Time for Tree

I had a comment (thank you Becky) about meeting the band.  Yes, we will be having a contest starting soon that will allow several lucky viewers the chance to Meet the band!  Stay tuned to NBC 17 (and my blog)….for more information.  Online promotion and on-air promotion start THIS WEEK!! YEAH!

 Can you believe the event is only 2 weeks away….this is the week that I try to get everything in place from RSVPs, invitations, signage pickup, volunteer packets (hey everyone has to know where to go!), approving online and on-air promotion……I also start putting together information for clients who are participating this year ( REX Blood Services,  The Holiday Light Store, Durham Regional Hospital,  MADD. I will come back and add anyone I have forgotten. I do not see these folks everyday  (like I do volunteers), so I have to make sure their information is concise!

 My goal is to actually “breathe” the week before the event.  This week and next week will be hectic.  

We also have a inclement weather walkthrough today at the event site (www.thestreetsatsouthpoint.com).  I can’t imagine doing the event anywhere else besides outside…..but just in case…you know…I’m not going to even talk about it! 

Can you believe it’s already October 22nd?  We are less than a month away from the Tree!  I always freak out when I hear the “less than a month” term on anything that I do.  It the “sign” that kicks me into gear of all the little things that need to be done. 

Signage is a big element in alot of people’s lives.  Some believe in signs from God, some believe that signs appear out of the blue for “fate” or just some believe that things just happen for a reason. 

 Our team is a big believer is signage - whether directional, informative or educational.  Have you ever been to an event and said “if there was just a sign that had told me that” or “where do I go?”  That is what we do not want to happen at our events, especially the Tree.  There are many elements that have to be controlled and we believe that by having signage around the event will help visitors have a better experience! 

 The last few days, I have put together drafts of signage including VIP stage signage, Local Talent Tent signage, Lifehouse meet and greet signage, post party signage….to name a few.  Once those are in….we will feel better….and on to the next tasks on my to-do list…..confirming sponsor needs!

Well, as you may have heard we have secured our National Talent for our Tree of Lights event!  Lifehouse!  I actually have one of their earlier CDs that contain the popular song “Hanging On.”   We are excited that they will be performing and bringing a large energetic fun crowd to the event.

 http://www.lifehousemusic.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCe2GwscXgo

Once we get a National Talent it sparks an interest in those folks that normally would not have been interested in the Tree.  The Tree is probably one of the most fun events we do at the station because…hey….who can’t have fun with a 50 foot tree, music, Santa Claus (and Mrs. Claus) and a great post-party station event? I think it brings the event to a whole new level, people realize…hey this IS a big event!  How can I get involved?  It’s great!

 It’s getting down to crunch time now!  We get to coordinate press surrounding the band, travel arrangements, food…..that’s something else. I love seeing Talent’s ryders!  A Ryder is a list of requirements from the entertainers.  Rumors have it that some bands have demanded only green m&ms, special towels, drinks, and event fancy furniture!  I’m not sure if I’ll ever work with those artists that require any “off the wall” items…but hey…you can never say you are bored!

Last Week - We had a good internal departmental meeting last week to discuss progress in each department and where we could all help out with….ideas, staff….just making sure we are all on the same page!

This week - FOOD, TALENT, ORGANIZATION! 

FOOD! - you never realize how important food is to people until you start planning an event.  People need to eat and like to eat and having to make everyone happy seems to be a challenge.  Between production staff, station staff and volunteers……food is important especially after setting up and working long hours.  This week I have worked on getting food secured for all! We have had some great partners in the past to help out with this. 

TALENT!  Another big concern this week is finding out who our “A” Talent is!  We are waiting anxiously to find this out!  This is Always a highlight of the event!  We hope to find who this is this week!  With Talent comes hotel (already securing), travel and anything else that they need!  Once we get the talent….that project will begin!

ORGANIZATION!  It is this time during the Tree planning process that I realize I need to step back and ORGANIZE!  Production schedules, contracts, artwork, volunteers….everything starts pilling up about this time.  All I need is a good 1/2 hour - 1 hour to get this done!

I forgot to mention that we have another station event this weekend (SHRED IT) that I have been devoted 1/2 my time to….next week….100% TOL!