Event Visionary Magazine by Event Visionary Mag

USE CODE: EVMAG FOR $15 OFF YOUR FIRST RIDE

04 FOUNDERS NOTE

12 12

05 COVER STORY International Wedding & Event Producer, Nirjary Desai

07 12 TIPS FOR RUNNING SMOOTHER EVENTS

Learn how to execute events with ease!

COVER STORY NIRJARY DESAI

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

KMK DESIGN COMPANY 10 2016 MUST HAVE DECOR 13 INTERACTIVE GOAL PAGE

UPCOMING EVENTS IN IN 2016 UPCOMING EVENTS 2016

EVENTVISIONARYMAG@GMAIL.COM

USE CODE: EVMAG FOR $15 OFF YOUR FIRST RIDE

EVENTS • PRODUCTION • PLANNING

04 FOUNDERS NOTE A message from the Founder of EV Magazine, Charessa Sawyer

05 COVER STORY International Wedding & Event Producer, Nirjary Desai

07 12 TIPS FOR RUNNING SMOOTHER EVENTS

Learn how to execute events with ease!

COVER STORY NIRJARY DESAI

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

KMK DESIGN COMPANY 10 2016 MUST HAVE DECOR 13 INTERACTIVE GOAL PAGE

UPCOMING EVENTS IN IN 2016 UPCOMING EVENTS 2016

EVENTVISIONARYMAG@GMAIL.COM

EV MAGAZINE

CONTENTS EVENTS • PRODUCTION • PLANNING

04 FOUNDERS NOTE A message from the Founder of EV Magazine, Charessa Sawyer

05 COVER STORY International Wedding & Event Producer, Nirjary Desai

09 12 TIPS FOR RUNNING SMOOTHER EVENTS

Learn how to execute events with ease!

COVER STORY NIRJARY DESAI

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

KMK DESIGN COMPANY Exclusive Interview with Kirsten Kakarigi

12 2016 MUST HAVE DECOR 13 INTERACTIVE GOAL PAGE Organize your event goals with this interactive template!

14 EDITORS NOTE

UPCOMING EVENTS IN IN 2016 UPCOMING EVENTS 2016

A message from the Editor of EV Magazine, Carrington Briggs

EVENTVISIONARYMAG@GMAIL.COM

FOUNDER'S

NOTE A MESSAGE FROM

CHARESSA SAWYER

Pure Excitement!! It feels amazing to finally embark on a journey that has been sitting in my brain for two years now. I dreamt of how my lens would be captured on the pages of something that would last a lifetime, and how I would involve others who like me have a love for the event industry that should be seen by the world. Looking ahead to empowering, educating and shining the light on the event industry professional, we possess an idea that is unstoppable and has the energy to help the event industry grow on levels that are beyond our imagination. The vision that our team has for Event Visionary Magazine is greater than the turns of our pages, but has the capability to impact the industry in a way that will be pleasing and exciting for our readers. Event Visionary mag is a compilation of event professionals marrying to share with the world how to take their simple ideas and turn them into money. It will also share resources, tips and business education to empower everyone to create in style. As a team we will focus on presenting quality information that is rewarding and enlightening, and that brings excitement to this industry as well as share with the world the amazing projects that are going on everyday. We will highlight not only event planners and producers, but also professionals in the entertainment industry like publicists, disc jockeys, lighting and sound specialists and more that are often unseen. As you read each issue you will begin to learn more about these professionals and just why they are so important in the success of any event, film or project. We are thankful for this new journey that we are on, and know that our success depends highly on our staff, readers, contributors and advertisers. We invite you to share our journey with others and feel free to let us know what you would like to read about! Let's Take this ride together!

- Simply Charessa/Founder

[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

International Wedding Event Producer

Nirjary Desai &

As the Owner of Kis (cubed) Events, what have you enjoyed most about planning weddings and special events around the world? The people I get to meet and their journey on how they got to where they are today. I meet incredible families that have stories and planning events is like producing a movie that you want to tell an epic story for! What do you think is the most important part of an event experience for clients? Honesty and also being very black and white with them, and execution on the day of the events. How long have you been in event planning? Almost 10 years Any advice to emerging Event & Wedding Planners? Don’t be scared to learn and roll your sleeves up and always be a team player! If you are only in this for you, then you won’t get far. Planning an event requires details, details, details, and is not glamorous it’s us planners who know how to keep their cool and problem solve that make it look Cool! It’s long hours, sacrifice, handwork, dedication, and lots of changes and how you overcome obstacles is what makes your successful! Tell us about your other companies, S3 Catering and Bridal Elements by Nirjary Desai: S3 Catering is a Fusion Catering brain child that takes South Asian food and makes it fun, modern, and more Globally accepted by all palates! Bridal Elements is an onsite Glam Squad that helps Brides & Grooms get Styled, and look fabulous on the day of their events with a personal stylist by their side. What inspired you to become an event planner? Honestly I got pulled into this, and in my college days I was on the board of our South Asian Student organization where I helped put on our annual India Night event. It is there where all this interest started but still I didn’t know this is the path I was going to end up in. I originally wanted to work for the UN in Foreign Translations since I speak multiple languages, but now I use that in this field while dealing with clients from all over the globe.

What is next for you and your brand in 2016? We are working on growing others and business opportunities for individuals who are looking to be apart of a brand and culture! Tell us about your experience working on the event for Hilary Clinton! It was incredible. We got the call 4 days before the event that they wanted us to help pull it off and it started with lots of security clearance, secret service, menu planning, and logistics because it was a very hush hush private affair. What is your most favorite thing about working in the industry? The best thing about being in this industry is the relationships you get to create not only with your clients but also with the vendors who become good friends. It has also allowed me to explore and travel the world and build globally recognized brands and a client and vendor based that in internationally located. I truly am blessed with the adventure my dreams have taken me on, and can’t wait to see where else we are going to go! Any advice to emerging Event & Wedding Planners? Don’t be scared to learn and roll your sleeves up and always be a team player! If you are only in this for you, then you won’t get far. Planning an event requires details, details, details, and is not glamorous it’s us planners who know how to keep their cool and problem solve that make it look Cool! It’s long hours, sacrifice, handwork, dedication, and lots of changes and how you overcome obstacles is what makes your successful!

To connect with Nirjary visit wwww.KisCubedEvents.com or Follow @KisCubedEvents on Instagram!

TIPS FOR RUNNING

SMOOTHER EVENTS BY RAI REESE

1. Why are we doing this? Make sure you know the purpose/goal of the event. A wedding reception is pretty obvious but if your boss tells you to put together a luncheon for the company you need to know why. Is it to boost morale? Is to give training of some kind to the employees on one big setting? Is it to announce some big news? Will there be customers there? 2. Checking In For check in service, I have found that the website www.eventbrite.com has been a great resource to help with events on a small scale basis to a grand scale. There are also corresponding Apps for both IOS and Android that will help at the checkin point and allow for scanning of tickets at the door as well. For large conferences and events meaning 1000+ I would suggest www.cvent.com .

3. Timelines and Smooth Running Events: I feel that time lines go hand in hand with the ease of running a smooth event. Your timeline will outline everything that should take place the months and days before your event including meetings with client(s) and vendor(s). But the biggest aspect to running a "smooth event" is communication and clarity on what's expected when it comes down to the upcoming event. Knowing what's expected and when it should be done can make an event go as it should. 4. Create a budget to stay on budget Watch out for extra fees and read through all contracts thoroughly to fully understand all your costs with each one of your vendors.If you’re unsure of an exact cost with a vendor, overestimate. It’s always nice to come in under your estimated budget.Think about who your target attendee audience is and build relationships and strategic partnerships to help promote your event. 5. Pick The Essentials Once you have the date set, begin the booking process. Location, rentals and other services need to be scheduled as soon as possible to avoid risking their availability. Other things to keep in mind might include catering, tents, tables and chairs, linens, DJ, photographer, decorations, etc. Meet with these people to discuss the details and remain in contact with them as the event approaches.

6. The Goal of the Site Inspection Is to leave with all of the technical, operational and aesthetic information needed to design and produce the special event you are planning. First site inspections are generally taken with the client, preferably before a final decision has been made on the site. If the site is local, or the event large enough to warrant the cost, a second site inspection may be desirable or even required after the event design has been developed. 7. Tell Somebody Get the details of the event out quickly.Invitees should be given a brief description of the event and its purpose, along with the date and time.The goal of the concise and compelling What, Where,When, and Why information is to make it as easy as possible for the invitee to say, “Yes, I want to (and can) attend this event.” Ensure that your calltoaction —“Sign up for our event now” — is well placed. That is what will drive people straight to your registration page once they’ve made up their mind to attend 8. Event reminder for your attendees Always plan to communicate with your attendees 12 days before the event, whether it is a phone call or an email. Include all the event information and directions to the event location. If there are any digital documents attendees need (such as a confirmation number or ticket), include them in the email so they are prepared when they arrive at the event. 9. Estimating your total attendee count Always plan for some of your registered attendees to not show (don’t take it personally) and also plan for walkins (hopefully not to a wedding). For paid events, a good percentage for attrition is 57%. For events that are free, your attrition will be higher (that’s the nature of the beast). 10. Give Yourself Some Slack It may be tempting to order just what you need or to go out and buy only what you have anticipated needing, it is going to save you time, money and hassle if you give yourself some slack to work with by buying more. It sounds counterintuitive, but giving yourself some slack with resources will save you money. More importantly, you won’t run out of critical resources that people need during the event and look unprofessional. 11. Request attendee feedback I always email my attendees after the event with a survey for feedback. Ask what they liked most, and what they would prefer for your next event. If this is an event that will be happening again or part of a series, let them know when to expect the next one. 12. Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin Though it may seem like a great idea to meet with the cake maker, the caterer, the dressmaker, and everyone else you can in one day, this is going to end badly no matter how you slice it. It is always best to schedule one or two things at most in one day so that you have time to make sure you are not crunched for time and that you get the task completed fully as opposed to half way because you’re rushing to the next appointment. Connect with Rai Reese: r2eventsandmore@gmail.com

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

KIRSTEN KAKARIGI

How did you get started with Event Planning and design? What was your inspiration? I have always had a knack for design. Specifically, for interior design. As a young child, I would rearrange and redecorate my bedroom regularly. Instead of toys for Christmas, I would ask for new bedroom furniture. I know that I got the design bug from my maternal grandmother, Marie. She was a natural designer. She had an affinity for creating beautiful spaces. I come from a very entrepreneurial family, all of my grandparents have owned their own businesses. So, it felt very natural for me to start my own. About a year after I partnered with my friends in their event planning business, I broke off and started my own. KMK Design was born. Unfortunately, my Grandma had passed away while I was still in school and was never able to see what I have created. I know she would be proud. I think of her a lot when I'm working on projects and often try to channel her talents. My business makes me feel as if her legacy is living on. As the Owner of KMK Design, what have you enjoyed most about planning weddings and special events around the world? Hands down, the best part of my job is seeing the looks on my clients' faces when I first show them the space I have created for their event. The pure joy that they feel in that moment makes the long hours, the stress, and my never ending todo list all worthwhile. I live for that moment. It is so gratifying. I also enjoy the relationships I have built with my clients. I have quite a few that I work with on a regular basis and they have become like family. Planning all of their parties and events has become such a wonderful part of my job. I get to watch their kids grow up and I get to be a part of their special moments. I am really lucky to not only do what I love for a living, I also have amazing clients! What do you think is the most important part of an event experience for clients? In my opinion, the two most important parts of the event experience for clients are the "feeling" and the "memory." These are the intangibles of my job. I am not only concerned with creating a beautiful, well produced event, I am also focused on the intangibles. A great event will evoke feelings in the guests happiness, love, belonging, joy, and all of the other warm and fuzzy’s. Creating memories for my clients and their guests is also an important piece of what I do. Personalized, unexpected, and fun details are the cornerstone of creating memorable events. With every event, I set out to design an “experience,” full of good times, that leave a lasting impression on everybody. What are 3 tips for emerging planners? Be nice. To everyone. I cannot stress this enough. From your clients, to vendors, to your staff, everyone deserves your respect and kindness. The wedding and event industry is a small community, you do not want to ruin your reputation by treating people poorly. Build relationships. As I had mentioned, the wedding industry is a pretty tight knit community, even in large cities. Find vendors that you want to work with and reach out to them. Take them to coffee, have lunch together. Find out who you click with. Make friends. Even with your socalled “competition.” Then, stop competing. Start helping. Start learning from each other. In Sacramento, where I live, there is a huge push for “community over competition.” I think we all want to see each other succeed. There truly are enough clients, money and business for all of us. It is important to not lose sight of that. Stay organized. Create your system for organization and keep up on it. The “business” of owning a business can be a daunting task. You not only have to keep track of all of your clients and events, you also have to keep track of all of your finances, taxes, mileage, etc. Don’t wait until tax time to get organized. Make it a priority when you are starting out. I promise, you will thank me later. KMK Design: www.kmkdesigncompany.com • Instagram: @kmkdesign • Facebook: www.facebook.com/kmkdesigncompany

2016 MUST-HAVE

Decor Items By Sonja Franklin

The trend for opulent high’ style is evolving in all elements of an event. From dramatic floral arrangements to; custom tableware and lavish décor elements. The demand for fashion forward event design at an affordable price point continues to increase. Styles that hit the runway are introduced to the event styling industry. Knowing what’s hot and complimentary can really help an event stylist excel in their business. Pulling from the hottest fashion, color palettes and home décor trends keeps you ahead of the game. The 1920's were all about glam, and embraced everything modern by being simple and elegant. Recreate glamorous retro style table art. A combination of luxury vintage art deco and an electric style, is a perfect combination for a sophisticated vintage style of glam. Adding stunning rich colors, sparkle and romantic floral impact the aesthetic details. Utilize this standard decorum of décor etiquette as a guideline to getting plenty of style without plenty of money. A wellstyled event is equivalent to a good stage production. It’s about performing the right show for the right audience. Choose a stage (thee event space) that is striking on its own. Instead of designing the venue to the event, build your event around the ambiance of the venue. Saving both time and money. Forming a uniform look is an important part of styling. Create a focus, so that the eye doesn’t have to do much work to know where to look. Monochromatic masses of economic blooms curate inexpressive drama. Or instead of floral arrangements. Immense elegant votive onto a mirrored runner to achieve a sleek atmosphere If you're looking to create an atmosphere that's rich in highstyle, this Black Orchid tablescape is the perfect design solution. This style is visually dramatic in artistic elements and highstyle orchid paper tableware, ideal for a classy dinner party to a chic milestone celebration. This effortlessly chic tablescape redefines casual at home entertaining. The long table set with centerpieces mixed with real and paper orchid silhouettes, orchid melamine dinner plates and black glassware gives a sense of opulence. The color palette exudes lushness and ties all the details into one picture, creating an elegant highstyle experience to the eye. Get creative styling, design elements that aren’t mundane. Add a stylish touches that are artistic and visually dramatic. Mundane decor? Fashion Weeks features trends, styles and colors looking ahead to the next season. While the focus is on the apparel industry, they set the tone for trends in the event styling industry. And today affordable highstyle is in high demand . Everyone is seeking to achieve a lux event design changing, they seek to achieve a highstyle event without putting a hamper on their budget.A wellstyled and wellorchestrated event is analogous to a good stage production. It’s about putting on a high performance.

EDITOR'S

NOTE A MESSAGE FROM

CARRINGTON BRIGGS

I am very pleased to present to you a new magazine, with many exclusives within the event industry. As we highlight a variety of event professionals, we wish to enlighten our readers in every aspect of the event world. With our digital magazine, you will be able to access the latest tips and insiders on events from anywhere in the world, with all information at your fingertips. From the start, the goal of our magazine has been to provide comprehensive coverage of the event industry. Our team consists of eager individuals all here to make the experience of reading EVENT VISIONARY MAGAZINE memorable for you, so that you come back craving more. We want to leave you with something to take with you each issue. This is your tool for all things Events!

- Carrington Briggs / Editor

interactive goal page

UPCOMING EVENTS