Ringing in a "SHINY" New Year!

Welcome to "Feature Friday!"
This week's hot pick? SHINY DESIGN

A Happy New Year to all our C. Brower & Co Creative Events fans and Brower Power blog readers!  What better way to ring in the New Year than with a cool new product for your next event! Ready to impress your client with something special? Then look no further than the folks at SHINY DESIGN!

SHINY DESIGN creates tension fabric structures for special events, tradeshows, and interior architecture. SHINY focuses on their new product line using light-weight aluminum alloy framing structures, making pieces that are the lightest, smallest to ship, and most cost-effective in the industry. The products are high-quality creative shapes that can be purchased at their full-service e-commerce store, or over the phone. SHINY also has large custom capabilities, and can provide a range of possibilities for projects big and small.

Lisa Marks and Lindsay Karich, the owners of SHINY DESIGN, work together in their Brooklyn studio, making clients visions become reality for their various events. All the products can be printed on, projected on, or simply stretched, letting your event SHINE!

We asked Lisa how she and Lindsay got their start in the event's industry and here's what she had to say:

We were both formally trained in Product design. My training at Parsons School of Design where I now teach 3-D CAD modeling, and Lindsay's from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I focused on tension fabric for use in furniture and after working in furniture and accessories for a couple years, I moved on to work in tension fabric for events. Lindsay focused on Products for interior special design, and her interest in exhibit design made a natural fit for tension fabric. After working together in the industry, we decided to go it on our own, bringing our ideas for different materials into the marketplace, and thus SHINY DESIGN was born.

What does the Brower Power Design Team love about SHINY DESIGN?
Besides the fact they are fellow Brooklyn-ites, we love the fact that SHINY DESIGN products come pre-assembled with framing already within the fabric, allowing for easy pop-up construction. No more heavy lifting, no more confusing construction drawings, and all pieces come with a simple rigging kit! Can I get a whoot-whoot!

Here's my favorite SHINY DESIGN product. It's called Ribbons but i call it "the new red carpet". This is way cooler than your boring old red rope and stanchion. And what a way to start the WOW at your next event!

But with everyone cutting their decor budgets, can I really afford SHINY DESIGN products?
Yes! (Quit your belly aching.) You can afford SHINY DESIGN products!
SHINY DESIGN products are for purchase, not for rent! So designers get ready to expand your inventory for much less than what you've been paying to rent tension fabric products, now you can own these products and reuse and reuse for every event, increasing your profit margin!
 Not only are their price points fantastic and you will save money on the cost of the framed pieces, but their new lightweight structures save you hundreds on shipping!  You receive packages that are a manageable size and shipped in regulations boxes, so there are no more oversized charges for your shipping.
Prices start as low as $33 for a two foot ceiling treatment Circle, $172 for a fout foot Aperture Spot, $595 for printed six foot branded circle and can range up to $1843 for a 10 foot custom branded Infinity Hanging Sign.
 

 

Contact Info:
Email Lisa or Lindsay at: info@get-shiny.com
Phone: (888) 407-3998
Fax: (610) 616-2575
Website: www.get-shiny.com
Online store: http://www.shop.get-shiny.com/ 
Join them on Facebook, Twitter @ShinyDesign and Linked-In!

So what are you waiting for, GET SHINY and Let Your Event Shine, with SHINY DESIGN!!

Wishing you all much success in 2011, and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!!
Xoxo,
Christine & the Brower Power Design Team
at C. Brower & Co Creative Events

OctoberFETCH!

That's right!  I said October"FETCH", because this week's "Feature Friday" is a one of the country's largest dog-centered celebrations, Fido's Festival USA, with a theme of "OctoberFETCH", taking place at the Salem County Fairgrounds in Woodstown, NJ on October 9-10, 2010 from 10am - 5pm.  This two day, dog centered, fun filled community and family event is produced by none other than our good friend Kathleen DeLuca, CMP, CSEP of Events Plus Inc.  Kathy is the founder and owner of Events Plus Inc for the past 12 years but is a 30 year event and meeting planning guru!  She is also the Immediate Past President for the International Special Events Society (ISES).

So you thought planning a single day event was tough! 

Try planning and organizing a two day festival for over 7,000 attendees, jam packed with fun and entertainment all geared around man's (and woman's) best friend.  Fido’s Festival USA is unique in that it combines a themed special event, a trade show, and a doggie conference all in a fun-filled festival atmosphere.

This dog lovers delight includes fall theme dog contests, entertainment, celebrities, health & wellness seminars, training demonstrations, family activites, vendors, sled dog demos and dock diving, a halloween parade and more!  There are also camping options at the event for those who like to "ruff" it.

Event Highlights
Well-known trainer and casting director for Animal Planet’s “Dogs 101” Dawn Wolfe will be on hand as one of the judges for the Pick-of-the-Patch Talent Contest and will be observing dogs to find new talent for her company, Pawsitively Famous Animal Actors.  In addition, The National Canine Cancer Foundation’s Lure for a Cure will be offering High Performance Lure Course racing, which is rapidly becoming an exciting sport in which dogs of all sizes and breeds can participate. Other unforgettable demonstrations include Xtreme Weather Kennels who will demonstrate and talk about what makes a sled dog team and, weather permitting, watch their dogs run; Ultimate Air Dogs professional team returns with their dock diving shows and volunteers to help new divers learn to jump in; and Camp Bow Wow will have lots of play time equipment for all dogs to enjoy during the event.

Dog rescues and shelters attend the event providing attendees with the opportunity to adopt their very own full grown dog or puppy who need a loving home.  Kathy told me last year over 15 dog shelters were involved in the event!

As Fido's Festival USA celebrates its third year, we asked Kathy what inspired her to create the event. 
"This event was created to celebrate the joy and privilege of being a lovable dog --any dog-- family, stray, or orphaned, and to acknowledge their unique gifts and talents, not just full breeds. It is the first dog-centered event to be all-inclusive to canines."

Recap & Attendees Rates
What:  Fido's Festival USA presents "OctoberFETCH"
When:  October 9-10, 2010

Time:  10am -5pm
Where:  Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Route 40, Woodstown, NJ  (Exit 4 off I-295)
How much?: 

Advanced online tickets are $7 per person per day or $12 per person weekend pass.

Tickets at the gate are $10 per person per day or $18 per person weekend pass.

Children 12 and under and dogs are free!!

For more information about Fido's Festival USA, click here or contact one of the festival organizers:

Kathleen DeLuca, CMP, CSEP  kathy@fidosfestivalusa.com
Jackie Gordon  jackie@fidosfestivalusa.com
Andrew Fau  andrew@fidosfestivalusa.com

Hope to see you at the festival!!  No breeding papers required!  ;o)

To keep up with the latest and greatest Brower Power "Feature Friday" fun, join our blog or follow us on facebook and twitter!

Have an "event"-ful weekend!
Hugs,
Christine

An Eco-Friendly Out of the "Box" Product!

Welcome to "Feature Friday!" 

This week's hot pick?  Creative Custom Card Boxes!

There is no doubt that brides and Event Professionals love this product as Creative Custom Card Boxes was the winner of the 2009 Brides Choice Awards on WeddingWire, Featured in Eco Beautiful Weddings Magazine as an Editor in Chief's Pick  and soon to be on WE TV's Platinum Weddings!  These beautiful hand crafted card boxes, designed by mother-daughter team Marni Gold and Linda Protovin of River Edge, New Jersey, are the perfect way for brides to personalize their wedding.  But.....Creative Custom Card Boxes are not just for weddings!  They can be customized to fit any event theme such as Sweet 16's and Bat Mitvah's,  Baby Showers, Anniversary's and Non-Profit event functions. 

Each hand painted Card Box can be made to order in any color to match your event, with coordinating ribbon and optional embellishments such as Swarovski Crystals, pearls, feathers, and personalized logo plaques. They come in a square or round boxes (or a combination of both), and in 1 to 4 tiered options with dimensions of the boxes based on your overall number of guests.

We asked owner Marni Gold how the idea of Creative Custom Card Boxes came to be and here's what she said:

"I came to the wedding and party business in a slightly different way than many.  I'm a trained singer and experienced voice teacher who studied opera and musical theater in college, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University of Central Florida.  My performance career took me to Germany, England and Italy, where I was inspired to share my passion for music through teaching.  After attaining my Master's Degree in Education, I taught at the local high schools in New Jersey and now teach private voice lessons at a music school in New Jersey.

I was planning my wedding in 2008 and was searching for a unique and secure way to store gifts and cards at the wedding reception.  Frustrated with the gaudy, tacky, and just plain expensive options I came across, my mom and I decided to create an eco-friendly custom card box that was simple, elegant and understated that still corresponded with my wedding colors and theme.  This was a natural fit with both our years of entertaining and decor experience, and so the idea of Creative Custom Card Boxes was born!"

This mother-daughter team understands the importance of personalization and exchanges fabric swatches, photographs, and other items of importance with their clients for inspiration when designing the custom card boxes.  They also pride themselves in making sure their card boxes and other products remain as affordable as possible.  (But we'll get to price point later on in the blog!)

  

What does C. Brower & Co love about Creative Custom Card Boxes?
The Brower Power Design Team loves all the options and fine details offered by Creative Custom Card Boxes (and our fans know we are all about the details!), but we really love the fact that the creative artistry of these boxes are all Eco-friendly.  Each box is handcrafted out of heavy duty Eco-friendly recycled paper mache, then hand painted using durable acrylic paint.

How can I keep my cards secure during the event and how do I remove them afterwards?
The lid on the two tier box is actually glued shut, with ribbons securing both tiers in place.  Cards are retrieved through the back of the box and you have the option to add a free security closure for extra added security at your event.  You can request this feature when filling out your Design Specifiation Form during checkout on the website or you can call with your special request.

What other options and products does Creative Custom Card Boxes offer?

In addition to the 1 to 4 tier boxes, Creative Custom Card Boxes offers the "Guest Wishes" Guest Book Box.  It's an innovative new alternative to the standard guest book used at weddings and other social occassions, or the wish trees often used at non-profit events.  Guests fill out wish cards with their thoughts, feelings, best wishes and blessings for the guests of honor and insert them into the "Guest Wishes" box.  It echos the design of the Creative Custom Card Box, reflecting the colors and style of the event, but more importantly it makes a wonderful keepsake!    

  

In addition, hand crafted custom cake table decor letters and monogram cake toppers are available.  They are a beautiful and budget friendly way to give your wedding cake table or any part of your reception that little special touch.

 



Price Point?

Creative Custom Card Boxes prices are fantastic!  They range from as low as $60 - $125 with additional pricing for add-on embellishments.  Visit their website at http://www.creativecustomcardboxes.com/ for more information on embellishment options and to place an order! 

For additional questions about Creative Custom Card Boxes, contact Marni Gold at 888-315-9296 or info@creativecustomcardboxes.com. 

Can't get enough of seeing those beautiful card boxes? Follow them on facebook!

Oh....almost forgot!  Please join me in wishing Marni a very Happy Birthday today! 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Feature Friday!  So you don’t miss out on any future Brower Power Feature Friday fun, join our blog or follow us on facebook and twitter!

Have an “event”-ful weekend!!!

Hugs,

Christine

Tour the Town! Destination: RHNJ

Did you think we were just going to feature products and vendors on our "Feature Friday" and not share with you some cool events?   If you thought that you were wrong!  Of course we're going to keep you in the know of some of the latest and greatest happenings going on!

This week’s “Feature Friday” shares with our readers a super cool event coming up that we just learned about on facebook, so get ready to save the date, October 22, 2010.

Who out there is a RHNJ fan??

If you raised your hand you are going to love this event: The New Jersey Housewives Tour!

The New Jersey Housewives Tour is a motor coach tour of Northern New Jersey that will visit various locations made famous by the hit Reality TV Show “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” including local eateries, salons, homes and more. The full day tour includes a four course lunch at The Brownstone (no tipping over tables allowed Teresa fans!) as well as shopping at Posche!  And…..each attendee will receive a goodie bag of fun New Jersey related items.

What could be better than that?
The cost of this event is $95 but for a limited time there is a special rate of only $75.

How did this tour come about?
The show organizer, an independent event management company, lives and works in the area that the RHNJ is filmed and many of the places featured on the show are part of their everyday lives. Friends and family thought it was “cool” that they have their nails done at the same place featured on the show, or that they see many of the housewives around town. So many friends and family had asked to be driven around town when they visited and be shown the featured locations the idea for the tour was born!

If you would like to register for The New Jersey Housewives Tour, see the famous sites the RHNJ frequent, and have lunch at the Brownstone, click here to register for the event. For questions about the tour call 973-628-0007 or e-mail njhousewivestour@aol.com.  Dont forget to join the facebook page at The NJ Housewives Tour and chat with your fellow Housewives fans!
Hope to see you on the tour!

Hugs,
Christine

It's All About YouBooth!!

Welcome to our next segment of “Feature Friday!” This week’s hot pick is the YouBooth from 5th Avenue Digital.

What is a YouBooth, you ask?  

YouBooth is a new streamlined and modern version of the old-fashioned photo booth.  5th Avenue Digital has deconstructed the old kind of photobooth, taking away the walls so people can move around freely in front of the camera. It’s a great entertainment element for corporate or social events – fun, interactive, and instant gratification as guests can have their photos printed out instantly to take home! What a great party favor for guests to walk away with at your event!

Ummmm…. what happens if my guests leave and forget to take their photos?

No need to worry because the folks at 5th Avenue Digital have got that one covered! They can send you the links to all your event photos so your guests can have copies for their website or photo albums or just to share with colleagues, family and friends.

What does C. Brower & Co love about the YouBooth?

Besides the fact that its tons of fun (and our design and production team loves fun!), we love that the YouBooth is compact and attractive, just like a piece of modern furniture. It’s a beautifully varnished birch wood chest with a plexiglass top, roughly the height of an average adult. For event designers there is nothing worse than having your guests walk into an event tripping over tripods and large set ups and gadgets that stick out like a sore thumb. YouBooth takes care of all that mess and blends right in creating an aesthetically pleasing look that draws people in because all the elements (camera, printer, paper) are self contained in the booth, giving a clean silhouette. Unlike traditional photobooths, this one is free standing with no cramped seating to squeeze into. You just stand in front of it, press the foot pedal and voila! Out come your photos!!  Pretty cool, huh?

Corporate clients – listen up! Social clients –you too!

YouBooth is available with a custom photo template that allows for branding for corporate events, or commemoration for weddings, Mitzvah’s, Sweet 16’s or other social occasions. The photo format can also be customized and programmed to deliver a series of images – two, three or even six images per sheet, in color or black and white and branded with your logo or message. In addition, YouBooth images can be simultaneously shown on large screens around the venue so everyone can share in the fun! Check out the latest video of YouBooth in action at the New York Methodist event at LaVenue. YouBooth was such a big hit that its line was bigger than the one at the bar!

What else is so fab about YouBooth?

YouBooth comes with a great prop kit which allows people to do more than just stand there and pose for a photo. The props bring out a sense of play and silliness that makes for more fun and engaging photos. Props can include empty frames in various sizes and paper lips and mustaches for all the masquerading fun! But -- here is the best part about YouBooth that I love (and my team knows how impatient I can be!), YouBooth prints out photos within 10 – 15 seconds for instant gratification! And, no event is too big for YouBooth – this powerhouse of a machine is capable of printing 550 4x6 photos or 330 5x7’s before needing a change of paper so it can run for hours and hours unattended.

Can I afford YouBooth for my event?

You betcha! You don’t need a huge entertainment budget to have YouBooth at your event. It’s reasonably priced and provides such a great entertainment value for your event that you may even want to order two for your larger corporate or social event! 

I cannot wait to put YouBooth into my own client proposals!  To find out more about pricing, give my friends at 5th Avenue Digital a call at 212-741-6427. Owner Elizabeth Beskin and Director of Sales Beth Baynum will be very happy to assist you!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Feature Friday!  So you don’t miss out on any future Brower Power Feature Friday fun, join our blog or follow us on facebook and twitter!

Have an “event”-ful weekend!!!
Hugs,
Christine

Start the New Year right and get involved with WISH UPON A WEDDING tonight!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Year and I wish you all much love, peace, happiness and prosperity in 2010. It’s been a very busy past few months for C. Brower & Co Creative Events and we’re excited about the upcoming New Year and what it holds in store for us. We have lots of great news to share already!

First, I am thrilled and honored to announce I am a Finalist for Designer of the Year for the prestigious 2010 Event Solutions Spotlight Awards! Out of 500 applicants little old me is one of eight designers chosen as a Finalist! This is truly one of the proudest moments of my career. Voting is now open to the public so I hope you will all please take a moment, click on the link below, scroll down to Designer of the Year and vote for me! Please pass the word to all your friends and ask them to vote too!

Next, I’m excited to tell you all about an incredible non-profit organization I learned about called Wish Upon A Wedding. Their California Chapter is launching this month, with New York, Florida New Jersey and Chicago to follow in the upcoming months. I’m delighted to announce I will be serving on their New York Chapter Board of Directors as the Events Chair under Chapter President Sharon Naylor, author of over 30 wedding planning books.

I love, love, love the entire concept of this charity and what it stands for, and you will too!

Wish Upon A Wedding is America's only wedding wish granting organization. They grant weddings & civil union ceremonies at destinations across the US to couples facing life-threatening medical conditions, celebrating the courage & spirit of these couples. Their hope is that chosen recipients can inspire other couples facing similar situations to find hope and strength.

The organization was founded by Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants in California and its founding Board of Directors is a powerhouse of California’s finest wedding and business professionals. Recently Liz was interviewed by the Chicago Marriage Examiner to discuss Wish Upon A Wedding. Below are a few excerpts from the article:

How does it work? Please describe the process.

Guthrie: The application process includes an online submission form, where the couple tells their story, explains why they’re seeking assistance, a description of their illness, how long they have to live and proof from their doctors. The application also includes a photograph and a personal letter that is no longer than one page in length and describes their dream. Applications will not be accepted however until the organization’s launch in January 2010.

The founding chapter is located in Northern California and consists of a mix of wedding professionals and other prominent business people. We are currently establishing regional chapters across the country, each with its own board of directors (11 different volunteers). Wish Upon a Wedding will grant weddings and civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States.

When a wish application is received for a certain part of the country, the wish will be forwarded to that regional chapter. It is then up to the regional chapter and their board of directors to execute the wedding planning process. That regional chapter will then call upon their database of volunteers (known as “Wish Granters”) to put together a wedding for the applicant.

Each chapter will maintain a database of “Wish Granters,” based on 20 different wedding vendor categories:

•Wedding Planner- will oversee all aspects of wedding coordination, including timeline creation, ceremony choreography, and will work with volunteer coordinator and all vendors to ensure a smooth wedding and reception
• Wedding and Reception Venue - site where wedding and reception will take place
• Caterer - will provide basic meal for wedding reception - no alcohol
• Rental Company - will provide basic rental of tables, chairs, linens, china, flatware, glassware, etc.
• Photographer - will provide basic, four-hour wedding day photography package
• Videographer - will provide basic, four-hour wedding day video package
• Cake Designer - will provide basic wedding cake
• Gown Shop - will provide basic wedding gown
• Tuxedo Shop - will provide basic grooms’ tuxedos or suits, if preferred
• Limo Company - will provide four hours of wedding day transportation for couple getting married.
• Officiant - will conduct the custom ceremony, based on couple’s desires
• Hair - will do couples’ hair for wedding
• Makeup Artist - will do couples’ makeup for wedding
• Stationery Designer/Printer - basic invitations, ceremony programs, menus, escort cards and table numbers
• Florist - will provide basic flowers: bouquet, corsages, bouts and centerpieces for reception
• DJ - will provide music and audio needed for ceremony and reception
• Musicians - will provide music for ceremony
• Jeweler - will provide basic wedding bands
• Hotel - will provide up to four rooms for two nights for couple and immediate family or loved ones
• Miscellaneous Entertainment based on couples’ wishes, i.e., caricature artist, photo booth, magician, etc.

NOTE* The term BASIC to be defined on a case by case basis.

Sometimes that may mean the ceremony will take place in a hospice or at a hospital bedside. If the applicant is healthy enough to be married at a wedding venue, Wish Upon a Wedding will make it happen. Wish Upon a Wedding will also fly up to four family members or loved ones in to the city the wedding is to be held in. If the couple wishes to marry outside of the area they live in, and the request is reasonable, Wish Upon a Wedding will do everything it can to get the couple to their destination of choice.

What separates your non-profit from others that may be designed to carry out similar functions?

Guthrie: There is no other organization in the country specifically designed to grant wedding wishes to terminally ill patients. Wish Upon a Wedding is filling a unique void, relying on the generosity of wedding professionals’ donated time and services.

Our design team at C. Brower & Co Creative Events cannot wait until the New York Chapter launches so we can get started! It’s clear to us this is a great labor of love started by Liz and her founding Board members, so we hope to help spread the word about this organization to everyone. If you are interested in becoming part of the Events Team in the New York Chapter of Wish Upon A Wedding, please feel free to contact me at christine@cbrowerandco.com. If you are interested in joining any of the chapters or forming a chapter in your local area, please contact Liz Guthrie at liz@sanjoseweddingconsultants.com. She also is accepting donations of money, volunteers wishing to be on the “Wish Granter” database/list and committee members.

So get out there, start the New Year off right, spread the word and get involved with Wish Upon A Wedding tonight!

Oh, and don't forget to vote for me for Designer of the Year too!

Hugs, kisses and lots of New Year Wishes!
Christine