Mobile Event Apps are here to Stay!!

Mobile apps are not simply attractive tools to make a meeting or conference seem forward-thinking, but are real value enhancers that attendees are becoming more accustomed to using because they are using apps in their daily lives. So when you are considering whether or not an app is the right fit for you, don't be afraid to think outside of the industry for examples and confirmation of their benefit.

How many apps do you have loaded on your phone? How do they make your life easier and what features do you see in consumer apps that might translate to an event app?

Mobile technology allows event organizers not only to push information out to attendees, but also to listen to attendees to help them craft their programs on the front end, as well as make adjustments during the event to provide more value.

If you are still wondering about how to use mobile event apps for your event;  here are a few tips from Active Network’s  case study 20 Ways to Use a Mobile App for Events: Before, During & After ~ to help you to started:

Using mobile event apps before your event:

1. Encourage attendees to view session and speaker information online.
2. Promote the mobile event app often and early to encourage downloads and access.

Read more

And during the event:

1. Easily provide information in the palm of their hand – sessions, speakers, maps, personalized schedules, etc.
2. Push real-time updates and announcements, e.g. changes in schedule, news, bus schedules, etc.

Read more

Then after the event:

1. Post presentations, Q&A transcripts and other content from sessions.
2. Load ad more video snippets from sessions – or “behind the scenes” speaker interviews.

Read more

To get more information on how mobile apps can work for your event; go to ACTIVE Network Business Solutions’ website, today and download the entire Mobile Playbook for free.

Juanita E. Gaynor

http://i-meet.com/jegaynor

President  & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita http://www.ellegantaffairs.com

Smartphones for $200…Alex!!

Wondering how you can begin the process of incorporating mobile event app for your next event? Active Networks Mobile Playbook guide is a great resource to get you started on the right path.

I’m guilty, I can’t live without my cellphone!! I have driving all the way back home for a forgotten cell phone. You can have everything else just leave my cellphone and all will be well with the universe. As a planner my primary focus is to help my clients to create and valuable and lasting experience and my mobile is critical in helping with that.

It made me aware of how much we have come to rely on mobile technology. It’s convenient and you can have everything that you need in the palm of your hand.  Just a few days ago; I went to a venue’s open house and I did not have a clue on how to get there, I just pulled up my calendar on my phone, pulled up the address and plugged it into navigation and I was on my way. The open house was a success and it fit the needs of my client well; so from my cell phone I was able to send all the information to my client while traveling to another meeting and approving invoices.

With so many people relying on mobile technology and the increased offerings that are available, it is not a surprise that an increasing number of meeting planners are developing mobile applications for their events. 

If you are still wondering about how mobile event apps can benefit your event, here are 10 key benefits of mobile apps from Active Network to help you to started:

1. Engagement. Increases engagement for attendees with the event and each other.
2. Experience. Enriches the overall experience for attendees.
3. Reports. Increases session evaluations and event survey return rates.
4. Communication. Improves communication and interaction with attendees.
5. Results. Attendees see tangible outputs from attending – content, contacts, etc.
6. Cost Savings. Reduced cost from eliminating or minimizing event guide printing.
7. Green. Environmentally friendly content delivery.
8. Real Time Updates. Allows for real-time updates to schedules, exhibitor listings, etc.
9. Immediate Action. Real-time reporting for onsite corrections/post-event decisions.
10. Continued Engagement. Persistent engagement with attendees year-round.

To get more information on how mobile apps can work for your event; go to ACTIVE Network Business Solutions’ website, today and download the entire Mobile Playbook for free.

Juanita E. Gaynor

http://i-meet.com/jegaynor

President  & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita http://www.ellegantaffairs.com

           

Pagos de Leza Winery - The Marriage of Tradition and Modern Technology

Pagos de Leza, more than just a winery ... tradition, represented by the fourth generation of a wine family; wine tourism, with its pairing trends: cuisine, wine, tourism and history; innovation with the development of our Micro-Elaborations, quality winemaking resulting in a high range of wines under our Signature Name; and respect and recovery of the environment, through the planting of native trees.

Pagos de Leza is a winery that was born under the watchful eye of the Sierra de Cantabria, a silent mountain range with its peaks and forest slopes; it has served as the backdrop for several novels by Pío Baroja.

From this amphitheater of mountains you can contemplate our land in detail, as it acts as a natural viewpoint. And we have in it a great ally, because it shelters our vineyards from the cold north winds which favor the maturation of our grapes. Pagos de Leza has a stepped architecture reminiscent of the Sierra silhouette and of the Carasoles, types of sloping vineyard which face south-southwest.

The surrounding areas of our winery are a treasure for the visitor: Dolmens, Chapels, a prehistoric settlement and medieval villages await.

Thus creating a space to enjoy, learn and participate in many activities related to the world of wine, culture and tourism. To learn more about the winery, possible tours or holding your nest evet there visit there website at: http://www.pagosdeleza.com  or visit the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route at: http://www.rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com/en/

Juanita E. Gaynor (http://i-meet.com/jegaynor)

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita (http://www.ellegantaffairs.com)

i-Meet.com is the worldwide business community for people who plan meetings and events.  With over 108,000 members in 175 countries, i-Meet brings professional networking, online marketing, and social tools to create awareness and a voice for the industry.

I’ve Been There is a travel history and sharing application for planners and enthusiasts.

Tourist Office of Spain – Chicago - One of 33 worldwide offices of TURESPAÑA, Spain’s government tourism promotion authority based in Madrid, TOS in Chicago is the branch office in the USA responsible for marketing the business, incentive and meeting tourism product. TOS Chicago acts as a liaison between suppliers and DMC’s in Spain and the buyer/planner in the USA. 

Shifts in the Meeting Industry ~ Are You Prepared!

In the ever evolving meeting world, you always have to stay abreast of the latest and greatest in order to give your clients the best options for memorable and cost effective events. During the recession, meeting planners had to cope with limited resources and demanding stakeholder expectations.

I will explore the shifts in the industry and how we as event and project managers can still to create memorable events for our clients and their stakeholders!

So with that said the question of the day is: What are the shifts in the meeting industry?

Planners and project managers are facing tighter budgets, having to navigate the social media world and become more savvy and efficient in social media, and overall a tougher job for the planner as a whole in getting stakeholder buy in. Here are three items that will be critical to the industry as a whole.

Budgets

Even though there has been some substantial growth in some sectors, budgets will continue to stay tight in 2013, due to these restrictions planners will have to become more knowledgeable and efficient in Strategic Meetings Management Program (SMMP) development and implementation, having procurement department engagement in the meeting planning process (this can be a good overall; as we educate these departments the relationships can be less volatile and more proactive and productive.), shorter lead times, continued emphasis on cutting costs, possibly more local/regional meetings, unique venues.

Social Media Development

Social Media is here to stay, so it’s best to get onboard and provide your client which the best, not just promote their events/meetings, but also to engage participants before, during, and after an event.

Hotel & Airfare

Hotel and air rates are rising and they do not look like the y are slowing up, and we can expect both to find new and creative things to charge a fee for. Planners will have to work harder than ever to provide compelling reasons to pay increasing costs to attend. Hopefully leading to cutting edge and unique meetings and events that will compel the stakeholder to invest in the event and continue to attend for years to come.


This is the time to show; what we are made of! We have the skill, drive and the resources to do what we do best; PLAN! Remember no one ever plans to fail, but the fail to plan. You want to network and gain knowledge in the areas you may be struggling in then, AIBTM Chicago being held June 11-13 is for you to connect with many of the DMC’s and international suppliers to take you meetings and events to the next level. Visit their Website at www.aibtm.com for more details.


For additional tips and trends on creating impactful and profitable events, please connect with Ellegant Affairs by Juanita online on twitter @EllegantAffairs, LinkedIn, Facebook, and of course on I-Meet.

Blog post sponsored in part by:

*AIBTM Chicago - June 11-13, 2013*

Join i-Meet at AIBTM as a Hosted Buyer in Chicago (June 11-13). Start your application today: http://www.i-meet.info/aibtm

Get your passports ready!

The business travel, meetings and events industry continues to evolve, and 2013 will likely reflect some significant shifts that will influence where, when and how we meet in the future.

Even though the economy has been sluggish for the industry 2013 looks promising.  Overall spending on business trips is predicted to grow 5.1% in 2013 and Group travel also on increase by as much as 6%, as more will be attending conventions and industry events.

So where are the up and coming locations for business events?  London, Shanghai and the Riviera Maya (Mexico) are likely to be top destinations for business meetings in their regions, according to the 2013 Global Meetings Forecast by American Express Meetings & Events. London should gain greater longer-term visibility by leveraging its Olympics legacy status to attract other major events and programs, starting this fall when Olympic Park will become available for private events. Other destinations that made the list include Las Vegas, Barcelona, Singapore and San Juan (Puerto Rico). Barcelona’s moderate winter climate and dedication to hospitality will always attract business travelers. And Singapore consistently appears as one of the top cities for international meetings, having a reputation for a high concentration of business and leisure activities. Other destinations on Business Travel Destinations’ watch list include (but are not limited to) Berlin, Madrid, Mexico City, New York City and Thailand.

Destination management companies (DMC) have grown from the ranks of ground transportation into their reputations today for serving as destination event experts, known for their ability to create unique experiences at unique venues. With the volume of destination information today, many meeting planners expect this, but are also requiring greater involvement from the DMCs they hire.

Business meetings and events will contribute to the growth of travel industry jobs.
Travel and tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, supporting 255 million jobs and generating 9% of the world’s GDP, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Travel will to continue to expand annually between now and 2021.

Business travelers and meeting professionals will play a key role in that growth. In doing so the industry will gain greater recognition for its favorable economic impact on local communities and countries around the world.

AIBTM Chicago being held June 11-13 is for you to connect with many of the DMC’s and international suppliers to take you meetings and events to the next level. Visit their Website at www.aibtm.com for more details.

Join me next month as we discuss ~ What are the shifts in the Meetings Industry!

For additional tips and trends on creating impactful and profitable events, please connect with Ellegant Affairs by Juanita online on twitter @EllegantAffairs,  LinkedIn, Facebook, and of course on I-Meet.

Blog post sponsored in part by:

*AIBTM Chicago - June 11-13, 2013*

Join i-Meet at AIBTM as a Hosted Buyer in Chicago (June 11-13). Start your application today: http://www.i-meet.info/aibtm

Your Career or Your Wedding

Guest Blogger Series

Your Career or Your Wedding

By Sharon Patrice of Simply Perfect Peace Events

Everyone knows that planning an event of any size can be an overwhelming task when you don't have the TIME to dedicate to it. Wedding professionals estimate that planning a wedding can take 250+ hours, therefore, life as a bride-to-be is overwhelming on steroids. From flowers to what should you give out as favors depend on your nah or yah. What am I saying? Planning a wedding can be a full time job, and if you´re already a busy professional, guess what? Your work week doubled before you put the S on the Y.E (yes). Now the question is how to balance your professional and personal life while keeping your sanity.

Organization

This is the best way to avoid headaches. Having an appointment book is essential in organizing your work and personal life. Now you can see every appointment for the day, week or month. Create a wedding checklist you can stick to and use this same method for your work day.

Now & Later

Asking your boss to hold while you speak with your florist is probably a bad idea. Instead, divide your day into time slots (as indicated in your planner) and have work slots and wedding slots. Be firm with yourself and don't let one flow over into the other; this will do nothing but slow you down and add to your frustration. Use your lunch and breaks wisely! Consider arriving early or staying late so that productivity isn't jeopardized.

All Work No Play

So the statement of "work hard, play harder" is out the door for YOU! Use that "play" time to knock off some things from your to-do-list. Those times when you'd be relaxing on the couch catching up on your DVR - addressing save the dates can done without missing a beat.

Get Some Help

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Since you're sharing this moment with someone else, divide wedding planning tasks evenly between you and your fiancé. After that, take it a step further by giving small tasks to immediate family members or bridal attendants (small – don´t turn friends into full time wedding planners, they'll resent you later). Finally - consider hiring a professional.

Enjoy the process ~Peaceful Planning

Sharon Patrice is the Owner and Lead Consultant of SimplyPerfect Peace Events. She invites your contact at info@simplyperfectpeace.com or via Twitter at DesignsByShay Facebook at Simply Perfect Peace Events. Her personal blog is DesignsByShay

Making The Groom Feel Special!

We all know how easy it can be to get carried away when planning a wedding.  It is one of the most important days of your life, after all.  But sometimes all the running around, planning, and shopping can leave your main man feeling left out.  Here are some great tips on how to include your groom and make him feel special. After all, it’s their special day, too!

• Have a sports-themed shower for the groom and a few of his best friends and male family members, packed with beer, chips, pizza, sandwiches and Buffalo wings. The gifts should be exclusively for the groom.
• Make the groom’s cake a must at the wedding, and incorporate the groom’s favorite hobby into the design.
• Let him pick some of his favorite songs for the DJ or band to play at your wedding.
• Have snacks and drinks for him and the Groomsmen before the ceremony.
• Send a gift to his hotel room the night before your wedding.
• Let the groom walk down the aisle or enter the venue to a song of his choice.
• Incorporate the groom’s favorite color into the reception. For example the groom likes purple; you could incorporate it into the table linens or use it as the font color on menu cards.
• Send the groom and his groomsmen to get pampered (haircuts, massages or even the Spa – Men like the Spa too!)
• Get the groom’s opinion on male-geared favors for the reception.
• For the Cocktail hour surprise him with some special appetizers that he would love – Buffalo wings, mini corn dogs, etc . . . or even a fun childhood favorite dessert – like a cotton candy machine at the reception
• Stock his ride to the ceremony with his favorite tunes.

We’re Engaged! Now What?

Congratulations on your engagement! You’re basking in the happy anticipation of your new life together and looking forward to your wedding day. You’re envisioning yourself dressed in white holding a lovely bouquet, as your mom and bridesmaids beam at you in their matching bridesmaid’s dresses. And then reality hits you: Planning a wedding involves lots of decisions and tons or work! Before you start feeling overwhelmed, take a look at this handy to-do list from Ellegant Affairs to get yourself sorted out!

1.     Determine a Date

Choosing a wedding date can be tougher than you’d think. There are a few things to consider:

a.     How much time will you need to prepare for your wedding day?

b.     Do any family/friends have a conflicting graduation, vacation, or pregnancy due date?

c.      Availability of a Church, reception venue, caterer, band, or photographer. If you have your heart set on a specific vendor that will also play a large part in your decision.

d.     Try to avoid dates of big conventions or other events that draw large crowds, since that might make it harder for out-of-town guests to get hotel rooms. Find out more wedding dates to avoid here: Wedding Dates to Avoid

2.     Announce Your Engagement

Call your local newspaper, your alumni magazine, and anywhere else you want your engagement announcement to appear. Find out the name of the appropriate editor or department and ask for the writer’s guidelines or a standardized form, if available. Also, ask if there’s a fee for publication. You can also broadcast the news on your blog, by email, or by creating a wedding web page.

3.     Consider a Consultant

If you’re a super-busy couple or would just like to relax and actually enjoy your engagement, hire a full-time wedding consultant to help you prepare your entire event, from the announcement to the honeymoon. You can also hire a part-time planner to devise a wedding blueprint — including budget, schedule, and lists of good vendor and site choices — before you launch solo into the preparations. Another option is a day-of coordinator, who will make sure everything goes as planned on your wedding day so you can relax and enjoy yourself.

4.     Set a Timetable

Consider is how long your engagement will be.  A typical engagement lasts anywhere from six months to a year and a half or more. If you got engaged during the holidays but always wanted a summer wedding, make sure you’ve got enough time to plan without making yourselves wedding-crazy, and keep in mind that many vendors and reception sites book a year or more in advance.

5.     Envision the Style

Your wedding style will be reflected first and foremost in the location, whether it’s a posh ballroom or an intimate backyard reception. Discuss with your fiancé where your wedding will take place, and then start scouting sites that can accommodate your wedding style.

6.     Set Your Budget

In the end, dollars, not dreams, are a main determining factor for the size and style of your wedding. So, what affects the price tag?

a.     Formality: In general, the more formal the reception, the more expensive, considering you’ll have to match the site, food, and decor to the overall upscale tone.

b.     Date and time: Saturdays, summer months, and evenings tend to be the most costly times to have a reception.

c.      Location: In many cases, a wedding in a major metropolitan area is simply more expensive than in a smaller town.

7.     Choose Your Attendants

Although not mandatory, some like to honor their closest friends and family members by including them in the wedding parties. Remember, the earlier you ask, the sooner you can enlist their help.  Usually members of the wedding party are agreeing to spend their hard-earned money and donate their precious time, so be considerate and kind, keep them informed, and make sure they know how much you appreciate them.

8.     Make a Guest List

Location and budget will have a big influence on the size of your guest list.  If you have a particular ceremony or reception site in mind, for instance, you’re going to be limited by how many people it can accommodate; and the more guests you invite means a bigger bill. Figure out how many people you can accommodate (financially); and then fill with those nearest and dearest to you.

9.     Start Gown Shopping

It’s never too early to begin thinking about your wedding dress. Start by figuring out which style will look best on you. Learn the lingo by reading up on silhouettes, necklines, trains, and hues that might flatter you. Season will also affect your choice. Summer gowns are made with lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, linen, or organza. A winter wedding calls for brocade, faux fur, and velvet fabrics to keep you warm. Satin, shantung, silk, and tulle are perfect year-round.

Hopefully these tips will be helpful to you as you start planning for your big day! We wish you only happiness as you plan for your wedding and prepare for the marriage that comes after it! Congratulations!

For Workshops and Planning Seminars contact Ellegant Affairs at events@ellegantaffairs.com for more details.

Planning a Destination Wedding

Whether you've dreamed of a wedding in a small church in Georgia, or on an exotic resort in the Mexican Rivera, making your fantasy destination wedding a reality isn't as difficult or as expensive as you might think. More couples are heading to exotic locales to say, "I do." What is causing this massive exodus?

 

It's intimate.

Couple's today are much more mobile than they were in the past, so they're likely to have friends and family scattered across the country. With the average wedding lasting only four hours, how can a bride and groom spend time with everyone? Having a destination wedding is like taking a mini-vacation with your closest family and friends; instead of one fleeting night, you have several relaxed days to enjoy the company of your nearest and dearest.

It's easy.

 The thought of spending the day before the wedding relaxing on the beach instead of running hundreds of errands has caused more than one bride to choose a destination wedding. Brides worry about the difficulties of planning a wedding from thousands of miles away, but the truth is, destination weddings are often far less work than traditional weddings.

It's often less expensive.

Add up the travel, the dress, the reception bill, and you may be surprised to find out that destination weddings are often less expensive than traditional weddings. This is because they generally involve many fewer guests, and resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive deals. For couples looking to create a really memorable occasion without breaking the bank, destination weddings are a perfect option.

Remember Plan, Plan, Plan

Your Budget

Do you want an elaborate bash with all your friends, or would you prefer a more intimate affair with only close friends and immediate family. The size of your guest list will determine the size of your budget.

Your Guest List

At every wedding, there's usually someone who has traveled some distance to be a part of the festivities. At a destination wedding, nearly everyone travels, including the bride and groom. That being the case, it's best to accept the fact that your wedding may not be large. After all, not everyone can afford the expenditures of hotel and airfare. But that doesn't mean you should count on guests declining your invitation. Some wedding destinations, particularly fabulous vacation areas, are just too tempting to resist -- even if they are expensive.

Give Your Guests A Heads Up

It's important to give your guests as much advance notice about your wedding as possible. That means sending out save-the-date cards a minimum of five months in advance so your guests can make the necessary travel and vacation arrangements. Reserve a block of rooms at two hotels in different price ranges, and direct all your invitees to your Wedding Website, where you can post all your wedding details and out-of-town guest Information. If your wedding is in another country, consider reserving a block of seats with an airline. Many carriers offer discounts to passengers with groups over ten.

Details, Details

 If you are getting married in another state or country, you will need a local marriage license, and possibly a passport. The passport is simple; just be sure to apply well in advance of your wedding date. Getting the marriage license can be slightly trickier, especially in a foreign country. Contact the local city hall (if you don't speak their language, get an interpreter!) and get permission to be married in the location. Some places require blood tests, immunization certificates, or doctor's certificates in order for you to legally marry. No matter where you are getting married, it is best to find out as much as possible in advance. There may be unexpected requirements, such as an established residency, a waiting period, or a certain number of witnesses. For more information about the specifics of getting married in different countries, visit the US State Department at www.state.gov