Author: Joanne Louie
ABCey’s Top 5 Event Apps Every Event Planner Needs
People assume that event planners have a simple job. Getting paid to make plans? Sounds so easy! But the reality is that event planning is extremely hard work. If you’ve ever planned an event, you know how much time and effort goes into it. Luckily, there are apps that has made it easier to plan and manage events, no matter how large! Today, we bring you our top five apps that every event planner needs to ease the process.
Boomset
For much larger events, Boomset is an amazing application for managing guest check-in. This app is the perfect tool for checking in registered conference guests. With fast check-ins and a walk-in registration feature for attendees who have not pre-registered, lines will definitely be reduced. You can even print customized badges or wristbands for your event by using the Boomset web platform.
Bizzabo
Bizzabo is a bunch of event planning tools all wrapped in one. Targeted towards medium-to-large-sized businesses, Bizzabo is ideal for planning large events with a lot of tasks. The application allows you to build event websites for registration, emails for marketing, and agendas for event management, great for concerts or fundraisers!
24me
For planning smaller events, 24me is the best handy little personal assistant to help you stay on task with planning. The app includes integrated calendars, to-do lists, and notes. It automates events by keeping your tasks and schedules in one place and by sending you reminders for them when necessary.
HeyTell
Communication with your team is key for running your event smoothly, so being in touch at all times is necessary. HeyTell is an app that turns your smartphone into a walkie-talkie. When you need something even snappier than texting or email, get the app, choose a contact and start talking. This makes it easier to communicate and avoid any confusion during your event!
SuperPlanner
Nothing is worse than an overcrowded venue, exceeding a budget due to over staffing or any other problems you might face while planning your event. Super Planner offers calculators for venue capacity, staffing, and catering to avoid these kinds of issues. Use this app to stay on budget and execute all the details to perfection.
What are your favorite event planning apps? Are there any we missed? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s San Francisco Weekend Lineup 7/18-7/21
Happy almost Friday! ABCey brings you this week’s San Francisco Weekend Lineup with our FAVE events happening in San Francisco. Are you getting excited for these events this weekend?
Oracle Park’s Free Summer Concert
San Francisco’s Giants are proud to present the first ever Levi’s Concert Series from now until September 27th. Enjoy a free pre-game concert before each Friday night home game. This week’s lineup is local artist, Barry Zito. No game ticket required!
When: July 19th | 5:01-7pm | Seal Plaza at Oracle Park – Located behind center field | Cost: FREE |
Uncorked: SF Wine Fest
Uncorked Wine Festival is back for a special Friday night at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. Join them from 6-10pm and enjoy over 150 wines and champagnes, gourmet local food trucks and food vendors, live music by DJ Aaron Francisco, a custom photo booth and more! This event is 21 and over only.
When: July 19th | 6-10pm | Festival Pavilion (Fort Mason Center) | Cost: $65-$100 | Buy Tickets Here |
SF Anime Festival 2019
Get your wigs and costume on, find your Senpai and notice your Kohai while exploring great shops and restaurants in East and West Japantown Malls. Not sure what to do? Stop by Senpai booth to get Cosplay 101 from local cosplayers. This is a FREE event, no ticket needed!
When: July 20th | 11am-4pm | Japan Center | Cost: Free |
Bay Area Brew Festival
The Bay Area Brew Festival returns for its eight year, bringing back dozens of breweries, hundreds of beers, food trucks, dj, photo booth, and much more!. Admission includes unlimited beer samplings, with VIP attendees getting an extra hour of admission and some specialty beers poured during the first hour. This event is 21 and over only!
When: July 20th | 12-8:30 pm | Fort Mason Center | Cost: $45-$60 | Buy Tickets Here |
Dusty Rhino Pre-Burn
It’s that time of the year again! Dusty Rhino is back at Public Works for our annual Pre-Burn extravaganza. As we prepare to get dusty for our eleventh year on playa, it’s time to hit the dance floor with you again! This is the perfect opportunity to rekindle those playa vibes and prepare for the upcoming burn. Come dance the night away with good music and even better vibes!
When: july 20th-21st | 9pm-4am | Public Works | Cost: $10-$100 | Buy Ticets Here |
Ice Cream Sunday
Calling all ice cream lovers! Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with over 50 melt-worthy flavors — coned, cupped, rolled, scooped, swirled, and topped with everything under the sun! Put the cherry on top your Sunday with giant games, fun photo opportunities, live music, and savory snacks from a variety of Bay Area food trucks to enjoy in between the delicious desserts!
When: July 21st | 11am-5pm | SoMa StrEat Food Park | Cost: $5 | Buy Tickets Here |
Which weekend events will you be attending? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s Tech Tuesday: 2019 Bay Area Tech Events and Conferences
Can you believe we’re already half way through the year? For today’s #TechTuesday, ABCey features our top five Bay Area tech events and conferences to attend in 2019.
1. Y-Combinator Demo Days
Twice a year, Y-Combinator Demo Day gathers it’s latest batch of YC-funded founders to present their companies to a room of selected investors and press. Over the course of two days, founders hope for investors to take a chance and invest in their companies. Because of this selection process, this event is invitation only.
When: August 19th-20th, 2019 | Location: Pier 48 |
2. Oracle OpenWorld
Oracle OpenWorld, the tech giant’s deep dive into all things cloud, offers more than 2,200 educational sessions, hundreds of demos and hands-on labs, and exhibitions from more than 400 partners. Over a course of four days, you’ll engage in free-flowing ideas that will help you and your business do tomorrow’s business goals, today! You won’t want to miss out on today’s première business and technology event.
When: September 16th-19th, 2019 | Location: Moscone Center |
3. TechCrunch Disrupt
This large conference allows startups to sign up and present their business ideas on the stage in front of investors, media for exposure and win prize money. In addition, the featured guests this year include Heather Adkins, Michael Rogers, and Evan Spiegel. You sure do not want to miss out on an opportunity like this!
When: October 2nd-4th, 2019 | Location: Moscone North |
4. Open Data Science Conference West
ODSC West 2019 is one of the largest applied data science conferences in the world. It’s the conference to engage, to build, to develop, and to learn from the data science community. At ODSC, their goal is to host those looking to accelerate their skills and knowledge by offering programs of varying difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced and in between. No matter what skill level you are, there is a program for you!
When: October 29th- Nov 1st, 2019 | Location: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport |
5. Dreamforce 19′
Dreamforce is an annual conference hosted by Salesforce in San Francisco. Each year, Dreamforce attracts tens of thousands of professionals and provides thousands of workshops. Because of this, attendees will be able to learn how Salesforce can help take their business to the next level.
When: November 19-22, 2019 | Location: Moscone Center |
What tech events and conferences are you planning to attend? Let us know what you think in the comments below or onFacebook and Twitter!
Want to plan a conference after-party? Look no futher, as ABCey is here to help. Click here to learn more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups and Fortune 500 companies,
ABCey Presents: Top 5 New San Francisco Event Venues in 2019
Planning an event but don’t know where? Today, ABCey has curated a list of the top five new San Francisco venues for your next big conference or event!
1. Palette
Palette is a restaurant and gallery that explores the relationship between food, art and community. Located in the SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, Palette is an 8,500 sq. ft. storied space within walking distance of the Moscone Center, Yerba Buena Gardens and the SFMOMA. With the ability to accommodate up to 225 guests, Palette is a great place for large events!
Location: 816 Folsom Street | Book here | Contact Info |
2. DecantSF
DecantSF is the newest addition to San Francisco’s wine and beverage scene. It is available for private events such as tastings, wine list consulting for off-property events, and corporate gifting. Whether your event is small or big, DecantSF will work with you and specially customize a program just for you!
Location: 1168 Folsom Street | Book here | Contact Info |
3. Story on Union
Conveniently located on Union Street in the Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco, Story on Union is the sweet spot for your next private event. Whether it is a cocktail party, rehearsal dinner, fundraiser or even retirement party, the options are endless! In addition, it can accomodate up to 175 people.
Location: 2136 Union Street | Book here |
4. Nommo
Opened by two acclaimed bar owners Thad Vogler and Jon Santer, Nommo was built with your event needs in mind! Nommo has a menu that appropriately spans land and sea. Not only are there seafood, but also there are cheese plates, little gem and chicory caesar salads, and desserts. With views of the Bay Bridge, this place is sure to be on your list!
Location: 396 Harrison St. | Book here |
5. The Brixton on 2nd
The Brixton San Francisco has opened the second location of its iconic, rock ‘n roll inspired restaurant. It is a full service restaurant with a lively bar and cafe that features two separate private dining rooms available for guests, which are named after baseball players Willie Mays and Willie McCovey. If your event is small or big, this place will sure be a smash hit!
Location: 701 2nd Street at Townsend Street | Book here | Contact Info|
What are your favorite new San Francisco venues? Are there any we missed? Can ABCey help plan your next event at one of these fun spots? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s San Francisco Weekend Lineup 7/11-7/14
It’s almost Friday! ABCey brings you this week’s San Francisco Weekend Lineup with our FAVE events happening in the Bay Area. Are you getting excited for this fun-filled weekend ahead?
Sundown Cinema Kickoff: Star Wars
It’s back! The annual Film Night in the Park kicks off with a blast from the past: Star Wars: Episode IV at Dolores Park. Films are presented free of charge. Attendees are encouraged to picnic before screenings but make sure leave your folding chairs at home. Come out and relax with a classic flick and enjoy the beautiful scenery of one of SF’s best parks!
When: July 12th | 6pm | Mission Dolores Park | Cost: Free but can RSVP |
The Great Mac’ n Cheese Melt Off
The biggest Cheese Festival in the Bay Area returns on National Mac‘n Cheese Day at SOMA StrEAT Food Park. With the mac ‘n cheese specials all day long from fifteen food trucks and pop-up shops, you will definitely have a gouda time! In addition to insane mac ‘n cheese creations, you can enjoy live music, lawn games, and a photobooth.
When: July 13th-July 14th | 11am-5pm | SOMA StrEAT Food Park | Cost: $5-$41 |
Bastille Day Festival 2019
Celebrate Bastille Day at this annual Belden Place festival while enjoying French food, beverages and many family fun activities. There will also be live entertainment and music. Dance, eat and have fun in the heart of what was once San Francisco’s French Quarter.
When: July 13th | 11am-7pm| Embarcadero Plaza | Cost: Free |
Flower Piano
Celebrating its fifth year, the annual twelve day long Flower Piano is one of the Bay Area’s most highly anticipated musical events of the summer. The events are different each day from sunset performances to community sing-a-longs to piano lessons. Not only will there be entertainment, there will also be three nights of after dark events with food trucks and outdoor bars.
When: July 11th- 22nd | 9am-6pm | San Francisco Botanical Garden | Cost: Free for SF residents, $9 for non-residents |
Sundae Brunch
End the weekend with some FREE ice cream, yes FREE! To celebrate National Ice Cream Month, Humphry Slocombe and Square will be teaming up to give out free scoops of their collaboration flavor, strawberry banana ice cream with chocolate wafers at ALL Humphry Slocombe locations (SF, Oakland and Berkeley). You don’t want this deal to melt away as this deal only last an hour!
When: July 14th | 11am-12pm| Humphry Slocombe | Cost: Free |
Which weekend festivities will you be attending? Let us know which event you’ll be attending in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s Startup Monday: Calm
Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that showcases some of the most innovative San Francisco startups! These are often selected from a list of companies that we LOVE or have worked with in the past. This week, we are putting the spotlight on Calm! As an event planner, we are ALWAYS on our toes. Calm helps us wind down after our big events!
What is Calm?
Founded in 2012 with the aim to improve the world’s mental health, Calm provides a range of apps aimed at simply and effectively helping individuals to relax and soothe their minds. It produces meditation products, including guided medications and their own bedtime stories- Sleeptime Stories!
How Does It Work?
Their primary product is the meditation app, available on iPhone and Android devices. Within the app, there are customizable settings, minfulness reminders and much more. It introduces the basics of mindfulness meditation though different kinds of guides that you unlock once you have completed a session. Also, the app features both meditation tools and sleep aids.
Why We Love It
We love this app as meditating has never been easier. Choosing your top goals you want to accomplish via meditation can be done in one simple click. Calm is the perfect mindfulness app for beginners, but also includes hundreds of programs for intermediate and advanced users. This makes it perfect for all levels!
Have you tried Calm? Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s Tech Tuesday: Top 10 Event Tech Trends of 2019
It’s Tuesday! ABCey presents #TechTuesday as we highlight the best and brightest ideas in the event tech industry. For today’s #TechTuesday, we feature ten event tech trends to look for in 2019.
1) Mobile Charging Stations
Full charge ahead! Having a convenient and reliable way to charge mobile devices is one of the top amenities event attendees crave. By incorporating charging outlets into themed décor to your next event will not only satisfy their craving but also make it more trendy. goCharge is a great source to rent or buy a charging station for your next event!
2) 5G
Verizon and AT&T have both launched preliminary 5G services, but neither one is broadly available yet. With 5G, it’s fast, more responsive and able to connect a lot more devices at once. The speed and reliability of your venue’s Wi-Fi will become less important, as attendees will already have high-speed internet available to them on their devices, allowing for more opportunities.
3) Event Diagramming
Event diagramming tools are constantly improving. With the ability to lay out your event in any way you want, it allows for better planning and better control. Additionally, it helps planners and venue management save time. Forbes has used the software since 2013 to improve the efficiency of their events by visually verifying the placement of every piece as well as the viability of venues. We recommend MagicPlan or SocialTables Check in to make your planning a breeze!
4) Facial Recognition
Identifying and verifying an individual by using their faces has never been easier. With facial recognition, we can easily check in and register guests, reach new audience members and most of all, improve on site security. Apple and theme parks, like Disneyland have already take on facial recognition and have integrated into their systems with the IPhone and tickets respectively.
5) Beacons
A great companion for your event app- Beacon’s bluetooth technology send signals to other smart devices nearby using small, wireless transmitters. . One of the most useful benefits of beacon technology is that it has the capability to help attendees navigate from point A to point B. AppAtlas, powered by the mobile event app provider MeetingPlay, recently launched indoor wayfinding throughout enourmous ropms. By downloading an app, venue guests can easily navigate throughout these mega complexes with turn-by-turn directions right from their mobile or smart devices..
6) Event Applications
Event applications are a great tool for listing your event info, schedules, performer information, and more all in ONE place. Their flexibility makes them a perfect fit for almost any type of event. Pathable and Guidebook are just a few! Built with ease of use and design in mind, both event apps are great at being simple and convenient!
7) Event Automation
Event automation gives event planners the ability to create personalized experiences for all attendees. By sending out information tailored to each person to their own interests, it could also help prevent attendees from getting slammed with information overload. GEVME, Silverpop and HubSpot are some trending event automation platforms that will get you started!
8) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Waiting in line for an event? Say no more! With RFID, you can set up a faster entry process and store payment, all in one with this tool. Furthermore, you can significantly cut down on your day-of staff or reallocate your staff into more engaging roles at your event venue. Xylobands, made popular by Coldplay is a great source of RFID coming into play. During the concert, it lights up during the musical acts and is a beautiful sight. Not only is it mesmerizing, but it will be a factor in getting people to come back.
9) Artificial Intelligence (Chatbots)
If you had questions about an event, don’t fear! With chatbots, you are able to get your question answered in a few seconds, relieving overwhelmed staff. In addition, chatbots are virtual meaning they could be on different social media platforms anytime and anywhere. There are numerous chatbots all over the internet including Spotify, Uber, Nike and more!
10) Augmented Reality
In simple words, augmented reality is a combination of our real and computer-generated worlds in the form of live video imagery. With this technology, events planners can utilize the capabilities of computer-generated display text, sound and effects to enhance attendees’ real world experience. Attendees can experience AR through headsets or through displays on mobile devices. When Apple announced the ar feature at Apple’s annual conference, Worldwide Developers Conference, it changed everything for years to come!
Have you tried any of these event tech trends? Which one is your favorite? Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for otherSan Francisco startups or other fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s Startup Monday: Gametime
Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that showcases some of the most innovative San Francisco startups! These are often selected from a list of companies that we LOVE or have worked with in the past. This week, we are putting the spotlight on Gametime.
What is Gametime?
Founded in late 2013 by Brad Griffith, Gametime is a platform for users to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and theater events across the US and Canada. And, they curate an epic list of the most amazing possibilities your city has to offer all while making tickets as easy as possible to purchase with your smart phone. Tickets arrive in a flash and there’s no need to print!
How Does It Work?
Through an algorithm, the app is able to find the best seat for the selected venue that caters to you. Once you’ve found the perfect seats, check out in two taps—even after the event starts! Gametime delivers the tickets directly to your phone. Going with friends? Text your tickets to your crew and everyone gets in instantly. If plans change, no problem – sell your tickets (even paper ones) with the push of a button.
Why we love it
We love Gametime as purchasing an event ticket has never been easier. It is easy to select your seat and find one that matches your budget. As time draws closer to an event’s start, Gametime strategically reduces ticket prices for last-minute customers, setting up a great last minute hangout and experience.
Have you tried Gametime? Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s San Francisco Weekend Lineup 6/27-6/30
It’s all about spreading the LOVE this weekend. ABCey brings you this week’s San Francisco Weekend Lineup with our fave Pride weekend festivities happening here in the Bay Area!
Pride Festival and Parade
It’s back! The pride festival and parade is one of the biggest events of the year! The Pride festivities include a two-day celebration and rally at San Francisco’s Civic Center that concludes with the big parade Sunday, June 30. Come along and be part of the festivities at the 49th annual Pride Festival and Parade!
When: June 29th-30th | 10am-6pm | Civic Center Plaza and surrounding Downtown area | Cost: Free
Pink Mammoth Block Party
Continue the pride spirit with the best party in town, the 7th annual Pink Mammoth Summertime Block Party! Located in the heart of Downtown San Francisco, this year will feature musical stylings from THE DUSTY RHINO and different food trucks. Don’t forget to wear all the pink you own.
When: June 29th | 12pm-10pm | Mint Plaza | Cost: $15-$35
Mango Pride
El Rio’s annual Pride Parade after-party is a night of dancing outside to hip-hop, dance hall and Latin grooves. Also, you can keep the party going as you groove to the music inside ALL night long. Furthermore, free barbecue, treats and other pride goodies to fuel you up through the night.
When: June 29th-June 30th | 6pm-2am | El Rio (3168 Mission St.) | Cost: $20 at the door
Frameline 43
Come join 60,000 attendees to celebrate the 43rd annual San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival. This 11 day celebration that started on June 20th will be wrapping its last show this Sunday, June 30th. Come for the premieres, parties, panels, stars, and more and embrace the spectrum of identities that make up LGBTQ+ communities worldwide!
When: June 20th-30th | Times Vary for Different Shows| Various Venues | Cost: Various | https://www.frameline.org/festival/film-guide-x3759
Identify and Pride: Youth Art Show
This exhibition from youth members of the Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco’s Citywide Arts Programs, reinvent the iconic rainbow flag in honor of SF’s 49th annual LGBTQ Pride Parade and Celebration. It gives us a glimpse of youths living in Bayview-Hunters Point, the Tenderloin, the Mission, Excelsior and the Western Addition of San Francisco, while exploring themes of gender, sexual identity, love and community.
When: June 18th-July 14th |11am-6pm | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts | Cost: Free with registration
Which pride weekend festivities will you be attending? Let us know which event you’ll be attending in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.