Entertaining in Motion

Whether it’s a group of editors riding to and from a product launch or a sales team headed out of town for a meeting, travel time is part of the experience, for better or worse. Here are ways to entertain or inform people, or just pass the time.

Educating passengers about their destination is a popular and useful touch. Ronnie Davis, managing director of Great Performances in New York, uses videos in place of a tour guide. “We work with an outside agency to create a video that gives them information about where they are heading. We have done it for groups going to Ellis Island, West Point, and other historic locations,” he says. “The city is cracking down on alcohol on buses, so it’s not easy to do that anymore. This entertains everyone and is not a liability.”

Games can work for certain types of groups, especially among passengers who might not know each other. “Guests can play a customized bingo game for fun prizes or a unique opportunity at the venue they’re heading to,” suggests Sarah Schnell, senior program manager of Total Event Resources in Chicago. “You can customize the bingo board by changing the word or the numbers in the boxes to something more unique to the attendees, such as a corporate logo or a product’s major buzzwords. Have an M.C. or host facilitate the game from the front of the bus, and the employees can play either alone or in teams with their seatmates.”

Bringing entertainers on the bus can make a long trip more enjoyable. “For our corporate and nonprofit clients, we’ve hired fortune-tellers, mentalists, and one time we worked with a contortionist,” says Lynda Webster, founder and chairman of the Webster Group in Washington. Other options include hand or neck massages by staff from a local spa, stand-up comedians, or trivia hosts.

Travel time can be both fun and informative. Let Pierce Events show you how!

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Entertaining in Motion

Quantity versus Quality - from the D.J.’s perspective

Jim Pierce - Event Director, Pierce Events

Since the introduction of MP3 players, file sharing networks, Wi-Fi, and every other form of accessories that has accompanied these great advancements in personal technology, it seems as though the market has been flooded by amateur DJ’s (termed used loosely) willing to do 8 hour weddings or 72 hour dance-a-thons for prices that are too good to be true.

I recently spoke with a woman who booked a 5 hour wedding DJ for $150. After I hung up the phone there was a sinking feeling in my stomach. I didn’t feel as If I had lost a job, but as if this woman had truly put her once in a life time event in jeopardy for the lowest bidder. I tried to explain, not for my financial gain, but for her benefit and peace of mind, the danger of entrusting her event to an inexperienced D.J. I got the response that I have been hearing a lot of these days- “ Well he has 75,000 songs and if he doesn’t have it he has wireless access and can download it on the spot. “ Do you? I wished her the best with her choice of DJ…

In actuality I have more than 75,000 songs, and yes I have wireless capability, but it is not something I advertise. First of all, a DJ is much more than set of speakers and an internet connection. A DJ’s job is to play the right song at the right moment to create a feeling, a mood, and ambiance. Often, it is just as important the songs I chose not to play as the ones I do. And those that advertise on-site downloads leave themselves in a very curious position. If they choose not to play a song, it is solely a personal choice that puts them in an adversarial position with the person making the request. I have the ability to apologize for not having an offensive song at your Grandmother’s 75th Birthday party and asking if there is anything else they would like to hear. Also, they have a much more difficult time guaranteeing the content and integrity of just downloaded material.

How many times have you been jamming out to your iPod when a minute and 38 seconds in to “Walking on Sunshine” you have been startled by that mp3 screech? And maybe you added Coolio’s Fantastic Voyage to your playlist to relive some of the top 40 hits of your youth, only to realize that you don’t remember that many cuss words on the radio version.

I won’t even speculate as to the legality of many of the downloaded songs being played for public performance but I would venture a guess these folks aren’t all using pay sites.

To be a Great Disc Jockey takes more than a library. It takes time, dedication, and money. Staying current with the hits and making sure you have clean, appropriate, radio edits takes a hefty investment from a DJ.

I’m not implying that these things can’t be valuable tools in the arsenal of talented and experienced mobile DJ's, but I fear that this surge of amateur Jocks holstering IPods and fueling up on Limewire are endangering the integrity of our business. For every Job an inexperienced DJ bombs at, they hurt all of our reputations.


Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at http://www.pierceevents.net/

◦

Quantity versus Quality - from the D.J.’s perspective

The View From Here

As we at Pierce Events march into 2010, many people and companies are unsure of what the future holds and are extremely cautious. I get it, but life does go on.

In a time when 1 in 10 Americans are out of a job, we all must be very careful with how and where we spend our money.

I meet with couples and companies everyday who share their stories with me and the one thing that has not changed is the drive and spirit to get out of the ditch we find our self in.

Last night I met with a couple planning their wedding, another young woman called me about her fall wedding. Love (and weddings) go on despite the global economic conditions.

We also march on. We are very excited about some things happening.

We recently partnered with Ticket Leap to coordinate ticket sales to public events. Our first event is happening on March 13th in West View, PA. It's a tribute to our long time friend and radio host who passed away last year RD Summers. I produced his Sunday Night Oldies Diner Show for years on 3WS radio in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh is considered the oldies capitol of the world and this wonderful event will not only honor RD and his many years on the radio, it gives fans of the show a chance to come together, share stories and hear some great music.

You can buy tickets online and the price includes beer, chips and snacks. I hope you can join us.

I'm also happy to announce Froggy Radio has renewed their Radio Parties for the second year with Pierce Events. It wholesome family entertainment that is perfect for schools, churches and community groups. We bring the fun. Contact us and we tell you how you can have Froggy come to your event.

We were also thrilled to be included the the Whirl Wedding Guide as one of the top wedding planning companies in the region. For future brides we are offering an incredible package.

You get professional DJ service for your reception AND your professional wedding photographer all for $2000. It is by far the best package we have ever been able to offer. Contact us for complete details and availability.

There are more wonderful things on the horizon. Be sure to follow us on Twitter for up to the minute announcements, event happenings, exclusive offers and more.

Thanks for checking us out and let us know what event your planning....

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at http://www.pierceevents.net/

◦

The View From Here

Busy Times

Pierce Events was honored to be included in the new issue of Whirl Wedding Guide. Whirl asked 5 event planners for the latest wedding trends and we were pround to be included.

It seems love is in the air as more and more couples are contacting us about helping them plan the perfect wedding.

From cozy backyard wedings to a grand celebration at Falling Water, each wedding is a unique and personal experience. We do still have select 2010 dates open and are already booking 2011 so give us call.

In other news, we are working an exciting class reunion in the fall at PNC Park. If your reunion is coming up we would love to talk to you about ideas for entertainment, venues and getting the word out.

Our Radio Road Shows are about to begin again. We have an oldies dance and tribute show planned for March 13th in West View, PA. Details coming soon.

We are also working on a fundraising concert in upstate New York.

Most people assume they can;t afford an event planner. That;s until they talk to us and we them how you can save money but working with an event planner.

Feel free to give us a call at 724-986-6939 and tell us about your next event.


Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Busy Times

The Cost of "I Do" - Planning Your Wedding Budget

Planning Your Wedding Budget

Once you decide to get married there's much to do. You need to make the official announcement, pick a date, and start making wedding plans. You've got to arrange for your honeymoon, think about where you'll live, and pick out your wedding dress, photographer, flowers, cake ......

As wedding planners, we at Pierce Events can help you with all that. Still, there are some things you must do. You've got to consider your personal finances and how the wedding and marriage will affect them. A wedding can be expensive. The decisons you make now, will effect the two of you for years to come.

Ring it Up

One of the very first expenses involved with getting married is buying an engagement ring. Listen up guys! I know you want to wow her with the Hope Diamond but it's not a smart move to buy a ring you can't afford. An engagement ring should be a symbol of your love and commitment, not a statement of your financial situation. You'll have plenty of occasions to upgrade your ring after you're married.

A recent survey by Bride's Magazine showed the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $3,044. Don't let a jeweler talk you into buying a ring you can't afford. We can guide you to some wonderful and reputable jewelers. Just give us a call.

Here Comes the  Bride and the Bill

Traditionally, most wedding expenses were paid for by the bride's parents. But times have changed, and the way we pay for weddings has changed as well. Often the bride and groom pay for the entire wedding, the two families might split expenses, or each family may pay for the number of guests it invites.

Bride's Magazine reports that the average cost of a wedding for 200 guests and five attendants is $19,104.

Regardless of who is footing the bill, the first important thing to do when planning your wedding is to establish how much you can spend. This will require talking to everyone who might be contributing and finding out how much you'll have. A wedding does not have to cost $20,000. We can give you cost savings ideas and discounts through our network of vendors. Often using a good wedding planner will actually save you money in the end. Whatever you budget is, work within those parameters and make sure your planner does as well.

The budget for every wedding is different, because every wedding is different. Grab your calculator and let's get an idea of how much money you'll have to spend for each cost area.
Total wedding budget $________________

                                     Estimated Cost           Actual Cost

Stationery items (3%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Bridal attire (10%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Reception (40%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Flowers (8%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Music (3%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Photography (7%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Gifts—attendants (2%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Honeymoon (20%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Misc. (e.g., special parties) (7%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Planner (15%) $ ___________ $ ___________

Total ________________

Obviously, these percentages will vary, as you customize your own wedding. Be sure you keep track of all your wedding expenses by saving all receipts and filing them in a safe place.

It can all be a bit scary, but we are here to help you make wise decisions every step of the way. Don't think you can afford a wedding planner. In most cases you can't afford not to have one!

 

If you have a question you would like to submit, email it to: info@pierceevents.net

 

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at http://www.pierceevents.net/

◦

The Cost of "I Do" - Planning Your Wedding Budget

Holiday and the Workplace

Party time with co-workers can be fun, and a great opportunity to network and talk in a relaxed atmosphere.

Even in tough times most companies will do something this time of year. We are here to help you spread good cheer and save some green. 
However limited your party budget, it will serve you well to show your appreciation for your workers' year-long efforts in some tangible and merry-making manner; to celebrate together in a social rather than business atmosphere. This goes a long way toward making workers feel valued and helps them bond with one another, a good step toward teambuilding and improving morale.


At-the-office parties


Try to locate office parties away from workstations; you want to do what you can to create a "non-businesslike" atmosphere. Bring in a multi-disc player sound system and play some popular holiday CD's, or tune your company radio to a local station that plays non-stop holiday music.

Some suggestions for economical food choices
1. A catered luncheon or after-work party at the office can be less expensive than a restaurant or banquet outing. Catered foods range in cost and many caterers themselves have a number of menus with a range of selections and prices.

2. If funds are really limited, have a "potluck" meal where each worker signs up to bring in a different dish (have a sign-up to avoid duplicate dishes). You can provide the decorations, paper goods, drinks, music and dessert.


3. Try something a little "out of the ordinary" like these suggestions from Cambria of PartyPlansPlus.com: a dessert party with cakes, pastries, cookies, and fruit ("Amp up the celebration factor," and serve with coffee, tea, cocoa, and a couple of dessert wines or liqueurs); or "an ice cream social with several ice cream flavors, frozen yogurt and a sugar-free variety or two along with all of the toppings."

Off premises parties


1. Invite your employees and their "significant others" to your home. At-home holidays parties have a "warm and cozy" feel to them, and can make socializing more comfortable and enjoyable. Holding a party at your home can also be a little easier on the wallet than a restaurant or banquet hall party. Whether you serve brunch, lunch, dinner or cocktails, be sure the quality and taste of the food and drink is superior; this will add considerably to the party experience.

2. Consider going to a restaurant rather than a banquet or catering hall. Luncheons are typically less expensive than dinners. Many restaurants offer a number of party menus to choose from; i.e., lower priced menus featuring less expensive foods such as chicken and pastas, or higher priced menus featuring entrees such as steak and shrimp. Those plans including unlimited wine and beer are also considerably more expensive.


3. If you do choose to go "whole hog," and hold your party at a banquet hall, there are some ways to hold down costs. Parties held on any day but Saturday are generally less expensive. Consider having a "wintertime" party in January when rates may also be cheaper. Do your best to get an accurate head count rather than paying unnecessary additional monies for "no-shows." Foodwise, buffets are usually cheaper than sit-down dinners, or you might want to consider skipping the dinner altogether and just stick to hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Speaking of drinks, think about having a cash bar or giving out a designated number of drink tickets to each guest. Once employees use up their tickets, they'll need to pay for additional drinks themselves.

The holidays should be a festive and fun time, a time of good will and as much generosity as one can muster. With this in mind, reward your employees with a joyful holiday party as a tangible way to express your appreciation for their yearlong efforts.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net

◦

Holiday and the Workplace

Pittsburgh to host World Environment Day

In the wake of the recent G20 summit hosted in Pittsburgh, PA the United Nations announced Pittsburgh will host World Environment Day scheduled for June 5, 2010. World Environment Day was created by the UN Environment Programme in 1972 to stimulate environmental awareness and action. The theme for 2010 is "Biodiversity: Connecting with Nature".

Pittsburgh based Bayer Corporation played a key role in Pittsburgh's selection as the host city for the event.

Bayer is one of UNEP’s most important global and regional World Environment Day partners. Once again the attention of the world will be on Pittsburgh’s environmental and sustainability progress, particularly in the areas of biodiversity, green jobs and workforce development, and environmental education.

For companies and organizations that wish to showcase their green efforts, it's a tremendous opportunity to do so on the world stage through special events. The planning of those events should begin now and Pierce Events stand ready to assist in those efforts.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Pittsburgh to host World Environment Day