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It’s the end of the year, are you ready?

Well, it’s not actually the end of the year. Technically, July 1 marks the halfway point through the year. But for those who want to plan end of the year events – client appreciation, employee appreciation, corporate fundraising events, holiday parties and celebrations – time is quickly running out. Major events, such as these, require lots of pre-planning. As you and your team think about end of the year schedules, here are the key factors to keep in mind.

AN EVENT PLANNER
Number one reason to hire an Event Planner? Time. As in your time is best spent running your business and increasing your sales. A professional Event Planner has the knowledge and expertise to coordinate ALL aspects of your event. All aspects of your event likely include booking a venue, developing a theme, coordinating food and beverage services, booking additional vendors such as DJs, photographers, specialty entertainers, and coordinating the set-up and tear-down of the event. Nine88 Events has the experience and contacts to plan an event that your guests will talk about and remember long after closing time.

VENUE
Hiring an Event Planner is step one in preparing for end of the year events. As you work with your Event Planner, the most important choice you will make is the physical location in which you will hold your event. The choice of venue will determine the options you have for all other elements of your function. But why book a venue in June for a customer appreciation event in November? Competition, that’s why. The greater metropolitan Atlanta area boasts a wide variety of venues; however, as the end of the year approaches, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events, and family celebrations create competition for the best spaces on the best dates. Working with your Event Planner to choose a date and place for your event NOW ensures that you will have the location you want. Most venues can be secured with a modest deposit and allow for cancellations within a reasonable time frame before the event.

THEME
Perhaps you are planning an Employee Appreciation event. The theme is appreciation, right? Well, no. Appreciation is the feeling behind the event, but the theme can range from A Night in Vegas to A Day at the Races! Choose a theme that will inspire and excite your guests. Once you have decided on a theme, your Event Planner can coordinate all aspects of your event to communicate that theme from decorations, food, table-settings, inter-active experiences, gift bags, and music. As your Event Planner develops your theme down to the minutest details, the greater the likelihood that your guests will feel your appreciation for them.

FOOD
We’ve all been to those events and eaten that dinner. You know the one – steam table vegetables, soggy potatoes, and rubber chicken. Well, planning now for a function later in the year allows plenty of time to work with catering services to develop an award-winning menu. Your guests may have allergies or specialized dietary requirements, but a professional Chef and Event Planner have the knowledge to develop choices which align with the overall theme and give your guests plenty of options from which to choose. There really are many more options than just beef, chicken, or fish!

MUSIC
The power of music cannot be denied. Hear a familiar song, and memories of earlier times, and places, and people flood into mind. Numerous research studies have demonstrated that classical music reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and sensations of pain. Up tempo music causes the brain to release dopamine, the brain chemical associated perceptions of pleasure and well-being. Therefore, do not overlook the importance of choosing and scheduling various genres and types of music throughout the course of your event.

AMBIANCE
Ambiance is one of those elements that you may not be able to define, but you notice when it’s off. Think of ambiance as the overall atmosphere of an event. Ambiance includes the overall sights, smells, and sounds. The details of the theme address the sights of your event, and sounds are addressed in music, but a good Event Planner will not forget to address the ambiance of smell. Our sense of smell is one of our strongest. From flowers to fragrant food, to candles, creating a sensory smell experience will relax your guests and add to their overall sense of enjoyment.

So, those are the basics to think about when arranging your yearend event. Planning a great event requires a lot of attention and effort. Again, the best time to start is now. Nine88 Events is ready to work with you and your organization to plan an unforgettable event. But time is running out. The best venues and the best dates are booking now. Contact Nine88 Events today for a consultation. You choose the type of event you need, and we can work to bring your concept to fulfillment!

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Christa Skinnell

I am an experienced professional who has worked in the events industry for over 10 years. I have built and grown Nine88 Events into a successful company. I continually develop and create unique ideas and experiences for our clients by staying abreast of current trends in the event industry and developing strong relationships with industry leaders. My goal is to help my clients achieve their goals by effectively planning and executing their events. I work closely with them to ensure they receive the best value for their investment. I believe in creating memorable experiences for our clients and their guests.

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