The Green Gala goes Eco-Chic

Earlier this month, the Simply Mumtaz Events team produced the 4th Annual Green Gala. This dynamic event was hosted at the California Science Center in the beautiful Wallis Annenberg Building's "Big Lab" - one of the greenest event venues in Los Angeles.

This fundraising event celebrates those who think, act, design and build greener in Los Angeles and promotes standards for green building throughout the world. This year's Green Gala was greener that ever before, incorporating elements of organic and locally-grown cuisine, décor made of natural materials and potted plants and post-event recycling and composting. The program highlights on sustainable development and sustainable living made the event truly Eco-Chic!
The open-air ceiling added to the cool ambiance and allowed for great air circulation.

Energy efficient LED lights provided a stunning décor effect without using the excessive power of more traditional lighting options.

Guests were welcomed into Exploration Cove with chilled champagne.

All photos provided by M. Norwood Photography.

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard & ISES- LA's Meet the Masters

Hey everybody. There's been a lot going on and we will be posting quite a bit these coming weeks. It's been great getting to see old friends and new faces at events. So, the first photo below is a photo of Joella Hopkins, CSEP, CMP, Simply Mumtaz Events and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, 34th Congressional District. We recently planned a board meeting for a downtown business association and the Congresswoman was the keynote speaker. It was very interesting to listen to her take on the next 4 years in office with our new President Elect Barak Obama.

The next set of photos are from the ISES Los Angeles signature event - Meet the Masters. Joella had the pleasure of co-chairing the event with Sarajane Landun. It was a great success. A special shout out to all of the event showcasers and the Masters for making it out. Additional photos will be posted on the ISES-LA website.


We'll be posting soon on the 4th Annual Green Gala. Now, that was a cool event! Talk Soon!

Simply Mumtaz produces 3rd Annual Hospital Hero Awards

We had the pleasure of producing the 3rd Annual Hospital Hero Awards at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. It was a rush of last minute adventures, but the event ultimately came out GREAT. The purpose of the awards luncheon is to honor those unsung heroes who perform miracles everyday in the health system. We too often only hear about the bad, this event is to bring positive forward, acknowledge, and celebrate. Suzanne Rico, CBS2, was our mistress of ceremonies. She's great. With a little calendar mishap, she ended up with her little one at the event - But, isn't he just adorable!

With over 54 nominees representing 54 different Hospitals in the Southern California area, you could feel the excitement.

We hope next year we will have many more nominees and be able to celebrate more amazing Hospital Heroes!

Special Thanks to J&M Entertainment & Event Production for their team work in acting as our Technical Producers. Also, a special thank you to Michael Norwood at M.Norwood Photography for these great photos. AND, to the Simply Mumtaz team - thank you for your quick and smart reactions in producing this event!

Halloween Update: 1st Place in Costume Contest

Check out the additional pics from our antics at the ISES-LA Halloween Bash. The party turned out to be this year's best Halloween fun for us since most of us didn't even have any trick-or-treaters on Halloween!

The Ooompa Loompas (Luis & Angie), Willy Wonka (Karli) and the Southern Belle (Doyle Borden, My Flower Guy) strike a pose after winning 1st and 3rd place in the costume contest

Carol and Karli with dueling top hats

Willy Wonka & Oompa Loompas! - The Simply Mumtaz Team Wins 1st Place!

Karli, Angie & Luis dressed up as "Karli Wonka" and the Oompa Loompas to attend the ISES Halloween Bash. They were so excited to dress up and I got stuck (happily) at a Quickbooks class. Take a look at the winners! We'll try to post the professional pics later. They won First Place in the costume contest and I heard they were the hit of the party! Sounds like fun...

Simply Mumtaz helps coordinate Ek & Ek 5th Anniversary Party at the Montalban Theatre

UPDATE: Here are additional photos I promised! Two very cool photos - It was a pleasure to work with Taso Papadakis (Photographer). Check his site out!

Simply Mumtaz had the pleasure of helping Ek & Ek celebrate their 5th Anniversary at the Montalban Theatre in Hollywood where Nike Sportswear has set up a unique retail installation. It was a very nice & cool venue. Congratulations Ek & Ek!

Here are two photos from my small camera... I will re-post when we get some photos from Taso.

The other really cool thing was in the Billboard advertising posters - they were switched out. Ek-Tourage! Check it out.

That Solar Guy and "That One"

Ever wonder how you can become energy independent? Interested in solar power? With solar energy you own the electricity you produce and you can be your own power company. Check out the very cool (or hot?) That Solar Guy website designed by my friend and former groom, Jeff Van Dam. Well, not MY former groom, but the groom of one of my favorite brides, Laura. Laura and Jeff were married in my very first Malibu beach wedding in 2006. They are an awesome couple and Jeff is doing awesome work with solar power to help improve our environment and lay the power foundation for future generations. Jeff’s site provides answers to questions about solar power and how we can become more energy efficient by taking advantage of one of our most powerful natural resources - the sun. Who ever knew the sun was Green!


Jeff’s work and the work of other cleantech businesses is a hot topic in the discussion of who will be the next US President. Cleantech and Green Business for Obama is a self-organized constituency group supporting the Obama campaign. It is composed of volunteer cleantech and green business professionals from around the country who have spearheaded nationwide fundraising and outreach in this emerging economic sector. The group has identified the positive economic impact and job creation potential of the New Energy Economy promoted by Senator Obama’s policies. By far the coolest thing they have accomplished, in the process of supporting the campaign, is that the clean technology and green business community can be a powerful and effective voice in the political process.

Check out Barack Obama’s energy plan to see where he stands on the issues.

Submitted by Karli Tanner, CMP

Special Events & Weddings Director, Simply Mumtaz Events