National Magic Month!

That's right, October is National Magic Month. I've got lots in store for this month, and I'm kicking it off with my monthly appearance at Tyroni's Italian Cafe in Bartonville, this Wednesday, Oct. 6.

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.

Event Planning Industry Beginning to Recover

Here's a new article from BizBash on a study that seems to indicate that the event planning industry is beginning to recover from the downturn of the economic recession. You can read about it HERE.

Green Event Planners

Here's an interesting article I just found on what is fast becoming a booming trend in the event planning industry: eco-friendly event planning. It's titled, Ecopreneurship Opportunity: Green Wedding and Event Planner. Definitely something to be aware of if you plan events.

My Latest Newsletter

I recently sent out my newsletter The Magic Word to everyone on my email list. It has my "Word from Mitch" column on living more happily, a new tasty vegetarian recipe, my "Trick of the Month", and lots of other fun stuff. If you'd like to read it online, you can do so HERE. And if you're not on my mailing list yet and would like to be, you can sign up at my company Facebook page. Enjoy!

Wine and Experience Auction

Tomorrow evening I'm performing at the PBG Wine & Experience Auction at Mt. Hawley to benefit Children's Hospital of IL
http://ping.fm/YPLBS

Hanna City Heritage Days

Just a quick note that I'm appearing this Saturday, August 28 at the Hanna City Heritage Days festival in Hanna City, IL. Performing strolling magic around the festival grounds from 4:30 to 5:30, and a stage show at 6 PM.

Stop by and enjoy the fun!

Event Planning News, Ideas, and iPhone App

Here's another new resource for event planners I just found. Actually two, one resource within another. BizBash Hive is "a new place for event professionals to share news and ideas." They have a plethora of useful and informative articles and news items on a variety of event related topics.

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!

Cisco Collaboration for Events

Here's a new technological resource for corporate event planners. Cisco just introduced "Collaboration for Events". In a press release they describe it as providing "event planners and executives with customizable options for using collaboration and business video technologies like Web conferencing, telepresence, digital signage and enterprise social software to dramatically expand an event's reach beyond the physical limitation of an event venue."

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.

The AIG Effect

One of the challenges for those of us in the event entertainment industry is what has recently come to be referred to as the "AIG effect". Corporations have cut back on many of their meetings, conferences, and other events, not only because of tightened budgets during the economic crunch, but also because of the public perception that these types of corporate events are excessive or frivolous.

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.

Lunch Meeting Today

I'm attending my monthly Consultants Forum meeting today: www.consultantsforumil.org