Event Planning was just named as the top business job of 2012 which is great news for everyone interested in our industry. If you are looking for a profession that is ranked as the best business job by U.S. News & World Report based on employment opportunities, growth and salary potential, then look no further than becoming a meeting, convention and event planner! The event planning industry is expecting employment growth of 43.7% over the next eight years, thus adding 31,300 more jobs. The median annual wage for meeting planners is $45,260 in 2010 with the top 10% bringing in approximately $76,840. It was also noted that the highest paid planners tend to reside in major cities. Important Skills for Event Planners Important skills for event planners are the ability…

For the last few years, it seemed like every bakery in America had a neat display of cupcakes in their window. Cupcakes were served in lieu of wedding cakes. Guests could eat a cupcake instead of a full slice of cake and not feel guilty about it. Cupcakes were everyone’s favorite treat. But are they still America’s favorite confection? While cupcakes still remain popular, macarons–a French sandwich/cookie that is eye-catching and tasty have begun to rival the almighty cupcake. Macarons (not to be confused with macaroons, a baked coconut cookie) have recently began to pop up at events due to their size, taste and mobility. A macaron consists of two layers of a light-meringue made from almond, sugar and egg whites, and is traditionally filled with ganache, butter cream or…

Celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss organized a baby shower on Sunday for mother-to-be Jessica Simpson. The baby shower took place in Los Angeles and had fellow celebrities Jessica Alba, sister Ashlee Simpson, and Ellen Pompeo in attendance. Jessica Simpson and fiance Eric Johnson are expecting a baby girl and are expected to name her Maxwell, according to In Touch magazine. Simpson wore her hair wavy with braids, and a blue gown with sky-high platform shoes. Simpson has been seen many times in high platforms while pregnant which leaves some wondering how she does it. According to party goers, “Jessica looked pretty and very happy. She’s so excited to be a mom.” The next day Jessica tweeted: “All day yesterday felt like a perfect dream! Thank you @MindyWeiss for the best…

This last week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Tiffany Alyse Yelverton, Owner of Entice Me, a company which specializes in “Sexucation.” Essentially, Tiffany and her lovely “sexinistas” share their intimate knowledge and chic sexy toys at bachelorette parties, bridal showers, fundraisers, and nearly any sort of soiree they are requested to attend in Los Angeles and Orange County. Tiffany’s company primarily provides toys and products to enhance couples’ private lives, with a focus placed on the benefits to women’s sexual health. In this interview, however, Tiffany shares her tips and knowledge in teaching us how to create a sexy atmosphere for any type of party we want to create. Enjoy the interview and put her knowledge into practice. Sarah: What is the definition of a sexy party? Tiffany:…

Located near the gorgeous seaside of Laguna Beach, CA, [seven-degrees] is one of southern California’s most unique event venues. For the last ten years, [seven-degrees] has been known as a forward-thinking multi-purpose “idea lab;” [seven-degrees] combines the creation and exhibition of original artwork by providing subsidized artist residencies within an exhibition and event space. Artists are invited to have their work featured in the wide array of events that [seven-degrees] plays host to every year. The 25,000 square foot facility, which incorporates hundreds of seven-degree angles into it’s remarkable design (hence the name), is known for treating each event like a work of art in it’s own right, and for holding some of southern California’s most exquisite events. [seven-degrees] has been featured on MTV’s hit reality shows, Laguna Beach: The…

A hedge fund trader at the Liverpool nightclub PlayGround might have racked up the largest bar tab ever this past weekend. How much you’re wondering? $323,483. Helping the tab was the purchase of the word’s priciest bottle of champagne (a 30 litre double size bottle of Nebuchadnezzar of Armand de Brignac Midas) which runs about $200,000. Upon purchasing the bottle which was carried to the hedge fund trader’s table by the owner himself, the financier poured a glass for every guest at the club. He later ordered a round of shots for every female in attendance. Although the trader, in his twenties according to several sources, came with an entourage of 10 friends, about 60 females mobbed his table and vied for his attention once he popped open the bottle…

Twitter is just one of many social media tools available to event planners, but it has become one of the fastest growing ways to network.  Below you will find a series of tips as to why Twitter is a good idea for your Event Planning Company. 1)      Networking People are on Twitter at all hours of the day.  When a tweet goes out, many people will see it and it may land in front of your next potential client or referral.  In other words, one tweet can be the start of an entire conversation. To be sure your tweets are seen by the right audience be sure to include the most commonly used keywords to attract the audience you’re going after. 2)      Great Way to Find New Vendors Are you…

Eventplanning.com recently had the pleasure of attending the L.A. Times Travel & Adventure Show. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the show featured booths and information on hot spots around the globe including Hawaii, Ireland, China, Japan and Africa. The show also included presentations by some of the hospitality industries top players, including Lisa Ling (host of Our America), Rick Steves, Alice Short and Adam Richman (host of Man v. Food), as well as a zip line, cooking demonstrations and cultural performances. We spoke with a number of experts to learn where the up-and-coming destinations to hold meetings and events will be. Our top picks are based off of their accessibility, affordability, attractions, activities and choice of venues. Boise, ID: Boise is quickly becoming a top destination for meetings,…

As part of our new series, we will be interviewing great event planners to give our readers more insight into the life of a planner. Today’s interview is with Ivette Mancha who has her own planning company and also manages events at a popular South Beach venue. Ivette’s company is called eventsbyi where she offers her readers some of the most helpful planning tips around. Lets get started with the interview. Max: When did you realize you wanted to become an event planner, and what drew you toward the industry? Ivette: I think I realized I wanted to become an event planner on my 14th birthday. I hosted a party at my parent’s house and cleared the living room of furniture to create a dance floor. I remember thinking how…

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.  It happens to be the biggest date night of the year.  With that, we have a list of creative date ideas just for you and that special someone. 1)      Make Your Own Drive-In Movie Theater Pick up a projector, and a movie that goes along with it.  Drive up to your garage, or even somewhere deserted with a bed sheet, and set up your own drive in Movie Theater.  Just make sure you test out the projector before the big date so you know it works properly. 2)      Progressive Dinner Instead of a typical dinner date, spice it up a little with a progressive dinner.  Pick out 3 to 4 different restaurants and venue change in between courses.  Attend one restaurant to try…