Everyone knows that social media is leading the market in gaining clients and attendees for events. But, there is a new social media outlet on the rise that is already reaching more people than LinkedIn, Google +, and YouTube combined!  You all may already know the online pinboard called Pinterest, but here at ABCey we have all the advice you need to help you increase awareness and interest for your upcoming events!

1. Link all of your “pins” back to your website.  It’s easy to do! Just click the edit button and add a link to your own website or blog.  This is an easy way to drive more traffic and potential attendees to your page.

2. Make Pinterest a visual resume. Infographic resumes have become popular this year, but through Pinterest you can take this idea a step forward by creating a resume board!  Here you can post pictures of past events and show potential attendees the benefits they will receive by attending your event.  Don’t forget to link the pictures back to your website!

3. Link to Twitter and Facebook.  Pinterest makes it easy to pin your pictures and post to Twitter and Facebook as well.  You are tripling the people you reach in less then five minutes!

4. Add the “pin-it” button to your webpage or toolbar to make it easier to pin things you find interesting or you may want to use for your next event.

5. Allow other people to contribute.  Make a pinboard that allows other people to contribute to.  This is a great way to get attendees interested and participating in the event before it even starts.

6. Hold a contest!  You want to keep your clients and potential attendees involved. The contest can be anything from guessing the amount of people attending the event to guessing who will be speaking at your event.

7. Pin videos!  Many people think that Pinterest is only for pictures, but you can also post videos as well.  It is always a good idea to post a video of your guest speakers to draw in attendees, as it promotes the speaker as well!

8. Use Google Adwords to title your boards.  This allows your board to show up higher in a search.

Thinking of updating your Pinterest to help gain more attendees at your next event?  Let us know how in the comments, or find us on Twitter.

Oops! Tired of running into pointless 404 error pages? You have not been alone in your frustration. In this TED Talk by Renny Gleeson, he shows us how startups can turn this unknown error into opportunities to build relationships. Here at ABCey we laughed and watched in awe as Gleeson shows funny slideshows of how current startups used their 404 pages to earn their clients attention, instead of frustration.

By creating 404 pages with funny videos or creative lessons embedded into them, the frustration of hitting that brick wall 404 page can be turned into a blessing. Some startups have even created contests to place on their 404 pages to engage their audiences.

Gleeson says that “a 404 page is the feeling of a broken relationship,” but he shows us how we can take that bad feeling, and turn it back into an opportunity to form a new, stronger relationship with clients.

Did you find this information helpful? How will you turn a 404 page into a way to form relationships? Leave us a comment here with your thoughts and ideas or respond to us on Twitter.

Did you know that on the web there is a whole secret $3 billion world of affiliate commerce where large online stores like Amazon reward other companies or people for referring them customers? Here at  ABCey we love how entrepreneur Danielle Morrill took advantage of this opportunity and today launches her new product Refer.ly to help other people do the same!

Normally people would not have access to this secret world of earning money by referring friends to specific sites.  With Morrill’s Refer.ly this $3 billion world of affiliate commerce is open to the community.  At Refer.ly, you can go and create special links that track whether you’re driving sales to other sites. If a recommendation does end up with a friend or family member making a purchase, you’ll earn a small commission!  Morrill has estimated that the commission usually ranges from a few percent to 10 percent depending on the product you draw people towards.

“The entire internet is monetized this way and people are often getting monetized without them even knowing it,” Morrill said. “Any site that has a ‘Buy’ button has an affiliate program. But it’s hard to become an affiliate. The process for signing up is pretty long.”

Refer.ly will be an “affiliate-for-everyone” concept and since it is starting today the product is basic and simple to use.  Get started on Refer.ly today, share a link with a friend, and start earning commission!

To Read more about Refer.ly visit TechCruch and see how Morrill came up with this awesome idea.

Do you see yourself using Refer.ly and becoming engaged in the world of affiliate commerce?  Let us know the products you love and what you will refer to your friends and family on our Twitter or Facebook. 

Fun fact: The LED light was invented by Nick Holonyak in 1962 while working for General Electric as a scientist. Holonyak is also credited with inventing the laser diode and has over 41 patents.

1. GloLoons (aka LED Balloons): Glo-Loons” are innovative new balloons with tiny LED lights inside that give the balloon a glow-in-the-dark effect when the light is activated. With their new and improved lightweight design, “Glo-Loons” float longer when filled with compressed helium. No heavy, leaky fill valves to deal with. The LED light in each balloon can be set to three modes- fast flashing, slow flashing, or constant on mode. Save-On-Crafts has a pretty awesome selection of these as well.

2. LED Small Moonflower Light: The LED Small Moonflower Light will send you to the moon! This DJ supply will have you and your guests in the dance under the moonlight of this colorful Moon Lamp. An amazing 18 LED 5 mm bulbs (6 red, 6 green & 6 blue) offer a rainbow of colorful, sound activated party light sensations that rival many professional DJ supplies. Get the party started with professional quality party lighting and invest in a Moonlight Moon Lamp today! Only $39.99

3. Mini LED projector: The Mini LED Projector is an essential accessory for your next party. There are 7 projection patterns, 2 speed settings, slow or strobe, and is wall mountable. Get your party going with this fun light projector. This may be the cheapest one you can possibly find at only $9.99!

4. Discobeams Light Fixture: The Discobeams projects colorful light beams into any room you choose. The light beams dance to the music or sound or it can be switched to the pre-programmed mode. You can hang on the wall or mount to the ceiling (mounting screws included). The light source is LED (energy saving and long life) and it is operated by a UL/cUL adaptor with a 12″ cord (included). $29.99

5. 8″ Rotating Mirror Mall with LED Lights: Mirror bar with LED lights? Yes!! Get the party started with this fantastic 8 inch mirror ball suspended from a multi-color LED lighted base. The colors dance and play around the room to create a disco environment in your dorm, den or bar.  8 inch real glass MirrorBall, with battery operated spinning motor, and flashing LED lights. Sound resposive light feature included! Motor spins the Mirror Ball, and the LEDs have two settings. Steady on, or Sound Responsive (lights will flash to the beat of your music) Requires 3AA Batteries (not included) Indoor Use Only (Suggested) $24.99

6. Disco Planet Double Rotating Mirror Balls: The Disco Planet will get your party started! LED-covered rings surround the double rotating disco balls maximizing your party reflections! 6in D. x 8.75in H. When illuminated, these lamps emit a soft glow, making them ideal for a child’s room. Features a metal frame and translucent Kumo paper. Takes one 25-watt candelabra bulb. The electrical cord set may be removed to use the Night-Time Pals as decorative accents. UL listed. Indoor use only. $24.99

7. American DJ Atmospheric RG LED Red & Green Web Laser Light: The Atmospheric RG LED, from American DJ, creates a psychedelic atmospheric effect from unique “web type” red and green laser patterns and a dark blue LED wash all built into one case. This laser effect features one 30mW green laser, one 80mW red laser and one 3W dark blue LED that creates the wash part of the effect. The Atmospheric RG LED is perfect for small clubs or the entertainer on the go becuase it is light weight, portable, has wide coverage and is easy-to-use. Just turn it on and let it run in sound active mode through it’s built-in programs. These run from about $250 and up.

8. Glowing Orbs/ LED Spheres: Glowing battery operated orbs, glowing risers and floating spheres! They come in all colors and sizes and can be bought at retail or in bulk for a discount!

9. Sharper Image Laser Stars Projector Light Show Night Sky Blue LED Nebula Cloud: Want to sleep under the stars? Now you can create an awesome light spectacle of animated stars and cloud formations! Laser Stars is fully adjustable, requires no set up and will fill any room from the tiniest bedroom to the largest warehouse with a crystal clear animated star display. You can bring the beauty of the universe to you and you may even witness an occasional shooting star! This is created from powerful green laser and holographic technology and is only $119.95.

10. Fairy Berries:  You can place these small 3/4″ diameter clear balls everywhere around your party venue. On the lawn, in the garden, hanging from trees, shrubs and ceilings and they last for over 20 hours. Their water resistant design allows for use in water features where they will float. Each one has a tiny glowing orchid pink LED that fades on and off slowly. Collectively, they produce a moving firefly or fairy light effect that is absolutely unique.

How do you add a bit of geekdom to your party decor? Send ideas our way by leaving a note in the comments below or by sending pics to us on Twitter or Facebook. We’ll post the best of the best on our blog.

Inc. magazine, delivers advice, tools, and services, to help business owners and CEOs start, run, and grow their businesses more successfully. They offer information and advice covering virtually every business and management task, including marketing, sales, finding capital, managing people, and much, much more. ABCey Events recently attended it’s first Inc Conference this past March in New Orleans. We thought it was incredibly helpful and are excited to check out more of their upcoming forums! Bonus: This one is being held in Miami!

Inc. has created an event custom made for entrepreneurial leaders: The Inc. Leadership Forum. Among peers, you will be immersed in an energizing program with a series of keynote speakers, panel discussions and interactive networking sessions designed exclusively for your unique needs. You will take home actionable, real-world information to lead your businesses on a path to growth and prosperity. Entrepreneurial leaders have everything on the line from day one. Everything your company is concerned with concerns you. As a leader, you have to define and communicate your company’s vision and values – and then make the hard decisions.

What’s Included:

• A cocktail reception
• 2 power-networking breakfasts and lunches
• High-profile speakers
• More than 15 hours of education
• Informative break-outs and panel discussions
• Book signings
• A working night out! Join us for a baseball game at the brand-new, state-of-the-art Marlins Park (ticket, transportation and $20 refreshment voucher included with registration)

Register now and save $300! Use promo code: Lead at www.incleadership.com

Here’s how it works: Search your desired city for all sorts of adventures, book the event easily, and guides will get back to you within 24 hours.  Your credit card will be charged and then you’ll be all ready to have your adventure! The guides are all screened through multiple verification methods to ensure quality experiences, and all of the experiences have been reviewed by fellow adventurers. Some of our favorites for the Bay Area are the Wine Country Tour, Scout for Street Art, and the Farmer’s Market Feast.  They all sound super fun have been well reviewed! We can’t wait to try it out in our travels as well!

The newest addition to Vayable is the Concierge! For only $25 you get a personalized consultation for your trip filled with VIP access to individualized, off-the-beaten path adventures. This would be great anyone who wants an unforgettable experience, but is short on time.

What adventures would you like to go on? Let us know in the comments, or find us on Twitter!

1. Mashable- Well this one is obvious, but it doesn’t get much better than this site when it comes to social media

2. TechCrunch- Lots of news on startups, Silicon Valley, and events. There are great videos on a variety of topics

3. Venture Beat- The best coverage of startups, innovation, and cool products coming in the tech world.

4. Brit- We can’t get enough of Brit.  She puts a creative spin on all things tech

5. Event Manager Blog- Wonderful coverage of the event industry from an experienced perspective

6. Gizmodo- Gadgets, gadgets, gadgets!

7. GigOm- Some news, but mostly really smart analysis of the tech world.

8. Wired- These guys cover more tech and real life, and less of Silicon Valley

9. Lifehacker- Tips and downloads for getting things done

10. Boy Genius Report- Tech news, rumors, and leaks

11. Ready 2 Spark- Probably the best marketing advice for the event industry

12. Good- Their technology section covers many fun and interesting aspects of the tech world

13. The Next Web- All things web, and a bit lighthearted

14. Cvent Blog- Awesome coverage of advances in the event industry

15. Liz King Events Blog- Corporate events, unpacked

16. Huffington Post Tech- Aggregate of top news

17. Uncrate- Technically this is for guys, but they’ve covered some awesome /outrageous tech.

18. Soshable- Social media news, content, and infographics

19. Brian Solis- A media marketing guru

20. Cool Material- Fun to look at and informative at the same time

Know of any great blogs that we missed? Let us know in the comments or give us the link on Twitter!

The Adobe Creative Cloud has arrived! This digital hub lets you download and install applications from Creative Suite 6 (Photoshop, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Illustrator, etc) that can be accessed online anywhere! You’ll be able to pick up where you left off on a project wherever you are! Along with the Suite, Adobe Acrobat and Touch apps are included for creativity on the go! Also, this service makes it simple to collaborate without constantly uploading to Dropbox.  And the 20GB of storage should keep you busy for awhile.

If you already have a version of the Adobe Creative Suite, then this new cloud-based service will be available for $30 per month for one year.  Otherwise the 1 year subscription is $50 per month, and a month-to-month contract is $75 per month.  These Cloud subscriptions ensure that you are always working with the latest version of the software. No more waiting for the newest update to download.

Some have questioned the speed of the service, arguing that it will be slow, but we’ll have to wait and see! Are you excited about the Adobe Creative Cloud? What do you think of the new service? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.  We’d love to hear from you!

Power Points have been begging to be reinvented for years now.  Well the wait is finally over! We are loving the sleek cloud-based presentation software that Prezi offers.  They are free, easy to make, and engaging for the audience.

Prezi is based on a zoomable canvas, which makes it a combination of a whiteboard and slide presentation. The finished products are visually captivating and entertaining.  It is easy to add text, videos, images, and other media. Since the software is online, it is simple to collaborate with people around the world or across the room. After you’ve finished creating a cinematic journey, the presentation can be viewed online or off. Prezi is also easy to use on the iPad, so take your presentations everywhere! There is a free option available, or subscriptions that offer more memory and support.

Prezi is a beautiful addition to any event! Guest will enjoy the break from the monotony of slides and the presenters will have more fun with the creativity that the software allows.  We will definitely be looking to use this at ABCey.  Let us know in the comments or on Twitter what you think of Prezi!

1. Sentimental: Blow up one of her favorite pics using ixxi. You can also create collages that hang easily on the wall and look great! Prices start at around $40.

2. Tech-obsessed: Pebble was the latest hugely successful Kickstarter, and now you can get this iPhone connected watch for your mom (or yourself)! Pre Order for $125.

3. Accident Prone: Protect her brand new iPhone with the stylish LifeProof Case which battles drops, water, and dust! $79.99

4. Organized: She’ll love the flexibility of Bound Custom Journals, where she can design and pick the dates and sections of her very own planner. Gift cards are available. Journals start at $10.

5. Curious: For the adventurous moms out there, give a Vayable gift card that they can spend on anything offered through the site. Maybe a wine tour or sailing excursion! Giftcards available for any amount.

6. Deal Hunter: Get excitement and a bargain when you give a Zozi excursion as a gift. Choose from an assortment of opportunities! Prices vary.

7. Germaphobe: Make your mom’s day when you give her a Violight UV Cellphone Sanitizer. Just be careful, she might decide you need one for Christmas. $30

8. Cook: The Belkin Chef Stand is wonderful gift for an iPad toting cook. It comes with a stylus so that the screen stays clean, and it keeps the iPad away from spills. $40

9. Athletic: Nike + FuelBand is the hottest accessory for the active out there. It logs everyday activity through steps and calories burned for tracking online.  $149

10. Photographer: The Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera Kit with Integrated printer is the only printer/camera combo that is small enough to take on the go. $190

Hopefully you found something perfect for you mom, or at least came away with some inspiration!  Let us know what you end up getting for her in the comments or on Twitter!