From Zero to Hero in 24 Seconds

Wouldn't it be nice if every event setup happened in 24 seconds! Thanks to the magic of time elapse cameras it can. In fact, this camera was actually a new still camera that offers this feature. There are more of them on the market now and they are reasonably priced as opposed to the specialized time-elapse cameras of yesterday.

Like before and after shots, this is a very effective way to show clients how a room comes together.

This particular video is a behind-the-scenes look at the setup for the Gatorade Athlete of the Year Awards that we did in Los Angeles with Pulse 220. The edit was created by Dan Bell of Exclaim. The camera was set on a tripod and remained in the same position from the beginning to the end of set up, taking a shot of the space every five minutes. . . Cool huh?

A Bohemian Paradise

This event was produced at the Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, California. Designed and produced by AOO's Zaid Arriola, I'd loosely call the theme Boho-Moroccan.

The pool area of the Miramonte, a beautifully appointed boutique hotel , features cabanas and a very laid-back yet elegant feeling, so Zaid artfully enhanced what was there. The patterned lighting and the string lights brought it life as the sun set.

But there were many more details that went into this event. I thought I'd start this event profile a little differently, showing you the end result today (to whet your appetite for more) and in coming posts Zaid and I will break down some of the more interesting design elements and logistical challenges. Stay tuned!

GUEST BLOG by Joella Hopkins, CSEP, CMP

In the last couple of years I have watched as Simply Mumtaz has grown more prominent in our market. The event experiences produced by the company's owner, Joella Hopkins, all have a wonderful, fluid design. In addition to her talent, Joella's involvement in associations such as ISES and her dedication to greening meetings and events through her style of eco-chic have put her company on the map. And for those of you who don't know (I confess that I didn't until I asked) Mumtaz in Arabic translates to excellent; in Hindi to grand and extraordinay; and in Urdu and Farsi, to fantastic and great. To me, whatever the language, Simply Mumtaz is a company to watch!

David Merrell

Greening Your Special Events
By Joella Hopkins, CSEP, CMP

Going green is really pretty simple. It’s all a matter of determining what shade of green you’re looking to attain. You can simply add elements of green to your special event and have a big impact or you can also go green by making your event completely green powered, organic and produced solely by green businesses. If you’re really looking to make a big statement then try doing all of these things and more such as incorporating zero waste, carbon neutral and all green.

Green Ideas Large and Small...

Look here, it’s all about the small details… A Hershey’s Organic Chocolate Favor. Simply buy a big bag and place a few at everyone’s place setting. This gives each attendee an impression of quality and a commitment to green. It doesn’t say that everything at your event is green, but it will get them talking about going green.

We added to that same table top bamboo chargers to enhance the feeling. Another quick and easy way to go green is with your centerpieces.

Here are two other examples of using green elements in your special events – once more basic and simple and the other more fancy...

At this event, Whole Foods Market was a sponsor. We asked them to donate green fruit to use in our centerpieces. We also got those really cool green re-useable Whole Foods' totes and told everyone at the end of the event to use their bags and get some fruit! It was healthy, fun and green. You should have seen their faces!

Here we went with a similar idea – but, more elegant. Depending on the goals and objectives of your event you’re able to change these ideas up however you see fit.

So, we’ve all used California Crystals before – did you even know that’s what they are called? That gooey clear stuff – it’s actually an item created by the agricultural industry to help with our California droughts. They are designed to soak up water; plants are able to absorb the water directly from the crystals and eventually they break back down. Folks in the agricultural community use them in the soil. Makes total sense, huh!?

This photo is of an event we helped produced for ISES LA, with the help of SMS Generators we produced this event completely off of green bio-diesel generators. We also recycled everything in the house, cardboard, glass, plastic and paper. Going green doesn’t mean “granola.” It can be bright and beautiful.

Finally, we went for it all at this event… Green vendors, green venue, zero waste, carbon neutral, organic, seasonal, locally grown… everything from linens, potted plants, recycled plastic chairs, low energy LED lights… you name it, we tried to make it happen. It was a huge success and gorgeously green!

If you are interested in learning more or would like to receive Simply Mumtaz’ Top 55 Green Points in greening your special events or meetings, please e-mail Joella Hopkins, CSEP, CMP at joella@simplymumtaz.com. We look forward to seeing you out there greening it up!

Joella Hopkins, CSEP, CMP

Joella Hopkins, CSEP, CMP is the president of Simply Mumtaz Events, Inc., a full-service award winning event & meeting management, production and design company. Joella has incorporated one central theme into her business: honest and ethical excellence. She began her career at the Office of International Affairs for the Florida Department of State. She has planned diplomatic events featuring headliners such as U.S. President George W. Bush, King Abdullah of Jordan, and former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan. Simply Mumtaz Events is also known as the Green Leader in the Special Events Industry. Simply Mumtaz Events produces grand openings and annual award shows to inspiring galas, ribbon cutting ceremonies, incentive events, product launch celebrations, conferences, business meetings and tradeshows.

www.simplymumtazevents.com and www.simplymumtazevents.blogspot.com

Top 10 Blogs for Event Design Inspiration

We are celebrating!

Event Solutions magazine editor Rachel Globus has named the Top 10 Blogs For Design Inspiration and Designdawgs was one of them!

We are truly honored to be in the company of these great bloggers many of whom inspire us on a daily basis. Take the time to check them all out. You won't be disappointed!

Heart Racing Entertainment

At the Heart Foundation event one of the biggest elements is the entertainment. So, I'll finish up my series of blog posts on this with a quick look at a stellar line up.

First of all, it's important to note that a man who has quelled many a hungry heart, Wolfgang Puck, was this year's honoree. While performing artists took the stage, a team of culinary artists was backstage creating an epicurean sensation for the audience.

Michael Buble! He flew in from his home in Canada just for this event at the personal request of David Foster. As he has done for previous years, Foster assembled the entertainment for the evening and is very supportive of the Heart Foundation.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, emcee Kelsey Grammer, Wolfgang Puck and Berry Gordy, last year's honoree.

Katherine Jenkins, an award-winning Welch mezzo-soprano.



Dana Carvey, a big supporter of the Heart Foundation. As they say, humor is good for the heart!

David Foster's new artists, Charice Pompengco (Oprah loves her and David calls her the next Celine Dion!) and Cody Karey. Of Cody David says -- the next Josh Groban (another one of his finds).

In all, an amazing evening, the proceeds of which support the important research and work of Dr. P.K. Shah, Director of the Division of Cardiology at Cedars Sinai Hospital.

Golden Moments

Last week the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced that this coming year, they would be nominated 10 films for Best Picture, not five. This means more gold men on the mantlepieces of Hollywood movers and shakers! I thought it was a good time to take them off the mantle and invite them into the party.

While this look might not be everyone’s cup of tea, in Hollywood, and in Southern California in general, many of our clients ask for Oscar parties. The trouble is, the Academy is vigilant in protecting the Oscar imagery. This makes it very hard to find awards and gala statues – a very common request for Los Angeles event pros to hear.

So, here’s a great idea -- living statues! Because of their mobility, they were interactive and EVERY WHERE! They were first at the entrance, then as decor during cocktails and finally on the stage during the awards. We got these "Oscars" from Bravo! Entertainment in Dallas and they were a big hit for a corporate gala awards event at the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

It doesn’t hurt to have physically fit men in the costumes either! Oh, and by the way, it does help to get models that aren’t claustrophobic.

An Experimentation in Vlogging

Experimenting with Vlogging today! This was taken at the Heart Foundation with the new Flipcamera. As I get better, I'll be able to show you much more of event design from start to finish, so please be patient as this dawg sets about learning a few new tricks!