Expert Advice

Running Your Business

09/2/10

Meeting, association, and nonprofit event planners often struggle to find creative ways to raise money regardless of the current business climate. It’s almost as if we are professional beggars on the event freeway on-ramp to make it, break even or...

You Cannot Run a Restaurant from Your Office

08/27/10

"All work and no play may make Johnny a dull boy," but all play and no work can lead to big problems such as financial ruin. I have read many articles with advice—sometimes great advice—on how to own, operate and manage a successful restaurant by...

Event Trends/New Ideas

Perfect Pair

08/24/10

I believe that alcohol goes with everything, even breakfast if you are on a European vacation or the mother of small and extremely loud children. But, as we’ve known forever in the catering world, there is a true art to pairing cocktails with menu items...

Five Ways and a Few Tips on How to Use Facebook to Promote Your Meeting or Event

08/16/10

We all know that Facebook has been proclaimed the world’s most powerful online social network. How can you harness the sheer power of this application to enhance your next meeting or event? Here are five ways, along with a few quick tips, to maximize all...

Good Things Come in Small Packages

07/15/10

As I've mentioned before, I am a total sucker for miniatures. Those darling little ketchup and mustards you get on a room service tray? Love those. And how about the beautifully decorated cupcakes magically dwarfed into a bite-sized dessert? Heaven. I...

Suppliers Speak

Setting the Record Straight

08/20/10

Over the last year and a half, the event industry has been plagued with clients looking for “deals.” It seems like every other caller wants to know what “I” can do for “them.” There are a plethora of things “I” can do for “them,” but in this time of 10...

Don’t Take the Heat: Dealing with High Temperatures at Events

06/24/10

The heat is on, temperature-wise that is! The first thing to remember is the weather cannot be controlled, and anticipating weather needs may help avoid client upsets. Arizona's famous "dry heat" or any extreme summer heat can make for a very...

Steps in Planning and Executing a Successful Golf Tournament

06/21/10

A) Plan your event and set specific goals: When planning your event, it is important to have specific goals. Big goals don't necessarily mean "raise millions of dollars." Set goals related to your specific tournament event. Envision what you can do to...

Open Forum

Interview with Floral Guru Michael Gaffney

07/22/10

Michael Gaffney is a floral designer and founder of the American Schools of Flower Design. The American School of Flower Design has locations in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and soon San Diego.How did you become a...

Q+A with Kelly Murphy, CMP, CHME

07/8/10

Kelly Murphy is the express sales manager for Phoenix Convention Center & Venues and vice president of HSMAI-AZ. How did you become involved in the events industry? After working as a hotel sales manager for a few years I decided to move on and...