Your Tips for Class Reunions

Missing your class mates? Maybe its time for Class Reunion!

Whether you graduated five years ago or twenty years ago, making this special occasion a reality requires some careful planning that includes a dedicated committee and lengthy timelines.

Here are some tips when planning and recommended timelines...

Tips for Class Reunion - Source: Places for Spaces

For more guidance with planning, feel free to email me.

The New Age of Digital Registration

Digital Registration is the latest trend with local events.

Registrations Systems - Photo Courtesy: Searix Soltions

Why?????

Well here are just a few benefits:

• Paper and clutter free registration stations
• Reduce check in time
• Swift searches on attendees
• Time stamp all arrivals and departures
• Immediate updates (head count)

Sounds good, too good to be true but let's check out the logistics of implementing such a service at your event:

Transform a Venue with Lighting

Lighting can be classified into two categories:

1. Decorative/Ambient
2. Functional

The first is what many clients want, that wow factor or the popping effect when you walk into the room. This literally involves a transformation of the space using decorative lighting fixtures to set the mood.

Functional refers to the lighting that is necessary but does not overwhelm the ambience beign sought after. It is sufficient lighting that allow guests to move around a space or could involve lighting up a car park for security and safety reasons and if necessary, allows for reading.

Now that we have differentiated the two, lets look at some lighting applications that make an event space look fantastic:

Upward Lighting on Event Signage at the Hilton - Photo Courtesy: Soundvision Ltd.

Hospitality Service

Good ole charm and a welcoming smile goes a long way, even this day of things being fast pace and technolgoy based.

Hospitality is not only limited to hotels and restuarants. In fact, having a hospitality provider on hand can bring about some of that warmth that I am referring to.... and enhance the quality of your event.

Simple manners, pleasantries and helpfulness backed with a smile will with hosting a successful event. Let's have a look at some of the approaches that a hospitality supplier uses to bring about success:

All Smiles - Photo Courtesy: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

The Importance of Pre, Policing and Post Clean Up

When it comes to event trash, you may notice one of two things:

1.  Clean table tops

Clean Table - Image Courtesy: My Wedding Team 

or

2. A heaping mountain of napkins, glasses, plates, etc... on nearby tables

Dirty Table - Image Courtesy: So you want to be a waiter

Understanding COTT

Everyone is on the drive to "Support Local."

That doesn't only refer to purchasing items grown or manufactured in T&T.

It also refers to supporting local music and musicians. 

This doesn't mean only mean 'waving a flag,' purchasing a ticket for the next fete, or not purchasing pirated music.

It also extends to applying for the necessary COTT License.

COTT Poster - Image Courtesy: COTT

Car Park Woos!

As mentioned in my first post, the Car Park is critical to the success of your event as it is the first point of contact for your event.

Hence, if their experienced is marred there, the more than likely it can negatively impact their experience for the duration of the event.

Here are some parking don'ts you should avoid:

Car Park No Nos

1. Overcrowding - It your guest count is 300 persons and then more than likely more than half of the guests will be drive. If that is the case, then avoid trying to defy the maths and putting all your guests in a crammed car park.
2. Poor Lighting - At your site visit, always check the surrounding areas's lighting. This is especially the case for car parks. Poor lighting equals potential risks and security issues. If the venue can't do something about the lighting, then the onus is on you to get some additional lighting (e.g. lighting towers).

Abuse of Handicap Parking - Image: Courtesy Chroni Carly

1. No or Insufficient Handicap Parking - Many people forget to consider the differently abled guests for their events.  Even if they are taken into consideration, the mad race for the spots closest to the venue which funny enough are those typically identified for handicap parking are always the first to be affected. Ensure that you have someone monitoring these spots.
2. Poor Signage - Avoid using car parks with little or no directional signs or arrows. In large car parks, this could be a recipe for getting lost. If the car park is unavoidable, then it might be in your interest to invest in some 'reusable' signage.
3. Lack of Parking Attendants/Security - Not having either one of these at your even't car park is a big no no. Aside from the security risk factor, as valued as your guests maybe, people park badly. Double parking, occupying of reserved parking, plus more.....