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Leverage Crisis management skills
If your corporate or non-profit event historically takes place in-person or you've already spent months planning it that way, communication is key to getting your key stakeholders on board with your new, digital event solution.  To ease them into the process, you’ll need to channel your crisis management skills by: 

• Actively listening 
• Seeking to understand their pain points
• Clearly outlining the benefits that address their pain points with data that provides measurable outcomes.

Keep in mind, not everyone feels comfortable with the digital landscape, and when people feel forced into something they’re not comfortable with, they panic.  

As a leader in the event industry, we realize we help our clients anticipate objections, provide analytics and best practices, and develop communication strategies at all levels putting our clients team at ease.  We understand that you'll need to address concerns including:

• No one will pay attention if we run an event virtually.
• No one will sign up or show up.
• We don't have the technology to do it right. 
• We shouldn't do anything, times are hard right now, etc. 

Panic and push back are natural reactions when key leaders and stakeholders are bogged down by perceived limitations, especially when in-person events have been the standard and/our bread and butter for so long.  Focusing on what's hindering your output, emphasize to your key leadership the benefits of digital events.  Here are just a few to help get that conversation started.

Cost Savings
Virtual events for non-profit organizations deeply reduces traditional event budget's biggest line items, specifically venue rental feeds and catering charges. The data currently reflects that many non-profit organizations and corporations are saving up to 80%  by pivoting virtually. Let's break that down virtual event cost savings measures a little further:

1. Venue Rental Fees
2. Food and Beverage
3. Venue Décor
4. Venue Lighting
5. Venue On-Site Signage
6. Ground Transportation and Logistics 
7. Printed Programs, and more! 

Virtual events shrink some of the most expenses line items, giving your budget the breathing room to explore the tech solutions your stakeholders think are unattainable. When you go virtual, you are the venue.  And who doesn't love that? 

Direct Access to Donors and Millennials 
When you leverage new technology to innovative, chances are high that tech savy donors and millennials will flock to what you're doing.  Generation Y puts a higher value on screen-based interactions than any generation before them, so why not capitalize on all that real estate?  
Millennial attendance is especially key to your event if it includes a charitable component.  A 2014 New Horizon Media study found that 81 percent of millennials expect corporations to put their money where their mouth is and contribute to philanthropies.  If your event includes, or can include, components relating to charity, climate change, or sustainability, you’re going to want to engage millennials in the medium where they are most comfortable.

Inclusivity
Our earlier point on cost-savings applies to attendees as well. Virtual events provide more access for a more diverse and inclusive audience, particularly those who desire to participate but may not be able to afford ticket prices, travel, budget for meals, air fare, hotels, keepsakes, even cocktails for the after-hours networking crowd.  It even becomes easier for those with disabilities to attend and participate in your event.  Essentially, when you go virtual, you’re breaking down the barrier to entry and providing your non-profit organization or corporation access to a whole new group.  
And a secret bonus benefit: You'd  be surprised how many introverts can  more easily come out of their shell when behind a screen.  You just might meet potential donors, sponsors, or fans you never knew you had. 

Remember, arguments in the face of crisis lead to more crises.  When you’re able to listen, relate, and communicate, your odds of getting your event stakeholders on the same page are significantly boosted.
We'd be delighted to support you with all your virtual event needs, please contact us to learn more.

Planning your bachelorette weekend? With Austin topping many lists for the place to have bachelor(ette) weekends, Events Unleashed is here to let you know some of our favorite ATX activities, places to stay, and places to eat to include in your weekend itinerary!

What to do:

1. Spa Day
Whether it's at the start or end of your weekend, make sure to get some relaxation in at one of Austin's top rated spas like Lake Austin Spa Resort. 
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2. Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
Head over to the Rowing Dock for some fun on the lake and downtown Austin sightseeing. Choose from different options such as stand-up paddle boarding, canoe's, and double kayaks!

3. Brunch
Some of our favorites and popular brunch spots in Austin are Bangers, Irene's, The Park at the Domain or Culinary Dropout. Can't decide where to brunch? Try out Brunch Tours with Austin Eats Food Tours.

4. Bars
There are three popular areas for night life in Austin: Rainey Street, 6th Street, and Rock Rose Ave in the Domain. Some popular spots for a bachelorette weekend include:
6th Street:
Green Light Social or Maggie Mae's
Rainey Street:
Container Bar or The Alibi 
Domain:
 Wonder Bar or 77º Rooftop Bar

7. Boat Rentals on the Lake
Head to Lake Austin or Lake Travis and rent a party boat with ATX Party Boats for the day. With many options to choose from, you're sure to have a good time with you and your I Do Crew.

8. Winery
Get your buzz on by stopping by one of Austin's local winerys like The Austin Winery. ​

1. Hotel Van Zandt: With lots of charm, an amazing restaurant, and a scenic rooftop bar and pool, Hotel Van Zandt is a great place for you and your girls to stay. Did we mention it's right behind Rainey Street? Just a 2 minute walk and you've got plenty of bars to choose from!

2. South Congress Hotel: A popular, contemporary boutique hotel in Austin, South Congress Hotel is in a perfect location. This hotel is walking distance to popular shops and bars, and a short uber ride to 6th and Rainey.

​3. JW Marriott Austin: Who doesn't love a JW Marriott? This downtown Austin one definitely doesn't disappoint. Right in the heart of Downtown, you're close to everything Austin has to offer.

1. The Oasis on Lake Travis offers gorgeous Lake Travis views and tasty food.

2. Hula Hut also offers beautiful lake views. Hula Hut serves delicious traditional tex-mex with a hawaiian twist.

 3. Caroline Restaurant in Downtown Austin serves craft cocktails, beer, and wine, tasty food, and contemporary vibes. Head to the bar Upstairs at Caroline's to keep the fun going all night long.

4. Second Bar + Kitchen offers a sophisticated setting with delicious American cuisine.

5. Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen offers an impressive beer & wine menu and flavorful dishes. Oh and trust me... try the pineapple upside down cake!

We hope our list comes in handy when planning your Austin bachelorette weekend!

Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
​
#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #engaged #bacheloretteparty #austinbacheloretteparty #atxbacheloretteparty #bacheloretteweekend #bacheloretteitinerary #bacheloretteideas #austinbachelorette

​Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.

Wedding planners, wedding coordinators, event planners, event coordinators, event designers... there are a lot of terms for wedding and event professionals and they may sound one in the same. The roles of each are similar but there are distinct differences between them all. If that isn't already confusing enough, most wedding and event planners also offer coordination services.

We're here to help you make sense of it all! Keep on reading to learn more about each and the roles they play when it comes to your big wedding or event day.

Wedding or Event Planner
A wedding or event planner helps you plan aspects of your event, with the the level of service usually differing amongst package options. Most planning packages will also include coordination services from the planner or someone on the planner's team. Planners help you in many ways, from recommending vendors and venues, to scheduling appointments, to managing RSVP's, to developing the event theme & concept, to floor plans and more.

Wedding Planners often focus their services on weddings but some may also offer event services. For Event Planners, some may offer services for all events, but others may specialize in a certain type of event planning. These categories include but are not limited to:
-Non Profit Event Planners: Plans non profit and charity events such as galas, fundraisers, auctions, and more.
-Corporate Event Planners: Plans corporate events such as company launch parties, dinners, luncheons, seminars, company parties and retreats, company conferences, and more.
-Meeting and Conference Planners: This planner specializes in planning meetings and conferences that are usually on the larger scale.
-Social Event Planners: Plans social events such as birthday parties, baby showers, engagement parties, graduation parties, wedding showers, holiday parties, themed parties, and more.
-Virtual Event Planners: Specialize in planning and gaining awareness for online events.

Wedding or Event Designer
Wedding or event designers specialize in design and decor, being experts at making your event visions come to life. Event designers may offer their own planning & coordination services or work closely with other planners, allowing them to focus solely on design.

Event Production
​Event production focuses on behind-the-scenes tasks such as lighting, audio-visual, video, stages, and more. Event production works closely with the planner to assure the production is on par with the planning.

With COVID-19 causing waves worldwide, we are finding a divide in the United States, with many states extending stay-at-home orders while others are slowly working to reopen with restrictions in place. 

During this time at home, the event industry has taken a big hit. Many non profits rely on the funds raised through galas, and with the orders in place restricting large gatherings and events, raising money during this time may seem somewhat impossible. Events Unleashed wants you to know you can still raise the money you need during this time, and that we are here to help!

More options than you think
​As a non-profit, you have more options than you think when it comes to raising money during this pandemic. Even through devastating times, people are still willing to help, so it's important not to get discouraged!

1. Raise through your website and social media
Now more than ever, engaging with your audience on social media is a great way to gain support. Revamp your website and/or social media, create content that really gets your mission across, and let your followers know they can donate (big or small) with an easy click of a button. Create an easy donation process on your website or use Instagram's new donation sticker option.

2. Postponing your event
Postponing your event is a great alternative to canceling. The event industry is working hard to get all the events that needed to be canceled moved to late 2020 or early 2021. It's not too late to postpone yours!

3. Online/Virtual Gala 
Turning your event virtual is a great way to keep your fundraising goals up to date. With easy ways to go live (like Facebook Live), you're still able to have silent auctions, live auctions, paddle-raises, online donation options, text-to-donate, and more! You can provide your audience with fun and entertainment from the comfort of their homes. Reaching out to guest speakers or performers and asking them to participate can also help raise engagement. 

To learn more about a virtual gala or event, contact us today! We'd love to help you navigate the online event space while providing support during planning.

​Articles in Tech Crunch, Mashable, and others can support you by walking you through the new Instagram launch of fundraising for non-profit organizations with 100% of funds raised directly to the non-profit organization! 

For Instagram Live Donations:
To start a Live Donation, open Instagram on your phone, tap the camera icon on the top left, choose Live on the bottom of the screen, select Fundraiser, and choose a nonprofit you want to support. Instagram says that all of the money raised will go directly to that organization.

As an added bonus, Instagram has also launched another new feature for donations through Story stickers. Now, when someone donates to a nonprofit through a sticker, they get to unlock an "I donated" sticker for themselves. 

Taking advantage of Fundraising for Non-Profits on Instagram:
First things first, in order to take advantage of fundraising on Instagram as a non-profit organization while live streaming, you will have to meet the requirements below and follow these steps: 

To raise money on Instagram, your nonprofit must:

• Enroll and be approved to use Facebook Charitable Giving Tools.
• Switch to an Instagram business account, if you haven't already.
• Link your nonprofit's Instagram business account with your nonprofit's verified Facebook Page.
• If this is your first time linking to your Page or enrolling with Facebook Charitable Giving Tools, check to make sure that people are able to add donation stickers on Instagram for your nonprofit. You can do this by clicking Publishing Tools at the top of your Facebook Page and selecting Donation Settings below Fundraisers. Click to check the box next to Allow people to add donation stickers on Instagram Stories and click Save.

If your nonprofit has further questions or requires support, please contact them on Facebook.

Adding a donate button to your nonprofit's Instagram business account
To add a donate button to your nonprofit's Instagram business account:

1. Confirm that your nonprofit organization has taken the steps above to become eligible to fundraise on Instagram.
2. Go to your profile and tap .
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Business > Donations.
5. Tap  next to Add Donate Button to Profile.

If you're unable to find Donations, please update your Instagram app to the latest version.

Share with us, what does that mean for your organization? 

Feel lost at home with not much to do? Craving some romantic time with your partner? The new stay at home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic have turned normal life upside down. Having a date night at home be refreshing and be a nice change from the new everyday norms. Below we are sharing 7 of our favorite date night ideas to bring you and your partner closer and have a great time, at home!

4. Paint n Sip
Paint n Sip companies like Pinot's Palette and Painting with a Twist are now offering virtual paint n sip classes. Head to your local Walmart and grab some paint supplies and wine, and you're on your way to having a great date night!

5. Cooking Together
Choose a yummy recipe that you both would like to learn to make. Cook the meal together and enjoy it afterwards. You can opt to decorate the table with candles and flowers to set the mood!

6. At Home Salsa Lessons
Youtube has tons of free salsa lessons. This is a fun way to try something new and spice things up with your partner!

7. Relaxing "Spa" Day
Grab some relaxing spa goodies on your next trip to the grocery store. Offer each other couples massages, do some face masks, and soak in a tub full of bubbles! Maybe even a mimosa or two?!

It can be tricky to know what the first steps are when it comes to planning a wedding. There are many places you can start and a lot of resources you can look into, but let's be honest... it can be very overwhelming. Events Unleashed likes to start with our 10 questions for getting to know our client's and their wedding value. The following questions are a great baseline for getting to know your couple and understanding their overall wedding goals and values. If you are a bride or groom-to-be reading this post, welcome! These questions are a great start for planners and couples.

​#1: Tell me about you and your fiancé. How did you guys meet, strengths, things you like about each other?
Getting to know your couple and their story not only creates a more personal relationship, but gives you more insight to their goals and vision for their big day.

#2: What brings you to us and why do you find it valuable to have a planner in your corner? 
This question allows you to gain insight on how you're acquiring potential clients, and in return allows you to provide more insight about the value you can bring as a planner to the potential client.

​#3: What aspects of your event are most important to you (food, entertainment, timely start, attendance)?
Every couple is unique with what aspects of the wedding are most important to them. Finding out which are most important to each couple allows you to prioritize when creating the budget.

​#5: What are some of your current concerns related to your event and why?
Finding out your couples concerns allows you to talk them through the concern and help with a preliminary solution and/or suggestion. This allows you to show value upfront, while providing your potential clients some peace of mind.

​#6: Who is going to be the best point of contact for the services?
Establishing the point-of-contact upfront allows for better follow-ups and communication.

#7: What are some areas you feel you need expertise in?
Get to know the areas where your client feels like they need your help. This allows you to learn their expectations, learn what level of service they need from you, and establish a baseline for services.

#8: What is your budget and how have you allocated spending thus far?
It's important to understand your client's budget and what they have spent thus far. This will affect how budget management will go moving forward.

#9: What vendors are currently on your radar and why (cake, photography, venue)?
Asking this question allows you to learn what vendors your client is interested in and what vendors they may need your help in learning about/acquiring. 

#10: What would it take for us to earn your business?
Establish open communication to learn exactly what the client is looking for and how you can be a part of their dream day.

We hope our 10 questions for getting to know your client's and their wedding value helps you create better relationships, gain more insight, and plan more beautiful weddings. 

Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
​
#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #engaged #weddingplanning #florist #weddingplanneradvice #adviceforplanners #adviceforweddingplanners #adviceforengagedcouples  #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanning #weddingtipsandadvice

​Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.

Planning a wedding can be stressful... but planning your day-of timeline can be even crazier! Planning a day down the exact minute can be time-consuming and intimidating, but don't worry— Events Unleashed has your back. We're sharing our top tips on how to craft the perfect wedding day timeline! Be sure to download our FREE step by step guide on crafting your wedding day timeline at the end of this post.

Tips for Crafting Wedding Day Timelines

1. Start from scratch.
It may be tempting to download a blank template and fill in the blanks, but we recommend starting from scratch. Although sample templates are great to work from, every wedding has unique logistics. The last thing you want is to fill in a template that doesn't have a space for a special moment you wanted to incorporate— this can lead to having to restart or shift your timeline you've been working hard on, or forgetting to include the moment all together.
​
2. Remember to include the whole day. 
Sometimes we get so excited about laying out the details for the ceremony and reception, that we forget to include important times for the vendors such as your photographer and hair and makeup artists.

3. Decide on if you want to have a First Look.
First looks are a sweet intimate moment with you and your partner before the start of the ceremony. The photographer is present to capture all the feels. If you prefer to have you walking down the aisle being the first time you see your partner, this will create a different flow in your wedding timeline. Most couple portraits can be done during the first look if a couple chooses to partake in one. If they opt out of a first look, all portraits need to be taken after the ceremony, during cocktail hour.