Venue Audio - What do the professionals have to say?

Audio Equipment - Courtesy: Sound Devices

Many times, coordinators and clients consider a venue's acoustics during the selection process. Truthfully, even if this item was at the top of the venue selection check list, it would probably still be the least considered given the limited number of spaces in Trinidad and Tobago.

So what should you do?

It is always good to take your audio provider along for the preliminary site visit, after they are the experts.

In an interview with one of T&T's most renowned sound provider, here's what Places with Spaces learnt about managing a venue's acoustics.

Perks of a Shuttle Service

A Shuttle - Courtesy: Gumtree South Africa

A shuttle service is, simply put, a means of transporting persons from Point A to Point B. However, for an event planner, moving attendees to and from a venue provides greater benefits when it comes to the moving pieces of an event.

Here are some benefits for using a shuttle service:

1. Accomodates Large Groups - Whether your group are from out of town or located right here in sweet T&T, your best shot at moving groups of people is with a shuttle service. However, always remember to take into consideration your group's luggage when booking such a service. You wouldn't want to inconvenience your attendees by holding their baggae on their laps for the entire trip.

2. Exclusiveness - Shuttle Services provides guest with a level of luxury and comfort that will not be found with public transport. With this type of service, your guests can be free of small crammed seating, unbearable travelling companions, potentially poor ventilation plus more.

3. Safety - A big plus for most planners is safety. This is especially so for foreign delegates. With so much concern for crime and driving under the influence, hiring a chartered service is seen as the best solution for mitigating such risks.

4. Faster - Using a shuttle service can help with getting attendees to and from their destination much quicker. Most persons that attempt to rent a vehicle tend to get lost or loose more time trying to figure out how to the get to a venue.

5. Organised - A shuttle service can offer planners with a means of coordinating guests and keeping them on time. Although it may require more organsiation on the part of the planner, in the end it will be worth it.

Medical Attention for Events

If you planned a few events, you must have encountered a guest in need of medical attention. Whether it was just a band aid or aspirin or worse of all an ambulance trip to the hospital.

Yup! The chances of the latter happening is extremely high.

For first part of 2017, I have had two incidents that required an ambulance services for two corporate events.

Generally a venue won't have a ambulance on standby for your event but it won't hurt to ask about their approach for medical issues. More than likely some will have a simple medical kit. 

However, as a planner it is your best interest and that your clients' and their guests to provide medical attention based on the nature of the event.

If you having an outdoor event (e.g. a sports day) or your attendees are differently able or elderly, then the need for an ambulance service increases.

Here are few tips:

First Aid Kit - Courtesy: Gempler's

1. First Aid Kit - Having a first aid kit as part of your event accompaniments should be a priority. You can either get a pre-packaged kit from suppliers like Marine Safety Trinidad or BOSS Supplies or put together your own kit using REI First Aid Kit Checklist Which every direction you select, just remember to constantly check the expiry dates of all items.
2. Closest Hospital - Regardless of how slim the chances may seem of an medical incident occurring at the event, you should always have an idea about where the nearest hospital is located. You just never know when you may need such services....  The Trinidad and Tobago Health Facilities list contains a map showing all the locations along with their contact information.

   

   A Map of T&T's Medical Facilities - Courtesy: Ministry of Health

3. Ambulance Services - As mentioned above, an ambulance service can be necessary based on the type of event or the target audience. Having certified medical assistance wtih 'wheels' can help with getting medical incidents swiftly under control. 
4. Nurse - If having an ambulance is bit too much for your budget, then consider having a nurse on standby. Typically, hired nurses are also equipped to assist with minor medical issues and equally able to determine when such attention should be escalated to the next level.

   

   CPR - Courtesy: Health Care Training Centre

5. Basic Medical Training - As a planner, you should invest in doing basic medical training for the welfare of your client and employees. For more information on local providers, you can check out the TNT Island's First Aid List

Top Children Birthday Party Locations in Trinidad & Tobago

These days parents are hunting for the next party space for host their little ones next birthday bash. Surprisingly, our country has come a long way when it comes to considering children for these special occasions.

Here are few for you to consider for that special little boy or girl:

Chuck E Cheese

Sporting two locations in Brentwood Town Centre, Chaguanas and C3, San Fernando; this international franchise has elevated the dynamics of children entertainment.

Aligning Tokens with the Venue

Many times a venue is selected because it works well with a theme. Examples include a sandy beach for a "Luau" party, a boat cruise for a "Anchor's Away" party......

As the event evolves, all your decorative items, refreshments and even tokens begin to line up with this location. 

So here are some ideas that could help you, the next time you have such an occasion:

The Luau Party 

No matter the age of your guests or how formal or informal your event, luau means fun.... so here a some fun tokens to present to your guests.

Luau Party Tokens - Images Courtesy: Amazon

Nautical Themed Tokens

"Anchors Away" does not only imply yachts and modern day cruise ships. Take a stab at taking this boat event to a different sea themed era.... "Shiver me timbers!"

Nautical Party Tokens - Images Courtesy - Amazon

Garden Themes

Whether its "Alice in Wonderland" birthday party or a "Masquerade Ball" for a corporate cocktail party or just a "Tea Party" for Bridal Shower, you have a few quite a few party tokens that you can present guests with.

Garden Party Tokens - Images Courtesy: Amazon

Like some of these tokens for your upcoming event, then visit Amazon for these items and for more ideas. 

Back Up Plans For Tech Failures

These days clients want the most technologically advanced solutions for their events. Don't get me wrong, so do I!!!

Things tend to look seamless, more innovative and the additional advantage is the Eco-friendly aspect (no paper).

Registration has moved away from a paper based, manual check back system to swiping entry cards to gain access.

Speeches are available with the swipe of a finger on the tablet.

Safety briefings are all pre-recorded.

..... But when technology fails you..... Trust me it does! What is your back up plan????

What's your back up plan? - Courtesy: Can Stock Photo

Cinema Complexes are the new Meeting Spaces

You may have just visited the movies for the latest block buster film but hang on.... these spaces can be can used for hosting your next meeting.

Here are five reasons to consider the movie theatre for your meeting: