Tag: events
ABCey’s Top 5 Event Apps Every Event Planner Needs
People assume that event planners have a simple job. Getting paid to make plans? Sounds so easy! But the reality is that event planning is extremely hard work. If you’ve ever planned an event, you know how much time and effort goes into it. Luckily, there are apps that has made it easier to plan and manage events, no matter how large! Today, we bring you our top five apps that every event planner needs to ease the process.
Boomset
For much larger events, Boomset is an amazing application for managing guest check-in. This app is the perfect tool for checking in registered conference guests. With fast check-ins and a walk-in registration feature for attendees who have not pre-registered, lines will definitely be reduced. You can even print customized badges or wristbands for your event by using the Boomset web platform.
Bizzabo
Bizzabo is a bunch of event planning tools all wrapped in one. Targeted towards medium-to-large-sized businesses, Bizzabo is ideal for planning large events with a lot of tasks. The application allows you to build event websites for registration, emails for marketing, and agendas for event management, great for concerts or fundraisers!
24me
For planning smaller events, 24me is the best handy little personal assistant to help you stay on task with planning. The app includes integrated calendars, to-do lists, and notes. It automates events by keeping your tasks and schedules in one place and by sending you reminders for them when necessary.
HeyTell
Communication with your team is key for running your event smoothly, so being in touch at all times is necessary. HeyTell is an app that turns your smartphone into a walkie-talkie. When you need something even snappier than texting or email, get the app, choose a contact and start talking. This makes it easier to communicate and avoid any confusion during your event!
SuperPlanner
Nothing is worse than an overcrowded venue, exceeding a budget due to over staffing or any other problems you might face while planning your event. Super Planner offers calculators for venue capacity, staffing, and catering to avoid these kinds of issues. Use this app to stay on budget and execute all the details to perfection.
What are your favorite event planning apps? Are there any we missed? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s Tech Tuesday: 2019 Bay Area Tech Events and Conferences
Can you believe we’re already half way through the year? For today’s #TechTuesday, ABCey features our top five Bay Area tech events and conferences to attend in 2019.
1. Y-Combinator Demo Days
Twice a year, Y-Combinator Demo Day gathers it’s latest batch of YC-funded founders to present their companies to a room of selected investors and press. Over the course of two days, founders hope for investors to take a chance and invest in their companies. Because of this selection process, this event is invitation only.
When: August 19th-20th, 2019 | Location: Pier 48 |
2. Oracle OpenWorld
Oracle OpenWorld, the tech giant’s deep dive into all things cloud, offers more than 2,200 educational sessions, hundreds of demos and hands-on labs, and exhibitions from more than 400 partners. Over a course of four days, you’ll engage in free-flowing ideas that will help you and your business do tomorrow’s business goals, today! You won’t want to miss out on today’s première business and technology event.
When: September 16th-19th, 2019 | Location: Moscone Center |
3. TechCrunch Disrupt
This large conference allows startups to sign up and present their business ideas on the stage in front of investors, media for exposure and win prize money. In addition, the featured guests this year include Heather Adkins, Michael Rogers, and Evan Spiegel. You sure do not want to miss out on an opportunity like this!
When: October 2nd-4th, 2019 | Location: Moscone North |
4. Open Data Science Conference West
ODSC West 2019 is one of the largest applied data science conferences in the world. It’s the conference to engage, to build, to develop, and to learn from the data science community. At ODSC, their goal is to host those looking to accelerate their skills and knowledge by offering programs of varying difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced and in between. No matter what skill level you are, there is a program for you!
When: October 29th- Nov 1st, 2019 | Location: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport |
5. Dreamforce 19′
Dreamforce is an annual conference hosted by Salesforce in San Francisco. Each year, Dreamforce attracts tens of thousands of professionals and provides thousands of workshops. Because of this, attendees will be able to learn how Salesforce can help take their business to the next level.
When: November 19-22, 2019 | Location: Moscone Center |
What tech events and conferences are you planning to attend? Let us know what you think in the comments below or onFacebook and Twitter!
Want to plan a conference after-party? Look no futher, as ABCey is here to help. Click here to learn more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups and Fortune 500 companies,
ABCey Presents: Top 5 New San Francisco Event Venues in 2019
Planning an event but don’t know where? Today, ABCey has curated a list of the top five new San Francisco venues for your next big conference or event!
1. Palette
Palette is a restaurant and gallery that explores the relationship between food, art and community. Located in the SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, Palette is an 8,500 sq. ft. storied space within walking distance of the Moscone Center, Yerba Buena Gardens and the SFMOMA. With the ability to accommodate up to 225 guests, Palette is a great place for large events!
Location: 816 Folsom Street | Book here | Contact Info |
2. DecantSF
DecantSF is the newest addition to San Francisco’s wine and beverage scene. It is available for private events such as tastings, wine list consulting for off-property events, and corporate gifting. Whether your event is small or big, DecantSF will work with you and specially customize a program just for you!
Location: 1168 Folsom Street | Book here | Contact Info |
3. Story on Union
Conveniently located on Union Street in the Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco, Story on Union is the sweet spot for your next private event. Whether it is a cocktail party, rehearsal dinner, fundraiser or even retirement party, the options are endless! In addition, it can accomodate up to 175 people.
Location: 2136 Union Street | Book here |
4. Nommo
Opened by two acclaimed bar owners Thad Vogler and Jon Santer, Nommo was built with your event needs in mind! Nommo has a menu that appropriately spans land and sea. Not only are there seafood, but also there are cheese plates, little gem and chicory caesar salads, and desserts. With views of the Bay Bridge, this place is sure to be on your list!
Location: 396 Harrison St. | Book here |
5. The Brixton on 2nd
The Brixton San Francisco has opened the second location of its iconic, rock ‘n roll inspired restaurant. It is a full service restaurant with a lively bar and cafe that features two separate private dining rooms available for guests, which are named after baseball players Willie Mays and Willie McCovey. If your event is small or big, this place will sure be a smash hit!
Location: 701 2nd Street at Townsend Street | Book here | Contact Info|
What are your favorite new San Francisco venues? Are there any we missed? Can ABCey help plan your next event at one of these fun spots? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s Startup Monday: Gametime
Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that showcases some of the most innovative San Francisco startups! These are often selected from a list of companies that we LOVE or have worked with in the past. This week, we are putting the spotlight on Gametime.
What is Gametime?
Founded in late 2013 by Brad Griffith, Gametime is a platform for users to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and theater events across the US and Canada. And, they curate an epic list of the most amazing possibilities your city has to offer all while making tickets as easy as possible to purchase with your smart phone. Tickets arrive in a flash and there’s no need to print!
How Does It Work?
Through an algorithm, the app is able to find the best seat for the selected venue that caters to you. Once you’ve found the perfect seats, check out in two taps—even after the event starts! Gametime delivers the tickets directly to your phone. Going with friends? Text your tickets to your crew and everyone gets in instantly. If plans change, no problem – sell your tickets (even paper ones) with the push of a button.
Why we love it
We love Gametime as purchasing an event ticket has never been easier. It is easy to select your seat and find one that matches your budget. As time draws closer to an event’s start, Gametime strategically reduces ticket prices for last-minute customers, setting up a great last minute hangout and experience.
Have you tried Gametime? Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey’s San Francisco Weekend Lineup 6/27-6/30
It’s all about spreading the LOVE this weekend. ABCey brings you this week’s San Francisco Weekend Lineup with our fave Pride weekend festivities happening here in the Bay Area!
Pride Festival and Parade
It’s back! The pride festival and parade is one of the biggest events of the year! The Pride festivities include a two-day celebration and rally at San Francisco’s Civic Center that concludes with the big parade Sunday, June 30. Come along and be part of the festivities at the 49th annual Pride Festival and Parade!
When: June 29th-30th | 10am-6pm | Civic Center Plaza and surrounding Downtown area | Cost: Free
Pink Mammoth Block Party
Continue the pride spirit with the best party in town, the 7th annual Pink Mammoth Summertime Block Party! Located in the heart of Downtown San Francisco, this year will feature musical stylings from THE DUSTY RHINO and different food trucks. Don’t forget to wear all the pink you own.
When: June 29th | 12pm-10pm | Mint Plaza | Cost: $15-$35
Mango Pride
El Rio’s annual Pride Parade after-party is a night of dancing outside to hip-hop, dance hall and Latin grooves. Also, you can keep the party going as you groove to the music inside ALL night long. Furthermore, free barbecue, treats and other pride goodies to fuel you up through the night.
When: June 29th-June 30th | 6pm-2am | El Rio (3168 Mission St.) | Cost: $20 at the door
Frameline 43
Come join 60,000 attendees to celebrate the 43rd annual San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival. This 11 day celebration that started on June 20th will be wrapping its last show this Sunday, June 30th. Come for the premieres, parties, panels, stars, and more and embrace the spectrum of identities that make up LGBTQ+ communities worldwide!
When: June 20th-30th | Times Vary for Different Shows| Various Venues | Cost: Various | https://www.frameline.org/festival/film-guide-x3759
Identify and Pride: Youth Art Show
This exhibition from youth members of the Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco’s Citywide Arts Programs, reinvent the iconic rainbow flag in honor of SF’s 49th annual LGBTQ Pride Parade and Celebration. It gives us a glimpse of youths living in Bayview-Hunters Point, the Tenderloin, the Mission, Excelsior and the Western Addition of San Francisco, while exploring themes of gender, sexual identity, love and community.
When: June 18th-July 14th |11am-6pm | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts | Cost: Free with registration
Which pride weekend festivities will you be attending? Let us know which event you’ll be attending in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
If you’re interested in learning more about events we’ve done for other San Francisco startups or other Fortune 500 companies, click here.
ABCey Presents: Top 5 Event Themes Your Guests Will Love
Are you trying to put on an event, but can’t think of a theme? We know how challenging this can be, as themes can sometimes be overdone or cheesy.They can be a great way for your attendees to get involved, transform your event, and can help add structure to the décor and activities. At ABCey, we’ve compiled a list of our 5 favorite event themes to inspire you for your next event!
1. Tomorrowland
This theme is a fun one because you can decide to set the year in the future and make the event and décor to showcase how you see that playing out. This is a prime theme for incorporating cool technology as well. Consider having a video mapping dance crew, LED dance floor, or a VR game lounge!
2. Casino Night
Who doesn’t love casino night? This theme never gets old! There are so many activities you can do with this theme to spice up your event. Try making a ball pit photo booth filled with poker chips, have LED hoop dancers, or an iPad magician!
3. Indulgence
Everyone will love a theme that involves everything they could ever want. Think of anything and everything you desire and make an activity or a station out of it at your event! A donut wall, puppy petting zoo, an edible photo booth, and a champagne bar are just a few fun examples!
4. Urban Graffiti
If you want to make your event have more of an urban cityscape feel, graffiti is a great idea for an event! You can hire graffiti artists, have a digital graffiti wall, and incorporate bold, block colors wherever possible to give that graffiti-feel!
5. Outside In
Bring the outside in and turn your venue into a secret garden! Consider using plenty of grass, foliage, and flowers, and hang plants around the space. Transform the indoors and make your guests feel like they’re hanging out right outside. See one of our past blogs to find out why humans love feeling connected to nature and more tips on how to incorporate it into your events!
Which event themes will you use?
Can you think of any other fun and different themes? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
ABCey’s Labor Day Weekend Lineup: 8/31-9/3
Happy almost Labor Day weekend! If you didn’t go to Burning Man this week and are looking for something fun to do, here are some of the top events happening in the Bay Area this long weekend!
1. Featured Event: BURNING MAN
August 26th-September 3nd | 6pm Sunday, August 26th-6pm Monday, September 3rd|$425+|Black Rock City
Burning Man is finally here! This year’s theme is I, Robot, which is a tribute to the future, artificial intelligence, and everything in between. There will be so much to enjoy at this event. From art cars, mutant vehicles, sound camps, art installations and more, there’s something for everyone! And don’t worry, you’re not too late. The man doesn’t go up in flames for another 3 days, so get your tickets now!
2. Beach Blanket Babylon
August 29th-September 2nd | 8pm on MWF; 6pm or 9pm on Sat. & Sun |$25-$135 |Club Fugazi
The famous Beach Blanket Babylon is back this Labor Day weekend! If you don’t have time to go during the week, it’s playing Saturday and Sunday so don’t miss it. Don’t wait too long to get tickets because they will sell out! You can also find discounted tickets on Goldstar.
3. Shakespeare in the Park
September 1st-3rd | 2pm |Free Admission |Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn
This event is for all you Shakespeare lovers! Come out to see A Midsummer Nights Dream. There will be a short intro at 1:30pm, so come early if you want to hear it and get a good seat on the lawn!
4. Sausalito Art Festival
September 1st-3rd | 10am-7pm Sat. & Sun; 10am-5pm Mon. |$25 (children get in for free) |Marinship Park
One of the best art festivals in the Bay Area will be held this weekend in Sausalito, right across the Golden Gate Bridge! The festival includes fine wine, gourmet food, and premium beers. There will also be hundreds of pieces of art on display and live music all weekend long. There’s lots of fun to be had at this event!
5. Go on a Night Cruise
September 2nd| 10pm-1am|$20-27 on Goldstar|Pier 40
If you feel like blowing off some steam on Sunday night because you can (woohoo, no work on Monday), go on the Pier Pressure Party Cruise on the Cabernet Sauvignon Commodore Yacht. This three hour cruise begins with check-in at 8:45pm. Don’t forget to purchase tickets ahead of time!
6. Go on a Day Cruise
August 31st-September 3rd|10am|$39 on Goldstar|Pier 39
If night cruises aren’t your thing, sign up to go on a morning cruise! The 2-hour Golden Gate Champagne or Mimosa Cruise includes two drinks of Champagne or Mimosas. Check-in is at 9:45am, with a toast under the Golden Gate Bridge at 11!
7. Labor Day BBQ & Bacchus
September 3rd|12pm-3pm|Free Admission|The Winery SF
Come out to Treasure Island to enjoy a fun afternoon of food, music, wine, and beautiful Bay Area views! If you purchase a wine tasting, you’ll receive a FREE hot dog (with all the condiments). Instead of having to go through the hassle of hosting a BBQ in your backyard, just sit back and let The Winery SF do it for you, so you can relax on your precious day off!
Which events will you attend this Labor Day weekend?
Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s #TechTuesday: Top 10 Event Discovery Apps
#TechTuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. Today’s #TechTuesday features 10 great event discovery apps to help you find events in your area!
1. Do the Bay
Do the Bay shows you all the best events going on in the Bay Area. From concerts, comedy, film screenings, festivals, craft and flea markets, drag shows, happy hours, trivia nights, food, and more, there are so many options! They also tend to give away tickets so you can get into some events for free. Don’t miss out on this app if you live in the Bay Area!
2. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is one of the greatest event apps for finding all sorts of local happenings. The app shows you nearby events and gives you dates, times, locations, maps, and similar events. It also allows you to check ticket prices so you can buy them right from the app!
3. Goldstar
Goldstar is an event discovery app that offers half-price tickets to live entertainment. It allows you to spend less on the hottest concerts, theaters, nightlifes, comedies, sports and other events in your city. You don’t want to miss out on these discounts!
4. Go Do
Go Do is an event finder that has an interesting concept. The app is divided into two tabs. The tab on the left is marked Go. You can add a new location if you’re heading out of town, and the map will update with events in that spot. The tab on the right is marked Do. Tap it to select the types of events that interest you most like art, sports, music, or dance. This event finder is well-organized and easy to use!
5. Gravy
Gravy shows you events based on your location and the date. You’ll see events ranging from holiday parties, music events, dinners, and more. You can also filter the results based on your interests, area, or you can search by keyword. You can get all the event details with dates, times, descriptions, and photos using Gravy!
6. Hangtime
Hangtime works by connecting to your Facebook account, so you can see what events your friends are interested in. Along with your friends’ activity, it will also show you local events in your area, drawing from sources like Ticketmaster and Livenation. This is a great app if you’re looking to connect with your friends to attend events!
7. Meetup
Meetup lets you create or join local groups with varying interests, from tech, food, photography, you name it. The app suggests local meet ups in your area and you can indicte how far you are willing to travel for which interest. There is also a calendar feature with a bunch of events that allows you to quickly see all the meet ups that are happening that month!
8. Field Trip
Field trip uses AR to help you find fun things happening near you! Instead of using visual focus, it tells you what is interesting through your headphones. It will point out recommendations from a list of interests such as history, offers, architecture, food, among others. Now that’s cool!
9. Time to Enjoy
This app draws from your personal calendar and notifies you on what events to consider for when you have free time. It breaks it down to the date and the hourly time slots, and even allows you to publish your own events so others can join or attend it. This app is perfect for those of you who use your smartphone calendar to keep track of your schedule, or for event planners who want to advertise their events!
10. Vamos
Vamos is a discovery app that draws from Facebook events, Eventbrite, and Ticketmaster to show you all the best events all in one place! The app lets you see a ton of information about each event from offers, guest lists, and Instagram photos. The app focuses on whatever city you live in.
Which event discovery apps will you use?
Have you used any of these apps lately? Which one is your favorite? Which ones did we miss? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey Presents: Tips for a Smooth Site Selection Process
Site selection for events can be a challenging and tedious process. However, by accomplishing the right steps, you can find the best venue for your client. ABCey has curated a list of tips for a smooth site selection process that we use to pick the perfect venue!
Make an Initial List of Sites
The first step in our site selection process is doing a general brainstorm of sites that seem to fit the needs of the client. Consider the location, number of guests, and venue-type when compiling the list. Leave no stone unturned and make sure you’re getting a variety of different venues. This makes your client feel like they have options and will show them that you’ve considered everything.
Create a Master Spreadsheet for Your Client
After making an initial list of sites, create a master spreadsheet with a Site Selection tab. This should incorporate all the venues you found and important information about each venue, including pros and cons. For each site, include information on availability, contacts, venue size, location, pricing, and information about the space. Make sure the client can quickly and easily see what the venue has to offer!
Put Together a Style Guide
After the master spreadsheet has been shared with your client, it’s helpful to make a style guide with the key information and images for each of your top picks.
Send an RFP to all of Your Top Venues
An RFP (request for proposal) allows you to easily communicate your event needs to outside vendors. By sending your RFP to the various venues you’re considering, you can get a clearer idea about the availability and pricing for each site. This will help you narrow down your choices. Here are some tips on creating the perfect RFP!
Set Up a Review With Your Client
The next step is setting up a time to chat with your client over the phone or in person to go through each venue. From there, you’ll be able to get a better sense of which sites you can eliminate and which ones are worth visiting in-person.
Go on Site Visits to Check Out Top Venues
Once you and your client have picked your favorite venues, make sure to visit them in-person. This can help you decide if they’re the right fit for your event. There’s no better way to get a sense of the venue and their ability to meet your needs then to set foot on the actual grounds!
Make Your Final Decision
Hopefully the in-person site visits will help you identify your absolute top venues, so you can decide on the one you want to go with. Once you accomplish this, you can start working on the fun stuff, like figuring out event decor and can move forward with your chosen venue!
Which site selection tips did you find to be most helpful?
Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
ABCey’s Startup Monday: Loopd
Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that showcases some of the most innovative startups based in San Francisco! These are often companies that we have our eye on or have worked with in the past. This week, we are putting the spotlight on Loopd!
What is Loopd?
Loopd is an event engagement platform aimed to make networking easier and to access to relevant marketing materials for your attendees, but it doesn’t stop there! Loopd is a great tool that benefits event planners and booth staff, too! It allows you to track guest traffic information, view interaction history and follow up with attendees!
How does it work?
Loopd is able to provide information and promote engagement with two devices: Bluetooth beacons and chips located in lanyards! Beacons are placed around the venue and communicate with the chips around guests’ necks to allow for location-tracking tools. For guests to share networking information, a simple tap between their badges can help exchange all needed information! Talk about convenient. To receive materials from any booth you visited at the event, a quick look to the app will give you access to all the fliers and promotions from the exhibitor! As event planners, you are able to track how successful your event is with real time analytics and to see what attracts the most guests.
Why we love Loopd!
Aside from the networking capabilities and analytics, Loopd also cuts down on check in and check out times! Event planners always find ways to cut down on waiting times to prevent boring guests, and Loopd is an amazing solution. With this technology, guests are able to cut down on their carbon footprint by networking through the badges instead of passing out business cards. Also, it eliminates the need for printed fliers since it can be shared through the app!
Have you had to opportunity to use Loopd or interested in trying it out? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
If you’d like to see other San Francisco startups we’ve featured before, click here.