Tag: guests
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’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.
ABCey’s #TechTuesday: Top 10 High Tech Event Activities
#TechTuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. Today’s #TechTuesday features high tech event activities!
1. Projection Mapping
Projection mapping is displaying a video over an object to create an amazing experience for your guests. The video projection brings to life any performance and activity that your audience engages in. It also adds another aspect to any event that will capture your entire audience’s attention. We also used projection in one of our previous events, and it was a huge hit!
2. Spotify House’s Bose Soundbooth
This amazing Bose Soundbooth presented by Spotify was from SXSW! Guests completely immersed themselves in music as the booth was covered in mirrors and disco balls. Attendees were also more than happy to add their favorite songs to the official Spotify SXSW playlist. What song would you add?
3. Digital Graffiti Wall
Let your guests leave their mark at your event! Also, if you add an overhead question, your guests will be excited to head over to the wall to contribute. If you’re looking for a more kid-friendly activity, project a coloring book. Adults will love the activity, too!
4. 3D Selfie
In just a few minutes, you can be 3D scanned and recreated! If you have ever wanted a small model of your photo, your wish has come true! With this booth at your event, your guests are able to walk away with a “mini me” and a lasting memory of your event! If you’re not a huge fan of having a model of yourself, you have the option to have your mini me sent to yourself and you can share it to your social media, too! Now everyone can see exactly what you wore and all the fun you had at every angle!
5. iZombie Brain Scans
These unforgettable brain scans were from the CW’s premiere of iZombie hosted by Buzzfeed! Attendees lined up to get a scan and observe their brain activity as they ate 3D-printed candy made onsite! Also, they kept the scans afterward! How could you adapt to use these brain scans at your event?
6. Social Media Wall
A social media wall is an amazing way to have your guests engage with your event and with each other! Not only will it spark conversation, it will create an online presence for your event! It will be an amazing way to break the ice and have your guests networking instead of making awkward small talk.
7. Virtual Tunnel Entrance
Give your attendees a grand entrance! Or maybe it could an enchanting and thrilling! It’s all in your hands. You decide what to project whether it be starry, checkered, or swirly! It will give off a great first impression of your event before they even enter! They’ll find themselves wanting to make another entrance.
8. Augmented Reality Gaming Wall
Whether you’re competitive or nonchalant, take your games to another level with an augmented reality gaming wall! Kids and adults alike will love seeing their movements interact with the virtual world of the game. Who can resist?
9. Edible Photo Booth
Pictures and food. Sure, they’re amazing apart, but it’s even better combined! This printer will take your selfie or any picture and print it onto your food for you! It’s the perfect Instagram moment and will help increase your social media presence along with engagement. The only problem? It’ll look too good to eat.
10. Interactive Virtual Wall
Have you ever been to a mall and seen those walls that interact with your body movements? It’s almost as if you are the wave and the colors that splash and swish around on the screen. Let your guests be mesmerized with the effects as they catch themselves walking back and forth in front of the wall!
How do you like our high tech event activities?
Have you seen any of these high tech event activities 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!
How to Create Corporate Swag Bags Your Attendees Will Love
Swag bags can be a great way to thank your guests and give them a lasting memory! However, you want to make sure that the items you include are unique and memorable so that they don’t get thrown in the trash. Here are some tips for creating meaningful corporate swag bags that your attendees will love!
1. Eye Masks
Eye Masks are a great way to advertise your event if you put your logo on it. They’re useful and can easily be packed into a carry on. This is an especially good option if your guests are traveling to your event!
2. Portable Phone Chargers
Corporate events can often last the whole day or even multiple days and many attendees rely on their smartphones for navigation, emails, networking, etc. They’re bound to run out of battery at some point. Make their lives easier by giving them an easy way to charge their phones while at your event! They’ll be happy to skip the stress of searching for an outlet.
3. Cord Tacos
Cord tacos keep all the different cords your guests are most likely traveling with nice and organized. From phone chargers, headphones, computer chargers, and more, your guests are guaranteed to find this cute tool useful!
4. Self-Care Kits/Event Survival Kits
Corporate events can be long and stressful. Make your guests’ lives easier by providing them with a kit filled with all sorts of essentials. From tissues and pens, to stress-relieving toys and lotion, there are many things you can include that will make your guests’ experiences at the event and traveling to the event more comfortable.
5. Hydroflasks
Hydroflasks always come in handy and will help your guests stay hydrated. Also, adding a logo to it increases the likelihood that your guests will use it! It’s eco-friendly and reusable as well, which is a huge plus!
6. Unique Snacks
Snacks are always needed, especially for long events. Even though food is often provided at corporate events, snacks are a good option that your guests will love!
7. LED Rings
It’s always nice to find a fun item in your swag bag, so put in an LED ring! It’ll stand out and is an item your guests will find especially useful if there’s an after party!
8. Experiences
People love experiences! Give your guests a reason to keep your bag by including a voucher for a special, VIP experience at your event, or tickets to a nearby attraction! This will make them feel more excited about being at your event and they’ll feel like they’re getting something out of it.
9. Seasonal Items
Seasonal items can be extremely useful, especially if they apply to your event location. For example, if your event is in a sunny, warm area, consider including sunglasses or flip flops with your event’s logo on it! Try using attractive colors and patterns to make your swag bag stand out!
10. Professional Books
By choosing a book as one of your gifts, you’re showing your guests that you care about their growth and well-being. Find books that align with your brand and industry that can inspire your attendees. If you don’t want your guests to have to carry around an entire book, you can always provide access codes to professional ebooks, so they can easily read them on their electronics!
Which bag ideas will you use for your swag bags?
What’s the best gift you got from attending a corporate event? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s #TechTuesday: Top 5 Apps for Event Engagement
#TechTuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. Today’s #TechTuesday features the top 5 apps to engage your attendees.
1. Attendify
Attendify is an event management app that includes great features, such as creating a private social network for your event. In the network, you are able to share photos, messages, and quick polls on the event timeline. Also, with this, introductions are easy! People are notified once you join the network, so everyone will know you made it.
2. CrowdCompass
CrowdCompass enables you to create an app for your event with cool features that prompt your attendees to engage with each other and your event! For example, guests can message each other one-on-one, participate in live Q&As, and take notes all in one app! Furthermore, attendees are able to create personalized schedules with an option to push notifications for reminders. Also, the event planners are able to track guest engagement and the event’s impact in easy-to-read charts and graphs.
3. Grupio
Grupio is an event app that allows you to link your social media channels, like Facebook or Twitter, to your customized app! With this feature, you and your guests are able to share their experiences through your favorite social media platform! Other features include being able to create advertisements for your sponsors to feature on the app and gamification to encourage attendee engagement.
4. Whova
Whova is an event app that gives event planners the ability to customize their own app with their brand. Some of their features include document sharing among attendees to limit paper handouts and interactive maps. Also, Whova pushes the guests to create more buzz and excitement with a convenient Twitter outlet built into the app!
5. Eventbase
Eventbase is a mobile event technology platform that allows its users to create an app for their event. Depending on the type of event, the company has a specially curated app for your event app needs! This app has a large variety of fonts and themes to cater to your preferences. Eventbase also has features such as “Around Me” that suggests people nearby and small descriptors to allow for better connections.
Which of these apps are your favorite? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey Presents: Best Photo Tips for Event Photography
Capturing the raw, spontaneous moments of events is something all photographers aim to do. There are a lot of little things that can make diving into special event photography much easier or much harder on yourself. Below are a few event photography ideas of how to prepare and execute your photo skills at your next event!
Take Pre-Event Shots
The event planner is responsible for all the little details at each event. Therefore, they will love that you captured shots of the room prior to the guests arrival. Not only will it be something they can use to sell their services in the future, it will also allow them to catalog the set-up in case they have a very similar type of event in the space again. Photo from ABCey’s Loreal & Skinceuticals PR & Media event in February 2010.
Capture The Event’s Story
Every event has it’s own story. Try to capture the entire story of the event & show the full scale. Take pictures prior and snap shots as people arrive. During the main event, set your camera to burst mode and shoot as many shots as you can. Bring a large amount of memory cards, as space should not dictate how many shots you should take. Candid audience or crowd shots are nice here and there, but a good rule of thumb is that once plates go down and people are eating, keep the camera pointed away from the tables and onto the stage. Photo from ABCey’s BlackJet SF event in Union Square in February 2013.
Edit Hard & Deliver Quickly
Once you edit your photos down to the best images, bring your files into your editing software and crank out the images. Make sure your images looks crispy and clean. Get your photos to your client as soon as possible after the event. They will appreciate the efficiency and attention to their event! Photo from ABCey’s Brit + Co Remake Event Day 1.
Snap Guests Looking Engaged & Enjoying Themselves
It can take some patience, but make sure you get images that indicate everyone was having a good time. Make sure guests, especially high-level executives aren’t caught in goofy or unflattering expressions! Photo from ABCey’s Blumberg Capital event.
Capture a Full Room
You want to make sure that the event looks well-attended with lots of people. Focus in on larger clumps of people to provide shots that indicate the event was crowded! Photo from ABCey’s UpStart 10x event in May 2017.
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What photo tips to you use for events? Let us know in the comments below, or on our Facebook & Twitter pages!
Sources: Digital Photography School, MostlyLisa, ABCey’s Event Photos
ABCey’s Top 10 Live Art Performances
ABCey’s Top 10 Live Art Performances are a must have feature at your next event! These captivating and unique performances will bring your event to the next level! We cover everything from sand art animations to live mural painting to water light graffiti!
1. 3D Sidewalk Chalk Art
3D Street Art is a fun attraction to incorporate into any outdoor event! This family friendly art is a show that kids and adults will both love! It’s the perfect performance to include in almost any event!
2. Sand Art Animations
Charlene Lanzel, a famous sand artist, creates amazing live performance using sand, a light box and a projector. This funky performance is the ultimate way to bring your event to life!
3. Speed Painted Portraits
Rock Demarco does speed paintings that are finished in under 10 minutes! These fast-past paintings are fun for everyone and make the perfect personalized party favor to send home with your guests!
4. Glitter and Glue Art
Everyone loves glitter! So why not include a Glitter Art Performance at your next event? This amazing art would make the best addition to any event!
5. Water Light Graffiti Paint
Antonin Fourneau uses Water Light Graffiti to by using LED lights and water. This interactive and unique type of art will wow your guests and create a beautiful show in the process!
6. Custom Shadow Show
Wow your guests with an extraordinary shadow show! This unique performance is a sure way to create a memorable event that your guests will never forget!
7. Digital Paintings
Jeremey Sutton combines technology and painting to create this art masterpiece! Digital Paintings are a cool way to integrate technology into your event!
8. Graffiti Art/Live Murals
The Graffiti Kings create live murals with graffiti at events all over the world! Watch the artists in action as they spray paint huge incredible portraits right in front of your eyes!
9. Projection Mapping Live Performance Art
Incorporate new projection mapping technology into live art performances for the ultimate experience at your next event! A Dandy Punk performances are great for any occasion!
10. Live Art Performances: Art Exhibitions
Allen Axelrod’s interactive art performance is an awesome show to include in any event! This unique and fun work of art will definitely impress any audience!
What’re your favorite live art performances? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter?
Startup Monday: DoubleDutch-Live Engagement Marketing Platform
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! In today’s Startup Monday, we highlight a live engagement platform and mobile app: DoubleDutch!
As event professionals, we always try to create better experiences for our event attendees. It’s also important we have right tools for the event to run smoothly. Afterward, we really want to learn from the event, so that our next one is even better! So, how do we manage all this information? With DoubleDutch, you’re able to do all those things and more!
DoubleDutch Live Engagement Platform:
This company’s main product is their live engagement platform, which helps everyone from sponsors, attendees, planners, exhibitors, and marketers! Under this platform, there are 5 different sections: Studio, Event App, Lead Manager, Performance Manager, and Exhibitor Portal. All of these applications help to improve the event process and the overall success of the event!
Studio
First, customize your app and plan your event with DoubleDutch’s Studio! After you create the perfect app that matches your brand, use Studio to send out event invites to promote your app and event. In addition, manage your event content including: agendas, interactive maps, event information, user profiles, and more. And thats not all! You can help your sponsors advertise their posts, achievements, and activity to your guests!
Event App
Having an app for your event will be sure to impress attendees, but it’s also great for event professionals and will make your guests’ event experience so much easier! For event producers, the DoubleDutch Event app lets you give out attendee lists, surveys, polls, Q&A’s, direct messages as well as set up gaming aspects and forums. Also, attendees can create their agendas, and see profiles of sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers!
Performance Manager
Learn what worked and what didn’t with their Performance Manager! During the event, you can easily see how the event is going, what your guests like the most, poll/survey results, and more. Now you have tons of info that tells you how your event went and valuable insight for the next ones!
Exhibitor Portal
Your event exhibitors and sponsors will love Double Dutch too! Because the Exhibitor Portal lets exhibitors contact and understand their attendees, they are set to have a better booth and business! From customizing exhibitor’s app profiles and scheduling meetings to managing staff and giving offers to guests, there is nothing this app doesn’t do!
Lead Management
Finally, their platform has a Lead Management application to help you market your event! It looks at attendees’ actions, interests, and engagement, so that you can make informed decisions. Also, your attendees will love when DoubleDutch gives them recommendations on connections/sessions based on their activity at an event! Try their demo and see how DoubleDutch can improve your events!
Integration and Security
Are you currently using a different registration system? DoubleDutch has the answer! In addition to their platform, this company has added integration features that allow you to combine schedules, profiles, etc. from more than 100 other registration systems! They make it that easy!
You can also integrate with Salesforce and Marketo to have the best marketing campaigns and CRM services! Now you can use their platform with the info and work you already have. There are also security measures that make sure your data and event is safe!
Are you planning to use DoubleDutch? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!