Start Up Monday: Tint

Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that features some of the best and brightest companies in the Bay Area. They are often companies that we have our eye on or have worked with in the past & would like to share with friends and followers of ABCey Events.

Do you ever find it tough to keep your audiences alert and engaged at your event? At ABCey Events, we are always on the lookout for new ways to keep our attendees involved and interested. This new San Francisco based company Tint, is the solution we’ve all been searching for! Tint’s mission is to help organizations drive deeper relationships with their customers through social media.

How it Works: Tint helps company’s connect through any page, handle, hashtag, playlist, and/or tagged location from any social network. It also moderates which posts they wish to display in order to generate the best content possible. This software also has the capability to display the message on any website, mobile app, TV display, event wall, or jumbotron!

Why it’s Great For Events: Tint specializes in relationships with customers through social media. When an attendee uses a unique hashtag centered around the event, their tweet or Instagram photo will automatically stream into the event wall/TV screen. This can also be used if your event has a Q&A session! Request that attendees ask questions tagged with your event’s hashtag and use Tint to display a Q&A wall to allow speakers to address the questions. Another option is to use Tint to display pictures and information about your event in a creative and colorful way!

Tint can be used in so many different ways and can really help generate engagement and excitement with your attendees. We can’t wait to see how they grow and develop! Let us know what you think of this social media platform in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!

5 Fun Ways To Make Your 4th Of July Sparkle!

We hope you are all as excited as we are for one of the best holiday’s of the year…The 4th of July. With fireworks, food, family, friends and fun, honestly, what could be better?! We created a helpful guide to all things 4th of July, from amazing food and drink ideas to the newest apps inspired by Independence Day!

1. BOOZE: Rather than chugging a beer by the pool, take your barbeque or party to the next level with these 4th of July inspired jello shots from Brit+Co. And, for those wine lovers, be sure to check the Pineapple and Berry White Wine Cocktail by She Knows for some more fruity and patriotic drink ideas!

2. DESSERT: Here is one that everyone is sure to love, chocolate covered strawberries! The Sisters Cafe brings these yummy deserts to the next level. Instead of using milk or dark chocolate, opt for white instead and dip the end into blue sprinkles. The 4th of July means getting back to your American roots, and what better way to honor that than by getting a recipe from Betty Crocker to make the ultimate American flag cake?!

3. APPS: What is Independence Day without your favorite music blasting?! Check out Songza and the app creates a 4th of July playlist for you and your friends! And, give July 4th Fun, Facts and Trivia a try and be the hit of the party by knowing all about the roots of this important holiday!

4. FIREWORKS: All of the biggest shows such as Macys’ Fourth of July Fireworks will be streaming online. However, if you are lucky enough to see fireworks live, head over to one of the many destinations all over the city to celebrate this wonderful holiday! You can find the full list of places to go here!

5. PHOTOS: Check out the latest of the multi-media messaging systems, Cooliris’ BeamIt! This awesome app is basically Instagram, WhatsApp and Flipboard combined. If you want to share pictures but not have it take up most of your day, download BeamIt!

What are you going to do for Independence Day? Will you be making any of these yummy drinks or desserts, or try one of the fun apps? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!

ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 6.26.14 – 6.29.14

Looking for a quiet and low-key weekend? Think again! It’s Pride Weekend in San Francisco and the city is buzzing with energy. From parades to parties, this one has a ton to offer. Take a peek at our Lineup for ABCey’s fave picks!

Featured Event: 2014 San Francisco Pride Festival |Saturday June 27th and Sunday June 28th |All Day| |Civic Center Plaza |Come experience the 44th annual San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade. The theme is “Color Our World with Pride”. With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and more than twenty community-run stages and venues, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of LGBT people and friends in the nation. From dance parties to fashion shows, there are a ton of Pride events going on this weekend including some of our favorites Pride on the Pier, Metamorphose, Candy Crush: Pride 2014, and Pink Saturday. We can’t wait to see the streets of San Francisco be filled with excitement and energy for this weekend!

1. Best of the Bay Area Party |Thurs. June 26th|Main Event 7-11 pm | City View at Metreon |San Francisco magazine’s Best of the Bay Area Party brings the July “Best of the Bay Area” issue to life with bites from 40 of San Francisco’s hottest restaurants, wines from 11 of the top wineries, and 12 open bars. There will be Six DJs and live music to get things going on the dance floor, and the night goes on at an exclusive after party. This is a great opportunity to experience all this city has to offer while enjoying views of the San Francisco skyline and indulging in delicious food and cocktails. We wish we were going to this event, but we cant wait to hear all the reviews and insider scoop! Tickets start at $100.

2. Pancakes and Booze Art Show | Fri. June 27th| 8:00 pm-2:00 am| 111 Minna Gallery | Do you love pancakes and art? Then this is the event for you! Come visit SF’s largest underground art show with over 100 emerging artists, live body painting, all you can eat pancake bar, and live music. What a cool and unique event to attend and who can say no to an all you can eat pancake bar?! Grab your fork and head over to Pancakes and Booze! $5 dollar cover.

3. Pink Mammoth Block Party | Sat. June 28th| 12pm-4 am| Mighty,119 Utah St| Pink Mammoth and Mighty present the biggest summer house music block party on the West Coast. In an effort to raise money for Pink Mammoth’s annual production at Burning Man as well as for breast cancer, all proceeds will be donated to these causes.The DJ lineup will feature 37 DJs spinning deep, funky, disco, dirty, and tech house sounds. Food will be provided by Me So Hungry food truck and Oceanic restaurant. There will also be full bars & beer trucks, and local designer vendors. We love a good dance party and this one sounds like a ton of fun! Grab some friends and head over to Pink Mammoth Block Party! Ticket prices rage from $20-55.

4. Treasure Island Flee Market | Sat. June 28th| 10:00 am-4:00 pm|Treasure Island| Looking for something unique to purchase this weekend? Held the last full weekend every month, The Treasure Island Flee Market is a unique outdoor market that offers great shopping with 400+ curated vendors like antiques & collectibles, vintage, indie designers, and artists plus lots of fun & games. Great place to spend a Saturday with the whole family! $3 general admission with kids under 12 free!

5. Passport to Healthy Skin Event: A Guide to Living Well From the Inside Out |Sat. June 28th| 12:00 pm-4:00 pm| Justin Herman Plaza |This daylong, free event will inform attendees how city living (both the elements and lifestyle habits) can make skin sensitive and what solutions will work best for your city skin. Each attendee will be given a Passport to Healthy Skin to experience the event’s four zones: food, fitness, wellness, and relaxation. Additional event activities include a healthy eats & detox tea garden, on site yoga, relaxation chair massages, and free samples of beauty products. Sign us up! This seems like a perfect way to pamper yourself on a Saturday! Who doesn’t love free beauty products? RSVP to attend!

Will you be attending any of these events this weekend? Which ones?! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!

DIY: Vintage Marquee Sign

With the summer season now upon us, ABCey is continuing with our DIY creations in full force! This Marquee light up sign can be customized to send any message of your choice to attendees at an event. It is a great decor addition for your room, event, or in our case – a wedding! This DIY project is simple to create and not many materials are needed. Read on for steps on how to create a similar sign!

Materials:

– 12 inch paper maché block letters

– Globe string lights (ours were purchased online from Target)

– Spray paint

Tools:

– Exacto knife

– Heavy duty duck tape

Once your materials are in order, start by using the exacto knife to cut out the top of each letter. Remove the top piece and any cardboard supports inside. You can either save this top piece for future projects or recycle it, but we won’t be needing it for this one.

Next up, flip your letters upside down and cut x’s where you want bulbs to go. Then punch out the hole using the dull side of your exacto knife. Repeat this with all your letters.Next step is spray paint! Head to a rooftop, backyard, or other well-ventilated space to get your spray paint on. We recommend laying a cardboard down to protect your work area. Flip the letters so the hollow side is facing up and apply your spray paint in 3 coats to get a nice solid color. Let it dry for 10 minutes between each layer.

While the letters are drying, unscrew all the bulbs from the string. Then when they’re dry, flip them upside down again and in reverse order. Start inserting the back of the light string from the side that you do not intend to plug into the wall (aka the “female” end). You may have to connect 2 or 3 strands together to spell out your whole word. Insert the back portion of the light strand into each hole, making sure to start and end each letter at the bottom.

To hide those annoying wires, tape them down into place and secure with masking or duct tape so they won’t show when you flip the letters back over. If you don’t have time to do this step, you can skip it, but it really does help the letters look cleaner and more professional! Then, flip the letters over and screw in the bulbs. Now the moment you’ve been waiting for, plug them in and watch the letters be transformed!

What do you think of the light up marquee sign?! Will you be creating one for you next event? Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!

Tech Tuesday: A Lesson In Bright Lighting Trends

Tech Tuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. ABCey would like to recognize these up and coming technologies for their innovative ideas and impact on the event world!

Event planners aim to pull your ideas together and create the perfect atmosphere. Event lighting can be a cost-effective and versatile solution when you are looking to transform your venue from drab to fab with rich beautiful color! In recent years, event lighting has advanced miles by utilizing wireless Light Emitting Diodes (LED). LED has been around for a long time but now, they are more affordable than ever thanks to efficient manufacturing technology. There are many options out there, but we have compiled highlights of some of the newest tech and trends in Lighting

1. LED lights: These are commonly used and are the backbone to event decor for up-lighting along the walls, or pinspotting buffets, spotlights, etc. Eco-Shift Power announced earlier this week its revolutionary highbay LED fixture, the most energy efficient LED fixture on the market with increased strength to powerfully light any area. These wireless lights are battery powered and remote controlled, removing the hassle of hidden wires or tripped-over tape trails. LED lights come in every color under the rainbow and can be combined to perfectly match event colors. These lights are also eco-friendly, which we always love!

2. Intelligent Lighting: This is the next step up from standard wall or overhead lighting and can make your event come to life by using the most up to date technology, moving heads and scanners. Movings heads are lights that have the ability to change colors and patters. They offer more movement in the head than scanners do, but scanners feature a moving mirror that can project patterns and colors through the room. Moving lights are great to match a beat or spark the audience’s interest.

3. Gobo’s: Another tech we have fun with at events utilizing gobos, a pattern cut out that fits over the light, and adds visual interest and depth to the lighting design because any image can be transformed into lighted wall art. Try plastic gobo’s, a welcome diversion from bank-breaking glass or steel gobos, previously the only material of gobo that allowed for a full spectrum of color.

4. RGB Lighting: We love what 3form is doing with RGB lighting technology. The company uses translucent materials to create color lighted walls and sections, which can be utilized to make subtle ambience or bright statements.

5. 3-D Projection Mapping: Last, and certainly not least (actually our favorite) is 3-d projection mapping, featured recently on CNN for spectacular video projections. Projection mapping uses a projector to map light onto ANY surface, instead of traditional uses that limit the images to a flat screen. This allows everyday images to turn into a 3-d display. In the event world, planners use this to showcase products, decorate and turn free space into an interactive, fascinating display!

ABCey utilized 3-d projection mapping at one of our most recent events, Guardians of the Galaxy for FireEye. It allowed us to project cyborgs onto mannequin bodies with different guests faces! It turned out really cool, and the attendees loved it! There are so many innovative applications of 3-d projection mapping, and it is sure to be a hit at any event!

Have you started using the newest lighting technologies at your events? What ideas do you have for projection mapping? Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!

Startup Monday: Plated

We all live hectic lives and anything that makes our day-to-day a little easier is always welcome at ABCey Events! Insert the latest and best meal delivery service, Plated, which uses the freshest local ingredients to create meals, and delivers straight to your door! The startup makes living a sustainable lifestyle more attainable for any busy professional.

How it Works: Essentially individuals can go online to the Plated website and check out which meal option they prefer, pick a date, and their food will arrive on their doorstep! Each week there are 7 chef-designed meal recipes available, which always include four meat and fish dishes and three vegetarian options. On the selected delivery date, all the ingredients necessary will be packaged together including a step-by-step instruction guide to cook up the delicious fare!

Plated offers their delivery service to over 80% of the continental U.S. and prides itself on their network of specialized vendors! We also love that Plated provides several different payment options, such as subscription or individual meal plans.

We can’t wait to try out Plated to plan a fun date night or dinner party! Let us know what you think of this great service in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!

Tips to take your FIFA World Cup Viewing Party to the next level!

Calling all sports fans! In light of the recent start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, here are some tips to help make your next sports viewing party a win! Here at ABCey, we love these ideas and hope you can use them for your next viewing party!

1. Fans unite, online! Download the Official 2014 FIFA World Cup App on your smartphone and stay updated! This app provides live coverage of all 64 games, wherever you go! Unite with the players, coaches and fans worldwide. With this free app, you can now take the game with you everywhere you go, literally.

2. Seating! Bring the indoors outside and get creative with seating! Take the couches and blankets to instantly give your viewing party a different vibe! This is where you will be spending the most time, so make sure it’s comfortable. To make your party outdoors and affordable, just rent a projector if you don’t have one!

3. Make food, fun! Create an interactive, personalized snack bar so friends can customize and eat without having to wait for the snack bowl to make it’s rounds.

4. Photos! Take photos of your friends and all the fun you are having! Redefine the selfie and use the Muku Shuttr remote to capture all the guests at your party, including yourself! Check out the Muku Lab Shuttr!

5. Theme! Let your party show which team you’re rooting for! Don’t be afraid to create your food and wall decor using soccer balls and team flags as inspiration! Let your next event scream team spirit! We think an overarching Brazil theme is great too. Don’t know where to start? Try this brazilian pineapple and coconut batilda; it’s bound to be a hit at your next party!

Are you planning to throw a FIFA World Cup viewing party? Let us know if you would use any of these ideas! Leave us a comment below or on Facebook & Twitter.

Friday Favorites: Eats & Drinks in SF

Who doesn’t love food and re-discovering the great restaurants and bars in this vibrant city? The girls at ABCey Events have compiled a list of some oldies but goodies here in the SF! If you have been to these places, go back and check them out again – you never know if you might wander into a hidden secret room or experience a new menu!

1. Izakaya Yuzuki (598 Guerrero Street): If you have ever lived here in San Francisco, chances are you have heard of Izakaya Yuzuki, one of the top Japanese restaurants. With the welcoming of their brand new chef, Kentaro Ikuta, this is a must stop destination to see what new delights Ikuta has to offer. What better place to bring friends for a great night out?!

2. nopa (560 Divisadero): Looking for organic food with a twist? Look no farther than nopa, a high-end organic restaurant that serves seasonal foods- so the menu is always changing! Not only is this the place to go out for late night dinner and drinks, but also think about bringing a work event here as the community feel is just what you need!

3. Lazy Bear (Cesar Chavez Street): Now, this place is really cool- they only serve dinner to the public about three weekends per month and getting reservations can be crazy but worth it! Unfortunately, Lazy Bear is completely booked for the month of June, but go their website and be the first to know when they open up again. Arguably, the most unique feature of this restaurant is that they never have the same dish served another night. The menu is always changing, so if you really want to impress friends and coworkers, snag a reservation to Lazy Bear!

4. Bourbon and Branch (501 Jones Street): Taking you all the way back to the 1920’s when Prohibition was in full swing, Bourbon and Branch resembles a fine speakeasy and a place where you can truly feel transported in time. This is the epitome of a San Francisco treasure. Step out of the same-old-same-old and venture into Bourbon and Branch and have a night to remember!

5. Dalva (3121 16th Street): This is not your run-of-the-mill bar. Walk to the back room, or to the “hideout” and experience cocktails that will blow your mind! This is a place to bring old friends and meet new ones. This bar is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a casual outing with friends or family, so definitely be sure to stop by and check it out!

Will you be venturing out and re-trying these restaurants? Are you excited for new chefs and places to retreat after work to relax and enjoy food? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!

ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 6.20.14 – 6.22.14

This weekend is looking to be a great one, all around the Bay Area! There are countless FREE opportunities to take advantage of to enjoy music, watch some soccer, and take in the beauty of San Francisco. At ABCey Events, we have put together a list of our favorite weekend picks! Give some love back to our community by participating in a beach clean up, or consider food & drink tasting at the Ferry Building to donate to sustainable agriculture! Whichever way you choose to spend your weekend, it is guaranteed to be a great one!

Featured Event: Alice’s Summerthing | Sunday, June 22nd | 12:00-5:00pm | Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park SF | This weekend is Alice @ 97.3’s annual FREE concert in the park featuring some awesome guests! Summerthing celebrates everything we love most about summer – live music, sun, fun, good vibes, food trucks and more! How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful city that holds free concerts on a regular basis?! This event is open to all ages and doors open at 10:30am so get on out there to celebrate this sunny weather.

1. International Surfing Day Party | Friday, June 20th | 4:00pm-8:00pm | Baker Beach SF, North Parking Lot | This event is open to all surfers & non-surfers and provides an opportunity to come together in celebration of our coastal beaches. In honor of International Surfing Day, San Francisco is organizing a beach cleanup to give something back to the oceans, waves, and beaches that give us all so much! Volunteers will be offered a picnic with BBQ & beverages after the clean-up. KITS Live 105 will provide the music all night to keep you grooving and is a guaranteed good time! Grab those garden gloves and meet us at the beach to show some TLC to our gorgeous beaches!

2. Summer Solstice Celebration in the Redwoods | Saturday, June 21st | 6:00pm-8:00am | SF Botanical Garden (1199 9th Ave.) | Join us in celebration of the longest day of the year! Participate in an age-old tradition of celebrating midsummer on the solstice, marking the astronomical beginning of summer. Enjoy two complimentary glasses of California wine and nibble on local cheeses while strolling through the 100-year-old Redwood grove. Explore the lush trails of woodland sorrel, wild ginger, and sword ferns. This is an excellent opportunity to ring in the summer season and meet new people in San Francisco! For members the entry fee is $20 and $30 for nonmembers.

3. USA vs. Portugal: 2014 World Cup Live Screening Outdoor Party | Sunday, June 22nd | All Day | Civic Center, SF | SF Recreation & Parks will once again be hosting live game screenings of select matches of the 2014 World Cup live from Brazil on a big screen (we’re told it’s 13 x 17) at Civic Center right in front of City Hall. This event will be filled with mini soccer games, youth skills clinics, face painting, and a photo booth with soccer props! The USA takes on Portugal at 3pm sharp and red, white & blue is highly recommended for attire! Show off your patriotism for our soccer team at this FREE event!

4. CUESA’s 4th Annual Summer Celebration | Sunday, June 22nd | 6:00pm-9:00pm | Ferry Building Farmers Market | Join CUESA (Center for Urban Education About Sustainable Agriculture) in kicking off the summer harvest (and solstice) in one delicious bite! All bites and sips will showcase farmers market produce at the peak of the summer season. Stroll the halls of the iconic Ferry Building while you enjoy unlimited food and drink at the themed tasting areas. Tickets are $125, $85 of which is a tax deductible donation. Proceeds from the night provide much-needed support for CUESA’s ongoing education initiatives, including free cooking demos, kitchen skill-building classes, the Schoolyard to Market youth entrepreneurship program, and sustainability scholarships for farmers. This is great opportunity to put your money to a great cause while enjoying the amazing cuisine of SF!

5. 10th Annual SF Pinot Days | Saturday, June 21st | 2:00pm-5:00pm | Metreon City View Room (135 4th St.) | If you love pinot noir this festival is meant for you! Pinot Days is a wine event that celebrates pinot noir in its many styles, ranging from modern to earthy to elegant. This festival celebrates the passionate people who make pinot noir and will influence you to explore new producers, find wines you love and can afford, and become a pinot devotee if you are not one already! The tasting festival open to the public is $75 and the VIP seminar & early entry tasting (12:00pm-5:00pm) is $125.

Will you be attending any of these events this weekend? Which ones?! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!

How To: Upgrade Your Outdoor Event!

Everyone loves a great party and the girls at ABCey are no different! This season why not think outside the box when planning your next get together? We are bringing the typical outdoor party to the next level — by blending a few tech gadgets and a few old fashioned entertaining tricks together to help you create a spectacular event!

1. The Menu | Instead of leaving your guests in the dark about their dinner throughout cocktail hour, we suggest creating a chalkboard menu! We love that this menu is framed and set in the garden, which gives off a laid-back atmosphere. If you are looking on how-to’s to write with chalk like a pro, check out these classes offered at The Makery!

2. Guilt Free Food | Phillips AirFryer | $330 | Meet the next star of your dinner parties! Everyone loves French fries, but no one enjoys the extra oils and calories that come with the delicious food. The AirFryer is similar to a slow cooker, but uses hot air and minimal oil to circulate throughout the cooking process. It has preset temperature control and a timer to allow cooking up to 390 degrees for healthier items! It’s also great since you can leave it to cook, while mingling with guests!

3. Mix & Match Materials | This drink cart highlights a few great summer entertaining tricks all in one! By mixing plastic glassware, glass vases, and the silver drink holder it adds dimension to the cart and allows the guest’s eye wander throughout the space. This cart even gets bonus points for the pop of color it will add to the greenery in the yard!

4. Specialty Cocktails | Perfect Drink Maker | $69.95 | This gadget gives the user real-time bartending advice as it connects to the free app on the owner’s smart device! It includes hundreds of drink recipes and allows the bartender to watch on their smartphone the exact amount of each liquid needed for the drink. This is such a fun idea, and we know how much guests love to be introduced to unique drinks!

5. Out of the Box Themes | Summer is a catch-all for themes at parties, and we love the idea of changing the tone. Instead of planning a regular barbecue, we suggest planning an event with an unique theme such as Artisan & Craft. Introduce your guests to local beer and cheese pairings while enjoying a laid-back evening. We can’t think of a better get-together!

Which idea would you implement in your next outdoor party? There are tons of ways to enhance the standard barbecue and we would love to hear your ideas too! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!