Has the economy impacted the event business?

MEA: Budgets are there. Corporations, individuals and groups planning an event - whether social, fundraising or otherwise - continue to spend money on events. They understand how powerful such gatherings can be. Employers definitely want to demonstrate a positive outlook and thank their employees for good service.

And positive approaches produce positive results. Even in tough economic times, people need to gather, laugh and enjoy life, so we must be even more creative to help our clients stretch their budgets further.

What about choosing a venue?  

MEA: Oklahoma City has unlimited event space; it just depends on how much creativity you put into your searches. There are so many chic places for entertaining, business functions and events.

Venues do not always have to be the shiniest place to be the perfect one for a certain event. Private clubs are opening their doors to nonmembers. Restaurants have new private areas, even private airports are offering hangars.

It is amazing what we have come up with and how these creative venue selections have added another touch - or level -  to the overall event.

Are there any overall new tones and trends for 2010 or 2011?

MEA: Trends in events are always evolving, just like fashion. For example, a sleek, modern design that is not overly done is very popular right now. Lighting and video have a huge impact on how a venue looks, so things like illuminating furniture and everything down to the glassware are right on trend.

Corporate events are leaning toward a more fun atmosphere, with meetings, general session and speeches becoming shorter. A focus is being placed on interactive activities, such as salsa dance lessons, mixology classes, Wii games and interactive food and dining. There is an increase on comfort and feeling good.

Events this coming season are geared to be both socially and environmentally conscious. Finding "green" alternatives are a popular option, whether it be lighting and reusable props or limiting the waste of food.

Pre-event revenue enhancers, such as retailers partnering with nonprofits to host kickoff events, which offer a percent of sale to the charity, are boosting fundraising efforts throughout the city.

I've also noticed that nonprofits are scaling down auctions, leaning more toward silent auctions.

How is technology playing a role in event planning?

MEA: Innovative e-mail, or e-vites, make the printed piece less mainstream, as well as less costly.

Corporate presentations will integrate technology that can be seen on iPhones.

Corporate websites still play a major role, and live streaming video will play a larger role on websites this year, especially for supporters of a nonprofit who cannot attend, but want to be included in the event.

Also, social media is getting smarter. Those of us who have been tinkering around with Facebook and Twitter will explore more effective ways to promote events, connect people during events, and get instantaneous feedback.

Social networking is also a great new resource for fundraising and silent auctions, as well as Facebook. Publishing a hashtag (on Twitter) to all guests will become commonplace for hosts who want to "tweet" about their gatherings; hosts looking to clamp down on leaks about internal meetings will get serious, too.

Whether any of us will be on Twitter in five years is an open question, but we'll be able to publish thoughts and opinions instantly somehow. And that will continue to affect events.

What are you experiencing with style or decor for the end of 2010 and into 2011?

MEA: Event design is trending toward glam sophisticated elegance: fabulous, luxurious design, lots of sparkle, creating dimension and movement. Glam is really hot right now.

Unexpected color combinations also are a big thing with creative and innovative events.

Guests are immersed with entertainment from the moment they arrive. It is not just about the "live" entertainment these days; decor and atmosphere play a major role and present a message to all who attend. This is key.

Remember, it's all about the "thank you" and the appreciation.

TIPS
Hire an event professional. They have the resources and can make deals. They save you time and money!
Larger floral blossoms reduces the quantity of stems required (hydrangeas and roses vs. all roses).

TRENDS
Economize by doing back-to-back events: Share décor, lighting and floral. Share expenses (saves labor, time, etc.).
Nix the full bar at cocktails. Design a specialty cocktail/beverage, and then economize on the rest.

TIDBITS
Stick to a central color scheme.
Work along with the venue architecture vs. fighting with it.
Tray-pass the appetizers. Everyone likes being served. Makes them feel special.
 Lower food expenses by having an afternoon event.