Meetings

Save Time, Help the Environment with Event Leftovers!

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Sarah Larkins
I've written several blog posts in the past about how to stay green and stay on budget. One tip I've seen time and time again is to reuse event decor, props and whatnot, whether you've kept them yourself or have asked the event venue to to recycle them from an earlier event that day.

Today, I read about a great website that offers another option. Event Leftovers is an online marketplace where meeting and event planners can buy and sell new and gently-used supplies. It's great for planners of all markets and levels, from once-a-year company holiday parties to monthly client events.

Tropical Birds on Event LeftoversEvent Leftovers a win-win for both buyers and sellers: buyers get bargains on event goods, while sellers (who can list items for free) get some additional revenue. Plus, both sides are being eco-friendly!

Right now, items for sale range from the wacky and fun (like these tropical birds—perfect for a luau theme!) to standard items that could work at any event, like charger plates and clear votive holders.

Registration and listings are free, so the next time you need to buy or sell some event party rentals, check it out!

Selling Electronic Real Estate - Leveraging your Sponsors and Cutting your Costs

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Elizabeth Elko
Perhaps you're worried about the cost of investing in online event management software because your organization charges little or no money for its events. No matter the price (or lack thereof) associated with your events, you shouldn't let it hold you back from reaping the benefits of a great online system - so let's look at a new way to work around some seemingly unavoidable expenses.

Among the numerous industries Cvent works with: corporations, associations, universities, non-profits, government and independent planners, many rely on sponsors for support - whether it be financial help or through the provision of products and services.

Many of our clients have taken advantage of this situation by tapping into their sponsors to further cover event costs. How? They charge them more money in exchange for more exposure!

Think of it as selling "electronic real estate." As a planner, you can use Cvent's capabilities with email invites and event websites to generate this additional revenue. For example, you can require sponsors pay a higher price to have their logos displayed on every event-related email or placed prominently at the top of the "Sponsors" page you create on your event website.

Or you can "sell a survey question" in a pre- or post-event survey (think about selling multiple questions if you have multiple sponsors).

Just check out this sample event Cvent did for a real client to see how SCW Fitness Education leveraged its sponsors!

Slowly but surely, your sponsors are realizing that there exists a two-way street and that they benefit from getting their name advertised throughout the entire registration process as well as on the day of the actual event.

So don't be afraid to leverage those who are already willing to help your organization - just approach it in a smart way and be prepared to defend your request with reasons why it's smart for them to get as much time in the spotlight as possible.

Miami Venue Spotlight: Enjoy Events of EPIC Proportion at Kimpton's New Hotel

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Cvent Staff
EPIC Hotel in MiamiA boutique Miami hotel on a budget? Look no further than downtown Miami's EPIC Hotel. One of the most recent addition to Kimpton Hotels collection, EPIC lives up to its name, offering a level of style and service of unmatched proportions.

Located right on the waterfront, the hotel offers striking views of the Miami skyline from its 411 guest rooms and suites. Vaulted ceilings, glass walls and shimmering pools surround guests as they enjoy some of the hotel's world-class indulgences, such as the hosted evening wine hour in the lobby, a Kimpton Hotels signature offering.

For Miami meetings and events, EPIC has over 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space spread among its meeting rooms, pool deck and EPIC lawn. Events of 300 to 400 guests can enjoy spacious facilities and services that include comprehensive multimedia and audio-visual support, an on-site 24-hour business center, and catering from the hotel's award-winning Area 31 restaurant.

Best of all, EPIC Hotel is offering some great Miami meeting promotions for fall. The Fall Group Sale includes group rates from $139, 10 percent off master account folio charges, and creative meeting concept consultation, all valid from September 3, 2009, through December 25, 2009.

Or, take advantage of its "Power Hour" meetings package. Good for meetings booked and consumed by December 31, 2009, Miami meeting planners can enjoy one hour early check-in, one-hour late check-out, daily hosted wine hour, a Friday happy hour with specialty pricing, a one-hour massage for the meeting planner, and one guest room upgrade for a VIP. Plus, planners can choose from a two-hour cocktail recepection for the price of a one-hour reception, a two-hour boat cruise, or 10 percent off published banquet menu prices.

To learn more about these Miami promotions for your next event, call 1-866-760-3742. And make sure to view more information about EPIC Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network!

3 Themed Cocktails for Halloween Celebrations

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Sarah Larkins
Halloween LightsIt's Halloween weekend, so let's celebrate! As I've blogged in the past, creating a signature cocktail is a great way to save money on drink costs at your events. For your Halloween celebration, check out some of these great themed cocktail options from popular restaurants and bars across the country, according to Nightclub & Bar.

Spook-Tini

NYC restaurant and bar Tenjune is serving this spooky creation at its Halloween 2009 event.

1.5 ounces Absolut
1/4 ounce Grand Marnier
1.5 ounces fresh lime juice
1 tsp. cinnamon water
1 ounce blood orange juice.

Shake all ingredients and pour. Garnish with a fig slice.

Witches Brew

This magical potion will be enchanting the Halloween partiers at New Orleans' Whiskey Blue, located in the W Hotel.

2.25 ounces Bacardi Light
2.25 ounces Meyers Rum
1.25 ounces Bacardi 151
2.5 ounces pineapple juice
2.5 ounces orange juice
1.25 ounces sour mix
1.25 ounces Grenadine

Fill glass with ice and add ingredients; blend. Garnish with Gummi Worms.

Jack-O-Lantern

Served at the N9NE Steakhouse restaurant in Las Vegas, this Halloween libation is fairly involved. But when all is said and done, it's certainly worth the effort for such a tasty and smooth drink.

1. Prepare Vanilla Bean Syrup overnight

Bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups granulated sugar to a boil. Infuse over night with 1 whole vanilla bean, opened and seeded.

2. Blend Pumpkin Puree Mix

15 ounce can of pumpkin puree
2 ounces each: Baileys, Butterscotch Schnapps, caramel sauce, brown sugar
1 ounce Goldschlager
1 ounce vanilla bean syrup
1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
Dash of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg

3. Make Vanilla Bean Butterscotch Whipped Cream

Whip 12 ounces heavy whipping cream, 1 whole vanilla bean, opened and seeded, and 1 ounce butterscotch schnapps to stiff peaks.

4. Mix drink

1 ounce Harlem Liquor
0.5 ounces Ketel One
2 ounces Pumpkin Puree Mix
0.5 ounces Vanilla Bean Syrup

Shake ingredients in mixing tin and strain into martini glass lined with crushed graham crackers. Garnish with Vanilla Bean Butterscotch Whipped Cream.

Orlando Venue Spotlight: Orange County Convention Center

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Alexandra Courson
Orange County Convention CenterOrlando is sitting on a treasure that many people overlook: a mass quantity of private and public vent spaces. One such Orlando event venue warrants its own spotlight: the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), a versatile and successful option for any private event.

The space, located in the heart of the Orlando tourism area, is comprised of more than two million square feet of event space. In other words, Orlando's convention center has a floor plan and appropriate space for every event imaginable. In fact, it's home to most tradeshows and events in the Orlando area, from the Home and Garden to the Surf Expo every year.

If you're wondering how much such an event space could cost you, you'll be relieved to know this is a government owned and operated facility. So even though you are getting state-of-the-art services, the rental prices aren't exorbitant. Also, if you are looking for an event to either market with or be a part of, the Orange County Convention Center has a list of all of the events for the upcoming year, as well as a list of the companies slated to participate.

All in all, the Orange County Convention Center is a fantastic option for hosting your next Orlando event. If you need a location to showcase your event amidst other industry professionals, this location is a great spot!

View more information about the Orange County Convention Center on the Cvent Supplier Network

Crafting Enticing Email Campaigns - Laying out the Basics

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Elizabeth Elko
How successful will your next email campaign turn out? That all depends on how you set up your graphics and images, how easy it is to customize the system once it's up, and how convenient it is for registrants to access your form with just a few clicks of the mouse. Sound complicated? With Cvent, it doesn't have to be!

Be sure to use a descriptive subject line. It should be one that quickly grabs your audience's attention, while avoiding words such as "Free," "$$$," "Save" and "Discount" that may be red-flagged as spam.

Make your emails content-based. Relay your communications with text and only rely on graphics for support (not for them to "carry" your message). The ultimate goal is to create a good balance between these two elements so that image-heavy emails don't get caught in spam filters, and more potential registrants will receive your message.

Include a clear call to action. Simply ask yourself, "What do I want people to do after reading this email?" For example, if your main purpose is to get someone to register for your event, make sure that's what the email emphasizes.

Finally, choosing when to launch your email event invitation campaign and schedule follow-ups will depend on your preferences and your particular target recipients. That being said, experienced planners advise picking a time between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays to hit as many people as possible. Need to send a lot of emails but can't find the time? Turn to Cvent to solve this problem! We make it easy for you to schedule automatic emails to be sent as often as you'd like, on whichever days and times you deem appropriate.

Dolce Hotels Wants You to Make an Offer...Anything Goes!

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Cvent Staff
How much do you want to pay for your next meeting and event? That's what Dolce Hotels and Resorts wants to know, and, more importantly, it's what they're willing to agree to.

Dolce's new "Make Us an Offer...Anything Goes" promotion asks meeting planners to make an offer to host your next meeting at one of its participating properties—no reasonable offer will be refused! Good for any new meeting reserved by December 18, 2009, and used by May 31, 2010, your offer must include the preferred location(s), dates, facilities needed and desired budget. It must also be "reasonable based on industry standards for meetings at properties of similar size and quality as Dolce properties for the dates selected."

To make your offer from the United States and Canada, call 1-800-57-DOLCE. Or visit, Dolce Special Offers to learn more about how to submit your Request for Proposal (RFP) today!

Have Dinner and a Scare at Anthony's Restaurant in Atlanta

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Atlanta has always been thought of as a vibrant city, and its heart beats strong and steady throughout its many residents. However, for some that dine at Anthony's Fine Dining, a spooky past leaves Atlantans wondering if there is someone there without a reservation...or a pulse.Fine Dining

Located in the heart of the city, Anthony's Fine Dining is  a true testament to historic Southern architecture. Previously constructed by the Pope family in 1797, this antebellum beauty was moved to Georgia from Tennessee in what is now much more than just an average house, boasting 12 rooms, two wine cellars, seven fireplaces, and a glass-enclosed porch. A great Atlanta special event facility, Anthony's offers several spaces for meetings and events. Book the "New" Wine Cellar" for up to 70 guests or the entire restaurant for up to 700 people. The Ladybug Room is an ideal Atlanta wedding venue for up to 250 people.

No matter which Atlanta meeting space you choose, be sure to leave room for one unexpected guest. Rumor is that Annie Barnett, a previous guest of the home in the late 1800s, can be heard at late hours in the Atlanta restaurant on the main staircase. Her presence has been felt by one journalist, whose his account is made public via the restaurant's website: "Then I heard the sound of footsteps, soft but distinct and coming up the stairs."

This notion of restless spirits keeps the restaurant booked nightly for dinner and for party and corporate reservations all year long. This Atlanta private dining facility's menu goes way beyond typical Southern delicacies, with options such as Chateaubriand for two,  Veal Anthony and always popular Filet Mignon. In lieu of the standard Halloween party, kick your Atlanta events up a notch for a real haunted dining experience at Anthony's Fine Dining.

View more information about Anthony's Fine Dining and other options for group dining in Atlanta on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Venue Spotlight: Kanan Cruise on Lake Michigan

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
Cruise Ship WalkwayKanan 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.

Business Travel Buyers Expect Slow Growth in 2010

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Cvent Staff
NBTA Cost Containment Measures for 2010Slow and steady is the motto for business travel next year, according to a recent survey by the National Business Travel Association. According to its 2010 Business Travel Buyers' Cost Forecast of 180 direct corporate travel buyers, 69 percent of respondents expect to see business travel volume "grow slowly" throughout 2010.

For meetings, 58 percent of respondents said that reducing the number of meetings is one of their measures to cut costs in 2010. However, on the bright side, this percentage is much lower than last year, when 85 percent said they would be cutting meetings.

To save money, travel buyers also cited auditing travel and entertainment expenses (84 percent), enforcing travel policies (77 percent), mandating online booking (76 percent), and reducing nonessential travel (71 percent) as their cost-cutting measures. Just over half of respondents—more than twice as many as last year—also said they would start implementing Strategic Meetings Management programs for their meeting in 2010.

Atlanta is Tickled Pink at the Chocolate Pink Cafe

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Pastry TreatsGot a sweet tooth? Luckily, Halloween is not the only holiday for sweet treats. There are plenty of holidays that call for celebrating. What about: Got A Promotion Day, Aced That Final Exam Day, or I Need some Chocolate in my Life day. Whatever the need for celebration (real or fantasy) may be, Atlantans have the secret recipe for successful celebratory events: the Chocolate Pink Cafe.

Located amongst many of downtown Atlanta special event venues, this cafe attracts the inner child in all of us. From the colorful pastry display case to the trendy urban design of the cafe's dining area, it's also a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Chocolate Pink's menu is a decadent array of gourmet chocolates, cookies, cakes and tarts, as well as beverages to complement each treat. Special favorites include the White Choc Raspberry Layer Cake, the Pink Lemonade Cupcake and the Apple Frangipane Tart.

Chocolate Pink CafeThe cozy event room at this unique Atlanta venue seats 32 of your closest friends and family for special occasions. Many brides, future moms and even little "divas" have been spotted sampling the "always dessert" menu. In fact, one recent patron was the ever-so-popular Bravo TV reality Real Housewives of Atlanta show star Kim Zolciak, who held her daughter Brielle's birthday party at the cafe last season.

Catering options are available for off-site Atlanta events. Executive chefs can tailor a delicious menu for your next Atlanta wedding, corporate meeting or even private in-home function. No matter whether you're taking a break from lunch or even from your diet, the Chocolate Pink Cafe in Atlanta is the premier choice for pastry delight.

View more information on Chocolate Pink Cafe, along with other Atlanta special event facilities, on the Cvent Supplier Network

Make the First Touch Count with Cvent

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Elizabeth Elko
For many of you, your online event registration form may be a "first touch" point of contact for potential registrants and new members to your organization. Following the guidelines outlined below will ensure that this first impression reflects both your marketing strategy and a high level of professionalism in its design and functionality.

Branding the form to fit your business gives registrants a great visual that will stick in their minds. Cvent allows you to match the look of your website, event emails and other marketing materials with your brand's color schemes, fonts and logos. This provides a personal touch that looks more professional than some generic "cut and paste" design.

Asking for information? Only collect what you really need! When filling out online forms, registrants will appreciate the time you save them if they are only required to answer relevant questions. Cvent wants as many people as possible to complete the registration form for your event, so our registration functions allow you to create different paths for different types of registrants. This way, you don't have to worry about invitees abandoning your form because they won't be forced to provide answers to questions that don't seem applicable to them.

Clearly communicate your customer-focused cancellation and refund policy. With Cvent, you have the flexibility of coming up with appropriate cancellation and refund policies for your events. Once they are established, make sure invitees can clearly view these policies on your registration form. The goal here is to encourage potential registrants to register early while abating any fears associated with a "no refunds" policy.

And finally, make your privacy policy public. Even more so today than in the past, people are concerned about access to their personal and financial information. Show potential registrants that you hold their privacy concerns to the highest standard by assuring them that you are taking careful steps to protect their information and clearly stating how it will be used to avoid any questions or confusion.

By implementing these tactics, you'll secure a professional, registrant-friendly and trustworthy impression for your organization that will prove true after you actually execute those successful events!

Meeting Destinations: Lisbon on the Cvent Destination Guide

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Cvent Staff
Lisbon Commerce SquareWith a rich history in exploration and maritime discovery, Lisbon is no stranger to welcoming guests from near and far. Offering a friendly population, competitive prices, and a unique landscape that combines sandy beaches, green mountains and a modern downtown area, Lisbon continues to attract both leisure and business travelers to its streets.

Host your next international event at the phenomenal International Fair of Lisboa (FIL) Meeting Centre, one of Europe's most well-equipped facilities. Or, get a unique taste of Portugal's capital at event venues such as the Maritime Museum or historic Castelo de Sao Jorge. Discover more Lisbon meeting venues, accommodations and more on the Cvent Destination Guide.

Hilton Unveils Lexington Downtown Hotel

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Cvent Staff
Back in June, we blogged about the $13 million renovation at the Hilton Lexington Downtown hotel. Now, the revamp is complete!

Opened mid-October, the hotel, now the second Hilton property in the city, features upgrades to half of its 367 guest rooms and several interior spaces, including the lobby, atrium and Grand Kentucky Ballroom. Overlooking Triangle Park and downtown Lexington, renovated rooms now feature comfortable furniture and decor designed to reflect the history of the Bluegrass. The hotel has 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

The remaining guest rooms are expected to be renovated some time in 2010.

View more information on the Hilton Lexington Downtown on the Cvent Supplier Network

A Cvent Client Success Story

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Cvent Client Services
Ever wondered what makes Cvent different from all other e-registration tools? One of our clients, a reading association, used Cvent for their annual event and had nothing but great things to say about our customer service excellence and level of professionalism. As they put it, "Cvent doesn't just make events, they make events a success."

Why? For one, sending out event reminders three weeks before the actual event helped them capture 30 percent more registrants. And their planners did not have to spend hours sitting in front of an Excel workbook to compile the list of undecided invitees. Cvent’s email delivery system is intelligent enough to automatically send out these reminders only to those who have not responded.

Cvent's ability to create customized pages on event websites also afforded this client the opportunity to sell space on these pages. They allowed presenters/exhibitors to contribute to the event by purchasing some "electronic real estate" in which they could put their company logo and a weblink.

Overall, what really sets Cvent apart is our service. As this client told us, "You have a question and the Cvent Client Services team of professionals really is just a phone call or an email away." To make a software WORK for the clients' events is as just important working on the software itself, and Cvent is happy to hear from clients who see this in action!

The Hearty Boys Take Chicago!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
The Hearty Restaurant in Chicago is a small storefront space located in the neighborhood of Lakeview, just north of bustling downtown. Partners Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh are no strangers to the food service industry. You may recognize them from their Food Network television series "The Party Line with The Hearty Boys," from the front of their cookbook Talk with Your Mouth Full, or from seeing them in person at one of their restaurants or at their catering facility in Chicago.

These food experts have mastered the design of mid-century American comfort food in their new 60-seat venue. The space is decorated with sea glass subway tiles, a hand-crafted mahogany bar, walls of exposed brick as well as modern stainless steal kitchen tables and stools. The walls are a burnt orange color with accents of a toned down lime green, which sets off a wall mounted fireplace as well as bespoke stained glass art.

Their upscale menu includes a house dish of macaroni and cheese, a rabbit corn dog, foil-wrapped fish grilled over hot coals, and Southern fried chicken. Beverages at this Chicago restaurant staple include American vintage classics such as The Brown Derby and The Aviation, as well as a few different brilliant twists on the standard Bloody Mary. Also available is a wine list comprised of selections from domestic vineyards in Georgia and Texas.

Not only have The Hearty Boys conquered television, books and restaurants, but they have also been a top Chicago catering company for the last 10 years. Their ample and delicious sample menus are just a start when planning a wedding or corporate event in Chicago.

Whether on-site at the restaurant or at a catered Chicago meeting, The Hearty Boys are sure to please your palate!

How to Pick the Perfect Venue for Your Orlando Events

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Alexandra Courson
Orlando SkylinePlanning an event in Orlando doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be full of cartoons and theme parks. The Orlando metropolitan area is a cornucopia of unique and under-commercialized spaces that can fit your specific needs.

In all reality, Orlando has so much to choose from that it can be overwhelming if you don't have an idea of who your target is. In my experience, I've found that working with generalized groupings of the Orlando area can help when determining where to hold your special function.

The city can be broken into four quadrants that contain four entirely different demographics. Understanding these regions makes planning for specific audiences a lot easier, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

These four sections are:

The University Area. This is where to go if your demographic is the college and university set. It's the bargain area, where the less expensive venues and some inexpensive accommodations are located.

The Downtown Area. If you are looking to attract corporate clients, or want your event to appeal to the young, hip professional, the downtown area offers a surplus of unique venues in a very compact, walkable zone. By looking into one of over 100 Orlando restaurants, bars, or clubs, as well as the Citrus Bowl and Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, an event planner can easily find a space to fit any theme or size criteria. There are nicer hotels and restaurants in this area that are more than willing to discount based on party size and patronage of their industry partners.

The Winter Park Area. Winter Park is a micro-center of socially and financially influential people in Orlando. If a philanthropic or fund-raising opportunity should strike, this along, with certain parts of the downtown area, is your prime location.

The Tourist Area. If you are in need of a great corporate event space in Orlando, don't pass up the opportunity to look into what Disney, International Drive, Universal and some of the lesser-known tourist attractions have to offer. With some of the most convention footage in the world and different, over-the top themed venues lining the streets, there is something for everyone. The parks are fantastic at incorporating business and pleasure for whatever purpose you may have; they are also incredibly skilled at co-branding. Not only that, but if an event takes place in the off-season, these tourist area venues in Orlando are more than willing to negotiate!

All Aboard for Atlanta Waterfront Excursions!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Although Atlanta is a landlocked city distant from the Atlantic Ocean, there is hope for those planners interested in making waves at their next Atlanta event. Two aquatic attractions in the region include Stone Mountain Park and Lake Lanier. With versatile options for events large and small, both of these attractions offer your guests an escape to the water without traveling far out of the city.Henry W. Grady Paddlewheel Riverboat

Stone Mountain Park in all its granite glory features some of the most unique special event venues in Atlanta. Plan a party aboard the Henry W. Grady Paddlewheel Riverboat, where you and 299 guests can set sail amongst the wooded campgrounds of the park.

Your guests will find more than enough room to entertain themselves on any of its three decks, one of which is enclosed for those chilly fall nights. Invite them to partake in cocktails and delicious treats in the Stone Mountain's Golf Course Clubhouse, then hop on the boat for a fun-filled evening.

The sights are not the only thing your guests can enjoy at Stone Mountain. Catering is provided by the on-site catering staff, where the selection seems to be Fourth of July year-round. From Southern fried chicken to sliced smoked beef brisket, there's no reason Lake Lanier Island Resortswhy your guest should leave on an empty stomach.

Another great venue option in Atlanta for enjoying the great outdoors is the Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Comprised of over 23,000 square feet of mutlipurpose event space including 22 meeting and event facilities, the resort offers indulgent amenities such as the Legacy on Lanier Golf club, a spa, an equestrian center and a beach with exhilarating water park adventures.

Whether your venue of choice is actually on the water or just nearby, remember that although Atlanta is a land locked city it still offers several venues for impressive aquatic events!

Check Out Dallas' Top Vendors at the Great Bridal Expo

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Despina Karintis
Wedding BouquetNot that there aren't enough bridal shows and wedding extravaganzas in Texas, let alone Dallas, but the Great Bridal Expo held at the historic and beautiful Fairmont Dallas Hotel is an excellent opportunity to not only get out and see a slew of Dallas vendors, but a chance to check out the hotel's event space. The Expo is set to begin November 8 at noon and generally lasts anywhere from five to seven hours depending on crowds.

Here is a short list of featured exhibitors: 

Favorite Dallas florist Your Perfect Wedding Day by di Fiori will be on-site to demonstrate and discuss floral arrangements for any Dallas event. This mother/daughter team has event design experience ranging from full-service social affairs to large corporate luncheons.

The Creative Touch: Events by Lauren is a Dallas event planner specializing in not only weddings, but also lavish corporate affairs and business gatherings. Full-service event planning and day-of coordination are available.

Voted Dallas' Best Winery in 2009, Swirll Winery & Wine Bar will be presenting some fabulous options for off-site wine selections, as well as those for smaller, on-site cocktail events. This swank little wine dive is located in the heart of downtown and has fast become a Dallas restaurant hotspot for both the amateur wine lover and connoisseur alike.

Keith Evans Photography will also be at the Expo exhibiting some of his famous shots. Voted Ft. Worth's Photographer of the Year in 2008, Keith has a knack for capturing the perfect lighting for both formal or informal shots. He also knows some of the best Dallas venues and outdoor locales for amazing shoots.

MBEG, LLCis a multi-service company specializing in ground Dallas transportation. Whether you're in need of bus service to and from an event or a corporate car pick-up service, they are known to have some of the best rates for Dallas limo companies.

All these and more will be on-site to promote networking amongst Dallas area vendors. It's a great opportunity for Dallas meeting planners to seek out some lesser known, well-respected names in the Dallas event industry. And don't forget to visit the Cvent Supplier Network to search and find Dallas suppliers for your next event!

Atlanta Venue Spotlight: History Meets Luxury in Atlanta at The Georgian Terrace Hotel

Friday, October 16, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
The Georgian Terrace HotelAs if hosting the 1939 world premiere reception for the film Gone With the Wind was not impressive enough, The Georgian Terrace Hotel hopes to be the site for your next grand event or business meeting. A night's stay at the Georgian Terrace is not just a good night's rest, but a night of history. The Atlanta hotel is listed as a National Historic landmark, but it's anything but antique. In fact, it recently underwent over $10 million in renovations to keep up with its national competitors.

Live nearby? Guests from neighboring states and Georgia residents can take advantage of this Atlanta hotel deal and enjoy a 15 percent room discount for a romantic weekend in the heart of the city. You'll trade the stale bagels at your usual continental breakfast for a freshly baked pastry from Cafe Mims. For more than a bite, guests can try the Georgian mountain trout at the in-house eatery Livingston Restaurant and Bar.

Conference Center at The Georgian Terrace HotelAnyone can find an Atlanta hotel with meeting space, but this venue has much more than simply a "space" for your meeting. The 16,000-square-foot conference center includes six conference rooms, three luxurious ballrooms seating 350 people, with state-of-the-art equipment available. Halogen-lighting, ergonomic seating and on-site concierge services are just the tip of the iceberg for Georgian Terrace meeting packages.

Planners can also take advantage of the hotel's Atlanta meeting promotions, such as the "Go Green" package, which includes reusable water bottles, recycled paper products and optional post-function food donation. Write your event agendas or wedding vows on the recycled paper with eco-friendly pens.

So when debating over venues for your next Atlanta event, why chose the rest when you can give your attendees the best? Find more information about booking The Georgian Terrace Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network today!