Tips for Event Planning

Many companies are still recovering from the recession and don't have the budgets for lavish holiday parties. However, that's no reason to be a Scrooge. You can still give your employees some holiday cheer - without breaking your budget.

Below are 5 ways you can save big on this year's holiday party:

1. Hold your party at a venue that's already decorated. You'll eliminate the expense of buying holiday decorations and the hassle of finding someone to deck the halls.
    
2. Chose an off-peak time. Venues...

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It seems like almost every day from now until New Year’s is a major shopping holiday. From Black Friday to Boxing Day, there’s always a reason to purchase a gift for a loved one or yourself. 

As an event planner, you can learn a lot about promoting events during your next trip to the mall. Below are 3 ways stores drive sales during the holiday season and how you can apply their techniques to build excitement for your next event: 

1. Scarcity - When items are in short supply, people want them. This...

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Does it seem like your holiday shopping list gets larger every year? Between your family and friends, it can be stressful to find the perfect gifts for everyone. Plus, if your co-workers trade gifts, your expenses during the holidays can get out of control. 

However, you can eliminate the stress of purchasing gifts for co-workers by hosting a Dirty Santa gift exchange at your holiday party. 

Here's how the game works: 

1. Everyone who is participating brings an unmarked gift. All the gifts should...

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Bonnet Creek is Orlando's latest world-class meeting destination. The site includes the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and a 150,000-square-foot convention center. 

The facility offers meeting and event planners the following amenities: 

• 1,500 hotel rooms between the Waldorf Astoria and the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
• 3 grand ballrooms totaling 71,500 sq. ft.
• 42 meeting rooms and 4 boardrooms.
• Outdoor event space including an island that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests....

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Co-producing an event with another organization can lead to enormous benefits. You can split the costs, take advantage of each other's resources and double your mailing list. 

However, before you jump into a formal partnership, you should take the following 3 things into consideration:

1. Your goals. You and your potential partner should discuss what you want to achieve from the event. If your goals and target audience aren't compatible, you may disagree on the direction of the event and have...

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The expression "everything is bigger in Texas" is true at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. The facility just underwent $90 million in renovations and is one of the largest convention and meeting hotels in Dallas.

Event planners can take advantage of the hotel's many amenities including: 

• 70 meeting rooms that can accommodate between 28 and 5,000 people. Facilities include boardrooms, ballrooms, reception areas and space for pre- or post-event functions.  
• 1,840 guest rooms.
• High speed Internet access...

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The Sheraton Boston Hotel is piloting the chain's new Alive on Five program, in which 2,000 square feet of the property's premium conference space is dedicated to address the environment and CSR initiatives.

This program, which offers green meeting facilities in the heart of downtown Boston, is the result of a partnership between Sheraton Boston and NativeEnergy. Meeting planners who purchase an Alive on Five package will support NativeEnergy's efforts to remove carbon dioxide from the...Continue Reading »

Sharing an event on Facebook is a great way to increase your attendance and build a sense of excitement among your invitees. Best of all, it's free. Continue Reading »

An event's biggest expense is often the catering. However, there are many ways you can provide guests with a memorable dining experience without blowing your budget. 

Below are 5 ways to save on catering expenses without looking cheap: 

1. Serve the house brand of wine. Choosing a house brand can save you a lot over a premium brand. A venue's house brand also is balanced to compliment a variety of their dishes. Most people can't tell the difference between house wine and a more expensive option....Continue Reading »

When it comes to corporate events, people may overlook flaws in the venue or even the content of your presentation, but they always have strong opinions about the food. That's why it's important to ensure your food and beverage selections enhance your attendees' experiences.

Here are the top 6 questions to ask before you hire a caterer for your next meeting or event: 

1. Do you provide vegetarian/vegan options? You don't want to send vegetarians home hungry or make them wait for the chef to...Continue Reading »