Archive for Meetings and Events

8 Steps To Produce an Effective Marketing Event

By Robert Grossman · Comments (0)
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

As a Event Producer and marketing professional , it is virtually impossible for me to attend an event, play or any production without looking to do it better or trying to figure out how they did that! It is true I have my own style of producing an event and I have even had people come up to me and tell me they knew it was me at the helm of the event.

Recently I attended an event and I wrote down the following steps to create an engaging event without busting the bank. I cannot emphasize strong enough that your event, meeting, gala or awards show is a presentation and a marketing event.  You will deliver a message(s) to your audience one way or the other. A well produced event will make all the difference between accomplishing your desired results or not.

  1. Use an Event Producer, not just an AV company. A good Event Producer will work with you on the branding and communications strategy of your event.

    Awards Show. Great lighting and gobos make a big difference

    They will advise you on pacing, agenda and flow to best keep your audience engaged.

  2. If you have a long list of awards to give out, break it up into smaller lists. If your list is too long, you will lose your audience. They will start to talk with their neighbors and answer their email on their PDAs.
  3. Sponsor loops – if your event is sponsored, make sure to give them as much screen time as you can. A simple logo loop is sometimes all you need. Play it during the walk-in and perhaps during lunch. Your sponsors will love you.
  4. Music can make or break a program, it fills the dead air in the room. If properly selected, a good music track will help keep the pace up and add more energy to the room.
  5. VOICE OF GOD! Yes, the announcer is sometimes called the voice of god (VOG). It is usually live, but can be prerecorded.  A powerful VOG adds an element of  production value. Combine a VOG with a good music track and supporting graphics and you have raised the production value of your event.
  6. Sound systems can be expensive, but it make a whole world of difference especially with a very social audience. If the audio is muffled or the speakers are not positioned in the optimal position, your audience may loose interest because they won’t be able to hear well.
  7. Graphics and PowerPoint.  Make sure to not crowd the slides and to give people their moment in the spotlight. If you are honoring people, give them their own slide and try to incorporate their company’s logo. They will love you for the branding and marketing opportunity.  And remember keep the slides simple! Less is more.

    Press Event - logo was always on one of three screens

  8. Video and IMAG. IMAG stands for Image Magnification. Simply put it is what we call projecting the speaker onto the big screens.  IMAG is not inexpensive when done right. Everything matters, including the camera type, camera operators, a director to switch camera and lighting. If you do not light the stage properly, your speakers may look like they are lost in a sea of ink.

I hope you find these quick tips helpful. Not all are inexpensive to implement, but remember, your event, gala or meeting will make an impact on your brand and company image. It is after all, a presentation.

Having a great team to support you with the messaging and production will make all the difference between achieving your desired results and outcomes.  There are a lot of wheels spinning during a live event and having someone who is at the helm driving the program will make a world of difference.

Please share your comments and/or experiences with me. I would love your comments.

All the best,

Robert S. Grossman
Focus Creative Group

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Categories : Marketing Tips, Meetings and Events, Presentation, video
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Why Are We Now Offering Workshops On Social Media

By Robert Grossman · Comments (0)
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010


Robert S. Grossman


Many of you know me as a video and event producer, well, this is what I have been doing since 1993.  Some of you have asked me if I am still producing video and events since I started promoting our social media workshops.

Just to be perfectly clear…the answer is YES! We are still producing award-winning videos and events.

So, you maybe wondering why we are offering social media workshops and services (if you weren’t you are now)?

The answer is very simple.

Besides from being fun and very exciting one our mission has always been to create and deliver high impact and influential media which drives results and business activity.

In our world, its all about the presentation, communication and getting results for you. My personal role has always been that of “producer” – in other words, I work on your team to make stuff happen for you hopefully reducing the stress along the way and dramatically increasing increasing your success.

Social media is a new and exciting marketing and branding platform with so many possibilities.  The same strategies and processes  used to create wining videos and live events are employed in social media campaigns.  We may not be building a large stage in a hotel ballroom, but we are creating a marketing project with influential media to engage your target audience and  drive the results you need.

I also have been using social media for my own business and quite successfully.  My peers and colleagues encouraged me to offer workshops, consulting and implementation and after careful consideration, we launched our social media offerings last August.

Video is proving to be the next great frontier in social media and unfortunately, a lot of what I have seen is really poor quality. There is a time for home-grown video – for example in blog posts, but I would say more often than not, the video you show, even on social media sites represents your brand or your promise to your clients. So take care when posting videos and make sure they communicate exactly what you want them too.

The same rule applies, you will always communicate some kind of message so you better make sure it is the one you want to communicate.

We have become a casual society and our casualness has influenced our idea of what constitutes a good quality presentation.  Okay, so I use to work for IBM back in the day when every morning I would sing my little jingle, “Blue, Gray, Blue, Gray, What Shall I Wear Today?” and casual Friday was once a month and you had to wear a button down collard shirt, slacks and dress shoes.  But we never slacked on the professional quality of our presentation and brand of IBM.  There is a lesson for us all – quality does matter and image matters.

So my advice to you is to think about your brand and how you are presenting yourself, even when using social media.

And to get back on track – yes, we are now offering social media consulting and solutions in addition to our event and video production solutions. We have added digital signage, web broadcasting and soon video publishing.

After all, it is all about the presentation, creating  media (and meetings) which impact your audience and drives business activity in the right direction!

Please share your comments here and feel free to ask questions.

Keep the conversation going.

Sincerely,

Robert S. Grossman
“Chief Message Architect”,  Founder & CEO
Focus Creative Group

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Categories : Meetings and Events, Presentation, Social Media, Video Production, social networking, video
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Tips On Promoting a Successful Event Using Social Media

By Robert Grossman · Comments (1)
Thursday, January 28th, 2010

It is hard to believe, but people are still asking me if I think social networking is worth the time and money. Actually, there are people who are dogmatic that it is not for “my business”. Do you still use an outhouse? Oh, I get it, you still think and IBM Selectric with a built in correction ribbon is the hottest ticket.

Well for those people who are still not sure or not sure what to do, I have one thing to say – IT WORKS! But it takes strategy, effort and yes, time.

I am a perfect example of some who is using social media and networking and generating results. But I am expected to say that since helping companies to deploy social media is part of my business. So I would like to share with you a great example of how some else used social media to promote an event.

A colleague of mine Dr.Bill Saleebey just published his newest book called Connecting: Beyond the Name Tag.  It is a book about networking. Last week he threw a book signing event and it so happened we were having “storm of the century in Los Angeles” and Tornadoes in Orange County,

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend at the last moment (yes, I was one of those wimps who allow the weather to get in the way). So this post is not about the party, but about the success of the party and how Bill used social media as his primary method of promoting his event.

I ask Bill to share with me what he did to promote and hold his event so I could share it with you. I condense the content to the most pertinent points.

Me: Bill, when did you start promoting your event and which platforms did you use? And did you use one more than the other?

Bill: Thanks for your interest.  I used social media HEAVILY to promote my book launch from Day 1 of determining a date and location.  I used the following platforms in order of frequency: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Plaxo, My web sites

I also promoted through Provisors web site and Bruin Professionals BP Exchange. We did invitations through Facebook, Socializr, and Constant Contact.

Me: Did one platform perform better than others?

Bill: It all worked, but I’m not sure which specific platform was most effective.  I’m not sure Plaxo by itself did much.  Frankly, I’m not sure Twitter did much either.  Facebook was probably the most significant and effective platform.  Through FB I have really built relationships and gotten people to know me, like me, and be genuinely interested in my updates, my humor, my philosophical comments, and my AndyRooneyisms.

Me: There are some people who think social media is only for people who want to hide behind their computers and not meet people face to face. What do you think about that?

Bill: None of this would really be possible if I didn’t SHOW UP in person and build relationships day by day, person by person.  It is absolutely the combination and interaction of social media with face-to-face contact.  There is no way I could have drawn 150 people in absolutely dreadful weather without the personal touch.  Many people (and I mean many) have told me they wanted to come…BUT.  So they knew about it, and that is largely attributable to social media.

Me: You did not just rely on the social media sites to get your message out there. You also employed some good old fashion networking too. A few days before your event, you reached out to me and asked if I would share your event invitation with others. What prompted you to take this approach?

Bill: By tapping into other’s networks with which you have a positive relationship (like you) and asking them if they would be willing to plug event, reinforces my own campaign and widens the net.”

Me: It also helps me as one who promotes your event since I get my name out there associated with a very positive event, even thought it really helped you, I benefited too. Plus, it builds a little social capital. What were the results?

Bill: I had around 150 attendees in the pouring rain, and sold around 90 books.  Many people have commented on my social media presence.  That being said, I promoted heavily but not heavy-handed.  I also used an old sales approach in my campaign, of talking about the RAIN. Did I mention the rain?  Rather than ignoring the potential obstacle it posed for some people, I brought it out into the open and basically challenged the LA Wimps not to let a little dampness deter them from the party of the year. I really didn’t have ANY idea how many people or who would show up, but there is conclusive evidence that a large segment were there solely because of social media.

Me: Thank you Bill for sharing your success with us.  You illustrated how to use social media successfully to promote an event and to stay top of mind with your community.

It is important to understand it takes time to build up your social network and you will want to make sure you have a sufficient population of people who are part of your circle of influence. The reason why you should have a social media strategy is to be found.

If you have your own success story, please share it with me. I may just post it here and give you a free plug (link) or two!

Keep the conversation going.

Sincerely,

Robert S. Grossman
Chief Message Architect and Founder
Focus Creative Group

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Categories : Case Studies, Marketing Tips, Meetings and Events, Social Media, social networking
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Example of an Honoree Video for a Non-Profit

By Robert Grossman · Comments (0)
Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Client: United Way

Project Type: Video

Client Needs: United Way of Greater Los Angeles engaged Focus Creative to produce a high impact/ high profile video which would feature many business & political leaders in Los Angeles. The video was in honor of Eli and Edyth Broad, recipients of the National Alexis de Tocqueville Award, and to be aired at the National United Way Awards Show.

Solution: Focus Creative consulted with United Way to understand their special goals. We provided a complete solution consisting of script writing, Voice Over artist, graphics, production, and post production team.

Honors: Telly Awards




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Categories : Case Studies, Meetings and Events, Video Production, video
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Emergency Preparedness for Meetings and Events

By Robert Grossman · Comments (1)
Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Event Preparedness – If You Plan Ahead, When the Unthinkable Happens, it Becomes Manageable

Last year, I attended an event put on by BizBash (www.bizbash.com) on Emergency Preparedness For Events.  I am not sure who compiled this list, but I wanted to share it with you especially since holiday parties are just around the corner.

Planning is key and without it a small disaster could turn into a massive one.  Please share with your colleagues in the events industry.

  1. Think communication. All signage is clear to all attendees. Deploy digital signage may save you money and you will be able to have the appropriate images ready to go if there is an emergency

  2. Create an emergency preparedness plan and have contingency checklists for your site visits and planning process.

  3. Make sure your staff has radios and consider separate channels for security and emergency medical services.

  4. Always check venue exit plans usually located around the venue and in your sleeping rooms.

  5. Instruct your attendees to do the same. It is too late when a crises strikes. Most people will exit from the door they enter from.

  6. During your house keeping announcements, consider having a slide of meeting room exit plan.

  7. Know where all the fire exits doors are and confirm they are open, unlocked and clear of obstruction. For double doors, check both doors.

  8. Know where fire extinguishers and fire pull alarms are. Check to see if the fire extinguishers are charged.

  9. Have AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) or know where they and how to get one from the venue. Consider having a few staff members trained in using them. There are 4 hour courses available. Check the web for classes.

  10. Check isles for obstructions such as cables, signs and computer bags.

  11. Made sure all wires are tapped down securely on the stage and floors, especially if cables need to cross a door way.

  12. Check all flooring for pits and fissures that are small enough to catch a heel or other types of shoes.

  13. Make sure the stage has no gaps, stairs are securing attached to the stage and mark the stairs with a bright tape on the edges. I also mark the stairs location on the stage with tape so someone exiting off the stage can find the stairs easily.

  14. If you have people entering the stage from behind, make sure your production company has an assistant stage manager helping people on and off the stage.

  15. Consider if you should hire a company that provides Emergency Medical Services. I am not endorsing this company since I have never used them (I met them at the event last night). They provide this type of service as well as CPR training. www.OnCdalmedic.net or call Sylvia Wildfire, EMT, Owner at (805) 807-2517. Remember, I am not endorsing them since I have no previous experience with them. But they seem like a good organization.

  16. If you are having dignitaries or rock stars, you should coordinate with the local police agency.

  17. Think about lighting especially for outdoor events after dark. I know, this seems so obvious, but read the next bullet.

  18. Look for obvious and not so obvious issues. We did an event at a private residence on their tennis court. There was a narrow path down a hill which every guest had to walk down and back up. I notice puddles of water with alga. Not only was the event coordinator not aware of the potential safety hazard, she did not even care about it when I pointed it out. They also did not think about lighting on this path when 200 guests would have to ascend it to get their cars. We took care of both.

  19. Make sure all decor items, linens, and draping are fire proof or have retardant. If you are renting the materials, check to make sure their certificates are current.

  20. In a post 9/11 world, mass gatherings have become highly desirable terrorist target according to the police. Collaborate with law enforcement, especially if the media will be present.

  21. Law enforcement is very concerned about a random shooter or a pedestrian with a home make explosive device. Have a plan and training for event personnel to look for suspicious packages and to whom they should report it to.

  22. Identify staff member who are trained in first aid and CPR. Know how to get in communication with them quickly.

  23. Most venues have emergency lighting, but you might want to have flash lights on hand and you might want to recommend to your guests to bring a flashlight and keep it by their bedside.

  24. Self evacuation is a big problem and usually does not work. Assign team members or hired staff to direct the attendees with predefined gathering areas. Check with the venue or the Fire Marshal where these gathering areas should be.

  25. You may want to prepare written instructions telling your attendees where to go if a disaster occurs. Write these up and give it to your announcer or VOG so the audience can be instructed where to go and remain calm.

Event Emergency Supply Check List – PARTIAL. Think About Your Unique Situations!

  1. Cash – ATM might not be working

  2. Emergency Documents (to be kept in a safe, waterproff container)

    1. Emergency contact numbers

    2. Evavuation plans / floor plans

    3. Fire permits

    4. Veneu contract

    5. Cerificates of insurance

    6. Contact information of attendess

    7. Utility Tools

      1. Swiss army knowfir that includes clippers, scissors, pliers and a knife

      2. Mighting Putty or instant cement to fill in pits and fissures

      3. Superglue

      4. Red relective tape to hightlihg issues as unexpected stairs

      5. Sewing kit with sarety pins

      6. Regular and keychin-sized flishlights.

      7. First Aid Kit

        1. Banages and Band-Aids of all different sizes and textures

        2. Triangle banage for use as a sling or wrap

        3. Elastic bandages

        4. Medical tap

        5. Scissors

        6. Tweezers

        7. Saline solution

        8. Eyewash

        9. Foil emerengy blanket

        10. Individual packs of Advil, Tylenol, Benadryl and Sudafed. Consider having some chewable Aspirin

        11. Sunscreen

        12. Aloe vera with lidocaine burn cream

Security

  1. Identify the security team’s mission beore during and after the event.Understand the types of event that is being held and the related impact on security (political event, awards show, business conference, etc…

If you would like to add to this list, please send me a comment. I would be happy to keep building and adding to it.

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Categories : Meetings and Events
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