An Event in a Library? How boring can that be?

Ever thought to plan an event at a Library? Although some libraries might put you to sleep, with quite a few others there is so much to see, there aren't enough hours during your event to see it all.

From modern edificies such as the Seattle Central Library, right in downtown, and the "new" Harold Washington Library in Chicago with its topfloor garden room in classical style, to a more formal style as the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Library of Congress, both in D.C. to over the top elegant onces such as the most beautiful Library in the world in Vienna, Austria and The Old Library, Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

So before you think again, how boring can an event be in a Library, maybe think twice.

 

Seattle Central Library - Seattle, Washington

 

Harold Washington Library - Chicago, Illinois

 

Folger Shakespeare Library - Washington, D.C.

 

Library of Congress - Washington, D.C.

 

Austrian National Library - Vienna, Austria

 

Trinity College Library - Dublin, Ireland

Planning an event or program internationally - The Netherlands

Although virtually everone in the Netherlands speaks English - fluently - and several other languages, it doesn't necessarily mean you will or want to have cookie cutter experience. Of course you can stay at a mega-chain hotel similar to what you have back home and conduct your meeting the way you typically do, but then what would be the point of going to another country for your meeting without experiencing what the visiting country is all about. At the same time you of course don't want to give up on any modern conveniences either. However, when planning a program in a different country, it shouldn't be just a different experience for you but also for all your attendees. Otherwise it's just another day, another meeting, another country.

We'll start this time of with the Netherlands, being Dutch, but other countries - and other parts of the Netherlands - will follow. Although many have visited Amsterdam before, at the same time many have not, so that's where I'll start with this time.

The Netherlands is very quaint, green and mostly below sea level. And although most people assume that Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, it's really The Hague (Den Haag). Amsterdam is particularly known for its canals. These days, depending on the size of your group, almost anytype of program can be enjoyed by fully incorporating the canals. For your hotel, cocktails, dinner etz.

Many smaller boutique hotels (and a few larger ones) have opened up in Amsterdam, combining several (or many) of the 16th, 17th and 18th century canal houses into one. Some of them are located right on the canal, while others are hidden away behind gates.

 

What is often very suprising that not only from the outside you couldn't tell that it is a hotel, but many of them also have gardens, which you wouldn't be able to tell from the streetside. In addition their meeting and sleeping rooms are upto date with modern conveniences.

 

To further explore the canals, for example during cocktails after your meeting day is over and before heading out to a restaurant of an off-site event, antique canal boats can be used. Depending on the size of the group, you maybe have to rent a few to accommodate everyone, but the experience is so more authentic than a modern style canal boat.

And with many locations, your guests can be picked up right outside the frontdoor.

Another a-typical experience, that even most Dutch people haven't done, is to rent one of the majestic canal mansions. As with some of the hotels, they're are all located along the canals, with elegant and formal gardens behind their imposing facades.

 

Many historic buildings, palaces, houses and churches can be rented throughout Amsterdam for private events, with one of the most unusual ones being "Our Dear Lord in the Attic" (Onze Lieve Heer op Zolder), located in the Red Light District. As it is a "hidden" church, the church is actually on the top floor of the canal house.

Another option to spend time in the Netherlands is to actually go to the coast. My events are actually being combined with a few days in Amsterdam and then off to the coast for teambuilding, more meetings or just relaxation. One town, a little bit challenging to get to by public transportation but only a very short drive away from Schiphol Airport or the center of Amsterdam is Noordwijk aan Zee. With a wide range of hotels available, ranging from 2 stars to 5 stars at reasonable prices. Noordwijk is a very small quaint town right on the beach of the North Sea (Noord Zee). From large, almost imposing size hotels

 

To more quaint 4 to 5 star hotels, but still on the beach, and each with their own beach club.

 

And although you're maybe in a small town, even here special event spaces can accommodate your needs for a private event.

 

As you can see, the possibilities are unlimited for planning a meeting or social event in Amsterdam.

 

 

Promotional USB's. What's new?

Everytime you turn around a different type of USB shows up. Some fancy, some simple, some natural.

One for example is the "Pop Series". Although most bottles these days have twist tops, but often so now and then you'll find a bottle that isn't and now bottle opener to be found. Fortunately a solution has been found for it as most of us are in need of a USB and now it also can do double duty.

For those who are more into the environmentally friendly versions, wooden USB are also available as seen in this one specifically made for Whole Foods.

Then there are the more fancifull ones with that only expose the USB part when you do the "twist" by twisting the top and the UBS pops out.

Whether you want a USB in the shape of a pen, a credit card or wristband, there is surely one that fits your budget, color and style.

As we're as concerned about the environment as you are, we prefer to offer products that are useful, versus "it looks nice/cute, but what do I do with it", and we work closely with companies that instill that same value. The items shown here are made out of 100% recycled plastic and aluminum with the wooden ones made with FSC Pure Wooden Shells.

Minimum orders start at 25.

Group Incentive Travel with a Porsche or a Ferrari

Ever thought of joining a group of colleagues - or friends - for a tour through Europe driving a Porsche or a Ferrari?

Whether you take the Porsche on a multi-day trip or get training on the racetrack in Germany, those are just some of the options to explore when planning your trip to Europe.

Or travel in a chauffeured driven Ferrari or one on your own.

Or a combination of the two.

Visit castles and palaces and drive through the German, Swiss, Austrian and Italian country side.

We all can dream, but dreams sometimes do come true.

 

Destination Wedding in Antalya, Turkey

 

Now the 2011 wedding season is coming to an end, and the planning starts for getting married in 2012 and beyond, if you ever thought of doing a destination wedding, maybe you should consider Turkey. With it's rich and long history, culture, beaches and friendly people, you should consider getting married in Turkey.

 

Do you prefer to have your wedding take place on the beach, or maybe amidst one of the ruins surrounding Antalya? There is an option available for every budget.

With airfares starting at $900, Antalya is a world away for an affordable price. And with most 5-star hotels ranging from $80.00 to $250.00 per night, the wedding and following vacation is even affordable for your guests.

Following your wedding, while you're guests are having a sun-filled vacation on the beach, the two of you could sail off into the Mediterrannean Sea aboard a Gulet. You can choose from itineraries from 3 days to 7 days.

 

Or combine the honeymoon with a romantic sail, followed by a few cultural days in Istanbul before boarding your flight home.

Concerned about processing your wedding certificate? Not to worry, we can assist you with those papers also. For a once in a lifetime experience, seriously start thinking of Turkey as your wedding destination.

Elixir Lounge in Chicago - new venue in Lakeview

Halsted Street has a new bar called the Elixir Lounge. Finally a Marty's style bar in the hood and seats maximum 50. Elixir Lounge will also be offering soon a Pastoral cheese and charcuterie selection to compliment your cocktails and wines. Thank you Greg O'Neill. Thanks to the sommelier from Pastoral, this place serves some delicious wine. I had Stadt Kems Kremstal Gruner, MF Chardonnay and Vina Falernia Pedro Iximenez, followed by a few cocktails with names such as Aviation, a lovely lavender colored gin drink and the Clover Club, which was a delightful pink frothy gin cocktail, each in their own specific glasses.

Last night was perfect at Elixir. I met David Chhay with Cognac Ferrand, Todd Appel aMixologist and has a blog called http://piranhabros.blogspot.com/ and Leanne Strickler with North Shore Distillery. Missing was Adam Seger/creator of HUM - sorry Adam - but we did talk about you. John and Justin were the friendliest bartenders ever. Will be back soon.

 

Hamburger Mary's Fundraiser benefitting Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame

Hamburger Mary's will host a fundraiser for the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. 90% of the proceeds will benefit the organization. Participants purchase a bingo card and fill the spaces with chips.  Winners receive prizes throughout the night.

Date:  Monday, August 29, 2011

Location:  Hamburger Marys
                 5400 N. Clark Street
                 Chicago, IL 60640
                 773-784-6969

Hostess:  Velicity Metropolis

Time:  8-10PM
Specials:  $5 Sauza Margaritas and frozen slushies

Nomination for Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.

The 2011 deadline to nominate individuals and organizations for induction into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame has been extended to Tuesday, August 2.

Nomination forms can be downloaded and printed from the Hall of Fame’s Web site (www.GLHallofFame.org) or requested by calling 312-744-7911 and leaving a mailing address.

Completed nominations should be sent to:

TheChicagoGay and Lesbian Hall of Fame

ChicagoCommission on Human Relations

Advisory Council on LGBT Issues

740 N. Sedgwick Street, Suite 300

Chicago,IL 60654-8488

The 2011 induction ceremony and reception for the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame are free and open to the public.

The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame's featured sponsors for the 2011 season include Phil Hannema, Boi Magazine, Center on Halsted, Circuit Night Club, Miller Lite, International Mr. Leather, Sidetrack, Absolut Vodka, Treasure Island, House of Blues, J & L Catering, Napleton Automotive Group, Supergurl Images and Harris Bank (list in formation).

The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame is privately funded through generous donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, and fundraisers such as the Pride and Joy Reception and the annual celebrity auction. Staff support is provided by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, members of the Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues, and volunteers. Chicagois the only known municipality that so honors its gay and lesbian residents. The Hall of Fame not only pays tribute to individuals and organizations but also documents the communities' heritage and diversity through its annual ceremony, its annual publication, and its site on the World Wide Web (www.GLHallofFame.org).

For more information, call Bill Greaves at 312-744-7911

Planning a outdoor party at the Peninsula Chicago?

You and your guests can experience a private party unlike any other at Chicago's most seductive outdoor lounge. The Terrace offers phenomenal city views of the Magnificent Mile in a dramatic outdoor setting unlike anywhere else in Chicago. Your guests can relax and mingle on comfortable daybeds and seating areas amid our lush summer flowers and foliage.

We can help you customize your menu with an array of signature cocktails, small plates, lunches and dinners. Choose from contemporary Shanghainese or Cantonese items as well as indulgent choices from delectable menus. Let us handle every party detail with impeccable service that allows you to host your guests in grand style they'll always remember.

The Terrace is available for private parties on select dates in July, August and September 2011
(based on availability).

Kate Middleton Wedding Dress - Designer show at the Met in NYC

After Kate Middleton – now the Duchess of Cambridge – made a stunning entrance in a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding dress, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is paying its own tribute to McQueen, the late fashion icon who took his own life in February of last year. Although you won't be seeing her dress in the show, to see other dresses in the collection visit museum or its website:

http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/