Posts Tagged ‘event planning’

A Grand Event

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

In the new year we had the privilege of being able to work with another woman-owned business, Grand Events LLC. Grand Events owner, Cecily Near puts on several events a year with the most recent being the Grand Rapids Antiques Market.

For 2012, Cecily brought 834 in to manage the design, public relations and sponsorship. We were able to bring in Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids as a new sponsor as well as work with Stellafly on video and photography to capture all of the unique features of the event.

For the public relations portion, the 834 team worked hard in conjunction with Grand Events LLC to promote the event. Check out the below coverage:

Fox 17 with Emily Richett

WGVU with Shelley Irwin

EightWest with Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Press

Stellafly

Grand Rapids Press – Gonzo’s Top Five

Grand Rapids Press - Grand Rapids Antiques Marketing Comes to DeVos Place on Saturday, Sunday

Grand Rapids Press – DeVos Place transformed into the ultimate antique shop for Grand Rapids Antiques Market

The Rapidian – Grand Rapids Antiques Market

Not only was this a great event with great organizations and people involved, but we had a lot of fun! Did we mention that we may have found a few amazing vintage finds. To find out how you can get involved or to sign-up to sponsor next year (we promise you won’t be disappointed) go to www.grandrapidsantiquesmarket.com or email info@grandeventsllc.com

Promotional Video that we had the honor of working with Stellafly Media on:

 

Grand Rapids Antique Market from stellafly social media on Vimeo.

Success is a team effort. Meet the vendors we love.

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Over the years, 834 has formed many relationships with vendors from all service areas. From video to print t0 large format printing to window sticks to direct mail to digital printing to…well you get the picture.

We want to take the below space to give those we love and are completely loyal to a big shout-out. Thanks for hitting our deadlines and our client’s deadlines and dealing with us during the event season. We think you rock.

We make a great team.

DVS Creative:

We have been working with DVS Creative for years, before they were Creative and we were 834.  Let’s just say, they are a very fun bunch. As any marketing professional knows, video projects can be time-consuming, consist of very long days on set and in the editing suite. Working with DVS is something, we at 834 really look forward to. The guys are funny (they laugh at our jokes), laid back, on task, quick to respond and always willing to go the extra mile.

So to Mike and Corey and the rest of the team at DVS Creative – thanks. You guys really are awesome.

Agio Imaging:

Need large format printing turned around in record time? Call the guys at Agio Imaging, not only do they hit every deadline we throw their way, they also go out of their way to install and deliver. We have called them many times for a last minute backdrop for a stage or a photo booth and they always accommodated.

You might remember the Betty Ford event we planned for Alliance for Health. The addition of the photo of Betty behind the stage, made for great PR and a photo back drop for all the video journalists and photographers. Thanks to John C, for always taking the time and going the extra mile to make our life easier.

Diversified Data:

Our experience with these guys, is only one event or project. However, there willingness to work with us on our Flat Iron Building Stanley cut-outs was phenomenal.  Having a vendor that could take our graphic file, router around it, create a stand that would hold good ‘ol Stanley, as well as use a material that would stand-up to the elements was priceless.

Don’t just take our word for it, ask Stanley via Twitter – @stanleyflatiron. We also like the fact that one of our favorite people (Jeff Tow, member of 834′s virtual team, created their website).

Custom Printers:

We work with a lot of printers at 834, and choosing just one to endorse is virtually impossible. However, our man Dave Hendrickson at Custom Printers is perhaps one of the friendliest, most well-versed paper connoisseurs, go out-of-the-way to make your life easier people we have ever had the privilege to work with.

Whether it be business cards, a direct mailer, brochure or something more complex; Dave always brings ideas to the table. We have never not gone with a paper he suggested. Thanks to Dave and Custom Printers for dealing with our last-minute, crazy requests.

WorkSighted:

We are sure most of you are familiar with this entrepreneurial company, but if not, you are now. Our relationship with WorkSighted began before 834 was launched and before WorkSighted branched out with another company, Blue Sky Sessions. Since then, we have had the pleasure to work with both entities and been extremely pleased.

Whenever we reach out to WorkSighted, we are met with an immediate reply and the majority of time they pass along info that is helpful to both us and our clients without a question. We highly recommend WorkSighted for all of a company’s IT needs, whether you be a small, medium or large business. The team is friendly, energetic, fun and extremely knowledgeable.

In fact, they set us up on the Google platform and assisted us in syncing everything with Microsoft Office. You guys are top-notch (yep, we just said that).

For all of those that we missed, you are in our hearts and minds (and future blog posts).

The painful act of volunteering

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

So lately, I have endured a few painful volunteer experiences. As a former non-profit professional, and now serving the non-profit industry, here are a few tips on the treatment of volunteers. I don’t believe it is rocket science, but after my last 2 volunteer experiences, perhaps it is:

  • Always outline clear expectations for each volunteer position you need staffed. What time does the volunteer need to be there? Who will be the contact person? What is the contact person’s cell phone number? Who will they be volunteering with? Do they have a script or know the specific role and the responsibilities that come with it?
  • Always confirm with your volunteer. The volunteer should not have to track you down to get information on what is expected of them. Remember they are doing you a favor.
  • Greet your volunteer. Treat the volunteer with respect and smiles. They should not have to find you when they arrive at their volunteer location. Be there to greet them with a smile, introduce them to other volunteers and outline their responsibilities again (give them written instructions). A volunteer is only as good as the coordinator.
  • Be positive. I know I said this a few lines before, but let me repeat: BE POSITIVE. They are giving you their time, because they believe in YOUR mission and organization. How you present yourself, reflects directly on the organization. If you are a jerk, disorganized, standoffish or whatever else negative – they will subconsciously relate to your organization. Is it that hard to be nice?
  • Say thank-you. People – this is not hard! When they contact you to volunteer – say thank-you. When you email them with instructions – say thank-you. When they show up to volunteer – say thank-you. When they are staffing their position – say thank-you. When they leave after volunteering – say thank-you. Be genuine.
  • Follow-up. Send a handwritten note(yep, I said handwritten), thanking your volunteer for taking time out of THEIR life to make YOU a priority. Ask them to give you feedback on their experience and ask how you can improve the experience in the future. In this note, do not ask them to volunteer again, you will come off as greedy (and having an ulterior motive).

Remember that a volunteer does not owe you or your organization anything. They believe in the mission and the good you are doing in the community. A thank-you and respect go a long way. (And yes, I did use all caps and bold to make my point – did it work?)

Meet Renay

Friday, September 16th, 2011

By: Renay Shoenmaker

Well it seems to be that time of year again. Summer rays have begun fading away; while Fall’s crisp winded days are blowing in, whistling the phrase: Welcome Back; school is now in session. It is at this point I wonder where the summer has gone. Did it really go by THAT fast? Can I really be…growing up? The answer is yes.

As I begin my junior year at Grand Valley, I am in awe that three years of memories, successes, failures, and embarrassments have flown by. How did I get to a point in my life where accepting responsibility is second nature? Somehow, though I cannot explain it, I finally feel ready for the daunting tasks that are about to be thrown my way. In this sense, I am proud for finally leaping into the professional pool as a first time intern with 834 Design and Marketing.

Although, I do not really know what to expect, I cannot complain so far. I already have fallen into a deep “like” for the industry, and that was only after the first day. All in all, I am excited to see where this year leads me and also 834 Design. But, ultimately I cannot wait for the point where this “like” I hold for the industry turns into a love of this career world.

To wrap up this little introduction up I would just like to say: Hello blogging world! My name is Renay Schoenmaker. First time blogger, but don’t hold that against me. I love being creative, thinking outside of the box, and I have the deepest passion for laughing and making others smile.

And I’m here to stay.

Follow Renay on Twitter @renayshoe

Celebrating Grand Rapids’ History

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

In November of 2011, the West Michigan based law firm, Smith Haughey Rice Roegee will be moving into the historical Flat Iron Building in downtown Grand Rapids. The project includes approximately 26,600 square feet with the ground floor housing a reception area, elevator and an open tenant space, which was formerly occupied by Blake’s Turkey.

When the project is completed, Smith Haughey will be the only law firm in the nation to have renovated a 150-year old historical building to be LEED certified.

To celebrate the firm’s investment into downtown Grand Rapids, they have hired 834 to manage public relations, design, event planning,video production, social media, strategy and more. Below is just some of the recent press that was secured for Smith Haughey.

WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin

Long vacant Flat Iron Building readies for new glory days in downtown Grand Rapids

More to come!