Tag: creative
ABCey Presents Startup Monday: Spoke
Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that showcases some of the best and most innovative startups based in the San Francisco Bay Area! These are often companies that we have our eye on or have worked with in the past. Today, we’d like to highlight Spoke!
Spoke
What is it?
Spoke is a workplace manager system that gives support teams within organizations a single place to manage employee requests. It includes ticketing, knowledge management, and self-service powered by artificial intelligence (A.I.). By allowing employees from different departments to communicate on a single platform, this system makes workplace management simpler and more efficient!
Why We Love It?
Spoke uses advanced technology to make work management faster and easier, and at ABCey, we love tech! This system allows companies to focus more on the work that’s important to them. It helps employees get answers quickly, so they can continue doing their jobs well. Not to mention, it’s extremely affordable with prices ranging from as little as $1/month-$3/month, depending on the type of plan you get. Now that’s a steal!
How Does it Work?
Spoke uses chatbots, which automatically respond to employees’ questions on Slack, email, SMS, and the web, so you don’t have to respond to every single request! Its ticketing system is also organized and easy to use, unlike traditional ticketing systems, giving you everything you need to manage employee requests all in one place. Not only this, but Spoke’s knowledge management base keeps tabs on all sorts of important information, no matter where it came from within the company. This way, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of it all yourself!
Do you use Spoke? How do you like it? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
ABCey Presents: 10 Fourth of July DIYs!
The Fourth of July is less than a week away, and that means major party planning! ABCey has made a list of the perfect patriotic DIYs for your party. Get ready to party all day long!
1. Popsicle Cocktails
Keep your guests cool all day long with these delicious and refreshing popsicle cocktails! For the kids, substitute the bubbly for Sprite to make a cute little mocktail.
2. Manicure
Don’t forget to treat yourself a little! Replicate this fun little confetti nail art or make your own design!
3. Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars
Add a little color to your desserts! These red, white, and blue cheesecake bars are a sweet treat that everyone would enjoy!
4. Bandana Picnic Quilt
Whether you’re throwing a picnic party or planning to gaze at the fireworks, this DIY picnic quilt is perfect. You can use old bandanas or any other cloth you may have laying around.
5. Patriotic Suncatcher
These little DIY suncatchers are a cute addition to any decor you may have! You can make it into an activity for kids or use them to catch your guests’ attention as well!
6. Firework Sunglasses
Add a spark to your outfit. Wow everyone with these DIY firework sunglasses! Spend the Fourth of July watching the fireworks through your own!
7. Confetti Party Poppers
You can’t celebrate the Fourth of July without some confetti! Make these easy DIY confetti party poppers to celebrate this patriotic holiday!
8. Star Spangled Shorts
This Fourth of July, you’ll find the flag everywhere… even on yourself! Decorate your own shorts to sport our star-spangled banner!
9. DIY Chandelier
You definitely shouldn’t be swinging from this chandelier, but it is something that your guests will absolutely adore!
10. Star Garland Backdrop
This star garland is multi-functional! If you’re looking to create an amazing photo-op for your guests, hang a bunch side by side to make a starry background. There’s also a traditional route you can opt for: hanging them for wall decor! Either way, it’ll add a little twinkle to your party!
Will you use any of these simple and fun DIY decorations? Are there any that you made for the holidays? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Startup Monday: BrewPublik
Here at ABCey, we love to feature the best and brightest companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. These startups are often companies we have our eye on, or have worked with in the past. Here’s today’s Startup Monday highlighting BrewPublik!
BrewPublik 
BrewPublik was founded in 2014 right here in San Francisco. This startup created what they call the “beergorithm,” which takes the preferences of a group of people to match unique taste profiles to a selection of beer. It’s like Netflix, but for beer!
The beergorithm gives access to over 3,000 fresh beers from CA, NC, and SC. Once you enter the taste preferences the company will deliver your pack to the destination your choice. You also have the option to sign up for two different memberships, the 6-pack membership or the buyer’s club.
Why we love it!
We love BrewPublik because it makes choosing beverages so much easier! With the beergorithm, ABCey can satisfy the taste buds of all our guests!
Would you use BrewPublik’s beergorithm for your next event? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook & Twitter!
ABCey’s Top 5 Photo Editing Apps For Your Next Event
ABCey’s top photo editing apps are a must at your next event. It’s always important to create images that communicate the best event experience to your viewers. Read on to see which photo editing apps we use to bring our event photos to life!
1. VSCO CAM
VSCO CAM (free with in-app purchase) is an all in one editing app that allows users to take, edit, and share photos to other social media sites. The app is equip with editing tools and various filters that will bring pizazz to your next event!
2. Snapseed
Snapseed (free) was created by Google and it is accessible for android and IOS. This app allows users to optimize photos with just a single touch. Users can also apply filters and overlays that will look amazing on all social media sites!
3. Afterlight
Afterlight ($0.99) offers numerous types of filters and frames that users can choose from to add some color to their next event! This app is also available for IOS and android.
4. Hyperlapse
Hyperlapse (free) was created by Instagram and it allows users to condense a series of photos at hyper speed! You can choose between a few different speeds. For example, you can condense a 30 second video into just 5 seconds making it a great way to capture more at your event!
5. Befunky
Befunky (free with in-app purchase) is compatible with Google Drive Photos, making it easy for users to transform their photos into something more! This app allows you to insert custom overlays like filters or text to add essence to your photos.
We are loving these photo editing apps as they make all of our event pics pop! Add some liveliness to your next event through these apps and showcase the best event experience!
Do you use any of these photo editing apps? Let us know your fave on Facebook or Twitter!
ABCey Presents: Top 10 DIY Event Invitations!
First impressions matter, so why not make your invites something your guests will never forget? Get creative and try out some funky and unique DIY event invitations! These affordable and fun invitations are a sure way to get your guests talking about the event well in advance!
1. Popsicle Stick Invitations
Set the tone of a summer party and send out some easy to make no-melt popsicle invitations!
2. Pop Up Rainbow Invitations
Add a splash of color to your invitations with this rainbow pop up!
3. Snow Globe Invitations
These cute and trendy snow globe invitations can be used for almost any kind of event!
4. Blow Up Balloon Invitations
In order to read the balloon invitation, the guest must blow up the balloon! They are easy to make and customizable for any occasion!
5. Film Roll Invitations
These clever and cute film rolls make the perfect event invitations!
6. Confetti Invitations
Confetti burst invitations are an exciting and memorable way to invite your guests that they won’t see coming!
7. Decoder Invitations
This clever invite comes with decoding glasses that allow the guest to read the invitation!
8. Ladybug Invitations
These cute and trendy ladybug invitations are perfect for birthday parties or spring and summer events!
9. Flip Flop Invitations
Flip flop invitations are the perfect way to invite guests to a summer event. Too bad these aren’t wearable!
10. Mini Event Invitations
Mini invitations are an adorable way to invite guests to any kind of event! Each invitation can be personalized for specific guests!
These invitations are a fun way to get your guests thinking about your upcoming event. Make a statement with one of these unique DIY event invitations!
What are your favorite DIY invitation ideas? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
How to Plan the Perfect Olympic Games Party
The Olympic Games are in full swing and it’s time to get into the competitive spirit! What better way to celebrate the games than by hosting an Olympic Games party? From food to activities, ABCey is here to help!
Entertainment and Games
Virtual Reality Games
Be a part of the games with fun entertainment and games to entertain your guests! Bring a high tech twist to your Olympic games party by bringing virtual reality. From basketball to tennis to volleyball, choose whatever sports your guests like most, and they can play on virtual reality screens and with goggles! Also, you can also get virtual and integrated sports floor technology, and let your guests enjoy playing on their favorite field!
Backyard Upgraded Games
In addition, upgrade your outdoor games with fully interactive games! Not only are games, like this Super Bowl hamster wheel, fun, but they are also unique twists. You can adapt this game for soccer, track and field, and tons of other sports for more Olympic fun! Also, guests will love that you compete with others to get the highest score. So bring the competitive spirit to your Olympic Games viewing party with games like this one!
Party Favors:
DIY Olympic Gold Medals
Another key element of a party is rewarding your guests for coming! Save money and stay with the Olympic games party theme thanks to these DIY Olympic medals. With some glue, glitter, bottle caps, and ribbon, you can easily make these great medals. Your guests will feel special that you spent the time to DIY making these fun party favors!
Olympic Games party food and beverages:
Olympic Games cake pop torches
Although you can’t be in Rio, you can still feel the electric vibe and feel like you’re right in the middle of the action! The celebrations start with the lighting and passing of the torch, so don’t forget a decoration to symbolize it. These decorative torches are not only festive, but they are also sweet! So let your guests make their own cake pop snacks and indulge their sweet tooth!
Olympic rings drinks
An Olympic party wouldn’t be complete without the rings! You can creatively show your Olympic theme with these fun cocktail glasses drink! Or, you can also add some sugar or salt to your glasses to liven up your cocktails and any drinks you’re planning to make! Also, you can use this trick for any drinking cup. Here is how to make them!
Colored ring ice cubes
In addition to your sugared cups, you can keep your refreshments cool thanks to these ice cubes! Not only do they perfectly fit with the Olympic Games party theme, but all you need is food coloring. Toss these rings into any clear flavored drink so guests can drink in style! Find out how to make them here!
Extras:
Ticket invitations
Invite guests to your party in style with these awesome tickets! Although they may be disappointed that they aren’t going flying to Rio, they’ll be excited to join in on the action at your party. These printable tickets will immediately load to your computer and let you customize it. This lets you add your own date, venue, and time. So feel special attending your top notch event.
Olympic rings backdrop
Create the perfect backdrop for your food/beverage tables and throughout your party venue! In addition, you’ll save money with these DIY Olympic rings. Also, you won’t believe how simple these are to make. Simply pin or glue colored crepe paper over polystyrene rings, and there you have it. An easy decoration that will impress your guests!
How are you planning your Olympic Games party? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
Top 7 Unique Dessert Ideas for Events
By Jennifer Fong, Kristi Fujimoto, and Jessica Li-Jo
Picture this: You’re at a dinner event with your guests, and everything is going perfectly planned from decor to the music selection. Then, you realize your night is coming to an end. So what better way to end this perfect dinner event than to provide your guests with delicious desserts?! Well, ABCey has you covered! Here are our top 7 unique and creative dessert ideas that will surely leave your guests impressed and blessed!
1. Edible Flower cookie
Are you planning to use flowers as your centerpieces? Although you can decorate your venue with flowers, you can also use them to decorate your desserts! Everyone loves cookies, and shortbread cookies are a popular crowd pleaser. By adding these edible flowers, freeze dried fruit, and candied herbs on top of glaze, you can make these delicious tasting cookies. Moreover, you can make this lavender shortbread so your cookies are even more floral tasting. This creative and decorative dessert will be an excellent addition to your party! Learn how to make them here.
2. Flower Jello
If you want to decorate with more flowers, we have another dessert just for you! Instead of being a plain, clear “raindrop” cake dessert, this dessert is filled with decorations. Having a scary Halloween party or an outdoor floral party? From real fruit and flowers to sprinkles and spiders, the possibilities are endless when it comes to filling these droplets! These edible water bubbles are inspired by Japan’s Mizu Shingen Mochi and can be made with Agar or Jell-O gelatin. Don’t worry put insects and flowers in there because they’re edible and made from gelatin! So click here for insects and flowers, and here for fruit and sprinkles. And your guests will enjoy this unique dessert!
3. Unicorn Piñata Sugar Cookies
Give your guests a surprise with these Unicorn Piñata Sugar Cookies! These multi-colored cookies come with hollow centers that you can fill with your favorite candies. Not only will they add a magical element to your event, but they will also leave your guests wanting more! Set them out on a nice tabletop and watch your guests be delighted upon their first bite! These cookies are especially perfect for any Cinco de Mayo-themed event or kids’ birthday parties! So what are you waiting for? Learn how to make these here!
4. Burger Cupcakes
These may look like those hamburger gummy candies, but they’re actually cupcakes! Each part of the cupcake is made of different types of cake mixes with some frosting to top it all off. In addition, these hamburger cupcakes are a fun way to contrast how usual cupcakes are made! Make these for your next event and maybe even serve some fries with it!
5. Dessert Sushi
Surprise your guests by letting them think that they’re having another small course of sushi. What they won’t expect is that they’re actually getting a dessert! This dessert sushi is made from a thin layer of chocolate pancake that is smeared with warm cream cheese and fruit in the middle. Give your guests these tiny little delights at your events!
6. Chocolate Flower
Continue to wow your guests with this Chocolate Flower dessert! Wrap your favorite sweets and fruits with some chocolate flower petals. Then, pour hot custard and watch the petals bloom open just like a flower! This artistic, yet delicious dessert is sure to leave your guests mesmerized! Also, this is ideal for any celebratory party event! So check out how to make these here!
7.Crème Brûlée Cookies
Cookies are a typical dessert. But when you infuse it with Crème brûlée, you take it to a whole new level. Get the custard that you love oh-so-much combined with your favorite parts of a cookie! This will leave a memorable and tasteful dessert that will allow attendees to look forward to your future events! Learn how to make them here.
Which of these dessert ideas did you like best? Tell us in the comments below or on Facebook and on Twitter!
10 Glowing Trends To Brighten Up Your Events!
From LED hula hoops to glowing cocktails to LED party gloves, ABCey has compiled a list of 10 glowing trends that bring you innovative ways to illuminate your future events!
1. LED Hula Hoops
Take your event to the next level with these LED hula hoops! Use them as a prop for your event performances, or as a decor to make your ideas and brand pop. We love SPinFX for using advanced LED devices with customizable graphic displays, such as the Phoenix Hoop, to create a unique and innovative form of live performance art that will be sure to bring any ideas to life, and have your guests talking about it all night long!
2. Glowing Cocktails
Light up your next party with these glowing cocktails! Just mix a bit of tonic water into your drink of choice, turn on the black lights, and watch your drink light up! You can also use LED ice cubes that come in a variety of colors to impress your guests.
3. LED Dancing Suits
Amaze your guests with these colorful LED dancing suits! Not only will your live performances be incredibly eye-catching, but they will also continue to maintain your party’s glow throughout the entire night.
4. Glow-In-The-Dark Hair
Promote your brand in style with glow-in-the-dark hair! This is a unique and creative way to display any desired images, words, or logos for the duration of your event!
5. Rainbow Slinkys
Add a futuristic yet whimsical element to your event by hanging rainbow colored glow-in-the-dark slinkys. This chaotic but creative approach will leave your event glowing brighter than ever!
6. Glowing Mason Jars
Repurposing mason jars is always a great DIY project, and is even better as a lighting decor project. With some fun glow paint, you can easily make these glowing mason jars and use them as centerpieces or lanterns!
7. Glowing Cotton Candy
Thinking of having a Pop Art themed party? Give your guests a sweet and glowing treat by creating a wall of glowing cotton candy! Just serve them on a LED stick and you are set!
8. Neon Yarn
Let your artistic side glow at your next event by using neon colored yarn! With just nails, yarn, and a hammer, you can create and showcase your own personal string art!
9. Glow-In-The-Dark Balloons
Change your daytime party decor into nighttime by reinventing the glow sticks! Simply put a glow stick in each balloon, and you’re all set. Use these glow-in-the-dark balloons as string lights, pool decorations, or to add some color.
10. Glowing Accessories
Perk up your dance floor by handing out glowing accessories as party favors at your next event. From LED party gloves to LED shoelaces to LED ties, these accessories will make sure your guests glow wherever they go!
Which one of these glowing trends is your fave? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and on Twitter!
#TechTuesday: 5 ways to use drones for events
#TechTuesday 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. ABCey has compiled 5 innovative ways event planners are utilizing drones!
Although they were first used for military purposes, drones are becoming extremely useful tools for the event planning industry. Drones are not only used to capture stunning aerial images, but also in previously unimaginable ways that go beyond just pictures and videos. Here are 5 great ways to use drones for your next event!
1. Aerial Event Photos and Videos
Drones are now a popular tool for event planners, because they can capture amazing aerial footage from an infinite number of angles. They are also extremely versatile and can be used at conferences, trade shows, galas, festivals, and sporting events! This tech allows for extraordinary 360 degree views of all attendees, as well as close ups of speakers and performances.
2. Choosing the Perfect Venue/Site Selection
Drones can also be used for pre-event prep to collect venue images. Photos and videos make it so easy for clients and planners to choose the perfect site for an event! From images of massive event properties to inside meeting rooms, there is almost no place a drone can’t fly!
3. Entertainment Drones to Wow Your Guests
Companies have outdone themselves by using drones as a new form of entertainment for their guests! Intel is one company that impressed their guests and set the world record by having 100 drones create a unique light show! Others, like Amsterdam Drone Entertainment, have programmed their drones to dance for crowds which has truly set a new standard for event entertainment!
4. The Best Delivery Service
Some other ways to use a drone? How about deliver food, drinks and invitations! This interactive way of distributing items to people is mostly used by restaurants to give food to their customers. But, this kind of delivery service can just as easily be adapted to fit the event industry’s needs. Using a drone to deliver items to guests is extremely innovative, interactive, and a great way to make your event stand out!
5. Extra $ From Advertising and Sponsors
Drones can also be lucrative for your business! If you are hosting an event, sponsors may offer to pay you if you use drones to promote their business. Attendees are often drawn to drone tech which is seen as a great opportunity for companies to advertise. Because drones can drop off samples/products, hold up company posters, and display a brand logo, they are becoming the newest advertising trend!
Apps are also being made and adapted to incorporate drone technology. Facebook recently announced they have updated their live video stream application, Facebook Live. This update allows users to stream videos live from a drone. Twitter‘s similar live video streaming application, Periscope, also announced this feature.
By capturing stunning footage, helping venue selection, entertaining and serving their guests, delivering items, and increasing revenue and an event’s wow factor, drones are the new must-have gadget for anyone in the event industry!
Know any other ways drones are used? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and on 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 GDC16. While 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
- 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!
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!
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?
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!