Event Decor Committee - What Are My Duties?

Event decorating for adults is a bit different than a typical children's birthday party. Sure, you can decide on a theme and then search the Internet to see what's available but 9 times out of 10, your search results are going to be geared towards children's parties.

Some decorations can be adapted for use with either but I do not recommend decorating a grown up gala event with toilet paper and a few balloons. It will give your guests the impression that you did not care enough to plan and execute a decorating scheme. And, with a fund-raising event, this can be detrimental. You are asking guests to spend a lot of money to attend this event (babysitters, ticket prices, buy auction items, attire of the event, etc...). They want to be entertained, amused and feel they are important.

The other end of the spectrum is hiring an event planning service or having unlimited funds at your disposal. Neither of these options may suit your budget. If not, then it's time to visit the "in-between" option.

Most events have a general committee made up of the Event Chairperson and sub-committee chairpersons. Decor is usually a sub-committee that deals with the decor planning for an event. This may include any number of areas within the event (room, table, buffet, auction tables, entrances, etc...) and I recommend it does cover all these areas and any other where any type of decor will be needed.

This will make it easier to keep track of the decorating budget and who's responsible for what. I also recommend that the Decor Chairperson work closely with other committees that will also use the chosen "Theme". It is necessary to have cohesion, a sense of continuity when a theme is involved.

For example, say you decided as a committee your theme will be "Ancient Egypt" and your color scheme will be gold, purple and teal. Great!

Now at a full meeting of all committees, you learn that the "Print/ Marketing" committee has decided to use a red font and a Fleur-de-leis on the invitation. Huh? Uh-oh: major "one hand does not know what the other hand is doing" scenario.

This can and should be nipped in the bud. A theme/mood and colors should be decided right from the start so that all committees are working toward the same end.

Duties could include the following (and anything else unique to your event).

• Secure volunteers for your committee. (Remember to use anyone with a background, knowledge or contacts that could be useful to the decorating committee.

• Decor should create an environment for the event. Make a detailed plan of all decor needs/wants.

• Your plan for decorating should be in accordance with the rules of the venue and within the limits of the theme (if you have one).

• Work with other committees where decor will overlap (i.e. food, entertainment, auction tables, invitations, etc...)

• Purchasing decor, set-up and breakdown of decor

• Reimbursement/purchase orders for decorations - report to Finance/Budget committee.

• Keep General Chairperson in the loop of all your plans (communication beforehand can avoid problems later).

Following a POA (plan of action) can make your job as Decor Chairperson or committee member much easier. Research and pre-planning are key to a successful event. Have Fun! Let your creative juices flow and your event will be one to remember!

Common Capabilities of an Event Planning Company

Are you planning a product launch, ceremony, corporate conference or other event? Are you searching for an event planning company with the proper capabilities to manage this event? Then this article is for you. This article will provide information about the creative environment, conference speakers and entertainment, destination management as well as other capabilities of a high quality event planning company.

A high quality event planning company can produce one-of-a-kind, live and interactive events and environments that provide your audience with a true brand experience. They communicate your brand message through event and experiential campaigns that deliver a true impact and elicit response. A high quality event planning company has the following capabilities:

Creative Environments
It is important to find a reputable planning company that provides full-service creative design solutions for planning, designing, fabricating and installing creative environments.

If you are looking for anything from a merchandising display, retail space to a lobby, atrium or visitor center, a high quality event planning company has the talent and tools to meet your needs. They will work with you from Day One on the creative design and then deliver your creative environment to your exact specifications, within budget and on time.

Find an event company with a modern scenic shop that can produce anything your imagination can envision. Talented artists, carpenters, welders, and painters will bring creative design ideas to life. A quality company's environments, stages and scenic are designed to engage, educate and entertain. Common creative environments services include:

- Display Concepts and Designs

- Exhibitions

- Ride and Drive Events

- Trade Show Exhibits

- Theatrical Stage and Scenic Designs

- Broadcast Set Designs

- Graphic and Theme Development

- Corporate Signage

- CAD Layouts and Renderings

- Full Service Scenic Shop

- Warehousing/Drayage

- Specialty Art Finishing

Conference Speakers & Entertainment
Find an event planning company that offers intelligent guidance to your conference speaker and entertainment needs. A reputable company will have the experience to bring in the people necessary to match the goals and desire of your visions whether they are to entertain, educate or motivate. Common conference speakers and entertainment services include:

- Conference Speakers

- Top Names

- Appearances

- Educators, Trainers or Motivators

- Keynote Speakers

- Play Golf with a Legend

- Local Entertainment - Musical to Visual

- Choreography

- Stage Management

- Rider Production

- Variety Shows

- Theatrical Events

- Sports Legends

Destination Management
Find an event planning company whose destination management services insure that your people are where they need to be when they need to be there. Also look for a company whose services are available worldwide. These services include:

- Venue Selection and Negotiation

- Airport Meet & Greets

- Site Selection and Negotiation

- Ground Transportation

- Valet Services

- VIP Transfers

- Pre- and Post-Travel Extensions

- Budget Management

- On-Site Management & Staff

- Activities & Tours

- Off-site Special Events

- Theme Events

- Dine-Arounds

From the initial hotel negotiations to the Meet & Greet welcome at the airport, to a Desert Wilderness Off-Road Tour; a unique Spouse Program to spectacular Theme Party; an innovative Dine-A-Round to a Seven Course Gourmet Dinner under the midnight sky... Find an event planning company with a philosophy of showmanship and professionalism that is interwoven throughout their destination management services.

Find an award-winning event planning company that specializes in creating experiences that help educate employees, inspire consumers and elevate brand messages. Look for an event planning company that produces one-of-a-kind, live and interactive events and environments that provide your audience with a captivating brand experience.

The Emerging Trends in Trade Show Events

Corporate exhibitions, trade shows and seminars have been held for many years and the organizers of such events are regularly introducing new ideas to ensure that the attendees pay due attention and do not treat the trade show event lightly. With access to different technological gadgets, better exhibition material and displays, they are able to improve the manner in which such shows are held. Modern lighting, fancy shapes of display kiosks and other such advancements have made the task of such event organizers easier. The event venues have also undergone many changes with them incorporating better conveniences and facilities so as to cater to the requirements of different exhibitors.

The manner in which the displays are reflected or put up have undergone a change from the typical and usual black background. Displays have become modular, are portable and are very easy to assemble thereby saving precious time. Since they are light, it is not necessary to involve many people in the process. They can also be made to suit the specifications of companies given the modular nature of modern displays. One more advancement is the availability of tables that can carry screen mounts and other holders necessary for a proper interactive session with the interested visitors and you are therefore able to talk to more people by giving them individual attention at one stroke.

The other important prerequisite for trade shows is the use of banners. These banners have also now got the advantage of better stands in which they can be set up. Gone are the days when banners used to be pretty shabby and could not be used for more than one occasion. Nowadays, better quality has ensured that the banners can be used repeatedly and even graphic displays on both sides can be arranged so that you can communicate different messages to the visitors at the same time.

The bigger exhibits which really make an impact are the two-storey ones. They are now available in light weight steel or aluminum and can be designed as per the requirement. The visibility with these two-storey exhibits is tremendous and will give your business a great thrust.

When it comes to costing, you now have the advantage of fabric displays that are far less costly and you can make use of them to drive your cost down. The money you save can be used for more number of banners placed strategically at the event venue for maximum impact.

Wedding Planning Binder and Checkilsts

A wedding is such a wonderful event and a big day in any new couples life together. It will hopefully be the start of a life long partnership between husband and wife. However, since many couples planning a wedding have little to no experience in event coordination and planning things can quickly become disastrous. The details of florists, priests, caterers, decorations and many other such details can quickly become overwhelming and almost choke out any fun that might be had. Don't let this happen to you, don't let your wedding become a nightmare of disorganized chaos in which you are rushing around so frantically that you won't remember what happened.

By following some simple wedding planning checklists and organization skills you can ensure that your wedding will be pulled off with class, grace and even be a fun carefree event that you can actually enjoy. There are many different ways to keep organized and everyone is individual and will want to do what works for them. However, one of the most universally used tools in wedding planning or even event planning is a wedding binder.

A wedding binder is important because it will keep track of all the paperwork and details so that you are not scrambling around looking for these things. This does not need to be a fancy elaborate binder any three ring binder will work. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a little decoration and you will be using this binder on a daily basis so if you choose to purchase something with a little style that will work just fine also.

1. Site - In this section you can keep all of the details regarding both the site where the ceremony will be held and where the reception will be. You will want phone numbers and contact information for both of these sites along with directions or maps to the place. You will also want to keep any contracts and agreements that have been made in renting the site for the event.

2. Clothing - You will want to keep information in this section regarding everything about clothing. This includes information about your wedding dress, the bridesmaid dress and accessories and where the tuxedos for the groom, best man and so on. Make sure you have phone numbers and a contact person, brochures from the places if available. As well as maps or directions to the place for out of town or out of state visitors. You might also want to include photos of wedding clothing that you like to use as a sample when shopping. Colors for the wedding are also very important make sure you clearly layout and decide what colors are being used.

3. Decorations - Centerpieces, floral arrangements, table clothes, trinity candles and much more can go in this general category. Essentiality this category will contain any information about any type of decoration that will be used.

4. Ceremony - In this section you can include information on the offciant of the wedding, the location for the ceremony, music lists, maps, and programs

5. Reception - You will want to include any catering, food prep ideas, and site information including phone numbers and contact people.

6. Honeymoon - Hopefully you are planning a wonderful honeymoon vacation after the wedding. You might want to keep tickets, itineraries, email and phone numbers all in this section. Along with any brochures and other vacation options.

7. Photographers - This section is of course dedicated to photography. You will want to include contact information or a business card for photographers, and videographers. Keep your contracts and terms of agreements with photographers in here also.

A binder can not solve all the problems and complications associated with planning a wedding. However by regularly using wedding planning checklists and a wedding planning binder and keep up with organizing the information you wedding will run smoother. Which means you will be able to enjoy the special occasion like it was meant to be.

Event Planning - Take Your Event From Good to Great!

You've been tasked with planning an event and don't know where to begin. Take a deep breath, anyone with any level of event expertise can take an event from good to great. Here is how:

For beginners, it is imperative that you do your homework. You must first generate an event plan and consider the building blocks of any event: target market, situational analysis, the 6 P's and planning.

Let's get started. Think very clearly about the people you are trying to attract. Ask yourself the question: Who is your target market?

Once you identify those that will be attending your event, allow yourself time to travel into the hearts and minds of your potential audience. Believe me; knowing what kinds of things they like to see, do, buy and eat will be helpful as your event plan begins to come to life.

Now that you have your target market in mind, let's take a look at your situational analysis. You will need to examine your internal strengths and weaknesses and your external opportunities and threats as they relate to whatever you are planning to do. You must be brutally honest with yourself when analyzing the various components of your event.

The next step in taking your event from good to great is to identify the 6 P's of event planning: Purpose, People, Product, Place, Price and Process. Outlined below you will find the questions related to each P that you should answer prior to diving into the planning phase.

- Why are you doing this event? (Purpose)
- Who will attend? (People)
- What are you going to do? (Product)
- When and where? (Place)
- How much is it going to cost you? (Price)
- How are you going to get the job done? (Process)

Now that you have identified your target market, have performed a situational analysis and have answered the building block questions of planning an event, you are ready to develop a formal event plan and begin execution shortly thereafter.

A formal event plan has several interrelated components: goal, objectives, strategies, tactics, budget, timetable and evaluation. Your written detailed plan of action will serve as the backbone to your master event plan. Keep it close at hand and refer back to it often.

Congratulations, at this point you have finished your homework and can now move into the imaginative, fun side of event planning! Take your events to the next level by identifying a theme and carrying that theme from start to finish.

Planning a successful event is no walk in the park. It is tedious work and requires an individual who always keeps their dancing shoes and party hat nearby. One who is forever excited about the adventure and who remembers that problems that will inevitably arise but the beat must go on.

You've got a plan, now the let the event begin. You are on your way from good to great!

Obvious Reasons of Selecting an Online Registration System for Real Estate Seminars

Every year, the real estate industry organizes several national and local real estate seminars and conferences. Executives throng in large numbers at these events to learn how to manage complex projects and successfully grow their real estate business.

If you want to attend any of these seminars, you first have to register your name with the organizers. It sometimes becomes a tiresome job to visit the organizer's office personally to enroll names. In such a situation, an online registration system comes in handy. It is an ideal, time-saving application for event organizers at all levels.

Ease of Use

The online registration system is easy to use and does not require any hardware or software to install. It is extremely cost-effective, as no additional charges are incurred as well.

Quick Creation

The registration pages can be easily created in just a few minutes! Real estate seminar organizers will also get the opportunity to create one or more registration pages as required.

Group Registration Possible

Another advantage of using the online registration solution is that it allows a person to register and pay for a group of people simultaneously.

Complete Customization

The computer-based registration service is highly customizable and allows the participants to change any information even after the completion of the registration process. The registrants too can add any last minute detail to the register at their convenience.

Flexible Pricing Options

The web-based registration system comes with flexible pricing options. You can set the event ticket prices depending on your visitor types, such as children, teenager, or adult. Event organizers can also set "early-bird prices" and promo codes to attract more attendees to the seminar.

The online registration software also comes in handy during the time of payment. This is because it allows the use of Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit card to pay online.These Cloud-based solutions also support substitutions and complete or partial payments and refunds based on extensive transaction management.You can stay updated with real-time registration notifications and can also export registration data by using the online registration software for the real estate seminars. Online registration is very simple, as no physical presence is needed for sign-up.

This computer-based registering service lets you create an unlimited number of questions with responses by selection lists, multiple-choice items, or free-form text entry basis.

Events planners can customize the pages to bring the look and feel of their organization's website. They can embed different graphics and logo onto the registration page. You can even use the global settings template to find a theme to go with the look and feel of your personal website.

Wedding Planning Certification Becoming the Industry Standard

The world of wedding planning has changed drastically in recent years. Movies and TV shows have raised awareness about the importance of having a Certified Wedding Planner to help with the thousands of details involved in planning for the big day. It is important to note that what you see on film is a Hollywood version of the business and barely scratches the surface of the real life challenges that go into being a successful wedding planner. It is one thing to plan a wedding for a friend. It is a completely different thing when you start to charge for your services and take on real clients.

Countless new wedding planners have entered this exciting field only to be out of business within months because they lacked the training and experience necessary to survive in this very competitive and challenging industry. This turns out to be a negative experience not only for them but also for the unfortunate bride who chose to hire someone who wasn't fully prepared for the task. This scenario also tends to cast wedding planners in a negative light with fellow vendors who often find it more challenging to work with an inexperienced wedding planner than if there were no planner at all. For this reason an increasing number of brides are making the decision to seek out a Certified Wedding Planner. There are a number of options available for those who are seeking certification.

Many local colleges and universities offer event planning classes. These courses may touch on weddings as part of the curriculum but in many cases the class will be focused more on corporate events. If you plan to enter the job market at a hotel, resort, cruise ship or other venue then this type of course would serve you well. Keep in mind that you will still require more focused training on weddings before you will have the skills necessary to take on wedding clients. Having an independent Wedding Planning Certification will enhance your resume.

When doing an internet search you will find several organizations who offer "Online" wedding planning certification. This type of course can take between nine to eighteen weeks to complete. The student is given course material either by mail or online and progresses through the training at their own pace. The cost of most of these programs will start at a thousand dollars and additional fees could be added depending on the package you choose. While online classes may be more convenient you will want to consider that this type of course will not offer the personal interaction with an instructor that only a classroom setting can provide.

There are many independent organizations that offer certification. Most of these programs will take about a week to complete although there are some that offer weekend courses. Programs like this are offered in select cities nationwide so you will want to find one in a city near you to avoid any additional travel expenses. You can expect to pay about a thousand dollars for the initial course although some are available at a more reasonable rate. Avoid organizations that require you to pay ongoing membership dues for your certification to remain valid. That would cost you thousands of dollars over the span of your career. Also beware of any organization that claims to be "The only way" to achieve your certification. There are several valid ways to become a Certified Wedding Planner. Every organization that offers certification does so based on its own criteria and most certificates are recognized nationally.

There are some organizations like The Bridal Society that offer special discounts to students at select colleges. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to find a course in your local area for as little as four hundred dollars. This organization offers Wedding Planning Certification but does not require that you pay ongoing dues for your certification to remain valid.

It is important to choose a certification program that best fits your schedule and budget. No matter which program you choose it is well worth the money to gain the expertise and training that will set you apart in the highly competitive world of wedding planning. If you plan to be in business for the long haul then you owe it to yourself and your clients to become a Certified Wedding Planner.