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!
- 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!
- 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.
- 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...
- 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.
- Think strategically when creating your messages and potential sponsor lists... Find ways to build brand experience across various industries.
- QR Codes are becoming Major! Learn how to use them! Scan ours below.
- Video is more effective than print, radio and other visuals. Consider using Video in promoting your events, etc.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
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!
Our silent auction was a huge hit! Thank you to all of the silent auction contributors... & Michelle's great item presentation. Then, Jennifer & Joella got to take a quick moment and pose for Molly's amazing camera! 
Given that it rains 4 days a year in Palm Springs, which days do you think we were there AND doing an outdoor event! Yup, you guessed it! US. So, we all had our fingers crossed and were watching the weather reports at 15 minute increments. Unplug electrical items, plug them back in, wipe the tables down, replace linen and do it all over again all day long during load in... But, the Rain Gods above decided to be nice to us and stopped the rain a whopping 30 minutes before the first bus unloaded. 
We also were very excited because we wanted to be as Green as possible, we struggled with what to do with centerpieces. So, we decided to just buy something that would ultimately help The Living Desert. We asked them if we were to buy cactus, succulents and dessert plants would they use them in their park's foliage. They were very happy post event to receive over 50 potted plants. Especially since all of our attendees were from out of town. Then, since it rained so much we are able to use the candles again for another event... Nothing from this event in terms of decor ended up in the trash and on its way to the landfill!
The majority of our attendees were men, so we had to think of what they would like to do - we had to main themes in our candy station - sour candy and chocolate! They gobbled it up. It was a huge hit!
The most spectacular part of the evening was we were able to have the board members of the group have a special interaction with the painting camel - Clyde. And, we were lucky enough to participate too. Edible paint, food and hold the board sturdy because he gets into it! The board donated the painting and in doing so, we were able to allow a local school come to the park and do it for free. 
Joella with good friend and attendee John Leedom from Air New Zealand. "See you next year!"
To close the event, guests departed after diving into warm chocolate chip cookies and shots of milk! 
2. Let's get to know each other. You, your client and I. Let's all take a look at each other's websites, check out past events, portfolios, get a feel for who each other are, what we do and what we love. 
3. Please understand that we can not just do "less" of a particular design to bring down the budget. We can create something for you within your budget but asking for a $200 version of a $600 design just doesn't really work. 
4. Speaking of budget, what is it? It shouldn't be a secret. A talented designer can create the look and feel the client wants in a range of budgets. We've all had those moments where we tell the client about something, or show it to them and then watch them nearly keel over when they find out how much it costs. Now, they're disappointed and feel like they can't have the very best, which simply isn't true. That's why we generally work this way: tell us about the look, the feel, the overall vision...tell us about the dream. Then tell us what we have to work with. Then let us do what we do. We will create something that says just the right thing with just the right budget. 
1) We often describe many of our events as “residential.” We love to design comfortable environments, warm and familiar for our guests. Thematic transformations certainly have their time and place, but can sometimes come across as “gimmicky.” Recreating an atmosphere such as one found in a boutique-style hotel, plays a key role in many of the event landscapes we create. Events aren’t necessarily just about fantasy, but are often about bringing the reality of some amazing or non-existing place to life. 
2) Attention to details and scaling is always a key element: flower arrangements, existing fixtures, furnishings, tables, stages and of course the event space itself. Beautiful elements and designs are wasted when the scales are off. The use of proper scale and complimentary design elements will offer a complete and unified look to your events, even if they are not terribly expensive or intricate. 
3) We love the idea of designing with “found objects.” We utilize different elements we find ourselves surrounded by every day. We find these things bring life and soul to an event, whether they are unique vases or vessels, antique chairs, custom pillows/throws, candlesticks, driftwood, reclaimed wood, or broken tiles. Using such elements helps keep events fresh and original with a great sense of personality and style. 
4) Try using local artists and craftsmen: painters, potters, glass blowers, seamstresses, carpenters, and sculptors. They can be creative resources full of ideas and skills helping to bring your visions to life. Just recently we have had custom built acrylic and wooden bars made, glass vases, votives and events favors custom blown, pillows sewn, and the walls of a permanent installation hand painted with amazing detail--all by locals excited for the opportunity to be part of memorable events. 
5) For many of our recent events, we have used natural herbs, potted plants, perennial fruits, tailored boxwood, and other succulents in place of more traditional floral displays. Combinations of these elements bring a vibrancy and warmth to a table, dramatic display, or cocktail setting. These kind of solutions can also prove to be very cost-effective, as such floral and foliage is often less expensive (depending on your location), and are great substitutions easily made and put together in a pinch. 
Thank you for allowing me to share some of our ideas at Perfect Surroundings. We sincerely hope you find our design tips useful, and wish you all the best throughout all of your future creative endeavors!