Event Planning & Marketing, Richmond, VA, Social & Corporate Events, Event Planners VA

“The Sweet Spot”

In the wake of all things chocolate or chocolate covered, here are few sweet ideas that are low cost but pack a lot of impact. The only thing is that it does cost is a little more time in the planning process, whether you are directing the caterer about your preferences or you’re trying to tackle these ideas yourself.

Rice Krispy Pops!

You know the recipe, but here is a clever way that we suggest you provide afternoon snacks at your meetings or for your at home get-togethers.

All the glitters isn’t gold. In fact, these glittery treasures are bon bons from Bedazzle My Bon Bons. I wish I could convey how much people either flip out from awesomeness or absolutely think it’s the craziest darn thing they’ve ever seen. Either way, guests will be talking.Mini Cotton Candy

Who doesn’t like cotton candy? But, who needs a full bag of it . Here’s a fun little spun idea that not only makes for fun decor but is also quite useful.

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Cupcakes are the next waning fad, but these are unlike anything we’ve seen. How about these little sushi cupcakes or that of the Cookie Monster variety.

Sushi Cupcakes

So, what’s the point of all of this.

Glad you asked, my friend.

The point is that there really are no new ideas. However, presentation is everything. If you can take something and present it in a different or unique way (whether it is low cost or high-end) people get so tickled by the creativity.

Take the example below. It’s only strawberry ice cream. But can you just imagine what fun it would be at your next company picnic if people can just pick up a jar and a wooden spoon rather than a black plastic cheapo bowl? And, the jars are reusable…you’re welcome Mother Earth.

Join Us Next Week

This week we shared edible, budget friendly options but be sure to join us next week as we finish our series with: “Design On A Dime“

“Control Freak”

All About Presentation has an entire department in our service catalog that is dedicated to controlling costs. The department, appropriately titled ‘Cost Control’, provides services from managing hotel negotiations and concessions, contract clauses, evaluating RFPs, and managing standard negotiation points. We’ve built in the methods and developed a set of rules  on how to control the cost for our events. Here are a few of the rules that we live by:

Rule #1

Negotiate from a place of power”. This means that if we are under a tight deadline, if there aren’t very many suppliers that can do what we need, or if we are really strapped for cash, then we do not have the power. Therefore, our ability to negotiate will be lower.

Rule #2

Negotiate from a place of knowledge. It’s important to know and understand WHAT the level of work that will be required from a service or product provider, and WHEN the majority of their work takes place. For example, the majority of work for an event management firm happens prior to the event taking place. For a photographer, the majority of their hours are spent once the event is over (in the editing process). By understanding the WHAT and the WHEN, this will also give you a sense of what the “right” cost should be for each line item.

At All About Presentation, our Pre-Production line items are significantly higher than our Post Production line items for the reason mentioned above.

Join Us Next Week

Don’t forget to join us as we share the fun, delicious, and inexpensive products that are easy to incorporate into your events and are sure to get people talking. Next week’s topic: “The Sweet Spot“. 

“I Love It When a Plan Comes Together”

From planning company events to throwing backyard BBQ parties, there is always a moment when you think “I love it when a plan comes together”. It is that moment when what you envisioned, and everything you’ve been working toward, finally happens.

Last year, we had a number of those moments with events from Michigan to Florida, and all along the east coast. Below we’ve shared some of those event highlights with you.

As we wrap up the Vision series, and you’re looking at these pictures that look ‘perfect’ at a glance, there are few things to keep in mind that hold true in these pictures (and in life). 

Vision Series – Key Takeaways

1. Begin with the End in Mind. From weddings to seminars, think about what the end will be and then work your way to the beginning. For the vast majority of movies and films, the end is filmed first. Then, the rest of the time filming leads up to the expected end.

2. Even the best laid plans are subject to last minute alterations. It’s true for events. It’s true for life.

3. A picture is worth a thousand words, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. At the end of our events, we all love to look at the pictures and enjoy reliving the moment. But don’t forget about all the effort that went in to creating that moment. At All About Presentation, we take our event pictures, dissect them, and determine what was going on behind the scenes that we could have done better. 

Event: Multiday Conference and Trade show

Occasion Pictured: Opening Networking Reception

Event: National Sales Meeting

Occasion Pictured: General Session – Meeting Opener

Event: National Sales Meeting

Occasion Pictured: Awards Dinner

Event: Leadership Training

Occasion Pictured: Recognition Celebration

Event: Silent Auction Fundraiser

Occasion Pictured: Presentation Lunch

Event: Museum Opening

Occasion Pictured: Opening Networking Reception

Join Us Next Week

We’ll be introducing a fun new series just in time for tax season called “Bean Counting”! We’ll be sharing tips, tricks, and techniques to maximize your event budget. Trust me, if you’re looking for ways to stretch your event dollar, YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!

Lighting Techniques to Transform and Inspire

Click here to view the event lighting video

Join Us Next

We’ll finish up our Vision series next week. You don’t want to miss it.

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