Guests arriving by elevator to the seventh floor of the parking structure were welcomed to the reception by hostesses with tray-passed champagne and cocktails.

The stunning transformation was created with a modern, chic yet industrial feel. The décor design was simplistic and elegant with all white – modern, long white couches accentuated with mirror box coffee tables throughout the main area where guests could find a place to sit and interact.

The food was delectable, tingling every taste bud from start to finish.   Food was served via eight beautifully adorned stations including: a truffle station, a sushi station, a Mediterranean station, a roasted pig carving station, a ceviche station and the Prince William Dessert station.  Guests could sit anywhere and savored their meals from long white royal baroque styled tables with clear barstools.

Guests also enjoyed two Ice Luge Shot stations, a molecular dessert station with the latest in delicious dessert offerings and a beautiful three-tier wedding cake!

The bride and groom arrived in style to their reception driving up to the seventh floor of the garage on a white classic Vespa.  Arriving to the center of the dance floor they stepped out off the scooter and danced their first dance as husband and wife to The Smiths, “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.” All eyes were on the couple as they shared the precious moment, swaying back and forth on the shining white dance floor before welcoming all the guests onto the dance floor.  A DJ spun the latest hits as guests danced the night away with glow sticks, masks, hats and boas.

As the hour grew later, guests could go to a changing station and check their shoes in for a comfy pair of personalized flip-flops (for tired feet) and collect a lovely pashmina to ward off the cool Miami breezes.  A fun and fancy photo booth provided entertainment where guests could put on silly accessories and take a picture.  If you weren’t in the mood to take pictures, you could track down the magician who was entertaining guest with his amazing magic tricks all night long.

At midnight, a snack service was provided to keep guests satiated and having fun.  The wedding celebration was distinctive and exactly how the bride and groom envisioned spending the first night of the rest of their lives.  All wedding photos by Chris Joriann.

We’d love to help you make your wedding dreams alive.  Please contact us for further information about creating your perfect wedding at Valerie@thevibeagency.com.

 If you don’t know COOLHAUS, let us tell you a little about them.

Let’s start with three intriguing words that when stuck together create something that might raise your eyebrow – artisanal ice cream.  Yep, you read that right!

 It’s no secret that food trucks have taken Los Angeles by storm and are popping up in cities nationwide.  In act, I’d say there’s a cult following that is ready to take the whole country by storm.    If you’re not hip to the secret…you can now get cuisines from all over the world served up from trucks that we used to call the Roach Coaches.  Mixing a great idea with a foodie’s dream, mobile dining is reaching new heights on the “coolest thing ever” billboard.

These designer spin-offs are nothing like their predecessors and offer up delicious gastronomy in a variety of styles while inspiring flash mob style gatherings wherever they show up. COOLHAUS has taken the concept of mobile dining to another level with their take on savory and sweet ice cream sandwiches and architecture…and…they are RIGHT HERE IN MIAMI!

COOLHAUS, an architecture- inspired ice cream truck owned by partners Natasha Case and Freya Estreller, can usually be found parked at farmers markets, crafts fairs and the like. Their only product is an American favorite, an ice cream sandwich – AKA a generous scoop of gourmet ice cream wedged between a pair of chewy cookies, and served in edible rice paper.

Flavors are named after well-known architects.  Try out delicacies like Brown Butter and Candied Bacon ice cream on Chocolate Chip cookies. Or maybe our seasonal Olive Oil Rosemary ice cream on Brioche cookies will do the trick. Going classic never hurt either – Mies Vanilla Rohe (Vanilla ice cream + Chocolate Chip cookie) or Frank Berry (Strawberry ice cream + Snicker doodle cookie) are both very respectable choices.  Designer and ice cream lovers should seek out the pink-topped, converted postal truck to indulge in a unique take on everyone’s favorite snack!

On top of just being plain cool, COOLHAUS is SUSTAINABLE!

But first and foremost is our dedication to quality and sustainability. Every COOLHAUS Ice Cream Sandwich is all-natural, handmade and organic whenever possible. Our dairy is sustainably produced and artificial growth hormone free. We use local and seasonal farmer’s market fresh ingredients. Plus, every ice cream sandwich is wrapped in a customizable edible wrapper that is all-natural and calorie-free. Talk about being Green! Instead of throwing away your wrapper, you get to eat it! Not to mention, the wrapper can be printed on with edible ink, which means it can sport your company logo, birthday mug-shot, or a message to friends.  Now if that deal wasn’t sweet enough on its own, we can book them for your next private event.  With packages to rival any sweet tooth or tickle the fancy of a the most distinguished palate here is a new take on food for your event that will have your guests going wild. We agree that it’s the perfect marriage of creativity and sustainability.

So, where can you find these outrageously delicious ice cream “sammies”?  Check out their website at www.eatcoolhaus.com or follow them on Twitter @COOLHAUSMIA to find out when they will be near you, or you can reach us at valerie@thevibeagency.com to get information and a sweet deal for your next event.

*This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

**The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.  

It’s the New Year and with that roll over on the calendar, it’s almost habit for us to start out the year with tons of resolutions that inevitably end up in the round file, defeated and forgotten.

This year, instead of resolving to do something that is overwhelming and unattainable, why net set one goal that will help you move your business forward and then go achieve it.  Let’s talk about networking.  It a long-discussed topic, but with all the social media out there now, its more important than ever to brush up on our relationship skills and keep that human touch alive.

 So where do we find opportunities to start growing into relationships and business opportunity?  Uh, oh.  Here comes that dreaded word.  Networking.    Yes, we said it and we’ll say it again.  Net working.

 Now that you’re shivering and in a cold sweat, let’s get down to business.  Locating and converting acquaintances for your business can be a daunting task, but with the right approach it can be an effective tool to attract quality clients/ customers to your doorstep.

 Take a look at these tips to help you network and relationship build effectively.

• Find a group that interests you outside of talking about YOUR business.  It’s always easier to start with a common interest and then evolve the conversation to business.  It also kicks off a genuine conversation.
•  Be friendly and approachable.   Ask people open-ended questions.  Get them talking about themselves.  It’s so much more fun than the blunt question of, “so what do you do…”   Networking is a two-way conversation.  If you’re not listening as much as you’re talking you’re traveling down a one-way expressway and most likely won’t end up with a lead let alone business opportunity.  Networking well is a subtle art.  Also, when you’re paying attention, you become a bridge builder for other people that you can connect.  Everyone loves a team player that is a great resource.  It keeps YOU in their mind.  It will eventually pay off in benefit to you.
•  Relationships are about quality, not quantity. They take time.  We’ve all been to or been victims of speed networking.  You know, you spend two minutes talking about yourself, exchange business cards, go home load the cards in the data base and start receiving emails that don’t interest and usually end up annoying the H-E double hockey sticks out of you.    Consider a quality introduction a good start.  Don’t try to hit a home run the first time you meet someone…you’ll just come off as desperate and insincere.  Not a good combination for anything let alone relationship building.
•  Focus on value – for them, not yourself.  It will come back to you.  The more you can help others, the more they will help you.  Get in the habit of introducing people.  There’s that building bridges thing again.

 Just a couple more things and you’ll be on your way to New Year networking.

•  Before you start networking you need to understand how other people can help you and be able to communicate it verbally.  You also need to be able to concisely explain how you can help others you meet.  One of the easiest mistakes networkers make is to communicate concisely. A little preparation goes a long way.  Focus on the demographic of your clientele, what you offer your clients; how you are different from your competitors…you get the picture, right?

• When you’re referred to someone – make sure you follow up with them right away.  People won’t refer you if they hear that you didn’t follow up or follow through on a referral.

Taking action is often times the hardest.  You don’t have to be a master networker to get started.  You just have to start reaching out.  Be considerate, be genuine and helpful and you will soon be on your way to building new relationships that can create opportunity for years to come.

Good luck, let us know how it goes and send us tips that you think will help others out on the networking trail.

Now you can make your next stay in Miami South Beach, even better than you’ve ever imagined!  At the VIBE Agency, it is our passion to help you create programs that will help your meetings and conferences fly at a higher altitude than ever before.  We know it’s easy for anyone to make that claim and that’s why we are always on the prowl for the latest and greatest most exciting and unusual places to stay, eat and play when you’re in our city.  Ladies and gentlemen, meet South Beach’s newest star – Dream Hotel South Beach

For your next visit to the States, perhaps you’d like to consider this latest addition located in the heart of Miami, South Beach at 11^th Street and Collins Avenue (right by Casa Casuarina – the Villa Barton G).

The 108-room boutique hotel offers a late Seventies art deco design with touches of modern whimsy, a restaurant by celebrated chef Geoffrey Zakarian, an intimate destination rooftop pool lounge with views of the Atlantic Ocean, an Ayurvedic spa and the latest technology at your fingertips all with the pristine, white sand beaches fifty yards away.

With Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue calling out for attention, your evening events and activities will come alive at the hottest clubs and restaurants that South Beach has to offer.

 Event spaces  at DREAM South Beach are inspiring and hold a capacity of 275 people.  Three additional private duplex rooftop suites are also available for events.

 While we can’t imagine that you would need another incentive to check out Dream Hotel South Beach, we should let you know that the hotel is only 10 minutes from Miami International Airport and offers a value for dollar that will put your financial team in a VERY good mood.

For more information, please give us a call; we’d love to help you make your next trip to Miami an experience one that dreams are made of.   You can reach us at Valerie@thevibeagency.com

*This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

**The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.  

Let me share with you what I did to take my 40^th over the top- maybe you’ll even find some inspiration to celebrate in style for one of your milestone moments!   From invitations to entertainment, the events were unique and avant-garde. In addition, it was all a last minute idea (imagine that with me being an event planner). I had a ton of fun planning a week-long celebration that made me feel like the star of the show!  Oh, wait.  I was! 

 I hope that you will find some great ideas to celebrate one of your very own milestones.  And, if you need help, I know this great planner who has lots of contacts and great ideas that will push YOUR party right over the top. 

 Night One:  Villa Mayfair

For 20 closest family and friends only, I took them to Villa Mayfair for an exclusive pre-opening experience.  (Yep, I’ve got connections like that!)  Villa Mayfair is a new restaurant in Miami, and let me tell you it’s fabulous.  You will definitely want to check it out.  The décor is to die for and the food…well scrumptiously delicious would be a perfect way to put it!

Located in the heart of Coconut Grove, Villa Mayfair is South Miami’s most intimate and sophisticated restaurant and lounge.  In a warm atmosphere designed by Francois Frossard, at the crossroad between antique and burlesque, Villa Mayfair offers the best of excellence and elegance.  With a diverse menu of Mediterranean delicacies, the quality of ingredients always takes center stage. Villa Mayfair offers after-dinner bottle service for some of the most exquisite Champagnes and under the sexy beats of renown local DJ’s.

 And, to think, I was just getting started.  I told you, 40 is meant to be over the top, fabulous!

Night Two:  Vita

As you can see by the invite, this evening was going to be sophisticated and sexy and brilliantly artsy (with a touch of elegant risque’).  OH, and did we mention sans husbands?  Yep, just 40 girls out on the town!  Whoohoo!

 The restaurant was unbelievable with a striking and lovely ambience. Modeled after the highly successful Baoli located in Cannes, France.  Vita by Baoli Miami is an upscale restaurant and entertainment establishment with an amazingly exotic atmosphere. The original gastronomic cuisine revealed unforgettable savors that sent us to the moon!

 The entertainment for the evening was deliciously fun.  Check out these pictures of the artist we had onsite painting live – a beautiful canvas, a live model…and my stomach.  Yes, you read right my stomach.  We will welcome a new bébé to our family early next year – and we made sure to include the little one in the party!

 Modeled after the highly successful Baoli located in Cannes, France.  Vita by Baoli Miami is an upscale restaurant and entertainment establishment set in an exotic atmosphere.  It has a unique décor and original gastronomic cuisine that will reveal unforgettable savors for all those seeking to step into another world. 

Night Three:  The Ultimate Beach Party!

A week of fun and celebration HAS to end with a finale and did I ever have one planned for ninety of my friends and family.  We all met at a parking lot in a park where they were greeted by a beautiful table girl in costume and offered a mojito….and then we asked them to sign a waiver (he he).  The adrenaline started to build as they agreed and then were handed a flashlight and a life jacket.  All they knew was that they were going on an adventure… we were going Night Kayaking.

 What a beautiful sight with all the flickering flashlights, people laughing and playing like kids…some even flipped over in their kayaks.  I did it myself (and at 7 months pregnant, it was the fun I was looking for).  After an hour of frolicking and playing, we headed to a beach.  There we had two bonfires set up, along with a dj booth, a dance floor and plenty of food and fun and tables set up for dinner under the beautiful Miami stars. Buffets were laden with barbecue, pastas and salads…light and delicious fare. 

 After dinner, guests were invited to the dance floor by fire dancer performers and they launched the dance party — the DJ was smokin and everybody was dancing under the stars…but we weren’t done yet…  we had a capoeira show with two guys that were even jumping over me  – it was just WOW!

 What would a birthday be without a marvelous cake  - and we had one.  It matched the cake on the invitation. At the end of the evening, we walked back to the parking lot.  Guests were stunned as they didn’t realize that we were really back right where we had started. 

 It really was a night full of adventure and surprise and we even had a party crasher  –  a guy arriving in a zodiac to the party…we invited him right along to celebrate with us!  Guests were raving…even the next morning when we had Hangover Miami – but that’s a story for another time!  We’ll just leave it as – THE MOST ULTIMATE BEACH PARTY EVER!

 Saying Farewell!

The morning after the beach party, it was time for all my wonderful friends from France to head home, but before they did, we headed to La Piaggia Beach Club for a private brunch.  And, the food wasn’t the only thing that was delicious there. 

 La Piaggia Beach is a stunning place to sit back and catch a glimpse of beautifully tanned bodies parading in the sun. It is the perfect spot to have an afternoon French-Italian brunch and attracts Miami Beach’s jet set crowd. Our guests relaxed near the water’s edge and took in the bold colors and saltwater swimming pool.

 It was the perfect spot to enjoy some quiet time and relive the fun times of the past week. 

 So HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME…40 only comes once!  I suggest you party like there won’t be a 41.  That’s the way I do everything in life though…with joie de vivre!

The Gartner Symposium is the industry’s largest and most important annual gathering of CIOs and senior IT leaders. It delivers independent and objective content with the authority and weight of the world’s leading IT research and advisory organization.

 Working with Versata, one of the exhibitors of the convention, we were part of a great event for 2500 guests in Orlando at the House of Blues featuring none other than Bon Jovi.  What a rush! 

 During the convention, the end client, an IT applications company, had a tradeshow exhibit booth.  We kept the concept very simple and only word of mouth was used to let it be known that the client was going to be putting on a huge party at the House of Blues.  They were pulling out all the stops with Cover Girls, Super Diamond and then a Private Concert with John Bon Jovi!  People went absolutely nuts to get their hands on tickets.  There were no invitations sent out, only the word of mouth and it was that word of mouth that gave the client, their most valuable visibility at the conference.

 During the evening, the client gave guests a preview of what was to come in the following year from their company and then the night rocked on.  For the next three days of the tradeshow, people were clamoring at the booth to get more information about the teaser information the night before and pick up a souvenir of the concert, which were goodie bags filled with things like t-shirts, CD’s, House of Blues items, raffle prizes and even shirts that were signed by the artist themselves.  Good thing we had seven beautiful hostesses to help manage the crowd!  It was a super cool tradeshow and an off-the-hook event that left customers talking and excited about the new applications the company would be launching.

 We love working with companies to find strategic and relevant ways to move their products forward, achieve their goals and build a loyal following.

 For information on custom programs for your group, conference, meetings or events, please contact valerie@thevibeagency.com

For the second year in row, The VIBE Agency provided the event design, event management and production for Yamaha’s 2011 Latin American Distributors Meeting.  This annual conference brought together 70 representatives from most of its 54 markets in Latin, South and Central America and the Caribbean.  (read more)  

 The three-day, two-night conference was a balanced mixture of best-practice sessions, networking, new product presentations and breakout workshops.  It was a time for Yamaha to share what had been happening with the company, future focuses as well as interact with their distributor’s to find out how the parent company could be more efficient and understand distributor needs and barriers they face in their marketplace.

 One of the biggest challenges we had for this meeting this year was planning time.  With a very short lead-time, we had to move fast and create a program that would present an array of options for the group. 

Another challenge was to blend all of the cultures together in one design that worked for the varied cultures in attendance.  Since Yamaha is a Japanese company, we had to do the research to make sure the dos and don’ts are respected for their executives.  One of the many things we did to ensure cultural protocol was to create a separate V.I.P. table in the presentation room, as Japanese culture dictates that executives sit separately. 

 In addition to the business meetings, there were evening events as well.  On arrival at the Doral Marriott, guests enjoyed some free time to settle in.  The next morning, it was time to get down to business followed by a dinner in Miami Beach in a garden with a very South Beach feel.  Lots of red décor touches, motorcycles on the tables and a DJ to dance the night away.  The next day was meeting and we ended the conference with a putting contest for the group with cocktails and passed hors d’ oeuvres. It was a simplistic and fun program and the client loved it!

 One of the things that I feel we did very successfully for this group was to understand their objectives and then ensure that every element of the conference worked interchangeably to meet those goals. In addition, we are so proud that we got more people coming to the event this year than last and our client shared how pleased they were in a thank you note that sent us to the moon. 

 A very special thanks to Ricardo & his team (Ruben, Eric and Caleb) for trusting us and allowing us the opportunity to work with them to create a very successful 2011 Latin America Distributors Conference for Yamaha!

Flat Out of Heels or ‘Flat Outs‘ are rollable flats for women with aching feet after wearing high heels for hours. The idea came to CEO, Dawn Dickson after doing events for many years and observing ladies sitting down, leaning, and even walking barefoot due to the excruciating pain that most high heels cause. Some women keep flats in their car for relief but what good does that do when they can barely stand let alone walk to the car?? Most flats on the market will not fit in a small clutch, however, Flat Outs roll up so tightly they can fit in the palm of your hand…and they are cute! They come in 3 sizes and 4 colors… They also come with a bag to carry your heels once you take them off.

Please check out their website at www.FlatOutofHeels.com  There you can learn more about the product and you can purchase your very own pair (or pairs) of Flat Outs! 

And, coming soon, if you forget your Flat Outs at home, you’ll be able to purchase them from vending machines at major venues throughout the country. The stylish and compact relief flats are designed for women with aching feet who want to “step up in comfort and step out in style.”

Our feet are already thanking, Dawn for her innovative idea.  This could really be a game changer for those of us who have to be in those painful high heels all the time.   

On top of the relief that we can feel coming on, there’s another way you can feel good about purchasing a pair of Flat Outs!  Being passionate about giving back to worthwhile organizations Flat Outs currently offer non-profit organizations an option to integrate Flat Outs into their fundraising campaigns and receive proceeds from sales. You can contact Dawn Dickson at Dawn@FlatOutofHeels.com or by phone at 786-853-6981 for more information on how your organization can take advantage of this opportunity.

 The girls at the VIBE Agency think this may be the most brilliant idea since sliced bread, and we’re going to be ordering ours very soon.  In fact, we may order a pair in EVERY color.  Our feet are already dancing with joy at the thought.  We’d love to hear what YOUR feet are saying about the idea, too.  Reach out to us at valerie@thevibeagency.com  Until next week, be safe and have a FLAT OUT great weekend! 

*This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

**The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. 

Recently, we received this thank you letter from a client, and not only did it energize us, but it gave us a taste of that glorious rush that comes with a great sense of accomplishment (not to mention it made our tired and achy feet feel SO much better)!

Email Subject:  Your VIBE was AMAZING!!!

Dear Valerie –

I hope you knew throughout last week’s conference how much your assistance was appreciated.  I want to take this opportunity to tell you one more time how essential you and your team were to the successful outcome of our very first Global Leadership Team conference.  Every little detail was taken care of and no one – or thing – was left unattended.  I personally enjoyed working with you and look forward to doing so again very soon.  Thank you once again for everything you did and a special thank you for Friday night’s dinner at Zuma.  It was very special.

All the best,

Susan

So, stop and look around you…there’s something to celebrate within arm’s reach. We’re sure of it!  It doesn’t have to be huge, but something that you can feel proud of and give you pause for a moment of peace and appreciation.  After all, it’s the little things in life that add up to the big ones! 

 For more information, please contact valerie@thevibeagency.com

It can seem like a mind numbing topic, but it’s one that is extremely important.  It’s so easy to get complacent, but now is NOT the time to do it.   Risk assessment is a key part of planning any event, meeting or conference.  While easily over looked and often pooh-poohed as unnecessary since there can be cost associated with it, when disaster strikes…you will be regretful if you don’t spend some extra time assessing the risk and putting together a management plan in case something catastrophic happens.

Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind as you assess the risk of each event, meeting and conference you plan.  These next questions are just the beginning of a long list we all should be asking ourselves before every function we plan.

1. How high profile is your meeting?  Who are the attendees and speakers?
2. Do any of the speakers have personal situations that might heighten risk?  Ie.) a military leader, controversial speaker, etc.
3. How much media coverage is the meeting going to generate? This one should be a red flag for any planner.  Risk goes up substantially with high profile or controversial events. (think about the G-8 Summit over the years).
4. What health issues may come to the forefront?  Is there an outbreak of bird flu or   whooping cough that is presenting itself in the region or country you are in? Providing a healthy environment is an integral part of risk assessment and management.  Have you ever been to a conference where some mysterious illness spreads like wildfire through a convention?  I have and I was in another country.  To say it was concerning is an understatement.  I was thankful to make my flight and not be quarantined for days.
5. Are there going to be proprietary unveilings at the meeting? What steps do you take to prevent corporate theft?

Of course, these are just the beginning of one very big topic.   Here are some questions to ask yourself as you think about how well you are currently prepared to stare risk in the face.

1. Have you checked the facilities evacuation plans and procedures?  Have you communicated them to your attendees and key personnel?  Does everyone have an assigned role in case of emergency? 

1. How will you control access to the meeting or event? Can people register on site?  If there are high-profile speakers present (say for instance a past President) have they cleared security?  Do they require Secret Service clearance?  Are there extra security precautions that need to be considered in the production elements (ie.) bullet proof glass)?    Can everyone on your staff pass a security clearance?  There are a lot of questions to be answered when dealing with high profile VIP’s. 

1. Do your vendors have adequate experience, training and experience to deal with an emergency?  What happens if a rigged truss tower falls on a guest?  Do your vendors all have insurance in force?   How big of a risk is the design of the event?  Are there safety hazards to the general attendee?

1. What if a tornado hits?  Do you have a plan?  Who’s in charge?  Is there a space to adequately get people out of harm’s way?  Do you have local emergency numbers?  911 is not enough!  Where’s the nearest hospital?  Do you have EMT’s on site?  Where’s the local police station?

Shoulda, woulda, coulda isn’t going to fly in any disastrous circumstance.  The only thing that works is preparedness, training and giving RISK, the attention it deserves.  I know, I know…we’ve been talking about a lot of things lately that require preparation but this is not an area you want to skimp on. 

So how can you prepare?   Conduct emergency training sessions that address the most common types of threat.  Be aware of all threats that may exist in whatever city, state or country you are in.  Whether your event is on the beach in Miami during hurricane season, or a past POTUS is speaking at your function, there is an inherent risk that needs to be planned for.  Political unrest and economy performance can greatly increase the risk of disaster – what’s going on in the country you are in?  Being aware and well informed of possible situations that could possibly arise during the time your event is going on can go a long way in getting you on the road to preparedness.  On a personal note, I remember being at a Lakers game when the Rodney King verdicts were issued many years ago.  Riots broke out and the crisis management teams not only at the Great Western Forum, but around the City of Los Angeles, had their hands full.  When we arrived at the game all was peaceful…after the game, chaos reigned.  I often wondered what their management plan was since no instructions were given besides leaving from a different exit because there was rioting.  The short announcement ended with be safe.  My friend and I had to literally duck and cover and crawl several times before we made it to the car.  I saw people beaten, fires being started, bottles being thrown, and cars driving the wrong way down the street.  Looting was rampant.  We were on our own.  It was truly terrifying.  You just NEVER know what’s going to happen, so preparation may be the only thing that will see you through. 

So YOU have a great plan.  What about your staff?  Are they trained and ready? Do they know how to effectively implement a disaster response?  The success of any plan is only as good as the people that execute it.  What-if scenarios are quickly becoming when-it-happens scenarios.   From natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes to god forbid a terrorist attack to the less adrenaline rushing disasters of corporate theft, risk assessment and management/response are key factors in responsibly planning and executing an event.    

There are so many ways to get training that are low cost or free.  From community CERT programs (while they are not specific to events and meetings specifically) to having a professional come to your office and do a training seminar, there is absolutely no reason to not spend the time making sure your company is not prepared.  In fact, your life and the life of your staff and guests may depend on it. 

These are just my thoughts…big, fat, unpleasant, yet important thoughts.