Alan Tungate BA(Hons), DipNCRQ, GradIOSH’s Post

Whether it’s long weekends, BBQs, garden parties or milestone celebrations, the expenses associated with summer festivities can add up quickly, especially in light of high food prices. But if the primary goal of inviting loved ones to an event is to enjoy their company, finding creative ways to curb expenses instead of going all out can alleviate both stress and financial strain. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you and your crew have a memorable yet cost-conscious event.

3 Ways to Transform Slow Nights into Money Makers 💡 Not every night has to be a slow one. Here’s how to turn those quieter evenings into profitable opportunities: Theme Nights: Trivia, karaoke, or special pairings give guests a reason to visit. Exclusive Discounts: Offer small perks like happy hour drinks or kids-eat-free deals to attract different crowds. Private Events: Promote your space for small gatherings or celebrations to fill seats. A creative approach can bring life to those quieter times. What’s worked for you? #SlowNightSolutions #RestaurantGrowth #CustomerAttraction #CreativeMarketing

Things That Typically Go Wrong at Events ⚠️ ⛔️ Weather Run out of food Speaker gets stuck in traffic Attendees don't show up Not enough event space available Bar tab goes over budget Not enough seats Too hot/cold Theme fell flat Speaker drops out last minute Food doesn't meet expectations Fire Power outage Missing event items The stage isn't set up right Attendees are confused CEO is unhappy in general Way too much leftover food Speaker content is poor (offensive, not funny, dry, etc.) Important members are late AV company makes last minute changes Food is left out from the BEO Scheduling is off Transportation mishap (falls through, late, accident, etc.) Forget to share documents beforehand The speaker goes over time Not enough break time between segments Not enough water DJ plays a bad set The event is short-staffed Not enough parking More guests arrive than RSVP'd Parking is too far away Losing attendee attention Long lines Something in the venue breaks (pipe burst, flooding, etc.) Event manager for venue doesn't show up Main event contacts don't answer their phones or go MIA Road blockage right before the venue Attendee/staff/speaker flights get delayed Medical emergency Forget to provide dietary options for food Bathrooms out of order or not enough of them Rooming issues (not enough rooms, last minute cancellations, wrong room assignments, etc.) Political incident/Protest Now that you know the most common things that can go wrong at events, you're prepared for the worst : ) Hopefully, you avoid most of these, but you never know what will happen. Need a way to make your events run more smoothly? Call Me 📞

Are you planning an end of year event? Here are my 4 top tips for you: 💡if you are doing a tasting to select your menu, ask if you can try the main course FIRST and then the starter. Makes more sense as you can then build your menu around the main course (the clue is in the name). 💡trying to move away from alcohol fuelled evenings? Offer your guests a thirst quenching non-alcoholic drink to start with. It sets the tone and slows the rush to the bar. 💡make sure you and your friends/colleagues are safe. It amazes me each year how many people don’t know their limits and end up being unwell or putting themselves in vulnerable situations. Create an event where everyone is safe and can leave when they need to. 💡finally (slightly controversial this one as an event agency owner) but check that a party is really achieving your objectives - want to thank your employees for going above and beyond beyond? Perhaps a voucher to have dinner with a loved one or friend would be a better reward. I know this list is not exhaustive - what would you add? Potting Shed Events

Happy April 1st! I trust everyone enjoyed resurrection weekend, indulged in some fun activities, rested, and ate well. Now, it's time to dive back into action. As we step into April, our focus shifts to ALL THINGS STRATEGY. I provided five tips to assist in integrating clear goals and objectives into your pre-planning or event planning strategy. Let's make this month a success! Clarity and Focus: Clear goals and objectives help you focus efforts and resources towards specific outcomes, to ensure that everyone involved understands the purpose and direction of the awareness event. Measurable Outcomes: Well-defined goals and objectives provide a basis for measuring the success of the event. This allows you to track progress, evaluate effectiveness, and make informed decisions for future events. Engagement and Motivation: When attendees understand what they are working towards, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated to contribute to the event's success. Clear goals and objectives create a sense of purpose and direction, inspiring active participation. Alignment of Efforts: With clearly articulated goals and objectives, you can align your efforts and coordinate activities towards common objectives. This encourages collaboration and increases the impact of the event by ensuring that everyone is working toward the same outcome. Adaptability and Flexibility: Clear goals and objectives provide a framework for planning and execution, but they also allow for adaptability and flexibility as circumstances change. By understanding the overall goal, you can adjust strategies and tactics to overcome challenges and seize opportunities while still working towards your desired outcome. Keep in mind, without creating and implementing a strategy, the planning process can become disorganized and confusing, leading to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and ineffective outcomes. A strategic approach sets the foundation for success by outlining clear goals, defining objectives, and providing a plan for action. Need a strategy? If so, register for my upcoming event called Strategy Brews Brunch: https://lnkd.in/etTzga9i

Friday Aha: “Be the Host Who Leaves a Mark” It is that time of year where many are hosting meetings, celebratory dinners, and family gatherings.   In life, we are all hosts. Whether we’re welcoming clients, friends, or family, the art of hosting is about more than logistics, its about creating moments that matter.   The best hosts don’t just serve; they ignite experiences. They pay attention to the small details that spark big emotions. Here are some lessons learned from hosting hundreds of events:      •       Anticipation beats reaction. Thoughtfulness shows before a need is voiced.    •       Connection over perfection. A shared laugh or heartfelt story lasts longer than a polished table.    •       Memories over impressions. People might forget your venue, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.   Great hosting is not a transaction; it’s a gift. A great host transforms a meal into a memory, a meeting into a milestone, a visit into a story people love to tell.   So the question is: Are you just a placeholder in someone’s schedule, or are you crafting experiences they’ll carry with them forever?   Tell me—what’s the most memorable hosting moment you’ve ever been part of? Let’s share the inspiration.   Happy Friday!

"Never overstay your welcome." I thought this was a hilarious notion of how some people will stay on your couch or your spare room longer than welcome. LOL Even with family, I tend to opt for a hotel regardless. :) A principle that resonates both in our personal and professional lives. In this intriguing tale, a couple finally stands their ground after their inconsiderate family repeatedly took advantage of their hospitality. The story serves as a reminder that setting boundaries is essential, even with those closest to us. Whether it's festive holiday dinners or professional collaborations, boundaries help maintain respect and harmony. It’s about mutual respect and understanding—values that are just as crucial in the workplace as they are at home. Curious about how they handled the situation? Dive into the full story here: Check this out: https://lnkd.in/d63Er4r9

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 Today I am off to a Christmas Lunch, kindly organised by David Rowledge They say, "The fondest memories are made gathered around the table." This quote resonates deeply during the festive season, especially at Christmas lunches, where the table transforms into a space for connection, celebration, and reflection. But a dining table isn't just about sharing food—it's also a place where ideas spark, partnerships form, and business happens. Whether it's discussing plans for the year ahead, exploring new opportunities, or strengthening relationships, the spirit of collaboration often thrives alongside festive cheer. At Christmas, these moments become even more meaningful. The act of gathering with colleagues, clients, or business partners over a meal isn't just about sustenance—it's about creating lasting memories and exploring opportunities that could define the next chapter. As we approach the festive season, let’s remember the magic of the table: Cherished memories with loved ones. Celebrations of shared successes. Conversations that lead to growth and innovation. This Christmas, whether you're toasting to the year gone by or planting the seeds for new ventures, let’s raise a glass to the opportunities that begin around the table. What’s your most memorable business moment from a festive gathering? Drop your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them! #ChristmasLunch #BusinessOverMeals #FestiveSeason #Opportunities #MemoriesAndConnections #NetworkingAndGrowth

Thinking you've run out of time to plan a holiday event? Let me reassure you, it’s never too late. The secret lies in strategic planning and focusing on what truly matters – bringing people together to celebrate. Whether it’s a last-minute corporate gathering or a festive family reunion, with the right approach and expert guidance, we can create a celebration that captures the joy and spirit of the season. Time constraints can indeed be challenging, but they also inspire innovation and creativity. Reach out now, and let’s turn the ticking clock into a catalyst for an exceptional holiday event. https://lnkd.in/gJ_8vbak #LastMinute #Holiday #StrategicCreativity #SharonBonnerConsulting #Celebrations #Innovative

The Post Event Blues Have you ever eagerly anticipated a big event, only to feel a bit down or even depressed afterward? Two weeks ago, I attended my convocation at Royal Roads University, an event I had been looking forward to for a very long time. It was a peak moment in my life. Afterward, we extended the celebration by renting a place by the sea and sailing around the Gulf Islands with friends. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. However, for many days afterward, I felt like I was dragging myself around as if my world was ending. A bit dramatic, perhaps, but my actor friends in the theatre used to call it the “closing night blues.” I did some research and discovered that it’s not just in my head—it’s in my body too! Research shows that special events cause a surge of endorphins, putting us in a state of exhilaration. But once the event is over, our body stops producing these feel-good chemicals, leading to a comedown and the blues. If you're experiencing post-event blues, here are some helpful tips: 1. Don’t take things too seriously. You might start picking apart the details of the event and focus on flaws. Remember, your body is readjusting and finding its chemical balance. 2. Reminisce about the event. Recall the fabulous moments and what it took to get there. Flip through pictures or journal about the experience. 3. Look forward to the next event. Part of the excitement is in the planning and anticipation of who you will see and how you will feel in those special moments. 4. Get outside! Time in nature creates a conceptual shift in our thinking allowing our brain to look at things in a new and refreshed way. Understanding the science behind our thoughts and emotions can significantly shift our perspective. Here’s an article that may shed more light if you want to dive deeper. Enjoy the special moments of summer! https://lnkd.in/gHDthayw