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The Hottest Trends on the Event Planning Scene
January 2012, Be Inkandescent magazine — The holiday season afforded me a moment of downtime, allowing for the opportunity to review and critique 2011, take a deep breath, and think about what’s coming in 2012.
I am excited about what I see coming this year. Even though fears of an ongoing recession, and increased government regulations, will keep spending for meetings and events at reduced levels, innovation and creativity will rise to new levels.
Here’s what you are likely to see at the most successful affairs of 2012.
Roxanne Ladd's Eight Rules to Event Success
December 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — Those of us in the event planning industry are particularly impacted by the tumultuous economy, ongoing budget cuts, and increasingly strict government regulations.
That said, this just gives savvy event planners more opportunity to expand their value to their clients, increase their services, and hone their skills when it comes to meeting customer needs.
The real news is that despite the upheaval, the basic rules of the industry haven’t changed. And those of use who have made a career in planning have long relied on these standard codes of conduct.
Five Historic Event Sites That Provide a Timeless Retreat
November 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — You may be surprised to know that many of our national treasurers are available to host special events.
From museums and unique spaces, to private homes and estates, Washington, DC, and its surrounding counties offer a vast array of possibilities to add a historic element to special affairs.
Historic venues add an element of antiquity and elegance to any party. These special finds are worth the work as well as the restrictions they come with. Your guests will appreciate the added level of attention you offered them and will look forward to your next function.
For an experience that is sure to take guests back to a by-gone era, below are five of the oldest landmarks available for rent in the Greater Washington region.
The Impact of Opportunity Costs on Fundraising Events
October 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — Every fall, it is the same situation for folks on the gala circuit. Mailboxes and in-boxes fill with invitations to gala fundraisers on behalf of every cause imaginable. The events are often black-tie, always fun and festive, and feature highly regarded honorees, renowned entertainment, and creative parting gifts.
For many organizations, the allure of producing a fundraising gala is difficult to pass up. They know it will be fun to see their organization’s name in lights, have their logo in print, and play host to all the guests.
The reality, though, is that fundraising galas cost organizations far more money than they realize. All too often, production costs and opportunity costs (which are ever more difficult to calculate) are not always reflected on the balance sheet.
Create Events That Engage, Intrigue, and Inspire
September 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — When it comes to fundraising events, whether it be a gala, sporting event, or networking mixer, the end goal is to inspire guests to take action.
Sound easier said than done? It’s not if the events you plan evoke emotion.
You can do that by identifying a basic human element that they can personally relate to. Here’s how.
Make It a Star-Spangled Wedding In The Heart of DC
August 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — I have never met a bride who couldn’t describe, in detail, her dream wedding. Whether it’s a big church wedding, an intimate hometown affair, a lavish estate gala, a vineyard reception, or just a quiet ceremony for two on the beach—the bride just knows.
For couples hailing from the Washington, DC, area, there is another enchanting option—a wedding at one of the national memorials.
And really, what better place to celebrate than at one of the area’s quintessential landmarks?
Applying for a wedding ceremony on the National Mall is easier than you might think. And though the list of “cannots” may be twice as long as the “cans” … we think the simple elegance of the location is well worth the effort.
There are several items to consider before choosing a national memorial or park as your ceremony location.
Need a New Event-Planning Approach? Here Are 7 Engaging Strategies
July 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — I’m embarrassed to admit that early in my career, I fell prey to repeating one of the ultimate cop-outs: “We are doing this event this way because this is the way things have always been done.”
Chalk it up to any number of reasons: lack of time or energy to offer a broader explanation, lack of interest in truly delving into the issue, or, simply, having heard the same response myself when I had asked, Why?
The reality is that a decade ago, when the economy was humming along, and business seemed to come easy, this status-quo approach was acceptable.
But it doesn’t work today. Organizations, nonprofits, and associations alike must constantly strive to adjust and grow to meet the needs of their constituents to remain relevant, interesting—and in business.
So step outside your comfort zone, and take some risks.
Ten Ways to Add Fun to Your Next Event
June 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — Tell people you are about to head to a week-long “conference,” and you’ll likely get compassionate condolences.
We have all put in our time in dark, dated ballrooms listening to speakers and panelists talk at us — or worse, read verbatim from PowerPoint slides.
While being lifelong learners is critical to our growth as business owners, a lust for learning simply isn’t enough to keep the attention of most guests for extended periods of time.
That’s why event planners and C-level execs are getting creative and adding fun into their conference. Increasingly, the customer experience is driving events, and that’s a win-win situation for everyone.
To add some spice to your next conference, here are a few suggestions to consider:
Microsoft Does It — You Can Too!
April 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — Microsoft rules. I am telling you the truth, because I had the opportunity to witness firsthand one of Microsoft’s launches where they pitched several new product lines to the media.
At the 2010 New York auto show, Ford announced a partnership with Microsoft to provide the next generation of control technology for electric cars.
Clearly, an enormous amount of time and money had been invested to make the entire day a splashy and entertaining affair, as they courted the bloggers, tech writers, and gadget geeks. But then, this is Microsoft—the largest company in the world.
Rules for Successful Women's Events
March 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — From “total you” empowerment conferences and women-in-business programs, to parent-focused seminars, health and wellness symposiums, and community sporting events, women-focused functions are all the rage.
Some standard elements inspire their success, however.
For instance, all these events seek to foster an environment of equality to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for attendees. They also strive to empower guests to share of themselves, and enable women to build camaraderie through business and personal networks. And, they often focus on specific women’s issues such as heart health and breast cancer awareness.
As a woman, I think that’s terrific. As an event organizer, I face a new challenge because a ballroom packed with women requires a special touch to ensure that the organizers and guests get the most of their time together. Whether the goal is to inspire, celebrate, or foster friendships, here are tips on how to make your guests feel at home.
An Insider's Guide to DC's Five Most Romantic Wedding Venues
February 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — I love romantic venues. Everything from big, open museums to well-lit art galleries, and private homes with spectacularly appointed interiors — each allows wedding guests to mix and mingle while celebrating the couple’s special day.
I know this from personal experience, as I tied the knot myself last fall. So it was an interesting exercise to apply to my wedding the advice that I offer to couples looking for the perfect venue: “Embrace your personality as a couple.”
How to Master the Art of Fundraising
January 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — Since planning and pulling off huge galas for nonprofit organizations is a large part of my business, this year I’ve been asked repeatedly: Are huge, expensive galas going out of style?
The simple answer is yes. And no. Some organizations are definitely rethinking throwing the ballroom event filled with giant TV screens, high-profile speakers, and cheerleaders (yes, cheerleaders) that annually asks supporters to whip out their black ties, diamonds, and checkbooks. Others, however, are sticking with the tried-and-true gala as a way to celebrate and show off the work they are doing with donors.
In fact, in December I was thrilled to see one of my clients who throws incredible annual galas have another fabulously successful event. The organization grossed more than $1 million at the event, which is obviously no small feat in the current economy. How did they do it?
Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd shows us how to do well by doing good
November 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I have a friend who is a mentor to many. Yes, he is well-liked and well-known. He is an excellent sales man and a consummate gentleman. In fact, some might say he is business in Greater Washington. But I have long since believed these are not the attributes that draw so many individuals his way. Instead, it is his philosophy that one can do well in business by doing good in the community, that pulls so many people close.
And at the end of the day, aren’t most people looking for a larger sense of accomplishment? We all want to know that not only did our work yield a positive to your stakeholders, but that at the same time, the work positively impacted the community at large.
Fortunately, more organizations than ever before are integrating the concept of corporate citizenship or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their core culture and values.
Event planner Roxanne Rukowicz inspires us with a few postmortem tales
October 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I’ve enjoyed many a late night following an event with my hospitality colleagues, relaxing over a glass of wine and regaling each other with stories of events we have hosted.
Sometimes hilarious, often horrific, they never cease to inspire — and teach me how to do my job better.
Following are some of my favorites.
The 7 Secrets To Planning The Perfect Meeting
September 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I found what made my heart sing very early on in my career—by sheer accident.
Right out of college, I got a temp gig working for a local business association. The job was to help plan the annual meeting. I arrived in my smart blue suit and sensible heels and was allotted an empty cubicle. Someone handed me an antiquated registration system: a shoebox full of postmarked RSVP cards.
I sat for hours inputting data and logging checks, registering individual guests into an Excel spreadsheet. Eventually, the fruits of my labor were compiled into a database that would yield alphabetized name badges and registration lists. These lists would, of course, also become the basic elements behind so many aspects of that event. From room sets to catering to the program, the individual names and organizations I came to know so well would drive the scope of the entire production.
I was hooked.
It has been quite a few years since that first event, and I have been fortunate to have learned from some of the best planners and business minds in the business.
In the spirit of education by fellow planner, here are seven tips to guide you to event-planning success.
Avoid Risk: What You Need To Know Before Booking An Event
August 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I’ve met a lot of people who get lost in day-dreams full of black-tie gowns and tuxedos — a car service dropping them off at the entrance to a stunning museum, the beginning of a long night of heavy hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing and fun in sequins or a flashy bow-tie.
It’s easy to imagine just how enjoyable it would be if your organization was the one hosting the bash. But the truth is, just because you can throw an event, doesn’t mean that you should.
Hosting an event of any kind for event planning’s sake is simply not a practical idea. The cost to produce such functions is more than you might imagine and, in this economy, the sponsorship dollars are not as strong as they used to be.
Couple that with a decrease in overall attendance and an increase in pressure to show ROI from your constituents, and you can tell why organizations are taking a step back and re-evaluating how their time and dollars will be invested. So should you, or shouldn’t you?
Need a New Event-Planning Approach? Here Are 7 Engaging Strategies
July 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I’m embarrassed to admit that early in my career, I fell prey to repeating one of the ultimate cop-outs: “We are doing this event this way because this is the way things have always been done.”
Chalk it up to any number of reasons: lack of time or energy to offer a broader explanation, lack of interest in truly delving into the issue, or, simply, having heard the same response myself when I had asked, Why?
The reality is that a decade ago, when the economy was humming along, and business seemed to come easy, this status-quo approach was acceptable.
But it doesn’t work today. Organizations, nonprofits, and associations alike must constantly strive to adjust and grow to meet the needs of their constituents to remain relevant, interesting—and in business.
So step outside your comfort zone, and take some risks. Here’s how.
Event planner Roxanne Rukowicz shares tips on getting married on the cheap
June 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — My father has been selling me on the idea of eloping since I was four. Daddy and his little girl plotting a ladder gently placed against the siding of our Cape Cod so my groom could whisk me off my feet late in the night. I guess he figured that planting the seed early would pay off to his benefit in the end.
Having found myself working in the wedding and special event industry, it’s no longer a wonder why he tried to sell me on brief court house nuptials similar to his own. According to The Wedding Report, the average cost for a wedding in 2009 was between $21,000 and $25,000.
Add an additional $10,000 if you live in a metropolitan area. Couple that with a down economy, and the sticker shock of a Cinderella-inspired dream wedding is enough to send any father reeling.
These days, I am planning my own wedding (scheduled for the fall) and am aided by a few savvy insider tricks I’ve learned along the way. Below are some ideas that may help others walk down the aisle with a few extra dollars left in their (father’s) pocket — no ladder required.
Throwing A Socially Conscious Event Is Easier Than You Think
May 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — The events industry is slowly trending away from a social calendar full of “meet-and-greet” networking affairs that have long anchored the business community. Today’s event attendee, and the accompanying all-important sponsors, are backing more socially conscious events, garnering a larger, more community-based audience and placing their names behind a noteworthy cause.
Socially conscious events are the new paradigm – a values-driven proposition that places an emphasis on improving the quality of life for the community and the environment, often while improving your bottom line. How can you produce an Event with a Purpose?
How can you make your guests happy? Keep an eye on the clock + other useful tips
April 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — As anyone who has ever hosted a big party or event knows, it’s a huge responsibility to keep your guests well attended and happy.
With a little planning, though, it’s not as overwhelming as you might think.
Here are my Top 10 suggestions for ways to keep your guests happy.
Planning A Wedding? Try the National Museum for Women in the Arts
March 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — One of the most splendid affairs I have helped to plan was a wedding at the National Museum for Women in the Arts. It wasn’t just because the bride was a stunner in her Vera Wang gown, or because the museum is one of the most opulent venues in the area. It was because the museum itself is a celebration of the power of women.
Everywhere that you look in this museum, you’ll find artwork that is a testimony to the joys and heartbreak, trials and tribulations of real women throughout history.
So to host a wedding in this grand building, located at H Street and New York Avenue, is more than an event. It becomes a work of art in itself. Here’s why.
What's The Most Romantic MuseumTo Host An Event?
February 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — Ask any event planner in town to name a museum that offers amazing space flexibility and most will point you toward The Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Why? We love a blank canvas. The grand marble foyer lends itself to endless possibilities with decor and lighting and the space can seemingly be cut to be as big or as small as you need it — perfect for an elegant and romantic wedding, beautiful luncheon or black tie affair.
And there’s more.
© 2014 Inkandescent PR, The Inkandescent Group, LLC