Above and Beyond the Traditional Photo Booth

While traditional photo booths may always have a space in creating keepsakes at events, as technology progresses so does our ability to create much more varied and interactive visual mementos for guests.

The possibilities really are endless, especially with the opportunity to completely customize the visuals.  A handful of examples include:

• GIF creation 
• Flip book generating booths 
• Green screens with moving catwalk 
• Slow motion booths
• 3D printed sculptures
• 360 degree photo booth (I've experienced this one and it makes for not only awesome photos but a super fun experience while being taken!) 

Check out the links and watch the videos to see the experiences that can be created.  If you see another awesome utilization of technology to create memorable moments and takeaways for guests share it with me! 

Shaking Off the Deep Freeze

With the sun shining and the temperatures creeping up above zero, spring is surely on its way!  February was a bit of a deep freeze for me and while I focused on my classes and did lots of reading my brain seemed to be frozen when trying to determine what I wanted to write about.  However, as it warms up and many events move from behind closed doors to the open I look forward to attending and sharing highlights from many different events around the city.

I also can't wait to share some of the new insights I have learned in my classes on sponsorship, fundraising and HR.

Be back soon!

The Company that Never Fails to Impress- IKEA!

As someone who grew up in a small town, with the closest Ikea hours away, it was always an exciting day when we could make a trip to visit one of the monstrous Ikea stores.  I could spend hours pretending I lived in each separate room and creating my dream house.  While I can still do those things I also get super excited each time I read about Ikea holding a launch event or is celebrating a milestone because they always knock it out of the park! 

Most recently I came across an event report (in BizBash of course!) on Ikea's recent celebration of opening it's 30th store in France.  They took their typical room set up style and flipped it, quite literally, turning it into a rock climbing wall.  This was put together by event agency Ubi Bene and the visual effect alone would stop you in your tracks. However, this installment went above and beyond as the idea was also designed keeping in mind that Clermont-Ferrand is a "sporty city" and so locals could interact with Ikea in a way that would appeal to them.  

New Year Inspiration

After a crazy couple weeks of holiday parties, food and drinks I have finally been able to take a moment to breathe. Luckily just before the holidays I had an opportunity to finish a fantastic book that I think is perfect to share going into the New Year.

The book is called The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday  (the last name is also a fitting coincidence!) I highly recommend checking it out, it is a quick read that makes a lasting impact.

With New Years resolutions coming up I wanted to share some of my favorite takeaways from the book that will help overcome the challenges and see you thrive as a result of them.

• You are in control of your emotions.  No matter what obstacle is thrown your way you will be better able to handle it if you remain objective and decide how you want to feel about it.  Instead of being afraid or nervous when something stands in your way you can decide to feel empowered to take it on.  
• Practice persistence in all that you do.  Not only does it show incredible dedication, but in trying something all the wrong ways, you can push yourself to come up with a completely new way.  
• In the end, be okay with none of it working.  Sometimes things are just not in your control and there is nothing wrong with that, but still maintain perspective and consider the areas in which you use this as an opportunity to grow. 

Now I am sure it is written much more eloquently in the book, but it is a great read to get your year started off right!