BizBash New York 2010: “You’re Only As Good As Your Last Event”

The meeting and event planning industry A-listers from the New York metropolitan area took over the Jacob Javitz Center in Manhatten yesterday for the 10th anniversary of the BizBash Expo.  As a 2nd year veteran, I’m delighted to report that once again BizBash delivered a solid line-up of educational seminars, keynote speakers, special presentations and the latest trends from some of the top vendors on the east coast.

The first highlight of the day came from the Expo’s opening entertainment act from BongarBiz.  The retro-flavored percussive performers called The Street Beat, featured drummers and break dancers  in an exciting, rhythmic celebration of energy, sound and movement.  This would be an excellent “dinner & a show” performance option for your holiday gala or special event this season if you are looking to bring in something fun and unique to the planning committee.

From an educational and insight standpoint, you can now call me a fan of Jennifer Gilbert.  She gave the keynote presentation for the morning session and definitely struck a few chords with the audience.   Jennifer is the founder of Save The Date, an exclusive event planning firm whose impressive clientele includes the Bill Gates Foundation, Oprah Winfrey and NewsCorp.

In a very cool, Inside The Actors Studio-esque interview on the main stage with BizBash Media President, Richard Aaron, Gilbert gave the attendees a sneak peak into her work ethic, personal philosophy and entrepreneurial spirit.  A few of her quotable quotes included; “I can have it all, I just can’t do it all myself” when speaking about the importance of delegation, -and with regards to what I consider to be the gospel of anti-complacency… “You’re only as good as your last event.”   Love it!

I think my favorite part was when she mentioned how she wouldn’t hesitate to bend down and scrape the gum up off the floor at an event if she’s the first one from her team to notice it.  That’s called keeping it real.  For someone whose been featured on The Real  Housewives of New York, this anti-diva attitude was pretty refreshing.

Jennifer also reminded the packed auditorium about being patient and looking at the big picture if you want to be successful and have longevity in the event planning business…   “Today’s 20 person dinner is tomorrow’s 3000 person meeting.”

When I look back on how my company secured its signature level clientele like Allen & Company and Samsung Electronics, her assessment served as an invaluable reminder to consistently give it your all… because you never know who’s watching you work.

Another reaffirmation nugget came from renowned chef, Thomas Preti, during a catering trends forecast symposium later in the afternoon.  Preti, who did his apprenticeship at the famous  Fountainbleau Hotel in Miami and then had a stellar career as Exectuive Sous Chef at the prestigious Plaza Hotel in New York, co-founded his own catering company; Events to Savor.   In addition to sharing a few entertaining stories about personalizing menus with signature drinks, immaculate attention to detail and creating a connection source for the guests throughout an event; Preti had lots of attendees nodding their  heads in agreement when he said… “It’s very important for a guest to be a part of the party, not just at the party.” This is something that I stress to all of my clients during the design session.

I spent the next 2 hours networking on the on the exhibit floor.  There was a brand new crop of innovative and distinctive vendors that I’ll be pursuing strategic partnerships with in the near future so that the Celebrate Life team here at MMP can continue to bring our clients the best that the special events and mobile entertainment industry has to offer.

The following companies and representatives were either offering exceptional products, locations, customer service or noteworthy ideas that were causing mini traffic jams in the aisles;

Karina Granin from City Blossoms European Floral Boutique, Liz Lehman and Mark Leighton from Cafe Metro, Allison Duval, Angela Ortiz and Julie Miller from The Foundry, Alex from Screaming Queens, Rolando Espinoza from Champagne Creative Group, Shelly Diamond from BML Blackbird, Marc Weiss aka DJ Chef, Richard Fertig from Brilliant, Laurie Stolowitz and Matthew David Hopkins from 360 Design Events ltd., Amanda Villarosa amd Landa Kinder from  Gruber Photographers, Randall Richardson from Abigail Kirsch and Tina Volz-Bongar from Bongarbiz Surprise Industries.

Weddings of Distinction: Marcello Attends Premier Tour of The Ashford Estate

Chances are if you haven’t heard about The Ashford Estate yet, it’s only a matter of time.   Exclusive venues like Bonnet Island Estate, Pleasantdale Chateau and Mallard Island Yacht Club have gotten most of the attention from discerning brides looking for private locations that feature tasteful opulence and exquisite attention to detail… Now, courtesy of visionary founder Chris Vernon’s latest masterpiece, The Ashford Estate is being offered to those fortunate enough to experience its grandeur.

Through the majestic gates upon entry yesterday afternoon, guests drove up the tree-lined pasture of the Allentown multi-acre estate enjoying the beautiful fall foliage that NJ natives cherish.   After a stroll though the grounds including a stop at the Conservatory, Reflections Pool, Library, English Gardens and Floating Gazebo, Vernon welcomed his guests in the Chapel. He moderated a brief creative counsel and officially introduced Weddings of Distinction to the V.I.P wedding professionals in attendance. Among the many industry notables were Kathi Evans from All The Best Celebrations and Erik Kent from NjWedding.com.

Like our Signature Event level offerings with entertainment and event production,  Weddings of Distinction is a concept that encompasses the finest in locations, hospitality and customer service that New Jersey has to offer. Stay tuned for the recap of the Signature Corporate Event that Jason Jani and I produced for the New Jersey School Board Association at The Palace at Somerset Park which took place on Tuesday.

The tour continued with a delectable dinner social back in the Conservatory with stations from Main Street, passed hors d’oeuvres by Merri-Makers and some refreshing mixology courtesy of Marsilios. We made our way up and throughout the tri-level mansion to get a sneak peak at the well-appointed guest rooms and simply divine bridal suite.  Each room features its own unique decor and personal touch of design pleasure.  Our excursion’s denouement took place at The Ashford’s Grand Ballroom.   From the graceful lines of the chiavari chairs to the well-thought out floor plan to the customized Fennelli lighting,  it’s a visually stunning combination of sophistication and luxury.

Naturally, The Ashford Estate, or a Wedding of Distinction at Bonnet Island is not an inexpensive proposition. Expect to invest upwards of $25,000 for the property rental alone in peak season.

For those who appreciate cachet, beauty, talent, experience, rarity or historical significance, you already know about  investments deemed priceless. Most brides and readers of this blog agree that a once- in- a-lifetime event falls under that category.

Ashford’s official website and facebook page will launch at years end.  Until then, for additional photos or to set up a private tour and design session at the Ashford, Bonnet or any of the Weddings of Distinction properties, contact me at your earliest convenience @ 732-547-1677 and we’ll set it up with the WD team.

Special thanks to Chris, Kathi, Ginny, Steve, Maggie and Meghan for their genuine warmth and hospitality.   The possibilities for future collaborations are very exciting.   -mp

ProMobileDJ.com Gives Nod to the MMP Entertainment Blog

The MMP Entertainment and Event Production Blog continues to receive positive reviews for its content and presentation. Thanks to my good friend and prominent industry writer, Stacy Zemon, for the mention and photo feature on her new site, ProMobileDJ.com. Kudos to my friend and Signature Event collaboration partner, Jason Jani…  his Sound Connection Blog was deservedly put into the spotlight as well.   With over 100 entries,  MMP’s Blog continues to inform and inspire readers with ways to relieve stress, stay healthy and celebrate life.

Jacob’s V.I.P Lounge at the Assembly East Hill

Jacob’s celebration was the fourth Lefcourt family Bar Mitzvah that we had the honor of providing the entertainment and event production for.  I teamed up with Jacob’s mom, Robyn, from concept to completion to help bring her vision to life. She wanted the Lefcourt family to celebrate with style and tastefully give the established Assembly location a dash of youthful fervor and a sprinkle of night club ambiance.   As you can see from the smile on Jacob’s face during the grand entrance and from Robyn’s personal feedback on her video testimonial at the bottom of this entry, the Celebrate Life team delivered in fine fashion once again.

Robyn and I had the pleasure of collaborating with Jeff Fruman from Balloon Artistry and Barbara & Jack Koumbis of the Assembly.  Together,  we designed an afternoon of hospitality, decor, cuisine and entertainment that Jacob and his family and friends will always remember fondly.

Some of the event highlights included a Jazz Trio and a Coney Island photo booth for the adult cocktail hour.  Jacob and his friends had a private V.I.P section which was located in separate room of the Assembly.  (they needed a special V.I.P bracelet from Emilio, the bouncer, to get in).   This interactive portion of the celebration featured a DJ Hero tournament, the Paparazzi Challenge and MMP’s  famous pop-culture Game Show. As always, this portion of the event is designed to engage the guests and to warm them up for the reception.  It’s a like an exclusively entertaining and crucial opening act; it sets the tone and vibe for the rest of the celebration.  If your guests walk into the reception in a great mood, with a smile and ready to party, the odds are stacked in your favor.

*The Coney Island photo booth was rolled into the ballroom after the cocktail hour so the guests could continue to enjoy this uber-popular interactive and also so no one had to go back outside.  Ideally, you want all of your guests and all of the positive energy to stay inside the ballroom during your reception. Our photobooth technician also knows to temporarily pause operation during specific times like the candlelighting, motzi and special dances.

Upon entry to the reception, the Lefcourt guests were treated to L.E.D Lightscaping, modern balloon-art centerpieces, personalized visuals and an over-all chic-lounge atmosphere.  Jacob and his family and friends did not hesitate to put on their boogie shoes and get down tonight. (even though it was only 2:30 in the afternoon)

The rest of event was filled with dancing, sentimental moments, laughter, great conversation and wonderful memories.  Our candid photo specialist, Mike, captured many of these moments as part of MMP’s multimedia package.  The photos are taken throughout the event and featured on our dual plasma screens for the guests to enjoy during the main course and dessert.  After the event, all of the photos, including digital copies of the Coney Island pictures are given to the host as a keepsake. A select few are featured below.

Best wishes to Robyn, Jonathon, Hannah, Jacob, Grandpa Ron and the entire Lefcourt family.  We wish you all of the health and happiness that life has to offer.  Mazel Tov!

Encore Gallery:

Young Forever: Marcello Returns to The Park Avenue Club with Eggsotic Events for Evan’s High Roller Bar Mitzvah Celebration

When I asked Evan which song he’d like to choose for the dance with his mom he said, “Forever Young by Bob Dylan.” From that point on at the consultation, I knew his Bar Mitzvah was going to have a retro-cool vibe and a relaxed, yet modern-elegant flair.  And it did.

The Park Avenue Club is an ideal event space because of its posh tent ballroom.  With the right decor and entertainment, 10 year veteran catering director extraordinaire, Jennifer Shin, will help you transform the club into any theme or concept that suits your fancy.  Really.  It’s like a fresh white canvas for a seriously gifted artist.

For Evan and his friends, their extended cocktail hour featured 3 Texas Hold’em tables, a green screen photo booth, the interactive game show, paparazzi and 2 table-top arcade games.  The guest list was heavy on the boy’s side so the idea was to keep them busy, entertained and out of trouble. Mission accomplished.  We added four beautiful female dancers from the MMP team as well to raise the estrogen level a bit.  The boys seemed very appreciative that Tara, Chrissy, Mindy and Kelly were there to keep them company.

After the adults were finished with their cocktails in the club’s ultra-swank loft that boast’s cathedral ceilings, a grand piano and the ability to check on the kids at their leisure; they joined us downstairs for the reception.  (Some of our interactives, like the game show, are so much fun, many of the adults “checked on their kids” for more than a few minutes and played a couple of  rounds.)

Evan’s mom and dad, Amy and Richard, wanted a cool mix of tradition and avaunt-garde for their reception.  This was evident upon entry by the hybrid decor and vogue dress code, and then later by the deliciously-efficient menu.  Guests entered Evan’s VIP Lounge and liked what they saw.

It was filled with L.E.D lightscaping, custom furniture pieces and unique table-top arrangements to tie the total look of the room together.  The artist behind the design and decor was Eglis Matiss, from Eggsotic Events; a consumate professional with a crew to match.  For the Signature Event ambiance, we created personalized visuals and Evan’s monogram which displayed on our dual plasma screens throughout the evening.  Instead of a 3 course sit down, dining consisted of open stations that offered Park Ave’s finest fare.    As always, I worked closely with Jennifer in advance to create a production agenda.  This time-line ensures that the pacing of the event is comfortable, yet practical, and that all of the guests can enjoy the dining and entertainment in a seamless fashion.  Things couldn’t have run any smoother.

Kudos to Evan’s older brother Matthew and his younger brother Josh, they added a lot of positive energy to the celebration.  Judging by the amount of time Josh spent on the dance floor and how much he enjoyed being up in the chair during the hora, his Bar Mitzvah will be an exceptional event as well.

Special thanks to Wendy Robinson for sharing some of her photography for this article.  Wendy and I are both recommended at some of NJ’s finest venue’s like the Orange Lawn Tennis Club.  She and her partner David were a pleasure to work with and they were always in the right place at the right time.

Per usual, my sincere gratitude goes out to Jennifer Shin and the entire Park Ave team for their professionalism and hospitality.  It’s an honor to be referred by such an impressive location.  I’m looking forward to our next collaboration.

Below are some of the candid shots that we took during the event that displayed on the plasmas when the stations were opened and later when dessert was served.  This is still one of the most sought-after services we offer; people love to see great photos of themselves on the big screens! It also makes everyone feel included in the celebration and always sparks some up-beat table conversation.  In addition, we give the host family a copy of all the pictures so they can add them to their event memorabilia.  Between Wendy’s professional shots and our paparazzi-style candids, you’ll never miss a moment of your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

After the event, Amy and Richard also took a quick moment to let us know if we succeeded in keeping Evan and his friends entertained.  

Encore Gallery:

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