. That being said, time is often a more critical resource than budget. Finding an acceptable venue, decorating it appropriately, hiring caterers, entertainers and staff are tasks that can cumulatively require more time than is available. For large events, consider using a professional planning company to handle the details. The relationships they've already established can prove invaluable to making your event enjoyable and unforgettable.

Weddings Made Perfect With an Events Planner

Your wedding day is most probably the biggest social event you'll ever have to deal with in your entire life. Naturally, you'll want it to flow as smoothly as possible, from start to finish. Every detail should be perfect, from the dress to the decorations up to the catered food. Because you will most likely be concerned about your personal needs more than anything, it would be best to leave the rest of the details involved in this event to the discretion of a competent and reliable events planner. From the moment you choose this person, he or she will become your right hand and will take responsibility for all the details you won't be able to handle.

Even though the event is still months away, it is very important to get as much of the details right as soon as possible. Venue and the caterers are two aspects that need to be sorted out as soon as you decide to get married. Keep in mind that there could be many of you who will be competing for these two details, especially if you are vying for the most popular options in your area. Once you have a specific date in mind, your events planner should start making the calls to book with your first choices for venue and catering service.

The aspects of a wedding you can delegate to the events planner are usually the ones that will involve a lot of legwork and decision-making and which won't require your personal attendance. When it comes to the venue and having it decorated according to your preferences, your events planner can go around looking for the florists and other decorators who can create the look you are aiming for. Usually, the wedding organizer will go to the venue itself and do an ocular inspection of the area you are going to use. This is the best way to get an idea of what kind of decorations and how much of it are needed.

When it comes to the catering aspect, you and your partner will have to taste the food yourselves in order to finalize the menu, but all details that lead up to that food-tasting session can be handled by the organizer. Keep in mind that there is only one thing that matters most to your guests, and that would be the food and drinks at your reception and how they are served. So, make sure to instruct your organizer to get this detail right by finding the best caterers that are known to serve the type of food you think most of your guests will like.

Your events planner will surely play a major role during the preparations, but it's really in the last few days leading up to the wedding that he or she will be working the hardest. When you and your partner are both busy entertaining relatives flying in as well as dealing with the butterflies in your stomach, it is your event organizer who will have to man the fort and make sure every detail is in its rightful place. This person will ensure that your wedding is a seamlessly perfect and unified affair. So, choose your planner well, and all else will be well.

Why Your Online Events Management Software Must Integrate With Your Business Systems

For any company that uses an online events management software solution as an application to manage the planning of any event, no matter how complex or large it is, it is extremely important that it integrates with your business systems. The main reason for this is to ensure you have a seamless process so your finance, procurement, CRM, and HR systems are all working in sync with your event management software.

It is equally important that an event manager has access to the most up to date and accurate information at any one time. It can be very frustrating if one system has a different set of data to the next. Many event software authors provide a solution to this as the software provides a full end to end package so event managers can view and analyse information from just one source of data.

Integrating your event management software into your business systems also means that when a delegate visits your microsite and pays to attend an event, this secure payment is automatically sent to your finance system, as well as updating customer records and credit control records. This process ensures nothing gets duplicated, avoids errors being made and reduces times spent updating numerous systems with the same data.

There are number advantages to integrating your online event management software with your office systems. These are detailed in more detail below:

Ease of Use

Office systems such as Excel, Word and Outlook are used by the majority of companies. As technology is continuing to evolve, the use of IT in the workplace is becoming a vital necessity. Inevitably employees have become very comfortable and confident in using the more popular programmes from Microsoft. Since many event solutions integrate your event management software with Microsoft Office packages, staff are automatically less resistant to change and have the ability to start using the solution as soon as possible with minimal training required.

Access to Accurate Finance Information

By incorporating your online event management software package with your financial systems, management of your finances becomes much easier. If payment is required by a delegate to attend an event, payment details can be passed seamlessly between the two systems, working in sync with each other.

Payment is secure and pain free for both you and your delegates. Invoices are generated automatically and the payment details are automatically updated as soon as a delegate pays which saves the embarrassment of sending reminder letters to those delegates that have already paid.

Event software solutions should offer a suite of reports to check payment histories and outstanding debtors, allowing you to see who pays on time and who is consistently late.

Communicating with Delegates

Online event management software gives you the ability to get closer to your delegates. Integrating your event solution with CRM platforms allows you to gain a 100% view of your delegates. Working in an efficient and effective manner you have the option to analyse delegate data such as; what events do they attend? What communication has been made with the delegate?

Having an integrated online event management tool makes the planning, management and analysis of your events far easier and far more cost effective.

Printed Marketing Materials For Event Planners

If you are an event planner for your company, then you know how important marketing an event is to its success. However, you might be surprised at all of the options that are out there to help market your business's products and services.

Event Tickets

Event tickets can be a very useful marketing tool. Not only can they generate excitement about an event by giving an impression of exclusivity, but they are also a successful marketing tool. Most event tickets are designed to be separated - part of the ticket is given at the door or the gate, and the other part is retained as a form of receipt. The retained stub can be a great place to print your company's logo, sales information, or even offer a coupon for a discount off of your products or services.

Posters

Posters can serve two functions - they can be a great way to advertise and upcoming event, and they can work as a marketing souvenir from the event itself. Posters designed to market the event should be placed anywhere your target audience might visit. The message should be concise and contain the pertinent information such as the date and time of the event. You should also include where and how to purchase tickets and where to go for more information.

Posters can also be a great souvenir if you sponsor an event. As an example, your company could sponsor a local music concert. The poster could show a picture of the band, with the words "Sponsored By" and your company logo. The visitor will keep the poster to remind them of the event, and you will have lasting advertising for your company.

Banners

Banners can highlight an event more than posters due to their large size. They can be hung across buildings, entrances, and even from light poles across roadways. Their message should be to the point, highlight the main attractions of your event, and where someone can go for more information.

Stickers

Stickers are an often overlooked form of marketing. For events, however, they can be a great way to advertise. Offer stickers to anyone and everyone that comes to event. Stickers should be colorful and eye-catching so that recipients will want to stick them. You can even include a coupon or other information on them to advertise your business.

Club Cards

Club cards are another way to advertise at an event. You can sell these cards at the event, and the customer then uses the card later on to receive exclusive promotions and discounts at your business. They receive a card with your business information and the deals they will receive. If you like, you can partner up with other area businesses to offer even more exclusive offers.

If events are important to your company's success, then you need to make sure that you take advantage of every advertising and marketing opportunity. If you consider some of ideas that are off the proverbial marketing path, you can make sure that everyone at the event finds out about what you have to offer.

Things to Look For When Reading Event Management Tips

Not all event management tips found online are useful, although the search results often displayed may seem to be exactly what you're looking for. You'll frequently find results with intuitive titles such as "best event management tips" or something similar. You follow the link, skim through then read the whole article only to find that it hasn't helped much at all. Back in the results page, you follow another link, and the same thing happens again.

Before you waste your time on the nth search result, consider the following qualities that event management tips should or should not have. These characteristics are fairly easy to spot even when just browsing through.

. Unrealistic Content. Keep in mind that managing an event is not something you learn overnight. So, if you find event managing tips that promise to turn you into an expert, chances are they won't be of much practical help. Also, look for overly optimistic guarantees like "surefire success" and similar claims.

. The Right Knowledge. Different events call for different organizational techniques. If you come across these type of tips that claim to be "all-purpose," stop right then and there. You can't use the same methods for planning a social event that you would for a corporate event.

. Specific Details. Event management tips that are too general are useful for inspirational purposes only not for practical intent. How deeply do the tips delve into details? Can the details be translated into a specific course of action? For instance, good event managing tips discuss criteria for properly setting up tasks and timetables which can then be interpreted into workable, specific plans.

. Completeness. Event management tips should also include insights on execution and feedback. Remember that management is a process that extends beyond planning and organizing. Tips should also revolve around things like monitoring and control.

. Emphasis on Consulting Experts. Good event managing tips do not leave out the possibility of seeking the advice or guidance of qualified event handlers. Event planning is a science in its own right, and there are people and firms who specialize in the field.

All in all, the above is not a list of strict procedures, but simple common sense made plain. You can usually get these types of tips for free; that is why there's a catch. The important part is that you know what it is before diving in. Be wary because not all you see online can be of help to you.

Event Planning Career - How To Develop An Enriching Career

A career in event management can surely take you places if you are serious of making a career of organizing events and managing them on a large basis. Event management has come to be recognized as a management profession by many companies and educational institutions in the past decade so much so that leading universities have started offering degree programs in event management to individuals who are looking as event planning as a career option.

Event planners are also known by different names many of which include, conference coordinators, program managers event managers and so on. It all boils down to the event planner making all the arrangements for the event be it a conference, trade show, fete or a marriage party. Many business organizations have even begun hiring them on a full time basis because as their organizations are growing so are their needs for communications and event planners are a great asset when it comes to organizing conferences and meetings in the shortest of time frames.

With the logistic requirements of the business world growing at a rapid pace it is necessary for the event planner to acquire the best skill sets to be able to effectively manage business conferences and meetings. For those who are considering a career in event planning there is no dearth of opportunities waiting for them to cash in on. Apart from a regular paying jib with one of the many business houses just waiting to rope in a skilled event manager to manage their various business shows and meetings there are the opportunities of entrepreneurship.

Event managers can earn handsomely even by starting their own event management business. There are people just looking for reliable people to outsource their event management needs to. There are weddings, birthday parties to mention event management on a smaller scale then there is the grand scale event management program such as organizing large trade shows and various other grand functions of the corporate world.

Event managers have made a mark in the field of event management by successfully organizing trade shows on international levels. The Auto trade show is one such example of event planning and management. There is a lot to be learnt and earned by taking to a career in event planning. This involves a lot of traveling and meting top brass of the corporate world. The most important skill is management skills and then communication skills.

Event management professionals need to handle logistics and invitations after scouting for a location for the event venue. In fact, this is done in an orderly fashion. First identifying the event that needs to be organized, then managing the enclosures such as the stalls etc. organizing, electric power, security, sending out invitations, publicity and ensuring that everything just falls into place for the participants. The ability to achieve this is what makes successful event planners.

How an Event Management Solution Can Help You to Manage Attendee Data

As an event planner, your top priority is to ensure the success of your event by getting maximum attendees. While it is true that drawing attendees to your event is no mean feat, you should know that appropriate strategies can help you to exceed your Return on Investment (ROI) effectively. To help organizers manage their attendee data properly, a number of sophisticated event management solutions have been introduced in the market. These software tools are extremely effective in ensuring smooth management of attendee data for different events.

A comprehensive event management solution provides several benefits to you to monitor attendees, registrations and post event activities. Some of these include the following:

Access to Reports at No Additional Costs

An integrated event management software provides unlimited access to multiple reports for your convenience. These standard reports are available at no additional cost. Therefore, it is an extremely cost effective means by which you can get necessary data in an easy to read and understand format.

Multiple Reports for Monitoring the Success of Your Event

As an event planner, you must have access to relevant information and necessary data at all times. With the help of a comprehensive event management solution, you get as many numbers of reports as you want about your event. Some of the standard reports that you can access include customer and sales report, check in reports, registration status reports and post event feedback reports from the attendees.

Filtration Option

You get to fine tune the data from all reports using a wide range of filters that are provided by cutting edge event management solutions. With this option, it gets easier for you to review the data and measure the success of your event more effectively.

Reports in an Easy to Understand Format

An online event management solution creates an unlimited number of customized reports for event planners at the click of the button. Data is presented in an easy to read format and the reports are sent as Excel or a CSV files to benefit organizers.

Measure Return on Investment

The role of an event planner is such that it becomes necessary to monitor each and every aspect of the event. In the post event stage, you should have a clear understanding of the factors that worked in your favor and aspects that call for immediate attention to ensure the success of your upcoming events. Post event surveys, therefore assume a lot of importance. By seeking the opinion of your attendees, you measure the effectiveness of your initiatives. By opting for a feature rich event registration solution, you can get customized reports on the post event surveys.

Accounting Support

The success of your event is ultimately about the numbers. So, accounting reports provide necessary details about the status of registrations, payments and cancellations. With these reports, you can track financial data concerning your events.

To plan effectively and streamline all the processes, you need to opt for a customizable solution that helps you to manage your attendees in the most professional manner. So, invest in a cost effective event management solution to put an end to all your worries when it comes to planning and hosting events.

Event Planning Courses - An Overview of Event Planning Courses

The key to any successful event is good event planning. It can be really very devastating if you have spent so much money on organizing your occasion and it does not come out as you had expected. Now as people have become so busy with their work they do not have enough time to properly arrange their events. So it has become a necessity for them to hire a good event planner that will make their occasions successful.

So if you are thinking of doing event planning courses to enhance your skills and interest in arranging different occasions then you should know that it will be very beneficial for you. This is a career which does not only makes individual's life simpler but it also is a very interesting and exciting work. Those who are new in this field should know that there is a lot of money in this field. There are no limitations of your salary; the better you perform the more money you will earn besides that you can see around yourself that there are many experienced event planners who are earning in millions.

The best thing about this career is that it does not require the individual to possess a college degree. If you have just done certified courses then it would be enough for you get in this line. However, the most degrees or certificates you have the more advantages you will gain.

Now there are ample job opportunities available for event planners in various reputable firms on different posts. As event planning courses are offered from few certificates to the master's degree level. These courses will make you able to plan all kinds of social or business events for example; wedding, cocktail parties, birthday parties or business conferences.

Nonetheless, this line is not for everyone. Those who have a lot of stamina, possess good conversation skills, like socializing, are well planned and multi tasking are the most eligible ones for this profession. Those who are lazy, shy and choose working not in public can pick other vocations for them.

You will learn a great deal of things in this line because these courses do not just provide the basic understanding of handling different kinds of occasions but they will also teach you how to become more organized and you will also gain a lot of knowledge regarding different things like how a business is run etc. All in all, event planning is a fun-filled field which everyone who has entered in it will enjoy to bits.

What Is An Event Planner?

If you are unfamiliar with organising, hosting or even attending corporate events, trade shows, exhibitions, awards dinners and the like then your initial thought when you hear the term "event planner" is probably something along the lines of a party planner. To a certain extent, you'd be right, but there is far more to it than just arranging a bash.

Event planning is a serious profession and requires a certain skill set. The wide range of events that an event planner has to deal with through the course of his or her career ensures that they cannot simply be labelled a "party planner".

The final result of an event planner's work is often a great party or event, but they have to focus on the goal of the event and ensure that that goal is achieved. This is what sets them apart from someone who just organises a party. There has to be an aim and it has to be achieved through careful planning and attention to detail or the event itself is a waste of time.

Corporate events will have different goals (networking) to awards dinners (staff morale), which in turn will have a different goal to an exhibition (lead generation). A truly outstanding event planner will know the difference and work accordingly.

Some companies will have an internal event planning team or will leave it to their marketing department, while others will hire in a professional event planning company, of which there are many, all with their own particular specialiaties.

Event planners work long hours in order to make sure every little detail is taken care of for a variety of different events, including seminars, conferences, trade shows, executive retreats, incentive programs, golf events, conventions, and more.

Successful event planners will:

• Have excellent verbal and written communication


• Have outstanding organisational and time management abilities


• Be able to manage a project from start to finish


• Be able to multitask


• Be able to work alone and in a team as required


• Be computer literate, with good database management skills


• Focus on the details and work to very tight deadlines


• Remain calm under pressure


• Be able to negotiate - with venues, caterers and all the services required


• Be able to manage budgets


• Have good people skills, able to manage staff


• Have strong marketing and PR skills


• Be able to manage relationships with all levels of staff and management

In addition to the above skills and abilities, a truly great event planner will have extensive experience and knowledge when it comes to:

• Venues


• Catering


• Entertainment


• Transportation


• Accommodation


• Conference Services

In addition, they will also have a database of other service providers like lighting, sound, electricians and a host of others!

Whatever event you're planning, you should enlist the skills of a good event planner to ensure it goes smoothly. Because they will focus on all the organisational requirements, right down to every little detail, and will always bear in mind the goal of the event, it leaves you free to make sure that those you invite are well looked after and leave your event with exactly the right impression of you and your business.

What is Project Management Approach?

Project management (PM) is a well planned approach for a process from start to end. It is concerned with the planning and guiding of the project from start to finish. Any process needs to be guide in usually five stages. They are initiation, planning, execution, controlling and closing. PM can be applied to almost all type of projects but especially it is applicable in software development projects to control the complex process. It is an organized effort and it is planned very carefully. To accomplish a specific project, PM is essential.

PM is handled by project manager to implement the project successfully towards its goal. For successful completion of any project it is necessary to have a proper PM. The main objective of the PM is to attain its goal successfully.

Numbers of approaches are there to manage the activities of the project. They are:

The traditional approach-This approach aims towards the completion of the project in sequence or in traditional manner. For the completion of the project there are five stages in this approach. They are:

* The stage of initiation
* The stage of design or planning
* The stage of production or execution
* Monitoring and controlling systems
* The stage of completion

Extreme PM- To execute project task, the critical chain project management give more emphasis to human and physical resources. By this method of planning and managing projects all the constraints are exploited and priority is also given to it. In critical chain project management all the projects are planned and managed only when the resources are ready.

Extreme PM- Complex type of project is handled in extreme PM. In this PM experts always try to identify the different models which is 'light weight' such as Agile Project Management.

Scrum techniques and extreme programming for the development of software are used in this method. It is the combination of management of human interaction and process modeling.

Event chain methodology- The complement to the critical path method and the methodologies of critical chain project management is another method that is Event chain methodology. This PM deals with the model of uncertainty. The main focus of this management is towards identifying and managing the events or the chain of events which will affect the schedule of the project. Event chain methodology follows the following principles:

* Event chains
* Tracking with events
* Probabilistic moment of risk
* Tracking with events
* Event chain visualization

Charity Event Tips: Motivating People to Attend Charity Events

In a recent poll, in which charity event attendees were asked how they chose which charity events to attend, they ranked the following factors from most to least important: a personal connection to the charity or cause of an event, a friend on the event's organizational committee, a chance to network or have dating possibilities, and a celebrity sighting. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating your advertising campaigns and trying to sell those event tickets!

First, try to search out new ways to reach people who are affected by your charity's work. In fact, make this one of your event planning board's top priorities. In the short term, it yields higher ticket sales. In the long term, it sows seeds for a stronger, more durable network. Then, be selective about choosing your event planning committee. It's not enough to have committee members with lots of contacts. The only effective committee members are the ones who are willing to reach out and actively campaign to have their contacts attend the function. Also, don't hesitate to sell this year's event using images from a previous event by posting them on event invitations or reminder emails. Choose images of people who are having the time of their life to appeal to the attendees looking for networking or dating possibilities. Finally, realize that unless a celebrity is "B-list" or higher, that there is no point in spending time and effort enticing them to attend the event, because it's the least influential factor in drawing a crowd.

Concentrate on the factors outlined above, target your marketing campaign and advertising budgets accordingly, and your event should be a great success! Remember that your constituency base grows slowly over time by incorporating marginal elements - for instance, friends of friends who attend your event two or three years in a row. Online ticketing and useful charity event calendars are tools that philanthropists seek to purchase tickets to charity events, too. Remember, using these strategies will help you plan for long term development rather than short term success.

Why Do Well-Planned Events Often Fail?

In spite of spending countless hours planning an event, you find that the end-result does not meet your financial objectives. In-spite of investing a good amount of time planning the event, you don't see many heads turning up for your much-awaited meeting, seminar or business conference. If you critically look at your events, then you might find that you haven't done a very good job of planning the program.
Let's go through the smartest tips for organizing a successful event.

Marketing Your Show

Having more money doesn't mean you have marketed you show satisfactorily. You need to think hard before you invest your company capital on promotional activities. For example, plan out a strategy for marketing your products and activities, both offline and online. It means, in addition to giving ads in several popular newspapers and magazines, open accounts on leading social networking websites to market your function. It is an excellent way to attract a larger audience to your website to initially register for the conference or fundraiser.

Registration Problem

Try to analyze if everything all right with the event registration process. Are people facing any problems while completing the manual registration process? Is the attendance falling because many individuals are unable to be present during the stipulated registration times? An online registration solution offers potential registrants the freedom to complete the sign up process at their convenience. People can access the forms, 24x7 from any part of the world.

Reaching Out to Maximum People

Ask yourself, if you have reached out to all the target audience? Have you exploited all possible ways of convincing the contacts to attend your program? These are the most important questions for which you need to know the answer to before you evaluate further on the reasons for which your well-planned event failed. You can reach out to the maximum number of people via social media websites. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, MySpace, and such other tools can be used to inform more people about your gathering and such other occasions.

High Ticket Price

In this period of economic crisis, people don't feel like going to an event if the ticket price is sky-high. Even if the show has their favorite singer or actor, still the number of footfalls will be less compared to what you had actually projected. Hence, event organizers should keep tickets moderately priced to have a sell-out full house event generating high revenues.

Reward, Recharge and Increase Productivity With Corporate Massage

Corporate massage is performed on employees being fully clothed and no massage oils used while recharging team members to increase productivity and focus on decreasing absenteeism with maintenance of health, a corporate health care system. A healthier wellness option to have in the work place than a coffee machine for that three thirty-itis.

It is estimated that 90% of disease is stress related, perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage can help manage stress while eliminating anxiety and pressure. This information translates into decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulation and reduced fatigue.

Research shows that massage in the work place increases team members motivation, allowing them to feel valued and respected for their contribution to the company. Their has been significant evidence to show that corporate massage in the work place reduces work cover claims and shows a reduction in stress and tension in the work place by reducing musculoskeletal discomfort and increasing joint range of motion in office workers.Assisting employee's to be more balanced, focused, mentally and physically, workers report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage.

All it takes is 15 minutes per employee, the employee feels relaxed, reinvigorated and more motivated, Corporate massage is an excellent gift for staff on their birthdays, as a 'thank you' or rewards for reaching targets. Does your company/ association hold seminars, conference's? why not incorporate massage, it keeps staff focused and motivated during a long day of training and seminars. Corporate massage promotes your company's commitment to its employees.

Massages are performed by qualified, professional practitioners who are committed to professional development and have representation to health funds. Want to spark up your next company event? On-site massage could be the missing ingredient for your next workplace event.

Have you considered massage at company golf tournaments, family picnic day, sporting events and awards ceremonies. Or for product launches or corporate gifts to valuable clients. Add a hidden spark to your next corporate event by providing a refreshing, recharging and revitalising on site massage. Increase the energy and enthusiasm in your office today.

You'll have everyone smiling at your office with this package for corporate seated massage. Incorporate it into your office on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis to see the benefits to your company.

The massages can be sponsored in three ways Company sponsored, company pays 100%. Co-pay sponsored, company and individual halve the cost. Employee sponsored, employee pays for their massages.

Advantages of Online Registration Software for Event Planners

Technological advancements have helped event planners to streamline processes and develop strategies to increase their revenues. In the past few years, an increasing number of event organizers have opted for comprehensive online registration and event management software solutions to achieve success. These end-to-end event management solutions are perfect for all kinds of event planners with varied requirements.

Some of the key benefits of feature rich online registration and event management solutions include the following:

Ease of Registration for Attendees

By using a comprehensive event management solution, you can make it easier for your prospective attendees to sign up. Since your attendees get complete access to these solutions 24?7, it becomes convenient for them to register at any time and from anywhere in the world.

Secure Payments

One of the major challenges for an event planner is to deal with payment processing. To address this problem, most online registration solutions provide secure payment facilities that support multiple payment gateways. As a result, registrants have multiple payment options to choose from. In addition, organizers can prevent payment frauds and customize pricing options to draw more attendees.

Boost Event Attendance

Smart online registration solutions for effective event management come with several key features that boost attendance. Prospective attendees can easily sign up for group registration. In addition, they can register for multiple events at a click of the mouse. This feature makes it easier for the event organizers to boost attendance for multiple events.

Customizable Registration Pages

The event registration solutions provide the option of customizing registration pages to match the look and feel of corporate websites. Event planners can add their brand logos and use specific themes to create their own registration pages. This feature helps them to create professional looking registration pages in just a few minutes.

Custom Reporting

To help event managers evaluate the success of their events, most event registration solutions provide the option for custom reporting. This enables them to access various reports from anywhere at any time. Using these reports, managers assess the success of their events. This in turn, helps them to strategize for their upcoming events.

Sophisticated solutions for event management and online registration are transforming the way organizers are planning their events. These solutions are enabling them to target more attendees in the most effective manner. Experts are therefore hopeful that in the coming years the demand for these solutions will increase significantly and more organizations will choose these solutions.

Getting Into the Live Events Industry

Are you looking for a job in the Events Industry but are struggling to get your foot on that ladder? Maybe you have recently been to a concert or festival which has made you realise you're in the wrong job and your future is in the events industry. There are many specialist recruitment companies you could enlist the help from but like any job, experience is vital. So how do you get experience in a job you have never done before?

Well quite simply the best way into any industry that you have no experience in is to simply offer your services as a volunteer. You will gain a wealth of experience through volunteering at live venues. With the event industry you will be working with large groups of people, solving problems, have to be organised and motivated, all of which would be great experience and look great on your CV. If you're keen and work hard you could even get yourself a reference. Having voluntary work on your CV shows potential employers you're keen to work and serious about working in the industry.

So where to you start? There are many concert halls, conventions, clubs, sporting events around the country that you could approach. The types of jobs are very varied. Jobs such as security, catering, runners, AV (audio visual) crew, technical crew, sales, managers, directors, talent bookers, waiters, managers and directors... I could go on. You could start off as a runner, and in a few years be running the whole show!

If you're thinking of working at music festivals and the like because you think it's a great way of going to all the events without paying. Well this could be classed as one perk, but you will be working away, possibly behind the scenes and not have time to sit and watch the show. Your there to help the show go as smoothly as possible. As a volunteer you should be watching and learning from all the paid event workers, making yourself invaluable. Volunteering could be classed as a form of networking because you will working along site like-minded business people in the industry. If you show your stuff, get some contacts you will soon be well on the way to working alongside these people but being on the payroll.

Once you have experience you could approach events or recruitment companies. You could look online as most recruitment companies show all their vacancies on their websites. But it is all down to you. Like any job, you need to work hard, sell yourself well the fruits of your labour will come to harvest.

Contingency Event Planning And Negotiating

The quality, detail, sophistication and process used when negotiating for any event, most commonly determines the level of success that might be anticipated. Details must include preparing for weather conditions, avoiding potential liability, dramatic change (either greater or less) in attendance (actual versus expectations), audio/ visual needs, food and beverage, etc. Many organizations, fearing that they are ill - prepared for negotiations, rely upon outside assistance from individuals or companies they believe will professionally handle their needs. Depending upon who they choose, and how clearly they communicate their needs, organizational ethic, etc., often determines their ultimate success. There are basically two prevalent types of event consulting organizations. The most common are companies who generally negotiate with many hotels for many organizations, and generally view their role as hotel room acquirer. This is not at all surprising, because these companies often easily find lowest generally given rates. They will help with contracts, etc., but since they are compensated (generally ten percent commission) by the room revenue, their main focus is on that aspect. The other type of event consultant works on a fee basis, paid to him by the organization, and focuses not only on room rates, but all the group's needs.

1. Many organizations automatically opt for the consultant who they do not need to pay, but is compensated by the hotel in the form of commission. Organizational leaders who lack event sophistication often falsely believe that this is the less expensive, less risky approach. What they fail to realize that because the hotel is paying a commission, they generally have less leeway to negotiate. Most hotels work on a net basis in determining their total revenue needs, so if they are receiving a net of less from the rooms (after commissions paid), they have to make up for it by needing a greater margin in other revenue bearing areas, such as food and beverage, etc.

2. The fee based consultant who is truly professional and comes highly recommended is one that will offer a guarantee of his services, in terms of the benefits, savings, efficiencies, and total package that the organization receives. They will get greater negotiating concessions, plan for contingencies, have everything anticipated and in writing in the language of the contract. They will know how to work with hotel 's executive chef to create menus that maximize what they can receive that works with their budget. They plan the details, always have backup plans, understand that one can't predict or control weather so has everything built into their overall action plan.

Groups that prepare the most and predetermine their needs maximize and optimize their chances for success. They determine whether they need outside assistance, and if they do, select one that best meets the needs of their organization.

Company Social Events

Each company's calendar has a day set aside for company social events. Examples of these events include end of year party, recognition party, farewell party and many others. During these events, employees are supposed to intermingle and socialize with each other to boost unity in the workplace. Depending on management decision, company social events may take place within the company's premises or in fun packed venue. Majority of social events include fun activities such as partying, drinking as well as dancing. Many companies in Toronto hold social events with a mission of rewarding employees. This increases production margins due to favorable working atmosphere.

Work places with no fun or company social events are dull places to work in therefore, company mangers use these events to reward employees for their hard work and dedication. Social events serve as effective communication cannels because employees air all their fears, disappointments as well as achievements. The management teams use such information to improve conditions in the work place thus increasing productivity and profit margins. Planning a corporate social event requires proper timing and estimation to avoid wastage as or disappointments.

The first step in planning company social events is consideration of number of people expected in the event. Many companies in Toronto invite employees together with their families. Wise planning committee enquires from employees the number of family members expected. This helps the committee in approximation of the budget. Another important factor to consider includes the venue. Many employees prefer different venues away from the workplace. An ideal venue allows employees to unwind from work stresses. Such includes beach resorts with cool breeze and air. Other examples of venues include clubs as well as parks.

Choice of a venue depends on number of employees and funds set aside for the event. Another important factor to consider while planning for corporate social events includes diet. People have different tastes and preference on food due to factors such as religion beliefs or medical complications. A prudent planning committee puts every employee into consideration to guarantee comfort. Most companies in Toronto prepare diversified diets that cater for every employee.

Successful events include picnics and barbecue that goes well with informal affairs. Picnics and barbecues provide a relaxation and get-together opportunity. Employees are free to come along with their children in such occasions. Dress code in barbecue or picnic events is normally casual. Planning committee may decide to have the event in form of a dinner within a restaurant. Torontohas numerous classic restaurants ideal for dinner occasions. In such occasions, employees are advised not to carry their children. Dress code matters in a dinner occasion because employees must wear dinner outfitting.

Toronto has numerous amusement parks ideal for holding company social events. They provide fun for both adults and kids. Many companies use sport events as social events because they boost interaction between employees. Sporting activities are ideal for building team spirit both in the field as well as in the workplace. Sporting events are normally mixed with events such as barbecue events to create an ideal socializing atmosphere. Corporate social events are very important in the growth of a company because such events retain employee thus boosting growth and profit margins.

The Details Dance: A Simple Three-Step for Event Planners Wanting to get Online Registration Right

A couple of weeks ago I attended an event planners Christmas function. The turnout was decent, there was no shortage of skewered prawns or celebratory cocktails and a good amount of effort had gone into the costumes worn by circulating serving staff.

A few minutes into it however, I noticed one lady propped on a bar stool, looking tired and unimpressed. An ex-planner, with a career lifetime in the industry, she commented "They always get it wrong with the music at the beginning of these things". She was right. The funk band on stage was a class act, but the evening's organizers had given no thought to warming up the crowd, so this prematurely loud performance meant an empty dance floor and more than one headache.

This kind of got-it-wrong pain is familiar to anyone who's had an online event registration form go live without all the necessary details. The good news is it's avoidable, with a little careful stepping.

So take your positions please...

A One... Make a list of all your requirements and triple check these are included before the form goes live. Why?

• It's so much harder to make changes to a form once it's active, as the possibility of mucking up registrations already in the system increases when new requests are added, because the data fields may not match up.


• Additional changes to a live form could cost you more money, because the time involved in amending and retesting a form can be lengthy. It may also be necessary to close off online registration while this is happening and you could miss out on the people wanting to signup.

Two... Don't load up the registration form with too much information. Why?

• Because attention spans are short and too much information can be distracting, confusing and could result in people abandoning the task altogether. If you want to include things like detailed agendas, speaker bios etc, they can go on the event website, in the confirmation email or in a separate page linked from the registration form.

Three... It's true that there are times in life when it pays to be subtle. This is not one of them. When it comes to your "Register" button make it as obvious as white on red. How?

• It needs to be clearly visible on first glance at the event website. Use a different color, white space or a graphic image if you like, just don't have registrants needing to scroll down or search around for it.


• Use "Register" or "Register Now" instead of "Click here", because people respond better to language that tells them clearly what it is they're doing, instead of leading them into the unknown. You can also make use of any reference made to registering on your event website, by having the text set up as a link to your registration form.

And with a final flourish... Consider including a link to the registration form in your promotional material if you think some people will be happy to sign up without receiving more information. And bear in mind that your form should lead people smoothly to the point of registration, conveying the seamlessness you're hoping for on the day or night of your event.

How to Select a Professional Event Planner For Your Next Event

If you're responsible for planning a corporate event, regardless of how large or small, you know it can be filled with stress. The utilization of an event planning company can make the challenge of a successful corporate event much easier. An event planning company has the expertise and experience to handle all aspects of the event thus saving you time and often money. It's important that you research and select the right event coordinator that will not only operate within your budget but has an understanding of the goal you're attempting to achieve for your event.

Selecting An Event Planner

The first step is to interview prospective event planning companies. If you are a member of a trade group or association, check with other members for recommendations. If you've attended a corporate event that impressed you, ask about who handled the planning.

It helps if you can have only a single point of contact within the event planning firm. You'll need to meet with them to ensure you have a clear understanding of the communication process they prefer and that they have a personality that compliments yours as you will be working very closely with this person. In the interview process, it's also a good idea to become familiar with their billing structure and planning fees. Nobody likes an unpleasant surprise at the end.

Corporate event planning takes some preparation. In order to give you a proper proposal, you will need to have a clear idea of the type of corporate event you wish to hold. You'll want to have the approximate number of guests you expect to attend, the potential date and the amount of your budget. The event coordinator will work with you to ensure that you stay within your financial limits.

References Are Must

It's difficult to know if the event planning company you plan to hire has the experience and knowledge to handle your event. It's always a good idea to contact past client references, especially if their planned event is similar to the one you're planning. It's possible that they will not want to disclose the names of past clients for fear of releasing proprietary information. If this is the case, the company should be able to provide a portfolio of previous functions they have supervised.

Many times if the company has a web site, they will have a list of clients they have served in the past and you may then proceed to contact them for a reference. The amount of time the event planning company has been in business is another good thing to verify. You may or many not want to be their first large client.

A Full Service Event Planning Company Can Do It All

When reviewing the services of an event planning company, make sure they are able to offer the level of service you will need. You will want to hire a full-service firm if you need someone to handle all aspects of the upcoming event from start to finish. They will customize the event's location, arrange entertainment, produce media components and write, print and distribute necessary material. Most importantly, a full service company will ensure that you do not have to handle any aspect of the planning tasks.

See An Event First Hand

The best way to see how an event planner truly operates is to ask if you may attend an upcoming corporate event. This gives you the opportunity to witness them in action, often while under pressure of performing their duties. It will also give you the chance to see how the various event components such as media coordination, entertainment and location selection all combine to make an effective corporate event.

Corporate Retreats: Creating a Culture of Connectivity

There was a time in the not too distant past when people kept their professional and personal lives completely separate. The idea of mixing work and pleasure was considered almost taboo. Not only was this true for individuals but also for companies. The general thinking was that mixing work with pleasure was likely to negatively affect "the bottom line". However, in today's corporate environment that kind of thinking would be considered archaic and even counter-intuitive. In contemporary business culture there is a strong sense that employees who feel engaged both personally and professionally with their colleagues tend to thrive creatively and productively.

One of the ways that companies have really sought to apply this new thinking is in the regular planning and hosting of corporate retreats. Such events are the proverbial win-win for the company and its employees. A corporate retreat is effective for a number of reasons. First of all, it demonstrates that the company values its employees as people and not just as individual parts of a larger whole. This is especially the case when companies are willing to "splurge" a little in their corporate retreat planning. Picking a location that is inspiring, picturesque and peaceful can make all the difference in setting the right tone for the people involved in the corporate retreat.

Moving beyond choosing the right location for your corporate retreat gathering (which is essential) there are several other factors that can contribute to the overall success of your group retreat. Once you arrive in your scenic getaway spot its important to plan the events of your corporate retreat so as to mix in some professional and personal time. If the event is packed full of company presentations- one after the other- your employees may begin to disengage. On the other hand if you're able to mix in some corporate vision-casting with some personal sharing time, some "outside the box" brainstorming, and some "fun and games" not directly related to the business of the company, you'll find that the corporate retreat event will come off as a huge success; in every measurable way.

Once you've chosen the right location for your company getaway, and you've planned the overall scheme of events, another factor than can contribute greatly to the success of your gathering is planning for some company and individual employee recognition time. Take some time to not only plan for the future but also to reflect and celebrate the progress you've already made as a team. People won't feel so caught up in the endless retrace of the corporate world if the company's management takes the time to celebrate the history of the company; and the contribution of individual employees. Taking the time to reflect like this also helps management to recognize the unique gift-mixes of various people- and this can help to better plan for future assignments. And when employees sense that management has a vested interest in knowing what they uniquely excel at then employees tend to "own" the mission and vision of the company in a whole new way. And once again this is a win-win for everyone involved.

These are just a few tips that can lead to a hugely successful corporate retreat gathering. Keeping in mind just a few simple tips can make all the difference in the overall success of your company getaway. If you remember to choose a location that is simultaneously inspiring and relaxing, if you mix in a little work and a little pleasure, and if you take time to celebrate the history and progress of the team, then your corporate event is likely to prove more worthwhile than you had ever imagined. You and your team will return to the "usual" work environment feeling connected in more ways than one. If done well a corporate retreat will allow this new dimension of connectivity to carry on into the "day to day" of the work-week. Not only does a successful corporate retreat bring your employees together over a weekend, but it even more importantly goes a long way towards changing the entire culture for the company. And this is a win-win for everyone involved.

Top 5 Reasons to Use Complete Event Management Solutions to Host the Best Valentine's Day Party

One of the most eagerly awaited days to celebrate love is just around the corner. Valentine's Day is special for millions of people all across the world and hosting parties on this day has become a norm for people of all ages. Despite being fun events, Valentine's Day parties involve a lot of planning and preparation. So, if you are planning to host a Valentine's Day party this season, brace yourself for a lot of last minute glitches, confusion and chaos. This should not however, dissuade you from organizing a Valentine's Day party for friends and closed ones this year. By going for a smart event management solution, you can make your party memorable for all the guests.

Here is what an effective event management solution can do for you to help you plan and manage your Valentine's Day party:

Create Your Event in a Jiffy

Creating your account on an online event management platform takes hardly anytime. Once your account is created, you can create and publish your event in just a few minutes. Additionally, you have the option of creating an unlimited number of events and access relevant data whenever you want.

Spread the Word in Seconds

Whether you have been planning your party for months or organizing it just hours before the D Day, you can let your friends and their pals know about it with comprehensive event management solution that offers promotional facilities. Feature rich solutions help you to leverage the potential of social media that has emerged as a powerful medium to create awareness. In addition, you can let your prospective guests find out everything about the party using their Smartphones.

Send Email Invites

In this age of the online boom, people keep in touch by staying online. Considering the growing prominence of email communication to keep people updated about different events, cutting edge event planning solutions come equip with email communication facilities. By opting for such solutions, you can send an unlimited number of mails to prospective guests. You can even customize the mails according to your preference and make them visually enticing.

Collect Information about Your Guests

By opting for a comprehensive event management solution, you can create pages where your guests can answer specific questions to help you understand what they are looking for in the party. Accordingly, you can plan your event and ensure its success.

Get Feedback for Your Party

You can create a survey and seek your guests' opinion to know if your party impressed them or not. Post event surveys help you to assess the success of your efforts. Moreover, you can ensure the success of your future parties by avoiding lapses that may have not gone down well with your guests.

Online event planning solutions have gained a lot of popularity for organizing events of different scales and complexities. By going for a cost effective yet smart solution, you can successfully host your Valentine's Day Party.

Why Is Online Training Gaining in Popularity

The popularity of online training programs is skyrocketing. Ever since its debut in the mid '90s, the use of computers for training purposes has enjoyed a steady growth and enormous technical advancement, especially since internet became so readily available to the masses. From being regarded as a tedious domain specific "electronic page turning exercise," it is now being considered a popular workhorse for most business setups, government organizations, and educational institutes all over the world. One of the major reasons behind this increase in popularity is the advent of a host of Cloud-based Software-as-a-Service solutions such as online class management system and online training registration solution.

A retrospect on the growing trend:

That online training is gaining in popularity with every passing day is quite evident from the fact that eLearning is gaining acceptability across the world. Today thousands of students opt for online class registration platforms to enroll in distance learning programs. They have the opportunity to earn graduation and advance degrees from renowned institutes without even stepping a foot on the campuses. Similarly, global companies train their remotely placed employees to whom they outsource their work by using comprehensive online class management solutions.

Recession or no recession, corporate trainings, collaborations, and cross-border meetings today constitute a big part of the competitive corporate environment. No wonder, the overall expenditures for eLearning services including online trainings summed to around $130 billion in 2008, as per the industry report published by Training Industry, Inc., Cary, North California.

Present scenario:

Today many employers all over the world heavily rely on comprehensive online training registration and management solutions as part of the blended training facilities comprising both the traditional classroom pattern of instruction and various new age delivery media. However, unlike most educational enterprises, they do not need to deploy an elaborate learning management work flow process in their system to enjoy the fruits of corporate training. Availing only a comprehensive web-based training or event management solution caters to their specific needs. These advanced software tools help them to organize a wide array of events ranging from the everyday "on-the-fly" meetings to a big corporate training program attended by scores of participants.

Benefits of using online training management solutions:

The versatile applications of online training management processes enable companies to organize high-impact multi-session training programs. The productivity tools that come embedded with these packages are easy to implement and yield quick results ensuring maximum ROI.

To start with online training registration, it provides the fastest registration option for the employers as well as for prospective participants. The registration form can be created with the company's logo and relevant content within a few minutes and put up on the website to be accessed by registrants 24X7. This kind of flexibility and mode of promoting instantly grabs the attention of interested candidates and they choose to register at their own convenience. Making payment is also easy and fast through secure online payment processing functionalities.

Besides, there are much more utilitarian functionality like student-instructor interaction facilitator, real-time training report generation, survey questionnaire formation, Moodle integration, and certification on course completion, which make online training registration the preferred solution for both employers and attendees.

Online Webinars: The Best Way to Reach Out to a Global Audience in Less Time

Businesses in different parts of the world organize online webinars more often these days to easily reach out to their target audience who are geographically dispersed. It is quite a hassle-free task to set up an online webinar; all you need is a computer or laptop, internet connection, and speakers if you are opting for an audio-visual presentation. The webinar participants also need a web-enabled device; plus speakers to participate in the live, online event.

Event planners after designing the webinar upload it on their dedicated event website to let interested people log onto the portal and access the same. However, in order to get people to participate in a webinar, you need to open up the registration process at least a few weeks in advance. By opting for an online webinar registration software, chances are that you will get maximum participants in less time! The online platform allows any interested candidate to be able to register for the webinar via accessing an online registration form, 24 hours a day. You can utilize a cost-effective Cloud-based webinar registration solution to create single or multiple webinar, conference, and such similar sign-up pages for these kinds of events. You can customize the pages (without shedding off an extra penny) by inserting your organization's logo and including sign-up instructions for people to follow the same while filling up a form.

Using a computer, participants can log into your webinar hosting site in order to access the webinar. They can hear the presenters through the attached speakers and see them through webcams. Many event organizers use Skype as a platform to host online presentations and training programs. ReadyTalk is another well known name in the audio-video conferencing industry. The company provides the necessary services to conduct successful online meetings, seminars, etc.

While planning face-to-face meetings you are required you to book a venue and invest considerably in areas, accessories plus on personnel; online meetings need no such investments. It is quite economical in that sense and thus is favored by organizations primarily focusing on various cost cutting measures. Online webinars are time saving; being conducted over the internet means potential attendees can join in such presentations from their home or after work, without travelling to any 'brick and mortar' site.

As already mentioned, the greatest advantage of arranging webinars is the ability to connect and interact with individuals located in other cities and countries virtually. No travelling plans and expenses are involved, no booking a hotel room for accommodation purpose or managing time out from your busy schedules just to make it to the event in person. A webinar helps you communicate with your audiences in real time. In the process, such online events help in developing a mutual bond leading to high conversion rates and increasing upon your initial return on investment.

Transform Your Next Event Into an Unforgettable Celebration With a Festival Tent

A festival tent can make your event an extraordinary one, no matter what you are celebrating. Whether you want a party atmosphere for a company picnic, or an elegant and romantic setting for a wedding, a festival tent can help make your day unforgettable.

They can be set up virtually anywhere, and come in a variety of sizes, styles and colors. You can create the ambiance that you want. Decorations can be added, as well as tables, furniture, sofas and chairs to give your guests the ultimate in comfort and style.

When you are having an outdoor gathering, you have no control over what the weather is going to be like. A rainy day or evening can quickly spoil an event, no matter how much planning and effort went into it. A festival tent ensures that your guests stay warm and dry regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.

A qualified professional will install the tent a couple of days prior to your event, and will take it down a day or two after the event. Stakes are driven three feet into the ground so the structure is completely stable. You are in complete control over how you want the tent decorated, how much furniture, etc. Most establishments can help to customize seating arrangements, decorations and other party matters.

A festival tent can transform a plain, grassy area into a whole new world. Once your guests step inside, they will feel like they've stepped into another dimension. Lighting and heaters/air conditioners will ensure that everyone is completely comfortable.

There are numerous events that can benefit from a festival tent. Company parties, picnics, open houses, grand openings, outdoor barbeques, graduation parties, weddings, stag and doe parties, and sales meetings are just a few ideas. If you want to create a unique party experience, or liven up a corporate event, festival tents could be your answer.

They can be rented to fit just about any budget, with a number of different sizes available. No matter how many guests you are expecting, they can be accommodated. Customized packages are available to suit your party or event needs. The sides of the tents can be opened so your guests can enjoy the view of the grounds; they won't ever feel claustrophobic.

Electricity can be utilized so there can be music, slide shows, presentations, videos, etc. The festival tents are made of waterproof and fire resistant material, and are manufactured with safety codes in mind. All you have to do is invite your guests and enjoy your party - all the rest is done for you. An unforgettable day will be had by all; and it will be the talk of the town for years to come.

Champagne Ardenne Festivals - 10 Great Festivals In Champagne Ardenne France

Around the world this region is best known for its produce champagne, than its other numerous charms such as its excellent game, out of which many delicious meals have been thoroughly enjoyed. However as well as its appeal to the discerning palate, this region in France has a number of interesting and fun festivals throughout the year.

1. Elektricity Festival, Rue du Docteur Lemoine, Reims Cathedral, 20th to 24th March 2013
You could be forgiven for assuming that this festival had something to do with electricity; it is however the name of a music festival which combines urban and contemporary music. Taking place in front of the Reims Cathedral, you can expect to experience new types of electronic music however, as well as a promising line up, put together by the festival organisers.

A firm favourite in the Reim festival and cultural world, it has a good track record (excuse the pun) and visitors can expect to attend some good performances.

2. Europuces Fair in Reims, Reims Exhibition Centre, 2nd to 3rd March 2013
A massive amount of antique lovers attend the Europuces Fair in Reims. Whether you are a seasoned antique dealer, an enthusiast or a bargain hunter, this is the place to be!

European antique sellers have a range of treasures on sale, from furniture to fine art objects, to apparently ordinary every day items. Come to the treasure trove that is the Europuces Fair.

3. M矇li'm繫me Festival, Place de l'Hotel de Ville, Reims, 22nd March to 8th April 2013
Move over Mummy and Daddy, this festival is all about the children! This festival has grown in popularity since its inception back in 1989, and it offers a colourful combination of fun and expressive genres which will be sure to engage your child or children.

From story telling to dance, from song and dance to puppet shows, the entertainment offers a range of magical and delightful shows for the younger family members.

4. Festival Bernard Dimey, May awaiting dates 2013 (10th to 13th May 2012)
A festival dedicated to the memory of Bernard Dimey, the Nogent poet. There are prizes awarded each year from a spring-board event, for the younger talented people.

Born on 16th July 1931 in what was then Nogent-en-Bassigny, and now Nogent, Bernard Dimey was a French poet and songwriter. The festival focuses on poetry and songs with the younger folk in mind. He died in Paris, on 1st July 1981.

5. Sedan Medieval Festival, 3rd week May, (19th to 20th May 2012)
The Sedan Castle Fort was built almost 6 centuries ago and is the largest in Europe, with a size of 35,000m2. Making it a splendid place to enjoy a medieval festival, it is located right in the heart of Sedan city.

The festival takes place both in the castle fortress as well as in the town, and each year the event planners come with a new themed surprise. In 2011 a full size dragon who spat fire was produced and in 2010 came the giants of the north.

Cast yourself back into medieval times and watch the medieval sports and activities take place, such as jousting, flag throwing and cavalry tournaments. Enjoy street theatre, soak up the medieval atmosphere, feast, drink and be merry!

You can also find plenty of beautiful medieval arts and crafts, plus watch medieval artisans at work.

6. Joan of Arc Festival, early June (2nd to 3rd June 2012)
Joan of Arc festival is one of the most historical events which takes place in France. The city of Reims celebrates its heroine.

It is a marvellous sight, as around 2000 people dress up in historical costumes to accompany Charles VII and Joan of Arc, in a parade.

The patron saint of the city, who freed it from the English in the 15th century, is celebrated by a range of shows. If you are British and visiting this festival, you can enjoy some fun French-English rivalry, given the occasion. So take local banter in the good spirits of the occasion!

Wander around the medieval market, enjoying the historical epics that are part and parcel of this festival, as well as the atmosphere and the surroundings.

7. Les Sacres du Folklore - The Rites of Folklore Festival - Reims, 21st to 25th June 2013
This folk festival takes place in the interests of friendship and peace in Reims. You can expect to hear some of world's best folk groups, and enjoy a folk-filled programme of events. More than three hundred musicans, singers, dancers and actors take part in this large folk festival.

8. Ay Champagne Festival (every 2nd year, 1st weekend July, next year 2014)
Also known as Henry IV Festival

Considered to be the best champagne village in the whole region, Ay is the home of the likes of Bollinger, Gosset and Ayala, as well as Deutz & Gelderman.

This festival combines lots of bubbly champagne and plenty of bubbly entertainment. Consider putting a few days apart in July 2014 for this marvellous event.

9. Clin d'œil Festival, Reims, 5th to 7th July 2013
Running since the European Year of People with Disabilities, 2003, this festival is a huge European deaf cultural event. In fact it actually started off as a one off event, but like a stone gathering moss, it has developed into a superb event that now continues to run.

Here is where you can enjoy experiencing the showcasing of the numerous exceptionally talented deaf people. It is a festival that bridges the gap between the deaf and hearing communities through the medium of artistic expression. A variety of forms of art and creative expression include painting, sculpture, design.

10. Fête des Sorcières - Witch Festival, Chalindrey, October
Whilst today there are many practices witches who live happily in various countries, a few centuries ago they would have been burnt at the stake. During the 16th century the Fort of Cognelot was the area of a witch hunt, and since then it was given the name Devil's Point. This, as well as the area's Celtic roots have combined to make it a location rich in supernatural heritage.

The Witch Festival has been running for around a century. Celebrations evoke this heritage and visitors can enjoy dances which are haunting, til the wee and more eerie hours. The festival includes exhibitions, movies of a fitting genre and face painting.

Listen to the local ghost stories, marvel at the beautiful scenery, learn about true roots of witches and of course have lots of fun!