Published!

I'm a published writer now! The Summer 2010 Issue of Serendipity Magazine is now on stands at Barnes & Noble, CVS, and Bristol Farms all over California.



Go check out my two articles in there!

Thanks so much to the vendors and contributors who sent me quotes and allowed me to interview them for the articles. I so appreciate your time and contribution!

5th Annual Talent 1 Media Film Festival!

After a rather interesting weekend of car battery dying, getting a new car, and still making it to the beautiful Valencia wedding I coordinated (which I will HAVE to post photos when available, absolutely gorgeous!) - I'm ready for the next event! Which is....

The 5th Annual Talent 1 Media Film Festival!



I've been helping out with this film festival for several years now - such a great event highlighting and spreading awareness on the issue of human trafficking.

I'm so excited to see all the films the amazingly talented filmmakers put together. Please come join me! You won't be disappointed!

Details:
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Film Festival & Reception 3pm - 11pm
(Various food trucks will be onsite from 2pm - 12am; see complete list below)

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center
244 South San Pedro Street
(between 2nd and 3rd Streets)
Los Angeles (Little Tokyo), CA 90012

Admission: FREE

Food Trucks onsite:

Coolhaus (Saturday 2 - 4pm)
http://www.eatcoolhaus.com/

Komodo Food (Saturday 4 - 8pm)
http://komodofood.com/

Dumpling Station (Saturday 4 - 8pm)
http://www.dumplingstation.com/

Buttermilk Truck (Saturday 4 - 8pm)
http://buttermilktruck.com/

Sweets Truck (Saturday 4 - 8pm)
http://www.thesweetstruck.com/

Doug the Coffee Guy (Saturday 8pm - 12am)
http://dougthecoffeeguy.com/

Frysmith (Saturday 8pm - 12am)
http://eatfrysmith.com/

Slice Truck (Saturday 8pm - 12am)
http://www.slicetruck.com/

Dosa Truck (Saturday 8pm - 12am)
http://www.dosatruck.com/

Honestly, it's NOT about the details

Often times, I sense and hear clients' frustrations when planning their weddings. They get bogged down with the little details - what colors, fonts, patterns, etc. etc. If things aren't exactly the way they want it, they freak out. Some do so more than others. I totally get it - wedding planning is very stressful if you let the details get to you. (Technically, you don't have to - if you have an AWESOME coordinator who will figure out the details for you.)

With all the wedding sites and blogs I subscribe to, I see tedious DIY projects like personal tissue holders or hand stamped invitations, and I think to myself, "WOW, how do people have time and the will to do that?" But I know everyone's priorities differ, some things people will put more effort into, others people won't.

Honestly, it's NOT about the wedding, or the details, what's most important is the MARRIAGE. Yes, you are having a wedding to show your loved ones your lifelong commitment to your significant other. But that's just it, it's a show, simply a one day event. The marriage is for life.

I'm learning this more and more as I start thinking about my own wedding. What are my priorities? Who are my closest family and friends? This period has been very contemplative for me. (Oh yeah, for those of you who haven't heard - the wedding planner is finally engaged! Yup, I got engaged a month ago! No more "always a planner, never a bride" )

Note to self and readers: Make sure to have your priorities straight, to have fun, and remember that you're celebrating the joyous occasion with your loved ones.

I made it to 2nd!

This is long overdue - but on April 2nd, East West Event Productions was announced as the 2nd place Best Wedding Planner in Orange County on the MyFoxLA Hotlist! 2nd out of 41 nominees! Crazy!

It is an amazing honor as my business is based purely from word of mouth referrals, so THANK YOU - ALL OF YOU - for your undying support and love.

Wish Upon A Wedding!

I want to take some time to introduce to you a great non-profit organization - Wish Upon a Wedding! I'm passionate about this organization as it involves my 2 interests - wedding/event planning and helping those in need!



Wish Upon a Wedding was founded in San Francisco, CA, in January of 2010, by a group of wedding and business entrepreneurs. It is America’s FIRST nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, producing weddings and civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for individuals facing terminal illness, regardless of sexual orientation. Boasting twenty chapters nationwide, it is headed by some of the industry’s most renowned leaders.

To qualify for Wishes, applicants must be unmarried legal citizens of the United States, over the age of 18, who have been diagnosed with less than three years to live. Simply apply online to request one of three wedding types: URGENT (Up to 10 guests, in hospital or at bedside); BOUTIQUE (up to 25 guests, in home town of applicant); ROMANTIC (Up to 50 guests, at any WUW destination) Wish Granters (any event/wedding professional) needed in all locations. Please apply online today to start helping us make Wedding Wishes come true.

Take a look at the story of Florence and Michael, the first WUW wish recipients hailing from Elk Grove, CA http://wishuponawedding.org/the-story-behind-florence/
http://wishuponawedding.org/florence-michael-wedding-wish/

Featured!

Recently, Drexelle and her husband David from D. Park Photography approached me with an opportunity to feature me on their blog - all I had to do was answer some questions about my business and wedding planning services; in return, I would receive edited digital headshots. Of course I jumped at the chance!

Not only do I partake in a fun photoshoot with a talented, up and coming husband/wife photographer team; but I also can use those headshots for my website! (Much needed as the current photo on my website is horrendous!) Double score!

Here is the great post that Drexelle typed up:

http://dparkphotography.blogspot.com/

She did a great job showcasing who I am and what I do. Love it!

Thanks for featuring me, D. Park Photography!

Please vote for me! Best Wedding Planner in OC!

I'm against some tough competition, but I would really appreciate everyone's votes! If you know of my work or have worked with me at any time - please do vote for me! Thanks!

http://myfoxla.cityvoter.com/east-west-event-productions/biz/533778

Why should event planners care about Social Media?

This is an awesome summary on why event planners should care about Social Media!

http://www.eventcoup.com/what-the-hell-is-social-media-in-2-minutes

Directly copied from the post...

(start)

Why the HELL should I care? Here are 10 really, REALLY good reasons…

REASON #1
Because social media is now the number one online activity beating porn and personal email to the top spot.
(Nielsen Wire)

REASON #2
Because 2/3 of the global internet population visit social networks.
(Nielsen, Global Faces & Networked Places)

REASON #3
Because time spent on social networks is growing at 3x the overall internet rate, accounting for 10% of all internet time.
(Nielsen, Global Faces & Networked Places)

REASON #4
Because online including social media has become the most influential source in helping consumer make purchasing decisions.
(Weber Shandwick Inline Research)

REASON #5
Because millions of people are creating their own content for the social web.
Your competitors are already there.
Your customers have been there for a long time.
If your business isn't putting itself out there, it ought to be.
(Business Week)

REASON #6
Because the next 3 billion consumers will access the internet from a mobile device.
People will update anytime, anywhere.
Imagine what that means for bad customer experiences!
(Wired Magazine UK)
This is called the super-fresh web
The ‘super-fresh’ web will force brands to engage with its customers

REASON #7
Because Facebook is now the operating system of the social web. It has won the social networking war
If Facebook were a country it would be bigger than the USA and 3rd largest in the World
Facebook added 200 million users in less than a year
Facebook adds ½ million users every day
On target for ½ billion users by December 2010
5 billion: The number of minutes spent on Facebook each day
1 billion: The amount of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) shared each week on Facebook.
Additional note: 350+ million Facebook users as of January 2010 out of which 50% log on everyday.
(Facebook)

REASON #8
Because Twitter believes it will have 1 billion users by 2012.
If this happens it will become the pulse of the planet
(Twitter)

REASON #9
Because one way marketing has had its day!
Stop thinking “campaigns”. Start thinking “conversations”.
Listening first, selling second

REASON #10
Because in almost all cases social media is free.
All it will cost you is time.

Inspired by the genius work of Marta Kagan author of WHAT THE F**K IS SOCIAL MEDIA
(end)

Social Media has truly revolutionized life, work, and culture! Thanks for posting, Event Coup!

Next up...how I personally use Social Media in regards to my event planning biz.

T minus!

This post is 3 months in the making! (Well, more due to my procrastination) By request, here is a timeline of action items to piggyback on my previous post on Fundraisers, Benefits, and Cause Events.

If you have any more questions on this topic, feel free to comment on this post or email me at info@eastwesteventproductions.com!

6 Months - 12 Months Prior

• Define the purpose for your event - Is it to raise awareness or to raise funds? Or both?
  
• Determine your budget - How much do you want to spend and if you are donating profits to a cause, how much is your goal to raise?
• Decide on the W's - Who? What? Why? When? Where?
  
• Who? = Who is your audience? How many expected guests? Any partners you can work together with?
• What? and Why? = see above - purpose and goal. What type of event do you want to hold? What type of atmosphere do you want to convey? An upscale affair? A fun soiree?
• When? and Where? - time and location is obviously crucial. Make sure the venue fits with your purpose and theme. For example, and this is an extreme example - if you are holding an awareness event on human trafficking, it wouldn't be wise to hold the event at a nightclub, where who knows - human trafficking might exist under that same roof.
  
• There are several logistical issues you should think about as well - Is there sufficient parking? Is security necessary? What type of catering is needed? Will you be providing entertainment?
  
• Start enlisting and contracting your vendors and partners at this time.
  

3-6 Months Prior

• Next up, start creating your guest list.
• Create invitations and flyers for your guests. To save on costs, electronic is the way to go! A great site to create invitations and ticket tracking is: Event Brite
  
• A great way to raise monetary funds and in-kind donations is by developing a Press/Sponsorship Package and going around to local businesses. Local businesses are usually great about supporting efforts in their direct community, especially if they know what they would be getting in return. Perhaps an ad in your event program or an opportunity for their coupons to be distributed at your event? Here is a nitty gritty guide on how to put together a Sponsorship Package.
  
• Form a publicity and marketing plan - How will you promote your event?
• Follow up with your vendors to make sure everything is according to plan.
  

1-2 Months Prior

• Get cracking on promoting your event if you haven't already done so! The heaviest promoting should happen at this time. Use all social networking venues - they're viral and FREE!
  
• Find and buy decor to use at your event.
  
• Do venue walk throughs with your event staff, partners, and vendors.
  
• Ensure the A/V is well equipped at your venue for your needs.
  
• Recruit volunteers - churches, student organizations, local task forces, etc, are great avenues!
  
• Continue to synch up with your vendors by holding regular meetings or calls.
  

1 Week Prior

• Determine you guest count, create a check in sheet, and name badges.
• Confirm all venue arrangements and vendors.
  
• Make sure final payments are arranged.
  
• Event rehearsal should take place with all entertainers and stake holders.
  
• Assign staff/volunteers to their specific stations or tasks. It is helpful to create a detailed day-of timeline so everyone knows exactly where they need to be at what time.
  
• Create event signage to direct guests.
  
• Assemble favors and gift bags if any.
  

Day Of

• Prepare and set up check in list, name badges, signage, favors, equipment, etc.
• Do a sound check at least an hour before the event.
  
• Make sure staff and volunteers are at their designated spots.
• Pick up and set up catering if necessary.
  
• Decorate event space.
  
• Open doors once everything is ready to go!
• Have the event!
• Collect donations at the door or during the event with various jars/boxes placed throughout the venue.
  

Follow Up

• Count the donations and send to appropriate charity.
  
• Make final payments and settle invoices.
  
• Write follow up releases - How many people attended? How much money was raised?
  
• Send a thank you note to guests via Event Brite or social networking sites.
  

WHEW! That is a lot to think about. (I apologize for this text heavy post!) But with time and coordination from all involved parties, the event is sure to turn out well!

2010! A year of great possibilities!

Happy 2010 folks! I am super excited for this new year and foresee so much change and potential for not only myself, but this business as well. It is officially YEAR 2 for East West Event Productions! I'm looking forward to working with everyone - clients and vendors alike!

I understand that there are readers out there who follow this blog - I truly apologize as I've been horrible at updating towards the latter part of 2009. To keep myself accountable, I am listing potential blog entries I have in mind for this year. I intend to update this blog at least twice a month with a worthwhile entry.

Topics include:

• Finish T-schedule for fundraising and non-profit events (still in draft form!)
• Friendor highlights on Harrison Long Photography, Chosen Creations, Petit Plume, Blossom Hill Florists, The Baking Lawyer, Ever Ours, Skybox Event Productions, among others
• Photo recaps on weddings coordinated in 2009
• Social media & events - a topic that I'm very intrigued by
• "Real World: Event Planner" - thoughts on what being an event planner really entails

Stay tuned! And I give you permission to harass me if I don't live up to this promise!