ExchangeLA & ISES LA!

Hi everyone! It's Jennifer Minzey and as your ISES LA VP of Programs and Education I'm excited to blog about ExchangeLA and ISES LA! On August 17th, the ISES LA Chapter was fortunate enough to have their August meeting held at the historic and newly renovated Exchange LA, the original home of the Los Angeles Stock Exchange Building.  This meeting was a departure from the regular networking event, as WISE GUYS EVENTS came in and "played" with our crowd with both individual and team building activities.  We also had the pleasure of having LA Spice Catering, Lisa & Mo, and the Nickel Diner share their delectable treats with us that evening.  Thank you to all who came out, I really appreciate it.

But, nothing could have prepared me for the first time that I walked into Exchange LA. WOW!!! These were the first words that came to mind when visiting the venue.  Just some history for you, ground was broken on this art-deco building on October 21, 1929, just three days before Black Thursday.  The Los Angeles Stock Exchange merged with the Pacific Stock Exchange in 1956 and trading took place until 1986.  Since then, the building remained largely unoccupied.  After nearly two years of renovation and retrofitting, Exchange LA now pays homage to its rich and opulent past.

From the outside it looks like the other old buildings in Downtown LA. But, once you walk through the doors, it is an eye opening experience to a whole different style of venue.  From the state of the art sound system to the lighting to the sheer massiveness of the space--spanning over 25,000 square feet and four floors, this venue can offer an array of possibilities.  Hosting a small crowd in one of their really cool suites to hosting over 1,000 people in their main area, Exchange LA offers something unique, something for that creative and fun planner who is looking for something different.

Thank you to Luminaire Images for all the great shots of that evening!

Guest Blogger: Entertainment is Ron Rubin's Game!

We, your Simply Mumtaz team, are very excited to present our next Guest Blogger.... Mr. Ron Rubin of Ron Rubin Events! You say it and he's got it. He is the entertainment go to guy! He is able to provide live music from A to Z (accordionists to zydeco bands), dynamic DJ´s, unique entertainment, dancers, “name” acts, themed décor, florals, celebrity look-a-likes, casinos, sporting packages, interactive performers, gypsy-clad palmists/tarot card readers, henna body artists, glass sculptors, magicians/stage illusionists!

We asked him a few questions, and here is what he had to say! 1) What is Ron Rubin Events?
Ron Rubin Events is a full service special events/entertainment production company. With an established record of over 35 years in the industry, we are always happy to share information with industry planners.

2) What would be the best suggestion for planners who use your services?

Give us as much information as you can about your event before inquiring about an RFP (Request for Proposal). Letting us know about the type of event, demographics of the audience, and size of audience is very helpful. Tell us, if you can, what entertainment has been successful in the past and please do be realistic with budget, even if it is only an estimate.

3) What is some advice that you would like to give to other planners?Be open for suggestions for other types of entertainment that can enhance your event. We have large variety of entertainment at our disposal, and many are very cost effective. In addition, for both newer and well seasoned planners, stay involved with professional organizations like MPI, ISES, BIZBASH, and others. Continue to review their monthly publications which describe current creative ideas for meeting planning and worldwide events.

4) What are your top entertainment acts?Given that even the largest client may not be able to budget funds for "name acts", tribute shows are a good alternative. Acts similar to the Four Seasons (great for a conservative middle-age crowd), or Lady Gaga (popular with younger audiences) or classics (like Tina Turner or the Rat Pack) all rival "Legends" in Las Vegas.

Hollywood is the entertainment capital of the world. Thus, we have access to many future, as well as established, headline comedians, illusionists, and cirque acts/shows.

Thanks Ron! What a fun blog post! So, everyone get your creative juices flowing and starting including entertainment to your events... Happy Planning!

Hawaii Site Visit #3 - Four Seasons Manele Bay Lana'i

We started our Hawaii trip in Lana'i at the Four Seasons Manele Bay. Wow, what an amazing experience. It is an incredible place. The island is super small, so getting there in an adventure in itself, whether you are flying in from Oahu or Maui (small 8 seaters to 32 passenger jets). We took the 8 passenger flight in from Honolulu - arriving in Lana'i below... You can also take a 45 min. ferry from Lahaina on Maui. But, if you are looking for quiet, pristine, secluded, did I say quiet - out of the way place. This is it! From the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, at first I didn't know if I could handle the quiet, but after decompressing it was such a welcome breathe of fresh air, fresh mind, fresh everything! The main entrance to the Four Seasons Manele Bay was grand!
Our rooms was an oceanfront suite and took your breathe away. Jumping ahead a bit, but after returning from a 1.5 hour hike along the water/cliffs I sat down with my bottle of water and saw something jumping in the water... Yes, it seemed to be a show that I would see at Sea World. It must have been a pod of dolphins of 75 -100 just offshore playing and jumping for over 30 minutes. WOW! It was incredible to see so many and so close! This photo below is taken from inside the room, I loved that we could literally just walk out on the grass and then ocean...

The Four Seasons Manele Bay has 236 guest rooms, including 21 suites all with private lanais. The grounds outstanding - serene and peaceful. Island gardens and plumerias filled the air with sweetness. Directly below the main building the pool overlooked the private beach.

As for meetings and events - This would be great for a 350-500 group (using both facilities - Manele Bay and The Lodge)... There is ample outdoor space for receptions and special events... 51,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. In addition attendees have many ocean activities to choose from scuba, snorkeling, sailing, etc. to hiking, horseback riding and much more on their off time. There are two outstanding golf courses and a luxurious spa. There is also above the "main" building a great conference center/special event space. Below is the view from the terrace. Indoor main "ballroom" space. Plus, you the obvious - Weddings. This is a fabulous venue for a destination wedding. Private, intimate, and memorable! In addition, the its sister property, also a Four Seasons, The Lodge at Koele is nestled in the highlands. Don't forget to visit their websites... www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/ and www.fourseasons.com/koele/ You can also follow them on Twitter @FSLanai. A special thanks goes out to Jane for her amazing hospitality! Please contact her if you are interested in booking an event there at Jane.Howorth@fourseasons.com.

Hawaii Site Visit #2 - Mauna Lani Bay - Big Island

The Mauna Lani Bay welcome us with warm smiles and orchid leis... After driving in from the Kona airport we were excited to be arrive on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. The Mauna Lani is oceanfront and gorgeous. If you have never seen the amazing black rocks from the lava flows - it's pretty stunning. You also have roadside entertainment reading everyone's "messages" using white rocks (mostly coral from the beaches) against the black lava rocks.

Each guest room has a private lanai - one of the best places on the island for whale watching (during season) otherwise you can't beat the "turtle" action. Almost 90% of their rooms offer ocean views. In addition, the Mauna Lani has five stunning bungalows with over 2700 square feet. The Mauna Lani also offers outstanding Spa and Golf Attractions. Since opening in 1983, the Mauna Lani has always remained true to the Hawaiian practice of malama'aina or responsible stewardship of the land. As a green business, we couldn't identify more with this and are excited to share this with you.The CanoeHouse is consistently ranked as one of the top dining experiences in Hawaii and we can attest to that. You can't beat a wonderful dinner watching the sun set... This was taken from our cell phone... Post Card perfect! We enjoyed contemporary Hawaiian cuisine keeping in mind that the chefs work hand-in-hand with local farmers and island purveyors to serve on the freshes and best quality ingredients. There are expansive shoreline for outdoor events - corporate, association, social. The Hale Hoaloha is their flagship meeting/event space (10,800 square feet) and is ideal for larger gatherings seeking both indoor and outdoor experiences. And, we would be remissed if we didn't highlight the potential of unforgettable weddings!

We highly recommend considering the Mauna Lani for your upcoming meetings or events on the Big Island. Special Thanks to Christi, Pinkie, and Lauren for your hospitality. Please contact them at Christi Lewis - clewis@maunalani.com for Sales - Meetings/Conferences/Special Events and Pinkie or Lauren for Weddings at pcrowe@maunalani.com / lmanuel@maunalani.com. These ladies will take excellent care of you and your clients! Don't forget to visit their website - http://www.maunalani.com/ or follow them on Twitter @MauniLaniBay.

Hawaii Site Visit Blog Post #1 - The Fairmont Orchid

Hi everyone! So, Simply Mumtaz had the wonderful opportunity to do a few site visits in Hawaii this past week and we wanted to share about the three wonderful places we got to visit with... Our first blog post is The Fairmont Orchid. All we can say is Wow, Gorgeous! The Fairmont Orchid is located on the Kohala Coast just outside of Kona on the Big Island. Besides being a breath-taking property they also had outstanding event space. Over 30,000 square feet of indoor meeting space which includes three garden-terraced ballrooms, a full-sized amphitheater and nine conference rooms. This is in addition to amazing outdoor event spaces.... How can you not think Wedding? The property also features a Spa, Golf, Tennis, and its own Luau - The Gathering of the Kings. From the moment we walked on the property you felt at home and a level of understated elegance that made you immediately relax. You can't beat watching Sunset from their waterfront jacuzzi with a coconut smoothie (or pina colada) in your hand.

Follow The Fairmont Orchid at www.TheFairmont.com/Orchid. Also, follow them on Facebook or Twitter! Special Thanks go out to Mindy Mignanelli for her wonderful hospitality. If you are considering booking The Fairmont - please give her a call at 818.887.7359.

ISES Annual Awards and Installation Dinner - SME Shines Bright!

This past week we had a phenomenal night at the ISES: Los Angeles Annual Awards and Installation Dinner at Pandora on Green in Pasadena. The entire Simply Mumtaz team was there, with some family members in tow, to support Jennifer Minzey, the incoming VP of Programs and Education on the ISES board.
The event was coordinated by our own Jennifer Minzey. With the help of J&M Entertainment, Classic Party Rentals, Chameleon Chairs, Town and Country Rentals, Wisteria Lane, Elegant Designs & Speciality Linens, Leonard Neil Productions, Red Carpet Event Staff, Tiffany & Co, and GLI Video Production, she put on this fabulous event!

The night turned into the "Ms. Jennifer Minzey show" according to current President Ron Hobbs. Not only did she put the entire event together, she also took home some very special awards. She walked away with the President's Award and the Marty McGowan Scholarship. We're so proud of her!
It was a great night for Simply Mumtaz as well! We were nominated for three awards and won the Best Allied Team award for our work on the Treasures of Los Angeles awards luncheon. All in all, it was a night full of celebration. We are so honored to have been a part of this event and look forward to next year! Thanks to Luminaire Images for the wonderful event photos!