Month: June 2017

Your Fab Fourth of July Check-List
As we approach 2017’s Fourth of July weekend, ABCey has made the ultimate check-list for your perfect patriotic party! Here are 10 of our favorite recipes, decorations, and party must-haves for your greatest Fourth of July yet!
1. USA Rice Crispy Treats
Everyone loves a tasty treat at a party! These colorful rice crispy treats are perfect for your Fourth of July gathering! Plus they are great for all ages & the straws add a perfect touch!
2. Festive Donuts
These patriotic donuts look too good to eat! The festive frosting is an easy add-on for the perfect dessert!
3. Confetti Balloons
Next, instead of ordinary balloons, try these confetti filled balloons for a unique and sparkling touch to your event!
4. Star Spangled Sangria
Sangria is the perfect summer drink, so why not customize it for the Fourth of July! Add some colorful fruit to make your cocktail look & taste delicious!
5. LED Star Sunglasses
Light up the party with these great LED star sunglasses! They glow in red, white and blue colors and are perfect for night time when the fireworks are displayed!
6. Perfect Utensil Holder
Here’s a great way to display your table wear for this American holiday! Grab some patriotic-colored plastic forks and spoons to pair with these festive mason jars!
7. Trendy Garland
Garland can be used for any holiday or event! Add some color around the house or outside with this red, white and blue tissue garland by Etsy.
8. Fourth of July Fantastic Photo Booth
Grab some confetti & sparklers to set up an unforgettable photo booth for you & your guests! These DIY firework poppers are the perfect accessory for your event photos! Find how to make them here.
9. DIY Ring Toss
If you’re having a backyard BBQ or party, this easy-to-make game is perfect! It’s great for guests of all ages and super decorative for any backyard gathering! Here is how to make & create this festive game.
10. Summer Smoothies
Cool down with some refreshing & heathy smoothies for this hot holiday! A great alternative for sangria for the youngsters under 21! Here is the link to some delicious smoothie recipes that are sure to get you in the Fourth of July spirit!
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How are you celebrating the Fourth of July? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook or Twitter!
Sources: CoolGlow, Etsy, Brit + Co, Guest of a Guest, Country Living, Etsy, Tell Love and Party, Everyday Dishes, Brit + Co

ABCey’s 4th of July Weekend Lineup 6/30/17-7/4/17
It’s almost Friday! ABCey brings you the Weekend Lineup for the best upcoming events in the Bay Area! There is everything from music and cruises to county fairs and 4th of July festivities!
Weekend Lineup: Marin County Fair!
June 30th-July 4th| 11am-11pm | General Admission $15-$20 | 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903
Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the Summer of Love’s 50th Anniversary at the Marin County Fair this upcoming weekend! The fair wants to commemorate the 1967 Summer of Love by sticking to it’s core values of family, art, agriculture and the environment. Not only will this weekend consist of music, food, and entertainment, it will also include a touch of the groovy culture from the 60’s!
Fillmore Jazz Festival
Saturday July 1st-2nd | 10am-6pm | Free Admission | Fillmore Street between Jackson & Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA
The 33rd annual Fillmore Jazz Festival is here! This day is filled with music as it blends art and soul together in the most unique neighborhood! Come listen to live music over this Independence Day weekend!
Independence Day Camp
Saturday, July 1st | 12pm- 4pm| General Admission $18 | 601 Mission Bay Blvd North, San Francisco, CA 94158
This old-school day camp is a chance for families and friends to have a little fun! Come celebrate this 4th of July weekend with food trucks, games, beer and more! Not to mention, beers and flights are up for grabs at the bar for the kids over the age of 21!
Tycho at The Greek Theatre
Friday, June 30th | 7:30 pm | General Admission $45 | 2001 Gayley Road, Berkeley, CA 94720
This Friday, don’t miss the chance to see Tycho perform at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley! If you love soothing music and tranquil melodies with a touch of electric, than this is the place to be to get your groove on!
4th of July Fireworks Cruise
Tuesday, July 4th | 7:30pm- 10:30pm | Tickets $50-$80 | 40 Pier, Suite 4, San Francisco, CA 94107
Watch fireworks from a boat this year to get the full 4th of July experience! Come set sail on the pacific ocean to enjoy the show with food and beverages provided by Rendezvous Charters!
Will you be attending any of these Weekend Lineup events? What other Bay Area events are you excited about this weekend? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!

Snapchat’s Newest Feature Snap Map for Trending Events
Here at ABCey Events, we like to stay up to date on all the latest event and social media trends! Last week Snapchat launched their newest feature Snap Map, and continues to lead the way as the one of the most innovative social media platforms. Snap Map allows anyone to connect with nearby users and trending events. Read on for tips on how to use Snap Map to find the hottest trending events!
How Snap Map works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvl82FfnUvw
Its easy to get started! Open the app, simply pinch to zoom out, and view the map. Once you are on the map, you will notice “Actionmojis” which are friends choosing to share their location with you.
Beyond friends, Snap Map highlights trending events happening nearby. You will also notice “heat” colors on the map which indicate the amount of snaps being uploaded at an event. The more snap stories uploaded through the our story feature the “hotter” the event!
Snap Map is an entirely new way to browse content and discover the most popular events. It connects you with friends and nearby users seeking adventure! We love the Snap Map feature because it helps us stay in touch with friends and broadcast our most popular events! What will Snapchat come up with next?
Have you tried Snap Map? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook or Twitter!

ABCey’s #TechTuesday: Candy Mechanics
#TechTuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. In today’s #TechTuesday, we feature Candy Mechanics, a 3D scanning CNC Chocolate machine.
Candy Mechanics
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Candy Mechanics has a created a hand-held portable 3D scanner, which is used to scan a persons head. After this is completed, the scan is created into a 3D model by using a ‘Candy Carve’ to sculpt the head out of chocolate in under 5 minutes! These chocolate treats are the ultimate addition to any event!
These personalized and delicious chocolates are a fun gift that your guests will love! This new technology allows people to create their own face as a 3D chocolate Lolpop. Candy Mechanics also has customizable Candy Cards, which carves personalized letters onto chocolates. Candy Cards and Lolpops would make the perfect party favor for any occasion! Bring these fun chocolates to your next event with their Mobile Candy Card and make your event truly unique!
What do you think about Candy Mechanics? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter and Facebook!

ABCey Presents: Pre-Pride Checklist
Are you ready for Pride? ABCey brings to you our Pre–Pride Checklist to ensure you’re not missing out on any of the Pride essentials! We cover everything from food (and lots of it), to drinks, decorations, costumes and more!
1. Rainbow Roll Cakes
Who wouldn’t want to make these yummy rainbow roll cakes? They’re delicious, pretty and the perfect dessert for Pride!
2. Pride Costumes
Are you Pride ready? Make sure you have the perfect Pride outfit to go out and celebrate!
3. Rainbow Bagel
Jazz up your breakfast this weekend and go rainbow! This colorful and delicious bagel will demonstrate your support for Pride!
4. Rainbow Glitter
If you don’t have the perfect outfit for Pride yet, don’t worry! Rainbow glitter is the ultimate makeshift outfit! Cover yourself in glitter and head out to the parade! What else could you possibly need?!
5. Rainbow Popsicles
Rainbow Popsicles are the best way to cool off from the hot sun and show your support for Pride! Not to mention they’re delicious too!
6. Rainbow Sangria
Sangria and Pride go together too perfectly! This yummy rainbow sangria is the perfect way to kick off the Pride celebration!
7. Pride Body Paint
Have some fun and douse yourself in rainbow paint! It makes for great body decoration and you will have fun doing it too!
8. Pride Cookies
Yum! These delicious and easy-to-make rainbow cookies are an essential snack for Pride!
9. Rainbow Floral Braid
Incorporate some flowers into this year’s Pride outfit! This awesome rainbow floral braid is the ultimate hairstyle for Pride!
10. Rainbow Water and Flowers
Even if you can’t make it to the Pride parade, show your support for Pride festivities with these rainbow flowers!
11. Pride Ballons
Every occasion calls for balloons! These fun rainbow love balloons are a must have for all Pride events!
12. Pride Pizza
This healthy and colorful pizza is a perfect option for any meal during Pride!
13. Pride Makeup
Get creative and decorate your face for Pride with rainbow makeup!
14. Mini Rainbow Donuts
You can’t go wrong with these mini rainbow donuts! These adorable and delicious desserts are the best way to show your Pride support!
15. Pre-Pride Checklist: Pride Wreath
Show your support while you’re at the Pride festivities by decorating your house with this rainbow wreath! This wreath is the perfect way to show everyone that you stand with the LGBTQ community!
What do you think of ABCey’s Pre–Pride Checklist? What are your favorite Pride essentials? Let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter!

ABCey’s Weekend Lineup Pride Edition 6/22/17-6/25/17
It all about LOVE this weekend! ABCey brings you the Weekend Lineup for the best pride events happening in the Bay Area! Let’s kick it off with a sunset cruise and end with the annual Pride Parade!
Weekend Lineup: Gay Pride Sunset Cruise
June 23rd | 6-10pm | General Admission $65 | Pier 40, 89 King Street San Francisco, CA 94107
On Friday evening the Pride Sunset Cruise will set sail past and underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Skyline. The cruise will also be stocked with a full bar and DJ! Spread the love and don’t miss this awesome event with a beautiful view and great music!
19th Annual Pride Brunch
June 24th | 11am-2pm | General Admission $75 |Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94103
Come brunch for a good cause at the annual 19th Pride Brunch. There will be auctions, raffle prizes and unlimited gourmet buffet.. yum! Whats even better is the proceeds will go to support the SF-based Positive Resource Center!
Pride at the Armory
June 24th | 9pm-4am | General Admission $75 |The Armory, 333 14th Street San Francisco, California 94110
Pride at the Armory will be the biggest pride party in SF history! There will be lots of dancing, music, and cocktails.
Pride Celebration
June 24th&25th | 12-6pm | Free Admission | Civic Center Plaza
The Pride Celebration is one of the biggest events this weekend! This two day event will be filled with inspirational speakers, performers, music, and more! Don’t miss this!
Pride Parade
June 25th |10:30am | Free Admission | Market Street from Beale to 8th
This weekend will end with the world-famous parade! The Pride Parade will have over 240 parade contingents celebrating the LGBT community and diversity. Be apart of the thousands attending the 47th Annual Pride parade this year!
Will you be celebrating pride week with us? Which event are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!

How to Boost Event Engagement!
Whether organizing a conference, meeting, or event, planners are utilizing new techniques bolstered by the latest technology in order to ensure attendees get the most out of an event. With an increasing focus on achieving event ROI and success, it is becoming more and more important to improve event engagement by involving attendees throughout the experience: before, during and after! These features include apps, seating, visuals and much more!
Here are ABCey’s Top 10 ways to boost participation at your next event!
1.Event Engagement with Mobile Apps
Mobile apps such as Whova, Event Friendly and Event Board aim to transform audience networking and event engagement. These platforms include key features such as the accessibility of communication amongst each other, the ability for guests to plan networking in advance and also receive real time updates. There is also the ability to receive feedback during and after the event!
2. Mixed Seating
We all know theatre style is making it’s way out, and mixed seating IN! Mixed and informal seating at your event is important so that the audience is comfortable, and creates more space for lounging, networking, and engaging. We love this stage and seating design from Girl Boss!
3. Bioreactive Wristbands
There are a variety of new devices to engage the stage with the audience! Bioreactive wristbands were recently used at a Google-sponsored music event that displayed levels of emotion, movement and energy! These levels were presented on a real time board for the audience to see. Developments in new tech continue to change the event industry as it becomes more integrated into our daily lives!
4. Catchbox
Catchbox gives the audience the capability to speak and participate at an event or conference, making it fun and different! No more walking across the room to pass the mic! Attendees have a chance to engage with each other with the use of this throwable microphone. Make sure to keep your eye on the box so you don’t get hit in the head!
5. Virtual Reality
Not all event engagement needs to include speaking! Having new technology at events provides participation with the use of virtual reality headsets. VR can range from the audience playing a game to showcasing a new product, and is even used to scout event spaces! This interactive technology allows the audience to have some fun!
6. Live Visual Thinking
ABCey recently used One Squiggly Line at the UpStart 10x Event! Visual note taking provides the audience a way to engage, brainstorm and share ideas with each other at events.
7. Social Media Influencers
One influential person can change the perspective of an event compared to many average social media users! The attendees who are more powerful on social media can be tracked prior to an event through monitoring. This allows them to engage with their followers and have a discussion.
8. Eye Catching Sets and Backdrops
It is important to have a design or event that is eye catching to the audience! Projection mapping can also help display content to really drive a brand’s message across. This will spark the interest of the attendees and set the tone for engagement and discussion.
9. Special Perks
Give attendees a gift to show your appreciation, and you don’t have to spend a ton! At our recent Upstart 10x Event, we created a cute low budget gift which included Dill Seeds from Urban Adamah (an event sponsor), tied with a custom flip book of all of the organizations members, and info on the company. This gave attendees a little something to discuss and take home!
10. Networking After Party
Well this one’s a given! Who doesn’t need a cocktail after a long day of sessions? DO provide a chance for attendees to continue the conversation, relax, and enjoy themselves. This also gives the guests the ability to talk about what they learned, as well as a way to meet and network with new people!
As attendees go to events to learn, network, and engage they also want an unforgettable experience! Event engagement allows the audience to have a unique involvement with the event. What are your favorite ways to stay tuned in at an event? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!

ABCey Presents: Top 5 Event Planning Apps
Smart phone apps have become increasingly beneficial, especially in the event planning industry. There are many apps available now that can help event profs become more efficient in their day-to-day tasks. Here are ABCey’s Top 5 Event Planning Apps that are crucial for staying up to date on all the latest event trends!
1. Super Planner
This useful app is a great business application tool for the professional event planner, including calculators for venue capacity, staffing, catering, staging, projection and dance floor, as well as useful tips. ($9.99)
2. Boomset
Boomset focuses on event registration. Easily check attendees in with their QR scanner. Event organizers can also use this event app to print badges, or create wristbands. It also has integrations with other event management platforms so that event registration is as painless for organizers as possible. (FREE app)
3. myParties
“myParties” is simple and extremely easy-to-use event planner app. It lets you organize your party with utmost convenience. You can schedule times, make invitations and have the much-needed control of the bills. (FREE app)
4. Social Tables
Social Tables is a super efficient check-in tool. It provides a fast, professional and secure alternative to Excel or paper event guest lists. Their web-based app also makes 2D or 3D diagramming and seating charts easier. (FREE app, monthly service pricing)
5. Monefy
Monefy aims to remove all the clutter from tracking expenses. It allows you to view graphs, export data, and sync to Dropbox. The app makes it easy to manage all of your event expenses in one place. Event planning is an on-the-go job, having an app like this is a godsend. ($0.99)
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What event planning apps do you use? Have you tried any of these apps? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook & Twitter pages!
Sources: Social Tables, Bizzabo, iGeeksBlog, Ticketbud