Select teams of 25 individuals from each of Elev8’s four sites around the country –  Chicago, Oakland, Albuquerque and Baltimore – came together along with representatives from Public Interest Projects and The Atlantic Philanthropies for an unparalleled learning opportunity: to share experiences, to build partnerships across Elev8 sites, and to expand on the expertise of all Elev8 participants.  Ginger Donnan Events coordinated all arrangements for this convening, including registration, travel booking to Baltimore, communication with attendees, as well as on-site management of 2 ½ days of workshops, learning tours, and dine-arounds.

It’s been another whirlwind events season and before I get on a plane tomorrow for a real break (two whole weeks!), it feels like a good time to reflect.

Since our clients’ corporate holiday parties are usually handled by an in-house planner (or admin), December is typically a slow time. But with pharmaceutical company events taking place in early January through March, there wasn’t time to relax! It was off to San Francisco while simultaneously handling arrangements for 24 small meetings taking place back in the northeast.

March absolutely came in like a lion with preparations for Autism Speaks’ events and a law firm partner retreat, which all took place in New York City. Multi-tasking skills were tested as travel booking for 300 attendees of the 4th National Communities for Education Reform Convening also took place in April. That event took place this week so while we work on that write-up, check out last year’s event here.

Memorial Day may be upon us, but as every vendor that I’ve talked to in the last six months will attest, the event season no longer has an end. Next month is Autism Speaks’ advanced screening of Cars 2, another meeting for Public Interest Projects and the start of a summer of planning for the five annual New Jersey Light the Night Walks and two human rights convenings.

What’s coming down the pike for you?

March 15-16, 2011

In preparation for five district sales meetings, site selection, hotel contracts, accommodations and meeting needs, including food and beverage and audio-visual, were arranged.

February 23-24, 2011

In preparation for nine district sales meetings, site selection, hotel contracts, accommodations and meeting needs, including food and beverage and audio-visual, were arranged.

January 11-17, 2011

In preparation for 10 district sales meetings, site selection, hotel contracts, accommodations and meeting needs, including food and beverage and audio-visual, were arranged.

Reception at the JP Morgan Health Care Conference

January 10, 2011

Thank you for your hard work and dedication with regards to our customer event at the 2011 JP Morgan Health Care Conference.  We received a very good response from our client raving about the event and level of service you provided.   As a result, we were able to secure the business for 2012.  Of course, it’s contingent upon your involvement once again. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Ginger Donnan Events in the future on the JP Morgan Health Care Conference, and other projects! Thank you once again. – Eli Sananes, President, Global Meetings & Incentives, January 2011

This Saturday, 5,000 people are expected to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walks in New Jersey at Princeton’s Forrestal Village and at Verona Park.

Funds raised for these events support lifesaving research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and treatments for other types of cancer. Those who raise $100 or more to help fight blood cancer are provided a wrist band, which entitles walkers to enjoy food, refreshments and entertainment, along with illuminated balloons and Light the Night t-shirts.

Over 50 vendors have donated their products and services to make these two events possible. We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of small and large businesses alike and just wanted to highlight a few of them:

In Verona, live music will be provided by LIVIN, an upbeat, funky rock band. LIVIN will also perform at the Morristown Light the Night Walk the following Saturday and has even formed a fundraising team.

Another band, joining us in Princeton and at the Camden Light the Night Walk the following Saturday, is M.E.R.C.K., made up of 11 and 12 year old kids performing hits by the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Weezer, Blink 182, Bon Jovi and Guns and Roses, among others.

Both bands will be joined by DJ A.D. Of Remixnetwork in Princeton and Soundbar Entertainment in Verona.

We’d also like to thank JR Floral Designs for their donation of 2,000 carnations and Art Digital for their time and effort in creating the signage for the event.

With generous partners like these, Saturday is guaranteed to be an inspirational night. Please visit www.lightthenight.org/nj to join us!