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8.01.2009

Trish Injaychock & Red Featured...

I am excited to share the news that my fun, sober 21st birthday ideas were featured in Indianapolis Woman Magazine and St. Louis Woman Magazine recently. (The irony is that my own 21st birthday was distinctly un-sober... sorry Mom!) The article titled "21 Ways to Sober a 21st Birthday" was written by Allison Tyra and #'s 1-6 are my contribution.

Here is the link to the St. Louis version:
http://www.stlouiswomanmag.com/web-features/web-features15.html

21 Ways to a Sober 21st Birthday
by Allison Tyra

Everyone knows the "traditional" way to celebrate a 21st birthday: Go out and drink. But if you're looking for a more original way to party without imbibing alcohol, here are some suggestions from local event planner Trish Injaychock of Red Event Consulting and Management:
1. Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Grab a group of friends, and head to the Indianapolis Indians games.
2. Music to My Ears: Put together a picnic and head to one of the many outdoor concerts in town. Nothing says summer fun like a outdoor concert at Verizon Wireless Music Center or at The Lawn in White River State Park.
3. Who Wants a Burger? Host your own BBQ Festival. Rent a picnic shelter from Indy Parks and invite friends and family for a fun gathering. Serve your favorite summertime beverages like lemonade, ice tea, soda and water.
4. Relax a Little: Ladies, head to the spa for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. After all, you are another year older but it doesn’t mean you can’t still look like you’re 20.
5. The Great Outdoors: Replace alcohol with adrenaline. Gather friends and family and head outdoors for a weekend of camping, hiking and rock-climbing. Throw in skydiving and you’re all set for the adventure of a lifetime!
6. Poker Face: Casinos have a lot to offer beyond the bar. If you can’t head to Vegas, head to Indiana’s new Indiana Live! Casino for some games and entertainment.

Darcie Kornmeyer of Circle City Planners adds some of her own ideas:
7. Pool party: Get wet and wild while you're still young enough to feel confident in that bikini.
8. Local city tour: Check out local museums, like the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Eiteljorg or even the Children's Museum, if you're in the mood.
9. Trip to the Windy City: Take a weekend and drive up to Chicago with friends to take in the sights. You can also pick up some great ideas by surfing the Web or flipping through the Yellow Pages:
10. Miniature golf, bowling or bumper cars: Want to be active without expending a while lot of energy? Pick a game, grab some friends and see who rocks your low-key sport of choice.
11. Game night: Invite your pals over for a marathon of Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, checkers and whatever else floats your boat. Then stock up on the junk food, pick up some fun prizes for the winners and let the good times roll!
12. Movie Marathon: Whether you like chick flicks, comedies, horror or action films, sometimes there's nothing better than vegging out with friends in your PJ's, surrounded by junk food like brownies, chips, popcorn and M&M's.
13. Look to the future: At this milestone, make a list of who you are: your goals, hobbies and interests, favorite fashions, television shows, movies and books. Then have your friends and family add stuff to a time capsule to open in 10 or 20 years.
14. DD: That's right, be the designated driver on your birthday. Just because you want to go out to a bar doesn't mean you have to imbibe. Just let loose, dance and have fun with your friends – who will all appreciate the safe ride home, even if it's just back to your place to crash for the night.
15. Karaoke: The time-honored tradition of horrible — and not-so-horrible — singing is fun for all, but be warned now: As the birthday girl, you almost certainly will be forced onstage by your friends and the other patrons. Though you could rent a machine and host the musical fun at home, celebrate your newfound ability to get into bars — plenty will offer karaoke.
16. Concert: Check out venues in town for local bands, or big names on tour.
17. Alcohol-free Mardi Gras: Have people bring masks, or set up supplies to make their own at the party. Pass out beads at the door, and encourage everyone to trade for the coolest ones. Mix up CDs of classic jazz, bayou blues and funky zydeco.
18. "Bring a friend" party: You invite five to 20 friends, depending on how big you want it to get. Then, each invitee brings a friend he or she thinks think someone else at the party would like. This is great for meeting new people, whether you're in the market for a significant other, or just interested in making new friends.
19. Pitch a tent: Whether in a state park or your own backyard, camping can be a fun outdoorsy experience for even the most urban of city girls.
20. Masquerade Party: Be someone else for the night, and remember, you're never too old to play dress-up!
21. Sports Tournament: Whether you're into tennis, baseball, basketball, there are plenty of venues for rent. Those who don’t want to play can cheer on their friends and help serve food and drinks to weary players.

7.02.2009

BizBash Expo Chicago :: August 20, 2009


The Largest Gathering of Event and Meeting Professionals in the Midwest :: The BizBash Expo - Chicago Merchandise Mart - Thursday, August 20, 2009.

Designed for event professionals by event professionals, the BizBash Expo shares the latest trends in decor, design, catering, event strategies, and much more. Differentiate between fads and trends, and get cutting-edge ideas to stay on track to plan effective events in a challenging economy.

BizBash's Expo and Award Show is the can't-miss event of the year for Midwest event and meeting planners, corporate planners, PR and marketing professionals, and third-party planners who will gather, learn, and network in one spectacular day.

6.05.2009

www.polyvore.com


Overview: Polyvore is a free, easy-to-use web-based application for mixing and matching images from anywhere on the web. It is also a vibrant community of creative and stylish people.

Polyvore lets you create sets composed of individual images using an easy to use, drag and drop editor. After you have created a set, you can publish and share it with your friends and the Polyvore community.

Fashion ~ Celebrities



Interior Design ~ Weddings


Polyvore is often described as "highly addictive" by those who fall in love with its collaging functionality and spend hours creating sets to share with others.

Polyvore offers an unprecedented level of direct engagement with real products and brands, while its social features make it a powerful platform for the creation and distribution of user-generated advertising.

{all images and wording from www.polyvore.com}

6.01.2009

Branching Out...

Times are tough - and one must "branch out" and use their resources to continue to create fabulous events with much less budget. One way to do that is to get creative with your florals. Manzanita and Birch branches are a high-impact, low-cost solution for today's event budgets.

Branches can be used for all types of events. We've been seeing branches as wedding centerpieces for years, but branches can do much more than be a decorative accent. Branches can be an interactive element such as a wishing tree or serve as logistical help in the form of a place card holder. These recent trends has been spotted being used as:

  • a check-in table at a Chicago financial firm's holiday party. Each guest found their name on a personalized luggage tag hanging from a manzanita tree.
  • at a outdoor art festival, attendees could write a wish on a piece of paper and tie it to a branch.
  • at the Absolut Mango launch party in Chicago, orange ribbons and fake dollar bills hung from a money tree to represent prosperity.
  • at a company showcase event, guests could write comments on paper tags and hang them on a tree. {Source: BizBash Chicago; May/June 2009}

{Photo Credits - top: rentalstore.com; Vintage Design Company; Michele Rago. bottom - Flowers R Us; Vintage Design Company}

1.05.2009

Maternity Leave

Happy New Year!

I am sure it feels like a year since I've posted and I'd like to apologize. Life got a little crazier - for the better - as my husband and I welcome our son in early December. He's the best gift we could have received...

I am taking an official maternity leave from Red for approximately 3 months and will return in the early spring.

If you need to reach me before that time, please leave a voicemail.

Best wishes to you and yours for a fabulous 2009!

10.31.2008

MTV Looking for Couples Getting Married!

I received the following email from MTV :

LOVE IS IN THE AIR!!!

And MTV wants a front row seat
on your special day!

If you are already engaged and between the ages of 18-22, then MTV wants to hear from you!

MTV’s popular documentary series, Engaged & Underage, wants to tell your love story – the excitement of the engagement, the ups and downs of the planning, the fun along the way, and, of course, THE BIG DAY!!! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity…

You and your future spouse should both appear to be between the ages of 18 and 22. Best case scenario: you're getting married in 2008 or January 2009.


TO APPLY FOR THE SHOW, DOWNLOAD A CASTING QUESTIONNAIRE AT: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/castingcall/index.jhtml?castingId=1509138

OR EMAIL US TO OBTAIN ONE AT: engagedandunderage@mtvstaff.com.


Tell us when and where you are getting married and why this is important to you. Include your name, phone number, email address and a digital photo of you and your future spouse, if possible.

Upcoming Events for Planners (Midwest)

Some interesting and educational events for planners are happening this month:

MPI-CAC 2008 Women's Leadership Conference
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 :: Chicago, IL :: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
The 2008 Women’s Leadership Conference: “Winning the Race!” Key Success Strategies for Today’s Career Woman is a one-day conference of educational programming that emphasizes women’s leadership, and a celebration of diversity stretching across all industries.
Invitation: http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=63e18c49-cc5b-4d20-8569-c329959ef770

4th Annual Pharmaceutical Meeting Planners' Summit
November 17, 2008 to November 18, 2008 :: The Heldrich, New Brunswick, NJ
More info: http://www.exlpharma.com/

ISES Indiana Education Conference
November 19, 2008 :: Horizon Convention Center, Muncie, IN :: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
More info: http://isesindiana.com/conference.htm

10.22.2008

Great Resource

In my opinion, the MPI Bookstore is the best in the industry. I am a regular customer and highly recommend it for both new and experienced planners. It is also "the" source for getting your CMP study materials.

http://www.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/Finance/CategoryList.aspx?Type=BOOKS

Check it out and fill up your bookshelf with the best books in the industry!

10.13.2008

Spotlight Indy: Westwood Paper Company


Home Sweet Home Indy!
My new initiative is to focus on the growing and evolving Indianapolis events market. Therefore, often {if not weekly} I hope to put a spotlight on an Indianapolis vendor. My first profile is of Westwood Paper Company - owned by the fabulous Jill Sowder.

I find it appropriate to start my spotlight series with a high-end paper company due to my love of fine papers and the art of letterpress. Jill shares my taste and passion for paper, design and great fonts! Her store is beautiful and her product choices are the best of the industry. And, Jill herself is a guru! I was grateful for the hour I spent with Jill getting to know her and her store. I will certainly be a regular... and look forward to working with Jill and her team.

About: Westwood is a retail boutique located in Carmel, IN. They are specialists in designing invitations, announcements and personal stationery.
Paper Products: Boatman Gellar, Envelopments, Julie Holcomb, Prentiss Douthit, Real Card Studio, Snow & Graham, Waste Not Paper, Midori Ribbon, Truly Mom.
Gifts: Fabulous monogram gifts, stamps, planners, frames, seasonal items, calendars & more.
My pick: Custom wine and water bottle labels. Perfect for any event!
Where: online at http://www.westwoodpaper.com/ :: in-person at 20 Executive Drive, Carmel, IN.

10.07.2008

Rustic Candlesticks

"A pair of marvelous candlesticks transforms any table"
-Carolyne Roehm
The tablescape above is styled by Carolyne Roehm for an autumn lunch. The candlesticks complete the rustic, autumnal look and give great texture and complexity to the setting.
(Picture Source: House Beautiful, November 2008)

Ballard Design offers the following antler candlesticks. Set of 2 Antler Candlesticks
Largest: 12"H x 9"W x 8"D :: Purchase at http://www.ballarddesigns.com/

10.04.2008

Inspiration Board: Autumn Wedding

I love this time of year: the great weather, the change of the leaves, hot apple cider, pumpkins and lazy Sundays! Saturdays in the fall, however, are full of weddings as September and October are two of the most popular wedding months. In addition, October is also the busiest and most popular time for corporate events (more on that in another post!).

Here are a few fall wedding tips:
Autumn colors: Oranges, ochres, reds, browns, champagne, rich yellows, peaches, plums, golds and copper - and in 2008, the trend is to add navy!

Autumn flowers: Roses, orchids, gardenias, mums and dahlias. Enhancements: berries in rich shades.

Decor enhancements/ideas: Use treated bark and leaves (appropriately - see photos below); adorn entry ways with with lighted foliate (either real or silk); embrace textures for your linens, paper products, ribbons, and centerpieces.

Credits: Preston Bailey; Carolyne Roehm {green ribbon with multicolor picot edge with candied oranges;} Martha Stewart Weddings; Ultimate Bride (Chicago); Brides.com {sweet peas, roses - nosegay shape}; Martha Stewart Weddings; Dauphine Press Damask Journal.

Engage '08: The Encore


More info at www.engage08.com. I truly wish I could go but I am too pregnant to fly! This fabulous, high-end wedding symposium features the who's-who of the wedding industry: Preston Bailey, Marcy Blum, Rebecca Grinnals, Susan Moynihan, Simon T. Bailey, Liene Stevens, Kathryn Arce and Christine Boulton.
I am definitely there next year!

10.01.2008

Art of the Table

This February, I am excited to be exhibiting at the Art of the Table at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I already putting together an inspiration board - with color schemes and designs in mind! I look forward to seeing the work of my competition (and new friends!).

More info: http://www.artofthetable.info/

Stay on the home page to see the slideshow of past table designs!

9.24.2008

Certifications and Education

One of the most common questions I get asked is "How did I become an event and meeting planner?" Well, my answer is long, but some great advice is to reach out and or join the many professional societies for event professionals. Here is a rundown:
(Source: Successful Meeting Magazine, July 09, 2008, Corrie Dosh)

TOP MEETINGS INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS
CMP – Certified Meeting Professional The Convention Industry Council awards this designation based on professional experience and a written examination. Considered the foremost certification program of today's meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry, the CMP program recognizes individuals who have achieved the industry's highest standard of professionalism. CMPs must be recertified every five years.To apply: www.conventionindustry.org

CMM – Certification in Meeting Management This designation offered by Meeting Professionals International began in Europe. As the first university co-developed professional designation (with the School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University), the program blends a traditional educational framework with a hands-on, interactive setting. CMM candidates take part in an intensive four-step process that includes pre-residency, residency, examination, and post-residency components. Pre-residency involves active participation in an MPI learning group using online technology and a variety of reading assignments; residency includes a four-and-a-half-day full-immersion course and examination; and finally, there is a post-residency business project.To apply: www.mpiweb.org

CAE – Certified Association Executive The American Society of Association Executives awards this certification to designate association professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of association management. The program, founded in 1960, comprises a written test and 75 hours of broad-based qualifying professional development within the past five years.To apply: www.asaecenter.org

CEM – Certified Exposition Manager The International Association of Exhibitions & Events offers the designation to those who complete a nine-part program within three years. The program is composed of seven mandatory courses and two courses chosen from five available electives. Advanced-level courses are also available for CEMs to continue their professional education and obtain recertification.To apply: www.iaee.com

CITE – Certified Incentive Travel Executive The Society of Incentive & Travel Executives awards this designation to those who demonstrate their extensive knowledge of the industry and achieve its highest standard of excellence. To be approved, applicants must complete six steps within a year, including a three-hour exam, an original research paper, and earning 100 qualifying experience points.To apply: www.site-intl.org

CSEP – Certified Special Events Professional The International Special Events Society awards this based on education, performance, experience, and service to the industry. It reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics. To earn the designation, applicants must pass a written examination and earn 35 professional industry points.To apply: www.ises.com
___________________________________________________________________

Check out these other certifications available for those in the meetings industry:
American Hotel and Lodging Association (www.ahla.com): Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP), Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS), Certified Lodging Manager (CLM), Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE), Master Hotel Supplier (MHS),
Association of Destination Management Executives (www.adme.org): Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP); Accredited Destination Management Company (ADMC)
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (www.hsmai.org): Certified in Hospitality Sales Competencies (CHSC); Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (CHME)
National Association of Catering Executives (www.nace.net): Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE)
National Speakers Association (www.nsaspeaker.org): Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)
PMPN Meetings With Impact (www.pmpn.com): Certified Medical Meeting Manager (CMMM)
Trade Show Exhibitors Association (www.tsea.org): Certified Manager of Exhibits (CME)

9.17.2008

Just in time for Harvest Celebrations...

Gourmet websites that carry exotic ingredients are an important vendor to keep in your "back pocket." They can supply fruits, plants and vegetables that can add the wow-factor to a centerpiece, buffet or decor set. For instance, if you're having a desert oasis theme, where can you find cactus pads? Here are 2 websites to add to your favorites:

> www.friedas.com
> www.melissas.com

Photo credit: Friedas; Idea Source: Real Simple