Special Summer Pricing

I've been a bit out of touch lately, sorry about that.

Just a quick note to touch bases and let you know that my past customers and contacts, (and my "new friends" as well) may be eligible for special pricing on events booked this summer. Contact me for details: EMAIL.

Happy Earth Day! Stop by the drumming circle at the Murray Center of the Arts in downtown Peoria, today at 5 pm.

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Meetings and Events Blog

Hey, here's a new blog I just found on "The Strategic Business Value of Meetings and Events". It's by Corporate Event Interactive, a Chicago based event planning company, and it has a lot of good information on the value of corporate meetings and other events.

Check it out: The Strategic Business Value of Meetings and Events

Business Expo and Google Video

I just spent the day doing magic for the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau booth at the annual Peoria Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, which was held at the Peoria Civic Center. I had a lot of fun, and got to connect with some old friends and meet a few new ones.

And when I got back in the office, I discovered that they now have my Google Fiber Peoria testimonial video up online. Here it is:

Event Planning Guide and Google Fiber

Here's another event planning resource I stumbled across... It's an online version of a magazine on event planning, called The Guide 2010. Although it's published in London, and is mainly targeted to the British event market, it nonetheless does have some useful articles with information that would be helpful for event planners anywhere. Anyway, it's well worth checking out.

Also, I just heard that my Google Fiber video should be up sometime today or tomorrow. Stay tuned, I'll post a link to it as soon as I have it...

taped a video segment today at WTVP studios for the Google Fiber Peoria project. I'll keep you posted... http://ping.fm/c3iYT

Martini's and Haiti Relief Effort

Tomorrow night I'll be performing close up magic at Martini's on Water Street in Peoria for a special Valentine's giveaway night for PeoriaNightOut.com. They're giving away a great package of fun stuff for Valentine's Day.

And just a reminder that there are still a few days left to take advantage of my offer to benefit the Haiti Relief Effort and HopeForHaitiNow.org. (See my post below.)

Help the People of Haiti

As I'm sure has been true for most of us, I've been moved by the images and stories of the devastation following the earthquakes in Haiti. If you've read my most recent newsletter, you'll know one of my former high school classmates runs a mission there.

I felt moved to help in some way, so I've decided to give my customers a way to help me assist the aid efforts in Haiti. Starting today, Monday, January 25, 2010, for any engagement for my services that is booked and confirmed during the next three weeks, I will donate 10% of my fee to HopeForHaitiNow.org. Regardless of when you're holding your event, if you simply confirm during this period, you can take part in my fundraising effort.

This is the fund set up with the global benefit telethon by George Clooney and others in the entertainment industry. 100% of the funds raised by Hope for Haiti Now go to relief efforts in Haiti, with no backend or administrative costs.

The fund benefits the following organizations:

• The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
• United Nations World Food Programme
• Oxfam America
• Partners in Health
• Red Cross
• UNICEF
• Yele Haiti Foundation

So if you need entertainment for an event at any time, and you can confirm your booking with me in the next three weeks, 10% of your fee goes immediately to these organizations to benefit the earthquake survivors in Haiti.

To learn more, you can call me at 309-647-3692 or send me an email with details on your event and any questions you may have. You can learn more about my services here.

Thanks so much for your support.

Great New Event Planning Resource

I'm always doing my best to keep an eye out for great resources for those of you who are event planners, or even for those of you who may be planning an event in the near future. Anyway, here's a good one I just found. It's a site called EventLeftovers.com. Here's a quote from their recent press release:

"New website offers professional and amateur party planners a way to recoup event-related costs, find amazing deals on new and gently used party supplies and help the environment through recycling. EventLeftovers.com is used by Hollywood event insiders as well as general public."

Basically, it's a sort of "eBay for events", in that you can buy and sell slightly used event related items, such as decorations, florals, catering supplies, entertainment and technical supplies, and just about anything else you can think of related to party and event planning. What a great idea, eh? Good for the environment, good for your pocketbook, and a "win-win" all the way around. I love finding great event planning resources like this one! As the press release goes on to say:

"Event Leftovers is for both event professionals (event planners, florists, venues, party stores, nonprofit organizations, rental companies, corporate planners, etc.) and nonprofessionals (anyone that organizes a party for themselves, family or friends). Event Leftovers is appropriate for all types of events, parties, productions, trade shows, expos and conventions and so much more.

"There is tremendous waste in the event industry; whether it’s items bought but never used, used but are still in excellent condition, or merchandise from past seasons sitting in warehouses, garages, offices or stores. Event Leftovers was created to take advantage of this excess by making these items available for secondary events. Event Leftovers is particularly timely in today’s down economy when people are looking for the best possible deals as well as ways to recoup event-related expenses and find the best deals available."

Hope you find this useful in planning your events. Check them out: EventLeftovers.com.

And hey, if you are planning an event soon, don't overlook the entertainment, for crying out loud. My magic programs may be just the ticket (even if I do say so myself!)