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.

Wedding Complaints....

For all those in the Wedding Biz, this article is a nice view from the guestlist. Good job by Better Homes.

A Bridal Show Like No Other

Are you tired of the typical "Bridal Show" ? I know I am and that's why it is so refreshing to see ISES NJ North putting together, with the Pearl River Hilton, an event that treats the Showcase as nearly as specially as the wedding. ISES is providing a full meal, an open bar and loads of vendors and entertainment to fill the day. There is even a room for the grooms with a casino and various other amenities. If you are a planner or a bride, this is the ONE showcase to attend this year.