Boomset Blog

What’s black & white and prints custom name badges? Why, the latest upgrade to the Boomset system, of course!

We’re using the latest Zebra desktop printers—and maybe they aren’t black and white, but they sure do print a nice badge. We offer a roll of pre-printed templates complete with your company or client’s logo in color, and then you can click on over to the Boomset Badge Editor to customize the name badges for your event.

We printed a few badges this week to spread some #eventprofs appreciation to a select few event professionals. On the reverse we snuck in a gift card for a java break; we know you event planners need your coffee-fix and you deserve to take a few minutes to yourself!

When the lovely Marsha Thompson contacted us, we had to take a peek at her venues. Rosette is one of our favorites, not only for the decor but for the gorgeous photos of the delicious menu items. We’re not sure of what exactly is going on in this particular dish below, but we are heading there soon to taste test:

Located on the LES, you can enjoy an intimate night out or book a private event with long communal dining tables or take advantage of the booth seating which comfortably seats between 5-7 people.

Meet Chanda & Amber: two fantastic fashionistas with an impressive résumé, living the warm-weather dream in South Florida. The duo are Internationally Certified Wedding Planners and members of the Bridal Society, winning countless recognitions from Style Me Pretty and The Knot.

They offer day-of planning, partial wedding planning and concierge services, including “A La Carte” add-ons, like assembly & delivery of out-of-town guest bags/baskets, local tourism guides and wedding attire selection/pick-up.

For your wedding or event needs in South Florida and the Keys, these are your go-to gals. Definitely use them for inspiration by taking a look at the beautiful images on their page.

That’s right—now you can have your spoon and eat it, too! We saw these via Facebook and can’t wait to try them at an event. Bite-sized eats are #whatstrending, and these utensils are sure going to create a lot of buzz among your guests.

Edibles by Jack has perfected the design, which comes in quite a few flavors for the sweet or savory palate, like:

If you’d like these at your next soirée, contact Edibles by Jack here, or visit their Pinterest for more yummy photos.

If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please connect with us @Boomset.

Mar 25

Travel Expo Design and the Cookie Monster of #Eventapps

It’s Tuesday and we need to give a little love to our expo and trade show friends. This weekend we attended the Long Island Travel Expo—no, no vacation for us except our fun in the sun at BizBash Live: The Expo in less than one month, but who’s counting?!

There was a ton of candy offered, some brightly-dressed booths and exhibitors, photo prop stands and even some musical performances. The mariachi band and steel drummers were among some of our favorite attractions, but sadly we weren’t able to grab a video or photo.

You remember that post about being visual and establishing a connection with the attendee? Give it a glance, #eventprofs, and then have a look at our TOP attention-grabbing displays. (Please do excuse the photo quality!)

Fabric structures are a sure-fire way to attract event goers to your booth or table, while adding a touch of color to the trade show/expo scene. By working with a professional, you can create these innovative visuals to be aesthetically-pleasing on the eye, and each structure can be designed and customized to your brand or industry profile.

The structure will bring guests to you, so be sure to make it worth their while once they arrive!

This one would immediately attract our DMCs and wedding planner friends. It’s nothing like actually having your toes in the sand and the warm rays on your back, but a visual scene of a special occasion at an exotic local is a great way to use a display to address the wants and needs of the consumer.

It gave attendees (like this couple of adorable awkwardness) an idea of what the day could be like:

This exhibit was run by Liberty Travel Group. For more on their destination event packages, visit them here.

The Parking Spot was placed all the way in the back right corner of the venue, so they had to be sure to attract attendees in more ways than one. It was definitely worth the walk:

If the black and yellow polka-dotted shuttle bus wasn’t enough to call you over, guests were given small bags of tasty bite-sized cookies along with some coupons for discounted parking service at the airport.

The Travel Expo will make its way down to Philly on Sunday, April 6. Grab more info here.

What are some of the best attractions you’ve seen at the last trade show/expo you attended?

Mar 21

Feature Friday: Monogram’s Out, But Keep Your “Boots On The Ground”

We announced some pretty cool news this week regarding our most recent partnership. Now you can register your seat with Eventbrite, upload all your docs to Boomset's platform and provide anything and everything your attendees need from their arrival and then throughout the event (and after!) with the fine folks at Quickmobile.

Neat, huh? Just a day in the life! And speaking of which, click the image about to see Quickmobile’s fun infographic about an #eventprofs daily routine. Would you add anything?

White oak floors, high ceilings and gorgeous brick archways are at your creative disposal. Run by the catering enterprise The Upper Crust, the space is perfect for a stylist, chic and intimate occasion, right in the heart of Greenwich Village. Definitely take a look at the before and after venue transformation photos for inspiration:

You can literally start creating your event’s floor plan (and then upload it to our platform, of course!) via their website. (Note: Navigating the site goes a bit sluggish!) You can also view measurements of the space to see if it is suitable for your crowd. Grab more info and start planning here.

One size most definitely does not fit all, especially when we’re talking about your unique event. Here’s were BizBash’s latest and greatest event industry assistance comes in: they aren’t event planners, yet event planning support. Their years of expertise and knowledge of the day-to-day for event professionals are going to give tailored insight to your event, making the event itself look good and the experience feel good for each and every attendee.

We love the aesthetic of the page, too. Have you seen it? It’s how they break down examples of events and outings they can put together for you. From venue selection to entertaining, accommodations and down to even sightseeing, they have planned it all. Even spa day getaways…sign us up!

Monograms were sooo 2013…but letters are still in! Whether you go for the clear plexiglass or the ceramic in white, these dishes add a fun-filled and colorful element to the event.

Even if you’re not planning on spelling anything out in particular, definitely check out the inspiration for this trend that we found via Facebook, Candy Bar Couture. Our sweet tooth thanks you!

If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please connect with us @Boomset.

Mar 18

Branded Attendee Apps: Check(ed-in)

We’re proud to be part of growing innovation in the events industry as we announce that Quickmobile and Boomset have joined forces to create the ultimate experience for #eventprofs and their clients!

Each event is unique and because of this internationally recognized industry leader—-there’s an app for it. The company offers single to multi-event apps, to promote interaction amongst attendees and add value to the experience, as well as a MobilePlanner app for communication and collaboration among your team. Their services also include (among others):

It’s a great—and more sustainable—way to nix the bulky event programs and brochures while promoting interconnectivity and communication among event-goers.

One of the coolest features is what’s called MobileVenue: an innovative “guest companion” that enhance your guests’ experience. Now guests and attendees can get the most out of their stay, as the app offers maps, schedules, and even a directory of on-site and nearby amenities and attractions from the event venue.

What does this mean for Boomset users? Well, we’re going to be able to help dress your event to the nines, covering all the bases from the door to the attendee experience ~~to infinity and~~ beyond the event. Combining our lead retrieval and attendee scanning and tracking services is going to enhance the event experience, even post-event, for both the #eventprofs and the attendees.

Make sure you connect with our partners at Quickmobile to follow all the latest news and see how you can make your next event that much more awesome.

Mar 14

Feature Friday: Imported Briton Carpet & Your Wishes Come True

We’re wrapping up another great week here at Boomset’s HQ—so great we only #TBT'd to Tuesday—of this week—when we were at the Tibet House US’s Annual Benefit Concert. We’ll say it again and again: we deeply appreciate the opportunity to be at the door of each and every event we do, being able to meet and greet some of the most inspiring and influential minds of today at check-in.

Imported Briton carpet? Check. Custom-designed chairs? Got it. An ultra stylish space where modern and elegant ideas meet? Let’s get to making the guest list!

Runways, auto shows, not-for-profit events, weddings and more—you name it, you can create it at espace. They have designed floor plans that vary for each different type of event, in the pre-function room of 3,500 sq. feet, and/or the ballroom, almost double the size at 6,500 sq. feet, and the service staff—including security and a doorman—are all included with the space rental.

Disney, VOGUE, Food and Wine Magazine and the WSJ are only a few of the high-profile names that are part of their impressive list of clients. Want to add your name? Fill out their contact form, or give them a ring after taking a look at the site here.

Don’t just go green because St. Patty’s Day is around the corner! Green events is #whatstrending, and Sonya is an event professional who’s taking action toward changing the social and environmental issues. Sonya found her calling after a brief taste of the hospitality industry

Sonya focuses her work at HTE Events towards inspiring, leading and sustaining events in order maintain win-win solutions between businesses, communities, and the environment. Her services include event planning, management and coordination (on-and-off site) of event logistics, venue and vendor recommendations, transportation and accommodation, among others.

We have to thank #plannercrawl for introducing us to another great professional. Contact Sonya here for inspiration and further info.

Our wedding planners are especially going to love this one. The legend goes as follows:

From India to Scotland to Argentina many countries have special trees they have deemed wishing trees for their spiritual value. Practices vary slightly from country to country, but they all have something in common; people across the world look to these trees for good fortune, health and for dreams to come true by making an offering, saying a prayer or hanging a wish.

Now they are without a doubt perfect for weddings and engagements, but we’re actually looking forward to seeing these beauties by Simply Mad Weddings incorporated into other types of events. Guests can take home a keepsake ornament that you can customize to any particular theme or color, offering a unique alternative to the traditional guestbook.

We think it’s a beautiful addition to add some “wishful thinking” in a romantic way. What do you think?

Take a look at the Simply Mad Wedding Etsy store for more info. Tell them we sent’cha!

If you would like to be a part of the series, please connect with us @Boomset.

Mar 11

"Best Available" • Eventbrite + Boomset

Have your cake and eat it, too…sitting in the seat of your choice…from your customized seating chart. Here we go, talking about sweets again. Let’s catch you up to speed.

One of our most fun and energetic partners announced a very special new feature last week that we are so pumped to work with: RESERVED SEATING! Have you seen the video? Take a look at how easy it is to create a table:

You can now create (mixed) table and/or seating charts and offer "Best Available" seating to promote early ticket sales. Guests will have a secured seating option, which will not only keep the event running smoothly, but maintain satisfaction among attendees. You’ll be able to optimize pricing and keep track of sales inventory, plus:

What’s not to love, really?

For any type of venue or event, whether it be a wedding or charity function, you can now upload your chart from Eventbrite to the Boomset platform to maintain a super-organized, that-much-more efficient registration at your event.

And while we’re on the topic of efficiency…remember that #DSM14 Conference for DocuSign we told you about? We failed to mention a nifty little addition to the kiosk function: traffic management. Attendees were sent to a specific pick-up area and the staff at said area were notified in REAL TIME as attendees checked themselves in.

What do we think about all these new feature, #eventprofs? Event tech is #whatstrending. ;)

Mar 07

Feature Friday: Suite Status, A “Kreative” Koncept & Spritzing

How has everyone’s week been? Ours took us to the West Coast to man the registration and name badges for the #DSM14 Conference with @DocuSign. This was an extra important event because of the BIG debut of our kiosk mode—customized for the folks at DocuSign—that we were telling you about last week. Have you seen it?

Organized, efficient and an overall success, and a brief getaway from the snow. Boom(set)!

A sports bar with a cigar lounge feel, Suite36 was another part of our #plannercrawl fun. The multifunctional space in Midtown West is ideal for events from sports viewings to intimate gatherings, and the menu is nothing short of impressive. The service staff is out-of-this-world: hire them to have trio platters passed, or work with the event coordinator to customize any food option that suits your event. And do try the cocktails—-unique and fresh ingredients paired together to add a little bit of tasty flair to the event.

The venue is available for events on the ground floor or the upper level, which boasts three suite areas: the Plaza, the Presidential and stunning views of the ESB through the skylight in the Empire suite. Up or down, it’s the perfect atmosphere to incorporate live entertainment—-trust us!

Even with 25+ years of corporate event management experience, we’re fans of Koncept Events not only for their social engagement with the #eventprofs community, but for their dynamic approach to event planning. Their services range from destination management and tours/excursions to event design and offsite venue management. The list goes on, seriously—take a look at their work in action by watching this semi-short video:

Like we said, they’re all about engaging their audience, and that’s certainly not limited to who they’re connected with on the social networks. They aim to create engaging EXPERIENCES for their clients, and we definitely appreciate that.

Head on over to their website, take a look around, get inspired and connect with them—-or plan your escape to warmer weather ;).

There’s been so much buzz about this app over the last few days that we wouldn’t be surprised if this is old news to you already, #eventprofs. Event professionals hold the #5 spot for most stressful jobs this year, and as organized as you may be, how many of you feel like there just aren’t enough hours in a day?

How much time do you spend during the day reading? A whole lot, right? Messages, documents, e-mails, BLOGS…we read to become informed or inspired—and for those of us that like to unwind with a good novel—for leisure. Now imagine if you could read FASTER, let’s say, 1,000 words per minute? That’s where Spritz comes in.

It’s an app designed to help you increase your reading time by using a different kind of approach to reading. Horizontal lines and hash marks help you focus on a red letter that’s placed into each word of a written work, which is given to you via compact text streaming. Sounds technical, but it’s super-simple. Go see what all the buzz is about and get to Spritzing here on the Spritz site.

What do we think, #eventprofs? Beneficial? It really is an extraordinary advance in technology—though we feel that turning pages and really taking in that distinctive scent of an old piece of literature every now and then isn’t all that bad.

If you or someone you know would like to be a part of this series, connect with us @Boomset.

Mar 04

Fat Tuesday: How Can Mardi Gras Color Your Events?

Booze, blaring music and a whole lot of beads—that’s right, it’s Fat Tuesday down in New Orleans. (And boy, do we really have a knack for rhyming!)

Though this event has been historically known for creating a huge celebration to “kick-off” the Lenten season, it has evolved into floats, festivities and a whole lot of feathers for many people around the world. And for those of you that have experienced it, we’re sure your story is nothing short of colorful.

As #eventprofs posted their Mardi Gras event ideas and designs over the last couple of weeks, we started thinking about the whole experience and what it’s like to be a part of Mardi Gras. Now, let us ask you a question: If we were to walk up to you and hand you a set of beads—just for you being you, think of it as a prize for being awesome—you might say ‘thanks’ and be on your way. Not much of an experience, right? It’s just not the same to as being part of the action; to be right there waving your arms in the arms in the air, avoiding beadwork to the eye.

Well, your event is somewhat the same; it has to fill a void of excitement. We’ve been talking about the Millennials and keeping them engaged and interested, but it’s important to do so for everyone. You can easily bombard guest and attendees with paperwork and brochures, chat-it-up and send them on their way—or to another session or booth, if you’re at a conference or trade show…but what’s the fun in that?

Masks are a huge part of the Mardi Gras tradition, allowing the MG-goers to let loose and add some flair and fun to the party. It’s customary for some business and shops in New Orleans to ask guests and clientele to remove their masks before entering, most in part to avoid crime. Get back to the attendees: why not ask them to “remove their mask” and really get to know them? Understand why they’re attending and really create an experience that is worthwhile.

And after this semi-historical post about the tradition, we have to at least mention the primary colors of Mardi Gras: purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power. Tying these in with attendees at your events, we ask:

What can you do to leave them feeling righteous about their decision to attend an event?

What are you doing at your event that gives them “faith” in your company or brand to lead them to believe in you/your product/your service?

How are you going to create that experience that will (hopefully) later reward your product or service with the ultimate power, brand advocacy?

Share your thoughts with the rest of the industry. Let’s brainstorm together to create the most ultimate event(s).

Feb 28

Feature Friday: Kiosk Mode ON, Rooftop Views & Some Good (Spiked) Jams

The last day of February calls for another birthday celebration and the addition of a new feature: KIOSK MODE. We have to tell you about it because we’re super-excited for its launch, and we know it’s going to be a great addition for those large events that want a more lax registration period.

This new option was inspired by and developed for the Docusign Momentum ‘14 conference that’s in San Fran next week, and features white-labeling options. What does that mean? Well, we can now customize and secure the kiosk screen on the device depending on that particular event or company brand. You’re going to be hearing more about it and for sure you’ll want to learn more—connect with us!

Going up! All the way to the top of the Refinery Hotel in the Fashion District went over a hundred of NYC’s most creative #plannercrawl-ers to discover this hidden gem above the hustle and bustle. The venue is part of the In Good Company Hospitality Group, offering impeccable service to clients and guests.

The space itself consists of 3,500 square feet split between three distinct sections; an indoor area with a fire place, fountains, and plush couches; an open air terrace with porch swings and cozy banquets; and an indoor-outdoor patio with a retractable glass roof.

Wait for your guests at Winnie’s Lobby Bar and then head on up to the rustic/industrial-esque space. You’ll get spectacular views of the Empire State Building from a different perspective as you sip on one of their many delicious cocktail options. We’re still dreaming of some huckleberry concoction that they served us on our last visit.

Check out their page to contact their events and reservations team, then decide on what you’ll be Instagramming first: the cocktails or the view?

Imagine not having to lug around your devices and all that tech gear with you when traveling. Choose2Rent takes care of providing “fully-loaded” iPads and accessories for meetings, trade shows and other events in the business world, fully set-up and customized to the customer’s liking. Their services include branding, installing apps, videos or presentations, too.

These guys are also changing the travel industry down in Miami by offering a more convenient and affordable solution to getting around. This means no more fumbling through large paper maps or heavy city guides, no more lugging around heavy laptops and being held up at the airport, and forget about paying those extra fees that hotels and venues tag onto your bill for their tech services.

Have a look at their website for pricing and details about the service—-and keep an eye our for a familiar face or two on there!

And no, we’re not talking about the music this time around. We’ve been seeing the sweet spreadable treat popping up in events and venues all over the place. A dollop in your champagne flute, a spoonful in your sloe gin fizz. This right here is going to add that gourmet/homemade touch to your event.

Click the picture to read BizBash's say on #whatstrending at events and then have a look at our Pinterest boards to share and pin your favorite jams and cocktails. Let's see you bring our your inner jam mixologist!

If you would like to be featured in our series, please connect with us @Boomset.

Feb 25

Taking the Experience TO-GO

There’s always a lot of talk about keeping clients/attendees/guests happy, because let’s face it, a happy client can go beyond that of just making your day a little brighter.

Amplifying our drive, pride and commitment to success is important for ourselves and our brand, but chances are if you put on a humdinger of an event, if you give an experience, you’ll have them coming back for more. The best part? Those that leave happy will be doing all the WOM, returning for more of that good stuff you’ve given them—and this time around—coming back accompanied by their own network of others they believe can benefit from your product or service.

BizBash’s SwagWeek has inspired us to really delve into what guests take home with them, besides the chatter of a great time: the gift bags.

The weirdest and most unique goodie bag items seem to get the most attention—and rightfully so. Take a look at some of the Golden Globe swag from the gifting suites: a portable mini hookah, compostable Easter Eggs, shampoos and cosmetics (for dogs and kids, too!), and frying pans made out of genuine non-conflict diamond crystals.

In today’s world almost everything can be customized and personalized, down to a goodie bag. For instance, Bow Tie Bags was created for the busy bride or professional that wanted to add a personal touch to their destination event for their guests/clients. Essentially that is what #eventprofs do with their gift bags: create a (physical) piece of the experience to-go.

Some of our clients that work with non-profits like to include sustainable and eco-friendly gift bag items, depending on the theme of the event. Others like to promote local business and include gift items sponsored by the community.

So what we’d like to know is not so much the strangest item you include in a gift bag, but what do you add to give it a personal touch, branding your client or even yourself?

Speaking of happy…here’s some #trending tunes to get your creative juices flowin’!