Author Archive: Chicago Party Planner

Two Key Ways to Optimize for Local Searches

October 21, 2011 | Chicago Party Planner


Two Key Ways to Optimize for Local Searches
 
"When you perform a search at Google or Bing, the results are significantly influenced by your physical location, even on queries where you don't specify a location," writes Ray Comstock at Search Engine Watch. "So if you're in New York and you search for [pizza], or [hot tubs] or [DMV], your results will be very different than if you do the same searches in San Diego."
To help businesses increase the chances they'll show up in local searches, Comstock offers tips like these:
Create pages dedicated to localized content. Identify information that is relevant to certain geographical areas—whether at the state, city or community level. Examples include dealer locations, shipping rates and climate-based recommendations for your product.
"By doing so," he says, "you not only increase your propensity to show up in organic search queries in those places, but you also potentially improve your conversion rate by creating a more custom experience for ... users [that] speaks specifically to their needs."
Create link connectivity with websites relevant to each region. Pursue reciprocity with local business directories and bloggers. "If you want to make Google believe that your site is a great resource for people in New York," he notes, "they expect to see sites that are relevant to New York linking to you."
Avoid the appearance of spam by selecting link partners that provide your visitors with relevant, valuable content. "They should become a seamless part of the user experience of your site for the best results," he explains.
The Po!nt: Think global, link local. When properly constructed, a local search strategy will create value for customers and search engines.
Source: Search Engine Watch.

 
 
canadian pharmacy


				
					
								
	
						Tru Blood Beverage & Belvedere Cocktails For Halloween Parties in Chicago
						

	
	
		October 19, 2011	

	
		 | Chicago Party Planner	

												Tru Blood Beverage & Belvedere Cocktails

The blood-orange soda, Tru Blood Beverage is available at www.hbo.com/store and retails for $15.99 for a 6 pack.

1. The Belve Compton

1.5 oz Belvedere Orange

1/2 oz lime juice

3 oz ginger beer

3 oz Tru Blood Beverage

Add all ingredients to a highball glass filled with cubed ice and garnish with an orange wedge

2. Faeries’ Nectar

1.5 oz Belvedere Pink Grapefruit

3 oz grapefruit juice

dash lime juice

Shake with ice and strain over cubed ice into a highball glass. Top with 3 oz Tru Blood Beverage.

Garnish with a slice of light fruit (if not available a grapefruit slice will suffice)

3. Lovin in the Coven

2 oz Belvedere Citrus

1 oz lemon juice

1/2 oz simple syrup

dash egg white

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Charge with 1/2 oz Tru Blood Beverage
 
4. Belvedere Bloodsucker

1.5oz Belvedere Pink Grapefruit

1/2 Campari

Shake with ice and pour over cubed ice into a rocks glass. Top with 1.5 oz Tru Blood Beverage.

Garnish with a blood orange wedge

5. Belvedere After Dark

1.5 oz Belvedere Vodka

1/2 oz ginger syrup

1/2 lemon juice
Pour 2 oz Tru Blood Beverage over ice into a highball glass. Shake the rest of the ingredients and layer over the Tru Blood Beverage. Will cause a two tone effect. Garnish with a slice of ginger

and a slice of blood orange
The blood-orange soda, Tru Blood Beverage is available at www.hbo.com/store and retails for $15.99 for a 6 pack. 

Hereschicago.com is Chicago’s party planning directory
												
					
				
				
					
								
	
						Make Your Halloween Plans Now
						

	
	
		October 19, 2011	

	
		 | Chicago Party Planner	

												
Make your Halloween Plans now….  The Driehaus Museum presents:  Murder Mystery at the Marble Palace:  A Gilded Age Whodunit produced and directed by Creative Impact Group, exclusivelyi for the Driehaus Museum.  Saturday, October 22 & 29, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
There are still tickets available – Tickets:  Single $75, Pair $125.  Ticket includes complimentary cocktails and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres by FIG Catering. 
Space is limited.  Advance reservations are highly recommended.  To purchase tickets, please call 312 482-8933, Ext. 21, or e-mail info@driehausmuseum.org

 
												
					
				
				
					
								
	
						EQuest Global Group to hold a Conference for Women Empowerment
						

	
	
		October 15, 2011	

	
		 | Chicago Party Planner	

												EQuest Global Group to hold a Conference for Women Empowerment

EQuest Global Group has announced its launch of a pioneering series of conferences, with its first ‘Women Entrepreneurs – Movers and Shakers Conference’ on Thursday, October 20th, 2011.  The conference will be held at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, IL from 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm.
This pioneer conference is geared towards women in business with a strong drive to achieve excellence.  The conference provides an opportunity to network and gain inspiration from seven successful Chicago women entrepreneurs, who will share their success stories and offer tips on how to reach for excellence.
The conference, which is supported by NAWBO – Chicago, will attract entrepreneurs, corporate executives, women’s organizations, government officials and media. 
EQuest Global Group’s mission is to provide a global platform to showcase excellence, reward excellence and empower excellence.  “Our Company’s primary aim is to present conferences, seminars and award ceremonies that inspire leaders to develop their talent and nurture their passion, in order to achieve their full potential”, informs Shebani Kulkarni, Founder and President of EQuest Global Group.
The keynote speaker for this conference will be Gail Zelitzky – President, NAWBO-Chicago and Founder, Silver-Robins Consulting, and the Panel moderator will be Desiree Vargas-Wrigley – CEO, Give Forward. Desiree has been recognized in Crain’s Chicago’s 2011 Business Women to Watch.
The Speakers Panel includes Rona Borre – President, Instant Technology, who was awarded the 2011 Enterprising Women of the Year Award by Enterprising Women Magazine and the 2009 Influential Woman in Business Award by The Business Ledger.  The other speakers on the Panel are Susan Silver – President, Argentum Strategy, Stella Fayman – Founder, Firefighters, Brittany Laughlin – Co-founder, gtrot and Tricia Meyer – Managing Attorney, Meyer Law Ltd and Co-founder, Playtime Petcare.
Registration fee for the conference is $20 and will include appetizers and refreshments.  Cash bar will also be available.
For registration or sponsorship opportunities you may contact (815)404-3803 or email info@equestglobalgroup.com. 
The website link is http://www.equestglobalgroup.com/events.html

												
					
				
				
					
								
	
						Free Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party Planning Event!
						

	
	
		October 14, 2011	

	
		 | Chicago Party Planner	

												Free Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party Planning Event!

When: Sunday, October 23rd from 3pm-6pm

Where: Lumen 839 West Fulton Market, Chicago 60607
Lumen has paired with A-Z Entertainment to make the showcase of the season!
This will be a great opportunity to view the entirety of the space, meet the staff of Lumen and A-Z Entertainment. Most importantly – receive exclusive offers from some of the best vendors in the Mitzvah industry for your clients!
There are many great reasons to have your mitzvah at Lumen: it’s a fun, cool and hip atmosphere for a party! Kids aren’t choosing formal parties in hotel and country clubs anymore; kids are looking for the next new hip spaces and LUMEN is that!
Featured vendors include:
A-Z Entertainment

Catered By Design

Elite Scheduling/Chaperones

Inviting Designs

North Shore Photography

Suckers Candy

Xpress Video
Media Sponsor: Hereschicago.com
Bringing children is encouraged, as there will be food, dancing, and giveaways!

Don’t worry Dads ~ The Bears game will be on!
To inquire please call our hotline (A-Z Entertainment) 847-537-5100 or (Lumen) 312-733-2222 and mention Hereschicago.com

												
					
				
				
					
								
	
						Unique Places to have an Office Holiday Party in Chicago
						

	
	
		October 14, 2011	

	
		 | Chicago Party Planner	

												
Roy’s Restaurant Chicago Private & Group Dining

720 North State Street

Chicago, IL 60654
Host your Holiday Party at Roy’s this year and receive a $50 dining certificate for every $500 spent in food and beverage.  Also, each of your guests will receive a $20 dining card good toward a future visit to Roy’s.  Simply book your event with Roy’s by November 15th to take advantage of this very special offer.   Terms and conditions apply. 
In Hawaii, there are two things of equal importance—food and the “aloha” spirit. The blending of these two dynamic principles is how Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion® Cuisine was born. European techniques and Asian cuisine meet Hawaiian hospitality to create a fine dining experience unlike any other–where the “aloha” style of service comes straight from the heart, and where any occasion becomes an unforgettable evening.
Roy’s Chicago offers a unique dining experience through spacious dining rooms, an inviting lounge and Roy’s signature exhibition kitchen in full view. Our private dining rooms feature contemporary Asian furnishings and original Hawaiian artwork.
Roy’s Group Dining offers:
• Customizable menus for lunch, dinner and cocktail receptions

• Daytime meeting packages available

• Four private dining rooms that can accommodate 10-70 guests

• Entire restaurant available for private lunch or dinner events for up to 200 guests

• State-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities

• An extensive wine and specialty drink list to complement your meal exquisitely

• Aloha-style service to take care of all of your group’s needs
Roy’s Chicago has a full complement of Audio Visual equipment that is available for use during meetings and events at no additional charge. Our private dining rooms feature wired internet access and phone jacks for conference calls.
Let Roy’s pick your group up! We have a 12-passenger van that can pick up your group from all of the major hotels and most of the downtown Chicago area, at no additional cost.
Click here to email Roy’s event coordinator to request information

												
					
				
				
					
								
	
						Two Chicago Area Meetings Industry Organizations MPI CAC and Hereschicago.com Form Innovative Partnership
						

	
	
		October 5, 2011	

	
		 | Chicago Party Planner	

												
For Immediate Release

October 5, 2011
Two Chicago Area Meetings Industry Organizations MPI CAC and Hereschicago.com Form Innovative Partnership
Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area Chapter and HeresChicago.com Team Up to Create Growth Opportunities for Both
Chicago, IL – October 5, 2011 Meeting Professionals International, Chicago Area Chapter (MPI-CAC) – a professional association serving 1,100+ meetings industry professionals – and HeresChicago.com – an online resource for event managers – announced the creation of a strategic partnership that supports both organizations’ growth goals. 
With today’s challenging business environment serving as motivation, the leaders of MPI-CAC turned to their membership base in search of prospective win-win partnerships. HeresChicago.com’s CEO, Jim Grillo, was among the first to recognize the opportunity to forge a mutually beneficial arrangement with his professional association.  As the former president of MPI-CAC, an accomplished entrepreneur, and a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Grillo urged MPI-CAC leadership to “think outside the box” in the creation of a partnership designed to optimize respective resources and exposure.
The two-year partnership relies on the exchange of such strategic marketing activities as email campaigns, events and social media, thereby significantly expanding outreach and growth opportunities for both organizations.
MPI-CAC’s President, Char Shada, CMP, believes this partnership and partnerships like these can be a critical component to the association’s future growth, stating, “MPI-CAC is thrilled to partner with such an innovator in the meetings industry.  We look forward to working closely with HeresChicago.com toward mutual success.” She continued, “We’re hopeful that this partnership will become a long-term relationship that can serve as a positive model for other associations.”
Grillo shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “As a long-time member and past president of MPI-CAC, this partnership means a lot to me personally.  As an entrepreneur, this is a real opportunity to increase exposure while supporting my professional association.”
To learn more about MPI-CAC, visit mpicac.org or call 888-721-8908. For more information on HeresChicago.com or Jim Grillo, please visit HeresChicago.com or call 630.916.8000 ext. 3.
About Meeting Professionals International and MPI-Chicago Area Chapter

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the meeting and event industry’s largest and most vibrant global community.  MPI global membership is comprised of more than 24,000 members belonging to 70 chapters and clubs worldwide.  It serves its members by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces.  As the largest chapter within the 24,000+ member global Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the 1,100 member Chicago Area Chapter has connected its community of meeting and event professionals to comprehensive support, industry knowledge and business opportunities since its inception in 1976. For more information, visit mpicac.org or call 888-721-8908.
About HeresChicago.com

Launched in 2004, HeresChicago.com is Chicago’s preferred online resource for meeting and event planners seeking Chicago solutions for their meetings, events, client outings, corporate activities, ground transportation needs and meeting and event services. President and founder Jim Grillo, CMP (certified meeting professional) is an accomplished meetings industry leader.  Grillo served as President of Meeting Professionals International – Chicago Area Chapter, President of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association of Illinois, and as a committee member for several industry organizations. Grillo is the recipient of the 2008 Emmy Award, Alternate Media/News; 2008 Supplier Hall of Fame Award, Illinois Meetings & Events; and 2009 individual Hall of Fame Award, Meeting Professionals International – Chicago Area Chapter. He is a frequent contributor to industry conferences and publications.  For more information, call 630.916.8000 ext. 3, or visit the blog at www.hereschicago.com, www.hereschicagoblog.com or www.blog.HeresChicago.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT

Gretchen Kihm Stegall | Trifecta Marketing Resources, LLC

Gretchen@TrifectaResources.com | 847.681.0506 | c 847.922.5931
												
					
				
				
					
								
	
						Wish Upon a Wedding Sets Date for Second Annual Blissful Wishes Ball in Chicago
						

	
	
		October 4, 2011	

	
		 | Chicago Party Planner	

												Chicago, IL- Sept. 27, 2011. The Chicago chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding set a date for the Second Annual Blissful Wishes Ball for Monday, November 1, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago (163 E. Walton Place).
“Last year’s event was spectacular,” said chapter president Ali Phillips, owner of Engaging Events by Ali. “We’re looking forward to another beautiful evening and raising support for this very deserving cause.”
With sold out attendance, the 2010 Blissful Wishes Ball raised $25,000 toward Wish Upon a Wedding.  The organization, a 501c3, is the first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and seriously life-altering circumstances regardless of sexual orientation.
Tickets for the November 1st gala are $125 per individual or $1,100 for a table of ten. The evening will include a three course sit-down dinner, open bar and desserts. Guests will enjoy music by the Becca Kaufman Orchestra, experience Shutterbooth photo booth, photos by Gerber & Scarpelli Photography, cinematography by I DO Films as well as view the extravagant modern decor by The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc., Classic Party Rentals, Erickson Design and Frost Lighting.  Guests may also participate in both a live and silent auction throughout the evening.
Tickets for the Second Annual Blissful Wishes Ball are available for purchase at:

www.blissfulweddingwishesball2011chicago.eventbrite.com

For more information on sponsorship or fundraising, please contact Michelle Durpetti at michelle@michelledurpettievents.com or 312-988-9900.
If you are interested in becoming a wish granter through donations, services, or products to help make a Chicago wedding wish come true, please contact Lisa Gia Bascomb or Hilary Schwartz at volunteerschicago@wishuponawedding.org.

Hereschicago.com is Chicago’s Planner Preferred Resource Directory featuring Chicago’s best event venues and chicago event service providers
												
					
				
				
					
								
	
						Large Venues Corporate Event Venues in Chicago for up to 1000 guests
						

	
	
		September 18, 2011	

	
		 | Chicago Party Planner	

												
Enclave Chicago Event Space

220 West Chicago Ave

Chicago, IL 60610-3121
Enclave is the premier locale for events – 15,000 square foot, multi-level venue complete with four bars, dance floors, lounge seating and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Our open floor plan offers the flexibility to accommodate 50 to 1,000+ guests. The DJ booth sits atop a newly renovated stage that doubles as additional table service areas for our VIPs as well as the ideal performance area for our many guest-artist appearances.
Click here to request more information from Amber Goetz – Private Events Manager of Enclave
Step up and above the dance floor at one of the tables in our elevated VIP section and gain a birds-eye view of the space. With a mix of plush fabrics, oak bars and fine art, Enclave offers the unexpected delight of a night life space as well as the versatility to transform into a professional atmosphere. The space is easily manipulated to allow each and every production the versatility to create the desired layout.
Total Capacity of Venue and all spaces for private event: can accommodate 50-1000+ people, 15,000 square foot venue.
Total Capacity and Names of Group Rooms (if applicable):
1. Main Level accommodates up to 700 (but can be sectioned to allow for smaller groups)

2. Lower Level accommodates up to 300
Total Capacity of Venue:

1000 guests
Private or Semi Private Space Available:

Yes
Room Set at Capacity:

Reception
Rental Fee to Reserve / Use the Room:

Negotiable
Our most Important Target Market is ?
Enclave is pleased to accommodate groups ranging from 50-1000+ guests seeking a venue for corporate and/or social events.
We are most proud of our ability to ?
We are proud to offer a full-time, professional on-site Event Planner to assist you with all aspects of your event including but not limited to full catering, staging, décor, sound, lighting, videography, customized menus & audio-visual coordination
We are famous with customers for our ability to ?
Our customers are at ease knowing that our professional staff takes great pride in providing superb service for a seamless event.
Unlike our competition, we offer customers ?
Enclave offers the unexpected delight of a night-life space with the versatility to transform into a completely customized atmosphere.
We would like our customers to tell their friends that we provide the best ?
Whether a corporate event, dinner dance, gala reception, fashion show or an off-site outing for conventioneers, we can create the atmosphere you seek for any occasion
Our company enhances customer lives by offering ?
Enclave’s 15,000 square foot, multi-level venue complete with four bars, dance floors, lounge seating and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems provide a unique venue for any occasion
We offer our customers the best ?
Event experience – from initial planning through final execution and post-event details
Recent Clients:
1. Canon 2. Blackberry 3. AT&T 4. Google 5. BRIDES Magazine 6. Kohler 7. Paramount Pictures 8. Entertainment Weekly 9. PricewaterhouseCoopers 10. Edelmen 11. MySpace 12. InStyle Magazine
Awards/Achievements:
Best Nightclub – CitySearch, Top Place to See Celebrities in Chicago – Chicago Tribune, Notable Clients: Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Josh Duhamel, Lady Gaga, Usher, Kim, Khloe & Kourtney Kardashian, Black-Eyed Peas, Vince Vaughn, Michael Jordan
												
					
				
				
					
								
	
						Large Convention Party Places in Chicago Downtown
						

	
	
		September 18, 2011	

	
		 | Chicago Party Planner	

												
 
Cuvee Chicago Event Space

308 West Erie Street

Chicago, IL 60654
Cuvée is the premiere locale for events to be hosted–5,500 square feet, two expansive bars, lounge seating, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems are all included in our venue and available for your enjoyment. The floor plan is open, as well as fluid. All furniture is portable and can be reconfigured to satisfy most any request. The design was constructed as a means of keeping the flow of guests moving in and around the unique space. This layout offers the flexibility to accommodate up to 400 guests. The modest exterior of the venue creates a unique impression on our guests as they enter an illuminated hallway leading into an environment unlike any in the city.



CLICK HERE TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION from Amber Goetz Private Events Manager of Cuvee
Cuvee is a term that refers to the very best selection used for the premier champagnes of the world.

As the name suggests, every element of this ultra-lounge was considered and careful selections were made to create an intimate, yet exciting, setting. Cuvée combines the luxurious feel of sophistication and intimacy with a unique approach to table service and layout.
Total Capacity of Venue:

400
Private or Semi Private Space Available:

Yes
Room Set at Capacity:

Reception
Rental Fee to Reserve / Use the Room:

negotiable
Our most Important Target Market is ?
Cuvée is pleased to accommodate groups ranging from 50-400 guests seeking a venue for corporate and/or social events.
We are most proud of our ability to ?
We are proud to offer a full-time, professional on-site Event Planner to assist you with all aspects of your event including but not limited to full catering, staging, décor, sound, lighting, videography, customized menus & audio-visual coordination
We are famous with customers for our ability to ?
Our guests are confident in our ability to provide them with a true ultra-lounge affair with complete satisfaction in our service and sophistication.
Unlike our competition, we offer customers ?
Cuvée offers the unexpected delight of a ultra-lounge space with the versatility to transform into a completely customized atmosphere.
We would like our customers to tell their friends that we provide the best ?
Whether a corporate event, dinner dance, gala reception, fashion show or an off-site outing for conventioneers, we can create the atmosphere you seek for any occasion.
Our company enhances customer lives by offering ?
Cuvée offers guests an exclusive invitation to experience a night at our high-end ultra-lounge, one which the finest of Chicago’s VIPS call a refreshing escape and a sanctuary to enjoy champagne and celebration.
We offer our customers the best ?
We are unparalleled in our ability to provide the most refined, luxury space available for private affairs in the city. We pride ourselves on providing the best event experience – from initial planning through final execution & post event details
Recent Clients:
1. Chicago Tribune 2. US Weekly 3. Wall Street Journal 4. Bank of America 5. UBS 6. American Red Cross 7. Children’s Memorial Hospital 8. Paramount Pictures 9. Millennium Films 10. Universal Pictures
Awards/Achievements:
(#1) Top Rated Late-Night Lounges – Chicago Scene Magazine- Top Place to See Celebrities in Chicago – Chicago Tribune- Trump International Hotel & Tower Concierge Top Preferred Destination- Notable Clients: Demi Moore, Vince Vaughn, Edward Norton
CLICK HERE TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION from Amber Goetz Private Events Manager of Cuvee

												
					
				

				
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