Tag: event
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!
#TechTuesday: SummitSync
#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!
Networking is an essential part of the business world. When it comes to events, meetings and conferences, networking helps to develop meaningful relationships and connections that can unlock future business opportunities. However, when at a conference with thousands of attendees, finding those connections can sometimes be nerve-racking and just flat-out awkward. SummitSync is the solution to that problem. Like Tinder for conference apps, it brings the fun and excitement back into networking, making it more efficient and easy.
How it works.
First you sign up with your LinkedIn account.
Then you can choose which conference you are attending and in which city.
Once you have your selected conference, you can scroll through profiles of event attendees.
Swipe right if interested or left (not interested).
And just so swipe lefts don’t get too awkward, the app only allows you to connect with attendees that reciprocate your interest.
Once a connection is made, you can then message through the app and plan a time to meet at the actual conference.
SummitSync is transforming the way conference attendees engage; making it easier to discover and develop valuable business relationships. Gone are the days of countless handshakes accompanied by awkward and forgettable conversations. Instead, build those relationships beforehand and spend less conference time worrying about making the right connections and more time engaging in the actual conference.
Planning on using SummitSync before you attend your next conference? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 3/ 4/16 – 3/6/16
We love the weekends and we want to make sure that you enjoy them to the fullest. Take advantage of these [hopefully] work-free days and sleep in a little bit; relax. And if you want to get out and have some fun, ABCey’s Weekend Lineup has got you covered with some exciting events that involve orchestra music, chocolate AND an alcohol tasting party! Say what?!
1. “Off the Grid”: Friday Night Food Truck Party
FRIDAY MARCH 4TH, 2015 | 5PM – 10PM | FORT MASON | FREE*
It goes down at Fort Mason on Friday nights. If you love food, then Off the Grid is your type of party. Featuring over 30 food trucks, food tents and dessert carts, this is one food-tastic party. Steamed bao buns? Check. Lobster rolls? Got it. Frozen Custard? Yes Please! Come with a full wallet and an empty belly and spend the night indulging in all the food truck offerings.
2. Awesome Orchestra Classical Jam: Video Game Music
FRIDAY MARCH 4TH, 2016 | 7pm – 10pm | UPTOWN BODY & FENDER, OAKLAND, CA | FREE
Calling all gamers and musicians! Are you ready for a musical adventure? If so, then join Awesome Orchestra Collective this Friday for a night of amazing orchestra music in a fun and casual environment with people like you who get excited by incredibly high musicianship. Part open rehearsal, part performance, they provide sheet music for those of you who want to join in and an open space for those of you who just want to listen. This Friday’s theme is Video Game Music and it’s going to be one epic night you don’t want to miss.
3. International Chocolate Salon
SATURDAY MARCH 5TH, 2016 | FORT MASON | 10AM – 6PM | $20 ADV/$30 DOOR
Chocolate on chocolate on chocolate! Satisfy your cravings this Saturday with chocolates from some of North America’s finest chocolatiers and confectioners. The day will be filled with chocolate tastings, chef and author talks, and wine tastings, so all my chocolate lovers need not miss this sweet event. Head over to their website to get more info and purchase tickets.
4. SF Weekly’s Drink 2016 Tasting Party
SATURDAY MARCH 5TH, 2016 | 1PM – 5PM| CITY NIGHTS | $20-$25
Why not toast to the weekend? This unique, buffet-style tasting event will feature samples from 20+ breweries, wineries and distilleries. And to make sure you’re not drinking on an empty stomach, they’ll be providing complimentary appetizers. Tickets can be purchased here.
5. 2016 San Francisco History Days
SUNDAY MARCH 6TH, 2016 | 11AM – 4PM | THE OLD MINT | FREE
Get your learn on this Sunday at the Old Mint which will be transformed into pop up museums of San Francisco’s history. San Francisco has a rich and full past that many people don’t know about, so here’s your opportunity to get an in-depth look into this amazing city. Visit here for the full schedule of events.
We hope you get a chance to take some time out for yourself this weekend. If you plan on heading to any of these events, hit us up on Facebook and Twitter and tell us how it was!
ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 2/26/16-2/28/16
With the weekend just around the corner, I hope you decide to trade in your business suit for some jeans and shades! The Bay area has been warming up, and it’s the perfect weather to open up the windows and take a walk around the park. For this week’s weekend lineup ABCey wanted to take advantage of the forecast and give you some great outdoor events to choose from!
Friday February 26th, 2016 | 5:00pm – 9:30pm |2460 Sutter St. | $12 Adults $8 Students (Seniors & Kids under 12 free)
If you’re looking to travel the globe without the baggage fees, step out to Pacific Heights Friday night and experience a taste of Russia! The festival will host an array of events that are triggered to entice all senses. So if you’re looking to indulge your tastebuds with some authentic Russian food or admire the art of traditional dance, this event is the place to be!
THE COMEDY ROAST OF DONALD TRUMP
Friday, February 26th, 2016 | 8pm | Pappy’s, Berkeley | $10
One of the most debated candidates for this year’s election has been nominated as the guest of honor for this month’s comedy roast hosted by RoastSF! Mr. Trump will not be in attendance for this event, however, his impersonator is KNOWN for his class act impression, and will be severely roasted by 8 improv comics. Regardless if you love him or you hate him, it’s no question that you won’t have a hurt stomach from laughing at this event!
HOMELESS HOMES POP UP WORKSHOP
Saturday, February 27th, 2016 | 11am – 6pm | Nimby, Oakland | FREE
Want to make a difference in your community? Homelessness in The Bay area has been the topic of discussion, especially with the growing tents that are vacating the streets. This Saturday and Sunday, this pop up workshop is uniting people within the community to take a hands-on-approach by creating micro-homes for the homeless. Start off your Saturday the right way by giving back to those in need!
Saturday, February 27th, 2016 | 1pm-4 pm | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | $79-$125
For all of the bacon lovers (we know how many of you there are), this is an event you don’t want to miss! Enjoy the VIP treatment of walking the field while enjoying a brew and a slice of bacon. Guests will be able to indulge in 50+ bacon infused dishes and proceed to wash them down with a choice of 100+ craft beers and cider samples, all of which are from some of the best local vendors and breweries! Enjoy games, some fun in the sun, and if you’re feeling brave, sign up for the bacon eating contest, which is sure to leave you full for days!
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION TREASURE ISLAND FLEA
Sunday, February 28th, 2016 | All Day | Great Lawn, Ave of the Palms, Treasure Island | $3
If you can’t make it out to New Orleans this year to celebrate Mardi Gras, the Treasure Island Flea has the solution! This Sunday, local street musicians and New Orleans menus will be fused together to make this event come to life. Choose to shop from the 400+ curated vendors while trying a 2-fo-1 TI Flea Hurricane Cocktail as you watch the city transform, this is a great way to kick back and relax before Monday! 
A GATHERING OF ROYALS- ACADEMY OF FRIENDS 2016 GALA
Saturday, February 28th, 2016 | 5pm-10 pm | San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco | $225.39-&757.95
Are you planning to watch The Oscar’s Sunday night? If so, and you’re looking for a change of scenery, head down to the San Francisco Design Center for a great cause! Not only does this gala give you the opportunity to dress up as if you were at The Oscar’s, but 100% of the proceeds are directed towards HIV/AIDS services in the Bay area. Enjoy complimentary food, wine, and champagne, and if you’re feeling up to it keep partying at the after party at SF Oasis!
What event(s) are you placing on your calendar for this upcoming weekend? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
#TECHTUESDAY: SKIDDLE- Weekend’s Matter
#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!
“A small fish in a big pond” is how any person can feel living in a large city, especially San Francisco! The “Things to do” lists extends for miles, but still some remain unaware of the events and excitement occurring a few steps from their door. Skiddle recognized this detachment and brought a resolution with their Weekends Matter app! Before we even go into the deets, this event library includes more than 100,000 events at any given time! Combining that stealthy number with the additional features, it’s no question why this app is featured on this week’s #TechTuesday!
It’s a Friday night and there’s nothing to do- until you open up your Skiddle app and find all of the events occurring within your location! Events range from anything as large as a music festival to something as simple as an art exhibit. The beauty of this app is that it identifies with all interests, which is why it has such an extensive gallery. Don’t feel like scrolling through an entire archive? That’s okay! You can search events by date, location, category, what’s trending, and even Skiddle’s recommendations!
Every once in awhile there’s an event that’s so good it requires you to pack your things for a few days and explore a new territory! However, planning the housing and transportation can be a little strenuous especially when it’s a group. If you’re looking for simplicity, Skiddle has a search feature to scope out the nearest hotels to your event venue. Still confused on how you’ll get to the actual event? If you’re looking for a lift, Skiddle is integrated with the Uber app (first ride is free for the newbies!) or if you’re within walking distance and choose to sightsee it offers directions to your event location!
Looking for some new music to listen to? This app has access to music clips via Spotify to give you a taste of an artist before purchasing any tickets! Once you find your new favorite artist, you can track them and receive alerts when new events are announced. When your event is finally available and you’re ready to purchase tickets, don’t worry! There are no booking fees with this app and ticket delivery is instantaneous!
Why we love Skiddle Weekend’s Matter: Learning new things is what keeps us young! This progressive app introduces users to a range of events that extends beyond their regular “going out” vocabulary. Discovering new music is as easy as a click, which can inevitably lead to a random night on the town to experience something different! It’s exciting to see how many avenues and options are literally at the tip of our fingers, and how simplistic it’s been made for our convenience. This database was made for enjoyment and that statement is clear with the ease of it’s accessibility!
So, where are you headed next? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
Startup Spotlight: Snapcastr
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!
A growing trend that has been sweeping almost every event blog is the necessity for audience engagement and interaction! Conferences, Festivals, and Sporting events all call for larger scale audiences that must be enticed to attend, excited through out, and anticipating the event return for the coming year. So, the question is, how do we as event planners create this buzz? This Monday, we would like to highlight Snapcastr, a tech-driven company that provides all of these solutions through their social media platform!
THE BUILD UP!
Before we get to the main attraction, we must have a plan of action, and Snapcastr certainly does! Their #Hashtag Campaign supplies companies with clear marketing and event strategies from the very beginning to ensure that promotion is being maximized. In addition, their Social Event Display optimizes on audience connection. These event displays are customizable to create a unique and exclusive feel that can educate and boost audience interaction! By the way, sponsors they did not forget you! These displays have a space for your logos to market your companies and thank you for your support!
WE’VE ARRIVED!
Integrating social media interaction at an event is no longer a question, it’s a MUST. Snapcastr’s Live Social Wall enables guests to feel connected with their live tweets, posts, and shared experiences utilizing the hashtag you created with the #Hashtag Campaign! However, it doesn’t stop there.
Hosting a sporting event anytime soon? The FanPhoto feature creates guest incentive to tweet and promote your event at a chance to be featured on their team’s video board or Jumbotron!
Not sold yet? We have a few more to share! The Leaderboard feature highlights your top fans, top contributors, and/or top influencers! This is a great way to recognize your fans for their dedication or your contributors and influencers for their amazing support!
Have an opinion you want to share? Twitter Polling enables guests to participate in polls concerning your event, which will not only keep them engaged, but it will give you some great insight to their interests and what they’re looking for!
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
One of the best features of this company is the data capabilities that come with it! With all of these social media platforms being utilized, moderation and control is a necessity, and Snapcastr provides it. Interested in knowing your guest’s thoughts? The reporting features enables you to measure fan impact based on conversations. As well, you can monitor the growth of your social media accounts with real time analytics. This capability is a great way to track your success and pinpoint any problematic errors to ensure growth for the upcoming year!
What’s your favorite feature of our Startup Monday featuring Snapcastr? Let us know in the comments below or message us on Facebook or Twitter!
Tech Tuesday: getplanning, Event Management Software
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!
getplanning is a comprehensive digital planning and collaboration tool! It stores all of your event planning documents, such as schedules, contracts, and menus, for easy access so everyone involved with the event can be up-to-speed on what is going on from beginning (contracts) to end (billing).
getplanning allows for unlimited users and events so you can seamlessly plan for a variety of events. It also provides realtime communication and action so no one will be unreachable ever again! The best part: You can customize getplanning to match your company’s colors and branding requirements!
Why We Love getplanning: Not only is getplanning super easy to use, but it’s all stored in the Cloud, so it can be accessed anywhere, anytime, and by anyone! Furthermore, all documents uploaded to getplanning are encrypted for maximum security. We’re not the only ones who love using getplanning as Hilton Worldwide just announced in January that it would be incorporating the event management software into its system.
Would you use getplanning to help organize your next event? Let us know in the comments below on Facebook and Twitter!
Tech Tuesday: ABCey’s Best Event Finder Apps
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!
With hundreds of events out there each week, it’s not always easy to keep track. Other times, you miss an awesome event, because you simply didn’t know about it. ABCey has the perfect event finder apps for you, which help you to pick out the best events for you!
Gravy
Gravy is the perfect app for you if you belong to the indecisive crowd of people that like to make decisions according to their mood. Whether you like it “classy,” “brainy,” “lively,” or “whatever,” Gravy helps you to find the best events depending on your mood. You can also decide the distance you’re willing to travel to the event. If you don’t feel like a long car drive, why don’t you just chose something in walkable distance?
Like A Local
Do you travel a lot and want to see more than the typical tourist attractions? Like A Local is a real-time stream app, which is curated by locals and designed for you to discover the hidden gems of the city. Learn about the best spots to eat, party, shop, or relax. The app tells you why locals love the spot and why it’s worth a visit. With Like A Local, you can literally explore cities like a local!
SongKick
Are you crazy about music and love going to concerts? Don’t miss any concerts of your favorite bands and artists anymore with SongKick. The app connects with your music library and alerts you of upcoming concerts and shows in your area! It also marks the event down on your calendar and shows you where to buy tickets.
Spotsetter
If you have a lot of traveling friends, this app will be perfect for you! Spotsetter is a travel app that connects with your social media accounts and notices what your friends have said about particular spots on their trips. If you happen to travel to the same place, you can check out what your friends have said and either follow their recommendation or avoid a certain spot right away.
Time To Enjoy
This smart app connects to your smartphone calendar and looks for nearby events in your scheduled free time! For instance, if you have a busy day but a three hour break in between, Time to Enjoy offers you the right event for your off-time window! Use your free time to actually do something you enjoy and make the best of your day!
Which of these apps would you use and why? Tell us about it in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
5 Last-Minute Halloween Event Decor Ideas
So you’ve sent out the invitations for your awesome Halloween event, but Halloween still managed to sneak up on you this year? Don’t worry because ABCey has you covered with these 5 Last-Minute Halloween Event Decor Ideas!
1. Melted Crayon Pumpkin
Add some color to your party this Halloween with these crafty Melted Crayon Pumpkins! All you need is a white pumpkin, crayons, and a hairdryer to get this psychedelic effect!
2. Ghoulish Lanterns
Light up your Halloween event with these Ghoulish Lanterns! What other faces can you come up with to draw on this creative decor?
3. Mason Jar Mummies
These adorable Mason Jar Mummies might look complex, but don’t be fooled, they only require 4 materials to get the job done!
4. Watermelon Brain
Watch as your guests get squeamish as they reach for this tasty Watermelon Brain. Would you dare to take a bite?
5. Foil Portrait
Probably the easiest of the bunch, the Foil Portrait provides a creepy, ghostlike profile of your loved ones in a matter of seconds with materials you already have at home!
Which one of these last-minute Halloween event decor ideas will you be trying? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
Tech Tuesday: Beyond Verbal’s Moodies
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 now have a new option to gather feedback from attendees with Beyond Verbal’s Moodies, an app that records user’s voice and then analyzes various elements, such as energy, timing, pitch, and volume to determine the person’s emotional state.
Moodies can detect 11 different moods in a 20-second response using Emotions Analytics which is a compilation of mood, attitude, and personalitites. Did we mention this technology has been tested on more than 10,000 people around the world, so the app works across languages and cultures.
Why We Love Moodies: Beyond Verbal’s Moodies can be used throughout the event to watch the ebb and flow of guests’ reactions to various portions of the production. Not only can it provide valuable data about guests, but also about events’ speakers which can ensure they are conveying the right mood to their audience. This app could revolutionize feedback and provide valuable information for event planners!
Would you use Beyond Verbal’s Moodies at your next event? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!