Tag: eventmanagement
ABCey’s Tech Tuesday: 5 Best Event Website Templates
Want to build a buzz around your event and wow your registrants? The convenience and customization event websites offer to both event planners and attendees are amazing! Thus, today’s #techTuesday features 5 best event websites to help you create your next event website template.
1. Splash
Pricing Details: Free for personal events and trials, custom pricing for business licenses
From simplifying event asset creation to capturing attendee insights and measuring event impact, Splash is a great event marketing tool.Splash’s content management system makes it super easy to create your event website while maintaining brand consistency. You can also customize your invite, check-in guests, print your event badges, and more with this tool!
2. Squarespace
Pricing Details: Squarespace has 4 price plans, ranging from $12 to $40 per month.
Squarespace is a drag-and-drop website builder with the best quality templates in terms of design and flexibility. With this tool, you can have full customization control without the need for coding. Squarespace also has good SEO, and its pages all follow SEO best practices. It provides you the best tools to promote your brand.
3. EventCreate
Pricing Details: EventCreate has 2 price plans, ranging from $9 to $29 per month.
In addition to website creation, EventCreate is also a ticketing & registration platform. EventCreate uniquely offers fully white-labeled, custom-branded event pages and is the only platform that offers A/B ticket price testing, to help you maximize your event revenue.
4. Planning Pod
Pricing Details: Planning Pod has 4 price plans, ranging from $19 -$69+ per month.
Planning Pod is an online event management software that aims to help people and organizations that manage multiple or complex events and registrations. This tool offers a centralized platform to manage events, clients, staff, venues, vendors, payments and business details. More importantly, the floor plan feature allows event planners to customize designs for the venue, so they can help clients visualize the event.
5. Bookmark
Pricing Details: Free version available; Professional plan: $11.99/month; Business plan: $24.99/month.
Bookmark is one of the most advanced website builders when it comes to web technologies. Its AI software AiDA (Artificial Intelligence Design Assistant) can help you create an exceptional website in less than 90 seconds! The AI can help fill your website with blocks that suits the most, puts on sample content and customizes design colors. And all you need to do after is to change the text and images. This tool is super efficient and is perfect for non-technical professionals and small business owners.
Have you used any of these event website builders before? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 09/18/15-09/20/15
It’s that time again! The weekend is here and we’ve got lots of exciting events lined up. Looking for a day out, good laugh, good eats, or even a date night? ABCey’s weekend lineup has you covered with all the best events to kick-off your days!
1. Friday Nights at OMCA: Night Market & Off the Grid
Friday, September 18, 2015 | 5pm-9pm | Oakland Museum of California | $7.50 entrance fee
Come out to 10th Street and indulge in all that is Off the Grid! Every Friday at the Oakland Museum of California experience night life the food way! Food trucks, lights, and live entertainment can all be expected at this event. Bring some friends and celebrate TGIF (Thank God it’s Friday)!
2. Free Krispy Kreme Day 2015- Talk Like a Pirate
Friday, September 18, 2015 | All-day | 1575 Sullivan Avenue, Daly City | FREE
Balling on a budget this weekend? No worries! In celebration of International Pirate Day, Daly City’s Krispy Kreme will be hosting it’s FREE Krispy Kreme Day. Put on your best pirate impression and get yourself a free original glazed donut! Great way to sweeten up your Friday!
3.Chris Brown Concert
Saturday, September 19, 2015 | 7pm | Concord Pavilion | Starting at $110
Looking for a good show this weekend? Chris Brown is coming to the Concord Pavilion with special guests including Kid Ink, Fetty Wap, Omarion, and Teyana Taylor! A concert filled with R&B legends you don’t want to miss out!
4. Comedy Fest
Sunday, September 20, 2015 | 6pm | Shoreline Amphitheater |Starting at $26
Come out to Shoreline Amphitheater this Sunday for some good laughs! Dave Chappelle will be head lining along with special guests including Chris Tucker, Tom Segura, and many more! Ease off some of that work week stress and tag along with friends!
5. Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders Football Game
Sunday, September 20, 2015 | 1:05pm | Oakland Coliseum | Starting at $44
Who doesn’t love some Sunday night football? Grab your football fans and head out to the Oakland Coliseum for some good fun! The Oakland Raiders will be facing the Baltimore Ravens in their second game of the season. Make it a day out and tailgate before the game!
What will you be doing this weekend? Let us know with a comment or message us on Twitter or Facebook!
Startup Monday: Bannerman
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!
Bannerman is an events service that allows businesses to book security guards on demand. With on-call security guards (trained to arrest, control crowds, and take action in an emergency) your event is sure to flow smoothly. Bannerman allows help within 30 minutes of a request and guarantees trust and safety as their main priority!
With the Bannerman app, booking is made easy in 3 steps. Simply type in the date and time of your needed service, select the number of guards, and place the location of your event.
At ABCey we love Bannerman because of their awesome features! Flat hourly rates are provided through the app so there is never a question on how much your security will cost. Free online signup and 24/7 customer service help cater to an event’s specific needs. In addition, background checks are available for businesses to ease the stress on booking the right guard!
The struggle to find security for your business conference or personal party is no more. With Bannerman, booking a reliable security guard for your event is fast and easy! Now available for download on the App Store. What do you think about this startup? Let us know with a comment or message us on Facebook or 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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
5 DIY Budget Ideas for Your Party!
Looking to host a party with family/ friends, but don’t want to spend a ton? ABCey Events encourages you to get creative! Maximize your fun and minimize the costs with these 5 DIY budget ideas sure to liven up your party! How do you party on a budget?
1. Speakers
These DIY speakers are great for the last minute party go-er! Attach two paper or plastic cups to the ends of a toilet paper roll, cut holes for the sound to echo, and you have yourself an easy invention for your party tunes!
2. Disco Ball
Cut your old CD’s in different squares and glue them to a styrofoam ball. Attach a string and let light reflect! It’ll definitely be the center of attention at your next dance party!
3. Party Lights
Ping pong balls make for a great light decor on your regular set of Christmas lights. Simply take a pair of scissors, poke a hole on one end, and attach it to the bulbs. Lighten up the party, literally!
4. Photo booth
Who needs a professional photographer when you can snap shot your own fun? Stop by your local dollar store, round up some of your favorite funky props, and pose with your friends! Take great quality pictures on your own smart phone and share them.
5. Candy Bar
Create a candy bar table sure to satisfy all your guest’s sweet tooth! Pick a theme and let your crafty side come out. Mason jars are a great and unique way to contain your favorite candies. Buy your favorite sweets or make your own cake pops and chocolate covered pretzel stick!
Were these party ideas helpful? Let us know with a comment or message us on Facebook or Twitter!
Top 10 Bay Area Team Building Activities
Having trouble getting your employees on the same page? Need to build a stronger, more connected corporate team? ABCey Events has compiled a list of team building activities around the Bay Area sure to get your team interacting in fun, new ways!
1. Mr. Treasure Hunt
Get your team out of the office and on an urban adventure! Mr. Treasure Hunt is a scavenger hunt that emphasizes problem-solving and team work. Bring out the competitive spirit of your employees with clues, puzzles, and races throughout the city! Locations include Peninsula and South Bay, SF Neighborhoods and Museums, Marin, North Bay, Wine Country, and East Bay.
2. Urban Putt
If you’re looking for a unique experience to share with your employees, then Urban Putt is the place for you to host your next team building event. SF has brought a new concept to miniature golf– playing indoors! Choose from 14 obscure mini-golf courses and let the games begin. Pick teams or play one on one. Either way it is sure to be a great time with fun and food!
3. Paint Night
Take part in a relaxing night over drinks and paint! Paint Night is a great opportunity to bond with fellow co-workers and friends. No painting experience needed! A performing artist will guide a lesson where your group is free to let out their inner Picasso, all while sipping a cocktail or two. Locations are spread throughout the Bay Area at your favorite local bistros. Click here to find your closest Paint Night!
4. Food Truck Challenge
The Food Truck Challenge is a hands on activity sure to get your team’s creative juices flowing! Hosted by TeamBonding.com, The Food Truck Challenge is a culinary competition where individuals are divided into groups and encouraged to create their very own fast-food truck. Market, promote, and allow your ideas to come to life! At the end of the day, share and enjoy the gourmet foods you’ve created!
5. Nerd Improv
Get your corporate team to break out of their shell! Nerd Improv is a great way to foster interaction and good communication skills with your employees! Through building exercises and improv, your team can learn better work ethic and build open relationships. Inquires can be made here for your next event.
6. Fort Miley Adventure Challenge Course
Hosted by San Francisco State University’s Pacific Leadership Institute flagship program, the Fort Miley Adventure Challenge is a challenge obstacle course consisting of cables, ladders, and ropes within the woods of Golden Gate Recreational Area at Lands End. Fight through physical, emotional, and mental challenges together to build a stronger team! The event takes place every first Sunday afternoon of the month.
7. The Go-Game
Too busy to plan an extravagant team building event? The Go-Game simplifies the fun! Choose from indoor, outdoor, or training games that enable competition and growth for you and your team! The accessible app makes team building easy and convenient. With the help of The Go-Game team, you’re sure to come out a more improved team– in and out of the office.
8. House of Air
Take flight at your next corporate event! House of Air is a trampoline house offering team building facilities for all ages and skill levels. Activities include games, planned activities for your party, food, and dodge ball. Experience the art of bouncing with your team! Located in the Presidio of San Francisco.
9. Mystery by Design
Do you know the people you work with? Mystery by Design is a great way to break the ice all while solving a mystery! With more than 20 plot lines and twists catered to your event, you’re sure to be a stronger group by the end of the game. Get into character and let your imagination take over. To have the “crime of your life!” click here.
10. Laser Quest
Laser Quest laser tag is another fun way to bring out competition and fun with your employees. Run through lighted multi-leveled mazes, dodge laser bullets, and strategize the best ways to conquer the quest! Located in Mountain View. Book your next quest here.
Team building is the foundation of a more connected and successful business. What are your favorite team building activities? Let us know with a comment or message us on Facebook or Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 7.10.15 – 7.13.15
It’s that time of the week again! Start planning your precious days off with the help of ABCey Events! From flea markets, to performances and block parties, discover what this weekend has in store! The girls here at ABCey are extra excited about the inaugural Hops of Fire: Spicy Food and IPA festival.
1. The Luminous Edge
Thursday, July 9, 2015-Sunday, July 12, 2015| 8pm, 3pm(Sunday) | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts| starting at $25
Award-winning choreographers, Janice Garrett and Charles Moulton, return to San Francisco for an encore performance season of The Luminous Edge. Honored by the SF Chronicle as one of the “Top 10 Performances of 2014,” this will be a deeply expressive and theatrical evening of live music and dance. Click here for tickets.
2. Circus Bella: Free Summer Circus in the Park
Friday, July 10, 2015- Sunday, July 12, 2015| time depending on location| varying locations| Free
Circus Bella is a full-force, non-stop 60 minute kaleidoscope of thrilling balancing and strength acts, elegant demonstrations and slapstick antics. The circus showcases static trapeze, rope walking, a 9 person juggling act and so much more! Join in the fun by watching their festive and inspiring homegrown circus at either one of their San Francisco or Oakland locations. 
3. Hops on Fire: A Spicy Food and IPA Festival
Saturday, July 11, 2015| 11am- 6pm | SOMA StrEat Food Park(428 11th St. San Francisco) | $5
SOMA StrEat Food Park and Funcheap have teamed up to present San Francisco’s inaugural Hops on Fire event. Local spicy cuisine will be paired with some of the nation’s best IPA’s. There will be a live salsa band, a spicy food contest, an ice cream truck and much more! For more event details on the festival click here. 
4. Phono del Sol Festival
Saturday, July 11, 2015|12Pm- 7pm |Portero del Sol Park, Potrero Avenue and 25th Street | $15-$60
If your looking for a fun festival atmosphere Phono del Sol is for you! Held at Potrero del Sol Park, in a corner of the Mission District, this event features indie music acts hand-picked by the folks at The Bay Bridged, a variety of food trucks and activities for all ages. Don’t miss out on some good music and fun for the whole family. For tickets click here.
5. Jack of All Trades
Saturday, July 11, 2015| 11am-5pm| Jack London Square, Oakland | Free
Brought to you by the Treasure Island Flea, the Jack of All Trades features a curated mix of local makers, indie designers, artist, antiques and more! With over 95 vendors, DIY workshops, local eats and live entertainment there is sure to be something for everyone!
What will you be doing this weekend? Let us know in the comments below or message us on Facebook and Twitter!
Behind the Scenes: Adam & Amanda’s Tulum Destination Wedding!
Amanda Cey, CEO of ABCey Events, led the charge in planning her beautiful destination wedding this past May in Tulum, Mexico. Her special day took place at Casa Malca, with her closest family and friends. ABCey has the inside scoop on all the details that made Adam & Amanda’s wedding possible! To see our full portfolio, click here!
For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of getting married (along with almost every other little girl that has ever existed)! And, I always knew I wanted a destination wedding so that I could extend this dream into a long vacation for all! With 15 properties rented including 6 hotels and 9 private homes, we set to take over this yoga-esque bohemian beach town. Our arrival dinner began at Hartwood and Gitano, continued to El Tabano for our all white welcome party, and finished at the Papaya Playa Project for Sunday evening’s farewell dinner.
Event Planner/ Bride: Amanda Cey, ABCey Events
Adam and I met while living a few blocks from each other in Russian Hill, San Francisco. I was immediately drawn to his sense of humor, which I now know to be heavy sarcasm from his Bostonian upbringing! He made me laugh and as time went on I never wanted to leave his side. We had a rather long engagement (due to the birth of our daughter this past October), and were finally able to tie the knot on May 9th at an intimate beach-side estate called Casa Malca in Tulum, Mexico.
Venue: Casa Malca, Tulum, Mexico
It was silly to think that I could plan this event on my own (even being an event planner), with a newborn in tow, and in another country! I brought an assistant, the lovely Caitlyn McSorley and also hired Gwen Grosset, Destination Weddings Tulum to make sure everything ran smoothly on the ground!
Day of Coordinator: Caitlyn McSorley and Gwen Grosset
I fell in love with my “Octavia” Vera Wang dress from the Spring 2015 collection, but was unable to even try it on until just a few months before the wedding (I was 6 months pregnant by the time I saw it for the first time). I instantly fell in love with the disorder and edginess of the dress, but it was also so unique and organic which worked beautifully with the natural setting.
Dress: Vera Wang
Suit: Hugo Boss
Florals: Neil Hunt, Hunt Littlefield
Rentals: Planner 1 Events
The bridesmaids shined in a variety of blue hues that created an ombre effect when standing up at the altar, and looked gorgeous with the stunning ocean backdrop. There wasn’t really any overarching main theme, although blue tones dominated, along with ombre tones throughout (dresses, cake, tags, menu’s, etc), and lots of natural beachy elements to compliment the vibe.
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen:
Ombre Cake: Carolina Galarza, Chef Patissier
Rings: Pade Vavra
Jewelry: Ippolita
Barefoot Sandals: LoveMely
We brought close to 10 duffle bags of event decor that included everything from teal colored sand (so much for not bringing sand to the beach), driftwood, and sea shells (who has time to collect these the week of a wedding)? There were also ceramic starfish for the ultra long dinner table, custom made “LOVE” multi-colored sunglasses, a variety of blue parasols and lanterns, beautifully calligraphed chalkboard signage, ikat patterned pillows from Bali, Mexican pompoms, hangover kits, custom vow books, laser cut wood keys, ombre tags, and program fans! We found use for almost everything, except the vintage marquee “Hitched” sign didn’t quite make it in one piece!
Decor: ABCey Events
Program Fans, Menu’s, Pocket Schedules: Suite Paper
Calligraphy: Rona Siegel Fine Arts
Flower Girls: Ella Corthell, Aydin Levy & Riley Jacobson
Officiants: Nicole Doherty & Linzi Oliver
Music: DJ JoIll, Shawn Barry, and Arpason
A.V. // LED Dance Floor: Plug In Audio Visual
Pillows: Ikat and Batik
Hangover Kit: Jennifer’s Cookies
Pom Pom Decor: Artisan Revival
See how we pulled off this elegant outdoor affair as captured by the amazingly talented, Larissa Cleveland here! We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to all of the vendors and people who made this day a huge success!
Photographer: Larissa Cleveland Photography
What did you think of Adam & Amanda’s Tulum Wedding? Need help planning your destination wedding?! Let us know with a comment or message us on Facebook or Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend Line-Up: Fourth of July!
Fourth of July is just around the corner! Save yourself the struggle of planning a party and join in on all the Bay Area fun. From fireworks to parades, ABCey Events has put together a list of events sure to get your weekend line-up going! What do you have planned?
1. 4th of July Spectacular! (Mountain View, CA)
Saturday, July 4, 2015| 8pm | Shoreline Amphitheater| starting at $38
The San Francisco Symphony is hosting its 29th annual 4th of July Spectacular event at the Shoreline Amphitheater. The orchestra will perform The Sound of Music as a tribute to the anniversary. Tickets are now available. Event starts at 8:00pm with fireworks scheduled to take the sky by 9:30pm!
2. Coca-Cola July 4th Fest 2015 (Vallejo, CA)
Friday, July 3, 2015- Sunday, July 6, 2015 |10:30 am- 10pm | Vallejo, CA| $64.99
Looking to spend your 4th of July weekend doing more than watching fireworks? Six Flags is hosting its annual Coca-Cola July 4th Fest! In celebration of Independence Day, fan favorite rides are set to open an hour early, so everyone has more time for weekend fun! At the end of each night, enjoy a fireworks show! Tickets and season passes are now available.
3. Fremont 4th of July Parade (Fremont, CA)
Saturday, July 4, 2015 | 10am PM | Fremont, CA | Free
The city of Fremont is hosting a 4th of July Parade in the Warm Springs District! Expect to see lots of beautiful floats, musical units, and guest celebrities. Parade is set to start at 10:00am with festivities to follow!
4. Alameda County Fair (Pleasanton, CA)
Saturday, July 4, 2015 | 11am |Pleasanton, CA | $17
Rock the red, white and blue at the final weekend of the Alameda County Fair. Spend the day participating in fun carnival activities and stay until the sun goes down for the 4th of July Fireworks Speculator. They are promising to deliver non-stop, dazzling fireworks set to music preformed by the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Fireworks will begin approximately around 9:30. Don’t miss out on fun for the whole family. Purchases tickets here.
5. The Fillmore Jazz Festival (San Francisco, CA)
Saturday, July 4, 2015- Sunday, July 5, 2015| 10am-6PM | San Francisco, CA | Free
The annual Fillmore Jazz Festival will be held this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm on Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy Street. Jazz music, culture, and cuisine will be provided. Bring your family or grab some friends. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!
Which event will you be attending this Fourth of July weekend? Let us know in the comments or message us on Facebook or Twitter!
4 Tips: How to Send an Online Invitation!
Sending an Evite or Facebook invite can be a little tricky! Not everyone replies in a timely matter and sometimes it’s hard to get a hold of people with tight schedules. Plan for your gathering in an organized fashion! ABCey has put together some tips on how to successfully send an online invitation for your event!
1. Make a Guest List
First things first, know who you want to reach out to! It’s important to know who you want to include in your guest list. Family? Friends? Friends of friends? It’s important to take into consideration all those who should or will be present at your event! Rough estimating with numbers is a good start before jumping into an invitation.
2. Create the Invite
Short, simple, and to the point! The key to creating a perfect invite (especially online) is to keep it to the point! Nobody likes a lengthy description. Staying true to the “Who? What? Where? When? and Why?” should make it easier for guests to understand. Create your invite in a timely fashion. Your invitation is sure to be ignored or forgotten about if you send it 2 months in advance… 1 month in advance is your best bet!
3. Check-In with Your Invitation
Don’t create your online event invitation and expect people to reply! Always make sure to update your invitation with “Don’t forget!” or “Save the date!” ‘s from time to time. Reminders can help people remember your event! Also reaching out to guests individually may help you to get a better understanding of who will be present.
4. Get Creative!
Sending an invite isn’t solely about spreading news to people about your event. It’s also about getting them excited for the party/meeting that’s to come! Add pictures and use fun phrases when trying to publicize it! People are drawn to things that are pleasing to the eye. Have fun with it… Besides, this is an event to look forward to!
Were these tips helpful? Let ABCey know with a comment below or message us on Facebook or Twitter!