Thoughts on event planning, entertainment, marketing, self improvement, peak performance, magic, and any related or unrelated topic.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Corporate Holiday Parties on the Rise
And, by the way, if you're like some, who plan their parties for after the holidays, to avoid competition for scheduling and services, you can still get me for great entertainment for your event.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Blessed and Joyous Holiday to All!
And hey, if you're all shopped out and looking for something to do this week before the festivities begin, stop by and see me at The Whammy Bar Thursday evening 5:30--8:00 pm.
Joy to Your World!
Monday, December 13, 2010
I Was on WEEK-TV This Morning
I thought it went well, but I didn't have a chance to record it, so didn't get to see the spot.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
My Photo in the Journal Star
SHIFT Party Cencelled for Today
Stay warm!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
You're Invited to a Party for the Arts at the Cornerstone!
I'm happy to say that we've risen to the occasion, and have accomplished a great deal in the last year. The arts are truly alive and thriving in Central Illinois. And a big part of that movement has been events called SHIFT, where a group of those interested in promoting the arts have met and discussed strategies and projects for furthering that aim.
As a member of the SHIFT planning committee, I invite you to join us as SHIFT celebrates the accomplishments of the past year, and looks forward to the future...
We're holding a holiday arts party at the beautiful, historic Cornerstone Building on December 12 from 1 to 3 pm.
There will be food, drinks, music, and fun, and you can learn more about the Cornerstone and the exciting arts events that are happening there as well. We'll be unveiling a community mosaic photo collage (which we'll be sending on to Rocco), and enjoying the music of folk/rock/acoustic guitarist Jared Bartman and singer Mary Greenhood, who will perform a variety of original and inspiring folk ballads.
You can also feel free to bring a treat or beverage if you like.
You can RSVP for the party by calling ArtsPartners at 309-676-2787 or by email at admin@artspartners.net.
If you love the arts and want to celebrate with us, I promise you'll have a great time and meet some truly inspiring people. Hope to see you there!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Two Chances to See Me This Week...
...that you have a strong urge to see some mind blowing close up magic...
Now just imagine having it completely fulfilled.
Here's your chance!
This Wednesday I'm at Tyroni's in Bartonville, and Thursday at the Whammy Bar downtown Peoria. You know you want to...
I know, you're busy, don't know if you can fit it in... Meanwhile, that urge gets stronger, and stronger, and STRONGER...
You know what to do!
I'll see you there!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Gratitude Is Its Own Reward
If you aren't expressing gratitude for all that you receive, you are blocking the emotional and psychological flow of receiving more. Remember that whatever you focus your attention on increases. If you focus on problems... you'll get more problems. But if you focus on what Zig Ziglar calls "an attitude of gratitude", you'll get more of what makes you grateful.
On an interpersonal level, in your relationships, if you don't express gratitude to those who have been generous to you, whether in big ways or small, how likely are they to want to continue giving to you?
And besides, being grateful just feels good. It's a healthy state of mind, and it's one form of giving back to those who have given to you.
And as we approach this season of "Giving Thanks", I'm reminded of all that I have to be grateful for... my family and friends, my clients, customers, and business acquaintances, and all the wealth of opportunities, new friends, challenges, and so much more that I've been so fortunate to receive in the past year.
And finally, to you, I appreciate your interest, support, and attention, and wish you all the best in the coming year... and hope that you will "pass it on", and discover the wealth of experiencing and expressing your own gratitude. Be well.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
My Press Release on Holiday Party Planning Resources
At the Whammy Bar Tonight!
Stop by for dinner, they've got a surprisingly decent menu.
A couple of weeks ago, Councilman Ryan Spain was in with his lovely wife. They both had some really nice things to say about my magic. (Which actually means something coming from Ryan, as his father is a very talented magician, and an old friend of mine, Steve Spain, who owns The Costume Trunk.)
I won't be there next week on Thanksgiving, of course, so why not make it out tonight?
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Rotary International
If you've been a subscriber to my newsletter, The Magic Word, for any length of time, you'll know that I'm a big proponent of service, in both business and personal life. I'm very much looking forward to my work with and through Rotary.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Recreating America
Friday, November 5, 2010
Article on AOL Financial Site
Monday, November 1, 2010
Illinois Special Events Convention
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Still Time to Catch Me at Wildlife Scary Park
I also had a great show yesterday at Spoon River College, and had fun afterwards watching their Halloween costume contest.
Wildlife Scary Park is seriously expanded this year, and man is it awesome. It's definitely the total Halloween event. Come on out, I promise you won't be disappointed. This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5--9 pm. My showtimes are: 5:45, 6:45, 7:45 & 8:45.
And if you know any "wizards in training", check out my Wildlife Scary Park Magic Shop, where we offer magic sets and other magic goodies that you can learn to do.
If you do stop out, please be sure to grab me and say "Hi!"
See you there.
OH, and don't forget that I'll be at The Whammy Bar, starting Thursday, Nov. 4!
Monday, October 18, 2010
TV Appearances and Some "Scary" Shows
On each of these, I'll be talking about National Magic Month, my upcoming events, and doing a little magic.
And speaking of more upcoming events... I guess the cat's out of the bag (especially if you watch my TV spots)... I'm pleased to say that I'm going to be performing at this year's Wildlife Scary Park at Wildlife Prairie State Park, near Hanna City. Always a huge attraction in the central Illinois area, bringing over 10,000 visitors each year, this year's Scary Park is improved and expanded, with several new attractions, one of which is ME!
Wildlife Scary Park runs Oct. 22--24 and 29--31, from 5 to 9 pm each evening. I'll be performing several wizard/ Halloween themed shows each night, and for those budding young wizards-in-training, in between my shows, we'll be offering magic kits and other magic items that kids can get to learn their own magic.
Watch for me on TV, and bring the whole family out to see my scary magic shows and other Halloween thrills at Wildlife Scary Park!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Whammy Bar
This is a great new entertainment venue, which was opened recently by brothers, Jeremy and Brandon Isbell, right across the street from the Hotel Pere Marquette. I love what they've done with the place, and can't wait to begin working there.
I'm starting there the next two Tuesdays in October (the 19th and 26th) from 8--10:30 pm, and then beginning in November, I'll be there Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 pm.
And... I've got still more announcements in store for National Magic Month in October, including some TV appearances next week... more on that soon, so stay tuned!
Monday, October 11, 2010
TEDx Peoria
But TED is much more, and it's spreading... On TED.com, you can see free videos of inspiring talks from TED.
And I'm pleased to announce that Peoria has its own TED event, TEDx Peoria. And this month, I'll be giving a short presentation at the TEDx Peoria event, this Wednesday, October 13 at 6:30 PM at the WTVP studios in downtown Peoria. I'll be introducing a TED talk video (and maybe doing some magic myself!) in honor of National Magic Month.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Future of Event Planning and Social Media
Monday, October 4, 2010
National Magic Month!
Stop by if you can, and stay tuned for more of my activities this month.... I've got some exciting surprises I'll be announcing soon.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Event Planning Industry Beginning to Recover
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Green Event Planners
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
My Latest Newsletter
Friday, September 10, 2010
Wine and Experience Auction
http://ping.fm/YPLBS
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Hanna City Heritage Days
Stop by and enjoy the fun!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Event Planning News, Ideas, and iPhone App
One of the articles I thought was particularly interesting is an announcement on a new iPhone app for event planners. It's called Super Planner, and according to the article, it is "ideal for both wedding and corporate event planners", and it has a variety of functions, including: a pricing conversion page, a food and drink calculator, calculators for staffing, catering, staging, projection and dance floor, as well as a page that will automatically tell you how many people a room will hold based on square feet and table choices. You can also learn about it at the Super Planner Website. I don't have an iPhone myself, but it sounds like a great tool for those who do.
Enjoy!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Cisco Collaboration for Events
It's slated as being able to expand the scope of live events, better track ROI, assist in the planning process, attract top speakers, and help keep costs down for trade shows, conferences, and other business events.
To learn more about the new service, you can visit their blog.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The AIG Effect
Unfortunately, this trend has had a negative effect on business for those in the event, travel, and hospitality industries. Conferences and other events are still very valuable, but it's become politically incorrect to be seen as spending money on wining and dining corporate executives.
In a new article in Conference & Incentive Travel magazine, Ben McKee of American Express is quoted as saying, "Events should pass a ‘red face test’ to see if the company would be embarrassed by external coverage of the event."
While there are some indications that the impact of this trend is beginning to reverse itself somewhat, it's still a factor in our industry, and one that those of us serving the corporate event market can and should address.
As an entertainer and speaker, I strive to offer real value not only with my programs themselves, but also in assisting clients to communicate what that value is in concrete terms. In my view it's necessary to "go the extra mile" in this way so that clients can have a clear conscience about choosing to hire top notch speakers, entertainers, and other vendors for their events.
Morale, team building, and keeping employees on the right track are key to the bottom line of any company, and of course, that's what I offer for corporate events.
If you've been effected by the "AIG effect" in your business, I'd love to hear about your experiences, and would be happy to share my thoughts about how to address these challenges in ways that can be of benefit to all of us.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Lunch Meeting Today
Monday, June 14, 2010
Special Summer Pricing
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.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
This blog has moved
This blog is now located at http://blog.mitchwilliamsmagic.com/.
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Friday, March 26, 2010
Meetings and Events Blog
Check it out: The Strategic Business Value of Meetings and Events
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Business Expo and Google Video
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:
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Event Planning Guide and Google Fiber
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...
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Martini's and Haiti Relief Effort
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.)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Help the People of Haiti
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
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.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Great New Event Planning Resource
"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!)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
New Year's Greetings and More...
If you tried to email me or access my website in the past week, you were no doubt frustrated by the attempt, (though probably not as frustrated as me!) Through an error on the part of my domain registration company, my website was down for just over a week. Since it's my main marketing tool, and my email address my main means of business communication, it put a definite hamper on my business. (If you host websites and register your own domain names, a word of caution: avoid using a company called Mapname.com at all costs. 'Nuff said.) Anyway, you'll be glad to know the problem is now solved, and I'm up and running again.
I'm currently working on a new edition of my email newsletter The Magic Word that I hope to have out by the end of this week. It's generally filled with updates on my activities and lots of other fun stuff (I usually include a tasty vegetarian recipe and a "Trick of the Month" that you can learn, for example.) If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the newsletter, just send me an email asking to be added to my mailing list.
Finally, here's something helpful for those of you who plan corporate meetings and events, and are feeling the pinch of the economy. It's an article I found on the Top 10 Tips for Reducing Meetings Costs in 2010.
I hope your New Year is going well so far. Please do keep in touch!