Guest Blogger - Molly from Luminaire Images

Hi everyone! It's very exciting... We are happy to present our next Guest Blog, presented by Molly from Luminaire Images. She does amazing work and is a completely down to earth person that you want to be friends with! It is always a breath of fresh air to work with vendor partners you like! So, with that - here's Molly...
Bio: Molly has been creatively documenting love and life as a wedding and portrait photographer since 2005. Since its inception, her business Luminaire Images has been commissioned for its award-winning artistry throughout California as well as Colorado, Greece, and the Dominican Republic.
Planners! Trying to network a little more with vendors working at your clients' weddings? Here are the top five ways you can wine me over and make me REALLY keen on working with you again!
1. Business-like is good, business-friendly is better. Adopt a warm tone when communicating with me. I know you are taking on all the bride's headaches, but no need to boss me around like I don't know what I'm doing. Let's work TOGETHER.
2. If we haven't met yet, introduce yourself when you see me. I can't tell the difference between a planner holding an official-looking clipboard, or a catering manager holding an official-looking clipboard, or even sometimes the bride's best friend holding a cheap plastic binder. My gigantic camera, on the other hand, usually gives you a clear idea of who I am. It also makes me feel important when you take a moment to seek me out and say hello. I also do not mind when people (clients, guests, and vendors alike) tap me on the shoulder when my eye is glued to my viewfinder and I look like I'm concentrating on something. It's OK. You can interrupt.

3. Water, stat! I cannot even begin to tell you how impressed I am when a planner approaches me in the middle of a ridiculously frantic schedule on a hellishly hot day and asks if I would like something cold to drink. Do I look sweaty busy? Is it hot? Am I wearing black? Yes, I would LOVE some ice water. OMG thankyouthankyouthankyou!

4. Food, stat! I don't want to bug you about dinner, but 99.9% of the time I do not know when I'll be eating or where I'm supposed to go eat. Got a moment? Come tell me. Triple bonus points if you manage to wrangle some food while the other guests are eating instead of after they've finished--because after they've finished is when I'm really supposed to go back to work!
5. Give us a shout out! We're on Twitter and Facebook. There is time to tweet and FB before the wedding, during dinner at the wedding, and the day after the wedding. Mention us. It makes us feel important and we'll mention (or retweet) you, too.

Top Ten Take-Homes from the Event Marketer Summit - Chicago

So, last week Simply Mumtaz President, Joella Hopkins, CSEP, CMP had the wonderful fortune of attending the Event Marketer Summit in Chicago. This is the must attend conference for planners wanting to take advantage of how to truly implement events that provide more ROI besides a good time... an experience that lasts, builds brand loyalty, increase sales, gives exposure to event partners, etc. Please see below our Top Ten Take-Homes!

1. Let your consumer dictate how you market your brand and plan your events - the experiences created for the consumer should be what the consumer wants... Listen to your customer!


2. When you are looking to create a long-standing experience, provide an interactive experience - however, do not coerce participation. Create a cool and comfortable environment which will encourage collaboration and active participation.


3. Consumers/Customers will learn the best in their time of need - that is the best and most powerful time to get your message across. Ensure your event/marketing message comes across clear at that time...


4. If you are looking to create a brand that has a constant and strong message - make sure your events produce the same. This comes from having the complete team on board and educated and enthused on the brand message, everyone from the Prez to Receptionist.


5. Think strategically when creating your messages and potential sponsor lists... Find ways to build brand experience across various industries.


6. QR Codes are becoming Major! Learn how to use them! Scan ours below.



7. Video is more effective than print, radio and other visuals. Consider using Video in promoting your events, etc.


8. Social Media - It is much more than just posting... Find ways to use your # (hashtags) to build followers, how to create a lasting effect past just the event... Ensure you have someone to monitor and build additional comments. Each can be used for different groups, ensure you recognize your demographics. #emschi is still running on Twitter! AND, use texting for live interactive Q&A sessions at your conference!
   


9. Technology is not taking away from the face to face meetings, but building on it. Nothing will truly replace face to face communication, but you can build your message by posting on your website, FB, YouTube, etc.


10. Go to next year's conference! Begin to build your new networks and resources.

Hope you enjoyed the post... We hope to see you at our next professional development conference - ISES EventWorld in St. Louis!

Treasures of Los Angeles - Purple Glitz celebrating Downtown's Revitalization

This April we had the opportunity to produce the Treasures of Los Angeles Awards Luncheon once again and we nick named it our Purple Glitz... In designing this event, our 9th year, we were concerned with inventing a new design concept that continued to brand the event as Downtown L.A.'s premier business organization and the Treasures event as the must attend civic event in Downtown L.A. of the year. Besides creating an event design concept based on the exciting developments and revitalization and it's newest "City Center" aka L.A. Live we wanted to keep the client's "purple" brand. We opened the program with L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti, L.A. City Controller Wendy Greuel and L.A. City Council President Pro Tempore Jan Perry performing a rendition of Downtown... It was fantastic! Our Title Sponsor - Farmers Field was showcased on our event backdrop as well as AEG President & CEO Tim Leiweke gave remarks on the continued revitalization of Downtown L.A. and Farmers Field. Special Thanks go out to our team members for helping us make this event a smashing success! We couldn't do what we do without our vendors and trusted relationships. Here's to 9 down and looking forward to next year's 10th!