Buffet vs. Sit Down vs. Stations May 16, 2017

In most cases, the bulk of your wedding budget will be spent on food and beverage. When providing dinner service to your guests, you as the host will choose from 3 styles: Buffet, Sit Down, or Stations. Each choice has pros and cons… it just depends on which fits your style!

 

Reception Style #1: Buffet

What is a buffet? It is a meal consisting of several dishes stationed on a long table from which guests streamline through and serve themselves. To create a more formal buffet, servers will sometimes assist guests. But in the end, this style is considered to be the most casual of meal service.

 

Pros: Buffets provide your guests with more options of meat, sides and sauces. You can please the masses without having your guests choose their entrée prior to your event. Buffets also save a small amount of money for wait staff since the caterer needs fewer people tending to the buffet instead of each table.

 

Cons: The downfall of buffets include time. Since guests are not professional food handlers, they tend to move at a slower pace when moving through the line. Also, a buffet requires an overage of each dish to ensure no entrée or side runs out. Caterers cannot guess how much each guest will take; therefore, an overage of food increases the cost.

 

Reception Style #2: Sit Down

A sit down, plated style of dinner is considered the most traditional and formal option as guests are served an individually plated meal… in most cases, one they have pre-selected in their RSVP. The meal typically consists of three courses: an appetizer/salad, entrée and dessert. Caterers will usually give guests the option between two entrées, which are selected beforehand, or they will offer a duo plate consisting of two proteins.

 

Pros: All of your guests will be served at the same time! With preselecting meal options, the caterer will know exact amounts. A plated dinner also provides the opportunity to time event formalities (such as dances and toasts) between courses to keep guests entertained and engaged throughout the meal service.

 

Cons: A greater number of serving staff is required to cater every table individually. Also, some venues do not offer a plated sit down due to lack of kitchen space. Imagine 300 entrée plates lined up in the kitchen… that’s some major square footage!

 

Reception Style #3: Food Stations

A station style reception is where the event’s meal choices are distributed at various tables in your main event space. Station examples include a carving station, a raw bar, a tapas station, a pasta station, a dessert station, and the list goes on.

 

Pros: A fun variety of dishes can be made available including themed stations (like a pierogi or taco bar) that you might not see at a more formal setting. With “cook to order” stations, guests can request the amount of sauce or level of spice, etc.

 

Cons: Considered a new-age style of event dining, many of your guests treat it like a buffet… taking a full dinner plate of food at each station. Stations are made for snacking, tasting, and enjoying smaller portions of each fun theme. The amount of consumption and waste may rack of up your catering bill.

 

 

Five Fun Ways (Plus 5 Free Ways) to Promote Your Business or Event October 7, 2014

At Hello Productions, we do more than just plan events – we also handle marketing and promotions for companies and their events. We are often asked to design and print flyers, signs, banners and other marketing pieces. With online and in-store print services, it is easier than ever to get the word out. Here are some of our favorite new ideas to promote your company or next event. And keep reading for five free ways to promote your business or event!

 

Clockwise from top left: Mason Jars, Custom Gum, Tshirt Sponsor, Calendar Magnet and Die Cut Postcard.

Promotional Mason Jars

Mason jars are in right now so they’re the perfect way to have your logo be seen. These 16 oz mason jars with threaded tops (lids optional) are available from Adco Marketing.

 

Promotional Gum

Put your name or logo on a 12-piece sugar-free gum pack, like the one available through Staples.

 

Promotional Magnets

Magnets, such as calendar magnets from Vistaprint, are a fun giveaway at trade shows or just to thank customers (and encourage new business). If you are going to use them to promote your company, make sure to include your name, phone number, website and hours (if applicable).

 

Die Cut Postcards

We’ve all seen business postcards that come in the mail. Some catch our eye and some don’t. Make sure yours do with these unique die cut postcards from ShipShapes. Send these to new customers to encourage new business, as well as existing customers, to invite them to a special event or send them a reminder.

 

Sponsor An Event

Whether it’s a 5k walk/run event or a beer tasting, you can give your company exposure by being a sponsor. Make sure you submit an attention-grabbing logo for their materials and don’t forget to advertise the event on your own website, blog or Facebook page. You can also hold an event and get other business partners to sponsor. Advertise their logos on tshirts, like the one above from Rockwall.

 

Promotions don’t have to be pricey! Here are five FREE ways to promote your business.

 

Set up an online presence. Promote your business using Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Set up a free website. Sites such as WordPress.com have themes for all types of businesses.

 

Write an article for submission to a local newspaper, magazine, blog, and/or website. Include new business (such as new locations or employees), events, and other topics that demonstrate your expertise in that particular field. You can also offer to be a speaker at a conference, community event, or local business group.

 

Network! Take advantage of any local or online networking opportunities to share information about your business and increase your potential client list.

 

Hold a contest to collect Facebook “likes” or emails for your newsletter distribution. You can offer a product or service from your business, or partner with another local business that may be willing to donate something in exchange for the exposure.

 

Offer a free consultation. Once you narrow down prospective clients, offer a no-obligation consult where you can find out more about their needs and suggest how your business can help them.

 

Looking for more help promoting your business? Give Hello Productions a call today (412-298-7333)!

Plan a Motivational Company Picnic August 16, 2013

It is easy to feel sluggish about work when the weather is gorgeous and you would rather be outside, in the pool, on vacation, etc. Show your employees you appreciate them with a company picnic and use it as an opportunity to keep them motivated. Here are a few ideas to help you plan a company picnic!

 

A team meeting (disguised as a picnic) can reenergize your employees as individuals and as a team. Here are a few things to add to your agenda.

 

Make sure to properly invite your employees, with the location, date and time made very clear. It’s a lot harder to motivate your employees when they aren’t there.

 

Serve lunch. It’s not easy to concentrate when you’re hungry, so start the meeting out with lunch. You can do traditional picnic foods or have it catered.

 

Clockwise from top left: Invitation (tinyprints.com), Outdoor Layout (helloproductions.com), Horseshoes, and Boxed Gourmet Lunch (www.elizabethannedesigns.com).

 

Encourage the managers to attend and mingle with their departments, not just other managers. Have a problem getting different groups of employees to mingle? Number each picnic table and give each employee a number as they walk in, encouraging them to sit with different groups.

 

Review the company goals for the recent quarters and note which ones have been met and which ones need improvement. Visual aids, such as an outdoor screen or poster board-sized charts, will help keep everyone’s attention.

 

Recognize different employees for mid-year accomplishments. This can be goal-related or just above-and-beyond behavior, such as going out of their way to train a new employee.

 

Have a question and answer time for all the employees to voice questions and concerns to the managers and/or CEO.

 

End the day with something fun – such as team activities or friendly competitions.

 

Need help with the details? Contact Hello Productions today!

Top 10 Things to Remember When Planning a Conference or Corporate Meeting in Pittsburgh May 10, 2013

1. Double-check the date. You want as many attendees as possible, so make sure your dates do not conflict with any holidays or other industry conferences. OPM.gov has a list of the upcoming national holidays.

 

2. Discuss the budget. Knowing your budget ahead of time will help determine your conference agenda and whether or not you will include meals or other activities.

 

3. Have online registration. Using an online registration website is a great way to collect your attendees’ information, keep it organized and print agendas and sign-in lists. Hello Productions has online registration experience and can easily help you set up and manage your registration.

 

4. Promote the event. Whether your conference is geared toward employees within your own company or open to the public, make sure you get the word out there! Advertise internally and with industry-related sources.

 

5. Select the right venue. It’s important to pick a venue that can adequately hold your group. If you are going to have breakout sessions, make sure the venue has plenty of rooms that you can use. A hotel is a great venue if you want to include a meal with your conference. If you’re looking to get away for a team-building retreat, pick a location that is a farther away from your everyday work. Companies will often opt to have a conference or meeting at their own facility, but remember that you will have everyone’s full attention if you are at a new location.

 

6. Check the technology. When picking a venue, be sure to ask if the technology requirements you will need are available. These may include projectors, screens, microphones, sound systems and podiums. If you have any speakers who would prefer a flipchart and markers, be sure to have these ready ahead of time.

 

7. Have a guest speaker. Even if your meeting is small with just internal employees, it’s still a great idea to have a guest speaker. It can be someone who is an expert in your industry or someone with a motivational story to tell. If your budget doesn’t include a speaker, why not ask one of your employees to share an inspirational story?

 

8. Prepare for registration. When you are planning out registration and getting ready to print your attendee packets, imagine yourself as an attendee and walk through the day. Make sure you have the appropriate signage, instructions and people to answer questions. You may want to ask yourself: When I first get to the venue, where do I go? Is there a map in the packet? Will lunch be provided and if so, where? What if I have a dietary restriction? Are there bathrooms nearby? Will there be breaks so I can check my cell phone, email, etc.?

 

9. Memorable moment. Every conference or meeting should have something memorable for its attendees. Here are just a few examples:

a. Use a real-time polling system (such as http://www.polleverywhere.com/) in your sessions to create audience interactions. Use it to find out their opinions about the company or products, submit questions or new ideas, or have silly polls to get everyone paying attention and involved!

b. Hand out something fun for questions asked, answers submitted, ideas given, etc. These could be fun stress reliever ball, raffle tickets for prizes later or candy.

c. Have a themed lunch or dinner, such as a taco bar or different items from favorite local places. If you’re not including a meal, surprise attendees with snacks, such as popcorn brought to each table or a make-your-own trail mix bar so they can be re-energized for the afternoon session.

 

10. Wrap up. Email your attendees a survey after the conference (or have them fill out one before they leave) so you can use their comments to improve next year’s conference!

 

Hello Productions is happy to help plan, organize and run your next conference! Contact us today at 412-288-7333 or ashley@helloproductions.com. For other ideas, feel free to check out our Corporate Photo Gallery.

Plan a Rehearsal Dinner or Private Party at One of These Pittsburgh Favorites March 2, 2013

Looking for a rehearsal dinner restaurant in Pittsburgh or place to hold your next special event? Here are a few of our favorite restaurants for private parties in Pittsburgh. While most of these restaurants have private rooms you can reserve, all are happy to accommodate private parties.

 

Downtown

 

Six Penn Kitchen

Website: www.sixpennkitchen.com

What we like: Their chic private room upstairs and rooftop bar.

 

Sonoma Grill

Website: thesonomagrille.com

What we like: They have offer a several different dining options, from sit-down dinners to food stations.

 

Common Plea Restaurant & Catering

Website: Commonplea-catering.com

What we like: Their catering team will work with a variety of venues in Pittsburgh or come to your home.

 

Olive or Twist

Website: www.olive-twist.com

What we like: Depending on the day of the week, you can rent a variety of spaces, from their VIP Room to their entire second floor.

 

Lidia’s Pittsburgh

Lidia’s Pittsburgh

Website: www.lidias-pittsburgh.com

What we like: They have several options for private parties, including a private space upstairs, a semi-private dining option downstairs or patio dining. And we love Lidia’s brunch!

 

Sharp Edge (The Loft)

Website: site.sharpedgebeer.com/loft

What we like: The Loft was designed for all types of groups, including meetings and presentations. It is outfitted with Wi-Fi and a 54” flat screen TV.

 

Station Square

 

Buca di Beppo

Website: www.bucadibeppo.com

What we like: Unique, themed dining rooms at no extra charge with one of their group dinner packages.

 

Grand Concourse

Website: www.muer.com

What we like: This classic Pittsburgh location has three private rooms that can accommodate any number of guests.

 

The Melting Pot

Website: www.meltingpot.com

What we like: Their large party room can hold up to 42 guests and has A/V capabilities.

 

South Side

 

Ibiza

Website: www.ibizatapasrestaurant.com

What we like: Their menu features over 45 tapas from around the world and they have a private upstairs room.

 

Nakama

Website: www.eatatnakama.com/

What we like: This 1893 historical landmark building has been totally renovated and their semi-private party room is available for private functions.

 

McCormick’s & Schmicks

Website: www.mccormickandschmicks.com

What we like: Their River Room can hold up to 100 and their location in the heart of the South Side Works.

 

Cheesecake Factory

Website: www.thecheesecakefactory.com

What we like: They offer large party seating throughout the restaurant and of course, 50 legendary cheesecakes and specialty desserts.

 

There are so many other great venues in Pittsburgh – our list can’t possibly include them all! Have another suggestion? Leave it in the comments below!

 

Do you need help pulling together your next Pittsburgh rehearsal dinner or private party? Hello Productions’ event planners are here to help! Call us at 412-298-7333 or email us at info@helloproductions.com.

Celebrity-Worthy 2013 Oscar Party Ideas February 10, 2013

Looking for an excuse to throw a party? Why not celebrate the 85th Academy Awards (commonly known as the Oscars) in style! They will be televised live on Sunday, February 24th, beginning at 7pm EST.

 

First, set up the proper viewing equipment. If you only have one TV, center the party in that room. Decide ahead of time if you’re going to keep the sound low so everyone can talk (consider putting closed captioning on), or if you’re going to have the sound up. If your guests want to watch and listen, put the drinks in a separate room to create a space for those who want to talk instead of watch.

 

If you are able to set up multiple TVs in separate rooms, keep the TV sound low in one room and turn it up in another room, giving options for your guests to just watch or watch and listen.

 

As for the decorations, keep it simple and classy. Blogger Hostess with the Mostess created fun Oscar printables, including 2013 nominee labels, napkin rings, patterned papers, drink tags and more. For the templates and instructions to print, visit her blog: www.hwtm.com.

 

Play Oscar bingo. Give guests blank bingo sheets and have them write down things they think are going to happen in each space. Examples: Amour is going to win Best Picture, Steven Spielberg will be seated in the front row, Hugh Jackman will cry, etc. Let the games begin! As these things happen, guests will cross off the spaces and the first to get 5 in a row, wins a prize. Pick a movie-themed prize, such as movie tickets or an iTunes gift card. Click here for a free bingo template.

 

Have fun with the food and cocktails. Pick things that represent the nominees for Best Picture. For example, an old fashioned cocktail to represent Lincoln or a fruity drink for Life of Pi. Bambara Restaurant (in Salt Lake City) created 2013 Oscar nominee-themed cocktails. For their list, click here. If you’re feeling really adventurous, head over to Epicurious to see their sample menus for each of the 2013 Oscar nominees.

 

Appetizers and finger foods are always easy to serve and eat, but if you want to dazzle your guests, set up a gourmet popcorn bar. Pop different kinds of popcorn and set it out with scoops, personal bags and toppings. You can get as creative as you want with the toppings – from Parmesan cheese to caramel and sea salt, and from buffalo-style hot sauce to curry powder and shredded coconut.

 

Here are just a few gourmet popcorn topping combinations to get you started:
 
Parmesan and Black Pepper

Mini M&M’s and Chocolate Chips
Curry Powder and Shredded Coconut
Caramel Drizzle and Sea Salt
Buffalo Style Hot Sauce and Blue Cheese Crumbles
Ranch Seasoning and Dill
Peanuts and Wasabi
Honey
Bacon Bits, Cheddar and Chives
Mini Marshmallows and Crushed Graham Crackers

 

For more information on the Oscar nominees, visit: oscar.go.com.

Great Venues for Your Company’s Holiday Party October 30, 2012

Yes, the time has come to begin (if you haven’t already) planning and coordinating your company’s holiday party. Whether big or small, companies have begun to invest in this tradition again after a few shaky years when they were scaling back or even all-together eliminating company events in an effort to save money in a tight economy. A holiday party is a great way to show valued employees a good time and to thank them for their year-long efforts for the organization. In Pittsburgh, we’re blessed with a wide variety of venues capable of handling very large, very small, industrial-chic to high-end functions that fit every taste and style. We’ve picked five unique locations to showcase:

 

Clockwise from Top Left: Lexus Club, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, The Mattress Factory, Stage AE, Engine House 25.

 

The Mattress Factory: Any company could enjoy this interesting and industrial space for either a sit-down or a blast of a cocktail party. It’s combination of contemporary art and flexible rental spaces make this a very unique gem on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

 

The Lexus Club: Whether a hockey fan or not, you’d be hard-pressed not to enjoy this classy venue inside of Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center. With enough space to host over 250 people for a sit-down meal, or 400 for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, you have many options in this space. Overlooking downtown and with the facility’s Aramark catering staff at your beck-and-call, this is a pretty fabulous place to reflect on 2012’s victories!

 

Stage AE: As Pittsburgh’s newest concert and event venue, Stage AE has hit the North Shore by storm by bringing not only a four seasons entertainment venue to the area, but one that provides numerous options for a variety of hip and urban event styles. With its minimalistic interior space, it can accommodate between 400-1500 easily in a multitude of configurations. It’s also a great place to book a band for your after-dinner entertainment so guests can dance the night away.

 

Engine House 25: Located in the heart of Lawrenceville, and home two event spaces, an operational winery and wine cellar as well as the Clemente Museum, this is one venue that is unlike any other in town. With ample parking and a very unique blend of baseball history, industrial-chic interior design and intimate wine cellar, you have many options when it comes to entertaining your team in this fun location. They can even custom-make wine bottle labels for your event in-house, an added special feature your employees will surely be impressed with!

 

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum: Providing a “distinctive alternative to conventional venues” in the heart of Oakland, this venue would give your guests both a fine place to party as well as a glimpse back in time to the history of our military. With its newly renovated interior and large ballroom space, this is an ideal location to host a large corporate gathering of any kind. Ideally situated near the University of Pittsburgh and public transportation, your guests will be impressed with your ability to combine convenience, affordability and a first-class space all within one location.

 

Looking for more venue ideas or help coordinating your company’s upcoming event? Contact Lindsey at lindseyb@helloproductions.com, or message me on Twitter @lbradleypgh today!

Get Golfing as a Group this Summer! May 21, 2012

It’s that time of year again when the sun is peaking out, temperatures are creeping higher and we’re all looking forward to the occasional afternoon (day, or days!) off to enjoy our favorite warm-weather destinations and activities.  In many corporate settings, a great round of golf can be just what the doctor ordered to solidify new relationships or to rekindle ones from our past, as well as to encourage teamwork and camaraderie within teams from the office.  This week, we’re highlighting some great courses in the tri-state region that also offer some fabulous amenities for your group, such as meeting space or fine dining.  Whatever your needs, Hello Productions’ team is skilled at organizing golf outings, retreats and events of all sizes, so don’t hesitate to contact us with your company’s event request today!

 

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

1001 LaFayette Dr., Farmington, PA 15437

Phone: 724-329-8555

 
In Western Pennsylvania, one would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful, luxurious or versatile golf and meeting destination than at Nemacolin Woodlands.  Nemacolin is a family and luxury vacation destination situated on 3,000 wooded acres in the Laurel Highlands, perfect for a one-day meeting and outing or a weekend full of great events. Located just seventy miles southeast of Pittsburgh, Nemacolin is consistently recognized in the travel and hospitality industry for its superior service, championship golf courses, internationally acclaimed Woodlands Spa, fine dining and as a meeting destination. Accommodations range from their AAA Five Diamond Falling Rock hotel to comfortable townhomes for entire families. With activities galore, there is something for everyone at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, no matter your age!

 

Longaberger Golf Club

One Long Drive, Nashport, OH 43830

Phone: 740-763-1100

 
As one of America’s Top 100 Public Golf Courses You Can Play, and ranked #1 in the the state of Ohio by Golf Week, you really can’t go wrong choosing Longaberger for your next outing.  The course was designed by Arthur Hills in 1999, and is defined by panoramic views, rolling hills and “immaculate playing conditions.”  It was also the first public course in Ohio to achieve certification by the Audobon International Signature Program, and is a Certified Signature Sanctuary as of April 2001.  The fine golf course is complimented by an extraordinary clubhouse with numerous amenities to accommodate your event. They also feature full-service banquet facilities and meeting packages.  Treat your golfers to a first class, fun and enjoyable golf experience at – one that will likely not be matched and that they will surely remember for years to come.

 
The Resort at Glade Springs

255 Resort Drive

Daniels, WV 25832

 
If outstanding service and superior resort meeting space are on your criteria list for selecting a conference center resort, West Virginia’s Resort at Glade Springs is your best choice for meetings, conferences, incentive trips and golf retreats.  The Resort at Glade Springs offers an all-in-one one destination that is easily accessible, has infinite possibilities for conference setups, and caters to the specialized needs of groups. Your first meeting at The Resort will become a tradition of meeting excellence, repeated again and again.  Their three championship golf courses – the Cobb Course, the Stonehaven Course, and the Woodhaven Course – are among the best in the state and offer some great challenges for players of all skill levels. The manicured golf courses of Glade Springs have been visited by numerous golfing greats over the years, and a number of tournaments, including the West Virginia Open, the NCAA National Championships, and the U.S. Open qualifier, have been hosted on these greens as well. New to Glade Springs are the qualifying rounds for The Greenbrier Classic, a PGA TOUR and FedEx Cup event to be held at Glade’s sister resort The Greenbrier for the foreseeable future.  Check us out today!

 
~Lindsey Bradley, lindseyb@helloproductions.com

Fun Retreat Ideas for 2012 March 26, 2012

Is your company planning a retreat this year? Stuck on ideas to make it memorable and special for your company’s valued employees? Then it’s your lucky day! We’ve gathered some information on great venues and activities in the tri-state area that just might be what you’re looking for in 2012. As always, Hello Productions loves to plan retreats and company meetings, and we would be happy to help you build on any of these or other ideas for your next event!

 

Seven Oaks Country Club

Brighton Township, PA 15009

www.sevenoakscc.com

 

Seven Oaks is a beautiful, private country club situated in Brighton Township, PA, with numerous amenities and options for your next corporate outing or retreat. They pride themselves on putting forth the same professional service to meetings and banquets that they do to individual members, outing attendees and brides. By making this a one-stop shop for your retreat in terms of hosting a golf team-building activity, meetings, catering and of course, the scenery that will take you away from it all within a short drive from the city, it’s a great option for your next corporate event.

 

While you’re in Beaver County, why not consider kicking off your retreat weekend with a private group tour and cocktail reception at the beautiful and historic Merrick Art Gallery? Or, if you’re looking for more action, perhaps a trip to the Darlington Polo Club to watch an exciting a match and enjoy a tailgate under the lights might be what you’re looking for?

 
 
 
 

Glenmoor Country Club

Canton, Ohio 44718

www.glenmoorcc.com

 

Glenmoor Country Club, voted “Best Retreat Location in Ohio” by the readers of Inside Business Magazine, is home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, an 18 Hole Championship design that combines challenge and beauty in perfect harmony. They also have a State of the Art Practice Facility including a driving range, target greens, putting greens & chipping green. Glenmoor CC caters to all of your golf events and planning needs at an exceptional value, and can also house your guests at The Bertram Inn on site. Glenmoor also offers such amenities as a full European Spa for those attendees who don’t or would prefer not to golf. With a wide variety of pre-packaged retreats available, as well as the option to create your own unique company event, Glenmoor provides all of the tools at a reasonable price needed for a fantastic event.

 

 

While staying at Glenmoor, consider a day trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame to see and experience all the history and excitement of the game! Once you come back to the Country Club hungry, consider having a private cooking demonstration and dinner provided by their Executive Chef in the Black Heath dining room.

 

Stonewall Resort

Roanoke, WV

www.stonewallresort.com

 

The Stonewall Resort, a Four Diamond-rated property nestled distinctly in the mountains of West Virginia, features 208-guestrooms with a lakeside lodge and lakeside cottages, a conference center, restaurants, complete fitness center and swimming pool, spa and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. With approximately 15,000 square feet of IACC approved conference space and exceptional outdoor venues, the resort can host corporate events with ease. There are no shortage of team-building opportunities available at this mountain oasis, including indulging at the Mtn. Laurel Spa, Guided Segway/Hiking/Biking Tours, Lake and Fishing activities, the Little Sorrel Lake Cruise, as well as the aforementioned Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course- and this is just to name a few!

 

The available activities in the vicinity of the Resort are endless! How about a crazy but educational dose of fun when your group visits the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, featured on the Sci-Fi Channel’s “Ghost Hunters,” in Weston? Both late-night Paranormal tours as well as Historic Tours (including a tour of All 4 Floors+Medical Center, Civil War Tour or Photography Tour) are offered throughout the week. For something a little more tranquil and, dare we say “sanity-promoting,” consider heading to Lamberts’ Winery for a vineyard tour, tasting and pairing class after a day of workshops.

 

The Barn At Fallingwater

Laurel Highlands, PA

www.fallingwater.org/49/about-the-barn-at-fallingwater

 

 

Whether hosting a one day or a multi-day conference or retreat, The Barn at Fallingwater is a unique site that will allow you to create the ideal event for your business or organization. The Barn itself is a converted historic Pennsylvania bank barn, located about 500 yards north of Fallingwater at the entrance to the Bear Run Nature Reserve. By combining or using their distinct settings individually, you can create a memorable group retreat. The Barn has all the modern amenities you might need for group training and teambuilding exercises, all the while taking you out of the hustle and bustle of the city within a short drive. The proximity to Fallingwater allows you to create the perfect ending to your conference – take an interesting tour of the house followed by a social hour complete with music, catering and lush scenery on the bridge.

 

Of course, The Barn at Fallingwater offers you the unique opportunity to walk to the fantastic gem that is Fallingwater, built by Frank Lloyd Wright between 1936-1939. In-Depth tours are available for groups, offering you an inside look into the design, architecture and story of the home and its surrounding grounds, as well as non-guided tour opportunities to take in the beautiful, natural scenery that is part of the property. Why not consider a group scavenger hunt while you’re on the trail? To really get your group’s hearts racing, look no further than the whitewater rafting trips offered by Laurel Highlands River Tours? Not quite ready for the Class III experience? Tamer all-day teambuilding can be had with their fun Kayak and Canoe Instructional Courses, complete with lunch for the whole group at a reasonable price.

 

 

Keep in mind that your company’s retreat should be designed to accomplish certain but small corporate objectives, while keeping true to the real idea of a “retreat” (defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as A. a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director, and B. an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable.) We all need and deserve a break from the daily pressures of our work lives, and a corporate or group retreat should be designed to offer that to your attendees, as well as to provide you with a forum to motivate and rejuvenate your team in a non-work environment. Have a great time “retreating” in 2012!

 

For help with or for more ideas on creating the ideal retreat, please contact Lindsey at lindseyb@helloproductions.com today!

Kick Off Your Annual Meeting in Style! February 27, 2012

It’s that time of year again when we’re gearing up to help our clients plan their annual meetings – expertly balancing engaging content, superior venues and high-quality, exciting entertainment for the attendees. As our clients are realizing more and more the value in providing not only a great meeting, full of important content for their employees, but also in providing them with an experience that will help to energize them through the next year and beyond, it is becoming imperative that we find the most creative, cost-effective and fresh entertainment and outing ideas possible to include as part of the overall concept.

 

So as you look to find that delicate balance of fresh entertainment with HR-friendly material, what kinds of options do you have? Try the following on for size:

 

Lee Terbosic - Professional Comedy Magician

Treasure Hunt: Get everyone bonding and learning all about the city the meeting is being held in with a distinctive treasure hunt…the winning team could be recognized at the opening dinner.

 

Lunch Cruise: If you live near the water, provide your staff with a fabulous cruise including lunch, musical acts and networking activities…consider adding a private wine or beer tasting by a local winery or brewery to the itinerary if this fits within your budget and corporate culture.

 

Comedy Troupe: An array of acts can be found within the comedy world…consider asking them to do some creative improvisation with ideas from the audience, or impersonations of your top-level executives to get everyone laughing (or laughing at themselves!).

 

Invite the Circus: If you’re kicking off your event in a large auditorium or banquet room, hire stilt walkers, gymnasts, trapeze artists, fire eaters and more to wow your guests and get everyone feeling like a kid again! If your CEO is up for it, ask them to conduct the dinner or opening discussion dressed as the Maestro of the Circus. If this happens in the afternoon or early evening, have cotton candy, Cracker Jack and lemonade vendors circling the crowd.

 

Murder Mystery Dinner: Hire a professional team to perform a murder mystery while your guests enjoy their meal. This will engage your attendees, get them working together and also entertain them.

 

Tradeshow Floor Fun: Since many vendors and attendees have been at their fair share of boring and/or lengthy tradeshows, make yours “pop” with strolling entertainment! Invite a magician to do card tricks, a mentalist to read the minds of attendees, position living statues at strategic points on the floor, and celebrity impersonators to mingle with the crowd. The possibilities are endless, and can be tailored to your specific tradeshow theme.

 

As always, the entertainment and outings created for your guests can and should be tailored to your company’s culture, the message of the overall event and the “look and feel” you’re looking to convey to your employees about the company for the upcoming year. In many cases, the annual meeting is a way for your company to show your appreciation for your employees. If that is the case, keep in mind that you’ll want to balance presentations and executive messages with engaging activities of all types to suit the makeup of your audience.

 

Hello Productions would love to help you create your best annual meeting to-date in 2012! Contact Lindsey Bradley, lindseyb@helloproductions.com, today to learn more about our services and to see what kinds of killer events we have up our sleeves for you!