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Showing posts from June, 2016

Special Investigation: Event and Travel Security

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Event and Travel Security: "Be Prepared, Not Scared". As everyone we were shocked by the Orlando terror attack. In a horrible way though, headlines about terror attacks and mass shootings have become a sad new normal. Paris, Brussels, San Bernardino, Orlando.... the list goes on and on. We have decided to become pro-active. Here are the results of our investigation into current security recommendations for the MICE industry. An Interview with TIM BRADLEY, IMG GlobalSecur Managing Partner. The New Reality: In the last 12 months alone at least 309 people were killed by terror attacks in tourist destinations: the beach resort shooting in Sousse, Tunisia, the hotel attack in Hurghada, Egypt, the downing of the Russian charter jet leaving Sharm El-Sheikh, the little reported bombings on Bali and the beach resort attack in Ivory Coast. Attacks occur on airports, resorts, shopping malls - "soft" targets that are hard to protect and that we all visit frequently.

Our Floral Decor For A Good Cause: The SITE SoCal ALL IN Charity Poker Tournament

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SITE Southern California's 3rd Annual ALL IN Charity Poker Tournament offered us the opportunity to stretch our creative wings, have fun and participate in raising funds for the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation. Rebecca Motus enjoyed the challenge of creating floral decor that would hopefully dazzle a ballroom full of event pros and Alisa Walsh met the Poker challenge! We sponsored eight different arrangements that were used two-fold: as decor to embellish the night and as raffle prizes to help raise funds for the beneficiary of the night. The tallest arrangement became the center piece for the buffet tables. Two identical bamboo backed arrangements book-ended one side of the buffet.  A spiraling arrangement enhanced the second buffet table.  Single tall vases for smaller table rounds.  A floral wheel greeted guests as they entered the patio area. Cork backing added more interest and contrast to an orchids and roses display. 

Event Report: Branding The Black-and-White Ball

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The Event: The annual Los Angeles Professional Services Black&White Ball for National Jewish Health, consisting of a 90-minutes reception and a 3.5 hour Gala Dinner Guest Count: 544 very distinguished industry leaders and philanthropists. Location: Skirball Center Our Task: The creation of an elegant Black&White, custom branded decor for the night. Brynne Peña was so committed that she chose her own outfit to match the decor. True dedication! Brynne: "This annual event is one of the most elegant affairs in Los Angeles and its guest list consists of the Who's Who of  philanthropists and industry leaders. The Black&White Ball has two purposes: fundraising and celebrating the 2016 honorees. Our bar was set very high to provide an elegant, branded look for the decor throughout. We developed a black-and-white floor plan and tied it all together with splashes of yellow in floral decor and centerpieces." Arrivals: a 200' black carpet, black

Event Report: Working In A Tropical Paradise

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Kristen Rensch and Rebecca Motus just returned from one of the most beautiful locations we have ever experienced! But work is work - and we are happy to share the story. The Event: An International Incentive and Reward Program. The Location: Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The Task: Decor and Floral for six separate events. Opening event, Closing event and four distinct dinner events. The Journey to Paradise started off weeks earlier in our L.A. office with extremely detailed planning and preparations. Kristen: "Shipping to Mexico required a lot of extra steps. We contracted with an international customs broker who has the knowledge of the customs temporary import process and relationships to ensure our shipments entered Mexico in a timely fashion, which was important in minimizing extended rental periods for linen. We shipped all table linens and napkins for all six events from our rental suppliers to our broker, who facilitated the customs pr