THE FORUM GROUP – Sydney Event Management Company

From incorporating a new form of entertainment to producing an innovative ‘one of a kind’ large scale event experience – event managers are always looking for new and innovative ideas to make your event stand out.

By doing so, you are providing your delegates with something that they might not have experienced before, something that your competitors probably haven’t offered before and something that is guaranteed to get people talking – and remembering your event for a long time to come!

So what are some examples of fun, innovative and creative ideas that are  guaranteed to leave this lasting impression? Read our 5 quick suggestions below:

1. Growing Gifts - Environmentally friendly gift ideas. Why not give someone the gift of a tree? (www.growinggifts.com.au)

2. Chocolate Prints – Take chocolate to a new level! Print high resolution images or logos on your delegate treats that are 100% edible – your delegates will be sure to thank you! (www.chocolateprints.com.au)

3. Paper Tiger Products - New and exciting sustainable products that are Australian designed and made, re-usable, recyclable and brandable. Showcase your corporate social responsibility by using some of these products at your next conference. (www.papertigerproducts.com)

4. Brad Blaze – The speed painter who painted his way to the top of the event entertainment industry. If you want dinner entertainment that’s a little different to your standard jazz band, then check this out. It’s guaranteed to keep your audience captivated. (www.bradblaze.com.au)

5. Adrenalin Adventures – Provide your delegates with an experience of a lifetime. With over 2000 adventures to choose from – ranging from massages to V8 car racing – you are sure to find something perfect for your next event!

Do you have any event ideas you would like to share? From small gift ideas to big sustainability ideas – we’d love to hear your thoughts on how to make your next event stand out.  Leave a comment below.

So you’re an event manager, and your client approaches you with this fabulous idea for their event – they have a vision – of theming, venue, entertainment ….and it all sounds fabulous…you ask them what the budget is…and all of a sudden the reality that there is no way they can afford this vision becomes evident, yet the client does not seem to understand this reality…

They want their vision – and you have to produce it – whatever that budget (or lack of) may be.

So what do you do? Besides go into panic mode and scream how!? Take the time to think logically about cheaper alternatives – that could possibly create a similar result!

Here a few ideas that TFG have used – and have worked!

1. Use student volunteers – never under estimate the skills of students that are passionate towards their areas of study. For example performing arts high schools are great for recruiting entertainment – whether it be dancers, singers, bands, or roving actors. They are at those schools for a reason – they have talent…that along with their passion, dedication and professional training, means that you won’t be disappointed. Eg. McDonald College – they are the performing arts stars of tomorrow, so why not recruit them while they are free…five years time you may be paying $20,000 for the same performance!

2. Use food for theming – regardless of your budget people still need to eat – so why not combine this with your theming to minimise cost! You can create simple yet stunning centrepieces with fruit, have a colour theme such as only orange desserts at a Halloween party, or serve only seafood at an under the sea themed dinner! Eg. Summer of Love Dockside party used succulent, refreshing berries in tall glasses which reflected summer, but also created a beautiful display.

3.Use lighting – strategically positioned lighting can add a professional touch to any event – simply adding coloured lighting can totally reinvent a space and create a dramatic ‘wow’ factor. Simple effects can make a significant impact! Ever heard of the saying ‘smoke and mirrors’?

These are just a few ideas of how you can create a grade A event with a grade C budget, but if you really think about it – the possibilities are endless. The bottom line is, if you are a truly professional event manager you can deliver an amazing effect for any budget!

Share your ideas here on how you’ve created a grade A event on a grade C budget.

As Event Organisers based in Sydney, we’re always wanting to keep on top of the ‘highly recommended’ places to visit in the CBD.  Steel Bar & Grill on Carrington Street is definitely on the hotlist.

It’s staff review time and I always like to take my event managers out of the office and to a nice restaurant in Sydney CBD for a nice lunch.  We headed to Steel Bar & Grill on Carrington Street in Sydney and I have to say it was one of the best dining experiences I have had for a while.

Check out the video we put together with our favorite online photo to video program www.animoto.com We took some photos and animoto put this video together for us in 10 minutes! then read on for TFG’s review.

From the phone call booking I made: The lady on the other end was polite, pleasant and didn’t try and hurry me off the phone (due to other errands she had to do in the restaurant). (more…)