Event Planning Tips: All About Table Settings
Event planning professionals know this: everyone likes to eat. And what better place to show your creativity and kick your event “up a notch” than with the table settings? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
A Special Post Format
Often, when we write posts, we are trying to convey our experience to help our readers. Since this post is all about ideas for table settings, we’re just going to present great ideas we’ve seen! You decide what fits with your event, your attendees, and your budget.
More Traditional Table Settings
Like this beautiful Victorian example, many event planners opt for a traditional approach to table decorations. In some cases, it’s the nature of the event; in others, the event professional understands the attendee demographics and knows what’s best for the group.
Some Less Common Ideas
At times, it makes sense to align the table setting with the type of food being offered. Here is an example of a Japanese-themed setting, and a spread for Mardi Gras!
Truly “Out of the Ordinary” Table Settings
You simply can’t beat Salvador Dali for off-the-wall, and in this post, we’re showing a Dali-esque theme.
And, Once They’re Done Eating…
Everyone remembers the food at events. They also remember if they had to stand in line for a less-than-clean restroom.
Make sure you’ve got that covered for any event by contacting Privy Chambers today! With the Northwest’s largest selection, finest service, and the area’s ONLY true ADA-compliant luxury restrooms, there’s only one call to make.
How Do I Hold An Event At A Non-Traditional Venue?
Are you wondering about holding an event at a non-traditional venue? You’re certainly not alone; Global Hoteliers predicts that the demand for nontraditional venues will increase by 3.8% in 2017, while the demand for others will remain relatively flat.
Thinking “outside the box” (or should we say outside the ballroom) is critical in any job, but in event planning, it can make the difference between success and failure. Kristina Skinner, Senior Manager, PR & Communications at Peerspace, notes that:
People generally know that hotels, restaurants, and convention centers offer event space. But now, these same people are learning that a more interesting — and ultimately more inspiring — option exists.
Warehouses and Lofts
Many former factory locations have been transformed into multi-purpose spaces that utterly lack pretension. Their pared-down architecture makes them both versatile and appealing.
Their size and high ceilings offer lots of possibilities for decoration and some unique activities.
Local Warehouse Venues
The North Warehouse – Portland
The Evergreen PDX – Portland
Within SODO – Seattle
Rooftop Venues
The wide-open spaces and awesome urban views from many rooftops make them ideal as venues. Plus, in good weather, there’s no better place to hold a nice, sunny event.
And the venues themselves offer quite a bit of variety, from the bare cement of the top of a parking structure to elegant and refined decoration at the Olympic Pavilion in Seattle.
Local Rooftop Venues
Galleries and Museums
What could be more fun than hosting an event in a space that is architecturally historic and filled with beautiful art and interesting exhibits?
A wide variety of these facilities throughout the Pacific Northwest are available for your event. Add that special touch to your event by hosting it in a memorable place!
Local Gallery and Museum Venues
Farmhouses, Vineyards, Villas, and Ranches
And perhaps the most unique experiences come from venues that are partially or completely outdoors.
From working ranches and farms to villa and vineyard owners who open their properties to private events, you’re on the track to having an event that your guests will remember for years to come.
There is such a variety of outdoor venues available, and they’re very flexible in hosting many different kinds of events!
Local Outdoor Venues
Woodinville Lavender Farm – Woodinville
Director Park – Portland
Abernethy Center – Oregon City
Wrapping It Up And Making It A Success
You want your event to be memorable — in a good way. A unique venue is a great way to do that. But make sure you consider that many non-traditional event venues were not originally designed to accommodate the needs of large groups, and that includes guest sanitation needs.
To make events like these a success, reach out to your local experts in event restrooms: Privy Chambers. We’ll help you plan every aspect of your guests’ comfort, ensuring that they have a clean, comfortable, and luxurious ‘place to go’. We have the widest service area and the largest selection of luxury restroom trailers in the northwest.
Give us a call today!
What Are The Latest Event Planning Trends?
As much as any field, event planning is changing fast. Part of being successful as an event planner means staying up to date on the latest trends. From virtual reality to more mundane things like hotel amenities, here’s a quick update on event planning trends we’re seeing.
Consider Non-Traditional Event Venues
There are dozens of event venues that aren’t “traditional,” including some you may not have considered. Here’s a great guide to what you need to consider when planning an event at one.
While perhaps the main event is still hosted at a traditional venue, Karina Belyea, the events manager for Eventful Conferences, says:
We definitely try to stick to nontraditional venues for receptions…After being inside a hotel all day, we try to plan fun, off-site receptions for people to enjoy. We have found ourselves in JP Morgan’s oldest bank vault in NYC, in House of Blues venues, and in rented out breweries.
Bringing Virtual Reality To Your Next Event
Everyone’s heard of virtual reality, but — all games aside — how do you integrate this exciting technology into your events? The editors at Event Manager Blog note that:
We’re beginning to see adoption in many different types of events and if the technology lives up to the hype, it will become as pervasive as mobile tech is today.
But it’s important to consider just how you will bring this technology to your event, as the authors caution. There are still a number of technical considerations, starting with the computer itself.
The authors say:
For remote attendees, computing power is unlikely to be much of a problem, but at the venue, it comes with some issues. Although you don’t technically need one computer per headset, each one will require a fair bit of graphics processing. If you’re supplying them yourself, the cost could run to around $2,000 per attendee. Of course, this cost will come down, and there are cheaper options, but cheaper means slower. Slower isn’t good because it only takes a few milliseconds of lag, and the experience can be truly nauseating.
Keeping Your Guests Engaged
Event planners know that keeping attendees busy and engaged is critical for a successful event. And not much is better than ‘hands-on’ activities.
A recent event for fashion brand L’Oreal celebrated “Galentine’s Day” with activities centered on their target customers: ladies. And the author notes:
The beauty brand’s event was hosted by spokeswoman Blake Lively, who played a hands-on role, helping to select the decor, music, and activities, which included making Valentine’s Day cards, having necklaces engraved, and decorating cookies. The actress was even on site the previous night, assisting in the set-up of the venue.
Cara Kleinhaut, founder and C.E.O. of Agenc, the company tasked with designing the event, added:
She was the first to get there and the last to leave. It was fun to work with a celeb host who was interested in the design elements. She took ownership, and we brought her vision to life.
Using LinkedIn To Promote Your Event
We all know LinkedIn, the B2B-focused social network. But are we using it to its fullest extent to promote our events? Here are some quick tips to make sure you’re getting everything out of LinkedIn event promotions.
Christy Huggins, Senior Social Media Manager at Eventbrite, admits that: “LinkedIn can be an elusive and intimidating platform for event organizers. The ‘casually social’ platforms like Facebook and Snapchat make it easy to promote events with straightforward content.”
But she hastens to add that:
But on the premier social platform for professionals, LinkedIn’s more than 100 million active monthly users are specifically looking for content related to careers and the workplace. If your event has anything to do with business, education, or networking, it behooves you to master LinkedIn’s domain. But even if it doesn’t, you can still take advantage of this powerful social platform.
Which Hotel Amenities Do Your Guests Really Care About?
From the smallest mom-and-pop places to the largest of chains, hotel amenities really do matter to guests. So which ones really are important, and which fall into the category of “don’t care”?
The Center for Hospitality Research at Cornell University decided to explore in a recent research project, summarized in a report called “How to Pick the Right Amenities for Your Property.”
They tracked the return on investment of 50 hotel, room, and bathroom amenities offered by 33 U.S. midscale, upscale, and luxury properties operated by a global hotel corporation over a 12-month period.
(NOTE: The agreement with the hotel company limits Cornell to reporting publicly on just three of those amenities: bottled water, Wi-Fi, and fitness centers).
For WiFi, the report notes that:
Both business and leisure guests said the ability to get free in-room Wi-Fi ranked as the highest amenity factor in their choosing a hotel.
However, that didn’t translate into repeat business, because the report found that: “Guests didn’t rank it as a significant factor in their decision to make a return visit, however. And, while 66 percent of guests said they expected they would use free Wi-Fi in their rooms, only 42 percent actually did use it.”
Considering Your Next Event
We know that every event is unique: different attendees, different venues, different logistics. When it comes time to plan an event outdoors or at a venue with limited capacity, we suggest that restrooms are a key consideration.
Our luxury restroom trailers add elegance to any event. We offer the largest selection and service area in the northwest and are here to serve as a resource in planning your next event. Give us a call today!
Event Planning Focus: Technology
Professional event planners know that technology is a critical part of every event. In our first post of the year, we’ve focused on three important pieces of technology: cybersecurity, smartphones, and social media.
Each one is a very dynamic topic. It seems that each day we hear of new cyberattacks, whether done by governments or individuals, the potential damage is catastrophic. And you need only look at the phone in your pocket to know how fast that technology is changing. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Making a Priority of Cybersecurity
With all the stories in the mainstream media about hacking attacks, it’s no wonder cybersecurity has become important for everyone, and event planners are no exception.
Unknown Media and Software
That flash drive that holds your keynote speaker’s presentation, the must-have app that your associates or attendees want to download; they each have the capability of wreaking havoc with your event.
While hackers may have once been your neighbor’s 15-year-old, MaryAnne Bobrow, CAE, CMP, CMM, president of Bobrow Associates, says now:
“…today’s “black hats” are professional criminals who spend eight hours a day or more looking for vulnerabilities.”
She suggests immediately requiring all flash drives to be scanned for malware prior to use — it can easily and quickly be done in the speakers’ ready room. And don’t allow the download of software or apps that have not been previously vetted by your security professionals.
Wi-Fi Carelessness
Another point of risk for your event is the free Wi-Fi that your attendees count on. The first thing to do is make sure that the Wi-Fi network is secured. Don’t post the password everywhere, and ask attendees not to share it with those not attending the event.
But even a simple password is better than none at all, says Meeting Consultant Brandt Krueger:
“…if the password is 12345 and you put it on every piece of paper in the venue, it’s still more secure than an open Wi-Fi.”
Planning for the “Unthinkable”
The most stringent cybersecurity measures cannot totally protect your event. You simply must have a plan, says MeetingsNet’s Sue Pelletier. She notes that it should include all the essentials:
“Develop a policy and a plan for what you will do before, during, and after a breach, and train your staff so that, should the worst occur, you know how to mitigate the risks.”
Smartphones: Coming Features Will Change the Events Industry
Given all current smartphones can do — and how ubiquitous they are at events — it’s worth looking ahead at new features that will make them even more useful. (And it’s a bit nicer subject than cybersecurity, for sure).
Before the Event
The editors of the Event Manager Blog think there are a number of places in the “attendee journey” that smartphones will play a part.
Starting at sign-up, the phone can help. It knows what events you’ve liked in the past. That knowledge, combined with a list of upcoming possibilities, might prompt your phone to ask if you’d like to sign up. Coming technologies can make that as easy as saying “yes”. But it goes much further than that.
Upon your arrival, a ride from Uber or Lyft could already be waiting for you. Even getting in and picking up your badge is a far cry from the lines we’ve all experienced. Your phone can store your entry pass electronically, and have your badge printed with a simple tap.
Thinking of Your Phone as a Partner at the Event
From picking up your badge, through the rest of the event, and even upon departure, the phone is there to help. You’ll never miss another important keynote, it’ll suggest coffee, order it, and pay electronically…the possibilities truly are endless.
https://www.govevents.com/blog/2017/01/10/intelligent-phones-will-change-the-event-industry/
Social Media Trends Event Professionals Should Watch
Another area that event professionals are well-aware of is social media. And it’s moved a long way forward from simple Facebook check-ins at the event. But it’s not all about new features, sometimes it’s about using social media channels differently.
Lighten Up that Post
The first suggestion is about a different approach to your social media posts: you need to lighten them up. Many of us have been taught to use very businesslike English when we communicate with our customers; event professionals are no different.
Yet with social media, that’s just not the style of communication that works. Social media users expect — and almost demand — a much more informal approach. Dan McCarthy, writing in TechsyTalk, has a couple of great examples. Where you might have previously written something like:
“The digital expo event is held on Jan 20-22. Please remember to RSVP and bring all registration forms and paperwork outlined in our brief.”
Dan suggests social media readers would prefer:
“Tick the boxes of Jan 20-22 (OMG, a three-day weekend!). That’s the date for our awesomely awesome digital expo event. Remember to RSVP and tote along your reg forms. (insert happy-face or thumbs up emoji).”
Live Streaming Goes Mainstream
Moving way beyond the Facebook “check in”, today’s attendees want to live stream from your event — and you want them to: it’s free marketing. Plus, you want to offer live streaming for those who cannot attend.
Some great trends in streaming include the use of drones to provide streams of “overhead” video offering a unique perspective on the event, and the use of 360° cameras for live feeds.
The New Disappearing Act
Starting with the app Snapchat, and now mimicked by Instagram with their stories, posts that automatically remove themselves after a period of time (or after being viewed) are all the rage.
Popular in particular with Millennials, this trend will only grow. Recent studies show that 30% of 18-24-year-olds use Snapchat on a daily basis.
And the Old Standby: Advertising
Where there was some reach for organic social media posts, it is pretty much a thing of the past. The fact is, if you want your posts seen, you’ll have to pay for that privilege. Yep, good old advertising; it’s still here and as important as ever. (In fact, spending on social media advertising is at an all-time high; it is forecast at $36B for 2017).
http://techsytalk.com/6-social-media-trends-for-2017-by-dancarthy2/
Wrapping It All Up
It’s no surprise how important a role technology plays in event planning — that’s pretty much no different than any business today. With all the possible technology subjects out there, we chose three of the most important ones, and those that can have an immediate impact on your event.
When you’re looking at an outdoor event, remember that Privy Chambers offers the Northwest’s largest selection of luxurious outdoor restrooms, the largest service area, and the only truly ADA-compliant restroom. Contact us today!
What Are The Most Important Event Planning Trends for 2017?
Staying up-to-date in any field is important; in event planning, it’s nothing short of critical. No one wants to attend an event where they see the “same old stuff”. Innovation is your friend in event planning and here we’ve curated the top trends in the industry for 2017.
Culinary Trends are Front and Center
Everyone needs to eat, and the cuisine at your event can make or break it. The emerging culinary trends for 2017 are as varied as the events they’ll be seen at.
From ethnic foods to brightly colored beverages that follow the event branding, there are lots of choices. There’s even a twist on the ubiquitous hamburger to spice your event.
But, according to the National Restaurant Association, the real trend is ethnic — from the food itself, to the condiments served with it. However, the advice isn’t without some caution, with the NRA saying:
“…if your audience is not very adventurous, proceed slowly. Introduce a couple of hors d’oeuvres with ethnically inspired seasoning at one gathering. If your group receives this well, test out an appetizer at another event before selecting authentic ethnic main courses for future conferences.”
Connectivity: You Know How Much It Means
Attendees at your events expect to be connected at all times. And really, it isn’t a luxury anymore: it may be the only way they can get away from the office to attend.
The experts at Bizbash have crafted a checklist to make sure no aspect of connectivity gets overlooked at your event. And it’s not just so that your guests can conduct business at the event, its benefit extends to marketing too:
“…a reliable Internet connection enables and encourages guests to amplify an event’s message on social media…”
The User Experience (UX) is More Critical than Ever
We all know that the experience that attendees have plays a huge role in whether or not they will return next year. And the UX isn’t just one thing; it ranges from the event website and branding to the invitations and décor.
For the Awakenings Festival, organizers designed a website described as:
“…bold, stylish and easy to use, Awakenings offers tickets, photos, merchandise, hotel deals and information for their events in a stunning and easy to use online package. Achingly cool and to the point.”
It’s Always Important: Security for Your Event
Security for your event, perhaps an afterthought in years past, is a prime consideration now and becoming more important all the time. Truly, no event planner wants to think about the worst, but you must plan for it.
Recent events, including a deadly fire at an event in Oakland, have put event security at the top of the list. At the top of his list of 6 tips, professional event planner Dan McCarthy says the venue itself is key. He notes that event professionals should:
“…ask the venue administrator for records of the last fire and earthquake inspection…know where all the exits are. Can those doors be opened from the outside? Is there furniture or other equipment blocking emergency exit doors?
…know if fire extinguishers are located throughout the facility
…know that there is a clear path outside the venue designated for emergency vehicles
…assure that the venue accommodates the expected turnout? Exceeding the maximum occupancy limit can become a fire hazard.”
http://techsytalk.com/tips-to-ensure-security-at-your-events-by-dancarthy2/
The Color of the Year for 2017: Green
Green is always a popular color, especially for springtime events, and the color experts at Pantone have chosen a shade called greenery as the color of the year for 2017.
Described by Pantone as a “fresh and zesty” shade, greenery is showing up everywhere. From the VISA lounge at the Rio Olympics to several events at the Coachella Festival, you couldn’t miss the use of greenery.
Pantone describes the shade as evoking:
“…the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore, and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate, and reinvigorate.”
Follow the link for great ways the hue was integrated into popular events.
https://www.weddingsonline.ae/blog/wedding-ideas-inspired-2017-pantone-colour-greenery/
And as you plan your events for 2017, don’t forget the most basic of needs: a nice ‘place to go’. The professionals at Privy Chambers have you covered with the Northwest’s largest selection of event restrooms, the largest service area, and both the area’s only 8-stall model and the area’s only truly ADA-compliant restrooms. Contact us today for your next event!