TIME WELL SPENT

by Brent Beshore

May 2,2008

THE LATEST IN EVENT TRENDS

Smell That Theme: Giving your event a theme can amp up its impact and make it truly memorable. So, when thinking of your theme, remember that the strongest source of sensory memory is the sense of smell. Why not support your motif of choice with an appropriate aroma by utilizing scent machines like those available from Scent Air (www.scentair.com)?

Draped Fabric: Draping can be used for a lot more than covering a window. Create a new ceiling effect, add dimension to any room, or even set up a VIP lounge. At recent events, a variety of overhead swags have appeared—from free-form draping to structured, tent-like installations.

Space Is Limited: Many events call for the purchase of décor items unavailable for rent. But what do you do with all of that leftover event equipment taking up space? Event designer James François-Pijuan faced the same issue and decided to launch the Used Event Stuff Web site. It is an eBay-like site where users can resell their offbeat or unneeded event supplies. It's also a great resource if you are looking to put on event with a tight budget (www.usedeventstuff.com).

Hit List:

1. "Hidden Assets: A Rare Exhibition of the Historic Costume Archives"—April 10 to May 10 at Stephens College
2. National Equine Art Show—April 1 to May 16 at the Columbia Art League
3. TRYPS Hard Hat Reception and Fund-raiser—6 p.m. Friday, May 2, in the new TRYPS location, the former Garfield's restaurant in the Columbia Mall,tryps.missouri.org
4. Concert Series: Missoula Childrens Theatre, Cinderella—7 p.m. Saturday, May 10, in Jesse Auditorium

Is your favorite charity having a fund-raiser? Is your company hosting an event? Are you and your friends throwing a party? Let me know about it at events@eventsolutionsllc.com.

REVIEWS:
Taste of Mid-Missouri
Where: Holiday Inn Executive Center
When: April 8
Why: To showcase mid-Missouri's purveyors of food and beverages.
Cost: $18/ticket
Details: While in years past this event has been a true food-and-drink extravaganza, this year's festivities were seemingly toned down. There was still plenty to eat and drink, but many of the booth slots were conspicuously empty. For those establishment representatives who did show up, it was a great opportunity to show off products. Special props go to: Les Bourgeois for its award-winning booth; Scheppers Distributing for providing a great selection of cold adult beverages; and Upper Crust Downtown/Encore for finishing out the evening with some delicious desserts. Overall, it was a fun event.
Rating: 7/10—Fun event, with less-than-stellar participation.

PREVIEWS
Dancing with Missouri Stars
Where: The Hearnes Center
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8
Why: Benefit the Missouri Contemporary Ballet
Cost: $20/person ($15 for students), with tickets available at all Ticketmaster locations and the Mizzou Arena
Details: Fashioned after the hit TV show "Dancing with the Stars," this event features 10 local celebrities competing by dancing the tango and the cha-cha with ballroom instructors from the Twilight Dance Studio. Audience members vote for their favorite couple. The panel of judges is likely to provide an additional form of entertainment for the evening. Judges include last year's champion, Lori Ann Gaddy, and John Swick, a ballroom dance judge from St. Louis.

More Info: www.missouricontemporaryballet.com/mo_stars.htm
Anticipation Rating: 9/10—With local celebs donning dancing shoes, who could want more?