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Seating Arrangement Assignment

By: Alyssa, Jordan, Jenny, and Victoria

Name: Boardroom

What Situation/Event: A boardroom is used as a meeting space. Seminars and business deals usually take place in a boardroom. For example, the hit TV show, The Apprentice. Additionally, boardrooms can be used for events, such as luncheons. For example, a graduate program luncheon.

Pros: Visibility of all attendees, media services, professional atmosphere, & allows for conversation

Cons: Not enough seats, tight space, if there is only one door… could be difficult to leave  

Name: Cinema

What Situation/Event: This layout can be used in various ways including: performances, concerts, recitals, lectures, presentations, speakers, etc. On Rider’s campus we have multiple auditoriums and theaters that host this type of seating arrangement. Pictured below, Sweigart 115 Auditorium, is used for multiple events throughout the year like industry speakers as well as SGA senate meetings and CBA events.

Pros: Multiple exits, media services, accommodates larger numbers of people, lighting and multi-purpose room.

Cons: Entering/exiting the rows, poor acoustics, can be hard to fill “butts in seats”/room can look empty.

Name: Clusters

What Situation/Event: This layout is commonly used for meeting spaces, group work, and banquets. This layout can be used for any scale of an event. Round tables are often used for these arrangements for good visibility of attendees. There is often food served for large events with this seating arrangement. This layout is most common for weddings as well.

Pros: Intimate, big or small events, spreads out people and can start conversation.

Cons: People's backs could be turned to each other and to the front of the room, clique could form

Name: U-Shape

What Situation/Event: Often used in a classroom or lecture setting. This layout is ideal for a professor to be able to interact with students and students to easily interact with each other.

Pros: Everyone is facing in toward each other, it is an open layout that allows for people to get up if needed. A person speaking in a u-shaped room has full visibility.

Cons: Requires a lot of room space, hard to break up into small groups, limited number of students can sit at table

Name: Circle

What Situation/Event: Great for my intimate discussions and conversations. This layout is great for focus groups and gives good visibility of everyone in group.  

Pros: Involves everyone in the group, is great for person to person interaction, and eye contact. Additionally, no one has their back to one another.

Cons: Only great for smaller setting and not ideal for media presentations.

Name: Herringbone

What Situation/Event: This set-up is seen in various locations around our campus. Most commonly used in a classroom, like the one we’re in for class. Mainly use for educational settings like class and workshops.

Pros: Everyone has a clear view of the front and large work space.

Cons: Difficult for instructor to walk through rows, promotes lack of attention in back of the room, seating could make it difficult to exit without disruption.

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Event Planning Positions Not Listed as “Event Planner”

By Victoria Miller 

The first listing I found was listed as a “marketing Assistant” but many of the duties listed resembled those of a event planner. This job would require vendor coordination, maintaining contacts, managing meetings and activities, and attending and planning educational seminars. Although it doesn’t have the words “event planner” in the description it aligns a lot with what we have discussed in class and the job itself would require the skills an event planner needs in order to be successful. 

Another listing I found was titled, “Administrative Coordinator” at Rutgers University. Like the other example, the responsibilities of this position include a lot of aspects of an event planning position just geared towards administrative responsibilities and completing tasks on behalf of the director of the One Source Faculty and Staff resource center. This job requires a lot of production planning and cross functional responsibilities. 

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Jobs without Obvious Titles

By: Alyssa Chertcoff 

          The first job I came across on the internet was Conference Coordinator for Gaylord Hotels. The job description stated that Gaylord Hotels is a hospitality brand guided by their mission to put on extraordinary meetings and conventions. Gaylord Hotels makes meeting planning easy and provides attendees great networking opportunities to take place in any of their rooms. The job mentions that as  a Gaylord Hotels member  you will bring a smile, genuine excitement and a I will make it happen spirit to work. From hard work and dedication as a member of the company you will  experience the rewards of growing your career among a team of professionals with a passion for excellence.

           With that being said the job summary includes managing the execution of all aspects of events to include planning, day to day coordination and exit strategies. As a conference coordinator you will serves as meeting planning advocate and liaison to all operational departments. You must also verify on-site delivery of hotel products and services according to conference group plans resulting in a positive meeting experience. The experience needed and the overall job requirements line up perfectly with the notion of an event planner. Additionally, what this company is looking for is basically everything an event planner is. This is because it involves the same tasks and jobs as a regular event planner however, they use the term Conference Coordinator which I think is more professional in a hotel setting.

          The second profession I found was a Sr. Meeting Planner. The company looking for this position is remaining confidential however, they are a Professional State Association. Their company has  2,700 members and  is searching for an experienced meeting planner with a minimum of 5 years' experience in all areas of meetings management. In their opinion they are looking for a  candidate that will have strong meetings experience, excellence in negotiation skills, an ability to deal with people of all levels, preferred experience dealing with a volunteer-based committee environment, proficient with technology, and superb on-site operations experience. This goes hand in hand with event planning as well.

          The job will require management of all budget and conference reconciliation both internally and with auditors. Additionally, they  will manage legal education meetings for the association which range from 15 to 2,300 attendees. The candidate will also manage numerous executive committee and Board of Directors meetings. Although these requirements have some things different then event planners it is still the coordination of a major meeting and require time managements, organization, and communication skills just like event planners. One thing I liked is this company talked about negotiation skills. This also has a connection to event planning when it comes to negotiating package prices.

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Jobs Resembling Event Planning

Catering Coordinator at PR Management Corp. of Panera Bread

Role Description: 

Provide the highest quality customer service to our guests

Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of - and enthusiasm for - the items on our menu

Ensure catering orders are accurate and delivered on time

Successfully work as a key part of a dynamic team

Market Panera Catering in the community and build sales 

Although this job is not classified as an “event planner,” there is a few main focuses that this job entails that is part of an event planners job. First, this job requires marketing skills. Being able to market the franchise to the surrounding community and bring in a flow of revenue is a must. Like an event planner, the franchise must find their niche in a community and be able to market themselves to everyone there. Second, this position requires communication with all guests both old and new that come into their business. Lastly, as the Catering Coordinator this person has to be able to produce and sell orders that clients requested for specific times. This job title is closely related to an event planner in the F&B aspect of things.

Program Director/Sales of Budo Martial Arts Studio 

Role Description:

Have strong telephone and interpersonal skills

Be able to work in team environment

Coordinate events and programs for clients

Ability to speak English & Spanish

Proficient in prioritizing and working in a fast-paced environment

Be able to adapt to sudden changes

This job does not involve many aspects of event planning, however it contains a few that can relate to an event planners job. This position requires someone to ave strong communication skills which is the main part of an event planners job, being able to effectively communicate with potential clients. Also, this position requires a person to be able to create events and programs in a fast paced environment, like most event planners create their events in. Lastly, this job prefers that a person is able to adapt to any sudden changes made in the company or programs that were created. This last requirement fits perfectly into the role of an event planner, because an event planner must be able to adapt quickly if something goes wrong at their event that they did not intend to happen. 

- Jordan Legg

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Job Possibilities

By: Jenny Bartkovich

Exploring LinkedIn

Job Title: BHLDN: Social Media Coordinator.

Overview Job Description: "The Social Media Coordinator works collaboratively with the Digital, PR Creative and Merchandising teams to grow brand awareness through social media. The role focuses on maintain multiple channels while nurturing out community through our social media platforms. The Social Media Coordinator will work to deliver brand messages, continuously engage with our followers, and develop influencer relationships to further build our BHLDN brand awareness."

This job, while it does not directly involve event planning, contains an essential aspect of every event, awareness. Making people aware that an event is happening is crucial to the overall success of the event. This role in particular, is responsible for getting that information out to the public. Not only would they be promoting events for their company, but they can support other people's events and help build brand awareness, another crucial element for event planners.

 Exploring Indeed.

Job Title: Field Marketing Agent for Exploria Resorts.

Overview Job Description: "We are looking for Representatives for our Lead Generation, Field Marketing and Face to Face Sales departments who will promote our resorts at different venues & events across the Central NJ area. Our agents are responsible for distributing door prizes, prequalifying prospective clients, providing them with proper information/documentation, and scheduling appointments with them. The goal is to generate leads and get clients to visit out resorts to increase our resort foot traffic."

Focusing in the hospitality industry, this job can also relate to event planning. The job description mentions that agents would be responsible for interacting with perspective clients. That is a crucial person to have an all corporate events. You need someone that is outgoing and comfortable to speak with outsiders and invite them to your company. People that have these types of jobs are also great at contributing to a company's brand awareness and reputation.

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Shannon Wellington Weddings and Events

By Victoria Miller

Shannon Wellington is a eastern Pennsylvania based event planner that specializes in boutique weddings. She has been featured in numerous publications and has gained a lot of buzz on social media. Shannon and her team select a number of events to plan each year. The team provides planning, coordination & design services with the highest level of detail.

I had the pleasure of speaking with wedding and event planner Shannon Wellington. Shannon shared her expertise, her favorite career moments, along with advice to those looking to get into the industry. 

Victoria Miller: What inspired you to get into the event planning industry and start your own business?

Shannon Wellington: I’ve always been super organized and had a pretty strong crafty streak! When my career in marketing and corporate event planning came to an end when I had my son, I had the opportunity to build a business doing everything I knew I was good at, and enjoyed. Planning my son’s over the top first birthday catapulted me into the event world and within the year, I had a full blown business doing loads of kids parties and mitzvahs. Weddings soon followed and now we plan and design almost exclusively weddings.

VM: What is your favorite aspect of the wedding planning process?

SW: The design process, hands down. I live for a beautiful, cohesive event with meaningful details and unique decor installations.

VM: What do you commonly look for when choosing a venue or vendor?  

SW: Superior communication and friendliness are key. If they can’t bother that much, I can’t trust them with an event.

VM: You have been featured numerous times on publications, was there a moment/event in your career that created an "I made it" moment for you?

SW: MARTHA STEWART! When one of our biggest weddings got picked up for publication in Martha Stewart Weddings, it was our personal turning point.

VM: What has been the most rewarding event you have ever planned?

SW: Legacy weddings and events are the most rewarding. Having a family choose you over and over to take care of their biggest life moments is so humbling and amazing.

VM: What is a common challenge you face? How do you overcome it?

SW: We constantly face poor communication and low levels of professionalism in this industry because there are few standards that industry pros must meet. It’s easy to break into this business but harder to stay afloat in a professional manner.

VM: To future event planners like myself, what is the greatest piece of advice you would give?

SW: Hustle! This business is a physical, back breaking one. It requires long hours of serving others. Showing your employer how much you want to advance by always being ready for anything, no matter how trivial a task seems.

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Leahann Silverstein

By: Jenny Bartkovich

Leahann Silverstein graduated from LIM College with a  Bachelor of Business Administration and a concentration of Fashion Merchandising. She is currently the Event and Marketing Director at Bloomingdale's at Orange County, California locations. She was recently married and lives in Huntington Beach, Ca with her husband and French bulldog.

Leahann is also skilled in catering, food & beverage, strategic planning and live events. I recently conversed with Leahann about her experience in the industry as well as her predictions for what the future may hold for professional event planners.

JB: How did you first go about entering the industry?

LS: Ironically I didn't study event planning in college. I studied fashion merchandising in Manhattan and volunteered and worked at fashion week, that's what peaked my interest. From there I tried to gain as much experience as possible and volunteered to work all different types of events happening around the city.  I was lucky enough to have built a strong network and resume in school and started my career immediately after graduation. 

JB: What as been the most satisfying/fulfilling part of your career so far?

LS: Before I moved to the west coast, I was working as the Event Director at Fred's Restaurant in Barney's New York. I got to work with a lot of high profile clients and celebrities during that time. I often planned these private parties in their homes and got to see a glimpse into their real lives and make wonderful connections with these clients.

JB: What do you feel is the hardest part about being an event planner?

LS: The hardest part of the job is definitely the hustle! You have to be willing to work and be available whether its physically or even just through the phone almost 24/7. You also have to be creative and be able to problem solve/troubleshoot any issues in a calm and professional manner. Working with certain clients can get difficult at times, especially with the places I've worked at but you're constantly learning! Seeing an event being executed the way you and the client planned is totally worth it.

JB: How do you think the industry has changed over the years?

LS: When I graduated college, the market was not in a great place and New York City was one of the few places where people were still spending money on events and planners. It was really hard to get started in a recession just because no one wanted to spend the money. I have definitely seen a dramatic change over the last ten years. Social Media has definitely made a big impact on the industry. It has made the job more fun! Getting to share these moments on social media and building your brand is awesome! 

JB: How do you think the industry will change within the next 5-10years?

LS: Experiential and Event Marketing is probably going to continue to grow. At my current position, I'm doing a lot of in-store brand pop-ups to promote new product lines, fragrances, beauty and skincare. These pop-ups are very interactive to guests shopping around and also drive sales. It's definitely working and its super fun from the planning end.  

JB: What would you suggest to aspiring event planners?

LS: Success in this industry doesn't come easy, you have to be willing to put the work in and commit 100%. You have to be willing to learn and take criticism.

JB: Do you have a favorite type of event to plan? If so, what is it and why?

LS:  I really enjoy doing the event pop-ups. I get to partner with all these amazing brands. Their teams are often so fun to work with and are always willing to collaborate with my teams' ideas. An extra perk, is getting free products from the pop-ups from these different brands. 

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Kimberly Paige Events

By: Alyssa Chertcoff 

          Kimberly Paige is an event planner located in Northern, New Jersey. She graduated from Northeastern University gaining years of project planning experience, time management skills, and a unique ability to translate a client’s vision into an incredible event from her many internships. After college she worked as the Director of Special Events for The Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey. In 2012, she took a leap of faith as she calls it and started her own company, Kimberly Paige Events.

          Kimberly Paige owns one of the most recognized event planning businesses by the wedding industry such as Knot and Wedding magazines including 201 Bride Magazine and Manhattan Bride Magazine. However, it has not been an easy road. I sat down with Kimberly to talk to her about business, getting started in the event planning industry, and how she has build up her brand as a business owner.

AC: How did you get started in the event planning industry?

KP: Before starting my business I worked as the Director of Special Events for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, where I really found my passion for event planning. I have always had that creative gene, I just didn’t know what to do with it. In 2012 I took a leap of faith and started Kimberly Paige Events

AC: What is something you wish you knew before becoming an event planner?

KP: To have thick skin. You definitely won’t please everyone and some clients/vendors won’t treat you the way you deserve but at the end of the day it’s all about the end result. Learn to not take everything so personal.

AC: Is the job everything you thought it would be? Was there anything that surprised you ?

KP: The thing I love most about this field is that every day brings something new and no two events are every the same. You think you know what to expect and then a curveball is thrown at you and you just have to do your best to think on the fly and figure it out.

AC: Was it difficult to build your social media presence?

KP: Building my social media presence is always a work in progress. I am constantly trying to come up with new ways to keep my brand fresh and relevant. The more time you put in, the more you’ll get in return.

AC: Do you prefer planning weddings or celebration events? Why?

KP: My business has somehow morphed into mostly wedding planning and I truly love it. There is nothing like being a part of a couples most special day in their life.

AC: What are you goals for the next year?

KP: My goal for next year and really every day is to just keep growing and learning. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you don’t. You’re never too advanced to stop learning.

AC: How do you handle having a family and running your own business?

KP: It is definitely a challenge most days, but I try and find a balance. I am a better mom because I love what I do,  and I am a better business owner because I find time to focus on my family.

AC: What is your favorite thing about being an event planner and why?

KP: My favorite part about being an event planning is standing there, at the end of an event and watching it all come together. All the chaos and planning was well worth it.

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Q&A with EP Melissa Darpino

Melissa Darpino has been in the event planning business for twenty-two years. She had attended Temple University and graduated with a degree in public relations. After college, Melissa had moved to California to pursue a career in the event planning field. Since moving to California, she has been involved in the event planning business since 1997. She became the Director of Marketing at Vintage Grocers, a gourmet market in Malibu, California in December 2017. Before that she was the Director of Marketing for Tableseide Restaurant Group and the Senior Director of Catering at Patina Restaurant Group.  

Interested in learning more about the business, I had contacted Melissa to talk to her about it. Melissa gave a lot of insight about what inspired her to be in the event planning field and the different jobs that she has had since moving from New Jersey to California.

Jordan Legg: Do you have a specific demographic or niche that you cater/plan events for?

Melissa Darpino: Yes, at Vintage, our guests are primarily healthy and affluent. They look to us to know the hottest trends in west-coast style health foods. Lots of vegan items, raw, super healthy stuff. We do an amazing ancient grain bowl station, and everyone loves our fresh pressed juices. At Patina, we were a powerhouse. People called when they absolutely wanted and needed the best.

JL: Do you work in a solo or team environment?

MD: Both - the planning (for me) is a one women operation now. At Patina, I had a team of around eight. But, unless you literally are the planner and the chef rolled into one, it will always ultimately be a team sport.

JL: What are your daily responsibilities?

MD: I am responsible for communicating the goings-on in our stores, with the communities we serve. This includes things such as creating an annual marketing plan/budget, creating a calendar (includes sales, promotions, product demonstrations and events), scheduling of social media, upkeep of website, creation and production of monthly events and to be the Brand Ambassador or “Face” of the company. 

JL: How far in advance do you start planning an event?

MD: At Vintage, I have an annual calendar, so we ideate seasonal and monthly events as far in advance as possible. The artwork is created around six weeks in advance, and active production is about a month in advance. But honestly, I could put together an event in a few hours. However, at Patina, the Emmys and larger events confirmed and started planning around nine months in advance. 

JL: Do you have relationships with specific vendors?

MD: Oh yes! You must surround yourself with the best people you can afford - as they are usually worth their weight in gold. Here in LA we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to vendors, and we can make custom items under the sun. Client’s know that anything is possible, and expect a lot from planners. 

JL: What types of events have you done in the past and how were they successful?

MD: I have produced events from the perspective of both the caterer and the full event planner. During my career at my last two jobs, my primary focus was on large, complex and VIP events. At last count I’ve produced almost 3,000 events, and I remember every single one! I’ve done the Emmys and Grammy Awards from 2001-2015, Art & Film Annual Gala at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, film premiers (to many to count), San Fransisco Black & White Ball and many celebrity weddings and birthdays, that I can’t talk about because in LA we must sign Non Disclosure Agreements. In order for an event to be successful, the planner (and each vendor) must determine what is ultimately best for the guests at the event. I have to think about not only what is delicious, but what is in season, in the budget and here in LA we must plan for dietary restrictions and food preferences so LOTS of gluten-free and vegan items. 

JL: What do you do if a problem occurs at an event? MD: First, you must mange the expectation of your client. I have seen everything, from trucks getting lost, to dogs jumping onto weddings cakes! They are rough when they happen, but if you really put the work into the planning process, you can handle a few blips when they occur. One piece of advice, is to always work ONE HOUR in advance of your timeline. For instance, when guests are eating dinner, I am thinking about valet being ready for car pick up. 

JL: What kind of social media does your company use?

MD: We have a very robust social program, our Instagram is a combination of food and lifestyle images, all color coded to work with the ad that we’ve created that month. We use IG stories for recipe creations and in-store events. We use Facebook to support what is on Instagram and to communicate about our upcoming events. Lastly, we have a small presence on Twitter, but it is not the most active platform.

JL: If you were not an event planner or in this field of work, what would be your dream job?

MD: I would love to be a writer for food publications, so now that I am currently working in a food media company hopefully that dream will come true soon! 

- Jordan Legg 

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Patina Catering

By: Jordan Legg

Social Media Page: Instagram (@patinacatering)

The first element of Patina Catering’s Instagram is how consistent they are with their social media posts. A post is made almost every day or every other day of the different events that they cater and put on. By consistently posting, it shows clients how often they put on a variety of events and how much they interact with their customers online. Patina Catering also includes posts about the workers (chefs, producers, and so on) that make each event possible to put on. They only problem with their posts is that if they are catering a high profile event like the Emmy’s they are not allowed to make posts until after the event, so their potentially can be a small time gap in their social media posts, however, if this happens they tend to post photos from previous events. 

The second element of Patina Catering is how they drive traffic to their website and other social media pages. The first thing that catches the clients eye is the company’s bio in their profile. It states the two most popular hashtags that they use to brand themselves at all the events that they host. The bio also includes a link to their YouTube channel which has seventy-four videos giving an overview of different events that they have done in the past. Patina Catering also incorporated an option of potential clients to contact them through email or phone. 

The third element is the high sections on their Instagram which displays the variety of events that they produce as a company. The highlight sections include press, Emmy’s 2018, wedding, preferred venue, cuisine and beverages. Having these short highlight clips of different events that they have done in the past gives clients a chance to see the kind of quality work that the company does for a variety of different events. 

Website:  https://www.patinagroup/compatina-catering

The first element that I noticed was how the entire website had stuck to a theme and was very well organized and easy to navigate through. At the very top, under the company’s name is a row of tabs that clients can browse through to gain more information about the company. The entire website keeps the same color theme of purple, orange, and green. It also has very lively and bright photos which is also shown on their Instagram posts. 

The second element of Patina Catering was their contact information. Patina Catering had an entire tab on their website dedicated solely to clients being able to contact them. Once on the tab, there is four different areas a client can contact (general questions, catering inquiries, press inquiries and human resources questions). Within each section, it had a list of emails, phone numbers and operation times. 

The third element of Patina Catering was their resolution photos. The front page of the website shows a few photos of events that they have covered. Diving further into their website, there is an abundant number of pictures for a client to look at. Patina Catering lists categories for a client to look at different photos from pasts events, including: weddings, parties, corporate events, award shows, celebrity parties and so on. By doing this, clients have a chance to see the vast number of events that Patina Catering hosts and can also gain inspiration on what they can do for their future events. 

Patina Catering does a very good job with both their website and social media presence. They keep a consistent theme on both platforms, incorporate past client experiences in their posts and offer to cater a variety of events for clients from small parties to big red carpet events. 

I think that the website is a good entrance to a business. Through their website and social media platforms Patina Catering is able to show clients their focus points that may not come across in a “brick and mortar” store front. By posting photos and creating videos it gives Patina Catering a chance to brand themselves in the event planning business which is a key element for event planners to do. 

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Shannon Wellington Weddings

I viewed the Website & Instagram of Shannon Wellington Weddings and Events. Shannon and her team based  “provide a boutique wedding & event planning experience” and have been featured in numerous publications and as visual inspiration on blogs. Shannon’s website and social media are strategically thought-out and aesthetically pleasing. They have a strong sense of branding that shines through on all their pages. They shared the following post on their Instagram which affirms their brand vision... 

 Their Instagram not only showcases the brides and venues, they are sure to include details, locations and general inspiration into their feed to keep it fresh and fun. She also adds credits to vendors she has partnered with whether its a florist, photographer, caterer, venue, stylist, etc. She has a strong following so this could bring potential business to those vendors as well. 

In addition to having a visually appealing main feed on Instagram, SWW has a nice bio that includes contact information right from their profile. Their bio is both informative and light-hearted while still sharing a big accomplishment. They also use the service linktr.ee to link not only their website but their blog and featured articles as well all in one place. 

The content in their highlights is good however this is one area in which they can improve. Businesses can really capitalize on the different aspects of their business in their highlights section. Also, with having a strong brand image throughout, the branding should carry over into the highlights. Like many others, they should have highlight covers made to match their overall theme and effortlessly blend into the page. They could also consider the using IGTV to share workshops, tutorials, planning tips with their followers. 

I think a website is a good entrance to business. Since event planners likely do not have a physical “brick and mortar” store, office, or showroom, a website (and social media) are the selling aspects of their business. That ties back to why brand awareness is EVERYTHING. Branding is essential to drawing in the cliental. This even ties in the little details. Photos need to be high resolution, reviews must be polished, and awards and features must be highlighted on both the website and social media. Consistency is key. 

-Victoria Miller 

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Evenings Of Elegance

By: Jenny Bartkovich

Website: http://www.eveningsofelegance.com/

   When first arriving on their webpage, Evenings of Elegance creates a beautiful aesthetic that clearly shows what they are about. With slideshows on almost every subpage, the website is constantly showing the viewer exactly what they are capable of dong. The multiple picture presented throughout the website also show the company’s diversity in the events they are capable of planning. The color scheme and font style is attractive, elegant and sophisticated.

The layout of the website had both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, there are two subpages provide substantial information that potential clients would look for. that There are two sections of the website that stood out to me. The subpage of Services clearly list that Evenings of Elegance plans weddings, other social events and corporate events. You can click on which type of event service you desire, even more information is presented about what Evenings of Elegance can do for you, including what they specialize in and consulting options.

   Their subpage called ‘Kudos’ serves as their testimonials. With slideshows of praise from various clients, this subpage gives credibility and displays numerous reviews of successful events the company has done.

   While these sections improve the website, the rest of the website was a bit lacking. Starting with the home page, there was nothing more that a slideshow of six pictures. The majority of the pictures were of weddings, which gives the impression to viewers that weddings are the only event they are capable of. The website also has subpages titled ‘Blog’ and ‘Press’. However, the blog page has not been updated since 2015 and cannot even load it’s one and only post. The Press section contains three screenshots of what appear to be magazines or newspaper where the company as mentioned but you cannot easily identify where or what the comment is. Both of these pages hurt the website overall because it fails establish credibility.

Social Media - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/EveningsofElegance/photos/?ref=page_internal

   Listed at the bottom of the website is the company’s social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

   Looking at the company’s Facebook page, it does clearly identify the company as a business, listing the location, hours of operation and link to website. However, scrolling through the page, the posts do not come across as relating the business. There are posts about the owner’s dogs, and family life. While I do think that is a nice element, making her seem down to earth, there should be more content that directly relates to the business.

   When looking through the Facebook albums, there are several albums but again not an overwhelming to show what the company has done. Even the majority of the album titles are listed as dates, not the type of event. While there is nothing wrong with these aspects, I do think improving them would attract more viewers and make the viewers more informed about what Evenings of Elegance can do.  

   Clicking around the rest of the Facebook page, the sections are practically empty. Under the Events tab there are only two past events listed. I think this makes the company seem very inactive within the industry. Under the Info and Ads section, there is absolutely no content. This is an easy way to present the business and what they are about.

   While I only explored one of their social media accounts, I would say that the website for Evenings of Elegance definitely does a better job communicated to and attracting clients.

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Kimberly Paige Events

By : Alyssa Chertcoff 

Social Media Page: Instagram (@kimberlypaigeevents)

The first element of Kimberly Paige Events Instagram is her over all theme and aesthetics. The page overall is visually pleasing and immediately captures your attention. This is key to get potential clients interested in hiring you. Additionally, the more interested a client is who finds you on instagram the better because they are more likely to look into your website and actually hire you. Her posts also include her family which makes her extremely personable and relatable. I personally enjoy looking through her feed because she truly puts on a divers display of events and weddings.  

The second element I noticed was her ability to produce a highlight section on Instagram for her various awards. This is key because clients can immediately see that she is the real deal and she produces quality work. It is a positive to put positive accolades on display for clients to see. This also gives clients a reason to look past your Instagram and visit your website and vice versa. Additionally, she created a solid, concise, and strong bio on her Instagram page which I find is extremely important. Besides your account, your posts, and comments, your bio on Instagram gives clients and visitors the overall feel of yourself and your company.

The third element I found was her posting pattern. I have been following Kimberly Paige Events for a long time and I can honestly say she does an amazing job posting on a daily basis whether it is weddings, new concepts, ideas she has witnessed, or even recent events she has put on. Many people do not understand the importance of a posting pattern. Accomplishing and establishing a posting schedule can help event planners boost their content, drive client views, and even gain more followers. In my opinion KPE does just that. Additionally, KPE keeps their clients informed through these postings of any company updates or vendor alliances. This also boosts KPE social media platform and brings it to the next level.  

Website: https://www.kimberlypaigeevents.com

The first element I noticed is the entire website is well put together and organized. There is a section for home, applause, portfolio, about, and contact. This makes it easy for a client to navigate from page to page without being overwhelmed. Additionally, KPE has a slide show playing on the home page of divers events she has put on. This give the client a first look into a possible experience they could potentially have. Additionally, the text is a good size and easy to read. Her overall website theme matches her instagram which keeps a cohesive flow. Her contact page allows you to get in touch with her easily without any hassle witch is a positive when attracting clients. Additionally, during this time clients send her a date which organizes her schedule and allows her to see if she is available or not. 

The second element of KPE website that I noticed was her Bio. It is important when having a website to have a Bio that lets future clients understand who you are, your goals, and how you do business. The owner Kimberly Paige’s Bio is absolutely incredible and after reading it I would want her to put on my events! She comes across as professional, understanding, personable, and extremely hard working. She not only gives readers and clients a glimpse into who she is but how much her company means to her as well. Kimberly Paige is the face of her company and in my opinion that is why she is thriving in the industry. Additionally, KPE links their website to their Instagram page as well which I believe is extremely important. This way potential clients that view her website first can go to KPE Instagram page and follow her there as well.

The third element I encountered was he applause, awards, and portfolio. KPE has done an abundance of events and that is evident in her portfolio section. From first birthdays to weddings, to retirement parties and more KPE has you covered. Every event KPE puts on is different, and breathtaking in its own way. It's no wonder the company has been given so many awards. The Knot especially is heavily connected with KPE and she makes this knows to her clients by adding a “in the media” section to her website. Additionally, he applause secion is blooming with praise and reviews written by her past clients from all walks of life. This is another way KPE stands out from the others. Lastly she gives a clear concise, package plan for her clients to choose from regardless of what event she is putting on! This in my opinion is something everyone should offer and post on their website so clients can figure out what the best package is for them before contacting KPE.

[jjavevents-blog]

Micro Trips

When reviewing 2019 Travel Trends articles, a top trend that surfaced was micro trips. More people are planning on taking weekend trips to more local destinations. This will help boost local economies and bring awareness to these destinations. ELLE dubbed it as the year of “bite size travel”, squeezing curated itineraries into a shorter time frame.  

This trend is booming due to the accessibility of cheap flights, new lodging options like AirBnb and ride share applications like Uber and Lyft. The options of where to travel is almost endless. Consumers are looking for these unique travel experiences and expect it to be matched with great accommodation. 

Micro trips are a less expensive and innovative way to escape from a normal weekend. Tips include: flying out late (giving you the ability to not leave or miss work), short travel distances, flying west so you don’t loose to the time difference, anywhere north or south is ideal, and finding a travel route with hourly flights.

Although these trips are short, planning is still important. Tolls to take advantage of are Google flights, alternate hotel options like AirBnb, and apps and websites like trip advisor and booking.com to help you plan the perfect weekend getaway. 

-Victoria Miller 

https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/travel/g32446/travel-trends/

https://www.godsavethepoints.com/2019/01/26/micro-trips-buzzing-travel-trend/

[jjavevents-blog]

Soneva Fushi

A once in a Lifetime Experience 

By: Alyssa Chertcoff 

Soneva is a destination focusing on bringing the beauty of nature to human experiences. The creators  Eva and Sonu Shivdasani built Soneva (Fushi) as well as their home on the deserted island of Kunfunadhoo in the Maldives in 1995. They had no idea that their “intensely personal vision” of a locally crafted villa and environmentally responsible lifestyle would form the basis of a successful collection of world-class hotels. However,  that’s exactly what happened. Soneva (Fushi) was the first (floating) resort in the Maldives.

 This month Chef Kenji Gyoten, one of only a handful of three Michelin-starred sushi chefs in the world found himself at Soneva Fushi. Chef Marcelo Ballardin, from the one Michelin-starred Oak and Guillaume Bracaval, with two Michelin stars, brings his French cuisine to Soneva Fushi. Roger Moore brings his combination of Western and Eastern approach to health and wellbeing to Soneva Jani. Natalie Dau, a champion Crossfit and Spartan Race will be hosting an exclusive bootcamp while at Soneva Fushi. These are just some of the first class experiences you can look forward to while staying at these world class resorts. 

One of the largest attractions when visiting these high end resorts is the water aspect. Some of these include private ocean pools, personal slides into the water, and even glass bottom baths. The water at Soneva is crystal clear and you could be taking a bath with sharks swimming underneath you. Overall, this is an extremely unique destination that offers adventures, and experiences you just can not get or experience other places in the world.

There are also many activities that Soneva offers at their many locations such as diving. Divein at a Soneva resort will give you international standards from expert instructors. You have the option to choose from either Scuba or Open Water Diving courses. You get to experience the House Reef, which has not suffered from any coral bleaching and has a incredibly diverse array of coral species, with the healthiest sections of the reef having 58% live coral cover.

[jjavevents-blog]

Live For A Week Underwater Like Ariel

When it comes to finding the perfect vacation spot for an upcoming trip, many people run into the same question: “What place is new and exciting for us to go to?” Some people like vacationing in the same spot every year, however, others like to switch things up and try out a new area that they have never been to before.

Now imagine going on vacation to a place that is not just new, but also exciting!

This is exactly how people feel when they vacation at Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida.

This is the first ever underwater hotel.

When people spend the week in the underwater home, they are offered scuba diving lessons and also the chance to participate in multiple underwater activities that the lodge offers.

The underwater abode includes a kitchen with a fully stocked refrigerator, a lounge area with couches, bathrooms that contain how showers and a few bedrooms with windows that look out onto the lagoon for guests to watch the fish swim past in the water. 

Jules’ Undersea Lodge website includes all the information about pricing and hours of operation for any guests that were considering coming here to vacation.

- Jordan Legg

https://vacationidea.com/weekend_getaways/best-cool-unusual-places-us.html

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Vacation of a Lifetime

By: Jennifer Bartkovich

Imagine if you could take an entire vacation without having to plan a single thing. No more dealing with comparing websites, finding the best offer or deciding what attractions to see once you finally get to your destination. According Stephanie Asymkos who posted to MSN.com on February 24th, you can!

Asymkos reported that Pack Up + Go is now offering costumers entirely planned vacations. Customers do not have to plan a thing, they do not even have to choose their destination!  Travelers do not even know the destination of their vacation until the morning of their departure! All customers have to do is fill out a simple survey that answers questions about what they are looking for in a vacation and their budget. Pack Up + Go plans it all, including transpiration, accommodations and itineraries for the entire trip.

This all sounds great right? An amazing vacation that involves little to no effort except packing. What's the catch? You are probably thinking the price. However Pack Up + Go plans the vacation based on your budget! Trips range from $400 to $5,000. With that must flexibility, customers are bond to have a great time!

This company is the definition of event planning. They take feedback from their customers, learning about their internal objectives, and plan entire vacations from start to finish. Pack Up + Go's whole concept of selling entirely planned vacations gets people's attention. Customers are attacked to this because it requires little to no effort of their behalf. Not only do they have minimal responsibilities, they can also receive this service for a reasonable price. The fact that Pack Up + Go tailors vacations based off of the customer's price range differentiates them from other travel agencies. Pack Up + Go has taped into a new travel trend, calling on customers who are spontaneous and ready for adventure. Revolutionizing the travel industry, Pack Up + Go has potentially created a new business.