July 31, 2019

Best Staycation Spots in the Bay Area

While summer may be coming to an end, that also means tourist season is coming to an end. And what better way to celebrate than to head to your favorite spots in the Bay that have been overrun with tourists the last few months?

Here are our favorite spots to spend a dreamy little night away from home (without traveling too far).

1. Carmel Valley Ranch
Complete with trails, lavender fields, a market and restaurant, a spa, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, and their own apiary, there is truly something for everyone in the family.

Photo: Wedding Documentary

2. Fairmont San Jose
Located in the heart of downtown, surrounded by museums, parks, and restaurants the Fairmont of San Jose is an iconic hotel with prime location. Enjoy relaxing on the rooftop pool, or enjoy a cocktail in the lobby bar for an elegant evening.

Photo: Ashley Maxwell Photography

3. Hotel Valencia Santana Row
Step back in time to old world Spain at Hotel Valencia nestled inside the bustling and luxurious shopping district, Santana Row. Have a poptail (popsicle + cocktail) on the pool deck or indulge in a meal at one of their four dining options. They even offer special packages including tours of the nearby and iconic Winchester Mystery House.

Photo: Dunne Connover

4. Cavallo Point
Head north towards the city, but enjoy a quaint getaway at Cavallo Point. This charming lodge was once a functioning military base protecting the north side of the Golden Gate bridge. Today, you can enjoy a relaxing stay with incredible views.

5. Auberge du Soleil
We know there are endless options in Wine Country but Auberge is truly one of our favorites. Located off the Silverado Trail, you are sure to love this beautiful and relaxing resort and their famous panoramic view of the entire Napa Valley.

Well, are you ready to pack your bags? Let us know where you end up for a staycation this fall!

July 31, 2019

Industry Insights: Corporate Holiday Party Planning

August may seem like the time to focus on back to school, end of season sales, and getting ready for your off-tourist-season travels, but really, you should be thinking about the holidays.

Specifically, how your company or team will celebrate the holidays (if you have not already started the process that is).

We know, the end of the fiscal year is near, and most likely your boss (or you, if you are the boss) is most concerned with the state of affairs within the company as a whole. And while yes, this is extremely important and should be a top priority, so should employee’s morale.

From promoting a sense of community to showing appreciation, hosting a company holiday party can make a huge impact, especially when done right.

So here are our tips for planning the most epic holiday party your company has ever seen.

1. Start at the end.
What is the vision you have for your party? Will it be a formal event to recognize and honor employees’ efforts or do you want to offer a huge bash to completely blow off steam? Maybe you want to find the middle of the road, in hopes to inspire employees, or urge them to think outside of the box. Having a clear vision of your event must be step one to ensure the most successful event possible.

2. Determine a budget.
This was likely predetermined when planning for the fiscal year, but it is extremely important to understand what your budget is before getting into details. There are a few elements that we definitely recommend including in your event, while other areas you may be able to reduce spending.

3. Finalize the date & venue.
These two might be contingent on one another, or one may be non-negotiable. Consider your vision you developed with step one when choosing the date and venue. If you want people to let loose, wait until after any major deadlines. Recognitions are nice to give prior to any time off, allowing them to reflect positively before returning to the office. The venue is also extremely important in adding to the overall feel of the event. Depending on the venue and what’s included you may be able to save some money on decor and/or rental items.

4. Send out save the dates.
Make sure your event is well attended by giving employees plenty of notice. If they will be allowed to invite family members or spouses, now is a good time to let employees know. They do not need details, but everyone should have the date on the calendar with plenty of notice.

5. Consider decor & unique characteristics.
What is taking this event to the next level? How are you inspiring employees and motivating them? Why is this is a company they are happy to work for? Take some time to plan entertainment for the event, and add any wow-factors (while staying on-brand and true to your theme, of course). If you have live music, consider bringing in a dance instructor to provide a short lesson for those interested. Offer an interactive element whether it is a game, activity, or even a photo booth. Will there be food? Ensure the menu is appropriate for the time of day and length of the event. If there is an open bar, or any bar really, you should absolutely provide a food option.

6. Add an element of surprise.
In addition to fun decor and activities, we highly recommend you add one additional surprise to really end on a high note. Maybe you have a unique gift for everyone, or better yet, perhaps you provide everyone a bonus if you had a particularly great year. If that is out of budget, maybe you consider a special performance, it could even be someone in house if they are willing to share their talents. Having one aspect of the event go above and beyond will have employees walking away saying “Wow! That was a great party and I am so glad I went!”

7. End on a high note.
An appropriately timed event with a steady flow of entertainment and engagement is key. You do not want the event to drag on, or for people to leave too early. We recommend having the party last no more than three hours, including all additional elements. A great way to wrap up the evening is to have the CEO (or whoever is in charge) say a quick thank you to all who attended, with a special shout out to the planner. This is also a great time to mention any gifts for guests or ride sharing options that may be available. By having someone address the party coming to an end, it gives people a clear direction and understanding there is nothing more to see here.

We know that if you follow these few steps, you will have all the elements necessary to host a great company event.

And if you are still lost, or too busy, or determined to make this the best party your employees have ever experienced, we are here to help!

June 21, 2019

Industry Insights: Getting the Ultimate Guest Experience

Just because we are in the business of celebrating life’s grandest events (and every day in between), does not mean it is all work and no play.

In fact, in our years of experiencing events of all shapes, sizes, and significance, we have become quite the expert party-goers ourselves. And we are here to assure you, there is definitely a way to get the most out of any event or party you attend.

And to ensure you do just that, we’ve created this step by step guide to getting the ultimate guest experience at any celebration you attend.

Step 1: Arrive on time. Arriving fashionably late, might sound cooler than “the early bird gets the worm,” but you know what the on-time party goer gets? Choice of the best seat in the house, an opportunity to scope out the venue and offerings before things get too crowded, which also presents some of the best photo-opps.

Step 2: Grab a drink and/or find a seat. Depending on the nature of the event, you may want to grab a seat before things fill up. If you are attending an event in more of a networking or cocktail style, head to the bar to grab a drink before the bartenders are rushed. This is also a good time to grab a snack if available or partake in any activities that may get busier as the event develops.
NOTE: It’s always a good idea to use the restroom before sitting down for a program or ceremony.

Step 3: Put your devices away, and on silent. We know how tempting it may be to pull out for phone to record the first kiss, or take a picture of the guest speaker you admire so much, but unless you have been asked to do so by a host, we highly recommend putting the screens away. Not only does this allow you to fully experience everything that is happening in the moment, but it shows your hosts you are glad to be there and not distracted by what’s happening elsewhere.

Step 4: Talk to someone/try something new. All events, regardless of the nature, bring together people who have something in common making them the perfect place to meet someone new. Make an effort to strike up a conversation with someone new, or try a food or activity you haven’t if you know everyone attending. What better party favor than to meet your new bff?!

Step 5: Eat, drink, and be merry! This may seem like an obvious one, but we mean it! Have you ever attended an event but felt self-conscious to go back for seconds or eat too much in the first place? Well, time to let that go! Enjoy the food provided, have a drink to keep yourself hydrated (or buzzed), and truly take in all the event has to offer. The hosts want you to enjoy it!

Step 6: Sign the guestbook, grab a favor, thank the host! As things begin to wind down, and the party begins to fade, there are a few things you should do before hopping in your Lyft and heading home. Was there a guest book to sign? Sign it. Were there any party favors for guests? Grab one! And always, always thank your host (when appropriate). They’ve worked hard to put together an enjoyable event and deserve to be recognized. If you are attending a large festival or produced event, thanking the producers or sponsors on social media is appropriate and often welcomed. Make sure to tag them so they see it!

So, there you have it; how to get the most out of any event you attend, in six simple steps. And if you ever have the pleasure of joining us at an Amazáe event, please keep this post in mind!

Photo by: Jordan Voth