Expert Advice

I found my cell phone swimming in a cup of water. I think it was suicide. After my initial "surprise," my heart sank just like my handy-dandy-not-fancy-but-functional phone because I knew I was going to spend the next three hours and the next three hundred dollars dealing with one of my least favorite things: technology. >>

With the holidays just around the corner, it is time to let the festivities begin! However, this year, as in recent years past, with the economy still in flux and companies looking to control their extra expenditures, it is as important as ever to ensure that celebrations are meaningful and well-appointed, but not perceived as being over the top. The following are a few tips on how to create a thoughtful holiday soiree for your company while paying attention to the big picture. >>

I recently had the good fortune to spend an afternoon sitting on the deck of a local eatery drinking a cocktail and laughing with an old friend. It was one of those great days when late afternoon turns into early evening. Ah—life was good. Then the bill arrived and the server, sweet girl, informed me that the restaurant didn’t accept credit/debit cards. Cash only. >>

Gilt City Events Manager Acacia May is the West Coast’s go-to girl when it comes to turning every day, run-of-the-mill events—say, running to a coffee shop—into luxurious experiences. That java run? Picture it with a tour of Blue Bottle Coffee’s Oakland roastery, a detailed demonstration on the art of pour-over drip coffee and a bag of beans. >>

The results of a conference seem to always sound the same: Great ideas heard and contacts made. Then the weary conventioneer heads home, is greeted with a mountain of e-mail, to-dos and colleagues who remained in the trenches, uninspired. >>

Have any of you been in a dollar store? Why didn’t somebody tell me about this place earlier? Who needs Disney World when you have the dollar store? I ran in to gather a few paper products for a birthday party and was wowed by the many, many things I didn’t even KNOW I needed. Like a bow and arrow set. Dollar! Toothbrushes. Dollar! Ring pops, soap, gift bags … dollar, dollar, dollar! >>

If you've never ventured into the world of Twitter, you might think that it is basically a lot of noise. If so, you would be right. As one of the largest social media networks out there, the amount of junk is massive—and for first timers, it can feel like your radio is playing every station in a 50 mile radius simultaneously.

But no matter how much of a technological Luddite you may be, if you work in the events industry, I highly recommend getting on Twitter, if for no other reason than to be a part of the weekly chat group of #Eventprofs. Here's how to do it: >>

Lately, I have been inundated with emails from event planning hopefuls who ironically all begin their inquiries with, “Hi there! I am interested in a career in event planning.” Great, I think, but “Hi there?” Did you take the time to find out whom to send the inquiry to? Did we know each other in a past life? Are we so comfortable in today’s world of social media and technology that we no longer go through the formalities and just get right down to it? >>

1. A general idea of what the assignment or event is, and how they want me to photograph it.

2. The usual things like the time and place are very important, but so is the dress code for the event. For example, will it be formal, business casual, or comfortable (like shorts in the summer)?

3. What kind of lighting will be at the venue? Is using a flash okay, or do the photos need to use only available light? >>

In my work as owner and lighting designer for Creative BackStage in Tempe, I often collaborate with planners as they prepare for an event. The following five tips will help both a planner’s job and mine go more smoothly.

1. Give me all of the information up front about your event, so I can be sure I am giving you a good and fair price. Even small details are important for me to know. >>

Who among us doesn’t love getting a beautiful invitation in the mail? The anticipation and excitement as you make your way from the mailbox, oohing and ahhing over the calligraphy, admiring how the stamp so perfectly coordinates with the envelope and feeling like a child as you eagerly wonder who it could possibly have come from.

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It’s Valentine’s Day. Again. Love it or hate it, there it is … every February 14th. No one knows for certain where or when it really started but you can probably put some of the blame on those pesky ancient Romans because one legend has it that the love part derived from a pagan fertility festival called Lupercalia. >>

I once worked with a woman who was touted as a fabulous chef. When it came to potlucks in the office, Susan G’s creations (I won’t name names but you know who you are and why I love you) were always the first to go.

I’d like to say that the reason her dishes were so delightful is because they were made with love–but the truth is they were made with butter–and loads of it. They were FANTASTIC. >>