Corporate Performance for FORD at National Air and Space Museum
Last night I had the privilege of performing at a banquet and reception for FORD of Mexico at the National Air and Space Museum. When I entered the building I was blown away by how interactive, dynamic, and awe inspiring the space was. Capital City Events transported the guests through three separate areas of the museum throughout the evening. They began with cocktails under vintage and modern commercial airplanes. Transported the guests to the space age with a dramatic banquet setup and ended the evening with dessert alongside the Lunar Module.
If location is everything, then they nailed it. I had as much fun entertaining the guests as I did touring the museum. This is definitely one EPIC setting that should be on your radar.
My Little Black Book: @ToyBoxPro - Videographers that Rock
I’ve worked with dozens of videographers to record and document my events and I was recent BLOWN away by the guys at Toy Box Productions. They produced the above video for a Metro Event Specialists mixer and the thing that really stood out to me was how strong of a narrative there is.
Rather than simply capturing the event, they composed a narrative that brings you into the event from start to finish. Ian and Mark are hardworking, professional videographers, that have an incredible ability to tell a story.
Video is an important part of creating buzz after an event, and I think your audience deserves a piece that is as beautiful as it is informative.
Check them out! Toy Box Productions
My Little Black Book: Dessert Stations by Paperwhite Events
Im tired of settling for a slice of cake… I want options! In the past year I’ve noticed a trend away from the traditional cake towards full blown dessert stations. Hiring a dessert caterer can add variety and create a focal point for a room (while also curing everyones sweet tooth)
This past month I had the pleasure of working with Paperwhite Events for one of my Metro Event Specialists mixers. I have to say these ladies REALLY delivered. Their station was one of the highlights of the event and had a crowd the entire night.
Cake pops, pie pops, cookies, cupcakes. Who doesn’t love dessert? The smaller portion sizes allow your guests to sample a variety of desserts rather than settling for a single slice of yellow cake. Plus its interactive and visual exciting!
I’m a fan!! — More on paperwhite
@ISES_DC and @DCNACE make MAGIC by hosting combined event at DC National Zoo
Last week the local chapters of ISES and NACE here in Washington, DC hosted a joint networking event. I thought it was really cool to see the two industry leaders come together like this. The combined effort brought together a huge crowd and I would love to see more of this collaboration between DC area groups going forward (joint MES/ISES/NACE event anyone?). I also thought the National Zoo was a fun non-traditional venue choice.
While I didn’t get a chance to make an elephant disappear, I did have an awesome time entertaining all of my friends and colleagues in attendance.
Check out the fun photos above and view the full gallery on Michael Bennett Kres facebook page.
Networking Tip #2 - Attend New Events to Expand Your Network
We all know the big three NACE, ISES and MES. While I feel very strongly that you should become a regular with at least one of these, you should occasionally branch outside of your comfort zone and make fresh connections.
By attending an outside networking event you will meet a variety of event professionals you simply would never encounter at the big three. Below you will find 3 of my favorite event oriented networking groups, as well a general networking event for all industries.
- AWP - Association of Wedding Professionals
Small Intimate Group. Ability to make strong personal connections. Focused on wedding industry. Non-members may attend for $45. Attendance ~ 30-40
- AMPS - Association of Meeting Professionals
Associations and Non-profit Professionals. Good age diversity. Non-Members $35. Attendance ~ 150+
- HIP - Hospitality Industry Professionals
Highly meeting/association oriented. Younger crowd. Free to attend for association/meeting planners. Vendors/Suppliers $35. Attendance ~ 200+
- The Original Third Tuesday (Top Choice)*
The largest general networking event in the region. FREE to attend. All industries / local businesses. Diverse Crowd. Attendance ~ 300+
If you feel as though your seeing the same faces each month, try one of the groups listed above. To really refresh your network, try a general networking event that serves all industries. You’ll have less networking competition and often find you’re the only event professional in the crowd. This makes working the room a breeze and helps to spotlight your unique service.
What networking events have you found helpful (event related or otherwise)? Do you prefer a large crowd or more intimate group for networking?
