Channels 
- Most Recent Industry News
- Event Solutions
www.event-solutions.com - Exhibitor News Network
Exhibitor News Network - Meetings Review
MeetingsReview.com
05/20/13 - 4:51:00 PMInside The Great Gatsby Premiere Party
From: www.event-solutions.comBody In an after-party for the decades, Samantha Sackler Productions brought to life the outrageous and lively atmosphere of a Jay Gatsby party, allowing guests of the exclusive movie premiere to revel in the opulence and decadence of the 1920s. The Grand Ballroom of The Plaza Hotel in New York was transformed into Gatsby?s mansion for nearly 700 VIP guests, including the talented cast and production teams from Baz Lurhman?s film adaptation of the iconic American novel, The Great Gatsby. In a stunning display of elegance and grandeur, the production team captured the energy of the newly released film to create an event worthy of carrying Gatsby?s name. Guests, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire, were whisked down a topiary-lined pathway amidst a soundscape of crackling gravel and chirping birds straight into Gatsby?s home, where they were greeted by an 8-tier champagne tower and a fun photo opportunity before entering the jaw-dropping display in the Grand Ballroom. Complete with an 8-piece live band blaring the upbeat music of the roaring twenties, the ballroom was adorned with lavish decor from large topiaries to a stunning 10-foot chandelier covered in orchids and crystal accents to thousands of hand-painted butterflies suspended from the ceiling. The Gatsby-inspired line of furniture used throughout the event, featuring vintage suede sofas and bars branded with the ?JG? initials, were custom-made by designer8* Event Furniture Rental. ?The attention to detail?the thin black piping on the sofas contrasting with the champagne-colored suede and the geometric shapes at the bases of the coffee tables working so well with the glass tops?is what made us feel as though, just for a night, we truly were alive and thriving in Jay Gatsby?s prime,? described Samantha Sackler, CEO of Samantha Sackler Productions. In true ?20s fashion, just past 11:00pm the ballroom was transformed into a dark and sexy speakeasy. The stage curtains closed and performers wearing costumes from the movie paraded through the ballroom with oversized champagne bottles lit with sparklers. Linens were pulled from the tables revealing vintage barrels of bourbon and celebrity performer DJ Cassidy came to center stage as the over-the-top transformation was completed right in front of the guests. It was these entertaining factors that truly brought out the revelry of the era and kept guests excited throughout the evening. ?We wanted to recreate the elaborate, extravagant atmosphere of a Gatsby party as authentically as possible, to make everyone feel as though they were really living out the scenes they had just seen on the big screen,? explained Sackler. ?The official costumes from the movie, the band, the food, the furniture?everything was as it would have been in Gatsby?s world.? No stranger to high-profile events, Samantha Sackler Productions has also produced premiere parties for recent films Gangster Squad, Argo and The Croods, in addition to over 1,000 events to date. A night to remember, the party was a fitting tribute to Jay Gatsby and the new production. And though the party may have ended, it never truly stops for those who experienced this star-studded event. Click here for more behind the scenes details from the event. eNews May 2013 Photos
05/08/13 - 8:00:00 PMMG Design Adds Steven Wu as Project Manager
From: Exhibitor News NetworkMG Design has added Steven Wu as a Project Manager in MG's Pleasant Prairie headquarters location. BRBR Expanding the production team, Wu will r...
05/01/13 - 8:00:00 PMDana Teague Promoted to Vice President of Hanley Wood Exhibitions
From: Exhibitor News NetworkHanley Wood Exhibitions is proud to announce that Dana Teague has been promoted to Vice President. The former Group Director of SURFACES | StonExpo/Ma...
05/01/13 - 8:00:00 PMHPN Global Names Joni Peru, Vice President, Global Accounts
From: Exhibitor News NetworkHospitality Performance Network Global (HPNG), the world's most global site selection and meeting procurement company, has announced the hiring of mee...
05/01/13 - 8:00:00 PMShowcare Event Solutions Named Data Solutions Provider for the National Black MBA Association Inc. 2013 Annual Conference and Expo
From: Exhibitor News NetworkShowcare Event Solutions Inc. is pleased to announce that it has recently been awarded the contract to provide its registration, session tracking, and...
04/24/13 - 8:00:00 PMEandE Exhibit Solutions Introduces Touch Screen Kiosks
From: Exhibitor News NetworkTouch screen kiosks, recently announced by EandE Exhibit Solutions of Tempe, AZ, are changing the face of business meetings, patient exams and dining ex...
04/23/13 - 1:05:09 PMGenerating Ideas Through Pinterest
From: www.event-solutions.comBodyWhat started as a simple tool to find and collect images online of things you enjoy has quickly turned into one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. With more than 48.7 million users, according to Reuters, Pinterest has become increasingly popular for future brides and event professionals. Although the site can be a great way to gather ideas, it proposes a serious question for the event industry: Is Pinterest taking the creativity out of weddings and events? Throughout the last few weeks, we have encountered a number of articles addressing the need for more creativity in the wedding industry. Social media and industry blogs have helped planning brides and event professionals discover new ideas online and has supported the sharing of ideas across the globe. But if you’re becoming bored with the same ideas appearing in your events again and again, chances are your guests feel the same way. With the spur of wedding inspired boards on Pinterest, one of the most popular boards created by users, it doesn’t take long to notice themes. Rustic décor; weddings in barns; country brides wearing cowboy boots; mason jars; flower girls and ring bearers carrying clever signs down the aisle; candy buffets; burlap; and signs, everywhere! “When I imagine the concept of someone gathering ALL these ideas into one party it sounds like a poorly created casserole,” says Dwin Dykema of Bella Sposa Bridal in Michigan. These cute and creative ideas have been used by brides across the country, but they may not be suitable for every client. And what about the associated costs? Although your client’s heart may be set on having a food truck at the end of the night, it may completely exceed their budget, leaving you to break the bad news. “A bride might go on [Pinterest] for ideas but the next thing she knows she wants everything she sees and her budget just went out the door,” says Christine Hawk of Christine’s Weddings & Events in Louisiana, supporting the idea that just because you like it, doesn’t mean it will work with your event or that it needs to. On the other hand, clients using Pinterest can be great for helping you plan. You can understand what their likes/dislikes are and what themes they are imagining for the event. Social media sites should be used, and even encouraged, as an idea generator. “It is actually one of our best marketing tools, apart from our website, and clients love it,” states Anne Ager of Côte Weddings in Nice, France. You can encourage clients to create a board for the event and fill this with ideas they find throughout the web. Every idea that is kept will need an added personal touch to create a unique experience that suits the client, but it can be a great place to start. “Pinterest has been a useful tool to help our clients put all of their pictures in one place and easily share with my cake, floral designer and printer so they get the feel of what the couple likes.” states Dianna Shitanishi, CPCE, CMP of Hawaii Weddings and Events. “We don’t duplicate items, but take their inspirations and their personalities and create their own design concept and merely use Pinterest as a starting point.” Pinterest and other sharing sites can also provide you with a link to new suppliers. If you or your clients find an idea that you are set on using, the provided link can bring you directly in contact with the vendor. While some grandiose ideas may not be manageable, it may spur your creativity and help you develop an equally fabulous idea that is within the budget. “It has opened the window to share concepts.” says Dykema. “We may not love the whole of a concept and choose to take bits and pieces of those concepts to create the dream.” “As a wedding expert it’s our job to ensure we pull back on what brides think is good and show them a wide selection of ideas,” says Andrew Roby of District Fete in Washington D.C. It is also the planner’s job to take popular ideas and mesh them with the theme of the event and the client’s personality to create a unique experience that everyone can enjoy. The internet and social sharing sites should be used as a tool for discovering and sharing ideas throughout the industry. You can take the ideas that work and save the rest for another day. eNews April 2013
04/23/13 - 11:49:25 AM8 Tips to Save Your Outdoor Event
From: www.event-solutions.comBodyAs warmer weather approaches and the outdoor event season comes into full swing, inclement weather and pesky insects may be on a mission to disrupt your plans. Use these tips to prepare for the worst and ensure your guests are comfortable throughout the event. 1. Be prepared for bad weather. Rain, wind, hail, hot and cold weather can all disrupt your summer event plans. Addressing these issues early on may save you some day of stress. ? Monitor weather forecasts as far in advance as available - typically 10 days prior. ? Have umbrellas on hand for the ceremony and to escort guests indoors. This can be helpful in case of rain and for sun protection as well. ? Have coat racks and floor mats available indoors to ensure mud and drenched items are not trailed into the event. ? Ensure your décor is weather appropriate and can withstand the environment. Metal chairs are not good for hot or cold days and cushioned chairs may not fair well in rain. Table and chair legs should be wide enough for soft ground. Hurricane lanterns and flameless candles will maintain ambiance. ? Anchor in décor to account for wind. Loose centerpieces, flowers, invitations and signage can all be blown around by strong winds. Fishing weights are helpful in securing linens and holding down other items. ? Air conditioners and space heaters can be rented to keep guests comfortable. Light blankets and shawls can be helpful and can second as a favor as well. ? Hold food and flowers until the last minute as they will spoil in both hot and rainy weather. 2. Plan for nuisances. ? Bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, fans, water will help keep guests comfortable during a long spout outdoors. ? During the planning process, you should look for ant hills and areas with swarms of gnats, bees or mosquitoes. In most cases, you can have the grounds sprayed in advance to get rid of pests. ? Cover food and open beverages to avoid attracting animals and insects. ? Prepare a shaded area for older guests and those who will not be able to remain in the sun for long periods of time. Patio umbrellas are a unique option for creating your own shade during the event. 3. Know the location at peak times. ? Know where the sun will be during the ceremony and plan accordingly. To optimize the comfort level of wedding guests, the sun during the ceremony should be at their backs so there is clear visibility at the altar. ? Plan to provide wind blockers if there aren’t any naturally in place. ? Listen for additional noises. Car traffic, trains, construction, and beach waves can all have an impact on the event’s success. Key features, such as an altar or stage, should be placed where background noise is the least distracting. This will also help you adjust speaker and mic levels. 4. Don’t forget about lighting. ? All areas where guests and staff will gather will need lighting for any event taking place past sunset. This includes walkways, parking lots, hallways, and bathrooms. ? Check with your venue regarding power capabilities and regulations for the outdoor space. 5. Bathrooms need tending also. This is an easy feature to overlook. Most outdoor spaces will have bathrooms available, but here are a few things to consider when planning for restrooms. ? Facilities that are too far away may result in unruly guests using your event surroundings as their personal outhouse. ? Public restrooms, such as park facilities or beach locations, may need a sprucing in order to appeal to guests. Add scented candles, air freshener, grooming supplies, and toilet paper to enhance the appearance and functionality. ? Site staff may not be available to tend to these needs during your event. Check with your venue and schedule staff accordingly. 6. Test your communication and sound equipment early on. ? If you will be using walkies to coordinate entrances and entertainment test them prior to the event. ? Hills, trees and distance can disrupt signals. ? Added noise outdoors may also impact the functionality of handsets. Come properly equipped with headsets as a backup. ? Know the appropriate sound levels for microphones and speakers so all guests can hear through wind and background noise. ? Confirm city noise ordinances for the day/time of the event so neighbors are not disrupted. 7. Know the needs of your guests. ? Informing them of the outdoor location will allow them to prepare for grass or unpaved walkways - skinny heels may sink in the ground. ? Be ready for muddy grounds with ways to compensate for it. Wood chips and hay are good options to cover pathways. ? Prepare for slippery walkways, wind blown objects, etc. ? Have accessibility options for guests with mobility issues. 8. Always have a Plan C! This is the essential motto of any event planner and holds especially true with outdoor events. ? Reserve a tent/indoor facility/pavilion in case of truly inclement weather. ? If you plan ahead, you can have the entire secondary set up prepared in advance (DJ booth, table set up, food, etc.) for quick turn around the day of. ? Creating a phone tree or emergency contact list in advance can allow you to inform guests of cancellations or revised locations at the last minute. There’s no way to prepare for everything, but these tips will keep you calm and ahead of the game in case of an emergency. eNews April 2013 Photos
03/26/13 - 3:59:25 PMHighlights from the 2013 Idea Factory
From: www.event-solutions.comBodyThousands of catering and event professionals flocked to Las Vegas this month for a week full of learning, discovering, networking, and fun! The 2013 Idea Factory was packed full of new ideas, fresh trends, business lessons, exciting events, and networking with event pros from around the world. From the dozens of sessions at the Mirage Hotel to the thousands of products on the Expo floor, the show set to rejuvenate and prepare attendees for the year ahead in the industry. Here are highlights from the week’s events! Sunday ? Advisory Board members Lenny Talarico and Laura Schwartz, and SEARCH Foundation chairman Rick Turner welcomed attendees to another exciting year at the Idea Factory before inviting David Tutera to the stage to welcome our keynote speaker, Dina Manzo. Dina enlightens attendees with stories of her journey in the event industry and the lessons she’s learned along the way. “You need to use both sides of your brain (Right for creative design; Left for logical decision-making) and your heart to excel in your designs.” “By bringing meaning to the events you produce and inspiring your clients, you will stand out”. Joined by her assistant Luke, the two lightened the environment with back and forth banter, helpful suggestions and highlights from past successful events. ? CORT Into the Wild Party - Platinum show sponsor CORT Event Furnishings introduced their new line of “Into the Wild” products at the Idea Factory, providing furniture for the Attendee Lounge. The lounge was turned into an exciting jungle themed event on Sunday night, complete with champagne, industry professionals, and even a live snake! Dina Manzo entered the party for a book signing and was quickly joined by fellow Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute instructors Cho Philips, Richard Hallmarq, Project Runway, and Naima Mora, America’s Next Top Model. ? After the festivities in the Attendee Lounge subsided, attendees headed out to the Mirage Pool for the annual Welcome Reception. Event Solutions attendees gathered in the warm Vegas weather to meet and network with the Advisory Board and other event professionals before heading in to prepare for the days ahead. Monday ? The biggest day of education taught us about setting price structures, creating large scale events, collaborating with suppliers, building amazing centerpieces, décor trends and much more! ? At the Buffet/Boxed Lunch, attendees viewed innovative displays for buffets and boxed lunches while enjoying a trendy buffet lunch. Guests were able to network with other attendees while discussing and voting for their favorite designs. ? After a day full of classes, attendees relaxed with a trip back to the time of Peace, Love and Rock & Roll! The Harmony at Hard Rock Monday Night Party allowed attendees to see new trends in action from vertical buffets to new entertainment to eclectic designs; the event, produced by Cade Nagy and Dan Smith of Catering By Design and By Design Events, was nothing short of impressing. Three levels of exciting features including a lava lamp ice wall, interactive picture making from Pixal Paint, a mixed drink wall, interactive spin art plates and groovy entertainers allowed guests to roam freely through the event and discover trends at every turn. Tuesday ? The first day of the 2-day Expo invited attendees to wander the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center to discover hundreds of suppliers with thousands of new ideas and products on display. View products from the show floor here ? The highly-anticipated AFR Design Challenge put industry icon Lenny Talarico against rising star Jessica Ziedler for a fast-paced design challenge in front of a live audience on the show floor. The final creative designs were judged by attendees throughout the tradeshow. The competition was steep, but this year’s award went to newcomer Jessica Ziedler with her beautiful Green and Black Zebra Print concept! ? A year of hard work culminated in one exciting event for the entire industry as attendees gathered to celebrate the Event Solutions Spotlight Awards at the Tapis Rouge event. To see more from the event click here Wednesday ? Celebrity planner David Tutera returned to the Expo floor to judge the Tabletop Contest. With the coveted Tutera’s Pick award up for grabs, David interviewed each contestant to decide which display would walk away with this year’s highest votes. ? After the Expo doors closed, attendees traveled back to the Mirage Hotel to gain some final tips and techniques from our exciting lineup of speakers before heading to the Closing Session, where Colin Cowie would close the conference with an outlook on upcoming event trends. David Tutera began the session by announcing the winners of this year’s AFR Design Challenge, Buffet/Boxed Lunch and Tabletop Contests and then introduced our Closing Speaker, Event Solutions Hall of Fame inductee Colin Cowie. Colin discussed new trends, as well as ideas that can be retired. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more photos from the 2013 Idea Factory! Get the On-Demand Webcast Library for full audio recordings of all Idea Factory sessions. Photos
02/27/13 - 7:00:00 PMCanyonwest Cases Offers Tuff Cases for Tuff Customers
From: Exhibitor News NetworkCanyonwest Cases offers virtually indestructible custom cases for use in the most demanding environments. Cases are crush proof, water tight and built...