Happy Memorial Day!
Posted May 3o, 2011
Just a quick personal post to say happy Memorial Day to everyone!
Memorial Day started on May 30, 1868 to remember and honor fallen soldiers during the Civil War. Today, it’s a day to remember all U.S. soldiers who have died during military service, and to say thank you to our troops serving around the world.
The weather here is finally warming up, so we’re excited to celebrate Memorial Day with a BBQ. We’ll be grilling some amazing filet mignon from Lasater Grasslands Beef. If you like beef but aren’t too excited about eating hormones, pesticides or beef raised on corn, you should definitely check out Lasater.
Event Spotlight — The Harvard Club, Boston
Posted May 1, 2011
I recently planned an event at the Harvard Club of Boston. The event was an educational and networking event for 110 big players in the advertising industry, and featured a panel of five industry-leading speakers.
As the final event in my client’s worldwide event tour, this was quite possibly the finest. It featured an exquisite venue, sensational food, outstanding service, an exceptional turnout and a phenomenal panel of speakers.
The Venue and Event Design
Founded in 1908, the Harvard Club of Boston is truly a magical place. It exudes rich history and architectural elegance, and delivers every possible modern convenience. We chose to host our event in the Massachusetts Room in the Main Clubhouse.
The Massachusetts Foyer was ideal for creating our lounge/bar area, where attendees enjoyed cocktails, canapés and networking. The Massachusetts Room itself, featuring a black and white checkered floor and a looming oil portrait of George Washington, created a powerful setting for our panel of speakers.
Landing Your Dream Job in Marketing
Posted February 23, 2011
I’ve been contacted recently by a few soon-to-be collage grads seeking advice on launching a career in marketing.
Being able to score your dream job right out of college has always been somewhat of a myth, but in the current challenging economic climate, even just getting your foot in the door can be difficult.
Thinking back on how I got started and the path that has landed me where I am in my career today, I’m happy to offer the following five tips to anyone looking to break into a career in marketing.
7 Tips for Adding Social Media to Your Marketing Mix
Posted January 19, 2011
Many marketers initially scoffed at the idea of incorporating social media into their marketing efforts. But today, it’s difficult to ignore the fact that social media is leading a marketing revolution.
Unlike more traditional forms of advertising and marketing that focus on a one-way “push” method of communication, social media has the power to support your business through enabling true engagement and two-way communication with your customers and prospects.
Through social media you can:
- build an ever expanding interactive online community around your brand
- create a transparent, human connection with your target audience
- engage directly with customers and prospects
- shape brand perception and increase brand awareness
- enhance customer relationships and support
- boost sales and grow your business
If you are looking to incorporate social media into your marketing mix, here are seven tips to get you started:
Event Spotlight — Alexis Hotel, Seattle
Posted January 17, 2011
Of the events I planned throughout the past year, one of my favorites was a business event at the Alexis Hotel in Seattle, Washington.
The occasion was a networking and educational event for 65 big players in the advertising industry in Seattle. The challenge was twofold: we needed a space that was conveniently located in the downtown business district, and that offered a comfortable yet intimate setting.
The problem? Many of the locations I initially scouted offered only small board rooms for up to 20 people, or large ballrooms, ideal for perhaps a larger group of 200 and up.
Happy New Year!
Posted January 7, 2011
I hope you enjoyed a fantastic holiday season, and had a fabulous time ringing in 2011!
I enjoyed celebrating the holidays with my husband, our dogs and some extended family. Although we kept our celebrations local, my husband and I did enjoy a little getaway to Estes Park, where we indulged in some much needed rest and relaxation at The Stanley Hotel.
Estes Park offers a plethora of wildlife and breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The downtown area is sprinkled with restaurants and shops. I highly recommend The Stanley. The restaurant offers good food and in the evenings the historic bar and oversized fireplaces offer a great way to spend a cozy evening.
Now … it’s time to get 2011 rolling!
I already have a few fun new posts lined up, including:
- a series on incorporating social media into your marketing efforts
- a how-to on Tweetups
- a look at trends in wedding planning for 2011
- highlights from recent events I planned in Seattle and Boston
- a look at marketing trends for 2011
It’s going to be an exciting year!
I hope you continue to enjoy the information I share here. If you have ideas for topics you’d like to see covered; would like clarification or additional information on topics previously covered; or have any general marketing, public relations or event management questions, please feel free to contact me.
Cheers to a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Entertaining Made Easy — 6 Simple Holiday Appetizers
Posted December 20, 2010
The holidays are nearly upon us, less than a week to go! That means it’s time for a funday Monday post!
Keeping with this month’s theme this article has a holiday flare, but instead of focusing on party etiquette or spicing up the festivities, it will focus on mouthwatering, simple holiday party appetizers.
Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a friend’s soiree or looking for some simple starters to serve before your big holiday feast, these scrumptious options require very few ingredients, very little preparation time, are easy to transport and are guaranteed to delight the palate.
Seven Ways to Inject Fun into Your Corporate Party
Posted December 8, 2010
‘Tis the holiday party season!
If you’re planning your company’s holiday party you may be looking for ways to add a little pizzazz to this year’s festivities.
Corporate holiday parties are generally known for following a somewhat humdrum format: drinks, mingling, a speech and dinner — which can sometimes lead to boredom, obsessive watch checking and the temptation to sneak out early.
By incorporating some creative entertainment into this year’s festivities you can stave off boredom, help your party guests get into the holiday spirit and make your event memorable for years to come.
Here are seven ideas for injecting fun into this year’s festivities:
Corporate Holiday Party Etiquette
Posted December 3, 2010
Corporate holiday party etiquette is a topic employees should take to heart if they want to be able to return to work with their head held high the day after their company party and if they plan on being around for next year’s corporate festivities.
Like any company function, the annual holiday party is a business event, and employees should act accordingly. The idea that it’s a “party” may entice some to let loose, blow off some steam or overindulge at the bar, but keep in mind — poor behavior at a company function will get you noticed, and not it a positive way. In addition to resulting in the circulation of embarrassing stories and fueling the fires of the office rumor mill, poor behavior at your company’s holiday party can negatively impact your professional reputation and stunt your career growth at your company.
With that said, the purpose of a corporate holiday party is to reward employees for their hard work and increase employee morale, and you should take the opportunity to relax, have fun and enjoy yourself. Here are a few tips for enjoying the festivities while keeping your positive reputation intact:
Event Spotlight — W Hotel, San Francisco
Posted November 30, 2010
I have always loved W Hotels. They offer just the right blend of contemporary luxury, comfort and innovative design to create unique destinations filled with fabulous decor and inspirational vibes.
Of course selecting the perfect venue for an event has little to do with an event planner’s personal preference, and everything to do with finding a space that offers the look, feel, layout and functionality specific to the event type, the event host and their intended audience.
However, sometimes the two align. I was fortunate to recently plan an event at the W San Francisco. The occasion was an after-work business networking and educational event for 125 big players in the advertising industry.
