In this episode . . . Humorous Happenings, of course! Planning the Flow of the Event Getting the Audience's Attention Optimal Entertainment / Speaker Length We want to hear from you! Tell us your tips, funny stories, and ideas: info@gracieandlacy.com | Facebook | Linkedin Happy Planning! G&L #dinnershow #afterdinnerentertainment #dinnertheatre #gala #socialevents #blacktieevents #eventplanning #eventplanner #meetingplanner #eventprofs #corporatedinner #clientappreciat

"How can we honor our military and veterans?" A common request from event planners and meeting professionals and seeking to create impactful and meaningful events. Enter The Gracie & Lacy Show! With a dedication to our nation's history and a repertoire of powerful musical selections, Gracie & Lacy deliver interactive performances that celebrate the music that brought America through the war years. From their dynamic duo rendition of our country's National Anthem to a compl

"No, the goldfish in the centerpieces aren't dead . . . they're just sleeping." Admit it. If you are an event planner, you're just not normal. The good news is, you are not alone, there are many of us hyper-alert, over-caffeinated, clipboard-holding earthlings wandering the planet. Perhaps you can relate to these confessions of event planners: Check your work email *cough cough* during church Go to events you aren't interested in, just to check out the venue Polish your shoes

And so it was in ancient times, that on the 8th day, God created event planners. Gazing down from heaven He saw that the event planner was the most unusual of all his creations. As it was decreed, all of God's creatures took the 7th day of each week as a day of rest. But not the event planner. God smiled. After all, someone needs to coordinate the day of rest lest there be chaos and disorder of every kind. Someone to plan the dress code and keep people from eating the wrong f

Good news! If you are reading this it means you have survived being an event planner thus far. Chances are you have more than one story of unexpected event occurrences ranging from the frightful to the hilarious. Here are a few to get us started - feel free to post yours in the comments section below. - That time when the production coordinator almost bought spiked lemonade for the children by accident. - The time when the volunteer assumed that spray paint was some how intel

Admit it #Eventprofs . . . You are adept at turning off light switches with your toes because your hands are full. You have 2-3 polite, generic response phrases that you say to folks so you can multi-task the 100 other things in your brain. When you see a troublemaker coming, you grab a clip board and put an intense, busy look on your face as a deterrent. You plan more meals than you ever eat. You love going to the dentist because it's the one time you actually sit and relax.

It happens to everyone. . . those days when our brain can't think of any new, fresh, ideas. Ironically, it tends to happen when we are crunched for time and need to move forward with our event planning. Don't despair! Here are a few tips for changing the lightbulb that floats above your weary grey matter. Do the Blah Work First Set a timer and make a goal to get the mundane tasks out of the way first. This may include data entry, paperwork, etc. Completing your least fav

Seasoned Entertainers and Speakers have a "show-must-go-on" mentality. Here are some tips to help event planners cover the bases for their hired talent to avoid glitches. My readers always have great tips to add - so I welcome you to share your comments and tips! P.S. If you need to brush up on showbiz terminology, check out my blog on 13 Showbiz Words Event Planners Should Know. Read the rider This is a no-brainer, however worth mentioning as certain speakers and entertai

Create the perfect ambiance for your event, hush a crowd, infuse energy, contribute to decor, and create focus, all with the use of lighting! Are you using lighting to its fullest capacity to enhance your events? Here are a few ideas to add to your power planner list. As always, I love to hear from you too. I welcome you chime in with your comments on what has worked well for you. The Welcome Light Never underestimate the power of outdoor lighting. From the moment your gu

Don't miss the opportunity to enhance the mood and impact of your events through the power of music. Merge the tips below with my previous article on Lighting and you will have yourself a smashing combination that wins your guests over without a word! You no doubt have some tips of your own to share - I look forward to your comments. The Entrance From the moment your guests step through the door, you want them to be completely immersed in your theme. Lobby music sets the t

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Benjamin Franklin I know Mr. Franklin was not an event planner by trade, however his wisdom carries into every industry. As an event planner you are very familiar with stress.However, if your goal is BURNOUT here are the simple steps: 1. Keep all of your notes in one place Even better. Keep them all stored on the cloud and lose your password right before your event. Don't bother to print a hard-copy - what's life without

Have you ever been standing before a room full of people making a call for volunteers, and no one raises their hand? The people squirm, don't make eye contact, and begin fussing with their phones, or pretend to read some random papers to look preoccupied. In your head you're thinking, 'Man, do these people know how many hours I've put in? I ought to be citizen of the year by now . . . what a bunch of lazy, over-privileged, self-centered . . . ' You snap back to reality.

Perhaps you were drawn to this article by the curiously unsettling title. Or, perhaps you have a bit of PTSD over the last group you hired for an event. Just consider this post a little support group for the traumatized talent booker. Here are a few easy ways you can blow it in booking . . . 1. A REEL Problem No Demo Reel? This is a great way to step out on a limb. With everyone running around like paparazzi with video-capturing smart phones these days there is really no

4 Unforgettable Holiday Event Ideas! 1. Make it SNOW on your audience! Snow machines are reasonable to rent and make a great effect. TIP: don't use on hard floor (slippery), and don't run during a speaker unless it has a soft fan. 2. Create cozy FIREPLACE scenes. Arrange couches and chairs into conversational spaces centered around a real or faux fireplace. If you have a knack for crafting, check out Tobin Lake studios - they make a great faux fireplace kit - we have used the

13 Showbiz Words Talent Buyers Should Know . . . Don't let entertainers scare you with big technical sounding words. Here's a cheat sheet to keep you savvy! Have any to add to the list? Feel free to post a comment. 1. Tech Rider - A document outlining the technical needs of an entertainer (i.e. sound, lighting, etc.) 2. Backline - This word is used broadly so be sure to ask the band / performer to clarify what they mean by "Backline," and ask them to itemize their expectat

Here are a few easy-to-forget items that should be on every event planner's checklist. The great news is that they are easy to implement using technology such as calendar reminders and smart phone notifications. 1. News It is easy to be so caught up with preparations for an event that you skip reading the morning paper or watching the headlines. It is imperative that you are aware of any local or national emergencies that could impact your event or travel. Read the local h

Why should event planners and meeting planners read this post? To avoid common pitfalls that lead to guest boredom and depletion of future attendance. After many years of being involved in corporate, charitable, and special events we have compiled a list of things that drain the energy of an event and put the audience to sleep. Do you have anything to add? Feel free to post to help others keep their events engaging and memorable. 1. Choose a monotone, soft-spoken emcee "

Planning an All-American patriotic event? Stars & Stripes; Red, White & Blue; and then what? Whether you are planning an Independace Day extravaganza, polical gathering, Veterans Day gala, or Memorial Day festival it is your goal to make your event stand out from the all the rest and leave a meaningful impact. Draw upon the Gracie & Lacy idea bank below and be sure to share your ideas with us - we love to hear from our readers. Decor Good. No meetings required on the colo

The Greatest Generation is marked by fabulous Big Bands, Swing Dancing, Patriotism, Fashion, and some of the best loves songs of all time. Golden Era entertainers Gracie & Lacy have compiled some of their favorite tips for planning your Vintage 1940s bash. As your imagination runs wild, we'd love to hear from you! Share your tips, brainstorming, and successes with us at: info@gracieandlacy.com Event Types - 1940s Dinner Dance (Dinner, Dancing) - 1940s Supper Club (Dinner,

Whether you are gearing up for a client appreication, awards night, convention, trade show, meeting or holiday party; booking unique entertainment will make your event memorable. Here are some of ways a performer can emphasize your mission, theme, and brand. 1. Live Commercial This is our #1 favorite way to help a business stand out. Write a short and catchy script and ask your Master of Ceremonies, entertainer, or bandleader to work it into the act. Here at SSL Entertainme