Corporate Entertainment

Kanan Cruise is Chicago's most luxurious cruising vessel on Lake Michigan. Docked at the landmark Navy Pier, Kanan offers the finest furnishings and most advanced equipment available. Cruise guests are guaranteed an enjoyable experience while sailing past Chicago's famous skyline and shoreline.

The vessel is available for private evening charters for your Chicago events. These typically begin with a half hour of boarding as professional, uniformed staff greet and welcome your guests, complete with a full size grand piano, leather sections, plasma televisions and a variety of cocktail tables. Guests can start that party by grabbing a drink from the lounge's fully stocked bar.

After all guests are on board, the unique Chicago venue sets sail for a two and a half hour cruise along the shores of Lake Michigan.  Kanan can accommodate a seated dinner of about 200 passengers on deck two. Depending on your catering choices, the dining deck has an available built-in buffet, or can be turned over so that the caterer of your choice has ample room to flawlessly execute a multi-course meal.

The third deck of the venue is the most versatile Chicago event space on the ship. It can comfortably seat an additional 100 guests for dinner or serve as a place to serve drinks, coffee and dessert while guests enjoy event entertainment such as a DJ or band which is stationed behind the dance floor. The third deck also offers yet another lounge area surrounded by panoramic windows and doors, which grant access to an open-air terrace on the back of the ship.

The fourth and final deck of the ship allows your guests to step away to relax and enjoy the views from outside. The outdoor furniture and additional bar make it a great place to be during firework cruises.

Kanan's professional staff is very informative. As you move forward into the planning stages of an event, they are happy to recommend decor and Chicago catering vendors. They also assist in coordinating a functional layout and itinerary of the events on board. Your guests are sure to enjoy this unique experience that allows them to see Chicago from a different angle.

Since the introduction of the turntables, iPods and surround stereo systems, we have somehow forgotten how to appreciate live band music. A concert ticket to your favorite singer or band can cost you anywhere from $50 to your car payment. However, at your next event in Atlanta you can give your guests a front row seat at a show they will never forget.

The selection of a performance band is crucial to the success of your function. Be sure to request a sample CD, listen to online audio clips, and check out the web for any online reviews. The cost for a live band can run you anywhere from $1,000 and up. But if the budget is an issue there are ways to save some funds and still have a live performance.

Student performers from Georgia State University's melodic ensembles are a great solution to your event entertainment budget woes. Their inexpensive but nothing but raw talented. Or, use Myspace or YouTube to find local bands or performers looking to promote themselves in the area, and thus save you a pretty penny. Just remember to try to coordinate your live music according to your theme. For example, a Spanish event lends itself to a Mariachi band, a corporate function to a jazz ensemble, and a wedding reception to a live band complete with the "We are Family" rendition.

So once you've hired a band, now what? Almost every Atlanta event facility and hotel has a dance floor and a stage available for your event, so why not utilize this service to the fullest? If the event venue does not provided adequate dance area, then you can rent a dance floor from most event rental companies. TLC Rents, a downtown Atlanta event rental company, offers various "YMCA" dancing floor options. These include indoor and outdoor easy to assemble panels.

Make sure to check out more options for Atlanta event entertainment and rentals on the Cvent Supplier Network.

Footsteps from the Georgia Aquarium is the Luckie Food Lounge. The city's hotspot "to seen and be seen," this downtown Atlanta restaurant hosts various private events and parties in its chic and sophisticated setting. The lounge has it all when it comes to hosting Atlanta events, including 25 Hollywood-sized booths and spacious patio, where your guests will delight in the lights of the Atlanta skyline.

The cuisine at Luckie is an array of Asian and American flavors artistically displayed on each platter. Whether you enjoy the Moriwase combo of sushi and sashimi or the barbecue chicken brick-oven pizza, this fusion of East meets West will surely satisfy your tastebuds. Be sure to pair your meal with one of the decadent desserts such as ginger creme brulee or bourbon pecan pie.

With stainless steel fixtures, floor-to-ceiling windows and shimmering glass tiles, Luckie has an overall capacity of up to 500 reception guests. The private upstairs Skydeck is an exclusive Atlanta unique venue for up to 150 people.

If not for events, Luckie Food Lounge is a great place to direct your attendees who want to kick back after a long day in the boardroom. Happy hour has extended to Happy Fridays at Luckie, in which patrons may enjoy selections from the $5 tapas-style menu. Or, visit Wednesday as Luckie invites Atlanta's finest to dance the night away to local DJs and celebrity musicians. You may just be joined on the dance floor by one of the many famed faces who have visited the lounge, including some of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, NFL athletes and many musicians from the Atlanta area.

Whether for discussing business plans over a plate of sushi or just enjoying the cocktails and the view, Luckie Food Lounge is sure to have guests wanting to return in hopes of catching a glimpse of Atlanta's finest.

Have you ever danced to "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC or "Love Stinks" by the J. Geils Band at a wedding reception? Have you heard Fall Out Boy's "I Don't Care" playing in the background at a charity fundraiser? What about any rap song by Ludacris, Eminem or Three 6 Mafia at a family-friendly employee event?

If you answered "No," to all those questions, then you must have had some decent DJs at your events (if you answered "Yes," it's possible you had to ask for your money back.) That's because good DJs don't just play the latest hits or their favorite songs, but rather customize a playlist to suit your audience.

Entertainment can really make or break your event, so picking the right DJ is critical to your success as a planner. To make sure you're in good hands, keep in mind these 5 tips for what to look for in a DJ for event entertainment:

• Personality. DJs can do more than just turn the volume up and down on your music. They mingle with guests, get people on the dance floor and create an overall lively atmosphere. If your DJ doesn't have the right outgoing personality to do that, they'll fall flat.

• Diverse interests. Look for a well-rounded DJ who is knowledgeable in different styles and genres of music. Make sure he or she has a good arsenal of songs suitable to your event, and that he or she can easily switch into something new if the crowd starts to lost interest.

• Responsiveness. DJs should be quick to respond to your RFPs and always get back to you in a reasonable amount of time. After all, if a DJ doesn't return or a phone call or email quickly, or by the time he or she said they would, how can you rely on them to be on time to your event?

• Professional equipment. Anyone who's listened to a song on the radio and heard the same song live in concert knows that audio equipment vastly affects the quality of a presentation. A good DJ will use professional equipment—quality speakers, CD players, microphones, mixing boards, etc. Some DJs may even have extra equipment such as special effects lighting. (Just keep in mind, you may have to pay more for such extras; it's up to you to determine if it's worth it.)

• References. Being good in person—not just on paper—is especially important for an someone who will actually interact with guests at your event. Ask fellow event planners who they recommend for event entertainment, or ask for a few reference clients from the DJs themselves.

That's not to say you should discount newcomers to the entertainment scene, though. But if you do go for someone who hasn't formally played at many events, at least ask for a few character references and make sure to meet him or her in person before making a decision.

There's a new Dallas hotel on the scene. InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown hotel will open within the month.

"We’re pleased to bring our fifth Crowne Plaza to the Dallas area, especially in such a convenient location for business travelers," said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Delivery, the Americas, IHG, in a statement.  "There are several major employers in the area that will benefit from the meetings-savvy products and services that only a Crowne Plaza can provide."

The Dallas hotel, which underwent a $14 million hotel renovation from the former Hampton Inn Dallas-West End-Convention Center, will feature 300 guest rooms and suites and 22 meeting rooms. Together, it offers over 22,000 square feet of Dallas meeting space that can accommodate up to 2,000 attendees.

After a long day of breakout sessions and presentations, meeting guests can unwind at the hotel's new Ten15 Elm restaurant or THRIVE nightclub. Here, patrons kick back to the sounds of local and celebrity DJs while enjoying hand-crafted cocktails. The hotel will also feature a fitness center and ninth-floor roof top pool with panoramic views of the Dallas skyline.

Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, the Crowne Plaza is convenient to the historic West End District and thriving Uptown area. Guests can easily walk to major Dallas attractions, including the Dallas Convention Center, House of Blues and Dallas Aquarium.

View more information about the Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown on the Cvent Supplier Network

It looks like the industry is welcoming the U.S. Department of Treasury's new rules regarding meeting, event, incentive and travel expenses for TARP companies.

"We are pleased that after months of discussion with the Obama Administration and our industry's full-court press on the value of meetings, events and incentives, these regulations do not do any further harm to the meetings and events marketplace," U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said in response to the new guidelines, which were released last week. Even for companies not receiving TARP funds, the guidelines act as "reminder to companies everywhere that transparent and responsible board policies governing business meetings and events are more important now than ever."

The guidelines, among other things, requires that TARP companies adopt an "excessive or luxury expenditures policy" that includes "standards to ensure appropriate review and approval of potentially excessive and luxury expenditures." These expenditures could include "entertainment or events, office and facility renovations, aviation or other transportation services, and other similar items, activities or events."

The Treasury's proposed rule, which is subject to a public 60-day comment period, requires TARP beneficiaries to identify categories of expenditures that are prohibited; identify categories of expenditures that need approval; set up approval procedures; require reporting of violations to a designated person; and "mandate accountability for adherence" to the policy.

NBTA President Kevin Maguire expressed a similar sentiment as Dow in regards to the policy.

"NBTA is pleased that Treasury has pointed to travel management as a tool to contain costs and ensure efficient and effective corporate travel and practices," he said in a statement.

There's never been a better time to host an event at the popular Zoo Atlanta. After all, its four-month-old giant panda cub, recently named Xi Lan (translation: Atlanta's Joy), and three six-month-old lion cubs Christos, Mikalos and Athanaisi are garnering attention from all over. These lovable animals join the over 800 animals at Zoo Atlanta waiting to make your next Atlanta event a wild one.

A great space for day or night events, the zoo can host groups ranging in size from 20 to 5,000 people. Mingle with the zoo's newest addition at the Chinese Plaza and Panda Veranda, an open-air space that offers a private viewing of the pandas for up to 200 guests. Or, stay indoors with a seated dinner at the 2,000-square-foot Ford Conservation Room and Eco Hall or presentation at the 257-seat Coca Cola World Studio.

This Atlanta venue has a number of entertainment options available to liven up your meetings and events. Schedule an orangutan or elephant feeding, or have jugglers, DJs, or other entertainers delight your attendees.

The zoo's corporate escape package is also a great option for corporate outings, offering free admission, free parking, table linens, audio-visual services, a scavenger hunt and breakfast and lunch for 20 or more guests.

View more information on Zoo Atlanta

Meeting planners in Columbus are well aware of the many hotels in the area that offer high quality event space. But just as important as the experience at your event is what happens outside of it. So what are some of the hotels best situated for for post-event entertainment?

Check out these three Columbus hotels that offer both meeting space and an outstanding location:

Hyatt Regency Columbus

When it comes to hotels that offer flexible, quality meeting space, you don’t have to look any further than the Hyatt Regency on North High Street. For planners, the recently remodeled hotel is equipped with the latest advanced features and boasts 59 meeting rooms. For attendees looking to make the most of their Columbus events, this hotel is only five blocks from the State Capitol and within walking distance of a host of other popular attractions.

Crowne Plaza Downtown

Downtown Columbus is where the action lies, so it's no surprise that the Crowne Plaza has become so popular among planners and attendees alike. This hotel is within walking distance of hundreds of restaurants as well as unique, multi-purpose venues such as the Nationwide Arena.

The Crowne Plaza's 12 meeting rooms can accommodate groups ranging from a few to a few hundred. Add in 377 luxurious sleeping rooms and it's easy to see why so many event planners regularly call on the Crowne Plaza for their events in Columbus.

Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown

Located in the heart of downtown, the Hampton Inn and Suites puts guests close to top places of interest including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Columbus Museum of Art, Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Ohio State University, many of which can also double as unique venues for planners.

The hotel itself offers over 30,000 square feet of meeting space, 179 sleeping rooms, an on-site restaurant and top-of-the-line business services.