Plan It! Magazine Spring 2020 Edition

spring 2020

Caterers Design + Décor Desserts Entertainment Fashion Floral Giveaways Invitations Photographers Planners Transportation Trends Venues Videographers

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 CHECK OUT DETAILS ON PAGE 3

table of contents

Paul Stoloff Photography

What’s Inside:

Advertise in Plan It! Magazine

4

A Letter from Star Trax

The need for year-round event planning assistance has inspired

8

Stay on Track

local businesses providing resources and services for planning lifecycle and

Plan It! Magazine. This party planning guide is filled with trusted referrals and

11 Trends 2020

corporate events. Updated and published twice yearly, this full color, glossy

17 Customer Service

exposure for your business. Available in print and online at planitmagazine.com

publication is content-rich, ensuring continual use and creating maximum

Cover photo by

Fall 2020 Art Deadline: October 1, 2020 • Release Date: November 8, 2020

Kate Saler Photography

Download the 2020 Media Kit at planitmagazine.com

Levin Event, November 2019

For additional information, contact becca@startrax.com

A Letter from Star Trax It’s Spring 2020 and the beginning of the Coronavirus Epidemic that’s gripping our nation and our world! I have been home with my kids, since schools were forced to close. While I am still working, I have also accomplished a magnitude of house-hold tasks. Things I thought I’d never get to.

I am the Marketing Director for Star Trax. Although our event planning team is working from home, they have not stopped working for one second. What started off as “what if” phone calls has now moved to switching and rescheduling events. This group (Harris VanCleef, Shannon McConnell, Jennifer Ajlouny, and Danielle Hannah) have held the hands of every client and vendor affected by our circumstance. Together, they have reread contracts, written numerous life changing emails, and executed many event cancellations and postponements... all with grace and dignity (a few tears too). We have been taught by Geoff Kretchmer, the leader (President) of our pack - that providing exceptional customer service is the only way to build relationships, stay strong, and remain connected for the long term.

Answer every call. Don’t hide from a challenge. Admit failure. Talk less, listen more. Apologize well. Say YES. Help others. Be transparent. Act as an owner. Do things that would make your grandparents proud!

I’ve seen my fair share of posts on social media this week about postponing events. From lifestyle celebrations to annual fundraisers, and everything in between, people have questions. These are uncharted waters and we are learning as we go. We are doing everything we can to help. Some clients need refunds to regroup, others need our help to postpone. Our answer is always YES - whatever we can do! We recognize that this public health crisis has a domino effect on almost every industry and, therefore, patience and empathy is critical during this time. The businesses that are using the same mantra will ride the storm and celebrate happier days ahead. Those with rigid rules and roadblocks put their survival at risk.

I am grateful to call Star Trax my second home. The next few months will be difficult for our entire industry. We, at Star Trax, are committed to helping you get through this challenging time. We will continue answering

Contributors Publisher

Star Trax Events

President

Geoff Kretchmer

Creative Director

Becca Schlussel

Graphic Designer

Michael Hnatiuk

Photographers

Robert Bruce Brett Mountain Justin Munter Kate Saler Paul Stoloff

Star Trax Team President Partner Vice President Senior Event Director Event Manager

Geoff Kretchmer Brian Siegel Harris Van Cleef Shannon McConnell Danielle Hannah

Special Event Manager

Jen Ajlouny

Production Director

Jimmy Lees

Production Coordinator Production Technician Marketing Director Marketing Specialist Graphic Designer

Ken Busch Alex Radatz Becca Schlussel Ned Specktor Michael Hnatiuk

Office Manager

Loren Stone

Controller

Cindy Timoff

Accountant

Amy Dunlap

VP Valet Parking

Todd Duggins

Valet Director

Zach Neistein

Valet Director

Matt Fekin

Valet/Activity Coordinator Maintenance Director

Jacquelyn Dorris Brian Cafmeyer

the phone and reassuring our clients of better days ahead. We will offer virtual shoulders for tears and frustration. And most importantly, we look forward to celebrating with you, our precious clients! We will be closer, stronger, and more connected. Stay well, stay healthy, stay home!

We love you all!

Becca Schlussel, Marketing Director

2560 Wolcott / Ferndale, MI 48220 startrax.com / 248.263.6300 info@startrax.com

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Display Design

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Help - where do I begin? We have created a step-by-step guide to get you started. Depending on the type of event you’re planning, you can modify it to fit your celebration.

For example, if executing a lifecycle celebration with a video montage, getting those pictures together will take some time. The videographer will want these photographs at least 30 days prior.

12-18 Months Prior

Timeline

n o y Sta k c a Tr

• Determine Preliminary Budget

• Reserve Event Planner (If Hiring) • Estimate Guest Count • Book Your Venue • Reserve Entertainment • Reserve Your Photographer/ Videographer • Book Your Décor and/or

6-12 Months Prior

Floral Designer

Your event may require additional vendors, day-of coordinator, valet parking, linen rentals, photo booth, and sweet treat providers, just to name a few. We’ve asked some of our advertisers to offer their timeline tips from experience.

• Initial Décor/Design Meeting • Reserve Hotel Rooms if Needed • Reserve Transportation (If Required) • Start Looking at Invitations • Create a Guest List with

3-6 Months Prior

Mailing Addresses

• Finalize the Guest List • Order Invitations • Order Custom Items

When creating an invitation for an event where kids are dropped off, I recommend putting an end time on the invitation.

This helps parents plan ahead, and kids are not waiting for rides.

Pat Blackwell Red Coat Ladies

8-10 weeks Prior • Mail Out Invitations • Confirm Menu with Caterer I merge my timeline with the event timeline so that I am in the right place at the right time to capture the event highlights.

I share this updated timeline with the client ahead of time.

Brian Masserman Masserman Photography

Be realistic and remain flexible.

Rely on your pro’s. Hiring a coordinator is a great way to ensure peace of mind that the event will run flawlessly from start to finish, and you can enjoy every moment.

Sheena Luther Top That Event

Mickey Ellis Sno Biz Detroit

1 Month Prior • Create Seating Chart • Write Speeches • Send Timeline to All Hired Vendors

To avoid guests being hungry and cranky, split up some of the festivities. For example, separate speeches and montages, and keep the timing reasonable.

Elaine Matthews High Velocity Sports

Once we recieve the timeline, we schedule ourselves to arrive two hours prior for setup.

• Personalize Event Timeline

1 week Prior • Make Final Seating Adjustments • Confirm Final Guest Count with Caterer • Final Payments and Gratuities

Party Time!

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let us help you plan a party to remember a state of the art catering venue with creative menus

specialty cooking classes - festive libations - team building events weddings - birthday parties - rehearsal dinners - bar & bat mitzvahs on & off-site catering - bridal/baby showers - and so much more!

24101 w nine mile road, southfield, mi 48033 (248) 286-3100 - glculinarycenter.com

emiller@glculinarycenter.com

event craze 2020 In early 2020, parties were illuminated in neon. The brighter

Interactive experiences will also remain a focus

the better. Throwback was a constant theme.

for 2020. People crave human connection. Give

Video games, disco balls, roller skates, and pop tarts!

your guests an opportunity to put down their

What’s old is new again.

devices and join in the fun. Let’s give your guests something to talk about! Greet your guests with

“Disco balls, tinsel, shiny, metallic, and over-the-top,” says

jugglers and stilt walkers, surprise them with

Jenna Urbauer of Mandell Display Design. “We have a

performances by local talent or a beat boxer,

large selection of this in stock, and we are ready to pull

and even allow your guests to customize their

out our pink wigs and rock it out!”

own giveaway. For example, on-site screen printing, airbrush graffiti, and custom sock

Alpha Amusement’s Chris Pascaretti can attest to the

printing allow your guests to choose their colors

rebirth of classic games, saying that “people love the

and design, and leave with exactly what they

feel of the old school arcade games that include buttons

want. Think outside the box.

and a joystick. There has been a transition away from flat TV screens to hands-on physical games. Some of these games include Basketball, Skeeball, Bowling, Bubble Hockey, Dance Dance Revolution, Foosball, Ping Pong, and even Pinball. Adding an element of competition to an event can provide hours of entertainment and create lasting memories.”

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the more creative the better

Justin Munter Photography

Robert Bruce Photography

Paul Stoloff Photography

Brett Mountain Photography

Food is one of the most important elements of any event.

Choosing a unique venue allows you to

From creative displays to unique pairings, there are plenty

push your creativity and talents to the

of ways to keep your guests impressed and satisfied. “With

extreme. Think studios, galleries, lofts,

custom and creative menus to wonderful displays full of art and

warehouses, theaters and more. Select a

creativity - food must look as good as it tastes! Our 100%

venue that will allow you to accentuate

home-made pasta has been a hit and we recently added

your brand, goal and overall mood. With

stations that include ultimate waffle pops and house made

a creative planning team, events at the

flavored marshmallows,” says Erika Miller from Great Lakes

same venue never have to look or feel

Culinary.

the same twice!

When speaking with caterers, they were insistent that menus

Our suggestion: yes to gold, glitter, and

should include lots of veggies and options for those eating

sequins! Less donut walls and more

clean. Every kitchen in town is dreaming up ways to put a

charcuterie. Make way for sustainable

healthy spin on all the classic dishes. “Think retro - junk food

glassware and linens and skip the

done healthy like cauliflower mac n’ cheese, and desserts such

disposable products and extra waste.

as fruity pebble fudge, mini pop tarts stuffed with ice cream,

Recycle wherever you can. Bring the

and cookie dough sundaes,” says Carole Wendling of Higher

outdoors in - or better yet, have the

Authority Catering. “Dietary preferences have really changed

party under the stars. Remain inclusive,

throughout the past couple of years. Keto + Vegan

the more the merrier. Most importantly,

+ Gluten-free menus are on the rise, impacting 50% of our

don’t wait for a reason to get together -

menus. Craft mocktails are also a new favorite.”

CELEBRATE OFTEN! 12

14450 W 10 Mile Rd. Oak Park, Michigan 48237

(248) 813-7800 www.annabelscatering.com

Specializing in fresh mini donuts onsite Indoor or outdoor events Specialty mini donut platters delivered

Delicious, Unique and Distinctive! www.DetroitMiniDonut.com (313) 528-6000

TRAILER EVENTS Planning an event at a venue with no kitchen – NO PROBLEM! Meet Kristin Brochert and her event coordination team from Trailer Events. Kristin’s business filled a major void in the Metro Detroit event world. Mobile Kitchens were not only needed for restoration projects but were a welcomed addition into the private event space. Now, you can literally have a full-service food and beverage event anywhere!

You cannot imagine how popular their bathroom trailer has become. We were fascinated by the beauty and functionality of these units. With separate entrances for men and women, the restrooms have private stalls, stainless trim mirrored vanities, hand sinks with warm water, LED lighting, and ventilation

The Trailer Events rental inventory has grown as the

complete with heating and cooling systems in place. The need for mobile

needs of their clients have expanded. From catering

bathroom solutions has been solved.

supplies and linens to tents and functional furniture, their coordinators can totally transform and complete

You hopefully have seen Trailer Events’ handiwork at the most successful

the look you desire.

tailgates around town. When your business or family is looking to create the ultimate experience at your favorite sporting event – one call and they will

Kristin and her knowledgeable staff have taken the

not only have a parking lot reserved by the appropriate stadium, but also a

stumbling blocks out of hosting events. Their mobile

fully outfitted state-of-the-art tailgating trailer. These units are designed and

kitchens, specialty trailers, and executive restroom

equipped with a stainless-steel refrigerator, microwave, gas grill, generator,

trailers can be used for any event, whether it’s a

and a private restroom. The trailers also include a HDTV monitor with Bluetooth

sophisticated corporate gathering or a backyard BBQ.

capabilities. When you arrive, the tent, tables, chairs, beverage coolers, and

Trailer Events is fun to work with and is passionate

disposables will all be in place and ready to go. Need a caterer, that’s easy too.

about customer service and client satisfaction. Your

Trailer Events is a one stop shop – GO TEAM!

search ends here.

Trailer Events / 1470 Souter Drive / Troy, MI 48083 / (855) 388-8300 / trailerevents.com

People expect good service! How do you find businesses and vendors that are trustworthy and offer superb customer service? Where do you start?

The natural first step is to ask your friends and peers for references… and the most positive recommendations are going to come from happy individuals. Guess what they typically rave about? Customer service! Clients want a positive experience from start to finish, and they want a relationship for the long term.

Business owners want to grow their client base and brand loyalty. As a business owner, you only have one chance to make a first impression. The way you make your customers feel, every step of the way, will pay you tenfold in repeat business and referrals. From the initial phone call or email to the follow-up correspondence, your client should be your priority. Their first interaction with you and your company can set the stage from the very beginning. Be attentive, go the extra mile, and start building a relationship. Smile, add personal touches, surpass expectations, and leave a lasting impression.

“ PEOPLE DON’T CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW, UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE.” - THEODORE ROOSEVELT Shoppers have choices and will choose the customer service-driven team every time. When customers have an amazing experience, the company wins their loyalty. And people continually rave about businesses they love.

We have asked several of our event planning industry favorites how they succeed in building their brand loyalty through customer service.

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Kate Saler Photography

Personal conversations, detailed information, transparent pricing, and rapid replies to client inquiries are our top priorities. We always do our best to accommodate any special requests. We welcome new and creative event ideas. We love working with our clients!

MEGAN MALE / FIFTH AVENUE ROYAL OAK

The customer comes first in everything that we do.

Our event coordinators offer personalized service with our clients every step of the way, from the inbound phone call/inquiry to when their last guest leaves.

Our staff offers a seamless experience.

FRANK NOVAK DIAMOND CENTER AT THE SUBURBAN COLLECTION SHOWPLACE

We always go the extra mile. We truly do for our clients as we would hope someone would do for us.

We are quick to respond and thorough in answering their questions and helping them along their planning journey.

ERIKA MILLER GREAT LAKES CULINARY CENTER

We never say no, if a client wants something they saw online, we always try to match it. We really care about our clients and always aim to make their experience the best around.

CAROLE WENDLING HIGHER AUTHORITY CATERING

Our on-site coordinators work hard behind the scenes so you can spend your time enjoying your hard work. From bringing you your favorite drink to a much needed foot massage, we are here to help you celebrate.

PAT BLACKWELL / RED COAT LADIES

I am personally involved in every customer interaction.

I believe in frequent, clear communication to make sure that everyone is on the same page and that there are NO event-day surprises.

DAN SPERLING DAPPER DAN MAGICAL ENTERTAINMENT

We truly care about every detail of our client’s event, not only the design element. We are part of an amazing group of vendors and can recommend them for a successful event. Our team is dedicated to making our client’s dreams come true.

IVA HARRISON / AFFAIRS TO REMEMBER

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An unforgettable event From flowers to balloons and everything in-between...

We’re a one-stop shop for all your event decor!

Custom invitations and logos, centerpieces, signing boards, place cards, and so much more.

DESIGNS

that matter

Yael Zoldan www.designs-that-matter.com yael@designs-that-matter.com 734-891-6608

We specialize in boutique bartending, a high-end, all-inclusive service for: Private Events Cocktail Parties Corporate Events Corporate Happy Hours Weddings

Private Dinner Parties Pop-up Events Food & Beverage Tastings Fundraiser Events

Book your private bartender with us today.

248-703 - 8865 WWW.SIDECARBARTENDING.COM

248.365.4014 / massermanphotography.com

Photos You’ll Love. Memories for Life

CARNIVAL BOUNCE RENTALS IS YOUR SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN EVENT EXPERT! Inflatable Bounce House Moonwalks • Inflatable Slides & Obstacle Courses Interactive Inflatable Games • Rock Walls • Mechanical Bulls • Bungee Trampolines Trackless Trains • Carnival Rides • Carnival Games • Arcade Games • Virtual Reality Wax Hands • Photo Booths • and more!

Check out our full line of concession machines, including popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, pucker powder, nachos, margarita machines (slushies), and hot dog grills. Our huge selection of professionally built carnival games will provide that true carnival experience for any event. Our selection of tents, tables and chairs make us your “One Stop Party Shop.”

24370 Indoplex Circle, Farmington Hills, MI 48335 carnivalbounce.com • (248) 231-5421 • carnivalbounce@aol.com

FULL SERVICE EVENT PLANNING

Brett Mountain Photography

PRODUCTION

VALET PARKING

Paul Stoloff Photography

Blaine Siesser Photography

ACTIVITIES Brett Mountain Photography

ENTERTAINMENT-MC-DJ-DANCERS

2560 Wolcott / Ferndale, MI 48220 startrax.com / 248.263.6300 / info@startrax.com /StarTraxEventProductions

@startraxevents

@startraxateam