17 Tips for Bringing Your Event to LifeWritten by Susan Friedmann
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11. Consider choosing a theme from most popular categories, namely: Fashion (e.g. The Roaring Twenties), History (e.g. A Renaissance Fair), Politics (e.g. 4 th of July Celebrations), Popular culture (e.g. An Evening with Dr. Seuss) or The arts (e.g. A Night at Oscars). Avoid brainwork and check out http://www.party411.com hemes.html for easy way out. 12. Choose appropriate entertainment for your group. Participants look forward to entertainment segment of a program. They want to have fun, enjoy themselves, and let their hair down, particularly after stressful and demanding sessions. Options include: Music (e.g. live, disc jockey or even karaoke), Spectacle (e.g. magician, juggler, comedian or mine), Theater (e.g. dinner theatre, murder-mystery experience or corporate theater), Games (e.g. treasure hunt, or a game show), Video or slide show. 13. Make certain to view a demo video before hiring talent. Watch for entertainers' performance quality and audience reaction. Check out their references and ask specific questions such as: Would they hire them again? How flexible, reliable and easy to work with are they? Make sure that their act is a good fit for your audience. 14. Find out whether entertainers need extra staging, lighting, or décor to create right ambiance. Special requirements add to your bottom line – watch out, this could get expensive. Be sure that venue approves any special requests. For musical entertainment discuss various options, such as low-volume background music, light entertainment during meal, and lively dance music. Discuss how entertainers involve audience in their act. People enjoy both passive and active involvement. 15. Sit-down affairs work best when you include some form of entertainment. However, if you want something a bit different, look at alternative areas in hotel, such as an indoor patio or pool area. Naturally, a plan revolving around an outdoor pool is contingent on weather. It's best to have a back-up plan just in case heavens decide to open. Buffets and barbecues also work well, but watch price tag. These kinds of food functions often require extra labor, which automatically means additional dollars. 16. Don't serve anything messy for any event where food is served while guests are standing and mingling. Limit your cuisine to bite-size morsels that guests can easily eat with their fingers or a fork. Save money by opting for a few choice hors d'oeuvres in larger quantities rather than a large selection in smaller quantities. But remember to include some interesting vegetarian selections in your menu for guests who don't eat meat. 17. Make sure you have enough bartenders and liquor when serving alcohol at your event. You don't want to run out of beverages in middle of party or have long lines of grumbling, thirsty guests. Consider whether you want to limit your guests to certain selections, eliminating expensive liquors and specialty drinks.
Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, author: “Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies,” working with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. Go to http://www.thetradeshowcoach.com to sign up for a free copy of ExhibitSmart Tips of the Week.
| | The Art of CommunicationWritten by Mark Susnow
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By making "connection" a priority and necessity we can transform our communication. We must recognize that what we all want on a deeper level is ability to connect with another, to touch each other's soul. Using right words is a good start but until you have intention and willingness to master art of communication it won't happen. Communication is gateway to a more fulfilling life and a better world. Imagine living in a world where we truly listen to each other. Listening is about caring and being in moment and as we expand our ability to focus and be present we become more available to others. Listening is about flowing and being in rhythm of life. Listening is about being on journey of life and sharing who we are and what we feel. Feel free to share this letter with friends in your circle and let them know about advantages of being on journey. Part of my journey has been listening and connecting with other people around world. My website and this newsletter help me make this connection and as I continue to expand and evolve I am able to share my message with others. Your suggestions and comments also help me expand and are welcome. Journey On Mark
Mark Susnow has a unique background... A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational and motivational way..415-453.5016..To find out more about Mark and his services, be sure to visit his website .www.inspirepossibility.com.
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