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The Event of the Year – Successful Theme Parties that WOW!

By Specialaffairs | Sunday July 11th, 2010 | 10:07 am | Comments

DEVELOP A THEME AND APPLY THE WOW FACTOR – Part 1
Applying the WOW factor when preparing to exhibit your designs

Successful events don’t just happen.  They require a lot of research, planning, design, coordination, marketing and evaluation.  You already hired a Public Relations company and by now, you probably paid the fees to exhibit, are working on your designs and thinking about how you will present your line/creations to the trade … your prospective clients.  You know you have a fabulous product but how do you peak the interest of potential clients?  Every event should have a personality.  That personality is a reflection of you, the designer.

Be enthusiastic!  Be creative!  Step out of your comfort zone!

Let your creative juices flow and apply them to your exhibit.  Just as your designs are unique, so should be your presentation.  Think about what sets you apart from the masses.  Are you familiar with the WOW factor?  How will you WOW the senses and create a productive business environment in an atmosphere of fun, beauty and creativity?  Allow your guests to leave with memories from the emotions evoked.  They will look forward to sharing your enthusiasm and inevitable success.  Allow them to experience your event through the senses. Ask yourself the following when planning your event … “how does your event appeal to the basic senses of sight, smell, sound, taste, feel and the intangible, emotion?”

Appeal to all the senses and you are sure to produce an unforgettable and successful event.

The Theme:

You must first determine and develop a theme – your road map to a successful event.

When developing a theme, it is important to know when to stop.  It is easy to go overboard and appear corny or cheap.

Start with a Story Board:
Assemble your thoughts before purchasing elements for your décor.
Below is an example of pulling a story board together:  Draw inspiration from elements in the story board to design the invitation, determine exhibit layout and décor, and food and beverages. 

 VISUAL/SIGHT: Capture your guests’ attention as soon as they walk into your event.  Let’s assume your design/product has a jungle or African theme.  Build your décor around your product. 

photo credit: intent rentals

Your story board could start with something as simple as a flower and a print.

We designed an entire African themed event around a bouquet of yellow flowers. We incorporated a touch of zebra print and sumptuous lounge and the end result was spectacular!

Identify the colors and textures in your main components.

Here, we are using golden yellow, green, white, black, orange-red colors and a zebra print.

From these components, we can add natural items such as tropical flowers and plants and wood.

It is important to make your guests feel welcomed and comfortable.

Your exhibit space should be inviting and draw in prospective clients.  The layout should be practical, yet inviting.  It should flow to guide guests through the event while avoiding congestion.

Be sure to include a seating/waiting and a consultation area.

Take the time to orientate and train your staff so that they are well informed of your product.  They should be able to greet your guests, offer refreshments and show your product if you are engaged with another client.

Lighting:

Be creative and functional.  Don’t cast shadows on alter the color of products

In our African themed event, consider using torch style lamps to complement the décor.

Of course, ample overhead lighting is required for guests to view your product line.

Use spotlights to highlight your product.

Consult with a lighting professional for creative and functional lighting ideas.

Walls:

Use creative wall treatments or create a wall by using fabric which coordinates with your décor and theme.

In the tradeshow exhibition setting, consider hanging fabric instead of the traditional curtain provided by the producers.

If you have actual walls at your exhibit, you can consider renting back-drops to support your theme.

Flooring:

When considering the floor covering for your event space, be sure to consider safety issues as well as visual appeal. 

 You may want to consider installing a hardwood floor and use area rugs with a design to pull it all together.  Ensure the area rugs are secured with carpet tape to prevent a tripping hazard.

You could even have a design painted on the wooden floors to identify sections of the display and create a feeling of individual spaces or rooms.

At each stage of the theme development process, be sure to ask yourself ‘What is the WOW Factor?”.

Look for our next post to continue to explore sight/visual sense and ways to appeal to the other senses. 


Until next time,
Shari and Linda

The Journey of 1000 Hats: Startup Founder

By Editor in Chief | Tuesday March 2nd, 2010 | 07:14 pm | Comments

Our startup journey so far…. 

Entering into the world of ‘startups’ which has completely different rules, a different language and expectations was interesting in and of itself.  The risk is greater and the money is tighter but the thrill of building a startup outweighs all of the obstacles that must be overcome. 

Rule #1:  Know thyself

Once the decision was made to make the leap all of my experiences proved invaluable as I learned new skills at lightning speed.  My operations, management, sales, marketing, and business development, recruiting etc., that I spent the last decade accumulating now operate by rote.  They kick in naturally when needed to support the many hats worn in a startup.  Trust your instincts and act, if you think you’re right. 

Rule #2 Commit Everything

The biggest difference between the two worlds is BOLDNESS.  A startup requires it, demands it daily and it kicks you in the butt if you don’t do it.  At the beginning and end of every day ask yourself what bold thing did you do today to move your startup forward. We have incorporated this into our team meetings and communications. 

Rule #3 Learn Gut Lessons

5 Gut Punches…

1)  Your Dream, Your Passion – Own it

No one is going to be as excited about your dream as you are, not your family, not your closet friends.  Yes, they will want you to succeed, they will help you when they can and sometimes they will lend you money.  Immediate family will sometimes work with you, connect you to people and introduce you to mavens. They won’t have that spark in their eyes about the dream that keeps you up at night.   We had to keep reminding ourselves that the dream was ours, the passion was ours and therefore we had a certain bond with the baby that could not be fully duplicated and that’s okay. 

2)  A New Set of Friends

If you live in an area of all corporate types a startup means ‘no immediate income’ and therefore insignificant in the minds of some until it starts to produce.  We had to find a whole new set of friends and actively involve ourselves with a different circle.  We still see our old friends and maintain those relationships, hangout and give them progress updates now and again.  Although much of our time is spent connecting with like minds.  This was our story.

3)  Family is Family  

Family will love you no matter what and they genuinely want success for the business but they may not get it.  They still don’t fully understand why you can’t go to all of the functions all of the time and why we’re obsessed with our startup.  These are tricky waters that you will have to navigate keeping your most important relationships in tact.  It’s the ultimate balancing act. 

4)  Wardrobe Changes

We went from suits to jeans.  Our new business casual is simply casual.  When we have meetings, board or advisory, depending on the format of the meeting, obviously,  determines what we wear.  So far…a great pair of denims works fine.  Don’t let the casual attire fool you…we are all business.  We do have business suits and stilettos but most of the time – it’s casual. 

5)  Get It Out There

In the beginning everything was in stealth mode until we launched the first deliverable in beta.  We have a host of new functionalities to get out there in 2010 that we are working feverishly on to continue to enhance our platform.  It’s true, it takes longer and cost more than planned. Learning progressive patience is important.  Try to avoid anyone selling get rich quick, it’s a distraction.

Trust us, there is a group of people waiting for your product or service somewhere.  There will be that first customer and then the next if you build it. Remember the Pet Rock Era…people paid money for rocks that were not going to be used as landscape!  The guy became a millionaire and people are still buying them on eBay. 

Rule #4 Keep Moving

Even on your worst days, keep moving.  Continue to work through any obstacles thrown your way.  This is our drive and our commitment to our startup.  There is no obstacle you can’t overcome and we absolutely refuse to quit.  Keep moving forward one fearless day at a time.  Resolve to work through fear and complacency in order to achieve your desired outcome.  Rejoice in the small successes.  If one day you have no customers and the next day you have one customer – celebrate then get back to work.   

Rule #5 Stay True to You

Staying true to your foundational business idea is critical.  Tweak it, change it, add to it, and take away from it but at the end of the day you still should be able to recognize it as it evolves.  It’s what moved you to action in the first place, it’s what got you to make the leap, it will be what gets you up in the morning and keeps you up at night.  Don’t let the fire die and the idea with it.  Don’t let people talk you down.  Listen, learn and keep moving forward.

Bedazzling Emerging Designer Events on a Budget…

By Specialaffairs | Tuesday January 12th, 2010 | 05:29 am | Comments
  photo credit: ISES                                                        live mannequins

$100,000 or more…. the price tag to exhibit at Fashion Week!   Many emerging designers simply can’t afford this price tag. 

There are still others, who have the resources, that can’t obtain exhibit space at the shows because their brand recognition has not caught up to their enthusiasm yet in order to compete with the more established brands.

Bring the ‘WOW Factor’ to your next event on your budget…

We attended ISES DC Expo 2009 and we have several ideas to share.  It was full of imaginative and fresh ideas!

Consider?

  1. Ever had cheesecake in bite size pieces presented on a stick like a lollipop?
  2. Live mannequins will enthrall your attendees in their amazing costumes and unbelievable stances.
  3. designer pipe and drape with decorative fabric.

chameleon chairs

Don’t forget?

The sexy and glamorous, yes, sexy and glamorous Chameleon chairs!  Imagine black patent chair covers with a black bow and sequins or silky chiffon draped chairs … everything designed to WOW your attendees from the moment they step into the room and throughout the event. 

 chameolan chairsOh, did I mention the seating card rack, a creative method for displaying guests’ place cards.

The lounge style furniture has risen to new heights.  Your guests can enjoy the event in comfortable, yet luxurious surroundings with the use of lounge furniture.

We attend a lot of events and still there are still new  ideas that WOW us!   Let your imagination take you places you haven’t been before…

Until next time,

Linda

Emerging Designers Jeans ‘Sexy Squared’ in 2010

By Fashion Editor | Friday January 1st, 2010 | 04:45 pm | Comments

JeansHappy New Year!

Whew, what a year it was indeed. We watched with great anticipation emerging designers’ launch their first collections.  Eco-friendly took center stage and made tremendous inroad into wardrobe basics.  Leopard and leggings stayed at the top of the fashion charts for most of 2009.  Stiletto heels in every shape and all over the color palette adorned shelves and closets everywhere.  Did you get your gladiators?  No worries, you’ll have plenty of chances this year.  Hem lines remain ‘mini’ and sheer is sounding the charge for Spring/Summer 2010. 

These are exciting times and it’s the innovation of emerging designers that has us smiling.  They are bringing originality back to the forefront.  Drape back cut-outs with bubble hems and jewel details are all the rage.  Denim jean accents and embellishments are going to be outrageous in 2010, slenderizing with loads of lift and tuck.  We’re calling denim jeans in 2010 ‘Sexy2’   

Shoe clips are making a comeback giving an ordinary pump extended life.  Handbags are the new ‘must have’ accessory.  Check out the ‘Designers on the Rise’ who are pushing the envelope in handbag design. We’ve seen some amazing handbags and we expect to see much more this year. 

We’re ready for the ‘new’ this year; new entrants, new talent, new perspectives and new designs.  Join us as we travel all over the globe in search of emerging designers and help us ‘shine’ a light on them.  Thank you for your support in 2009 and we look forward to sharing their amazing stories in 2010. 

 

Emerging Designers Event Specialists Join the Noblivity MarketPlace

By Specialaffairs | Thursday December 3rd, 2009 | 12:15 pm | Comments

Special Affairs & EventsHi!  I am Linda Vaughan, Founder and President of Special Affairs and Events, a full service event planning, design management company.   My passion, combined with education and expertise in the fashion and cosmetics industry and the corporate world has culminated in a vast wealth of knowledge that transformed into the launch of  Special Affairs and Events.

Let me share a little about me, with you.

I hold a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising at Penn State and an Event Management Professional Certificate from George Washington University.  I am a member of the International Special Events Society with contacts all over the world. 

While pursuing my B.S., I fell deeply in love with couture fashions  after corresponding with Pierre Cardin for a class project.  After graduation, I began a career in the heart of the Fashion Industry … New York!  I developed a passion for fashion and travel and was no stranger to the Paris couture and jewelry houses.  Later, my career path turned toward the Cosmetics industry where I continued to develop an eye and appreciation for fashion and beauty while building my clients’ business and exceeding goals through creative promotional campaigns and events. 

 Today, I do what most people only dream of doing;

I DON’T GO TO A JOB!  I LIVE THE FANTASY!  I WORK HARD, ENJOY LIFE & HAVE FUN!

 My motto is “If your mind can conceive it; and your heart can believe it; then you can achieve it.”

 Ok, you’ve met the creative end of our team now meet the person who makes it all happen because she’s  into the details, the planning, and the organizational end of our dynamic duo.  Shari Brown the other half and the driving force behind Special Affairs and Events.   

Hello, I’m Shari 

I hold a Bachelors from Duquesne University and a Masters from Ashland University coupled with 25 years working through the details in corporate America.  I’ve met a lot of people on this journey and I believe you should play as hard as you work!

We welcome the challenge of developing new relationships and working with emerging designers. We share your passion, vision and understand your business.  Between the two of us we possess over 30 years, in-depth experience in event planning, marketing, sales and management in the fashion, cosmetics and corporate environment.

Our focus primarily is designing and managing, creating and producing events for the emerging designer …YOU! 

We recognize that you are an exceptional designer and we remember what it’s like to be an emerging business and how difficult it was to break into the industry.   Every designer is different.  Successful designers are innovative and surround themselves with an experienced, fresh thinking support system. 

We want you to be free to focus your energy toward developing your designs while we create an event atmosphere for success that will help you realize your wildest dreams.

 Come, Blog with us!  Pick our brains; we’ll freely

  • share professional techniques and ‘know how’ so you can make the most out of your event
  • keep you informed of events geared specifically for emerging designers and you don’t have to spend time researching – let’s us do it for you
  • guide you through event land mines
  • share what works and what doesn’t
  • provide you with a tool box of  useful ‘tips’ – ideas you can actually use
  • and so much more…

Join us, register and participate.  We welcome your comments … We encourage your ideas … We promise to write back.

Take a look at our up to the minute events calendar so you don’t miss current connections, trade shows, fashion shows or meet & greets  in the global event world specifically for emerging designers.

Until next time,

Linda and Shari
blogging@special-affairs.com
Special Affairs, LLC

Happy Holidays!

By Fashion Editor | Thursday November 26th, 2009 | 09:00 am | Comments

Where has the year gone?  This time of year can be very stressful with all of the parties, packages to bundle and mail and the endless cards to get to the post office.  I have learned to take it all in stride and not let the craziness that gets built-up around the holidays affect what is really important – my family.  I have a wonderful family.  Our tradition as long as I can remember is to gather at one home central to everyone for food, fun and loads of laughter.  I mean infectious belly laughs that bring tears to your eyes and causes you to let out embarrassing sounds. We travel for hours to get to our destination by road and air only to be greeted by 25 people I have affectionately loved all of my life.  Oh, we’ve had our ups and downs but the downs have been few and the ups many. 

As I write this on the eve of this big day, I am packing a suitcase looking forward to catching up on everyone’s life and wishing once again for prosperity in the future.  The matriarch of our family is 78 years young and her siblings have managed to keep us all together year after year.  My first cousins are like brothers and sisters that I see every year like clockwork.  We are passing on this great lesson of the importance of family to our children so that the circle of love is never broken.  It is because of this family circle that I have balance in my life and I can deal with anything head-on without doubt.  It is this sure footedness that gives me peace; a knowing that is very powerful.   My hope this Thanksgiving is that everyone will take a few extra minutes to simply breathe and remember all good around you. 

Take in small amounts of air and slowly let them out, breathe. Something so easy can change everything.  Sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves in our quest to take care of everyone else especially during the holidays. This holiday season enjoy your family time and take some time for yourself. 

No stress no worries just breathe. 

All the Best,

‘Must Have’s’ 2009 Recap

By Fashion Editor | Monday November 9th, 2009 | 12:11 pm | Comments

This years ‘2009 Top Ten Picks’ are our collection of wardrobe must have’s that we have put together from our travel adventures this year.  We go everywhere looking for new ideas, trends, fabrics, colors, patterns, and manufacturing processes that emerging designers are using to bring their visions to reality for you and I to enjoy. One of the best things about working with the Noblivity team is having the opportunity, everyday, to talk with ‘Designers on the Rise’ about their creation and their creative processes.  The pride in their voices as they describe to us their journey and the initial result, their first collection or subsequent collections, with the hope they express as they walk the path towards success.  It never gets old or tiresome, it keeps refreshing us everyday and gives us the fuel we need to keep advocating on their behalf.  The creative process is a dynamic process with  many moving parts but the glue that holds it all together is trust.  Trust in yourself, in the creative process to deliver each and every time, and trust that the world has been waiting for you and your vision.  As we move into 2010, our goal at Noblivity is to continue to spread the word about these amazing people and their collections in any way we can.  Here they are… Enjoy!

  • Dark Wash Jeans
  • Fuchsia Pink – the brighter the better
  • All things Animal Print
  • Sweater Jackets
  • Leggings
  • High-impact Jewelry
  • Bomber Jacket
  • Boyfriend’s Stuff
  • Over the Knee Boots
  • Booties – short boots
  • Classic Black Dress
  • Cut-outs
  • One Shoulder dresses
  • Plaid is making a comeback
  • Big Handbag with Hardware

All the Best,

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