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Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP, A meeting professional veteran, shares tricks for managing inflation, expectations, and savings

Don’t miss these five key points to managing your budget today!

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Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP discusses how small market meetings can have impact

After the pandemic, events and conferences have shifted to different shapes, patterns, modes of communication and more. This article explores how the small market meetings can make an impact when facing restrictions.

 

 

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Planners seeking VIP access to a destination should look no further than its convention and visitors bureau (CVB)

“We view the CVBs as a quality location to find people that work in the events industry full time,” said Heather Pilcher, CEO and executive director of Blue Spark Event Design. “We use their relationships with local vendors and local hotels to start the design.”

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Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP Dishes on Creating the Balance Between Work and Play

As business travelers begin to set their sights on destinations for both work and play, many will explore Orlando as the ideal spot to visit — and for good reason: Orlando is not only an affordable escape, but one that offers meeting options and attractions for everyone.

 

 

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Gaming Resorts Allow Attendees To Take A Chance

When Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP, CEO and executive producer at Blue Spark Event Design, considers hosting a meeting or event for financial and insurance-based clients, she often considers gaming resorts. And the reason in quite simple: Gaming venues rely on guests playing in their casino, so they often offer discounts on room rates, meeting spaces and in-house entertainment to attract more meetings and conventions.

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Give Your Hybrid Attendees A Voice Through Integrated Experiences

2020 has been a year of virtual learning for most businesses, and if you are anything like our other clients, you’re ready to get back to face-to-face meetings as soon as it’s safe for all involved. However, there will be lots of opinions and policies about how and when that will be.

 

 

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Software companies race to provide solutions for event planners in a post-COVID-19 world.

Between Cvent, Aventri, Fonteva, Swoogo and Splash, among others, planners at least have the benefit of options. “There are a lot of systems out there,” notes Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP, who is CEO and executive producer of Orlando-based Blue Spark Event Design.

The companies that prove able to meet demands in a timely manner will win the day.

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9 Reasons Why Virtual Events Aren’t Actually All That Bad

Tired of scouring for good news? Look no further. While the pro’s side of your “new normal” list may seem staggeringly slim, BizBash is penciling in some additions. Here’s a list of unexpected benefits to hosting events virtually. (Yes, we said benefits!)

 

 

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Planners Working Remotely Find Ways To Balance Parenthood And Professionalism

With Covid-19, the last five months have been challenging for many business colleagues who are now working from their home office, home couch or home kitchen table. Inside the Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine article, Heather addresses how she dealt with her kids being home when she was working from home and offered tips on how to do this best. Great perspectives to share in this article…

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Smart Women in Meetings 2020: Entrepreneur

Get to know a little bit more about Heather Pilcher with Blue Spark Event Design who has been nominated for this year’s Smart Women in Meetings: Entrepreneur Award!

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Thrill Attendees With An Unforgettable Golf & Spa Experience

With the ongoing frantic pace of life, corporate professionals continue to seek ways to alleviate stress and rejuvenate their minds, bodies and spirits. As a result, many meeting planners are considering golf and spa resorts as the ideal venue. Not only do these locales offer exemplary meeting spaces, but they also provide ample amenities to work and play.

 

 

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ILEA International’s 2019-2020 Certification Taskforce

The International Live Events Association, ILEA, is a global community of thousands of creative event professionals whose skills, expertise and experience power some of the most recognized and respected live events around the world. Our fearless leader, Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP has been chosen to be on the ILEA 2019-2020 Certification Taskforce. See who else is on the committee!

 

 

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We were delighted when Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP was quoted in the Corporate Event News, the only online resource focused on senior level corporate event professionals.

Ever looked into producing an event in Wine Country? Read more about the opportunities in the article below and send us an RFP today! Cheers!

 

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Special Events magazine today announces the nominees for the 2019 Gala Awards, the oldest and most prestigious award in events. This year, the magazine received entries from 13 countries; the nominees were chosen by members of the Special Events Advisory Board.

The winners will be named at a gala celebration on Jan. 10 at The Special Event in San Diego.

 

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Although social media can be a great way to extend events, sometimes confidentiality concerns trump social sharing. Social media can be a great asset to any event, but it can also be a liability. For example, if you had a client launching a new product or service that was confidential, the sharing of that information on a social media platform would be inappropriate. Read more in this article about how meeting planners keep their events safe from social media exposure.

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Meeting planners are almost always asked the question from management if can you do something yourself to save a little money? That question usually comes from a lack of understanding on how event elements are created, the skill set that is required and the liability that can become a problem for the company. This blog written by our CEO & Executive Producer, Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP examines the reasons why professional help even for centerpieces is the right choice.

 

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Blue Spark Event Design, a full-service meeting planning, destination management and event design company, is pleased to announce that Heather Pilcher, CSEP is now credentialed as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), which is one of the meeting industry’s top professional designations.

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It’s holiday event planning season, which means guest lists, venue options, and party themes are at the top of the list as your party planning takes shape. Whether organizing a large company holiday party or hosting an intimate event to thank your top customers, good planners focus on minimizing their business risks by expertly managing their guests’ alcohol consumption during this festive season. Learn the important things you can do to keep your guests safe during the holidays.