Event

In the last 10 to 15 years, there has been enormous growth in the event management business. Event management is a way of outsourcing occasions that are either business, social or a combination of the two. Events can be as diverse as weddings to political rallies. For any business meeting or social occasion you can think up, an event management team can be called in to organize it. Almost 500 billion US dollars (USD) are spent annually on planned events around the world. It is no longer adequate to have a small catering team supplying food at business events. If you want your event to be successful and look impressive to potential clients, then event management is the way to go. The range of events that an event management business can supply is impressive. They can arrange events for a small group of people or huge events with around 5,000 people attending. Most businesses contact an event management team because their expertise in the field should be second to none. Planning an event is a time consuming and stressful affair; it is also a costly one. Event management teams have contacts within their field in order to obtain the best price quotes and the most reliable service. Imagine you are holding an event for 5,000 people that will last all day. You may think that catering is the most stressful thing to deal with, but have you taken accommodation and entertainment into consideration? How about staff for the event, the room size where you will be holding the event, seating arrangements and, of course, the budget for the event? These are all factors that a professional event management team will have first hand knowledge of. Event Management Companies Event Management Courses Event Management Software Conference Event Management Event Management Services Online Event Management Event Management Training   No matter what the type or size, if the event is an important one, you should consider contacting an event management team. They can deal with conferences, award ceremonies, product launches, gala diners and corporate activity days, to name a few. When you contact an event management team, ask what their qualifications are, and then ask for examples of previous events they have managed.   If you are a business, word of mouth is one of the most reliable forms of reference. If you have recently attended a successful event or wedding, ask about the event management team that planned it. Event planners are experts at keeping your staff happy and impressed, and they will also give the impression that your business is flourishing and professional. A flourishing business is one of the most impressive incentives to a potential investor. An event management team may cost you money, but it may also make you money in the future.

Quick Tips Offered by Event Planners That You Can Use

Interested in reading quick tips offered by other event planners that may apply to a variety of situations?
Event planners face hundreds of challenges on each program, so imagine someone else’s innovative solution to some common challenges. dg collected more than 175 event planning tips from meeting and event planners as part of its Stellar Tip Contest. dg is a commission-free search directory available to meeting professionals.
The following highlights a few tips offered by colleagues in the profession:
Event Planning Tip: Reduce Room Attrition Fees
A day or so before your event, find out if your hotel is booked. If so, you can use that to get them to waive any attrition fees you may have incurred. This worked for me at Bellagio. -- Submitted by: Sandra Corzine, with ADP Insurance Services, Florham Park, New Jersey.
Event Planning Tip: Arrive 1 Hour Early for Site Visits
Show up at least one hour before your scheduled site inspection, unannounced. In that time, walk around, try to interact with staff like you are a guest (ask directions, ask "difficult questions" as if you were not a seasoned traveler), look in the restaurants -- eat there if you have time, ask for recommendations for a local restaurant (just to see the responsiveness). I've actually called off an inspection when the property didn't come close to my standards for the meeting being placed -- saved my time and did the sales manager the courtesy of saving his, too. In the time I saved, did a spur-of-the-moment inspection of another hotel and ended up booking it! -- Submitted by: Robert Abbott Director-Corp. Marketing & Communications, with Mueller Co., Decatur, Illinois.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Tree Stanchion for Lanyards
As any planner or registrar knows, string/lanyard badges can get tangled easily and create quite a mess in the registration area. After going to a store one day, I noticed a necklace stanchion in the jewelry section. I found and bought a few "tree stanchions" on the Internet and now use them at all of our conferences. I barely ever have to fight with knots. Plus, they make the registration area look even more professional and organized. You can even place a sign on top of them! -- Submitted by: Christopher Gossett Conference Coordinator, with Investment Company Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.
Event Planning Tip: Reserve Last Rows to Fill Front Rows
Want to fill those empty tables at the front of a banquet?
Nothing looks worse than empty tables in front of your stage on banquet night, especially when you have a guest speaker. When I want to make sure the tables in front of my stage are full I put reserved signs on the last two rows of tables in the ballroom which forces people to look at tables closer to the stage. Once those front tables are filled I pull the reserved signs and fill the tables in the back of the room too. It really works great! -- Submitted by: Dan Lough Project Coordinator, with United Transportation Union, Cleveland, Ohio.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Fishing Tackle Box for a Supply Kit
Purchase a fishing tackle box and put any miscellaneous items you would need for your meeting (pens, stapler/staples, paperclips, box cutter, scissors, velcro, batteries, sewing kit, emergency kit etc.) and emergency kit. Everything is organized and in one spot to help save time when needed. Make sure you have a list of contents and restock the tackle box when you return home before you find yourself at the next meeting and something is missing. -- Submitted by: Julie Garrison with Association Management Ltd (city and state not listed).

Getting Tickets To The Sold Out Event

Getting tickets to a sold out event can be frustrating. Here are some ways to get the tickets you want at a reasonable price.

There's nothing more frustrating as a sports fan than trying to get tickets to the big game, only to run into long lines, busy signals, and no tickets left. Here are some ways to get those tickets you desire without paying an arm and a leg to get them.

1.) Get the word out that you want tickets. Tell your friends. Tell your co-workers. Tell everybody you know that you are looking for tickets. Too many times there are people who can't go the game at the last minute, or have one extra ticket because somebody cancelled. Or, somebody gets a couple of tickets from a boss or vendor at the last minute, and needs someone to go with. If people know you want to go, there's a chance they will call you.. There is no chance they will call you if you don't tell them ahead of time that you're interested.

2.) Go to the game and find out who's selling tickets on the streets (scalpers). Yes, they will want a lot of money. But their price will go down as the day wears on. If the game's at noon and it's now 10:00am, they will want a lot of money. By 11:00, they will still want a lot, but not quite as much. Around noon, you now have the leverage. The game is about to start and they are stuck with useless tickets. You now can dictate the price. If it's after 12:00, you may get them below face-value. No scalper wants to be stuck holding extra tickets.

3.) Offer to barter with a broker. Ticket brokers are in the business to make money. But if you have a couple tickets to a big game or event in the future that you know you can't go to , they may make an even swap with you - your future tickets for the same number of tickets to the big game you want to go to. If they know they can possibly make more money on the tickets you're trading with them, they'll make the trade. You now have tickets to the big game and have gotten rid of tickets you know you couldn't use anyway.

It's always frustrating not being able to get the tickets you want. But with a little publicity and patience, you should be able to find somebody who will be able to provide you with the tickets you want at a relatively low cost.

Wedding Coordinator

Information and questions to ask when interviewing your wedding coordinator.

From the second a woman is proposed to, the wedding plans have already begun. When my husband proposed to me over four years ago, I had practically created a guest list in my head in the few moments between the time it took him to propose and show me the ring. For some women, like me, the mere thought of planning a picture-perfect wedding is exciting. For other women, however, it may seem overwhelming. This is where a wedding coordinator comes in. Depending on how much you are willing to pay, a coordinator will do everything from narrowing down a list of venues, florists and photographers for you to pick from to planning every single detail of the wedding, including the theme and colors, so you and your soon-to-be spouse can sit back and enjoy the ride. If you are planning on hiring a wedding coordinator, here is a list of some items you will want to keep in mind and some questions you may want to ask during your interviews.
One thing you will want to know is how long the wedding coordinator has been in the business and how many weddings they have actually planned. Sure, your old college roommate may think it exciting to help coordinate your wedding, but if this is the first wedding she will be planning, much less, attending, then you may have some problems. If a coordinator having a degree is important to you, then, by all means, only choose one who has gone to school for it; however, his or her work must speak for itself, so ask to view a portfolio of recent weddings and some reviews from their past clients.
After determining if your styles mesh, it is vital that your personalities do not clash. After all, this is the person who will be coordinating your wedding, who may be in attendance at the wedding, who will be telling you, your spouse, your bridal party/groomsmen and your relatives where to sit or stand and who will help you with one of the most important days of your life. Be sure that you get along well with the coordinator you choose. Many wedding coordinators start off part-time while their businesses get off the ground. If you want a coordinator whose work schedule you do not want to work around, you may want to choose a coordinator who is full-time in the business already.
Unless you and your spouse-to-be are trust-fund babies with no money worries, you will want to have a coordinator who helps you stick to your budget. One of the first things you will need to discuss with a coordinator is how much you are willing to spend on the entire wedding. A great coordinator will pick vendors accordingly and not have you meet or interview, say, a florist or photographer that is out of your financial league.
Discuss fees and costs with your coordinator. Most coordinators charge one of three ways. They will either charge a flat fee (in other words, they will offer package deals based on how much involvement you want in the coordination of your wedding), a per hour fee or a percentage of your budget. Ask the coordinator up front of any hidden costs or extras they may charge, like travel fees or fees for extra helpers at the wedding.
Depending on the size of your wedding, your coordinator may work alone or they may hire a few helpers for the actual wedding day. If so, make sure this is included in the fees you have discussed. You may also want to get a breakdown of when you will need to pay. Some coordinators may ask for the cost up front, while some are willing to accept payments leading up to the actual wedding day.

Why Should I Hire An Event Coordinator?

When planning any type of party or event, there is always the option to plan it yourself or to hire an event coordinator to take care of the planning process for you. There are several things to consider when making this decision.

Kyle Hayden, the Event Coordinator for Strong Events, which specializes in event decorating and design for theme parties, says the main reason for hiring an event coordinator is accessibility. While people can do the planning on their own, he says, the advantages are that event coordinators know the people involved in carrying out the party and do not overlook a lot of the smaller details that the average consumer might overlook.

He also says that event coordinators might be able get a better discount than a single consumer: "I can go to particular vendors with your budget and tell them I really need to stay within it." He also says that event coordinators speak the language that vendors understand: "At least with a coordinator, somebody speaks the language and you can tell them what you want and they can go and bring it back, show you pictures, or take you to the place."

One example Hayden provides is an event like a 50th anniversary for a couple who likes to travel. He says that if the husband got a trip to Hawaii for his wife, it may be fun to use an island theme for the anniversary party. With that type of theme, Hayden says he would then locate the types of foods that are found in Hawaii and have the party bartenders all dress in Hawaiian print shirts. "We can also add the other touches that they might not think of, such as a using a margarita machine and passing out plastic leis when the people come to the door," he adds. Depending on what the budget is, Hayden says an event coordinator can really expand on the theme.

Hayden also says that hiring an event coordinator can also be a true time saver: "The consumer might spend five hours on the party with an event coordinator as opposed to two weeks. A lot of times, they don't have the time to plan, and that's when we come in and help them." He says that event coordinators can help you to narrow down your search for all the elements of the party and save you a lot of time.

In addition to saving time, Hayden explains that event coordinators can help to simplify the entire party planning process for the consumer. If you do not have to plan and implement every detail of the party, you can truly enjoy the special day without the added stress. He says, "Whether it is a private party or a corporate fund raiser, event coordinators can help you enjoy it so you can mingle with your guests. They take the hassle out of being a host. You won't feel the need to serve or refill anything."

If your budget allows for you to hire an event coordinator, it can save you a lot of the headaches that can come with planning and throwing any type of party. Keeping these things in mind can help you to decide if hiring an event coordinator is right for you.

Event Planning: Hosting A Successful Cocktail Party

To host cocktails parties is easy when you plan the details. A guide to decorations, drinks, attire and layout.

Cocktail parties are a great way to entertain friends, colleagues, and neighbors without the need to have room for everyone to sit at a single table for a sit-down dinner. The key to hosting a successful cocktail party is planning well in advance. To begin, take a look around the area in which you will hold the party. Take stock of the number of chairs, as well as open space where people could congregate standing. As you look around, estimate how many people could comfortably fit once you add in extra tables or trays for holding food and drinks.
Secondly, make up your invitation list and decide on a date and time to hold your party. Remember that most guests will choose to arrive approximately 30 minutes after the stated beginning of the party. This means if you want your party to start at 7:30 p.m., you will want to send out invitations that say the party will begin at 7:00 p.m. For the actual invitations, today many people prefer to send electronic invitations because it makes it simple for you to keep track of who is coming and who must decline the invitation. Online invitations also allow you to send a reminder to people who have not responded within a few days of the event or to everyone on your list so that you can give them last minute details or send directions.
When deciding how much food you need for your party, you can estimate that for every two hours of your party that each person will eat twelve pieces. While store bought hors d'oeuvres are simple, they also are expensive. You can save time and delight your guests by cooking your own hors d'oeuvres. It is best to do all the preparations for cooking a couple of days before the party, then you can do all the cooking the day before or the early part of the day of your cocktail party. In addition to hors d'oeuvres you must cook, be sure to purchase nuts you can place in bowls. Fruit and vegetables can be purchased, cut up into pieces, and then arranged on platters with a variety of cheeses to make an interesting and delicious arrangement for your guests to enjoy. When you set out the food, be sure to place it in different areas. People tend to congregate where the food is set out and you do not want the entire party crowded into one small area. Since you are planning a cocktail party, you must prepare the bar. Your bar will need at least one cocktail shaker, a jigger to measure with, stirrers, and ice. Always be sure to purchase at least one more bag of ice on hand than you really think you will need.A clerk at the local store where you are purchasing your alcohol can help you purchase the right amount for the number of people you are hosting. In addition to the alcohol, be sure to purchase mixers such as orange juice, soda and tonic water, cranberry juice, sweet and dry vermouth, and milk. Lemons and limes also are important to have as many of your guests will want to add these to their drinks.Glassware is something you will need in order to serve the drinks. If you do not have enough glasses for your party, it is inexpensive to rent different types of glasses from a local party supply store.
Finally, the day of your party will arrive. Candles are a nice way to light up the room and make it seem festive and "alive." As your guests begin to arrive, have music on at a level that can be talked over but still helps to make the room seem energetic and festive. A word of caution in order to keep people socializing: do not turn the television on during your party because this will ensure that you will lose some of your guests to watching what is on and not talking to one another. Once all your guests have arrived, it is a nice gesture to make a toast to them. Keep the toast short and simple - using it as a way to thank your guests for coming and sharing the evening with you and each other.

Hosting A Great Party Or Event

Hosting a great party or event without flaw for that perfect event is made easy and a sure fire with the information in this article.

Hosting a party or an event can be very exciting, but at the same time it can be rather stressful. I have been helping people plan events on everything from stags right through to their children's birthday parties. Ivitation etiquette, foods and snacks as well as music choices. Party hosting can be a breeze, just follow some basic guidelines and you are on your way to a Party Success Story.

INVITATIONS

A great place to start because every event needs an invitation as a way of letting people know what is going on, when it is taking place, and how to get a hold of the person running the event. With many people now owning PC's, it is perfectly acceptable to make your own invatations assuming that the event is not a wedding. Get creative, and get the family involved by coming up with snazzy invitations of your own. They can be as fancy or as plain as you want them to be. Every invitation should include:

(1) What the event is
(2) The date of the event
(3) Where the event is taking place
(4) The time the event is to start
(5) A phone number for guests to RSVP

As a general rule of thumb, the more elaborate the event, the earlier invitations should go in the mail. For a retirement party, or a baby or wedding shower, I recomend that invitations go out at least 3 weeks prior to the date on the invitations. For a birthday party, try two weeks. Of course for weddings, the invitations should be out at least two months prior to the wedding.

CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Children's parties are very easy, assuming that you have the tolerance and patience for children. You can choose to host the party at home, or take the mess elsewhere to a place that specializes in birthday parties. A great place to take smaller children is bowling, McDonald's or to an indoor play area. My niece adores going to the indoor play area I like to take her to, look for an area that has a lot of activities for children, because we all know that children do not have the biggest attention spans. If you are going to host the party at another venue, put this on the invitation, and have possible rides for parents that can not take their children to the designated spot. Most places that host birthday parties have a set fee, depending upon how many children there will be. The fee usually includes 2-3 hours of play time, food for each child, beverages, grab bags and a birthday cake. If however, you are brave enough to host the party at home, keep things simple. Buy simple decorations like streamers and balloons. You will need to keep the children entertained for approximately 3 hours, but there are many things that can be done in this amount of time. Try traditional birthday party games like Pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, or BINGO, or even creative craft games. Keep small prizes on hand for the children that will these games. Rent a new release children's movie, if the kids are old enough, or look into hiring a neighborhood clown or magician for an hour. The food that you can serve at a child's birthday party can be virtually anything. Kids love pizza, chicken nuggets, hamburgers and hot dogs. Keep plenty of snack foods on hand and you will have happy party goers. Also, children tend to love making their own sundaes, so when you serve the cake, try having a very small sundae bar with various toppings like chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed cookies, and small candies. Award a prize for the best masterpiece. Grab bags should not be filled with all candy. Do yourself and the other parents a favour. Some great ideas for grab bags are colouring books and crayons, stickers, hair accessories for little girls, trading cards for little boys, and little school trinkets- erasers, pencils, etc. For older children, take them bowling, let your child have a slumber party, or pay-per-viewing event.

BABY AND WEDDING SHOWERS

Baby and wedding showers are a joy for most women to host, to attend, and to be the recipient of. The excitement and anticipation of the upcoming baby or wedding is a time that every woman wants to share with everyone she is close to. A good idea I have passed on to many baby shower hostesses is to wait until after the baby is born, and a few weeks old. That gives the new mom a chance to show off her pride and joy, as well as making it easier for the guests with colours and items. If the shower is given before the baby is born, guests attending should try and keep gifts in neutral colours, suitable for a girl or boy. A light luncheon is perfectly acceptable for both types of showers as well as having people bring a pot-luck lunch. Fancy tea sandwiches, salads, veggie trays and little cookies and squares are the best lunch fares, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves without overdoing it. Alcohol-free punch, coffee, tea and juices should be kept on hand for thirsty geusts. Some games that have been favorites to be played at wedding or baby showers are making the receipient a hat out of paper plates, bows, and ribbons. Simple ideas such as marking little things on the bottom of certain plates also work, and make the event game-free. For the winners of the games, plants or chocolates are nice prizes.

If you are the hostess of a wedding shower, try using a theme for the shower such as Time Of Day, where the invitees all get a time of the day, and they purchase a gift relating to that time of the day, or Honeymoon, where everyone buys something to do with where the couple are honeymooning.

DINNER PARTIES

These are my personal favorite types of parties to host. Intimate gatherings of close friends and family. Everyone has taken part in a dinner party whether they realize it or not. Going to Mom's for dinner on Sunday night, is a dinner party. These can range from completely informal where the hostess has ordered food, or it can be very formal, like Christmas dinner.

If you are hosting a formal affair, you want to set the right mood and ambience. Light those candles on the center of the table, pull out the best china and crystal (it is an excuse to clean it all anyways), and make your dining room a romantic retreat for your dinner guests. Invite everyone to come earlier than dinner so you can have some wine and hor' derves, as well as pleasant conversation. The perfect formal dinner has 5 courses, not including dessert or coffee. Start off with breads and salad, then follow up with a meat dish, a potato, and a few steamed seasonal vegetables. Follow up with a light dessert and coffee in another room where guests can relax.

For an informal dinner party, make the dining room warm and homey, and serve comfort foods such as meatloaf, and mashed potatoes, or sere dinner buffet style. Serve family favorites, and follow it up with a fun dessert severed with coffee and tea. Your guests will love the entire dinner.

STAGS AND OTHER WILD PARTIES

A great way for the bride and groom to celebrate their upcoming union is with a stag and doe. There is a lot to be covered for this type of event. Renting a hall, selling tickets, collecting door prizes, getting a liquor licence, supplying the alcohol, and I think you get the idea. It is a great way though to help the bride and groom make some money for the upcoming wedding as well as share their happiness with all those who know them. Tickets for a stag and doe should usually cost about $10 a person or $15 a couple. Sell the tickets to people that will be attending the wedding, as well as old friends and collegues of the bride and groom. Serve a buffet of anything that is considered a "finger food", or easy to eat off of a paper plate. When selling drink tickets, the most creative way of doing it is an arms length for $10. This usually gives people 6 tickets, and it is a good price. Also have people walking around with a crowd favorite- jello shooters for $1 a shooter. On average, people will drink approximately 6-10 drinks for an event of this caliber. Make sure you count out how many people will be coming, and use the following equation for figuring out how much liquor to buy:

# of people x's 8- 1 oz shots. A good amount of alcohol for 50 people would be the following recomendation : 2- 60 ounce bottles of each- vodka, rum and rye, 5 cases of beer, and 20 bottles of wine. Most liquor stores will return the unopened portions, but check before hand. Decorate the hall nicely, but sparingly, and enjoy yourself, it is suppose to be fun. Hire a local dj to spin the latest hits, and there are tons of fun games that can be held at this type of party. Roulette, pay to pick a card, 50/50 draws, and pay to dance with the bride or groom.

All of the above methods are ways that you can host an event and still have fun while doing it. I think we all will agree the idea of hosting an event starts to lose its meaning when it becomes too stressful. Enjoy your event, and make it something that your guests will enjoy as well.

Why Should I Hire An Event Coordinator?

Why should I hire an event coordinator? Event coordinators help with accessibility, details and creative ideas. When planning any type of party or event, there is always the option to plan it yourself or...

 When planning any type of party or event, there is always the option to plan it yourself or to hire an event coordinator to take care of the planning process for you. There are several things to consider when making this decision.

Kyle Hayden, the Event Coordinator for Strong Events, which specializes in event decorating and design for theme parties, says the main reason for hiring an event coordinator is accessibility. While people can do the planning on their own, he says, the advantages are that event coordinators know the people involved in carrying out the party and do not overlook a lot of the smaller details that the average consumer might overlook.

He also says that event coordinators might be able get a better discount than a single consumer: "I can go to particular vendors with your budget and tell them I really need to stay within it." He also says that event coordinators speak the language that vendors understand: "At least with a coordinator, somebody speaks the language and you can tell them what you want and they can go and bring it back, show you pictures, or take you to the place."

One example Hayden provides is an event like a 50th anniversary for a couple who likes to travel. He says that if the husband got a trip to Hawaii for his wife, it may be fun to use an island theme for the anniversary party. With that type of theme, Hayden says he would then locate the types of foods that are found in Hawaii and have the party bartenders all dress in Hawaiian print shirts. "We can also add the other touches that they might not think of, such as a using a margarita machine and passing out plastic leis when the people come to the door," he adds. Depending on what the budget is, Hayden says an event coordinator can really expand on the theme.

Hayden also says that hiring an event coordinator can also be a true time saver: "The consumer might spend five hours on the party with an event coordinator as opposed to two weeks. A lot of times, they don't have the time to plan, and that's when we come in and help them." He says that event coordinators can help you to narrow down your search for all the elements of the party and save you a lot of time.

In addition to saving time, Hayden explains that event coordinators can help to simplify the entire party planning process for the consumer. If you do not have to plan and implement every detail of the party, you can truly enjoy the special day without the added stress. He says, "Whether it is a private party or a corporate fund raiser, event coordinators can help you enjoy it so you can mingle with your guests. They take the hassle out of being a host. You won't feel the need to serve or refill anything."

If your budget allows for you to hire an event coordinator, it can save you a lot of the headaches that can come with planning and throwing any type of party. Keeping these things in mind can help you to decide if hiring an event coordinator is right for you.

Tips For Organizing An Event

Organizing a neighborhood event takes time and effort. Utilizing this advice will increase the event's exposure and lead to success.

Planning a community or local event undoubtedly takes time and effort. Whether the event happens to be a running race for charity or a political campaign appearance of a candidate that you support, you need to make your event known to as many people as possible. Doing so increases your exposure as well as the chances that the event will be a success.

To begin with, do not be afraid to ask for help from people that you know. Depending on the scope and magnitude of the event, you will likely not be able to plan it alone. However, select people that you can trust and depend upon. There will likely be a number of things that will have to be managed when deadlines are especially critical. It is at these times when you must have someone that not only understands that the deadline must be met, but someone who has the capacity and dedication to accomplish the task at hand.

Organization is key. Initially, focus on obtaining the necessary permits if the event is to take place in an area that requires them. Call your city hall or community center and inquire. Be specific. Tell them the details involved and how many people you are expecting.

Be sure to allow plenty of time as the period for issuing a permit may range from a few days to as long as several weeks.

Chart out your event on paper. Make lists of supplies and check them off when you have purchased or obtained them. If your event involves a large are and many tables and chairs, draw a diagram of how the arrangement will look before seeking permits or getting supplies. It will give you a better idea of pitfalls that you may squelch before they rear their ugly heads.

One of the biggest ways for promoting your event is obviously through the media. Newspapers and television news teams like to cover community events as well as large scale breaking news stories. If you have a press release or a flyer detailing your event, send a copy to the local radio and television stations in care of their community relations department. If you are really feeling ambitious, send a copy directly to the newsroom or to a specific reporter. Make it clear in your flyer that this is a special event, and that they have something to gain by showing up.

Utilize the classified ads of a newspaper and public access channels on local cable television. For what usually amounts to a nominal fee, newspapers will publish your information. Public access television is a great way to get information to a large amount of people quickly. Just be clear on your dates and times.

Do you have access to anyone famous? Invite them to appear. People love to come to an event if someone famous will be there. However, be careful with all your promises, especially in this area. Making a promise on which you are unable to deliver will lessen your credibility in the eyes of everyone who was there, and many who did not even show up. If your promises are not kept, your next event will be very difficult to promote.

Appear at other events prior to yours with plenty of fliers and pass them out. Do not be afraid to engage people in conversations about it. Answer questions, and introduce yourself. People like to put a name with a face.

When all is said and done, thank all of the appropriate people. Thank you cards are in order for those who really assisted.

You've been selected to plan an event. Whether it's your parents 50th Wedding Anniversary, the company picnic, an Annual Meeting for 2,000 people or a child's birthday party you have work to do. Each event is different, but there are some similarities in the way you can approach the planning process. Follow these tips to help you plan and organize that special day. 1. Get a clear understanding of the purpose of your event. For birthdays and anniversaries the purpose is fairly obvious. But events for work or social organizations probably need a little more definition. Make sure you know why there will be an event and the anticipated outcome. 2. Set the goals for your event. How many people do you expect? If this is a repeat event are you trying to get a larger turnout than last year? Determine what you wish your attendees to gain from the event. 3. Set your event budget. This should be a top priority. How much can you or how much are you willing to spend? Will the event produce revenue from registrations? Or are you paying for the event by yourself? 4. Select your date and location. This could be as simple as planning to mow the back yard or may involve a visit to another city to view hotel and convention space. Plan accordingly. If you need to plan a site visit, will you need to take your boss or committee members along with you? When you are considering location you will want to keep in mind the following: a) Room capacity. Is it too large or too small? Remember that if you're having a luncheon for 200 people you need to consider serving space, space for a dais for your honored guests and whether you will need any audiovisual equipment. b) Lighting. Subtle lighting is nice for meal and social functions. But if you are planning an all day workshop on accounting methods, you will want to make sure there is adequate lighting in the room. c) Parking. Is there adequate parking for your guest needs? Will they have to pay for parking? How far will they have to walk from the parking area to the event? d) Electrical supply. If you're having a birthday party in your home, just make sure you paid the bill and turn to the nearest outlet. But if you are planning a large convention, you need to consider what equipment will be in use that needs electricity. For example if you have exhibits, you need to know what access your vendors will require for their displays. e) Phone hook-ups. Will you need phone access during the event? Will your exhibitors need access? Are their any restrictions or limitations on wireless phone service in your event location? f) Computer/Internet access. This could be important for your exhibitors. 5. Working backward from your selected date(s), set up a project timeline with specific tasks that must be accomplished by specific dates. Some of the things you may want to make sure that are on your timeline are: a) When to make your first announcement of the event. b) Prepare and print promotional materials (brochures, invitations, etc.) c) Select caterer/menu d) Select entertainment e) Select decorations/florist f) Determine audio-visual needs g) Select overnight accommodations, if needed h) Secure transportation if necessary i) Review and sign necessary contracts j) Select and confirm speakers k) Finalize your agenda/program l) Confirm attendees m) Prepare materials for event n) Prepare name badges o) Prepare any necessary signage p) Prepare materials to be shipped to event location q) Set up on site r) Re-confirm details s) Enjoy the event 6. Determine what vendors you will need to work with. These could include, but are certainly not limited to: a) Caterers b) Entertainers c) Florists d) Photographers e) Printers f) Registration Assistants g) Audio-Visual suppliers 7. Determine if you need any special licenses or permits to host your event. This could be anything from arranging fees and permission for using recorded music to arranging to have sections of a major street blocked off for traffic control. 8. Public Relations. How do you plan to publicize your event? Are you going to the local card shop to get pre-printed invitations? Or do you need to develop a promotional brochure to be mailed to thousands of potential attendees. Ask yourself if you are planning to notify the media. Is your event something that would be of interest to the general public? Or do you prefer for the event to remain private? Not all of these suggestions will apply to your event. Some will. Some will not. But by using these tips you can develop a check list of your own. Most importantly, be flexible. Realize from the start that not everything will go as planned. But in many cases, you will be the only one to know that. At almost every event, there comes a time when you can no longer control what happens. You've done all the planning, made all the preparations. The event will happen, one way or another. When you get to that point. Relax and enjoy your work.

It's the night before the big event, and you've got butterflies in your stomach. Are the tables set correctly? Are all guest speakers aware of their designated appearance times? Is the audio-visual equipment properly adjusted? Events, especially weddings, require imagination, patience and attention to detail. If you have a knack for planning and executing creative event details, then starting a small planning business may be right for you. Not only will you benefit from owning a small business, you can also take advantage of setting your own schedule and workload. Starting a small wedding and event planning business is rewarding, but in order to be successful, a string of proper steps should be carefully followed.

Before You Begin

• Step 1

  Create a small business plan that describes the details of your goals (type of business desired, location, budget and expected growth). Also, map out a solid list of rates and services. Research industry standards to ensure accuracy in your fees. Having a clear and coherent plan of action will point you in the right direction.
   

  • Step 2

    Obtain the proper small business licenses and wedding/event certifications. Joining professional organizations such as the Small Business Association and Service Corps of Retired Executives. Also, it would help to have business cards and brochures ready.

  • Step 3

    Build your wedding and event planning resume. The only way to gain and build on your client list is to work, work, work. Start out by volunteering your services for weddings and events. Be sure that you are a part of the planning process so that you are getting adequate experience in the field. Providing quality service, paid or unpaid, will get you noticed.

  • Step 4

    Network your way to the top. Attend bridal expos, job fairs and other popular area events to network with vendors. While attending these events, distribute business cards and pamphlets--anything that will spark interest from others in what you have to offer.

  • Step 5

    Make yourself marketable. Create a website, send out e-newsletters, and join lots of social networking sites. Nowadays, the Internet plays a large role in marketing. Use this to your advantage and to gain more customers. Also, look into posting your wedding services on popular websites such as Brides.com and Project Weddings.

  • Skill: Moderately Easy
  • Ingredients:
  • Certifications
  • State licenses
  • Client database
  • Document and form templates
  • Website
  • Business affiliations
  • Tip: Realize that gaining clientele and revenue takes time. Start out small and work your way up. If you are not financially able to make your small business a primary source of income, keep your full-time job and work on your business on the side. Patience and knowledge are both integral keys to having a successful small business.
  • Warning:
  • When starting a small business, please proceed with caution. Understand that tax liabilities and legal ramifications are involved with starting and operating a small business. Do as much research as possible, and have the necessary resources available to assist you with these matters.

   

Planning an event can be a daunting task. Here are some simple guidelines to help you get started.

You've been selected to plan an event. Whether it's your parents 50th Wedding Anniversary, the company picnic, an Annual Meeting for 2,000 people or a child's birthday party you have work to do.

Each event is different, but there are some similarities in the way you can approach the planning process. Follow these tips to help you plan and organize that special day.

1. Get a clear understanding of the purpose of your event. For birthdays and anniversaries the purpose is fairly obvious. But events for work or social organizations probably need a little more definition. Make sure you know why there will be an event and the anticipated outcome.

2. Set the goals for your event. How many people do you expect? If this is a repeat event are you trying to get a larger turnout than last year? Determine what you wish your attendees to gain from the event.

3. Set your event budget. This should be a top priority. How much can you or how much are you willing to spend? Will the event produce revenue from registrations? Or are you paying for the event by yourself?

4. Select your date and location. This could be as simple as planning to mow the back yard or may involve a visit to another city to view hotel and convention space. Plan accordingly. If you need to plan a site visit, will you need to take your boss or committee members along with you?

When you are considering location you will want to keep in mind the following:

a) Room capacity. Is it too large or too small? Remember that if you're having a luncheon for 200 people you need to consider serving space, space for a dais for your honored guests and whether you will need any audiovisual equipment.

b) Lighting. Subtle lighting is nice for meal and social functions. But if you are planning an all day workshop on accounting methods, you will want to make sure there is adequate lighting in the room.

c) Parking. Is there adequate parking for your guest needs? Will they have to pay for parking? How far will they have to walk from the parking area to the event?

d) Electrical supply. If you're having a birthday party in your home, just make sure you paid the bill and turn to the nearest outlet. But if you are planning a large convention, you need to consider what equipment will be in use that needs electricity. For example if you have exhibits, you need to know what access your vendors will require for their displays.

e) Phone hook-ups. Will you need phone access during the event? Will your exhibitors need access? Are their any restrictions or limitations on wireless phone service in your event location?

f) Computer/Internet access. This could be important for your exhibitors.

5. Working backward from your selected date(s), set up a project timeline with specific tasks that must be accomplished by specific dates. Some of the things you may want to make sure that are on your timeline are:

a) When to make your first announcement of the event.
b) Prepare and print promotional materials (brochures, invitations, etc.)
c) Select caterer/menu
d) Select entertainment
e) Select decorations/florist
f) Determine audio-visual needs
g) Select overnight accommodations, if needed
h) Secure transportation if necessary
i) Review and sign necessary contracts
j) Select and confirm speakers
k) Finalize your agenda/program
l) Confirm attendees
m) Prepare materials for event
n) Prepare name badges
o) Prepare any necessary signage
p) Prepare materials to be shipped to event location
q) Set up on site
r) Re-confirm details
s) Enjoy the event

6. Determine what vendors you will need to work with. These could include, but are certainly not limited to:

a) Caterers
b) Entertainers
c) Florists
d) Photographers
e) Printers
f) Registration Assistants
g) Audio-Visual suppliers

7. Determine if you need any special licenses or permits to host your event. This could be anything from arranging fees and permission for using recorded music to arranging to have sections of a major street blocked off for traffic control.

8. Public Relations. How do you plan to publicize your event? Are you going to the local card shop to get pre-printed invitations? Or do you need to develop a promotional brochure to be mailed to thousands of potential attendees.

Ask yourself if you are planning to notify the media. Is your event something that would be of interest to the general public? Or do you prefer for the event to remain private?

Not all of these suggestions will apply to your event. Some will. Some will not. But by using these tips you can develop a check list of your own.

Most importantly, be flexible. Realize from the start that not everything will go as planned. But in many cases, you will be the only one to know that.

At almost every event, there comes a time when you can no longer control what happens. You've done all the planning, made all the preparations. The event will happen, one way or another.

When you get to that point. Relax and enjoy your work.

L.A. Noire subject of Tribeca Film Festival special event

To hear Take-Two describe it -- "L.A. Noire has been honored as an Official Selection at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival [...] the first time ever that a video game has been recognized by the festival" -- you'd think that Rockstar's latest production was a small-budget longshot, competing for necessary distinction amid the eclectic slate of films that will be screened during De Niro and company's annual gathering of international movie makers and moviegoers in the lower Manhattan neighborhood.

Instead, the Team Bondi-developed "cinema-videogame hybrid," as Tribeca Film puts it, will be more of a sideshow -- though no less prestigious. As part of the "Tribeca Talks" special events series, L.A. Noire will be the subject of a one-night-only gameplay demonstration and discussion, featuring Rockstar representatives.

The event will be moderated by Tribeca Enterprises COO Geoff Gilmore, who sounds particularly excited about the film festival's latest discovery. "It's an invention of a new realm of storytelling that is part cinema, part gaming, and a whole new realm of narrative expression, interactivity, and immersion," he heralded in an announcement. "We are poised on the edge of a new frontier." Don't worry, Gilmore, it's safe to step on in -- the games industry has actually been settling this very frontier for decades.

The L.A. Noire event is scheduled for 5:30PM on Monday, April 25 at one of the School of Visual Arts theaters (an official festival venue; though not located in Tribeca). An hour has been set aside for the "live interactive screening" of one of the game's detective cases, plus an additional 45 minutes or so for the Q&A conversation. Tickets will be priced at $25 per attendee (some discounts available) and go on sale to the general public on April 18.

Fan reaction: UFC Fight Night success means larger Seattle events

Seattle hosted its first ever UFC event on Saturday, March 26, to great success. UFC Fight Night 24 pulled in a gate of $1,182,850 to a sold-out crowd of 14,212. The event at KeyArena initially was set to hold a crowd of 8,000 but an overwhelming demand led to more tickets being released; over 800 tickets were released just on the night before the event. The numbers, topping any other UFC Fight Night event and rivaling most pay-per-view championship events, marks a major success and milestone for MMA in Washington State.

Washington hasn't been without MMA action in the absence of the UFC, however; local organizations to Strikeforce appearances have graced the state in recent years. In June of 2007, the IFL visited Comcast Arena in Everett. The team-based organization pulled a crowd of 6,977. In July of 2010 at the same venue, Strikeforce brought their Challengers series to Everett. Although official numbers were never released, attendance appeared visually low; various MMA websites were doling out tickets to anyone in the area available to attend, and I ended up with four free tickets that were five rows back from the cage.
Strikeforce took hold of a larger venue in 2008, holding a 10-fight event at the Tacoma Dome. Although the event set a now-broken live gate record of about $300,000, it only attracted about 7,089 fans; the total capacity at Tacoma is about three times greater than that at Everett. Smaller shows such as Rumble on the Ridge have been gracing MMA fans with a taste of action, but the spotlight from the UFC was really needed to satisfy the appetite of fans.
Zuffa presented fans in Washington an opportunity to show their passion, and they certainly delivered with strong numbers. The UFC Fight Night in Seattle brought in more fans than recent title fights in the organization's home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Zuffa will be enticed by such a successful event, and I believe they will use Seattle as the base for expansion in the Northwest. With the ever-increasing frequency of events, I suspect that Seattle will also earn a few fight cards each year. It's a great day to be a MMA fan in Washington.

A guide to Easter events

The Easter Bunny will be hopping into town soon and there are plenty of egg hunts, lunches and crafts coming up for families to attend. Here’s our guide to all local Easter events. Did we miss one? Email us at TribLocalTips@tribune.com with the information and make sure to add it to the TribLocal.com event calendar. After attending the events, you can also share a photo gallery of your little ones scooping up those eggs or saying hi to the Easter bunny. Doggie Eggstravaganza 9:30 to 11 a.m., March 26 Bo’s Run Off Leash Park, 3600 Lexington Drive, Hoffman Estates Dogs that enjoy the thrill of the hunt or just like to romp can search for prizes and treats hidden in colorful eggs throughout the dog park. Large Dogs (more than 25 pounds) will search from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and small dogs (under 25 pounds) will hunt from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Dogs must be leashed during the event. Pre-registration is required for this event and the cost is $5. For more information, call 847-885-7500 or go to heparks.org. Pool Egg Hunt 6 to 7 p.m., April 1 Olympic Indoor Swim Center, 660 N. Ridge, Arlington Heights Children are invited to hunt for eggs at Olympic Indoor Swim Center during a special swim session. Plastic eggs are filled with surprises and float in the pool. All children need to be accompanied by an adult in the water. Registration is required to reserve a spot. Third Annual Bunny Dash 5k April 2 1 Mile Youth Race starts at 8:30 a.m., 5K race starts at 9 a.m. and 100-Yard Kids Dash/Egg Hunt starts at 10 a.m. Deer Grove East Forest Preserve, near the intersection of W. Dundee Road (Route 68) and N. Hicks Road, in Palatine 5K fees are $30 if registered before March 26, $35 between March 27-April 1 and $40 for day-of registration. The 1 Mile Youth Race fees are $10 if registered before April 1 and $15 for day-of registration. The 100-Yard Kids Dash/Egg Hunt fee is $5 for children ages 2 to 8 years old. The event features an egg hunt with more than 3000 eggs, a live petting zoo, 5K run and visit from the Easter Bunny. Doggy Egg Hunt 9 to 10:45 a.m., April 9 Pirates Cove, 901 Leicester, Elk Grove Plastic eggs are hidden all over Pirates Cove for dogs to find. There is a costume parade, ride the train and receive a doggy goody bag. All dogs must be leashed. Park Ridge Newcomers Easter Egg Hunt 1 to 3 p.m., April 9 Rotary Park, 400 S. Washington, Park Ridge Register online by April 1. The event costs $6 per child. The rain date will be April 17. For more information or to register, go to parkridgenewcomersclub.org. Bunnytime Brunch 10 to 11:30 a.m., April 9 Park Ridge Senior Center , 100 S. Western, Park Ridge The event costs $16 for residents and $29 for non-residents. Register by April 5. Each child will receive a photo taken with the Easter Bunny. For more information, go to prparks.org. Mr. Rabbit’s Spring Party 10 to 11:30 a.m., April 14 Rolek Community Center, Neighborhood Activity Center, 814 Hart Road, Round Lake Registration is required by March 30. The event costs $8 per child, ages 1 to 6 years old. Mr. Rabbit will pose for pictures and Easter baskets will be raffled. For more information, call 847-546-8558 or go to rlapd.org. Free Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt 8 to 9 p.m., April 15 Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines This free event is for children age 7 to 12 years old. For more information, call 847-391-5700 or go to desplainesparks.org. Friday Flashlight Egg Hunt 8 to 9 p.m., April 15 Hart’s Woods Park, 814 Hart Rd., Round Lake The event costs $5 per person for ages 9 to 12 years old. Bring flashlights and running shoes. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served after the hunt. For more information, call 847-546-8558 or go to rlapd.org. Crystal Lake Park District Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m., April 16 Lippold Park Soccer Fields located just west of Route 14 on Route 176 Event includes a visit with the Easter Bunny. The event costs $2 per child paid at the hunt. For more information, call Joe Davison at 815-459-0680, ext. 228 or email jdavison@crystallakeparks.org. Annual Prairie Lakes Easter Egg Hunt April 16 Hunt begins at 10 a.m. sharp for ages 2 to 3 years old Hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. sharp for ages 4 to 6 years old Prairie Lakes Park, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines All boys and girls are invited to join the Easter Bunny and hunt through Prairie Lakes Park for treasures and goodies the bunny has left for them. Bring an Easter basket or bag to hold goodies. For more information, call 847-391-5700 or go to desplainesparks.org. Annual Egg Hunt 11 a.m., April 16 Behind the Rolek Community Center, 814 Hart Rd., Round Lake Bring your own bag or basket to this free event. For more information, call 847-546-8558 or go to rlapd.org. Algonquin Egg Hunt 10 a.m., April 16 Presidential Park, 700 Highland Ave., Algonquin The free egg hunt is open to children up to age 12. The event includes visit from the Easter Bunny. For more information, call 847-658-2700. Egg-straordinary Saturday 2 to 3:30 p.m., April 16 Algonquin Area Public Library, 2600 Harnish Dr., Algonquin Event also includes story-telling and egg-wreath making. The event is only open to library-card holders. Children ages 5 to 7 and/or children between kindergarten and first grade can attend. For more information, go to aapld.org. Barrington Park District Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 a.m., April 16 Langendorf Park, 235 Lions Dr., Barrington Breakfast with the bunny takes place before the Easter Egg Hunt from 9 to 10:15 a.m., and costs $8/$10 per child; $10/$12 per adult. Those who pay for breakfast with the bunny get to go on the Easter Egg Hunt for free. The egg hunt costs $3 per child in advance and $5 at the door. For more information, call 847-381-0687 Easter Egg Hunt 8 a.m. April 16 Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills The Easter Bunny will be available for taking pictures and prizes will be raffled off. For more information, call 847-960-7460 Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m., April 16 Lehmann Park, Cedar Ave., Lake Villa The Easter Bunny will make an appearance. Children will be separated into different age groups and should bring baskets or bags. Rain date is April 17. The event costs a non-perishable donation to the local food pantry. For more information, go to lake-villa.org. Egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m., April 16 Fox Lake Veterans Parks Pavilion, Washington Street, Ingleside Children will be divided into age groups for this free event. For more information, go to foxlake.org. Annual Egg Hunt 10 a.m., April 16 Recreation Center, 240 Commerce Drive, Grayslake Times vary for different age groups. Mr. Bunny will be available for photographs. Registration is required by April 1. The event costs $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. The event is for ages 1 to 8 years old. For more information, go to 847-223-7246 or go to glpd.com. REMAX Center Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m., April 16 Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake The event is for ages 1 to 9 years old. The group will be divided by age. More than 7,500 eggs and 300 prizes will be featured. Easter Bunny and friends will be available for photos. The event costs a non-perishable item. For more information, call 847-680-7200 Holiday Egg Hunt April 16 10 a.m., Childerley Park 11:15 a.m., Horizon Park and 12:30 p.m., Pleasant Run Park, Wheeling Children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old are invited to hunt for candy-filled eggs at this free event. Bunny Bonanza 10 to 11:30 a.m., April 16 Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove This free event will kick off promptly at 10 a.m. with age specific egg hunts (age categories will be 2 to 4 years old, 5 to 7 years old and 8 to 10 years old), followed by face painting, games and pictures with the bunny. Bring baskets to collect eggs. Bunny Bash 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 16 Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg Activities include egg hunts, photos with the bunny, games, crafts, moon jumps, concessions, pony rides and a petting zoo. Pre-registration deadline is April 15 and costs $7. Day-of registration fee is $9. Parents and children younger than 1 are free. RecPlex Annual Easter Egg Hunt 9:30 to 11:40 a.m., April 16 RecPlex, 420 W. Dempster St., Mount Prospect Children ages 3 to 8 years old can find eggs hidden away in the indoor “grass” field! Participants should bring their own basket and a camera — the Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos. The hunts will be done by age: 3 years old at 9:30 a.m., 4 to 5 years old at 10:20 a.m. and 6 to 8 years old at 11:10 a.m. The cost is $5 for those who pre-register and the event is $7 at door. For more information, call 847-640-1000. Spring Egg Hunt 9 a.m. to noon, April 16 Clauss Recreation Center – Soccer Field, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle Families are invited to meet the Easter Bunny and participate in an egg hunt. For more information, email Cristin at chandlon@roselleparkdistrict.com. Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m. to noon, April 16 Streamwood Park District Hoosier Grove Barn Courtyard, 700 W. Irving Park Road Children 8 years old and younger are invited to search for candy and a visit with Mr. Bunny at this free event. Be sure to bring a basket or bag to collect goodies. In case of rain, children can still visit the Easter Bunny indoors. Breakfast with the Bunny 9 to 10:30 a.m., April 16 Al Hattendorf Center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Enjoy a breakfast, entertainment, a goody bag and a picture with the Easter Bunny. Pre-registration is required by April 8. Hoppin’ Holiday Hunt 9 to 11 a.m., April 16 Sullivan Center Community Room, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills A continental breakfast, magic show and visit from the Easter Bunny will be featured before the egg hunt. The event costs $7 for adult residents, $5 for child residents, $9 adult non-residents and $6 child non-residents. For more information, call 847- 996-6800 or go to vhparkdistrict.org. Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m., April 16 Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich The Easter Bunny will hide prizes in designated areas for various age groups. He’ll also make an appearance during the event. The event is free for kids ages 2 to 9 years old and their parents. For more information, call 847-438-5146 or go to volz.org. Spring Carnival and Easter Egg Hunt 1 to 3 p.m., April 17 St. Viator High School, 1213 E. Oakton St., Arlington Heights Saint Viator High School invites all toddlers through 3rd graders to the annual Spring Carnival and Easter Egg Hunt The egg gunt begins at 2:30 p.m. There will be unlimited games, prizes and crafts. The egg hunt is for separate age groups. The Easter Bunny will stop by for a visit. Admission is $5 per child. Participants should bring their own basket. For more information, call JoAnne Francis at 847-392-4050 or email jfrancis@saintviator.com. Great Egg Slide 3 to 5 p.m., April 17 Community Center and Ice Arena, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates Families and invited to Join the Easter Bunny on the ice for an Easter Egg Hunt. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 847-885-7500 or go to heparks.org. Easter Egg Hunt 2 to 4 p.m., April 17 Alden Terrace of McHenry Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, 803 Royal Drive, McHenry Event also includes refreshments, treats, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, games and prizes. Call 815-344-2600 to register by April 15. Wacky Water Egg Hunt In the Pool Noon to 2 p.m., April 17 Niles Family Fitness Center, 987 Civic Center Dr., Niles This is an all ages event. Bring a waterproof bag or bucket for your eggs and dress in proper swim attire. The event costs $3 for members and $5 for non-members. For more information, call 847-588-8400. Easter Bunny Visit 10 a.m. to noon, April 18 Pavilion Jumps n Jiggles, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Wear yellow and get $1 off admission. Bring a camera and take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Children will receive treats from the Bunny. General admission is $3.50. Flashlight Egg Hunts 7:45 to 8:30 p.m., April 20 and 21 Twin Lakes Recreation Area, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, Palatine Children ages 5-12 should bring a flashlight and bag to hunt for chocolate-filled eggs in the dark. Registration is required. The event costs $5 per person. For more information, call 847-259-6890. Night Owl Kids’ Egg Hunt 8 p.m., April 20 Diamond Lake Beach, 1016 Diamond Lake Road, Mundelein Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a basket and flashlight. Find two special eggs for a prize. Rain date is April 21. Registration is required by April 19 and costs $8 for residents or $11 for non-residents. The event is for ages 7 to 12. For more information, go to mundeleinparks.org. Spring Spectacular 6 to 8 p.m., April 21 Pioneer Park, 500 S. Fernandez, Arlington Heights Candy hunt begins promptly at 6:15 p.m. This drop-in family event features the Spring Bunny (bring a camera), candy hunt, a petting zoo, train rides around the park, inflatables, face painting and more. Eggs Galore 4 to 5 p.m., April 21 Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows Children can attend this event after school and have some fun dying eggs using all different kinds of colors and techniques. Parents must accompany kids younger than the age of 3 years old. Call Teri Toenjes at 847-818-3200, ext. 222 ahead of the event to reserve a spot. Underwater EGGstravaganza 6 to 8 p.m., April 21 The Water Works, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg Join Bunny for a swim at The Water Works. Pool egg hunts, entertainment, games and prizes are part of the fun. Egg hunts will be in the play pool and parents will be able to assist small children. There will be scheduled egg hunts per age group throughout the evening. Pre-registration deadline ends April 20. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The cost is $8 for residents and $12 for non-residents for pre-registration. Adults are free. The day-of event cost is $12 for residents and $18 for non-residents (if available). For more information, call 847-490-7020. Streamwood Park District Egg Dive 2011 2 to 2:40 p.m., April 22 Park Place Family Rec Center, 550 S Park Blvd, Streamwood Eggs will be scattered around the pool for the kids to find. Participants should bring a plastic bag or basket to collect goodies. Everyone must pay admission to enter the pool area. The times are 10 to 11 years at 2 p.m., 8 to 9 years at 2:10 p.m., 6 to 7 years at 2:20 p.m., 4 to 5 years at 2:30 p.m. and 3 and younger at 2:40 p.m. Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt 11 a.m., April 22 Prairie View Park, between Waukegan and Oak Park Ave. in Morton Grove This free event is appropriate for ages 3 to 10. Participants should bring their own basket. Register by April 15. For more information or to register, call 847-965-1200 Twilight Easter Egg Hunt & Pizza Party 7:45 to 9 p.m., April 22 Shady Oaks Park, 777 S Bartlett Road, Streamwood Participants can bring flashlights for an evening of egg and candy hunting in the dark. The plastic eggs will be filled with points and candy. Pizza and juice will be service after the hunt. Bring a bag to collect goodies. The fee is $8 for residents and $12 for non-residents before or on April 12 and $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents after April 12 through the day of the event. Annual Egg Hunt 10 a.m., April 22 Keith Mione Community Park fields, 1401 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein Times different for different age groups. Special prizes will be awarded. Rain date is April 23. For more information, go to mundeleinparks.org. Bunny Brunch 10 a.m. or noon, April 22 and April 23 Country Inn Restaurant, Lambs Farm, 1425 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville After food and fun, kids can hop over to the Garden Patch for activities and photos with Mr. Rabbit. The event costs $15.95 for adults and $7.95 for children. For more information, call 847-362-5050 or go to lambsfarm.org. Huntley Park District Egg Hunt 10 a.m., April 23 Deicke Park, 11419 South Route 47, Huntley For more information, call 847-669-3180 Prospect Heights Annual Egg Hunt 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., April 23 Prospect Heights Park District, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road The Easter Bunny is making a stop at the Prospect Heights Park District. Attendees can enjoy a craft, snacks and an egg hunt. The event costs $16 and is for children 3 years old and older. The fee includes a 5 x 7 professional photograph with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Easter Egg Hunts 8:15 a.m. at High Point Park, 9:30 a.m. at Pine Park, and 10:45 a.m. Cannon Crossings Park, April 23 Kids of all ages can find hidden eggs and treasures at any of three egg hunts. Children will be divided into groups according to age. Participants should bring a basket or bag to hold treats. For more information, call 847-885-7500 or go to heparks.org. Aqua Egg Hunt 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., April 23 Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center, 5050 Sedge Blvd., Hoffman Estates Families can participant in an egg hunt in the pool. There will be eggs, goodies, games and of course a visit from the Easter Bunny. Parents must accompany children in the pool if they cannot swim. Pre-registration is required for this egg hunt. For more information, call 847-885-7500 or go to heparks.org. Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt 1 to 3 p.m., April 23 Pavilion Aquatic Center, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Hop on over to the Pavilion Aquatic Center and meet the Easter Bunny. Play games, collect eggs and swim. Bring a basket to collect eggs. Pre-registration is required. Deadline is April 16. Eggcellent Easter Adventure 11 a.m., April 23 Williams Park, downtown Antioch A parade through downtown will begin at 10:30 a.m. and precedes the egg hunt for children ages 1 to 10 years old. Photos with the Easter Bunny cost $3 and will be taken until noon. Registration is required by April 22. The cost is $2 for residents and $4 for nonresidents. For more information, call 847-838-4032 . Eggstravaganza 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., April 24 Faith Lutheran Church, 431 South Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights Storytime, songs and an egg hunt for children ages 2 to 10 will be held between Easter Services. The event is free, and all are invited. Come early and join the contemporary Easter service at 8:30 am featuring a praise band or stay for the 11 a.m. service featuring brass, bells and choral music. Easter breakfast will be served from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for a small fee. For more information, call Cheryl Sanders at 847-253-4839 or email sandersinah@aol.com. Nitelite Egg Hunt 7:45 to 9:30 p.m., April 29 Viking Park, 4374 Old Grande Ave., Gurnee Prizes will be awarded for finding a golden egg. Pizza and beverages will be provided. Bring a flashlight. Registration is required by April 15. The event is for children ages 7 to 12 years old and costs $7 for residents and $9 for nonresidents. For more information, call 847-623-7788 or go to gurneeparkdistrict.com. For other Easter events, check out our guides for the northern suburbs, southern suburbs and western suburbs.

'Mad Men' delayed until 2012 due to ongoing contract negotiations

Due to continuing contract negotiations between "Mad Men" creator Matt Weiner and AMC, the series will not return until early 2012, the network said on Tuesday. AMC announced that it has officially authorized production of the show's fifth season, triggering its option with "Mad Men's" production company, Lionsgate, but confirmed that the show won't be back until next year. "While we are getting a later start than in years past due to ongoing, key non-cast negotiations, 'Mad Men' will be back for a fifth season in early 2012," the network said in a statement.
But according to The Daily and Deadline Hollywood, many issues have yet to be resolved between the parties, including  AMC's desire to integrate more product placement into the series, add more commercials and trim the running time by two minutes. Two years ago, Weiner had a similar dispute with AMC over those two minutes, and both sides eventually agreed to let the episodes run over into the 11 p.m. time slot so that extra commerical time could be added without making the scripts any shorter. AMC has been using product placement in the series since its first season.
Sources tell Deadline Hollywood that Weiner is threatening that negotiations may collapse as a result of AMC's demands. Poised to become the highest-paid showrunner on basic cable, he is also looking for a deal that would pay him $15 million a year, or more than $1 million per episode.
Someone call Don Draper in to buy everyone a dry martini and help them broker this deal!

'The Event' recap: What is 'the event'? Please answer this time

Well, “Event” fans -- you punishingly small number, you -- the numbers from the show’s long-awaited return are in, and they’re … not good.
The show’s midseason premiere last week attracted a ridiculously small number of viewers, indicating that the huge audience that sampled the premiere in September fell off through the fall, then lost interest when the show was gone for several months.
The tack fans usually take in situations like this is to blame the network for letting the show be gone so long. And, yeah, NBC certainly didn’t help by taking the show off the air for all of December, January, and February.
But we’ve also got to face facts. This was a show that had every advantage in the world -- great promotion, great ratings for the premiere, a stellar cast, an intriguing premise -- and it squandered every single one of them.
The show has even apparently given up the ghost on its bizarre, goofy cliffhangers. Where once we had old ladies in place of little girls and Hal Holbrook’s morphing face, Monday night we got what felt like a solid minute of Blair Underwood staring at the camera while menacing music played.

Here’s the thing: “The Event” is a mystery show, like, say, “Twin Peaks” or “Lost,” where part of the fun is getting lost in the wheels within wheels that make up the show’s universe. But I’ve suddenly realized that I have no idea what the mystery we in the audience are supposed to be trying to solve is.
Is there a corner of the Internet where “Event” fans try to piece together all of the show’s convoluted backstory and various teases? Because it feels like the show is simultaneously too direct and not direct enough, giving straightforward answers to most questions then avoiding anything of the sort on others.
Monday night, for instance, the show told us point blank that Thomas caused the Chernobyl disaster to obtain uranium rods, and he wants to try the same in San Diego, possibly causing a nuclear meltdown in that fine city (weirdly timely). Why? Because he wants to bring a number of his people to earth for some reason, which will cause massive devastation to those of us already living here.
But what is the central mystery of the show? The central mystery of the pilot was a pretty good one: What happened to that confounded airplane? Even if the rest of the pilot struck you as a mess, it was pretty hard to resist the allure of finding out the answer to that question (though millions tuned out between weeks 1 and 2, so maybe there are fewer people who felt this way than I thought). But the show immediately answered that question, then immediately answered the other major question about the identities of Sophia and her people.
Since then, there’s been virtually nothing in the way of mysteriousness to get worked up about. Oh, sure, we have experiments on little girls and Holbrook’s Mousetrap game of doom, but those are garden-variety mystery-show plot devices. The human experimentation was picked up on loan from “The X-Files,” and Holbrook’s game might as well have come from the same store as the giant wall of plot devices and doom on last season’s similarly convoluted (and similarly bad) “FlashForward.”
Well, fans will say, what is "the event" in "The Event"? This has never, ever, ever been worked into the story of the show. It’s a mystery based on an ad campaign that ran for ages last summer, but it’s a mystery that hasn’t worked itself into the show. The closest thing I can think of was “the incident” on “Lost,” and by the time we finally got to see “the incident,” the show had prepped us for seasons about the importance of the event.
When “the incident” rolled around, in all its metal-warping glory, viewers were more than primed to see it play out. By making “What is the event?” the central question of this series, the show’s producers have more or less turned that thing where you see a movie or read a book with a weird title and spend most of the running time wondering what the title could mean before finally figuring it out with 10 minutes to go into a television series.
But it doesn’t really work on TV because TV requires weekly evolution. The mysteries, like the characters and plot development, are caught on hamster wheels on “The Event.”
All of this might be vaguely bearable if the characters were at all interesting. Instead, they’re a bunch of unmotivated lumps. I spelled out above just why Thomas felt the need to potentially turn San Diego into a radioactive wasteland like Pripyat (and, really, if you spent the entire hour this was on browsing photo galleries of that abandoned city, you made a wise choice in avoiding this), but only in plot terms. Why? He’s tired of the way his people were treated by the government and tired of his mother’s rule and … a whole host of things that the show tells us, rather than bothering to show us.
Clifton Collins Jr. is trying his best, but Thomas is a blank at this point, a character driven by impulses he keeps telling us he’s driven by, even though most of his actions indicate that he’d really rather chill with his lady friend and order a pizza. (Collins, an actor who doesn’t exactly exude mysterious menace here, seems an odd choice for this part, despite his obvious acting chops.)
The problem always comes back to stakes. There’s a massive explosion and gunbattle toward the end of the episode, but we have no clue what the stakes are if either side loses, beyond the vague notion that something bad will happen vis a vis the arrival of Thomas’ people if he gets the nuclear material. There are scenes where Leila tries to figure out who or what she is, but we have no idea how her life would be altered by learning of her part-alien heritage beyond the obvious. (This is not helped by Sarah Roemer’s tendency to stare blankly into the middle distance at all times.)
Sean beats up a guy in a bar. Vicky beats up a guy outside a grocery store (that seemed to exclusively feature Tide and a bunch of products that were turned away from the camera, in some of the weirdest product placement ever). Why? Because they’re suffering and stuff.
“The Event” hasn’t bothered to make what these characters feel real, and it hasn’t bothered to convince us that any of these people care about what they’re doing or that they’d have a reason to care. And when the fictional people in your show don’t really seem to give a darn about what’s going on it’s hard to make the audience come around, too. I’m trying to like “The Event.” But I’m drowning out here, and the show is sitting on the bank, rope nearby, endlessly asking me to pick a card, any card.

'The Event' recap: Something finally happens!

What are these? Are these actual stakes in the world of “The Event”? How can such a thing be? Didn’t this show resolve to just frustrate us for a full season before giving us what can only be a halfway-satisfying cliffhanger? Granted, this turn isn’t the greatest story turn ever, but in the world of “The Event,” it’s a step up.
At last we have some sort of ticking time bomb: If Thomas doesn’t evacuate everyone off of his home world they’ll all die within the year. The star their planet orbits is about to go supernova, and that, of course, is going to be a bad deal for all involved. Now, I’m pretty sure stars don’t just GO supernova (and maybe the show has been preparing us for this for a while with the notion that the world Thomas’ people come from is a dying one), but at least there’s some tension here.

That it took slightly over half a season of television to get here is a problem, but I’m willing to go with this for the time being. It certainly sets up an interesting dilemma: Either way a particular world is going to die, along with all of its people. If Thomas doesn’t bring everyone from his world here they’re going to be baked by a dying star. If he does bring everyone here then all of us die, and he’s committed genocide. It’s murder by inaction, or it’s the gravest crime anyone can commit.
It’s a genuine pickle for the guy to be in. If the show is going to turn into a generic battle between humanity and people from another planet, I’d rather that the beings from another world have a specific reason to invade, not just some general desire to escape a dying world. I’ve heard that one before, but this one is at least vaguely new.
Outside of that revelation, though (one that the show held off on revealing for almost the entire length of the episode, after Thomas got the message from home in the teaser), this was another snore of an episode. Sean Walker continues to do stuff for no discernible reason. (Oh, right, his sister gave him a pep talk last week, so he decided to take on the global conspiracy with only spit and gumption to keep him safe.) Now he’s got Vicky along, which is an improvement over Leila, I guess, but it’s still kind of a stupid story line that continues because the show has a main character who has nothing to do with anything.
At the same time, President Martinez and his staff continue to have the same argument they’ve been having, about whether they should take action against the aliens in their midst, while Dempsey hangs out at a playground and grins maniacally at the children there, who will soon feed his youthifying machine or something. Weird.
This underlines my point about “The Event”: It’s probably too late to do much to save the show. Had the twist about the supernova come up in Episode 2 or 3, or even Episode 8 or 9, it might have been possible for the show to feel like it was getting a second wind. But now, mixed in with all of the other  usual stuff, it just feels like the show has fixed one tiny element without tackling the giant pile of other problems around the edges.
It’s one thing to make the stakes on the show believable, to give the villains a reason to want to destroy Earth, other than general jerkiness and vague speeches about a dying world. But it would be another entirely to, say, give us characters who had some sort of logical drive or a story that made any sort of sense, where one plot point followed from another.
Here’s an example: On every show like “The Event” that has succeeded on one level or another, every episode has had a memorable moment. Whether that was a character moment or a plot twist or something incredibly awesome being revealed, there was a reason for fans to start buzzing the next day around the water cooler. The best mystery shows found ways to pace these revelations. The worst wasted them all right away or didn’t have them to begin with.
Again, “The Event” had that massively satisfying conclusion to the pilot, with the disappearing plane, but has there been a moment since that made you sit up, take notice, and say, “OK, that was cool”? I can think of maybe one, but that was more because of general weirdness than anything else. (I refer, of course, to the apartment filled with creepy old lady girls.)
Or from yet another angle: In that scene after Sean has successfully blackmailed Vicky into helping him by threatening to make the address of her mother and son “go viral” (apparently because everybody on the Internet loves passing around random addresses, instead of cat videos), she explains to him that Dempsey doesn’t want to have the aliens released, and that’s why he had it in for the president. Is this new information? It seemed like something we’ve been told before, but I couldn’t remember a specific scene where it was laid out. Maybe it was just conjecture I’d drawn from the various clues that had been dropped. But it was also entirely possible that this information had been conveyed to the audience, and it had just been done so in a forgettable way. On another show, a revelation like this would have been big news. Here, it was something the show just got out of the way before other stuff happened.
At this point, “The Event” has been so many different kinds of shows that it’s probably useless to stop waiting for it to pick one and just settle down. It started out as that “24” show with a sci-fi twist, where some action sequences happened in every episode, and there were also aliens. Then it briefly became a “Lost” clone, where we got random character back story in every episode whether we liked it or not. Now it’s trying to forge its own path, moving the story forward lumpily and trying to get us to care about characters who don’t have an ounce of nuance. “A Message Back” was a step in the right direction, but it also feels like too little, too late.