Carmen Perez’s Post

Have you ever been to a large event that had no food or beverage options? Unlikely! Guests remember the fare at events, especially if the event is centered around a meal. It all goes back to the basics of hospitality- which traces back to ancient times, where people welcomed guests into their homes, fostering connections through "breaking bread" and conversations. This echoes modern event planning objectives and networking goals. Click to explore how a meal isn’t merely sustenance; it's an opportunity to forge connections and unite people over breaking bread.

Have you ever been to a large event that had no food or beverage options? Unlikely! Guests remember the fare at events, especially if the event is centered around a meal. It all goes back to the basics of hospitality- which traces back to ancient times, where people welcomed guests into their homes, fostering connections through "breaking bread" and conversations. This echoes modern event planning objectives and networking goals. Click to explore how a meal isn’t merely sustenance; it's an opportunity to forge connections and unite people over breaking bread.

Have you ever been to a large event that had no food or beverage options? Unlikely! Guests remember the fare at events, especially if the event is centered around a meal. It all goes back to the basics of hospitality- which traces back to ancient times, where people welcomed guests into their homes, fostering connections through "breaking bread" and conversations. This echoes modern event planning objectives and networking goals. Click to explore how a meal isn’t merely sustenance; it's an opportunity to forge connections and unite people over breaking bread.

Have you ever been to a large event that had no food or beverage options? Unlikely! Guests remember the fare at events, especially if the event is centered around a meal. It all goes back to the basics of hospitality- which traces back to ancient times, where people welcomed guests into their homes, fostering connections through "breaking bread" and conversations. This echoes modern event planning objectives and networking goals. Click to explore how a meal isn’t merely sustenance; it's an opportunity to forge connections and unite people over breaking bread.

Have you ever been to a large event that had no food or beverage options? Unlikely! Guests remember the fare at events, especially if the event is centered around a meal. It all goes back to the basics of hospitality- which traces back to ancient times, where people welcomed guests into their homes, fostering connections through "breaking bread" and conversations. This echoes modern event planning objectives and networking goals. Click to explore how a meal isn’t merely sustenance; it's an opportunity to forge connections and unite people over breaking bread.

Having spent the better part of my career working on large-scale events, my clients and I have been very fortunate – none of my events in the 18+yrs were cancelled or interrupted due to weather. A remarkable statistic that until this past weekend I took for granted/hadn’t even dawned on me.   In the unpredictable world of event planning, weather disruptions can present unexpected challenges. The tiny but mighty team at Charleston Wine + Food led by Alyssa Maute Smith proved to be a greater force than the high-powered winds and unprecedented rain fall that caused the cancellation of the festivals largest event and the relocation of multiple events indoors or to higher ground. Alongside my colleague Colleen Troy and Charleston Wine + Food Executive Director Alyssa Smith, we led the communication strategy and execution, delivering up-to-the-minute information - not only to media as expected as the festivals PR team but to ticket-holders, sponsors, talent, and stakeholders.    As I look back at the weekend and the positive feedback we have received regarding our clear communication, I wanted to share some takeaways:   Act Swiftly: Once the decision to cancel is made, communicate promptly to minimize confusion and speculation. Honesty is the Best Policy: Be transparent about the reasons for cancellation, whether it's due to safety concerns, logistical issues, or other factors. Multi-Channel Communication: Utilize various communication channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and press releases, to reach different segments of your audience. Refund and Ticket Information: Clearly communicate the refund process and any other relevant information regarding tickets or registrations. Media Relations: Proactively engage with media outlets to ensure accurate coverage and to present the cancellation in the context of responsible event management. Engage Stakeholders: Maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, including attendees, sponsors, vendors, and local authorities. Digital Command Center: Set up a digital command center to monitor social media, respond to inquiries, and address concerns promptly.   Have you faced weather-related challenges at your events? Share your experiences and tips for managing crisis communications below! Let's build a community of professionals dedicated to weathering any storm together.    #EventPlanning #CrisisCommunications #WeatherEvents #EventProfs #EventManagement #ResilienceInTheRain   Looking forward to your insights and experiences!

I love this idea for bringing attendees together, which I lifted directly from the PCMA's Convene newsletter: Meet and Eat Which is easier for a nervous networker: Asking a perfect stranger out for dinner or dining out in an unfamiliar city alone? It’s a trick question — they’re both hard. Dine-Arounds are informal gatherings that offer an attractive alternative. Attendees can sign up for these meals, scheduled at restaurants in the host destination, which can be topical in nature, with conversations led by a host or open for general discussion. Whether the approach is formal or looser in nature, Dine-Arounds take the effort — and potential stress — out of making dinner arrangements and meeting peers for event-goers.

Elevate Your Event with Innovative Coffee Break Ideas! Coffee breaks are more than just a brief pause during an event; they are opportunities to network, recharge, and make lasting impressions. A well-planned coffee break can significantly enhance the overall experience for attendees, offering them a moment of relaxation and a chance to connect with others in a more informal setting. By incorporating creative and fancy coffee break ideas, event planners can transform these short interludes into memorable highlights of the event. In our latest blog, we explore eight innovative coffee-break ideas that will elevate your event and leave a lasting impression on your guests. From gourmet coffee stations to tech-enhanced experiences, these ideas cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring that your coffee breaks are not only refreshing but also unforgettable. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dCupP9MK #EventPlanning #CoffeeBreaks #Networking #EventManagement #Innovation #Meetinghand #EventIdeas

Inclusivity at events means more than just providing the basics—it’s about offering thoughtful food and beverage options that make everyone feel welcome. I often think of my colleague Erica, who had to quietly switch to club soda (tipping the bartender extra) after one vodka soda to avoid standing out among her heavy-drinking clients. Or my friend Thomas, who left an industry event early because the only non-alcoholic choices were soda and water. He was looking for something more engaging, like an NA beer or a mocktail, that would let him enjoy the event without compromising his well-being. He lost out on potential relationships and business. These stories highlight why this conversation is so essential. We need to rethink how we craft food and beverage experiences at our events to ensure we offer options that cater to everyone’s needs and preferences. I look forward to discussing these topics at "Beyond the Bar," a unique sober-inclusive happy hour and panel discussion about redefining event experiences. Carl Radke, Alyssa May Hart, Madelyn Olavarria, our moderator David T. Stevens®, PMED, and I will dive into wellness trends, explore the rise of alcohol alternatives, and share insights on creating events that are truly inclusive for every attendee. Plus, I can’t wait to try some of Loverboy Inc.’s innovative NA drinks. 🍹 If you’re in Las Vegas for #IMEX24, come join us at the Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club. Let’s connect and work together to create events where everyone feels like they belong. 🗓️ Happy Hour: 6:30-7:30 PM 🎤 Panel Discussion: 7:30-8:15 PM 👥 Meet + Greet: 8:15-9:30 PM Spots are limited, so RSVP soon and be part of this important conversation! 👉 https://lu.ma/j439q87o Thanks to the OTHR Agency, Caesars Entertainment Meetings and Events, Loverboy Inc., and Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club, in partnership with CEMA-Corporate Event Marketing Association for hosting this important conversation. #BeyondTheBar #InclusiveEvents #EventInnovation #EatingAtAMeeting

A couple weeks ago I went to a large industry conference. I had never been to this event before and was SO excited for the opening reception. Due to the way my travel day went I wasn't able to get my workout in until right before the reception. Needless to say when. I arrived I was ready to eat, drink, and be merry. What did I find? Beer, Wine, Soda, Topo Chico, and ONLY caffeinated coffee. No NA beer, no zero proof cocktails, and nothing but fried food. Here's the important part and why choice, variety, and attendee agency matters: I left. I did a sweep to make sure I wasn't missing anything, said hello to a couple people and then promptly left to go find what I needed. I'm a first time attendee and I left. Is that what an organizer really wants?! There's been some surprising debate around event planners not being "responsible" for things like this which I totally disagree. We are part of the hospitality industry and we should be more hospitable. My dad always taught me that if you only complain about something without providing a potential solution you're just making the situation worse. So here's a recipe I learned recently for you to share with you F&B teams to offer. 1 ounce pineapple juice 3.5g of carbs, 15 calories 1 ounce lime juice 2.6 g of carbs, 11 calories Splash of simple syrup 1-2g carbs, -8 calories Muddle cucumber and lime in above mixture Pour over ice and top w club soda 0 calories Garnish w Mint Sprig and Lime Wheel Great beverage with ~30 calories but more importantly, it will let people who don't want to drink feel included and part of your event.