Looking to travel this spring? Hunting through different travel sites for convenient hotels and cheap flights can give you a headache. Event planners are on the move, whether it’s for conventions, galas, or fun. This is why we tried Wanderfly, a travel recommendation engine that goes beyond flights and hotels.  Users tailor the settings to fit their budgets and interests, and the site uses your social networks and other travel search engines to give suggestions.

ABCey is planning an event in Washington, D.C. this spring for a company attending the International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting, so we decided to let Wanderfly help with our travel itinerary.

We set the specifications for San Francisco to Washington DC, $600 per person, early May, and for 4 days. The coolest part of this site is that you can add your interests.  For this trip we decided that our interests were: landmarks (can’t miss those in DC), food (event planners have to eat), and outdoors (May is lovely).  When we hit the “Get Going” button, we were transported to the front steps of the White House…well, not really, but it gave us everything that we needed to get there.

The first thing we did is check out the flight and hotel options.  Wanderfly uses content from travel sites such as Orbitz, Hotels.com, Facebook, Foursquare, Yelp, and Mashable.  We found flight options and hotels with reviews and tips right on the page. The activities suggestions are really what makes the service unique.  For us, it recommended highly reviewed restuarants, hiking trails, and all of the important monuments. If you log into Facebook through the site, it accesses your network’s knowledge and allows you to post a question asking for advice.  

Interested yet? Even if you don’t know where you want to go on vacation, Wanderfly will make recomendations for you based on your interests and budget.  We suggest that you try them out! It is free and easy to plan vacations, even if they’re imaginary. Have you ever used Wanderfly? What travel services do you generally use? Let us know in the comments or find us on Twitter!

We were really excited to hear that the AC World Series, Louis Vuitton Cup America’s Cup Challenger Series and the 34th America’s Cup Finals will be sailed in our hometown, San Francisco, Calif. in 2012 and 2013! This is the oldest trophy in modern sport and continues to build upon its rich heritage of leading-edge innovation with an event that is designed to showcase the best sailors in the world on the fastest boats. This will be the first time in 18 years that this worldwide event will be held in the United States. There will be approximately 45 race days, so that means that SF will be experiencing more days of competition than any other international sporting events ever held in this city. Arriving for the first time in the summer of 2012, the sailing will start with two back to back events, the first from the 11th to 19th of August and the second beginning a week later, running from the 27th August through the 2nd September.

The upcoming America’s Cup events in Newport, Rhode Island, San Francisco and San Diego, California are predicted to create thousands of jobs and over $1 billion in economic impact over the next two years. For the first time in history, the America’s Cup will be able to be seen from shore, creating tremendous public access for spectators as well as drawing large spectator crowds to benefit the port cities hosting America’s Cup events. The City of SF estimates over 300,000 visitors on peak viewing days and no tickets are necessary.   Additionally, the America’s Cup is predicted to deliver an estimated over $1 billion economic impact to the San Francisco Bay area, with more than 8,500 jobs that will be created due to the America’s Cup.

ABCey Events is looking forward to working on some of the many events that will be surrounding the actual races. If your company is involved and is interested in some outside event planning or production help, you know who to call!

Rough America’s Cup race day numbers & dates:
AC World Series 2012-2013 Race 1 (Aug. 2012):  7 race days
AC World Series 2012-2013 Race 2 (Sept. 2012:  7 race days
AC Opening events (7/4-7/7 2013):  3 race days
Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series 2013 (7/13-9/1):  32 race days over 51 days
America’s Cup Finals (9/7-9/22 2013):  9 race days over 16 days

On Wednesday night, we attended the SF Weekly Holiday Event at the Academy of Sciences benefiting One Warm Coat. There were hosted bars, hors d’oeuvres, live music, games, crafts, raffle prizes, and most importantly – Fish! We had a great time, but have to say that it lacked some fundamental event planning and production elements. There was a rather large line to get in, and nothing differentiating the ticket holders from guest list or VIP invites. It was pretty chilly out, so we were super excited to get inside after a bit of a wait. There were only two people at the registration desk, so we’re guessing this was one of the reasons for the lengthy line. We know we’re hard to please, but these things are really important!

It’s hard to bash an event that offers a full hosted open bar and food from over 6 Bay Area restaurants. Again, we were super thankful to be invited in the first place. Upon entering, we headed towards the food which for some reason was all crammed in this back area that was almost like a narrow aisle. Everyone was jammed up next to each other and again, and more lines! Why wouldn’t you space out the food throughout the venue a little better? I’m not even sure I know who the caterers were as I wasn’t able to grab any business cards with the masses. We decided to skip dessert and grab a cocktail, but the lines again were so long upstairs that we headed down to the Aquariam and found Artesa, where we were able to get a few tastings. By the time we headed back upstairs for dessert, they were cleared and everything was gone! One vendor was left with some yummy scones, but the rest must have ran out. I was bummed!

There were plenty of Ugly Sweaters, and casino games were provided by Homefry’s. We wanted to play a round of blackjack but weren’t patient enough to wait. I think they needed at least another 5-6 tables or so. There was a mock photobooth set up, in which they used Victoria’s Secret paper as the backdrop. They also used this to cover the registration tables. While this looked nice and creative at first, it quickly began to rip and it just ended up looking like trash all over the floor.

We left as the Raffle was going on, and looks as if they were giving out $1,000 in prizes for donating a coat. Last year’s event donated over 1,200 coats. So, even if the event didn’t have flawless production, this is a pretty good feat! DJ Eric Sharp was great and have nothing bad to say there. We were able to dance for a bit and had a great time overall! SF Weekly- let us help you with your planning next year. We’d be happy to make your event run a bit smoother, and ensure that everyone leaves with raving reviews!

We’re loving Event Espresso over here, even though we haven’t had a chance to use this events registration and management plugin for WordPress just yet. One of the most important choices you can make for your meeting, conference, or event is the website design. The onsite registration and calendar module features make this a great choice, among many other reasons! They seem to keep adding new features too such as a custom form builder, early bird registrations, Groupon integration and Facebook, Twitter, and Mailchimp addons. This is looking like exactly what we need for some of our clients & their events!

Event Espresso has all the event management tools you need, from accepting payments to reports to promotions.

• Custom descriptions
• Multiple event dates
• Multiple event times
• Multiple event prices, surcharges, member pricing
• Event location and mapping
• Custom email confirmations
• Event categories
• On-going events
• Attendee limits
• Group registrations
• Make events a blog post
• and more!

This premium plugin for WordPress allows you to turn your existing blog or website into a fully featured event management website. If your organization offers classes, workshops, events, trainings or conferences for which participants need to register in advance, Event Espresso can make you a hero. This online event registration system can save your organization countless hours of administrative time, create a “green” and paperless event registration process, reduce costs and be available to take sign-ups 24/7. Everything from custom confirmation and reminder emails to payment management, and quite a bit more is all included and automatically handled for you.

The plugin even creates registration forms so attendees can sign up right on your website. Attendee information is also stored right in the WordPress database, allowing you to have access at any time. If you don’t have a PayPal or Authorize.net account, it’s okay. Event Espresso now offers alternate methods of accepting payments. Registrants can now download a PDF invoice or pay by Cash/Ckeck/Money Order, Bank Transfer, Authorize.net, and PayPal. There is even an option to pay by bank transfer!

Thanks Event Espresso. This is a great tool and we are sure to use it here at ABCey Events soon!

ABCey Events was super excited to be a part of the massive 3,000 person 2 day red carpet Tesla Model S Event that was held this past weekend in Fremont, CA at the former Toyota NUMMI plant & now Tesla factory. We were hired by the well known Los Angeles based Event Management company, Best Events to act as a local resource for production elements such as Staffing, Florals, DJ, etc. SF Local Favorite DJ Mancub spun some chill tunes for a record amount of time both Sat and Sun, and the crowd seemed to love him!

Saturday began with an investor event, followed by International Media, then VIP and the main Customer Event for those who have put a deposit down on this fancy electric vehicle. The car is to roll out next year as a 2013 model with prices at around $57,400. Tesla says the S will have a range of up to 300 miles, depending on which battery option the buyer chooses.  What’s more, the Model S is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit that helps bring the cost down to $49,900.

Those who have preordered the vehicle were able to take a tour of the company’s facilities and do a test drive in a prototype (although they weren’t allowed to drive it themselves)! Guests were also allowed to tour the factory to see how it is made and learn some details about the car’s features from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. drove onto the stage in a burgundy Model S. From the car emerged seven people: five in the front and back seats and two tow-headed boys from the rear-facing seats, all of whom seemed to be carrying large duffel bags and backpacks. As Musk began to talk to the crowd, a ninth person person, sprung from the front trunk, surprising the crowd, which roared with laughter. The obvious point, made well with the display, was that the Model S has tons of cargo room — even under the hood since there’s no engine there. Tesla later tweeted that front + trunk = “frunk” — which will likely catch on quickly.

The souped-up Tesla can reportedly accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds, which is two-tenths of a second quicker than the 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera with a manual transmission. We must say, the event was a huge success and everything seemed to go off without a hitch.We love you Tesla!

If you would like to view the full album of our own personal pics from the event, please click here!

People hailing from all over the world arrived around 7:00pm at 25 Lusk in SoMa on Sunday evening, having just come from the 133rd Annual Meeting of the INTA, (International Trademark Association), Conference.  The convention spanned from May 14th-18th, and featured events such as an academic course on international trademark law, advanced mediation training, several receptions, roundtable events, and a Grand Finale at the California Academy of Sciences.

The host of Sunday’s event, CMS Legal, the European provider of legal and tax services, opened their doors to legal professionals who were in town to attend the main conferences.  Some of the attendees were representatives of EPEC from the Netherlands, Thomas Reuters of Belgium, Salans from the Republic of Kazakhstan, MAGS Law Firm of Lithuania, and Boss&Young of China.  These are only a few of the places visitors came from!

CMS members and their guests gathered for a reception on the lower level of 25 Lusk to network, share a delicious meal, and enjoy the soothing vocals of Betty Foo and her band.  Accomplished photographer Dan Blanchard moved about the spacious room to capture the event in its fullest.

ABCey Events was fortunate to have helped with such a wonderful and successful event, and extends a big thank you to CMS Legal and all their guests!

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The Home Away From Homelessness 2011 Gala was a spectacular event!  Held at Terra Gallery on Harrison St., gala attendees enjoyed both a silent and live auction, a mock Oscars ceremony, and a delectable three course meal catered by Jane Hammond Events.  Appetizers were graciously donated by Jim’s BBQ and Radius.  The actual Oscars were homemade statues, and were presented to the children of Home Away who glowed with happiness throughout the entire evening.

During the meal, guests reveled in beautifully touching firsthand accounts of life in homelessness by people who had been through the Home Away program, such as Crystal Stermer, whose story saw not a single dry eye.  Guests also heard compelling keynote speeches made by Dierdre English and founder Jeanie Kortum.

The mood was contagious; the room buzzed with positive energy as attendees knew their tickets were well-purchased.  The auction items were much desired, and gala-goers went home with a sense that they were able to help raise money to keep this wonderful organization alive.

Terra Gallery sparkled with artwork by Eric Strasser, who contributed magnificent inflatable stars for the interior, and by Rob Bucholz, who built enormous building blocks that spelled out “Home Away” and placed them right at the entrance next to the red carpet.  Also gracing the entrance was Sterling Johnson, a man who creates amazing shapes out of bubbles.

The florals, done by Hunt Littlefield, were brightly colored arrangements, in keeping with the Home Away vibe.  A constant flow of ambient music was provided by DJ Deckard and all of the production elements were handled by Bren Taylor of Vidbits Productions.  The wonderful photographs below are courtesy of exceptional photographer, James Hall.

ABCey is extremely pleased with the results of this event, as we were not only able to help foster a beautiful gala environment, but we were able to help Home Away continue on its path of changing lives.

Thank you to all who contributed, all who attended, all of the volunteers who took so much time to make this the event that it was, and to everyone from Home Away for keeping the dream alive!

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On Monday, April 18th, ABCey Events will be conducting a Facebook contest that will run until Friday April 22nd. We will be giving away a pair of tickets to the upcoming Home Away: “Reaching for the Stars” 2011 Annual Gala. We ask, “What is one major contribution you have made to an organization or to someone less fortunate this past year?” We will choose the story that we feel has made the most difference. Ticket value is $300 and event includes Live and Silent Auction, Music by SF fav DJ Deckard, 3 course sit down dinner by one of SF finest caterers, and an Oscar style performance by the children in the program. To win this contest, you must also be a fan of the ABCey Events Facebook page. We are excited to hear your stories so please get them ready! Look to our Facebook page on Monday to submit them.

As event planners, it is crucial when conceiving an event to focus on the social/socializing opportunities for the attendees before, during and after the event. This element is important in order to increase the ROI, both for you as the event planner for promotional reasons, as well as for your attendees in the interest of networking. Social media has created various creative options to engage your event-goers, and here are just some of the ways from the blog, Go Big Event,  to accomplish maximum socialization.

1. Generate hype around the event before it begins. The best way to do this is by creating event pages on Facebook and Linkedin. Also, a good trick is to create a prize incentive, which you can give out to a random attendee that joins. And always use Twitter to market any prizes, event pages, etc., and be sure to create a hashtag to keep track of comments about the event.
2. Another stellar way to engage with guests before the event is by asking for input on speakers they would like to hear, food they would want to eat, or any other recommendations. You can make this possible through the poll features of Linkedin or Facebook.
3. During the event, encourage guests to tweet and to use the hashtag you created. This way, they can again interact with each other, and it also gives you an opportunity to gauge how they feel about the event. If you are taking questions at the event, ask the attendees to tweet in questions to the hashtag. A good trick to engage the attendees is by uploading pictures or videos at the event to start discussions.
4. After the event, you can again use Facebook or Linkedin to start a discussion to generate feedback about the event, asking the attendees how it could have been improved, what they enjoyed about it, etc.

What other ways have you increased the social opportunities of events you’ve planned? Have you found other, more effective ways to engage your attendees? Let us know what you have found works best for you and your events!

This year’s Web 2.0 Expo in San Francisco kicked off today, March 28^th and will continue through March 31^st at the Moscone West.  The event’s audience includes the next-generation web’s designers, developers, entrepreneurs, marketers and business strategists. The expo is showcasing Web 2.0 business models, development paradigms, products, and design strategies for the builders of the next-generation Web. The event spotlights experts, leaders, and under-the-radar innovations through workshops, start-up showcases, speeches and other community events with plenty of opportunity for attendees to converse and collaborate.

Keynote speakers include General Atlantic’s Professor of Marketing at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Jennifer Lynn Aaker, President and CEO of PlayFirst, Inc., Mari Baker, Product Design Manager of Quora, Rebekah Cox, and many more industry leaders.

For all the information you could possibly need about the event, click here! Are you attending the 2011 Web 2.0 Expo here in SF? At ABCey we find it an important learning experience to follow such a massive but well organized event! Fellow event planners, do you have any feedback thus far on the planning of it?