“TECHNOLOGIZE” YOUR CONFERENCE…DO YOU KNOW ABOUT EVENTMOBI???

Tired of those big bulky show guides?  Frustrated with last minute changes to the conference agenda and getting the word out to your conference attendees?  Need a way to keep guests updated and current with everything that’s going on during the conference? Need to pull attendees?  Need analytics that you can depend on?  Thinking of going with a mobile app but its cost prohibitive?   Well, your life is about to get easier.  Now there’s a way to get around all of the frustration and hassle and meet the expectations of today’s technology smart conference attendees.   World, meet EventMobi™!!!

 EventMobi is a user friendly, turnkey, web-based interactive mobile application that takes the experience of attending events and tradeshows to the next level. Affordable, fully customized and professionally managed, it is loved by attendees and trusted by event planners around the world.  EventMobi offers flexible features to customize a mobile application that works best for a conference’s specific objectives. With features like polling and surveys, face to face networking, one application for all devices (including your laptop), mapping and scheduling, there’s just no down side to this little giant.  With easy setup and fast deployment times, conferences can be online quickly with lower costs than traditional native mobile applications.

As the saying goes…”knowledge is power,” and EventMobi analytics give you the kind of data you’ve only dreamed about. Receive real-time stats on usage and click throughs, as well as breakdowns by day, mobile device, and the average time spent by attendee per page.

Not only is EventMobi convenient for both user and conference planner, but it can also generate additional streams of revenue through additional advertiser and sponsor opportunities.  While it’s busy making you money, it also saving you money through lower printing costs on the front end.  As if that isn’t enough, and you’re not convinced, there is one last benefit to give you the final push over the edge.   EventMobi will help you green your event since it is eco-friendly.

If you are interested in learning more about going mobile for your next conference, or to create a custom app for your conference you can go to their website at www.eventmobi.com.

We’re definitely excited about exploring EventMobi further and we think maybe you might like to check it out too!   Drop us a line at valerie@thevibeagency.com  and tell us what excites you about mobile applications and what features and benefits you think would help you the most.

*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.

Looky, Looky, Check Out Our New Facebook!

Over the next month or so, you’re going to be seeing some changes around The VIBE Agency.  The first one is our new FB page.  Take a peek!  We love it…do you too?  We have set a goal to get 1,500 people by June 1^st.  When we will reach that number – we will draw a lucky winner for a party consultation as well as a day party management for a birthday celebration, a New Years Eve party, a wedding day or a dinner party for a value of $ 1200.00.  Like us to enter your name into the drawing!  We will be drawing  the winner from our pool of friends.  It’s a very cool chance for you to be able to kick back and enjoy an event for once.

There’s going to be more changes and you’re not going to want to miss out on them.  So, stay tuned, like us on FB and get in on the fun!

You’ve Never Met Las Vegas Like This Before!!!!

As you know, at The VIBE AGENCY, we are always searching for new venues and spaces that we can transform to meet the needs and objectives of our clients and their meetings, conferences and events.  We scour the world for great venues and this week, we want to show you a brand new space. Las Vegas or as we fondly call it,  Sin City has something for everyone and now it even has something that’s just for EVENTS.  MEET Las Vegas.  No, really.  That’s the name.  MEET Las Vegas.  Let us tell you a little about it.  We promise.  You’re gonna LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

WHY?  Because it’s ALL ABOUT YOU!!!!

MEET Las Vegas is a new, unique event site, unlike traditional venues.  MEET was designed with one thing in mind – the success of our client’s events.  We’ve thought of every aspect needed for truly amazing events and built-in solutions for planners, from an innovative infrastructure and easy-to-hang experiential design elements, to customized lighting, cutting-edge technology, and multiple entry points for quick move-in and move-out.   At MEET, clients worry less and focus on branding, design and the other elements that make their event a success.

MEET’s goal is to help every client execute their dream event. MEET has the built-in technology and infrastructure to make it easy for clients to execute any event they can imagine, while removing the obstacles that hinder an event’s success.  The building is a blank canvas that clients can easily and quickly customize.  Clients can print their message directly onto MEET’s walls and floor, or hang a car or stage from myriad rigging points in its infrastructure. Digital signage displays and exterior banners give the client’s brand lasting impact both inside and out.  And, MEET’s lack of ambient light allows planners to use lighting to illuminate the room in any color to easily control their event’s mood and tone. MEET truly is a unique, event-friendly site, flexible enough to ensure a successful corporate or social event, including weddings. Anything the planner can imagine, can accomplished at MEET!

LET’S TAKE A LOOK, THERE’S EVEN MORE BENEFITS!!!!

MEET is designed for one thing and one thing only: events. At MEET, your event will be tailored to your every wish, both inside and outside. MEET is your full and inclusive total branding experience!

Convenient and Accessible

Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, MEET is easily accessible no matter what part of town you are coming from.

Downtown

Downtown Las Vegas is where the world famous city began. MEET Las Vegas is located on the corner of 4th Street and Bridger Avenue. Just a few short blocks from MEET you will find legendary casinos that first put this city on the map, such as the AAA Four Diamond-Rated Golden Nugget Hotel, which recently completed an extensive $325 million renovation.

Downtown Las Vegas is also known for its famous attractions. Located on the historic Fremont Street is The Fremont St. Experience and The Fremont East. The Fremont St. Experience is an open-air pedestrian mall, equipped with a fixed stage and live entertainment. You can´t miss it. It boasts a four-block long, 12.5 million bulb canopy that produces impeccable imagery to the public, for free, on a nightly basis. Adjacent to the Fremont St. Experience is Fremont East, downtown´s new entertainment district. Capitalizing on the nostalgia of old Las Vegas, Fremont East can be spotted by its lighted gateways and retro neon signs.

Las Vegas Strip

In addition to its amazing location in the heart of downtown, MEET is also only minutes away from the luxury and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip. The Strip is renowned for its accommodations, restaurants, spas, and entertainment.

How could you not LOVE THIS PLACE?  It’s an event planner’s dream. In fact, we can’t WAIT to get to Las Vegas and utilize this venue. Come on, let’s go…

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback. Please don’t hesitate to contact us @valerie@thevibeagency.com with any questions you have about this or any other venue we can help with.  

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You Want It We Got It! Finding the Right VIBE for YOUR Meetings and Events!

 

Last October, The VIBE Agency provided the event design, event management and production for Yamaha’s 2010 Latin American Distributors Meeting.  This annual conference at the Sofitel Miami brought together 70 representatives from most of its 54 markets in  Latin, South and Central America and the Caribbean.

The two day conference was a balanced mixture of best-practice sessions, networking, new product presentations and break-out 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 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 do nots” 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.

Along with providing the meeting and conference coordination, we also handled the Yamaha new product display which featured new products that they wanted to introduce to the distributors.

In addition to the business meetings during the day, there were evening events as well.  The first night was a dinner cruise around Biscayne Bay.  A final night dinner was held at a Wish, an upscale restaurant in Miami Beach.

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.

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

We love working with companies to create intelligent and sophisticated events with purpose.  We pride ourselves on our ability to work with our clients to deliver the best experience for their needs!

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

BizBash Miami thought it was great too and featured the Yamaha event!  Click to read more.  http://www.bizbash.com/miami/content/editorial/19327_yamaha_latin_america_brings_distributors_together_for_second_annual_conference.php

Champagne on a Beer Budget

Yes, it is possible to cut costs for events and still have a lavish touch according to Lindsay Krause of Special D Events.  We rightfully agree.  Check out a combination of her tips combined with a few we researched.

1)      Use local destinations or smaller cities that can offer you more for your money.

2)      Switch from a dinner event to a lunch or from a lunch to a breakfast meeting.

3)      Limit authorization.  Only key people should have the ability to increase food and beverage orders on site.

4)      Communicate your budget information to the convention services manager. His or her role is to work with you.

5)      Provide cocktail napkins verses small plates at receptions to reduce consumption

6)      Always budget at least 10 percent of your expenses as “contingency.” This will take care of unforeseen costs such as – labor strikes – bad weather – overtime – extra postage and mailings – phone and computer hookups – cancellation insurance – speaker substitutions.

7)      Instead of a full open bar, offer just beer and wine or soft drinks.  Also consider one signature cocktail.

8)      Learn the tax laws for both your organization’s location and the location of your event. You could be eligible for tax breaks that you aren’t claiming.

9)       Develop long-term relationships with properties and chains you use often. Negotiate volume discounts.

10)  Hire now. Speakers and entertainers often raise their rates every year. Lock in at this year’s rates.

11)  Order as much as possible “by consumption.” Uneaten food and drink can be returned and not charged. This works well with soda and packaged foods like potato chips.

12)  Offer water stations or pitchers of waters on the tables’ verses water bottles.

13)  Ask which other groups are using the hotel at the same time. You may be able to have the same menu, thereby gaining economies of scale that can be passed on in cost savings to you.

14)  Avoid salty foods during receptions, as they encourage people to drink more.

–Lindsay Krause of Special D Events

Ways to Green Your Gift Wrapping

Have you ever looked at your trashcan after everyone has opened all of their gifts during the holiday season?  Just one look and you have to admit it is an awful amount of garbage.  This year consider the following ideas as you wrap each gift.

Everyone knows that green is the new black, but not everyone knows how to put a green touch to their holidays.  We did some research and found so many creative ideas. 

1) First, lets explore the Wrap Sack.  They have unique reusable gift bags that come in six different sizes.  The best part about these drawstring gift bags, is that they come with a tracking number which allows you to track the history of your wrap sack!

2) Aside from the gift bag, Wrap Sack offers reusable greeting cards.  You simply replace the sheet inside when you are ready to reuse it.

3) An eco-friendly way to gift wrap is to make your own by using left over fabric or old sheets.  Chewing the Cud offers reusable fabric gift wraps; each one with a gesture of giving: Give Love, Give Luck, Give Wisdom.

4)  Wrap a gift with a gift.  For example, you may purchase a scarf or decorative towel and then use it to wrap a bottle of wine.  Or a coffee cup or canister to hold another gift such as jewelry.

5)  Shuffle through old magazines, maps, calendars and newspapers  throughout the house and select pictures that connect with the personality of the person whom you have bought a gift for.  If that person is a traveler, use an old map to wrap their gift!

6)  The comic section of the newspaper is an old idea but works wonders. 

7)  Place your gift inside of a tote or insulated grocery bag.  Both of these items will be reused over and over!

8)  For bows, switch to reusable hair ribbons or flowers.  Take a walk outside or at your local park.  You will find true beauties from our very own land such as pinecones, acorn, changing color leaves and so on.

VIBE’S Highlighted Destination Spot: Istanbul, Turkey

The Vibe Agency offers destination management services throughout the world.  From October 1 – 7, Valerie Bihet traveled to Istanbul to assist with all logistic aspects of a major bank convention.  We would like to feature this grand city as a highlighted destination for future clients.  Included are fun facts, “in the know”, where to eat and drink, where to shop, and most importantly a few venue selections.

Fun Facts:

• Istanbul is historically also known as Byzantium and Constantinople.
• Istanbul is the largest city in Europe with a population of 15 million
• It bridges the continents of Europe and Asia, with parts of the city on either side of the Bosporus Strait.
• Turkey is famous for its carpets, baths, textiles, ceramic tiles, tea and coffee, and a visitor will get a generous sampling of all.
• It is illegal to photograph Turkish military installations, hardware or personnel.

In the Know:

• Nazar Boncugu is a round bead in the shape of an eye made from blue glass with a hole in the middle.  Nazar means “evil eye” in Turkish.  Turks believe it will protect them from nazar powers.
• Tipping in restaurants is optional.
• It is impolite to refuse the offer of a drink when in a person’s home or place of work.
• It is impolite to blow your nose in public and do not show the soles of your feet when sitting.

Open Letter

I recently read an open letter blog from a dear friend, Marley Majcher, and I was deeply moved.  The letter was addressed to all of her family members, friends and staff where she discussed her dilemma about returning phone calls or emails. 

 I am riding on that same boat with Majcher.  This year has been full of new challenges including time management.  I am not complaining; I feel fortunate and honored to have met each and every person in my life.  Sometimes, day to day responsibilities take the very best of us, leaving little or no time to show those special people in our lives how much we value and appreciate their friendship.  I would like to take this time to dedicate this blog to all of my family, friends, clients and employees. 

 Yesterday was my birthday and I was surprised at the recognition I received from so many people across the world.  Words can not explain how touched and happy I feel to have so many great people in my life.  On important dates such as a birthday, you realize who your true friends are and what is important in life.  All of these events have been an eye opener for me. 

 I am indebt to so many emails, Facebook comments and phone calls.  I thank everyone for making my day so special.  The best gift I have received is to have met all of you and the special memories that have come along with our friendship.  I hold each of you close to my heart and I appreciate all of the love and support.

 Thank you to my husband, who has shown dedicated support throughout our time together.  Thanks for my unforgettable birthday setup and thank you for being an amazing irreplaceable father and husband.

Again, thanks to everyone for your friendship, business and support.

Eventfully yours,

Valerie Bihet

Trendsetter Alert: The Ice bag®

As an event planner I am always looking for new ideas, updated technology and trendy ways to liven up a party or event.  There are always new ideas for branding and adding that special touch to make a memorable event. 

I introduce to you the Ice bag®.  It is the new generation of the ice bucket and originated in France.  The product is now available in the U.S. so make sure you take a look at this unique accessory. 

It is a modern and innovative bag that brings life to the traditional ice bucket image. It is easy to use and it has a double function! It is used to carry and keep your bottles fresh; it is also an original trendy gift.

There are several types of bags; each with a unique purpose.  There is the Basic collection which offers the bag in your choice of color.  The Message collection allows you to insert personal messages or business cards as a form of promotion.  City Collection was created to sell the image of a city; ideal as a souvenir or gift after a trip.

With Tempo collection, the line is dedicated for all holidays of the year including birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas etc.  There is also a V.I.P collection specially designed for special events. 

The Pro range is for professionals with 7 references dedicated to restaurants, hotels, country clubs, caterers, wineries.  It is only used as a communication/service tool or for promotions.

The Ice bag® may be used in other sectors as Business gifts, new product launches and also to offer to offer products which can be used again and again.

Let us help you plan your next event with these wonderful gift incentives!

Last Minute Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is in two days and if you are hosting a dinner and have just realized the little time you have to plan, never fear!  The Vibe Agency is here to give you a few quick tips to add to your festive dinner.

Each year on the fourth Thursday of November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  It is a time for families, friends and relatives to gather for a grand dinner and give thanks for all of their blessings.  

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast which is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.   

Here are some last minute ideas:

  

Thanksgiving should reflect elegance.  Show off your style by adding arts and crafts to your table.  Print out these place cards and add a rustic touch by cutting slits into wine corks and wedging the place card into place.

For center pieces think autumn colors; orange, yellow, and brown.  Use whatever orange vegetables or fruits you can find; pumpkins, carrots, persimmons, oranges etc. Use a basket to hold fruits and veggies then add pinecones to complete rustic look.  Combine all elements and play with arrangement until you find the perfect fit for your center piece.  Add pumkin colored candles into a clear candle holder and place around your center piece.

         

Fast recipes:

Corn Bread Stuffing with Shrimp and Andouille

 50 Ways to make mashed potatoes!

Best wishes and a Happy Thanksgiving to all of our clients, friends and readers.