This September, we will celebrate our 20th year in business. Over the course of two decades, we had weddings that went seamlessly, and others, well, let's just say they were about to unweave.

I sat down with Nicole Samolis, CSEP (our Founder and Creative Director), to talk about the worst near disaster(s) that she and her event team have had to deal with at weddings. A few weddings came to mind, the most memorable one was that of Olivia & Derek's big day.

In the end, Olivia, Derek and their guests were thankful to be indoors, warm and dry. "This is what we do, we transform woes into WOWs!" said Nicole with a smile.

Try walking in this groomsman's shoes! Nicole recounted another example where her team saved the day. A groomsman ordered tuxedo-rental shoes that ran small,  when he put them on, not only did he look extremely uncomfortable, but he could barely walk.  "One of our team members contacted the tuxedo shop and got the groomsman the right size shoes just before the ceremony! We come to your rescue, that's why during our meetings with the couple we write down the list of chosen service providers, it's so we can be there for you in instances such as this one." ​

​We love a challenge, and when wedding day disasters happen, we're in full event mode rolling up our sleeves and doing what we're hired to do: making your wedding day memorable and stress-free, sometimes without you even knowing there was an issue to begin with.  At the end of the day, you get to marry your best friend...and we get to do what we love.

You hear the words trade show, and you might think old school, but trade shows do not belong on a marketing Throwback Thursday post. In today's age of speed and instant information, trade shows remain of great value. A trade show is a complete experience unlike any other that allows you to build engagement, community, and your customer base: It's an opportunity to meet your future customers face to face, introduce them to your product or service, and potentially close a deal right there on the floor. This valuable interaction simply cannot be replaced by technology, though, as The Professional Convention Management Association found in their high level look at the future of trade shows (recommended reading for those in the events industry), technology is being incorporated into the production of these events.

The Events Company has been assisting a university's procurement department with a suppliers' trade show for the past five years. Each year we come up with an innovative layout so that every booth is in a good location. And because we know how important it is to engage the attendees with the exhibitors, we host a competition where the exhibitor with the most creative booth gets a prize, because originality attracts people.  

Here are 3 ways to get people to stop, check out your booth and become a customer:

 Attract: 
​Design your booth so that it boldy reflects your brand's essence. Allow customers to take your product for a test run, letting them feel it, try it on, or experience it in a way that gives them a real sense of the product's features and benefits. Interacting with your product will create a bigger impression in people's minds. 

If you are promoting a service, or other intangible, that makes it hard to create an experience with the product, build an interaction that will attract the prospective consumer to your booth. For instance, if you're an insurance company, have a Fortune Teller reading tarot cards or palms - she can add at the end that their lives and valuables will be better protected by buying your insurance policy. ​
​

Engage:
Get social media on your side and harness its power: build engagement and let your fans know about your trade show. How to get people to come to your booth? Take a picture highlighting the most interesting feature of your booth that will make attendees want to come and see it in person. Read this article for many more valuable tips about integrating social media into your trade show. 

Train your team by having a booth-selling skills session, where they learn how to engage with the show's attendees, asking them questions and inviting them to try your exciting product. Have one team member always standing at the entrance of the booth, smiling and greeting attendees. Learn more about sales techniques on the trade show floor. ​

​Adidas gave us all a masterclass at a pre-race expo. In order for people to experience their new sneakers, Adidas had a lifesize hamster wheel, where attendees could put on the new kicks and then "go for a run." Attendees waiting their turn to experience your product are a captive audience; make the most of that time establishing a relationship and find out their needs as you softly start the sales process.

​However, creativity doesn't need to cost a lot of dollars (many of us don't have Adidas' massive budget), little things like getting rid of the banquet table that comes standard with the typical booth, can make a big difference. Many exhibitors put the table at the front of their booth, which creates a barrier to creating connections. Instead, we recommend opening up the booth and using a stand-up table with stools.

Retain:
Once you have a prospective buyer in your booth, start a conversation to learn about the prospect and their needs. Avoid jumping immediately into the features of your product, build a relationship and discover how your product can help fill their needs. Consider creating a private area at the back of your booth where you can talk privately with them.  ​​

Most importantly, follow up with your leads within 48 hours of the trade show closing. Have an email campaign designed and ready, so an email is sent when a lead is put in the system. Attach a photo of your booth (preferably with eager and engaged participants), so the attendee remembers exactly who you are. Create a database of all the qualified leads that you met and networked with during the trade show. 

​"Think out of the booth" and wow your future clients with a well-designed booth and a great experience that converts them to buyers.

Remember to have your business cards on you, know your budget, have a plan as to which booths you want to check out first, network and be open to making new connections. 

1. A Food Tasting Event: This past month, we planned a hugely successful fundraiser for Food Bank of Central New York. Tens of restaurants, grocery stores, hotels and breweries participated, each showcasing a popular item off their menu. 

Gather a few food joints in one place and people will come for great food. Invite a local band to play live background music to create a fun, upbeat ambiance as guests enjoy their delicious bites.

2. Golf Tournament: A game of golf is an interactive way to get people out of the office and into the great outdoors. The Infinity Golf Tournament is a fundraiser we plan every year, with a great turnout. The day includes lunch, drink tickets for beverage stations throughout the course, and dinner with a short program. We also have prizes for fun contests such as Hole-in-One and the Longest Drive. 

As golf appeals to many businesspeople, think about inviting local companies to participate and sign up a foursome. 

3. A Fashion Show:  Mix fashion and music and you've got a fun fundraiser. We work closely with an organization benefiting women entrepreneurs, and we wanted to create a fundraiser for them that offered a carefree and fun night out, while putting the spotlight on the wonderful work they do. Inspired by the chic wardrobe staple, we desgined the Little Black Dress Event with a fashion show, music, dancing and cocktails.

4. Walk/Run: A  community walk/run (or bike ride) is a great way to bring people from all over community together-and runners always love an excuse to hit the pavement. The Rescue Mission's Ride and Run, which we have produced several times in the past, is always a great success. These events are not only healthy, but are often during the day, which means they can be family-friendly as well. 

If you're planning a fundraiser and are in need of a fresh idea, give us a call at 315.422.9400.

Keeping little ones engaged and entertained at weddings is a difficult task. I sat down with Alyssa, our Senior Event Planner, to find out what activities are tried and true, and what keeps our little ones from running around the reception playing freeze tag. 

However, if you really don't want to spend a lot of money on kids entertainment, consider these more affordable (some you can even DIY) options.

1. Coloring activities are the most popular way of keeping kids occupied, which is your goal, because, really, weddings are mostly geared towards adults. Providing them ample opportunity to get creative will keep them (and you) happy. Supply crayons, coloring books, (you can find wedding-themed ones online, or check out these customized wedding coloring books on Etsy ). Paper place mats, with crossword puzzles and mazes, are a great option too.

2. BUBBLES! What kid doesn't like bubbles? Have the photographer capture a photo of the kids blowing bubbles around you as you kiss! As a word of caution, however, bubbles are best suited for an outdoor wedding. The last thing you want is a slippery dance floor.

​3. Give each little guest a disposable camera and let them snap pictures of your big day. I know this keeps my kids busy for hours! Plus, you get to see your wedding through the eyes (or eye level!) of your cutest guests.

However you choose to accomodate kids at your wedding, just know your guests will appreciate all the time and effort you put into planning your wedding with their kids in mind.

​We are very excited to announce that our team has moved to the home of SKY Armory, our sister company.  This new arrangement allows our two companies, The Events Company and SKY Armory, to work under one roof. Our new home is now at 351 S. Clinton Street in downtown Syracuse.

This change comes at a very fitting time as we are preparing to celebrate The Events Company’s 20th anniversary this September. It feels like a new beginning to a lot of us here at the office; a new location, a refreshed logo, and a new milestone! We hope to unveil our new showroom towards the end of the year. 

​Feel free to call us at 315.422.9400 or email alyssa@theeventscompany.com.

One thing remains unchanged and that is our commitment and passion to do what we do: bring to life events that inspire and WOW!

​At a time when there are 9.4 million women-owned businesses in the US, supporting women entrepreneurs is not just a good cause but also a necessity for economic growth.
 
The LBD (Little Black Dress) is a fun and fashionable fundraiser created by SKY Armory that benefits the WISE Women's Business Center (WBC). This celebratory night will take place on Friday, October 14th, from 7-11 pm at SKY Armory.

Our president and creative director, Nicole Samolis, herself a woman business owner, has been heavily and passionately involved in working with the WISE WBC for a decade. Having started her company before the emergence of WISE, she knows firsthand the value of the business development resources and networking provided by the WISE Women's Business Center. The center offers mentoring and consulting services to women entrepreneurs, as well as networking opportunities.

The festive evening, celebrating the 10th anniversary of WISE WBC, will include a runway-style fashion show, emceed by Jackie Terribile,  highlighting local designers, retailers and models.

The event features funky cocktails, wines by female winemakers, made-from-scratch hors d’oeuvres, small plates and desserts prepared by the talented SKY Armory culinary team. 

​In case you need more reasons to attend this beautiful evening, a stunning gold Little Black Dress necklace (a $225 value) will be raffled at the end of the night.  Live entertainment will be playing throughout the evening, so you can dance the night away.
 
Click here for more information and to book your ticket for this amazing fundraiser that supports local women entrepreneurs in your community. 

Pre-order your Little Black Dress Necklace Today!

This $75 silver pendant on a Tiffany's style chain with black
cubic zirconium stones has been designed by Cazenovia Jewelery exclusively for the Little Black Dress Fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the ​WISE Women's Business Center.

Click here to purchase your necklace, once on the page, click on 'Get Tickets' on the top right-hand side, then scroll down the page to where it says LBD Necklace.

We have to admit, planning a team-building event is one of our favorite things to do. Not only do we have the fun of brainstorming ideas to bring your team closer, but on the day of the event, we get to watch your employees have a great time getting thoroughly engaged in the games and challenges.

We love these fun and creative ideas that are guaranteed to promote fun, problem-solving, and strengthen your team.

Race Car-Themed activity:
Do your employees have a need for speed? Try an afternoon of food, beverages and fast cars. They will be trained on how to handle and drive real race cars (under the instruction of a professional driver), and ultimately take part in a real timed race. ​

​Chopped Challenge:
​Who doesn't love food? (Our team sure does.) A meal that you cooked while laughing with your work buddies would taste even better.  A classically-trained chef teaches various cooking techniques, then teams create dishes to be "judged." 
​

​Winter Fun:
Central New York is known for its snowy winters – make the most of it with these fun games:
•Snowman Contests
•Dog Sled Races
•Snow Tug-o-War
•Snow Twister
•Snowball dodge ball 

And when you’re ready to warm up, come into an Adirondack-style lodge to sit by the fire while steaks are grilling .

​A Scavenger Hunt:
A day-long scavenger hunt could begin at your employees' desks, and lead them to the location where you're hosting your event. This team-building exercise provides great opportunities for communication, strategy, bonding and of course, fun.

 ​Whodunnit?
A great ice-breaker to start off your team-building event. We'll turn your party into an exhilarating crime scene and your employees into CSI agents. Featuring some eccentric characters and a murder mystery to solve, teams can also hilariously re-enact the crime, and piece together the final hours of the "victim's" life.
​

Need help planning your next team-building event? Call us (315.422.9400) and we will come up with an idea that's perfect for your team.

​We are passionate about the Buy Local movement. By supporting your local community, you help neighbors and small business owners better provide for their families, and your dollars stay within the city that gives you so much. Everyone can be part of this shift toward local spending.

​One upcoming opportunity to support our local community takes place next weekend, Night Market, a pop up urban market in downtown’s special events venue SKY Armory, will bring together local retailers, craftspeople, artists and designers selling clothing and accessories, packaged food, home décor and lifestyle products, art, photography and graphic design- many items are handmade and locally made.
 
If you like to buy local, stop by on April 16th from 4:00-10:00 pm to show your support for your community. As you shop, enjoy made-from-scratch food and drinks by SKY Armory’s culinary team and bartenders. Local musicians, including Beautiful Mess, provide live music for a coffeehouse feel.
 
Tickets are $5 each and this fee includes a complimentary cocktail for guests 21 and up. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
 
Take advantage of SKY Armory’s buy one get one free ticket promotion if you buy your tickets by end of day Friday, April 8th. Click here to take advantage of the BOGO. (When you click this link, you'll see both ticket types. Be sure to select the 'BOGO' option). Tickets will also be available at the door.
 
Night Market will feature these local vendors and more:
 
Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen - The Flower Child - Carol Watson Greenhouse - Michael A. Gaut, Artist
R Best Photography - ZuZu Curiosities -The Black Rabbit Studio - Anthony Beckham - Tali B Naturally -Dinosaur BBQ - Saint be Studio - Repurposed Things - Silvery Moon Designs - VC Jewelry  Johanna Wall Jewelry - We Make Stuff
 
More coming soon!
 
If you would like to learn more about Syracuse's Buy Local Movement, visit www.syracusefirst.org for information and resources.

Be part of the​ event that supports and inspires women to achieve.

The Events Company, and its sister company, SKY Armory are honored to be the organizers and the venue for the WISE Symposium this year which takes place on Tuesday, April 19th. Being a woman-run business, it is only natural that our Founder and Creative Director, Nicole Samolis, is passionately involved in planning this event in support of women entrepreneurs.
 
WISE stands for Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship. The Symposium is in its 14th year and provides support, inspiration and motivation for women in any business capacity. Whether you are just venturing out to start your own business, or have been running your own company for years, WISE Unplugged is invaluable.

WISE is unplugging by creating a more intimate setting (attendance will be limited at 350 people) for learning and having conversations with other entrepreneurs. We believe you need to unplug from your daily routine of working in--and on--your business for a day to be re-energized.
 
What's different about this year's symposium is that attendees no longer have to decide on which breakout to attend. All of the program content will be shared in one general session area, thus eliminating one of the biggest conference-day decisions attendees have to make.

The Business Expo will be available for exhibitors to showcase their brands(limited to 30, so reserve your table today), and is where attendees can network and mingle with entrepreneurs. Breakfast and lunch, created by SKY Armory's Executive Chef, will be served on the same floor. SKY is becoming known for its food philosophy  of creating made-from-scratch dishes with the finest and freshest ingredients, another good reason to look forward to WISE 2016. 

Highlighted topics of the agenda include:

Keynote Presentation “Leadership with an EDGE” presented by Pam Sherman, a writer, actor, recovering lawyer and leadership consultant who was profiled in People Magazine about her career transition from attorney to actor. 

Dream, Believe and Pursue: Real life stories of local women entrepreneurs who turned their dreams into million-dollar companies. Opening this discussion is Jill Tietjen, P.E, an author, national speaker, and an electrical engineer.  Tietjen is one of the top historians in the country on scientific and technical women.  She has been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame.

Emotional Intelligence: Why it Matters  and Why It’s Critical to Leadership Success. Presented by Mary Schecter and Jeanette Sweet. Schecter is the President and Founder of theintuitiveorganization.com. She is a consultant, trainer and leadership coach who pioneers organizations toward a fearless approach to performance management. Sweet is the founder of HR-Max which applies “Talent Management” techniques to the traditional human resource function. As the author and creator of ©Workfit 101 she takes business owners brains to the gym in order to increase their own effectiveness, reduce their employer cost by hiring; managing and keeping the “right” employees.

Interactive Sessions: Sales and Marketing, and Bootsrapping: Strategies for Surviving Startup and Growth.
Meet the inspiring women who will be sharing their knowledge.

For more details, and to register for the event, click here

Graduation season is around the corner and it is one of the most emotional experiences for parents, to see your child complete an enormous milestone is a source of pride (and when many happy tears are shed).
​ 
The responsibility of hosting a graduation party can be a daunting task with many details and logistics to keep in mind. But let’s focus on the two most important things that guests look for: food and entertainment.
 
Great food and creative food presentations are always a hit, so let’s start you with some ideas:
 
1) A food truck right in your backyard. Your guests could choose from the menu, and the chef takes their orders and prepares delicious fresh food on the spot.
 
2) A pizza oven onsite making fresh pizzas of your guests’ choosing, they won't be able to resist the aromas that arise! More tantalizing is to have a mozzarella puller making fresh mozzarella to put on your salad or pizza. It doesn’t get more authentic than this!
 
3) An Ice Cream truck not only has kids excited but adults too. Dessert doesn’t get better than your favorite frozen treat on a hot summer day, and having an ice cream truck in your backyard is the cherry on top, literally!
 
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