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Hot Events for Summer 2014
Looking ahead is the secret to successful, cost-effective corporate events. That’s why, even though there’s still snow on local mountains, we’re already thinking about the summer and looking for the latest trends in events. But not just because we like to be inspired by new ideas however.
Cutting-edge events give your guests a unique and memorable experience – delivering maximum impact for your budget, keeping your company top-of-mind, and positioning it as innovative force in your industry. Here are some of the ideas we’ll be suggesting to our corporate clients as we plan their summertime event.
Embracing the Exotic
A traditional summer theme such as a Klondike-style BBQ is a safe choice, especially if your guests are coming from abroad. They often want a North American experience. But if you are inviting locals from around BC and Canada, chances are another Western-style barbeque isn’t going to have the impact you’re looking for.
When you’re trying to impress a sophisticated clientele, or break away from the ordinary, it’s time to let your imagination wander. Faraway places such as Morocco, Mumbai (formerly Bombay), and Brazil are three theme locales that are trending in a big way this summer.
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Make it Moroccan
Morocco, on the North African coast, has been a crossroads of the world for hundreds of years – a place where West meets East. This geographic fact has spawned a unique and fascinating culture and provides an exotic motif for theme events. Dress a ballroom in colourful fabrics and pillows to mimic a night at the Casbah, or recreate the feel of a Tangiers market with individual stalls, snake charmers, and soothsayers. Feature a belly dancer and music performers, along with the region’s distinctive Berber cuisine, or for an entertaining twist, add a touch of classic Hollywood. Recreate the famous Café Americain of Casablanca fame, complete with gambling tables, swing music, and classic big-screen movie projections such as The Man Who Knew Too Much, Morocco, and A Night in Casablanca.
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Adventures in India
Less Hollywood, more Bollywood? India’s rich culture is a great starting place for a beautiful themed event. Of course the food needs no introduction. From mild to spicy, vegetarian to meat lover, there’s something for everyone. But India is more than a varied menu. Vibrant colours and infectious bhangra music, along with stylish lighting effects mimicking the patterns of mehndi body painting made Bright Ideas’ Purple Spring Celebration a big hit with guests at this exclusive private event last year. The upscale event’s setting, entertainment, and food choices were a perfect match for a beautiful summer evening and a discerning client.
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The Beauty of Brazil
With the 2014 World Cup fast approaching, Brazil is building on its reputation as a place where beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and hip-swaying music combine – making this country a global up-and-comer. Go with a Carnivale theme for an excuse to showcase amazing costumes and décor, or use the aforementioned soccer championship (running from early June to mid-July) as the springboard for a team-building event, with staff adopting competing countries for fun and friendly contests. Churassco is the famous Brazilian version of barbeque, but sweets and vegetarian, chicken and fish dishes also make up the national cuisine. Why not take your guests on a trip to Rio for an afternoon or evening of dance, music, and hospitality, without ever leaving town?
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More Concepts to Consider
These are just three corporate theme event concepts we’ve seen catching on in with corporate clients around the world. It doesn’t hurt that they are typically hot destinations either – you know the cuisine, décor, and entertainment will be a good fit for the summer season. Reinforce your company’s reputation as a thought-leader. Your company can be among the first to bring these to the West Coast.
If those options don’t feel right for your guests, ask us about some of the other great concepts Bright Ideas can offer. We’ll look at your demographics and guest list to find the perfect fit for the crowd, whether it’s a steam-punk setting for the young and hip, or sophisticated elegance and refinement for an exclusive private event.
Whatever your choice, Bright Ideas can ensure it’s a winner with your guests and a good investment in your marketing budget. Give us a call, or request a quote. Let us reflect your company’s success – with a unique and effective theme event!
Experience Equals Expertise
When Bright Ideas began 24 years ago, it was one woman with a big dream. Company founder Sharon Bonner was ready to make an entrepreneurial move toward self-employment. She knew her organizational expertise and passion for creative endeavours ideal for the event business. Sharon started small, with parties and events for private clients and local businesses. But it wasn’t long before word got out that Bright Ideas were the people to call for a successful event. Pretty soon it was time to add staff and resources as she grew to meet demand.Fast forward a couple of decades, and Bright Ideas is now one of Metro Vancouver’s busiest and most successful corporate event producers. Our award-winning creations (14 provincial and national awards to date) have delivered smiling guests and satisfied clients again and again. We work with a long list of national and international companies – providing turnkey event coordination services.For our clients, it makes the job of hosting a major corporate event so much easier. They can concentrate on their business, while we take care of their corporate image, delivering flawless events, and helping them build their brands. It’s also cost-effective. You’re not wasting resources – asking employees to handle event management details along with their regular duties. Time and again our experience and expertise has meant on-budget, worry-free events that deliver on ROI objectives.
How do we do it? The answer is simple, even though executing a successful event is complex. Attention to the smallest details, connections to the best suppliers, and creativity born from years of planning and producing top-tier corporate events.
There are plenty of event companies out there. Lots of them are pretty darn good. But we believe we are one of the best. Our repeat clients seem to think so too. So, if you’re considering a major corporate function, exclusive private party, or large-scale public event, you should shop around and compare. We’re confident. Once you have made your short list… Bright Ideas will be on it.
Top Summer Event Trends
The menu, décor, and entertainment are defining elements in a successful corporate event. Here are some of the great ideas we expect to attract attention this summer.
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| Food and Drink | Decor | Entertainment |
| More and more guests expect their hosts to support local agriculture, and healthy eating. Luckily, B.C. has much to offer ‘localvores’. Bite-size burgers made from organic Canadian beef, local wines, craft beers, and mini-meals served up in spoon-sized mouthfuls are all part of a larger trend towards tapas-style dining at events, over the more traditional sit-down dinner or buffet. One of the hottest trends for outdoor events? Food trucks; bringing upscale street eats to corporate events! | Centerpieces are taking center stage. They can be sweet fun, like a vase of flowers and lollipops. Or it can be interactive – a canvas tablecloth and colourful felts, so guests can get creative. Some events showcase high-tech concepts – such as using tablets to create animated centerpieces. The overriding theme however, is ensuring the centerpiece reflects the focus of the event. The new breed of centerpiece reinforces the key goals of the event at every table. | Interactive is the key concept for great entertainment this summer. Photo booths, games, and activities are bringing a sense of light-hearted fun to corporate events, while providing lots of opportunities for guests to mingle and share in the fun. Some of the crowd-pleasing options we’ve spotted already this year include oversized ‘Jenga’ games at outdoor events, mural painting – where guests each paint a small square in a ‘community canvas’, and minute-to-win it games for frantic fun. |
Ask An Event Planner
How do you measure the ROI of your event? The first thing to do is to SET OUT measurable objectives before you begin planning your event. The second thing to do is to put in place methods to MEASURE your success. For example if one of your goals is to see how many people tried your product at the event, set up a system to keep track of each guest’s participation. Even better yet, get their email or phone number and do a follow up marketing/sales call.
What are the questions clients are asking? How much will this cost? How long does Bright Ideas need to plan my event? What type of food service should I include?
How do you know which theme is right for the company? There are a million variables that go into the decision making process when choosing a theme. Such considerations include timing, traffic flow, event agenda, menu, number of guests, and budget. A seasoned event producer will suggest themes that work with all of the above. Another reason to work with a event professional!
Book Your Best Event Ever
A great event requires superior planning, preparation, and experience. At Bright Ideas, our award-winning corporate events and satisfied clients are proof we can deliver. Don’t risk wasting money and hurting your brand by relying on busy staff to tackle important corporate events off the side of their desk. Call us or request a quote to find out how Bright Ideas can create an exceptional event for your company. Want to see more great images from the events mentioned in this newsletter? Visit our portfolio for ideas and inspiration for your event.
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