Insite - by Event Architect by Event Architect

I LOVE lists.  Lists bring me comfort when I am stressed, focus me when I am distracted, and keep me productive when I am beat — lists help me to be successful.  Lists track progress, determine priorities and minimize redundant work.  Also, I make lists so that I can cross things off — so at the end of the day I have record of how I spent my time.  A secret — sometimes when I need to self motivate I include simple tasks on my list just so that I can cross them off quickly.  Silly I know, but it seems to work. 

Considering my passion for lists I am sure you will not be surprised to learn that I like Top 10, Top 50, and Top 100 lists too.  If someone goes to the trouble of narrowing something down to the top 10, it get’s my attention!  And so begins my blog series – "Katie’s Top 10."  

The Obamas' first official state dinner honoring India’s Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, starts in just a few hours. We’ve been following live updates and steaming video all day. The Obama Administration brought a breath of fresh air to Washington, and our industry can’t wait to see what this White House will whip up to show off their new style… while still remaining respectful of protocol, of course! 

Host to some of NYC's chicest and most exciting events such as the iconic New York Fashion Week, Bryant Park seemed like the perfect place for EA’s Business Development team to tour and spend some time brainstorming events we could develop in the space.  The coolest part of exploring this venue was finding some of the most unexpected and unique spaces that are perfect for a variety of events!  

We were inspired by so many different pieces of the Bryant Park puzzle. First, there are the elements that make it a community space, such as people of all ages interacting together while utilizing the chess boards, bocce courts and well-stocked outdoor children’s reading room. Then there are the natural elements of Bryant Park; the beauty of the greenery surrounded on three sides by the hustle of the city life and on the fourth by the history of the New York Public Library. And finally, Bryant Park has its own trendy, pop cultural side of it where you will find the tents that house New York Fashion Week and pop-up events such as the Southwest Porch. 

Who would have thought that the EA crew would be frequenting to Seattle as often as we have in the last few months? Fresh off a return a week ago, another EA team is traveling back to the city at the end of the week for a presentation. A couple weeks ago, I traveled with two of our Sales Managers, Kat Greis and Lucy Stratton, to attend the 2009 Microsoft Vendor Showcase in Redmond. While we were there for business, we didn’t miss an opportunity to take in the sights, culture, and of course, the tastes of Seattle. Be sure to check out highlights from Pike Place Market here. 

Leveraging a shrinking budget with donor demands and event expectations is a daunting task and scary reality for the majority of non-profit organizations planning fundraising events in this economic climate.

Some of our favorite clients have been facing intimidating facts while planning this year’s major fundraising events and galas. But due to their existing relationships with Event Architects, our team has helped them cut budgets (almost in half!) and attract more donors and thus donations than ever before!

Over the past few weeks, Event Architects executed the Chicago Children’s Museum “Be A Kid Again” Gala and the annual Red Hot Gala benefiting the Primo Center for Women and Children.

Read about how we tightened our belts and provided some savvy event solutions that didn’t challenge the integrity of the cause or the event.

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." 

    - Maya Angelou

At the heart of Event Architects is the spirit of giving back.  Creating and honoring relationships is viewed as a building block of our success.  In helping and caring for our clients, family and friends, many staff members go one step farther and help their communities in many different ways.  This post features a few Event Architects team members and their current volunteer contributions. Stay tuned for more blog posts about our volunteer work!

EA is so proud to have our own Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder Gabrielle Martinez featured in Crain's Chicago Business -- twice in the last 3 months! 

Who doesn’t look forward to the holidays? Lights, music, presents and parties! But if you’re the one tasked with planning your company holiday party, my guess is that you often end up feeling more like the Grinch then a kid on Christmas morning. From searching the city for venues and caterers to worrying about themes and entertainers, while all trying to fit it in to a budget that would even make “The Office’s” party planning committee laugh, you can easily get burned out and lose sight of the season.