Category: Event Industry

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Event Industry

Tips to Benefit Your Fundraising Event

For one reason or another, you have decided that you need to raise money. It doesn’t matter whether it is for your business, your kid’s scout troop, a non-profit side project of yours, or for a personal matter. What does matter is how you are going to create a fundraising event.

Pay attention to the tips below and see if they may be able to help you decide the best way to raise the funds you need.

Why fundraising is important

Fundraising does just what it says – it is raising funds. Fundraising occurs for all sorts of reasons. In schools, kids participate by selling candy bars or wrapping paper to earn money for trips or new uniforms, etc. Businesses and nonprofits have fundraisers to raise money for much needed equipment and supplies. Communities may hold a fundraising event to raise money for a resident who has a medical need or has fallen on hard times.

Even though these are all very different situations, they all have a common need: to raise money for something that they see as important. And there is always a following of supporting individuals that want to help. Without the opportunity for fundraising, many organizations and communities would be missing out on some important – and possibly lifesaving – items.

How an event structure a can help: Bigger IS better

When you decide to have a fundraising event, you will need to decide on your location. Something to keep in mind is that you may not have an exact number of how many people will show up to your event. And, let’s face it – the more people, the more potential there is to raise money. So, the more the merrier! Therefore, you are going to need to have space to accommodate all your guests. Don’t forget you will also need to account for room for your volunteers that will be helping with organizing and executing the event.

What does all this mean? You will need a versatile space.

Renting an event structure can offer the perfect solution. It gives you a covered space with all the conveniences of a real building, but it is flexible in case you get an overflow of attendees! Event structures can have flooring, side walls, and can even be climate controlled – which can help combat bad weather conditions. Not to mention that event structures come in all sizes. So, you are sure to find the perfect space!

Now all you need to do is decide what kind of fundraiser you are going to have!

Hire a band or have a talent show

Music always brings people together and is a great way to fundraise. Most local bands are looking for gigs to book and may agree to perform at your event for a reduced fee or even for free! If you are feeling ambitious, you could book a couple of bands and keep the music going – make it a mini music festival fundraising event! Bands from different genres could also draw different crowds. A plus to this route is that if you are worried about the turnout at your event, most bands have their own regular following which can be a great perk!

If your crowd is more daring, you could have a talent show. Plan well in advance and have people sign up to participate. Award prizes in different categories, have judges, make it fun. Having an event structure for your fundraising event means that you can have space for a dance floor and a stage.

So how can you raise money with either of these events? Charge an admission fee, sell food and drinks, and sell tickets to raffles (with donated items) and 50/50 games of chance.

Auction anyone?

If you have a rather large following, reach out and see if you can obtain donated items for an auction. It can be a simple auction or can be combined with a dinner or live music. Have your guests bid on the items. It helps to draw a crowd if you can get an individual or company to donate an extravagant item to be auctioned.

You can charge an admission fee and for any food or drink items you decide to sell.

Dress up for a formal dinner

People like to have a reason to dress up. Why not give it to them? Getting fancy for a good cause can make people want to spend money. Organize a formal dinner – either home-cooked or catered – and charge for those tickets. Promise your guests a night of dinner and dancing. Or, if possible, hire a relevant speaker, and sell tickets to dinner and a show.

Make sure you decorate your event space to match the event. After all, you don’t want your guests in tuxedos and formal gowns while sitting on metal folding chairs and eating on paper plates. If you spend the money to make your space magnificent, then your guests will be willing to purchase your tickets. In other words, it may cost you more to decorate and have this type of event, but you will also be able to charge more for tickets.

Consider combining this formal dinner with a silent auction of donated goods to raise additional funds.

Friendly competition or race

Remember those days of the all-night dance ‘til you drop? Or how about the jumping jack challenge? A 5k race? These types of events can make good fundraising methods, too. You can organize an event that consists of a race or a competition. Advertise your event and ask people to sign up and participate.

The participants will then reach out to the people they know with the hope of getting sponsors. For instance, if you choose to have a race, the participant will obtain donations from people supporting that individual in his or her efforts to complete your challenge. Make sense?

To be successful, you must choose a competition or race that interests you and your target audience. Then, go for it! Just don’t forget to have prizes for the winners!

A fundraising event can be fun – it doesn’t have to be tedious. Brainstorm and decide what you think people will be more interested in and do it!

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Event Industry

Using a Clearspan Tent for a Mardi Gras Party

It’s that time of year again. The time when people from all over the world travel to New Orleans for parades, music, partying, and making memories they may very well never even remember. While many people want to make this journey and partake in these festivities, not everyone has the opportunity.

Who says you need to be in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras? Why not throw your own Mardi Gras party? In fact, creating your own party means that you can invite who you want, chow down on the food you choose, all while partying in your own backyard – close to the conveniences of home. What could be better?

First, clear space in your backyard and rent your clearspan tent. Then, keep reading:

The Invitations

You are going to want to send out invites to those you want to share your Mardi Gras event with. The invites will allow you to keep everyone on the same page about the party’s happenings and lets them know if you request anything for the party. For instance, tell your guests to dress for the occasion and to bring their own masks and supply of beads for sharing.

To keep it fun and intriguing for your invitees, keep your invitations festive. Use sparkles and make them shine in colors of purple, green, and gold. Hint: Your invitation is going to be the first clue as to how thrilling your Mardi Gras party will be – so be bold and make it stand out!

Decorate Your Clearspan Tent

Here comes the fun stuff – decorating. You made the great decision to rent a clearspan tent, allowing you to have the freedom of openness for your guests to get wild and crazy. Now all you must do is transform your backyard and your tent into Mardi Gras central. If you don’t know where to start, keep reading – we’ve got you covered.

  • Stick to the festive colors green, purple, and gold. And make sure to add some sparkle.
  • Use garland, tinsel, and balloons to decorate the area.
  • Get table coverings, paper plates, napkins, and cutlery to match.
  • You must have a sparkling disco ball.
  • Decorate walls and poles with masks, Mardi Gras signs, all things jazz (such as music notes, saxophones, trumpets, etc.)
  • String decorative lights throughout the tent and fly the Mardi Gras flag high and proud!

Use your imagination and check out your local party stores for ideas and decorations.

Dress for the Occasion

This is where the fun stuff comes in. You want to get your guests involved into playing the part to make your Mardi Gras party true to form. Idea: Entice your guests by letting them know in the invite that there will be an award for the best dressed.

Mardi Gras is all about having fun and letting loose. It is a time that you can go wild with your look, in a glitz and glamour sort of way. Sequined dresses or gowns for the ladies and suits for guys are the top ideas for attending a party. Keeping your outfits within the color scheme is also a great way to be festive. For example, wearing a sequined purple suit would fit in perfectly!

Masks are also a big hit with party guests. Years ago, these decorative masks allowed guests to mingle in an incognito manner – overriding the constraints of different societal classes. Nowadays, the masks are worn because they are just part of the culture. You can decorate your own or buy masks from party or masquerade stores. Whatever you do, make sure you include feathers!

Beads are perhaps the biggest symbol of Mardi Gras these days. The colors, purple, gold, and green have a historical meaning – purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power – and were initially meant to be thrown to those in the crowd who exhibit the meaning of the colors. Now, not so much. Beads get tossed for various reasons and are a staple of any Mardi Gras party.

The Sounds of New Orleans

Music is HUGE in New Orleans – and that also goes for Mardi Gras celebrations. You have a ton of people at your party that you want to entertain, keep them moving, and keep their spirits high. You can do that with the perfect Mardi Gras playlist. It must include:

  • Louis Armstrong’sWhen the Saints Go Marching In
  • Al Johnson’s Carnival Time
  • The Hawketts Mardi Gras Mambo
  • Earl King’s Street Parade

It doesn’t have to be perfect. Any Jazz, Cajun, or pop music will do the trick to keep your guests smiling. Don’t forget to plug in those speakers and sound system – then kick it up a notch!

Classic Mardi Gras party grub and cocktails

New Orleans uses flavors of Cajun and Creole to spice up the party. You absolutely cannot have a Mardi Gras party without gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, and hush puppies. Let’s not forget the king cake – the delicious cream cheese cinnamon sweet cake with a little plastic baby hidden inside. Yes, you read that right – a plastic baby hidden within the cake. While you want to be sure not to choke, if you get the slice with the hidden baby it is supposed to symbolize prosperity.

Cocktails are also a big part of the celebration. Here are a few of the most popular mixed drinks:

  • The Hurricane: a powerful drink of fruit juices mixed with two types of rum.
  • A Ramos gin fizz: this is a classic in New Orleans created by Henry C Ramos. It is a gin fizz combined with egg whites and orange flower water.
  • Southern Comfort: on the rocks or any way, shape, or form. This liquor is a staple in New Orleans.

If you combine each of these elements under your clearspan tent rental, you will create a Mardi Gras party that is so memorable, many of your guests may wonder if they are really in your backyard or if they have been transported to the Big Easy. Cheers!

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Event Industry

Here’s How You Can Plan Fun Corporate Events

So, you are ready to take the plunge and host the latest and most fun corporate events in your industry. You have invited many people and want to make a bold statement – as this is your make or break moment.  You want to do something different and engage your guests, rather than just have the same old boring conference with a monotone speaker and a yawning audience. There must be a way to avoid this, right? Yes! There sure is.

From renting a clear span tent to selecting the perfect theme, use the ideas below to liven up your next corporate event and raise the bar for other industry leaders in the future. Be prepared to plan the hottest and most fun corporate events yet!

Use Props with a theme!

Props are awesome. They offer event-goers a chance to let loose and maybe even giggle a little bit, depending on the props and theme you choose. Here are few of the most popular:

  • Night at the movies. Complete this idea with a movie screen and projector, popcorn machine, props to include the Hollywood sign, and the walk of fame.
  • Set up a photo booth. You can use props to match your theme, say — the roaring 1920’s, casino night, 1980’s flashback, animal kingdom, etc.
  • Ice sculptures
  • Road trip. Use car prop, street signs, state backdrops, photos on postcards, etc.
  • Stress relief. Offer massages and spa services to your attendees. After all, it may be a work event, but it is also a mini vacation from the office.
  • A DIY section. Think of something that may come in handy for the folks in your industry (or just simply a fun idea) and have an area in which your guests can learn how to make their own. For example, lotions, a zen garden, stress balls, step by step painting class, etc.
  • Inflatables! These are not just for kids anymore! Instead of bounce houses, adults get inflatable money booths, bull riding, snowboard or surfboard riding, etc. Fun stuff!
  • 50’s diner themed. Complete with poodle skirts, jukeboxes, records, and checkered flooring.

The point is to make the atmosphere fun and entertaining. Sure, your guests are there to work – technically. But, sometimes it is okay to let loose when the boss isn’t looking!

Backgrounds – and photo spot

Have you ever watched celebrities walk into an award show or a benefit on the red carpet? How about turning your guests into celebrities? Have a red carpet (or any color, for that matter) and then take their picture in front of a backdrop as they arrive. You can use a backdrop that matches your theme or you can have a backdrop custom made with your company or events name and/or information on it. (The latter can turn into a great advertising tool thanks to social media).

Use the photos you take during fun corporate events and turn them into something comical or memorable. For instance, you can put the faces on bobble heads, create canvas photos, caricatures, pins and badges, etc. It is even possible to set up an Instagram station (or any social media, for that matter). As the pics are posted (with a specific hashtag) you can have video screens throughout the venue showing a continuous collage of these photos. You may also have an area when people my purchase or download copies that were professionally taken at the event.

Rent a clear span tent

Gone are the days of boring old hotel conference centers or convention centers. The most fun corporate events are not located in dingy conference rooms. People these days look for adventure or, at the very least, something intriguing or unique. Take time to carefully select where you would like to hold your event.

A suggestion that allows you a lot of room for customization to get the exact space you want is renting a clear span tent. It is easy to do – all you need to worry about is finding a space large enough to hold the clear span tent, the attendees, and, possibly, parking. You determine the size, the layout, the location, and any other specific details and the ball starts rolling. Easy as pie! Clear span tent rentals even have all the offerings of a permanent building – flooring, walls, climate control, etc. – except it is where you want it and designed how you want it.

Performers

Who says you need one famous headliner or performer to make your event a success? That is just not the case at all. In fact, if you can keep your attendees entertained throughout the event, you are so much farther ahead.

Here is what we are talking about here:

Let’s say you have a casino-themed event. While you will have various casino games, etc., why not hire Vegas dancers to mingle among the crowd, as well as have short shows sporadically throughout the day?  Or, if you are having a circus theme, why not hire fire-eaters, jugglers, clowns, and acrobats to make their way through the crowd? If it is a tropical or island theme, you could hire belly dancers. Get the idea?

There are so many options – and even more people looking to entertain. You just have to find them!

Hire a DJ and an MC

No one can quite get a party going quite like a DJ can. People love music – especially music that makes them feel good. Hiring a DJ for your fun corporate events can liven the moods of your attendees and keep a joyful feeling in the air.

MC’s can be entertaining, as well. They keep order in an event. When you have a lot of guests in a large space with a lot going on, sometimes it can be hard to maintain order and reduce any confusion. An MC can be that center point of contact for attendees and help with the flow of the day.

If you use your imagination, you should be able to come up with all sorts of ideas to liven up your next corporate event. Just keep in mind that the idea is help keep the mood of your attendees elated, the feel of the event confident, and the outcome successful. Best of luck!

 

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Event Industry

How to Prepare for a Music Festival Season

We are slowly reaching that time of year again – music festival season. The time when you need to start planning your vacation from your job so you and your friends can hit up the best music festivals around the country. It doesn’t matter what you are into – pop, indie, rock, EDM, hip hop – there is a festival for you. In fact, they seem to get more popular as each year passes. With this guide, you’ll know exactly how to prepare for a music festival.

So, after you have made your selection showcasing your favorite bands, what should you do to make sure you are prepared for the festival? Grab a pen to take notes – you are going to want to keep reading for the best ways to learn how to prepare for a music festival and get yourself set for a worry-free music festival season.

Find a Tent Rental to Create Your Temporary Living Space

First, you will need a tent to sleep in. Remember, you are going to have to use your outdoor festival tent rental for sleeping and for storing your belongings. Therefore, make sure it is big enough. Always go for a size or two bigger than the amount of people it says it can sleep. Let’s face it – you are not necessarily going to want to be snuggled up to your buddies who have been partying hard for hours on end, are you?

Now, because you are not going to want to stay in your tent rental all day, you will want to set up a space next to it to act as a social/living area, so-to-speak. You can rent a canopy that can hold quite a few people. Load it up with rugs, chairs, lights, etc. Not only will it provide a spot for you and your friends to mingle, it will also provide a place for shelter and shade. Make it as comfortable as possible. This is going to be your spot for the next couple days.

If you are lucky enough to plan, you can find a tent rental for the festival – get all decked out with personalization and stand out! Finding a tent rental will make your trip even more luxurious and will help you to prepare.

Be Prepared

Knowing how to prepare for a music festival can be difficult because of the many aspects involved. But it’s easier than you think! Music festivals really aren’t the time and place to cook a classy five course meal. Opting to purchase the food sold at the festival could get a bit pricey rather quickly. The best thing to do would be to pack non-perishable food items that can keep you well-nourished and won’t require too much effort to make. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Peanut butter, jelly, and bread for sandwiches
  • Bagels or rice cakes with peanut better
  • Fruits
  • Veggies
  • Canned beans, ravioli, soup
  • Dried fruits
  • Nuts
  • Granola bars or cereal bars
  • Oatmeal

Make sure you bring lots of water to stay hydrated. You may even bring empty bottles for re-filling, as most festivals will have available water taps. Check with organizers prior to going to see what is and what is not allowed. Some allow small grills or hot plates, others do not. Some allow glass bottles, others do not. It is best to know these things in advance so you can plan accordingly without encountering any surprises.

Don’t forget to pack a cooler for your travels as there is usually a long line of traffic to get to these rather rural festivals. You will get hungry and you will not want to dip into your festival rations.

Bring the Right Clothing and Frills

Think about it – you are going to be outdoors, subjecting yourself to all types of elements. You will want to be prepared, for your own sake. Know the weather before you go. Regardless of the weather forecast, if it’ll be hot, cold, rainy, etc., pack accordingly. If it is going to be cold, pack a couple extra clothing items to act as extra layers to keep you warm. If it is going be hot, pack a couple extra outfits to change into once you have turned your current outfit into a stinky, sweaty mess.

As far as having fun – you will want to pack those extra frills. Things such as onesie pajamas, bathing suits, crazy outfits, wigs, makeup, masks, glow jewelry, etc. Anything to stand out.

Arrive Early

You are going to want to make sure you arrive early enough to find the best camping spot or at the very least, a really good one. There is nothing more miserable than having to spend three days camping with the smell of overflowing portable toilets.

  • Make sure your spot is far away from toilet and trash locations. This may not seem like a big deal on day one, but by the end of day two, you will be wishing you had listened better.
  • Find grassy, flat land. It may seem like a soft idea to pitch a tent in the sand, but after a little rainfall, you will then have mud and, well, that is not so pleasant.
  • It can be brutally hot outside at times. When you are spending your days in the great outdoors without the great perk of air conditioning, you are going to want to find some shade.

It may force you to put in a little work, but ideally you are looking for a place that allows you to avoid horrid stenches, potential mud, and significant sunshine. Arriving early will allow you the most opportunity to find this master location!

Leave Your Bad Attitude at Home

Nobody enjoys the company of a Debbie Downer so leave your bad attitude at home. Music festivals get crowded, loud, and dirty. If that isn’t your thing, maybe you should re-consider. A couple of days roughing it with thousands of hyped fans is going to lead to chaos. Things may not always go as you planned. Regardless of if you’ve thought of absolutely everything and know how to prepare for a music festival, this is the most important thing to consider. Warn yourself of this ahead of time and you should have no worries.

Music festivals are meant to bring you fun times to dance, socialize, and forget the real world for a couple of days. Knowing how to prepare for a music festival can either make or break the event. Not being prepared could add a lot of stress to the event. From finding a tent rental to arriving early, plan ahead with these tips and you are sure to have a great time!

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Event Industry

Corporate Event Ideas: 5 Steps to Spice Up Your Event

Keeping your guests intrigued and engaged in a corporate event doesn’t require a lot of work – just a little creativity and planning. Whether it is using losberger tents for a stellar location or having a spontaneous karaoke session – your guests will surely look forward to your future events with these corporate event ideas.

Besides getting time out of the office or maybe free trip to a different city, many people loathe the idea of having to go to corporate events. The idea sounds fun, but the busy schedules, hours listening to boring speakers, and games is enough to make you cringe inside – even if you don’t show it.

So now that you are planning your own event, what are some corporate event ideas to make sure your guests aren’t secretly hoping someone pulls the fire alarm or, even worse, that there is a power outage?

These five corporate event ideas will guide you in spicing up your next event so that you will raise the bar for all other corporations:

Choose Any Location Using Losberger Tents

The first thing that your guests will see is the venue you choose. When they arrive to your event, are they going to be blown away? Convention centers and generic ol’ conference halls seem to be the desired pick for most organizations. You have the same bright, busy carpet and white cloth table coverings with very few windows. It is boring.

Why not try something new? Losberger tents offer a place to wow your guests. They give you the opportunity to hold your event in any location. Pick somewhere remote and beautiful – off the beaten path or search for a location that is sure to grab the interest of attendees. If it has space for a Losberger tent and is near lodging, then you are set.

You can rent and customize Losberger tents very easily. Depending on the size of your crowd, you can increase or decrease the size of your tent. In fact, if you really want to go for the wow factor, tents can be rented as two-story buildings – with lots of windows! They are climate controlled and act as real buildings – only their location is not permanent! Give your guests something to talk about!

Set a theme

Themes for your corporate event can be as professional or as goofy as you would like them to be. What matters is that you pick a theme that will be eye-catching and you go all out for it. When planning your food, prizes or giveaways, decorations, etc. make sure you keep with your theme and match every detail accordingly.

Remember – colors matter! Colors can set a tone or mood for an event. To make sure you get the right vibe going, check these out:

  • Red: signals passions, intensity, power, excitement – and even anger.
  • Purple: royalty, luxury, spirituality
  • Blue: calm, peace, tranquility, trust
  • Green: rejuvenation, health, nature, harmony
  • Orange: confidence, friendliness, outgoing
  • Yellow: happiness, optimistic, cheerful, awakening

You know your vision and the goal you are trying to achieve. Just make sure your decorations and colors remain uniform and flow throughout each aspect of your event.

Increase your social media presence

Getting the word out there about your event is crucial. You cannot just rely on word-of-mouth or a few Facebook posts to get it going. These days, a social media presence isn’t an option – you need one. If you are not up on the ins and outs, find someone who is!

Use sites where you will find your ideal audience. Post about your event, of course, but also post relevant blogs, photos, surveys, etc., to engage your audience. Another great idea is to do a promotion that will get you shares and attention. You want them to know your name and what you are about – and you want them to discover you are having an event. If you stay in front of their face – even if just while they are scrolling through – they will remember you.

Extra tip: During the event — always, always create a hashtag and encourage lesson and photo sharing by your guests to help increase your social media presence for future events! This is like having free promotion!

Engage your guests

Everyone dreads the getting-to-know-you games at corporate events. Every corporate event has speakers, a cocktail party, a dinner, a vendor’s area, games – it’s all rather generic and predictable.

To stand out, you will need to do something different. You will need to engage your guests and make them forget they are even at a boring corporate event. Check these out:

Go off grid and give your guests a time of growing and relaxation. Remove the need for electronics and, instead, let attendees recharge while spending time at your event. Have spa services, fresh foods, etc. (This is a perfect idea if you rent a tent for your event and place it in a remote location).

In addition to learning about your corporation, incorporate a learning event for your guests. For example, have a cooking class, teach a dance move or a magic trick, etc.

Think of what you would like to see at a corporate event and think about what you want your guests to get from yours. Then, put your mind to work and brainstorm ideas. You can come up with something unique, memorable, and engaging.

Throw in the unexpected

When all else fails, do something out completely unexpected and catch your guests by surprise. Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning:

  • Invite a well-known speaker
  • Have a known musician
  • Plan a flash mob
  • Incorporate neat talents into your theme, such as a magician, acrobats, snake handler, caricature artist, etc.

There are so many corporate event ideas and possibilities for your next event. Doing something out of the ordinary will leave a lasting impression for all who attend your event. Think about it carefully and go for it!

No matter what your corporate event is about, it doesn’t have to be all business. Attendees are used to the monotonous events in their industry. Step out and do something different with these corporate event ideas. Whether it is using a Losberger tent for a stellar location or having a spontaneous karaoke session – your guests will surely look forward to your future events.

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Event Industry

How to Put Together a Last Minute Party

Have you ever had that nagging feeling that you are walking through life way too easily – as if you are completely forgetting something, like, BIG? Then, when you least expect it, it hits you square between the eyes – how in the world could you forget that you agreed to host a last minute party for a specific person/occasion and it is to be held in just a couple days?!

Don’t fret! There is nothing that will get accomplished if you are panicking. Instead, sit back and read through these tips that will help you make last minute party throwing look like a piece of cake.

Take a deep breath – here we go:

Make a Last Minute To-Do List

It is hard enough to try to organize a party at the last minute. Forgetting something you need to do to make it all happen smoothly can lead you down a rather dark, bumpy road. Take some time to sit down and think about everything you will need before, during, and after your party. Make a checklist and keep it organized.

While you are making that list, why not go ahead and make a list of all the people you are going to invite?

Electronic Invites

Snail mail is out of the picture these days. Really – when was the last time you received a party invitation in your mailbox? Exactly! So, your guests will not think anything of it when they are invited via e-mail or social media. In fact, they may even think you planned it that way! They won’t consider for a second that this is actually a last minute party invite!

Send a batch email, use a free service such as evite, or use the event calendar on Facebook to send out instant party invitations. Make sure to ask that your guests reply quickly so that you may get a head count. Providing a small apology for the delayed invite couldn’t hurt, either.

Take it Outside Using Tent Rentals

The thought that will likely pop into your head as soon as you realize you need to throw this party right away is, “Oh, no! I need to clean my house!” Well here is an idea – how about taking the party outside? You can turn your backyard into the party spot and you can leave your house as dirty as you’d like! Fabric tent rentals can give you protection for your guests and your electronics, food, etc. These tents are completely customizable so you will find one that will work for you. Since you are short on time, it is a good thing they assemble quickly!

Pulling the sides open on tent rentals will allow for an indoor/outdoor backyard party feel. Tent rentals can create a very welcome atmosphere for your guests with a lot of room for socializing, playing games, or just relaxing.

Decorations

As you know, this is last minute party decor. You do not have much time to get fancy so keep it simple. Besides, simply stated decorations can sometimes be as beautiful as a professionally decorated room. Check your local party store for decorations that fit your party theme. A little splash of color is all you need.

If you decide to party outdoors, make sure you make use of various lighting techniques. In fact, stringing lights across your backyard can create a magical feeling.

Guests will not notice the decorations as much as they will the taste of the food and drinks, so make sure you keep your focus on your priorities.

Last Minute Food and Drinks

Do you really have time to plan a whole big sit down meal? Assuming you don’t want to overburden yourself even more, the answer is no. The best approach to food and drink for your last-minute party will be to focus on wide variety with minimal choices.

For food, think hors d’oeuvres. And, by all means, do not have six different chips and dips. Instead, have a few different choices for your guests to choose from – not all from the same bin at the grocery store. A few ideas are hummus and pita, brie and little toasts, banana nutella dip, veggie skewers, popcorn, chicken wings, etc.

As for drinks – you will never fill everyone’s individual tastes. Pick the 3 most versatile and popular drinks among your friends and call it a day. You have way too many things to handle than to worry about beverages.

On a side note – if anyone asks whether they can bring something when they reply to your invite, you may tell them they can bring an appetizer or special beverage if they so wish, but that it isn’t required!

Entertainment

There is no rule book that says guests need to have more entertainment than socializing with each other. Then again, bored guests are no fun – so you will want to have some sort of entertainment.

Your time-frame is short so you will likely not have a chance to book either a DJ or a local band – and that is just fine! Set up some speakers – your own or borrowed – and hook up a play list using your computer, iPod, mp3 player, etc. This will allow the music to help set the tone for the party without requiring too much of your time and attention.

Games are another thing you can do. A quick search online and you can find party games that don’t require anything more than what you already have. Or, take it back a few years and pull out all your old board games that have been collecting dust in the back of your closet. You can even get creative and put a new spin on old kid games.

If you have one, using a projector is another idea for entertainment. This will allow you to stream music videos or show movies throughout the night. Even a stream of funny videos can keep the mood light and fun! Hey, a laugh is a laugh, right?

Most guests come to parties to mingle, laugh, eat, and drink. Everything else is just a bonus. Planning a last minute party can be less stressful than you think. From tent rentals to simple lighting, follow these tips and no one will ever know that you forgot anything… Cheers!

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Event Industry

Why You Should Plan a Fundraiser Event in the New Year

With each New Year, there is a new opportunity for growth and change – for individuals and organizations. January is the perfect month to start planning the fundraiser event for your non-profit or charity organization. Plan a gala under a clearspan tent or host a marathon! You turned over a new leaf – now you can do so for your organization, too!

Asking for money is never exactly easy. That is what makes fundraising events so fantastic – you get to receive money for your organization or charity and have fun at the same time!

If you are looking to revamp your organization this year and gain some fundraising dollars to do so, then keep reading to discover the cream of the crop in fundraiser event ideas to get you moving!

The Talent Show

How fun would it be to see all your employees, co-workers, friends, or family up on stage showing off their talent? Whether you choose to have dinner and a show or just the show, this is sure to be one of the most fun and entertaining fundraisers.

Have people you know sign up to participate in the talent show. To make it more interesting, inviting, and well-rounded, set categories such as: most musical, funniest talent, weirdest talent, no one else can do your talent, and best overall. Have prizes for each category. This will entice everyone to participate – not just those looking to land a spot on the next America’s Got Talent.

Themed Ball or Gala Under a Clearspan Tent

Themed dinner party events are always a hit – especially the extravagant ones. Choose a theme and create a uniquely decorated space for your party. To maximize your options, it is best to find an open area and rent a tent. Clearspan tents offer wide open areas with no poles or inside barriers and have many of the perks of an indoor venue – including climate control, flooring, protective walls, etc.

A clearspan tent rental will allow you open decorating space to match your theme in the best way you can. Make sure your theme is spread throughout your food selection, decorations, entertainment and music choices, as well as any goodie bags or gifts for guests. Keep it uniform and eye-catching.

To get you started, here are a few themed ideas:

  • Under the sea theme –Use lighting in your clearspan tent to bathe the entire event space in hues of blue. Create decorations in the shape of sea life.
  • Black and white – This is the blanket idea for a formal gala. It calls for a classy dress code and your decorating should be classy and tasteful, too – in black and white, of course.
  • Casino night – Use a Vegas theme and get the games rolling. Decorate with casino-flair and get some of your friends to dress as cocktail waitresses. Make sure to check your local gambling laws first.
  • Caribbean night – Turn your clearspan tent into a tropical oasis. Tiki torches, palm trees, sand, and steel drum bands can give your guests a vacation without having to go anywhere!
  • Fiesta – Complete this party with a piñata, a taco bar, and tequila.

Remember, your guests are paying for a memorable and good time – and your organization needs their support.

Any of the many a-thons

There are jump-a-thons, bike-a-thons, dance-a-thons, bake-a-thons, and many, many more. Have your friends, employees, or co-workers sign up to participate at this fundraiser event. They will then collect donations from everyone they know who want to support them while they do something like tip-toe in ballet slippers wearing a tutu for 24 hours. The more participants you can gather up, the more money your organization can make. Does anyone really ever make it to the 24-hour mark at these things?

Guest Speaker

Find someone noteworthy who supports your cause and reach out to see if you can get them to donate their time by speaking at your event. It is highly unlikely you will get Matthew McConaughey to come speak at your auto show fundraiser, but there are many influential people out there that will be willing to. Use your network and see who you can come up with – you may surprise yourself!

Turn it into an event – including dinner, and sell your tickets. You will be well on your way to raising money!

Race – Ready, Set, Go!

Are you into fitness? Are you trying to motivate others? Do you have a large outdoor space available? You can always create a race. Plan a 5k course and have runners and walkers alike sign up. They can solicit donations for their participation and for the support of your organization. That gives you the opportunity to obtain further funds for your fundraiser event in addition to the registration fees.

You can rent a clearspan tent for registration and a post- race snack. Use donated prizes for the runners who place in each category.

If you are into the idea that you must spend money to make money, you can also use various race companies that will take care of the logistics for you.

Wine Tasting

If you are familiar with wine or know someone who is, you could set up a wine tasting. Depending on the turnout, you will need to purchase bottles of several different wines. Combine this with platters of cheese, crackers and other pairings and you have a wine tasting! It is also a good idea to talk to a local liquor stores to see about getting discounts on bulk purchases.

If wine isn’t your thing, don’t rule this idea out just yet. You can always turn it into a beer tasting or, say, a whiskey tasting.

You can also use this platform combined with a raffle or silent auction using donated items.

A fundraiser event doesn’t have to be boring and it doesn’t have to be torture. Everyone likes to have a good time. If you can make an exciting event happen, then you can raise the much-needed funds for your organization. New year, new growth opportunities – go for it!

 

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Event Industry

Ringing in the New Year with a Party

Ah, out with the old, in with the new. We are quickly approaching the end of the year. It’s time to reflect on all that we did – or didn’t do – in the ending year and set our sights on hope for the upcoming, fresh opportunity in the new year. Superstition says that whatever you spend your new year doing is what you will be doing the whole year through. So, rather than sleeping your new year away, resulting in potentially no forward movement in life for the upcoming year, perhaps you should throw a party and spend your time ringing in the new year with your favorite people making memories. Sounds like a good way to spend a year, right? From planning a special surprise to choosing tent rentals, you can plan the perfect party to ring in the new year.

If you are looking for the best ideas for creating your new year’s party, you have come to the right place.

Tent Rentals for the Perfect Party Space

The first thing you will want to determine for your party is where you are going to have it. Sure, ringing in the New Year is possible in your house, but, let’s face it – no one wants to kick off the New Year with a party-damaged home.

There are other options. For starters, you could look for a hall or other rental space. Of course, you must be aware of noise ordinances, decorate within the parameters of the owner’s guidelines, and hope that the space can accommodate all your needs. Here is a better option – rent a tent and find a place to put it. Whether in your own backyard or in an empty lot, tent rentals allow you the opportunity to build your party from the ground up, so-to-speak.

Tent rentals can be customized to meet all your needs. Depending on the theme of your party, you may want to go formal with flooring and lights throughout, with a dance floor. You may choose to let the earth be your flooring and use tiki torches. Tent rentals can be completely climate controlled and have sides, as well.

Basically, it is your best option for creating the perfect space for your party.

Party Theme

What type of theme will you have? Of course, you can decide to just call it a party. But what fun is that? You want to make an impression and have fun. You are closing out one year and running straight into a new one. Do something grand. Ringing in the New Year is all about ending the year on an amazing note. If you have a great imagination, then your options are endless. Here are a few ideas:

  • Black-light party. Ask your guests to get all decked out in their whitest whites. Also, decorate in whites and use black-lights to create a glow.
  • Black and White Ball. This is perfect for those who want a classy and elegant way to ring in the New Year. Make it a black-tie affair or just a black and white one.
  • Masquerade Ball. This is a secret way to end your year. You and your guests can sport your masks while dressed up, heel to toe. Masquerade balls do not necessarily have to be fancy, but why would you want it any other way?
  • Disco party. If you feel like you want to get down and boogie, perhaps a disco party will be more up your ally. Music, a dance floor, and a mirror ball. Have your guests dress in disco-era attire to make it more fun!
  • Last Hurrah party. You know a huge percent of people say they are starting the first day of the New Year with a healthy lifestyle. Why not kiss the year goodbye with all the food you and your guests won’t be enjoying for a while? e. fried foods, sweets, and any other junk food.
  • Casino party. Turn your space into Las Vegas. Set up poker tables, roulette, and black jack.

Noisemakers

Did you ever wonder why everyone has always been taught to make a lot of noise at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s? Superstition says that this noise will scare evil spirits away. Yep, they won’t get to follow you into the New Year.

Whether you are superstitious or not, ringing in the New Year is practically impossible without noisemakers. You can stick to the traditional party horns, blowouts, or ratchets. You could create unique noisemakers such as the bubble jump (jumping on bubble wrap), jingle sticks (adding bells to popsicle sticks), or placing raw beans inside decorated glass jars or half-folded paper plates.

However you decide to do it – make it loud!

Food and Beverage

You have some fun friends, a stellar venue – but what are you going to serve to eat? You can continue with the superstitions for the New Year. For instance, serving a pork dish, holding that pigs root forward meaning progression in life. Also, anything round – donuts, Bundt cake, etc. symbolizing the year coming full circle. Let’s not forget noodles which symbolize a long life or beans which are thought to resemble money.

Separately the superstitious New Year’s foods seem odd. However, a quick search online can lead you to recipes to combine these items into something delicious.

If you aren’t feeling like sticking with the common New Year foods, use your imagination and create a menu that matches the theme of the night!

Even though it isn’t food – don’t forget the champagne!

Ringing In the New Year 

This is the very last night of the year. You will never again be in this same moment. Do that something special that is going to make headlines. In other words, send the old year away with a bang.

Here are a couple ideas or create your own!

  • Writing wishes, hopes, and dreams for the coming year on mini scrolls and placing them inside balloons. When the clock strikes midnight, release the balloons into the sky!
  • Create a hashtag for the event and ask everyone to take a ton of pictures, upload them to your favorite social media site using the specified hashtag.
  • Buy fireworks and set them off at midnight, literally starting the year off with a bang.

However you’re ringing in the New Year, do it bold and make memories that will last a lifetime. Decorate your tent rental, stick to a theme, add a dash of food and champagne and rehearse a fantastic toast. Cheers!

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Event Industry

7 Easy Steps to Hosting a Dinner Party

Anyone has the option of hosting a dinner party. Not everyone can throw the ultimate dinner party. So, what makes it ultimate? Planning, planning and planning. Oh, and not leaving any detail untouched.

Hosting a dinner party can sound exciting. But when the ball starts rolling, the idea of putting it into effect can be a bit overwhelming. It isn’t easy making sure everything goes smoothly – from the initial arrival of guests to the last goodbye. However, if you can arm yourself with this checklist and the will to make it happen, your dinner party will be the talk of the town for years to come.

 

Timing and Invites

First, timing is everything. Deciding the best time of year, the best day, and best time will be key to how many will attend. Keep in mind possible weather-related issues, holidays, and other events. You will want to gather a list of those you are inviting and prepare the invitations.

Mailing (or e-mailing) the invites should take place about 4 weeks from the party date. This will allow plenty of time for any planning or schedule re-arranging that needs to be done by your guests.

 

Creating Space

Decide where you will host your dinner party. If your guest list is small, you may be able to hold the dinner in your home, using your existing dining room table, or adding on to it. However, for those with extensive guest lists, hosting a dinner party under a tent rental in the backyard may seem more logical. Using a tent rental for dinner parties is extremely common and can make the dinner more enjoyable – adding space to roam.

Make sure to account for enough space to have a dining area, a food station area, a comfortable sitting/mingling area, and an area to entertain for things such as dancing, games, etc.

Don’t forget to decorate your space! Choose a color scheme or a party them and match your decorations to it. There are many ideas online or at party stores if you can’t decide.

 

Planning the Menu

Most guests will arrive hungry. They know they are coming to your awesome dinner and they will bring their appetite. The best thing that you can do as a hostess is provide something for your guests to munch on prior to dinner. Appetizers or hors d’oeuvres such as chips and dip, veggie platters, shrimp cocktail or skewers, etc., will be light on the stomach, but will keep your guests busy until the meal is ready.

Dinner can be served at the table or via buffet style. Either way, make sure you have a varied selection. Not everyone likes the same dish. Some guests may also have dietary concerns. Make sure you provide dishes with meat, some without, and, if you cook a dish that has well-known allergens, such as shellfish or peanuts, make sure you notate it.

Always conclude the meal with a dessert. Get creative. You want this to taste delicious since it is going to be the final taste left on the tongues of your guests! Chocolate fountains with a variety of fruits, a sundae bar, pies, cakes, brownies. The choice is yours—just make it good!

Tip: If you decided to go with a theme, let your food keep in line with that theme. For example, if you decide on that Mardi Gras party, then serving a crawfish boil or jambalaya would be fitting.

 

Plan for Weather with a Tent Rental

The comfort of your guests is very important. If you are hosting a dinner party indoors, make sure you have adequate cooling or heating. In addition, make sure you have a plan for wet shoes, clothes or umbrellas – you do not want a wet, dirty floor should Mother Nature decide to soak you!

This point is more important to look at if you decide to host your party outdoors. You will need to be prepared for all types of weather conditions. A tent rental can provide shelter from rain and sun. If it has walls or a floor, then you can avoid wind and mud. You can also set up fans and heaters or use a tent rental that allows you to control the temperature.

If your guests are exposed to the elements, you would be an ultimate hostess if you provide little luxuries that others may forget. For example, soft throw blankets, insect repellant, sun glasses, flip flops, hand-held fans, etc. The more comfort you provide, the happier your guests will be.

 

Lighting

Lighting can make a bold statement and set the mood when hosting a dinner party. Soft lighting can create an intimate environment, allowing your guests to come together.  Make use of candles (citronella candles if you are outdoors), delicate string lighting, or lanterns. Switching your normal lightbulbs for those of a lower watt can make a big difference, too. Having more soft lights rather than less bright lights can create a calming effect, making the night more serene.

 

Drinks

You will need to make the decision of whether to serve alcohol at your dinner party. Sure, some people do not drink, but many others do. Asking your guests to bring their own drink, i.e. a “BYOB., will not lead you to win the ultimate dinner party host award. Your guests want to be catered to and treated. If you choose to treat them to booze, then you are going to have to make some decisions as to what you will serve. For the sake of your budget, you will want to ignore specific requests. Decide on a special drink of the night – one that goes with your party’s theme or color – and buy a load of white and red wine. Your guests will be appreciative, guaranteed.

 

Plan a Group Activity

This doesn’t have to be cheesy. You can choose a game or event that matches your party theme or you can just choose something to get your guests moving and talking. Guests don’t want to be bored and they surely aren’t coming just for your Aunt Mary’s old casserole recipe. Whatever you decide, keep it fun and entertaining.

Hosting a dinner party can be exciting and memorable. It doesn’t take any special skill to throw an ultimate dinner party – just organization, planning, and a thoughtful attitude. Remember your guests are guests and treat them as such, even if they are your closest friends.

 

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Event Industry

Plan the Perfect Outdoor Fall Wedding

Fall is quickly becoming one of the most popular seasons to wed. With the gorgeous autumn colors, nearly perfect weather and golden light, it is no wonder that more couples are choosing this time of year to say “I do”. Autumn is a romantic time of the year. It is when life starts over. The beginning of autumn brings hope with it. What a perfect time to start a new life with the love of your life with a gorgeous outdoor fall wedding.

An outdoor fall wedding is very mysterious and charming. Mother Nature provides a gorgeous backdrop, the air is crisp and beautiful fall flowers make lovely scenery. We have compiled this fall wedding guide to help you plan the perfect outdoor fall wedding.

Outdoor Fall Wedding Planning

Although this time of year is absolutely stunning, there are some things to consider when planning a wedding during this time.

Some things to consider when you start to plan your outdoor wedding include:

  • The weather
  • The climate
  • Keeping guests comfortable
  • Outdoor location
  • The date
  • Wedding Invitations
  • Your color scheme
  • Type of decor
  • The menu
  • Photography location
  • Potential risks or hazards

This list may seem like a lot. However, with this guide, you can plan a beautiful outdoor fall wedding.

Plan for the Weather

Fall weather all across the United States can be unpredictable. Some states in the northern part of New England get heavy snow as early as September. Southern states, such as Louisiana, Florida and Texas sometimes have heavy rains from fall hurricanes and tropical storms. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for any type of weather. Here are some tips for dealing with fall weather.

Learn About the Climate

If you are getting married in your hometown, you are probably quite familiar with the climate, especially if you have lived there a long time. But, if you are getting married in another state, research the climate patterns so that you have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Make Sure Your Guests Are Comfortable

There are small things that you can do that go a long way towards making your guests feel comfortable. For instance, if you plan to have a cocktail hour on the outside patio or terrace, then bring outdoor space heaters if there is any indication that it will be cool. You can also purchase inexpensive blankets, pashmina or other wraps to help your guests stay toasty.

Consider a Tent Rental

Tent rentals can be used year-round most places for outdoor events. Many companies offer tents that are equipped with temperature control. Large clear-span tents are perfect for outdoor weddings as they do not have any interior posts to interfere with decorations and take up space. In addition, they are clear, which allows you and your guests to view the lovely fall scenery outside.

Choose the Right Weekend

Fall is an important season for college and NFL football fans alike. Avoid big game days like the plague. Otherwise, super-fans may choose to skip your wedding and go to the game instead. Sports fans that feel like they have to attend your wedding will likely be irritated that they are being forced to miss the important game. Others will be glued to their smartphones rather than watching you and your significant other exchange vows. Therefore, check local sports schedules well in advance and avoid any big game weekends.

Use Fall-Themed Wedding Invitations

When planning an outdoor fall wedding, consider using wedding invitations that feature festive fall colors or a wedding invitation that has a natural, autumn motif. Fall designs feature leaf-like designs, illustrations of falling leaves and tree motifs. Craft paper invitations with gold foil or nature-inspired details are perfect for a fall wedding. A neutral invitation that features foil-pressed leaf motifs is great for a more modern autumn wedding.

Pick Colors That Mirror the Season

If you are planning a fall wedding, find inspiration from the changing leaves. Choose warm Earthy hues in shades of gold, red, brown and orange. Other popular fall colors include sage, cherry and warm vanilla. If you want to go bold, choose rich jewel tones like red, green and purple.

Use Seasonal Floral Designs

Choosing in-season floral designs not only captures the beauty and warmth of the season but will help you keep costs down, as well. Fall bridal bouquets often feature gorgeous yellows, fiery reds and rich oranges mixed with amber, gold and brown. Popular fall flowers include roses, hydrangea, dahlias, gerbera daisies, lily of the valley and stephanotis. Fall bridal centerpieces and bouquets are often adorned with autumn decorations and foliage, such as crab apples, acorns, oak leaves and branches. You can also decorate with dried greenery, including figs, ornamental cabbage and heirloom pumpkin.

Go With Autumn Decor

For the perfect outdoor fall wedding, look into using Autumn decor. Use dried greenery, warm candlelight, figs and flowers for your decorations. You can also incorporate pumpkins into the decor or accent place settings with a fresh fig. Wreaths made of seeded eucalyptus are perfect for fall and pinecones make wonderful decorations, as well.

Consider a Fall-Themed Menu

Match your catering with the fall theme by going with a fall themed menu. This will make the most out of seasonal, fresh food and impress guests. Here are some fall menu items that are popular for wedding banquets:

  • Turkey and game meats
  • Apple side dishes
  • Sweet potato pie
  • Pumpkin soup
  • Root vegetables
  • Spiked apple cider
  • Pumpkin-based drinks
  • Fresh baked cookies
  • Caramel apple bar
  • Cider donuts
  • Hot cocoa

Incorporate Natural Scenery into Your Photography

Use the breathtaking fall scenery as a natural backdrop for your outdoor fall wedding. The beauty of the fall light is absolutely gorgeous in photographs. Therefore, incorporate the natural beauty into your photos every chance that you can. Pose in front of a tall oak tree full of changing colors or in front of a rustic-looking barn.

Make Sure Leaves Do Not Become a Hazard

Wet leaves can be a danger to guests as they are quite slippery. Therefore, make sure that you remove leaves from any outdoor surface that you or your guests will be walking on, such as paths and tiled patios.

Fall weddings are absolutely gorgeous and the natural beauty of the season makes it the ideal time to tie the knot. Following the easy tips above will help you have a wonderful outdoor fall wedding.

 

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