Time Well Spent

by Brent Beshore

July 25,2008

Previews and reviews of mid-Missouri events

Keeping the Luster of Annual Events

Annual events are some of the most common and the most challenging to plan. Whether it's a fundraiser, an awards ceremony, gala or conference, all annual events run the risk of being mundane. No one wants their event to enter into the realm of the same old, same old. Here are several great ways to keep your guests coming back year after year.

The most important thing to maintain is a sense of anticipation. Keep your guests wondering.

New Components: Adding components to the itinerary of the event such as an auction or awards ceremony can create an unexpected twist by getting them more involved. This gives the guests a sense of importance and ownership of the event.

Celebrity: Incorporating local and national celebrities is another great way to create an anticipatory atmosphere. This is the perfect way to get a buzz about the event. Even more so if the celebrity's identity is kept secret until the event.

Interactivity: Keeping guests involved with interactive programs such as games or contests will ensure full participation and give guests something interesting to tell their friends. Speeches are important, but the more involved your guests are, the more impact your event will have.

Decor: The single most important part of transforming a room from dull to dramatic is the decor. Design a distinct event atmosphere and wow your guests. Examples would be to turn your drab meeting room into an African safari or a Caribbean cruise. Giving your guests an escape from the ordinary will leave a distinct impact.

Hit List:

1. Simply Sinatra: The Missouri Theatre — July 26
2. Comedies in Concert: UMC Campus — July 29
3. Stephens Lake Outdoor Cinema - The Spiderwick Chronicles: Stephens Lake Park  — Aug. 8
4. The Bluff Top Bridal Showcase: Les Bourgeois Winery — Aug. 10
5. Lysistrata: Maplewood Barn Theatre — Aug. 15 to 31

PREVIEW

"Imagine the Farmers Market Pavilion" Party

Where: The pavilion's future site, next to the Activity and Recreation Center on the corner of Clinkscales and Ash
When: Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Why: To kick off the ongoing campaign to raise enough funds to construct an all weather structure.
Cost: Free to the public.
Details: Area residents are invited to attend this free event highlighting the new pavilion in the works for the Columbia Farmers Market. A full-scale outline of the proposed pavilion will be laid out in white lights in order to give guests a visual of what is to come. Local chefs and restaurants will prepare locally grown food. There will be performances by local musicians, and a meet and greet with local farmers. Enjoy an outside screening of the award-winning documentary, "Tableland". This is a special opportunity to view the acclaimed film here in the Midwest.
More Info: Contact Ginny Chadwick, event coordinator, at (573) 999-2641. For more information about the Columbia Farmers Market contact Dan Kuebler, Sustainable Farms and Communities Chair at (573) 356-9388.
Anticipation Rating: 8/10 — great community activity topped off by some freshly prepared local produce.

Popularity: unranked [?]