Signature Cocktails in the Age of the Sober Curious Movement

I’m planning events for the Fall, and this year, I’m considering Signature Cocktails—and, signature mocktails.

I polled my LinkedIn audience about their favorite liquor for a signature cocktail/limited bar menu event. Overwhelmingly, the answer was Vodka, followed by Whiskey and Tequila. In an open bar that serves beer, wine and a signature drink, a vodka-based beverage seems to be the winner—though I’d recommend polling your audience or looking at your previous bar tabs to see what was purchased the most.

Besides being crowdpleasers, both vodka and tequila beverages are easy to make into ‘virgin’ drinks, or what we now call ‘mocktails.’

Beth LawrenceSeptember 17, 2024Comment

Designing Effective Sponsorship Packages for Events and Conferences

One of the things I work on most with Clients is refining their sponsorship decks. As event organizers, we know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to designing sponsorship packages, but it can feel exhausting trying to create custom sponsorship packages for each event or potential partner.

In getting down to the nitty-gritty of event sponsorship, it appears that two of the more popular offerings that I see in sponsorship decks, speaking opportunities and experiential or activation opportunities, are all but inconsequential to our potential partners.

Event Sponsorship Tips, Event PlanningBeth LawrenceSeptember 13, 2024Comment

The Case Against Serving Decaf Coffee at Conferences and Events

Photo by Jakub Dziubak on Unsplash

With the rise of food and beverage costs, event planners like myself who manage multi-day conferences and conventions are looking for ways to save, while still offering a wonderful experience to their guests.

Thankfully, I’ve had wonderful experiences with the hotels for my Fall events, and one suggestion that a Conference Services Manager made stopped me in my tracks.

Event Budgets, Event PlanningBeth LawrenceSeptember 6, 2024Comment

What James Beard Foundations' Climate Impact Survey Results Tell Us About Rising Food Costs in Event Planning

Photo by Or Hakim on Unsplash

Are you an event planner, meeting planner or event host who is noticing an uptick in catering, food and beverage pricing? Well, you are not alone.

I was scrolling through Instagram a few weeks ago when I noticed the James Beard Foundation had conducted a survey of chefs on the effects of Climate Change on being able to deliver to their clients. Not surprisingly, they shared stories of temporary shut-downs due to weather-related disasters; increased prices on the items that event planners creating menus want the most; and less ability to source ingredients, among other consequences.

Event Budgets, Event PlanningBeth LawrenceSeptember 6, 2024Event BudgetingComment

50 Top Voices in Events to Pay Attention To, Including Me, Beth Lawrence CMP!

When I received an email last week stating that I was named one of 50 Top Voices in Events to Pay Attention To by Gather Voices, I was elated. Then, when I examined my fellow ‘classmates,’ I could not believe I was considered among these true powerhouses in the Event Planning and Hospitality world!

Press Mentions, NewsBeth LawrenceSeptember 5, 2024News, AwardsComment

New Certification: Event Psychology Strategist!

If you have been able to see any of my interactions on LinkedIn over the years, you know that I am a huge fan of Victoria Matey. As an Event Psychology Strategist, she has always shared tips on how to, quite simply, build better events. From programmatic changes to an increase in the amount of down time, her tips have always made me think more strategically about my approach to program design and the logistics that make it happen.

On August 27th, I was honored to be among the class of Event Professionals who became certified in Event Psychology! I learned so many invaluable lessons during the virtual seminar (and had a lot of fun, as well!)

Guest Experience Tips, NewsBeth LawrenceAugust 28, 2024Comment

The Type A+ Podcast Season 3 Episode 10: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and How to Turn Belief into Action with Brandyn Campbell, DEI Expert

This week, DEI Expert, speaker, educator, consultant, and entrepreneur Brandyn Campbell joins Beth for a critical conversation about her decades-long journey in this industry, her personal experiences, and her tips for beginning, continuing, and sustaining your support of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in your homes, communities and workplaces.

PodcastBeth LawrenceJune 18, 2024Comment

The Type A+ Podcast Season 3 Episode 9: There is Always a Solution with Kristine Fisher, Procurement and Contracting Expert

This week’s guest, Kristine Fisher, takes us through her vast and impressive career, balancing time in both the Private and Public Sectors with her roles as a mom, wife, daughter, adventurer, artist, and community supporter. She shares her advice on finding a support system in every season of your life, and why it’s important to have both mentors and coaches in your network.

PodcastBeth LawrenceMay 16, 2024Comment

The Type A+ Podcast Season 3 Episode 8: How to Create Educational Tools People Will Actually Use, for Big Impact & Big Income with Parchelle Tashi

In this dynamic episode of The Type A+ Podcast, host Beth Lawrence sits down with Parchelle Tashi, The Go-To Learning Producer, Founder of The Author’s Leverage, and multidimensional entrepreneur.

PodcastBeth LawrenceMay 2, 2024Comment

The Type A+ Podcast Season 3 Episode 7: How to Become a Powerful Public Speaker with Kerry Barrett

In this dynamic episode of The Type A+ Podcast, host Beth Lawrence sits down with Kerry Barrett, an Emmy award-winning Broadcast Journalist and Public Speaking coach, to delve into the art (and science) of public speaking.

PodcastBeth LawrenceApril 5, 2024Comment

Event Planner Blog