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July 2010. Finally a Blog

July 20, 2010  
Filed under Allan Smithson Blog

 
Hello Everyone,
 
I know it’s been a long time since I posted a new blog entry, but technology doesn’t come without its challenges…Anyway, here is a fresh new post to keep you on your toes.
 
Suppliers are a vital part of any and every special event and that is why Lynn Fletcher of Lynn Fletcher Weddings Inc. chose to assemble a team of seasoned professionals to help put together one of the most breath taking weddings I have ever witnessed. From the Tent behind the house (which was situated on the Bow River) to the LED Lighting around the reception room to the amazing catering staff to the most spectacular DJ ever flown all the way from Toronto to Canmore, AB (ok, that was me with the shameless plug…you can laugh at me now LOL!).
 
BBP_0907Planning a wedding takes all of the technical competencies of planning a corporate event with a sensibility and compassion of a saint. We all have seen Bridezilla stories portrayed on television, so when assembling a team to pull off a wedding ceremony, reception and the most amazing party in two locations, it is important to trust that your suppliers will get it right.
 
So often, I have been a part of events where one link in the chain of the event is weak and the whole event suffers. Let me explain…
 
If the photographer is late, this means the seating of guests is delayed, the meal services is delayed, the serving staff are now working under unrealistic timelines to get the meal out on time. Then comes the after dinner entertainment (which is also delayed) and perhaps time runs out on a party just as it is reaching the peak of excitement. This happens all too often. I am sorry to photographers, I do not mean to single you out. My point is that ALL vendors and team members MUST do their job efficiently and effectively in order for the event as a whole to succeed.
 
D3A_5748There is a reason that event planners work with the same suppliers over and over again…TRUST! Why would you turn to a new supplier when the team you have worked with time and time again is successful at making your events run smoothly? 
 
So this is a lesson to suppliers that are looking for new business, Don’t push too hard for the business, your chance will come when another supplier messes up. Trust me that they will mess up and even if they have been working with a planner for a decade or more, “you are only as good as your last event” Keep the lines of communication with your prospects open. Volunteer on your ISES, MPI, PCMA, Tourism Board chapters and keep your visibility high to capitalize on the mistakes of others.
 
And for suppliers that already have the business, NEVER take your relationships fore granted and always treat each and every event like the very first one you did for the planner. That way, there is no chance of you ever getting replaced.
 
D3A_6409Now, here is a list of all the amazing suppliers that made this spectacular wedding in Canmore, AB so special…you all deserve recognition to being the best at what you do and for taking your role as part of the event seriously and performing to the top of your game. This is an example of everyone doing their job to the best of their abilities and creating that WOW Factor!
 
Event Production – Lynn Fletcher Weddings Inc, Photography – Buffy Goodman Photography

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Confetti for Everyone!

March 8, 2010  
Filed under Allan Smithson Blog

I was just reminded about The Special Event Show in New Orleans & how much fun it was when they blasted enough confetti into the air to cover the entire floor the size of 2 football fields!

Be Patient as we work through the image uploading…

In the meantime, check out this website for CONFETTI MADNESS!!

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My First Blog Post – Entertaining Ideas

March 3, 2010  
Filed under Allan Smithson Blog

Hello World!

First let me take the time to introduce myself.  My name is Alan Smithson and I am an Entertainer based in Toronto.  My hobbies include outdoor sports and long walks on the beach!  LOL!  So enough about me, let's talk about Entertainment shall we…

I am currently writing this from the "Art of Marketing" seminar at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Seth Godin (Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, Permission Marketing) was one of the keynote speakers.  Why am I writing about a speaker and not entertainment you ask?  Well because entertainment comes in all forms and good public speakers make for great entertainment.

Seth's 90 minute presentation came complete with Powerful Visuals, Great Commentary and Excellent Humour.  These are all elements to consider when looking for entertainment.  His presentation was 90% entertainment with 10% message and this is what makes him $75,000 per day!  I'm not saying that a speaker is always the best entertainment for every audience, but I want to get your mind thinking about relevant entertainment and how to ensure that when you consider unique entertainment for your next marketing event, meeting or special event, you get relevant entertainment that drives home or at the very least compliments your message.

This event is for Marketing Professionals so to have a Marketing Guru speak, it is pretty relevant.  Are your entertainment options going to help drive home your message?

Alan Smithson

Cell: 416-669-0610

Email: alan@starproductions.com

Facebook: Alan Smithson, Star Productions Inc., Pseudosonic

LinkedIn: Alan Smithson

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