MUMTAZ @ TSE 2013 & SEARCH Foundation in Chicago

Yet another fantastic TSE show this year! The world’s largest tradeshow and conference for event professionals took place on January 15-18 in The Windy City bringing together event professionals from all over the globe. What a great place to learn about the latest trends! The conference program was outstanding as well as all the social activities for the conference, definitely a fantastic networking opportunity for everyone! There is nothing like being at a conference with great friends and business colleagues. TSE is a great place to not only catch up but also create new professional relationships that thrive into long-term personal and business relationships.

The view from our and our colleagues hotel rooms were amazing! Love Downtown Chi-Town!

Um, yeah - For those of you that know what this means... LOL!

So, on opening night of the conference we got off the buses to a very cool and unique space outside the City and had to take a freight elevator up... It was awesome - the elevator was its own party featuring a DJ! Awesome idea! It was a great initial impression!

Jenn and Joella in the elevator on the way up enjoying the beats!

So, Joella sits on the SEARCH Foundation board and Thursday night was all about SEARCH! Special shout out to Ben at Diamond Event Group! He was our technical producer and did a wonderful job. As part of fundraising for SEARCH we ask all of our vendors to donate their services... It's such an incredible thing that our event showcasers donate so much of their time, money, product, and energy in helping the organizations! Thank You!

A long time and huge supporting of the industry and SEARCH - Mr. Lenny Talarico!

If you are ever interested - please email Joella at joella@mumtazmarketing.com to donate items to the SEARCH Silent Auction. It helps us raise a lot of money to donate back to industry colleagues in times of crisis. 

Special Shout out goes to Mr. Andrew Larris as well for keeping it all on point... He did a fantastic job serving as our Master of Ceremonies. Then we got to play at bit with Catch the Moment's Green Screen Photo Booth! Love our strategic partner - the one and only and Maui's own... Mr. Frank Robinson! Shaka brah!

The following day we headed to the Masters Brunch... Very cool event and we got to sit with new - well not so new friend - Mr. Rick Jobe! We love him... The Presidential theme came together very nicely! 

 

 

You had to sneak away and go to the SEARS Tower - What an incredible view... Plus you have to walk out on the edge... At first it's like - UM, will this glass hold?

Finally, a special shout out to Audrey Gordon for helping us thru the events and serving as the TSE Ambassador! LOVE! Until next year - Let's see what Tennessee will hold???

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!