ABCey Events Startup Monday: Shyp

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! Today’s Startup Monday highlights Shyp, a shipping app that makes sending packages less of a hassle!


Shyp

Startup Monday Shyp

Don’t have enough time in the day to ship items? This app saves time and lets you focus on the more pressing things on your to do list! Using the app, customers set up a location (home or work) for Shyp to pick up the item. After pick up, Shyp will pack (if you haven’t already) and ship your item for you while also providing a tracking number!

Who Can Shyp?

Startup Monday Shyp

Shyp is available for individuals, businesses and enterprises and can do everything from printing labels to getting the box and tape necessary to ship! Another great feature is their pricing. Individuals and small to medium size businesses do not have to pay monthly fees!

The app is currently available to those in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago.

We love that this is on less thing to worry about and we can focus on other important tasks!


 Interested in Shyp? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!


ABCey’s #TechTuesday Valentine’s Edition

#TechTuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world.  In today’s #TechTuesday, we present Valentine’s Day tech to help you make today perfect!


Forgot to get a present? Spending tonight with your single girlfriends? These apps and gifts are great for any situation on Valentine’s Day!

Forgot to Get Flowers?

Farmgirl Flowers Valentine's Day

Try: Farmgirl Flowers

A V-Day classic, Farmgirl Flowers still have flowers available today! Have flowers delivered to your house or to an office!

Love Dinner and a Movie?

Valentine's Day Movie Night

Try: MoviePass

Watch all the Oscar-nominated movies by purchasing a MoviePass membership and see multiple movies a month for a flat fee!

Spending the Night in With Friends?

Dominos Valentine's

Try: Dominos App

Don’t want to leave the house? Make ordering part of the fun as Dominos allows you to order pizza via iPhone/Android, Twitter, Apple TV, Google Home, or Amazon Echo. We love that there are so many ways to order your favorite pizza!

Gift that Comes Every Month

Birch Box Valentine's

Try – BirchBox

Instead of one present on one day BirchBox delivers monthly boxes of goodies for men and women! What is better than one present? Many presents!

Looking for an Experience Gift?

Valentine's Experience Gift

Try: IfOnly

Experiences are often more fun to give than object. IfOnly offers experience packages like learning how to make a sushi meal, private baby penguins fish school experience at the SF Zoo, or a day in Napa or Sonoma with a local certified sommelier.

Gifting for a Pet Lover?

FitBark Valentine's

Try – Fitbark

The Fitbit for dogs, Fitbark  tracks a dog’s activity and sleep. The app lets users see their dog’s data and is all compatible with their own FitBit, HealthKit, or Jawbone.  The Fitbark attaches to their collar and is waterproof!


What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?  Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!


ABCey’s Startup Monday: Simple Habit

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! Today’s Startup Monday highlights Simple Habit, an iPhone/Android app that makes meditating easy.


About Simple Habit

Simple Habit App

Happily, the Simple Habit app is designed for those who don’t have 30 minutes to spend in a dark room but is geared towards those who are busy 24/7. Created by Yunha Kim, Simple Habit allows those with minimal free time to get their meditation on for only five minutes! Always on the go millennials now have the opportunity to de-stress and partake in some meaningful mediation! Pre-event nerves are a real thing and we think a little meditation can totally help calm the nerves.

Features

Simple Habit App

Users enter the app and see a wheel of  “On the go” activities to select from.  We love that if you are stressing about a big event or simply commuting into work there are options for you! There is also an explore portion of the app with many other meditation options to choose from. You can select from meditations, podcast as well as teachers. The app also tracks your progress – adding up the amount of minutes you have spent on the app and how many days you have kept up your habit!

 

Price

Simple Habit App

Subscriptions for Simple Habit cost $11.99/month, $99/year + A free 30 day trial and a $299 lifetime option.

We love that this app allows even the busiest of people the opportunity to meditate. We can’t wait to try this before our next big event!


 Interested in Simple Habit? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!


Bandsintown: the #1 rated concert app for iOS and Android

One of the most beloved forms of entertainment is live music. Did you know concerts can be enjoyed throughout your city everyday? ABCey Events loves to stay in the know on all the upcoming concerts, events, and happenings here in the Bay Area, and this is concert app is great for that! Bandsintown is also user friendly on both iOS and Android! This awesome app makes concert searching a breeze by allowing you to track your favorite artists and receive alerts when they are in town!


Features of the concert app, Bandsintown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycsAsGV_RpY

Scan Your Music Library

Make finding your favorite bands in town an easy process!bandisintown This free app scans your music libraries, like SpotifyiTunesGoogle PlaySoundcloudDeezer, and Rdio to find the artists and genres you enjoy.  Also, this app tells you about great artists and DJ’s headed your way. Because Bandsintown connects with your Facebook and Twitter, you can discover similar artists to the ones you love!

Bandsintown concert app

RSVP to Your Concert Event

Bandsintown lets you to keep track of the shows you have RSVP’d to.  Wheather you are just interested or actually attending, this app keeps you in the know of events coming up! Once you’ve RSVP’d, your calendar will sync with Bandsintown so you never miss a show! Don’t forget to share your concert details with your friends on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Get Your Tickets

Once you browse Bandsintown to find the upcoming tour dates of your favorite artists, you can easily purchase tickets through hundreds of ticket sites like Ticketmaster, LiveNation, and Eventbrite. Additionally, they offer in app purchases to make it extremely easy to get your reservations on time! If there is any issue with ticket sales, there is a Feedback button to report any ticketing mistakes. Bandsintown works with Desk.com so you get fast and helpful service for any “concert going needs”.


With living in such a passionate age for live music, this concert app works hard to connect us to the artists we love! Do you love Bandsintown as much as we do? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter.


Behind The Scenes: SGN at GDC16

On March 14-18, 2016, developers and gamers from across the country took the Bay area by storm for this year’s Game Developers Conference. Some of the most brilliant minds in the gaming industry took to the streets of downtown San Francisco for GDC16While other shows are about the fans, GDC determines the future of this industry: it’s the world’s largest gaming conference attended by a record breaking 27K professionals in its 30th year. Nearly half of developers here are building mobile + tablet games!

ABCey Events paired with SGN to showcase their newest game Genies and Gems, and also had a great time bringing awareness to their biggest game Cookie Jam. Between the moments that brought laughs in between sessions and the surprising and exciting moments that changed an attendees day, a powerful question was also addressed to the gaming community, #WHYDOYOUPLAY?!


 TOP 5 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EVENT


  1. THE GENIE OF SF 

SGN, the fastest growing growing major mobile games studio in the U.S., has just released it’s newest match-3 puzzle game. Genies & Gems is a spellbinding adventure that takes its players on a magic ride. Famous Youtuber Jesse Wellens from Prank vs. Prank brought this game to life in downtown SF with his motorized magic carpet. For those that spotted our magic genie, they were in for a lucky surprise!

GeniesandGems SGN GDC16 ABCey
GeniesandGems SGN GDC16 ABCey

2. (REAL!) GEMS

If you’ve gotten the chance to play, then you already know Genies & Gems is a game that’s true to it’s name. As the players cross through the magical worlds they recover lost relics, collect gold bars, and are taken on a journey with their enchanted keys. To celebrate the game’s launch SGN brought the game’s realities to life! Lucky San Franciscan’s scored some major gems from our genie that included- $20/$50 bills, silver coins, silver cufflinks, and (real!) gemstone rings!

3. COOKIE JAMMERS

With more than 70 million downloads, SGN’s top grossing game Cookie Jam showed it’s followers some serious entertainment for GDC16. Rocking out in front of the Moscone Center were our very own Cookie Jammers. If the outfits didn’t scream cookies, their lyrics surely would. San Francisco’s favorite cover band Pop Rocks twisted some of your most favored songs into actual cookie-filled jams (Just Eat It, Eat It, Eat It)! These life-sized cookies fueled up GDC16 attendees as they were headed to their next session!

SGN GDC16 CookieJammers ABCey
SGN GDC16 CookieJammers ABCey

4. COOKIES

We couldn’t promote a cookie game without thousands of FREE cookies! SGN provided attendees with a yummy snack to keep them going throughout the day. Who doesn’t love free cookies?

CookieJam SGN GDC16 ABCey
CookieJam SGN GDC16 ABCey

5. WHY DO YOU PLAY?

GDC16 determines the future of this industry, and because of this they are capable of bringing together a global community to attend their annual conference. It was the people in attendance that play a significant role in the creation and lifespan of games, and SGN had a thought provoking question to ask attendees- Why Do You Play? We can get lost in a game, but we can forget what really motivates us to play. We interviewed hundreds of people and received a variety of answers ranging from fun, stress relief, escaping reality, and interacting with friends or family. Our favorite answer may have been to “Escape From Trump!”

So, the question we have for you today is- Why Do YOU Play? Let us know in the comments below or find us on Facebook and Twitter!


5 Apps to Simplify Event Planning!

Event managing is never easy, but with the right tools your planning can be stress-free! Booking venues, hiring vendors, and planning your event size can be managed at the tip of your fingers. ABCey Events has complied 5 apps to simplify event planning for your next occasion!


 

1. Evernote

Get organized in the office or on the go! Evernote is an app that works as a filing cabinet. Brainstorm notes, vendor ideas and important venue research is easily stored, filed, and saved and can be accessed later on different devices. You’ll never have to worry about clutter!

evernote app

 

2. ScannerPro

Scanning important documents has never been so easy! ScannerPro allows users to take pictures through a smart device or phone and create PDF’s. As an event planner, distributing information is key to great communication. You’ll never have to worry about getting to a computer at the last minute to send out files. With ScannerPro, documents are easily shared!

scannerpro app

 

3. Venmo

Writing a check or transferring money directly from your bank account can pose some security issues. Venmo is an app that allows you to transfer money with the click of a button without the worry of theft! Venmo is a third-party platform that safely transfers and stores your money at your command. Simply, request or pay money out to an individual or vendor and cash it out to your personal bank account when ready!

venmo app

 

4. Eventbrite

Hosting a conference or party that involves ticket sales or registration? Eventbrite can help your event run smoothly! Guest lists can be hard to manage with the flow of an event. Eventbrite allows attendees to purchase tickets online and even register via smart device. Go green and make your event paperless! Track statistics and party guests through the app. Share features also allow you to inform family and friends of your event!

eventbrite app

 

5. Super Planner

Be a super event planner/ manager! Super Planner acts as your personal calculator making sure your event stays on budget with venues, vendors, etc. Nobody likes an overcrowded party, with this app capacity is calculated to the tee! Organize and execute your event without unnecessary space or staffing!

superplannerapp

Execute your events with these 5 apps available in the Apple Store! What do you think of these event planning tools? Let us know with a comment or message us on Facebook or Twitter!

 


3 Fun Apps for Game Night

Game night is a fun way to spend quality time with friends and family. Host yours the techy way! ABCey Events has found these 3 great apps to make game night fun, simple, and mess-free!

 

1. Charades

Charades allows you to play the guessing game with a new spin! Simply choose from categories like TV shows, music, or “Friends” and let the app do the work for you! Flip your phone up or down to let it know if you got an answer right or wrong. It even keeps score for you! No paper or pen is required. Find it in the App Store and Google Play.

Game Night Apps Charades

2. Karaoke Anywhere

You don’t have to go out to a bar or rent a full karaoke machine to get the party started! With this free app, available for iPhone and Android, you can have karaoke anytime – anywhere. Make it solo or jam out with your friends! From Reggae to Rap there’s something for everyone. Find it in the App Store and Google Play.

Game Apps Karaoke

3. Party Doodles

Party Doodle is the new era Pictionary. Draw a picture and have your friends guess your drawing! You can hook up your iPad to your computer and let everyone watch as you doodle your way to the finish line. This app is free but only available on iPad. Find it in the App Store.

Game Apps

 

If you like these apps or have used them before, let us know in the comments below or on Twitter or Facebook!


5 Summer Apps That Make You Want To Party!

Here is our salute to the summertime barbeques and outdoor parties that are taking the nation by storm! ABCey Events has found the five best apps  to make any summer party kick it up to the next level.

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1. First, and most importantly, download the SunSmart App.  After recording your skin type, this app will tell you when it is time for another layer of the lotion! Everyones’ skin is different so what is good for someone else is not neccesarily good for you. Please be careful this summer and where the appropriate amount of sunscreen!

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2. No summer party is ever complete without the jams pumping! To ensure your party is music filled with only the best tunes, check out TuneIn Radio, a free radio app that lets you broadcast your own music or pick and choose your favorite songs! One of the best and newest music apps we have seen in a while. 

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3. To add to the party vibe of your event, download the Mixology app to learn how to make yummy cocktails! This app explains how to create each drink so your party is a booze-filled success! Perfect for pool parties! 

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4. On to one of the most fabulous grilling apps you will find, GrillTime. GrillTime sets off alarms on your phone when to flip burgers, chicken or any other meat! Instead of guessing when the food is ready, or forgetting about it because of how much fun your party is, rely on this app to help you make the best tasting barbeque anyone has ever had! 

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5. Finally, what is a party without a little Karaoke? Karaoke Anywhere is a mobile app that, like its’ title says, you can take and rock out anywhere! What other game is more perfect for a pool party than a little friendly karaoke competition?

How will you be celebrating this summer season? Let us know below in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!


Startup Monday: Karma

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 that we would like to share with friends and followers of ABCey Events.

A perk of being an event planner is having the ability to be invited to so many great events. What better way to thank your host, than to give them a gift? Instead of giving a box of chocolates and flowers, let San Francisco’s newest start-up company Karma help you make things more personalized.

Founded in 2011, Karma is the newest social mobile gifting service. It lets you give gifts to others just by using a mobile device. First, pick a card to go with the gift. Then the recipient will be notified via Facebook, email or text. You don’t even need to bother them for their address. When the gift is finally received, the recipient can choose which color, flavor, or style of gift they want.

Another great thing about Karma is that recipients have the chance of swapping a gift or donating to charity. You can consider this the gift that keeps on giving. I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t want them to know that I exchanged or donated the gift”. Don’t worry, Karma doesn’t tell if the recipient does either.

The Karma app is currently available at the iTunes app store and Android market. They have also partnered with great companies like, Domaine Chandon, Kate Spade, and Magnolia Cupcakes. 

Next time you gift, have Karma help you decide what to send! Let us know if you’ve tried this service in the comments below, or on Facebook or Twitter!


Startup Monday: Sevenlogics

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 that we would like to share with the friends and followers of ABCey Events

When you’re planning for the big day, you need all the help you can get! That’s why we love Sevenlogics‘ wedding planning apps. 

This LA-based company has been filling the Android and Apple app markets with its products since 2009! Sevenlogics focuses on problem-solving apps in categories including baby, lifestyle, finance, and (of course!) wedding prep. Since every app is free, there’s no excuse not to take them out for a spin! 

Our favorite apps are the wedding-themed ones, like Wedding To-Do and Wedding Budget. Although these are obviously marketed towards brides and grooms, these apps are great for any upcoming project you have on your hands. Wedding Budget is our hands-down favorite because keeping track of the budget is always a huge concern, no matter the size! Set up strict allocations for each phase of the event planning process, including venue and catering costs. The clear calculations and graphics make it easy to see what’s consuming too much money and which areas came in under budget. 

Would you use a Sevenlogics app for your next big project? Let us know in a comment or on Facebook & Twitter!