When you’re planning an incentive trip, how do you announce to the winners that they just won a trip of a lifetime?
This would be a great and memorable way.
You could add elements specific to your destination. Any winner would be pumped up to get something like this in the mail.
{all images via Amanda Jane Jones – Graphic Designer}
When creating a menu for your next corporate event and you are serving breakfast – I have a challenge for you. Do something DIFFERENT! Breakfasts don’t have to be the same thing day in and day out. That gets really old and definitely boring. Get with the chef and start brainstorming options. Remember – breakfast doesn’t have to be boring…continental breakfasts don’t have to be boring either.
How about some mini fruit parfaits?
Some mini pancakes…or even mini pigs in a blanket.
Juice that’s NOT in silver pitchers! Think of some unique twists on juice. Don’t do the standard. How about Blueberry White Grape or Orange Mango or Pomegranate Lemonade.
Or making cereal fun!! No one needs the individual boxes. Create a cereal bar.
Or some seasonal donuts (pumpkin for Fall). Yummy!!
What have you done to add some pizzazz to your breakfast buffets?
image 1, image 2, image 3, image 4, image 5
Well this property was a delight and I actually can’t wait to see it in a few months…because they will be renovating. The property sure doesn’t look like it needs it – but from what they are telling me, it’s going to be even better. To say I’m excited is a bit of an understatement.
The JW Marriott is located in San Francisco in the Union Square area. Convenient to shopping, the theater, corporate businesses and mass transit.
Formally the Pan Pacific, my recollection of the Pan was that the lobby was very dark. That is most definitely not the case now. Take a peek below…
Lobby & Networking Space
And I LOVE this space right off the lobby. If you need space for one off meetings – this is ideal. You can even hook up your laptop to the large flat screen. GENIUS!! Or if you just want to network – the bar is on the other side of the wall.
Unique Networking Space
Of of the things I remember about the Pan Pacific was the valet button in the sleeping rooms. You could just press the button and someone would contact you…I need more towels or can I get a glass of pinot. Well, I’m happy to report – the valet buttons are still in the sleeping rooms. YAY! Oh – and yes…someone does contact you when you press the button.
The sleeping rooms are nicely appointed. All have flat screen TV’s, the super functional desks that you can move around, a nice sitting area and of course a great bathroom.
Sleeping Rooms and Bathroom
The hotel had a large group in house that was using the bulk of the space, so I was only able to see a breakout room. They have a few different options for space. The main level is more traditional space. There is also meeting space on the top floor (the concierge lounge is on this floor as well) with views of the city. I wasn’t able to see this space, but I did peep my eye through the peep hole and…it was great. I can just picture a fabulous reception or dinner happening here.
When I was looking at the meeitng space…they had breakfast set up. I have to tell you I was so excited to see this…
They SEPARATE their fruit
I know – might seem weird….but I can’t stand basic fruit platters or even the fruit salad look. I like different shaped bowls and I want to be able to take the fruit I want and not pick it out or waste it. They scored a few points here!!
The details::
sleeping rooms – 337
suites – 8
meeting space – 11,000 square feet
no. of meeting rooms – 19
largest meeting room – 4,352 square feet
This hotel gets 3 ROARS
With Fall coming brings cooler temperatures (unless you live in the Bay Area and Mother Nature can’t quite decide if it’s Fall or an Indian Summer), we tend to crave comfort foods.
When your planning your menus for your receptions, remember that comfort food can be a welcome surprise to your guests. Many are so accustom to fancy appetizers that when they are servied something that they recognize, it brings a smile to their face.
So for your next corporate event – give it a try.
If you like what you see, make a copy of it. When you meet with the caterer or chef at the venue, show them. I’m sure they would love to see these ideas. It will help them get their creative juices flowing.
Here are some great options to incorporate into your events.
Image via Pinterest
Image via Pinterest
Image via Spoon Fork Bacon
Image via Peter Callahan Catering
Credits: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4
When you think about Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Touristy? I know it does for me. Also busy…and noisy.
Well – to my delight, the Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf is just that…a DELIGHT.
The hotel is located a couple of blocks inland from Fisherman’s Wharf so accessibility to the area is so easy. The famed Boudin Bakery is literally just down the street. If you only had your nose as a guide – you would be led right to it.
The hotel is housed in a very non-discript building, but when you enter – well that is a completely different story. They recently underwent a $33MILLION yes MILLION dollar renovation. It’s bright, airy and oh so sophisticated. I’m absolutely drawn to the color scheme. I told my sales contact that it reminded me of a beach resort. The tans, blues and whites leave you with a crisp and clean feeling. This carries through to their meeting space as well as guest rooms. {fyi: when I entered their guest rooms, my jaw dropped and the words WOW came out of my mouth}
The hotel has a coffee/wine bar, fire pits with outdoor seating and a restaurant that is open for breakfast.
The details:
531 guest rooms (the majority are double double bedded rooms)
16 meeting rooms
20,000 square feet of meeting space
The ideal meeting:
This hotel is perfect for groups wanting to be in San Francisco, but needing value. Sales Meetings, Team Meetings, and Associations would be a great fit for this property.
Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.
Front Desk
Coffee Bar/Wine Bar
Outdoor Fire Pits
Meeting Room {columns}
Section of Ballroom
Small Breakout
Mezzanine {dining option}
Outdoor Space
Double Double Room
Double Double Workspace
This property is a winner in my eyes. Interested? Give us a call.
This hotel get’s 3 ROARS
Are you familiar with Rosewood Hotels? Their hotels and resorts are truly stunning with locations all over the world.
The Carlyle in NYC, Mansion on Turtle Beach in Dallas, Cordevalle in San Martin, CA just to name a few in the US. They have just recently opened the Rosewood Hotel Georgia – and I don’t mean in Atlanta. The Mansion on Peachtree is in Atlanta. The Rosewood Georgia is in Vancouver.
I’ve been to several Rosewood properties and their level of service is amazing and the accommodations are stunning. I have not been to the Hotel Georgia, but it is definitely on my list of “must see properties.”
This legendary hotel reopened in July of 2011 and features 156 guest rooms, the Rosewood Spa and signature restaurant by Chef David Hawksworth. It’s also received AAA Four-Diamond.
With a little under 6,000 square feet of meeting space, this property would be ideal for high-end executive level meetings and retreats.
Deluxe Room
Deluxe Bath
The hotel is offering groups some value-adds if you book an event of 10 or more rooms by December 31, 2011 and consome by March 31, 2012. Groups can chose any 5 of the following concessions:
Have I peaked your interest? If so – let us know. We’d be happy to assist. You could not go wrong with a Rosewood property.
~ Caryl
Introducing Bite Size Fridays!
Every Friday I’m going to be sharing interesting food or ways to present food that will get your attendees and guest talking and coming back for more!
These images are via Peter Callahan Catering and his new book Bite by Bite and they are OHHHH so fun!
What are you serving up at your events?
Mini Caprese Salad
Mini Tacos & Margaritas
Mini Fried Chicken + Baby Bottles of Rum & Coke
I recently visited the Argonaut San Francisco, a Kimpton property.
This property is located by Fisherman’s Wharf. I like the area because it’s on the end (well, or the beginning – depending on the direction you are headed) of the busy area.
The hotel is located near Ghiradelli Square and across the street from the Maritime Museum. Some of the rooms have lovely views of the Golden Gate Bridge. What is nice about Kimpton properties is they make every effort to stay true to the original building. This hotel was originally the historic Haslett Warehouse at the Cannery. There was tons of exposed brick and I love they they kept that intact.
When you are looking at meeting space – is one of the first questions that comes to mind…does the room have pillars? Are you immediately turned off if it does?
Why not use the pillars to your advantage? I know in some instances – it’s almost impossible. But if you incorporate them into your design – you just might be pleased with the result.
So you might ask – how would I use them to my advantage when these huge contrete things are staring me in the face?
1. Bring in branding and graphics
2. Add factoids about the product and get the conversations going
3. Actually call attention to them and create a team building exercise – think of Where’s Waldo
4. Just add color
5. Use it as stage elements and create a natural stage
How have you incorporated pillars into your events? Or have you just told the hotel person – this room just won’t work?
Check out these uses…
Incorporate into Reception Space
Facts about the Product
Branding in the Registration Area
Enhance Entrance to the Breakout Sessions
Joint Branding
How many of you have been able to have a meeting at L’Auberge Del Mar? I know – it’s one of those places you just dream about and are completely envious when hearing of someone having an event there. Well now might be your chance…
Before I get to the amazing offer…I thought I would tease you with some eye candy.
Here are some important details about the property:
12o Guest Rooms
6 Meeting Rooms ~ 15,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor space
Spa L’Auberge
Kitchen 1540, Bleu Bar & Waterfall Terrace
This property would be perfect for an executive level meeting or domestic incentive.
L’Auberge Del Mar is offering PERK + POINTS!
Serious perks from Fall 2011 through Spring 2012. Book by October 31st and they’re all yours…
*blackout dates apply and valid on new business and not previously contracted groups. 2011 rates available through 12/31/11. 2012 rates available through 3/31/12.
Have I peaked your interest? Give ROAR a shout and we will make this happen for you!
ROAR events was conceived as a hands-on event marketing agency that brings it's clients all the benefits of experience, expertise and relationships without sacrificing personal attention and client service.
