3 Things Your Business Can Learn From the All Star Game

Every year many of America's sports fans stop and watch MLB's "Midsummer Classic", the All-Star Game. This game is played by rosters of the best players each team has to offer in a concerted league effort to gain home field advantage for the World Series. Basically, the winning league's best team travels less during the title series. So you might be asking yourself, what can my event business learn from a baseball game. I'm here to tell you, quite a lot, but let's just look at the Top 3.

1. Trends are not infinite- Even when they seem to be, the good times or even the bad ones, will not last forever. History has shown us that you need to not invest too much in the present. From 1950-1987 the National League won 33 of the 44 games. But up until last night, the National League hadn't won a game since 1996. Trends can be lengthy, but betting big on them can be costly. Even in the most dominant times, there would be some losses. Going "all in" in those years would have been costly. The same can follow on large expenditures for your business and inventory. Just because it is "state of the art" today does not mean it will be in the future. Sometimes, the "next big thing" never becomes BIG at all, remember BETA, Howard the Duck or Cabbage Patch Dolls? Your investments should be sound, like a good relief pitcher, make purchases that bridge gaps and make you stronger,not ones that put you at risk. Ask any baseball executive if there is anything worse than signing an expensive free agent that never plays to their potential. You can find most of those GM's at the unemployment office.

2. Talent Helps- Hiring is key. Just as All Star teams gather the best players from around their league, you might want to look into doing the same with your staff. Too often as business owners we are passive in our hiring practices, but it would be more effective to assemble the best people from within your industry. Remember, that would not only make your organization stronger, but losing key players from their organizations will weaken your competition. Imagine the Tampa Rays taking Mariano Rivera from the Yankees or David Ortiz from the Red Sox. Those moves make them the favorites to win and severely weaken their immediate competition.

3. Good Management Wins Out- Last night, American League Manager, Joe Girardi, left Alex Rodriguez on the bench for the whole game and never used one of baseball's greatest players to help his team. His reasoning was that since he had wanted to get "everyone into the game" he was short handed when the game was being decided and he didn't want to use his last player in case of extra innings. This type of management error is seen all the time. Many managers don't handle conflict well and thus get very little out of the talent given to them. Motivation and candor are the two best weapons in a manager's arsenal for success. But worrying about the might'ves and could'ves can paralyze the decision process and send you home defeated.
Use the tools you have at your disposal the best way you know how and do not worry about the perceptions of others, their perceptions will not help in your successes or failures.

So, as the National League ends its losing streak and the American League looks to next year to bounce back, what can each one learn? The National League needs to not rest on its laurels, past performance does not guarantee future success. The American League most look to new motivations and management to make its own return to success. This battle will continue for years into the future, as Major League Baseball is still a great business model and will be successful for years. How will your business measure up?

NYC Event Legend, Deb Roth, Takes Pink Inc in New Direction

JUNE 9, 2010 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charles J. Corsentino, Chairman, President & CEO of Moss Inc. announced that effective June 9, 2010, Moss Inc. has acquired the inventory and trade name “Pink Inc”.
The Pink brand name will continue under a new identity, “Pink Powered by Moss”. The addition of the Pink product line builds on the many synergizes to be realized by the combination of the two national Event and Rental organizations. Moss currently services clients nationwide with locations in Chicago Illinois, Salt Lake City, Utah, Belfast, Maine and Las Vegas, Nevada. This new venture will allow Moss to have a major presence in New York City, New York which has been a long desired strategy for Moss.

Debra Roth, the former owner of Pink Inc., has been named Director of Design & Creative Events for the new organization. Debra brings over 20 years of design and creative experience to the new venture. Corsentino notes that “the combination of Moss and Pink will offer a wide breadth of new products and services to the market place. The regionalization of our Event and Rental products will permit Moss to service clients nationally on a more competitive and efficient basis.”

Pink Powered by Moss will operate out of a new New York City location and will service clients on a regional and national basis. Mr. Corsentino said “with the quick turnaround expectations from customers nationwide to deliver Fabric Structures, Print and Display Hardware products, and Event decor that is top quality, Moss will have a stronger national presence and will add more value to its offerings.” Debra Roth echoed that sentiment, saying “The combination of these two product lines puts together the very best of both companies and will give the market the most comprehensive Event product line in the market.”

The 5 Most Iconic Dresses Ever

This is less a "Special Event" blog and more one focused on design itself. Just the other day I read an article covering this very subject, but it was Britain based, and it got me thinking, "What would Americans think?". Or rather, more importantly, what do I think? So, instead of a typical blog, I gave you, dear reader, a chance to become my "Dear Watcher". Click on the TITLE or Copy the video link and see the 5 most ICONIC dresses of modern times. Watch, and let the arguing commence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbBxjxjiASc

ISES NJ North "Says Yes, to the Best"

In the spirit of fairness and full disclosure, I must let all the readers know that I sit on the Board of Directors for NJ ISES and had some involvement in this project. This is not a critique of the event, just the chronicle of my experience.

On the evening of April 28th, the NJ North chapter of ISES(International Special Events Society) hosted it's first bridal showcase, aptly titled, "Say Yes to the Best". The entire event was staged at the majestic, Pearl River Hilton. This venue has an "old world" feel, while providing every modern amenity to its guests. The feel of the place is elegant, almost causing you to lower your voice as you pass thru its doors, as a sign of respect or reverence. Upon that entrance guests were greeted by the hotel staff and directed to the registration table. Here they were given a quality tote and directed down the Hilton's stately hallway to the cocktail reception. Housed in an elegantly appointed anteroom, the cocktail reception featured gorgeous lounge furniture, provided by AFR and fantastic chamber music by Ideal Ensembles. It was quite "Ideal" when they performed some pop standards as well. But the star of the room had to be the Bridal Gowns on display by Macy's Bridal Salon. These gowns drew stares of admiration from many a bride and looked great on the models and the mannequins. Once the main room opened the guests entered a ballroom decorated with style and panache that few "trade shows" or "bridal showcases" have seen. With many of the designers showing their expertise with floral arrangements, table design and fabric solutions that any bride would be proud to "Say Yes" to for her special day. The "Happy Couples" were able to find professional and quality vendors for all of their wedding needs, valet parkers, photographers, cake decorators, limo services, djs, planners and many more. Plus, ISES held a raffle that offered huge savings and gift certificates from participating vendors for services on their special day, that benefited the "Wish Upon a Wedding" foundation. An organization that provides dream weddings to couples that are face with extraordinary challenges. While the couples discussed their upcoming day with the vendors, they were also treated to a stunning array of food choices from the Hilton, offering options from nearly every price point. In the closing hour, the guests were ushered into the "Dessert Room" for a sweet ending to their evening along with some fun and dancing provided by DTR DJs. It was here where we also learned of the winners for all of the raffles.
Perhaps, the most unique option of the evening was the "Groom's Room". This nook, designed for the oft forgotten half of the couple was outfitted with several casino tables from Audience Pleasers and a private bar staffed by the Hilton. Always remember that day is special for TWO people.
In all, it seemed to be a great success for all involved and many have asked already if there are plans for a "Say Yes" 2011. Stay tuned to the www.isesnjnorth.org website for details.

"Landmark" Networking Event for Bridal Pros

On April 27th, the Landmark in East Rutherford hosted a "Networking Event for NJ Wedding Professionals" in association with a host of bridal websites and magazines. I usually avoid any "free" networking event because they are rarely a place business can get done. The attendees are almost never a decision maker and the attendance here, was no exception. Most of the folks that I met were junior level managers at hotels or vendors that were the "part timers" I try to avoid. There were a few quality vendors with tables at the expo, a promising looking cake designer aptly named A Cake Dream(acakedream.com), lead the bunch, but most of the "vendors" were the media sponsors for the event which seemed strange to me.
The Landmark hosted a buffet that looked fine, but I did not partake, and the renovation put a nicer spin on this mid range catering hall. There was a CASH bar, which is like inviting guest to your house for Thanksgiving and charging them for stuffing, but I bucked up and paid for my drinks and tipped the EXCELLENT staff well. The bartenders, wait staff and parking valets were of the highest order and should be commended for their fine work.
The effort and organization, shown by the Landmark staff, was foiled by the staff checking in guests at the door. Upon arrival guests were required to stand outside and wait to be checked in, even though the security guard outside had sorted us through on the same list as the registration people. Thus, causing a large backlog and needless stress for those that just wanted to meet some new pros. I always hold out hope that event pros will figure out the best way to register guests at their event, but I am routinely disappointed.
Overall, this was a "fine" event. There was nothing dreadful, and very little exceptional, the staff and the Marketing Director of a local Country Club that I met awaiting entrance were about it there. If you need a reasonably priced hall in southern Bergen county, the Landmark is a solid bet, with the right planners and designers your event could be as good as their staff.

Arena Throws Its Hat into the Event "Arena"

Arena, one of NYC's newest Event Spaces officially threw its hat into that "arena" on Thursday, April 8th with its first industry showcase designed to introduce their venue and new Event Specialist Gina La Rochelle to the NYC "Eventaratti". Gina, an event veteran from the Oak Room, is proud of her new space's granduer, hipness and versatility, and would love to talk to all of you event insiders about hosting your product launches, fashion shows and high end mitzvahs. Gina, was brought on board Arena by NYC Promotions Mastermind, Anthony Coppers to make all of your events, special, http://www.arenanyc.net/.
Speaking of high end Mitzvahs, spotted in the crowd of networking planners was Total Entertainment founder Marc Jason, checking in on the set of his Special Event "Supergroup", Soul Solution. Famous for being the band hand picked by Paul McCartney for his wedding and named Today Show "Wedding Band of the Year" three consecutive years, Soul Solution showed that there is no slowing them down. For further information, http://www.totalentertainment.com/, for all things Soul Solution. Any event that showcases this band is off to a spectacular start.
Not only spotted in the crowd, but working it, was Josh Beckerman, one of NYC premiere magicians and entertainers. His warmth and charm were evident as always and his magic was show stopping and conversation starting, just as it should be. To make all of you event entertainment needs disappear, http://www.joshbeckerman.com/josh/.
Also not seen in the crowd, but above it, was silk fabric performer, Veruca Honeyscotch. Aptly named, the sweet and intoxicating performer blends a traditional burlesque feel with a modern sensibility. To quote Miss Honeyscotch, she's " a bit naughty, a bit nice and wholly intoxicating".
See more of her talents at http://www.myspace.com/verucahoneyscotch.
Arena itself has 2 wonderfully large projection screens that can easily add your theme to any event. Its sound and lighting systyem appears to be state of the art and its multilevel seating areas allow for both massive partying and comfortable speaking. The staff is incredibly polite and helpful. The bar and waitstaff are professional and helpful and have an understanding of the special events industry.
So, if you missed the official unveiling, make sure you put Arena on your next site inspection list as it can be what you are looking for.

Save the Date Video for ISES Bridal Showcase

On April 28, 2010 ISES NJ North, in partnering with the Hilton Pearl River and the Knot.com, is producing the "Say Yes to the Best" Bridal Showcase.