Event Marketing - Blackberry Took It Up Just One More Notch!

1. 

Wednesday night I attended the Blackeyed Peas E.N.D. tour at Madison Square Garden. The concert was good, but as usual my event observation cap was on and I was impressed with two elements that evening. Once thing I loved, and always known it makes SUCH a difference. . .the lighting of the show and arena was fantastic. The concert took us from concert mode to club mode on many occasions that evening and the lighting truly did the trick. It was a concert at MSG and a flashback to a night at the Tunnel years ago all wrapped in one. Will.i.am did his thing on the 1 and 2's to the point we wish the party lasted all night long.

Now, as we entered the arena fashionably late, we noticed Blackberry marketers at the entrance giving handouts. We didn't pay the handout much attention. Well, suprisingly to us mid concert Will.i.am came out on stage and freestyled to whatever blackberry messenger messages the audience sent him on huge screens . . . .DOPE!  Now we have all seen live text displays at shows/concerts, but this knock that out the water. What a great tie-in for audience interaction, mobile marketing and true artistry. Check a clip out of the same performance but in Florida earlier this week. The bright white bars you see are the messages the audience sent, which Will.i.am then took and added to his freestyle.



Bubbly Yours,
Dana Storm a/k/a Elmo's World The Remix

Heels N' Kicks ???

I couldn't help myself, when I came across this on Twitter (thanks @BeverlyHillsNY). Instantly, I said no way. Now I'm not a Jordan kinda girl, or any sneaker for that matter unless I'm in the gym or just being really lazy. But I know not only teens, but some females way into their 20's are serious sneaker heads. So I assume these may appeal to them? Especially the Jordan heads. . .who knows. . .but I tell ya this much, when I saw these I instantly thought of my girl Jenny from the Block and when she put Manolo Blahnik's (Timberland style) on the map.

Hey she made them work right? As much as I loved her (and thought this look was cute, I never stepped foot in those ugly things lol.)

People help me if I am wrong, after all who made me the fashion expert. . . Im just sayin' these Jordan's just wreak of Jamaica Ave. Jamaica, Queens to me. If you into it, you can find these Jordan Heels at Nike Stores for $88.

Bubbly Yours,
Dana Storm a/k/a Elmo's World The Remix

Love in the air. . . .

 

I came across elaborate cakes on the internet last week, and thought I had to share them. I know I know, its a little late in the game, but hey you are suppose to fill your life with LOVE every day, not just on Valentine's Day. To put the "icing on the cake" not only am I a lover of love, I truly "heart" hearts. Here is another great shot of a V Day Cake. . . .

 

My V-Day didn't include cake of any sort, I actually was in Dallas at the All Star Game. How about you?  Feel free to share what you did and or post links to other great elaborate cake finds. 

Bubbly Yours,

Dana Storm a/k/a Elmo's World The Remix

Dana Does Dallas (2010 All Star Weekend)

Ladies and Gents, let me start by saying this was one of the better All Star Weekends I have ever been to. I am not sure if it was the City of Dallas per se, the people in town for the weekend, or just the wiser selection of events to attend. 

I landed promptly 8PM Friday, with attempts to hurry quick fast to the Adidas event for 9PM which DMC's manager, Erik Blam (who just happened to be on my flight), invited me to. I am always late, and therefore needless to say I never made it. All good I thought, because I was on the list for the Kenny Smith party. Checked in, dined, bathed and got dolled up. . . but still waited another 45 minutes before I left the hotel (waiting on your peeps, does it to ya every time). Midnight strikes, we all pile up in the cab to Deux to see what Dallas had to offer. We get there fashionably late, door/line is crazy - nothing less than what's expected for All Star Weekend. After playing the waiting game and calling for "life lines" to pull us from the door, we get in and the party was poppin'. Kenny Smith & Ed Lover were hosting, DJ S&S was spinning, the crowd and venue was sexy; a great way to start the weekend. Somewhere in between "Doin' the Butt" and "Poison" my puppies started to bark - no growl on some 'what you think this is' (in a DMX tone lol). I immediately took a bee line to VIP and bopped the night away in a seat. We considered hopping over to Diddy's party as we left the party, but with an event to host the next day we called it a night. 

Next morning (or all day for that matter) it was set up and final planning for the NBA Player's Association Annual All Star Gala. For the past two years, The Source was the official media partner for this event, which included designing and writing their event Journal, a pop up gaming suite/vip area, and an exclusive media section for in-depth interviews with athletes, celebrities and executives. Held at the Hytatt Regency Downtown, Doug E. Fresh hosted the party with its East vs. West decor (courtesy of A La Carte Events) and theme, DJ Battle between DJ Cassidy vs. DJ Ruckus, sexy dancers on pedestals, a gaming suite hosted by The Source & World Gaming, and a 45 minute performance by the Queen herself Ms. Mary J. Blige. . . what can beat that! Here are a few pics from the night as well as a video clip . . . .

"Help me sing it, Help me sing it " Ms. Mary J. Blige

  

JD & Snoop competing in the Gaming VIP suite @ NBPA Gala

Another great evening and event, and puppies still aching, again I called it a night and passed on the Dwayne Wade party.  Once Sunday came around, all I could think of doing was sleeping in and partaking in a great brunch, oh and of course attending the actual All Star Game. I went with a friend to Dragonfly, a cute restaurant in the Hotel Zaza. Brunch was delightful as was the ambiance, but the mood killer for me was Lebron dining at the same establishment with his uncombed hair. Sidebar, am I the only one offended with how unkempt he is ??? Moving on, the highlight of brunch for me was the bottomless mimosas . . .that's right, never ending! Apparently this hotel is a new hot spot and frequented by Mr. & Mrs. Carter. . . must add contact info to the berry for sure.

 

Dragonfly Restaurant at Hotel Zaza

Eager to see what else Dallas had to offer, from a lifestyle standpoint, I then took a quick tour of The Crescent Spa, and Baileys Restaurant. I tell you, one thing I noticed as I was shown around town, Dallas is big on decor and dining. I truly want a reason to have an event in Dallas to utilize these great venues that I saw. To die for was the Coco Chanel cocktail served at Baileys. . .just exquisite. Dessert in a cup with a Bailey's branded chocolate disc to sweeten the deal. Greatest thing of all, they made a great French Martini (hand clap for Dallas, because Miami totally missed the mark on that one).

Coco Chanel @ Bailey's Restaurant     hhmmmmmmm good!

Relaxed and a little high off of afternoon cocktails, off to the All Star Game I went with DMC, Erik Blam, and Shake a/k/a "I got an app for that" (long story). Grateful to be a guest of theirs, we were en route to see this highly anticipated new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Well let me tell you, it was a sight to behold. A huge, clean, modern stadium totally transparent. This stadium has a plasma screen every 10 feet throughout the entire stadium, in addition to the largest screen in the world (Mitsubishi 1080p HDTV).              

      Hi Melo, yea that screen is crazy!

 Shout out to DMC . . . a pleasure to have had him as a client

After taking in the scenery of the stadium or shall I say architecture, we went to the NBA suite where we ate, drank, pollied with NBA folks and enjoyed the game. No seat was a bad seat in the arena, regardless of location because of that grandiose screen. Even the performances by Usher, Shakira and Alicia Keys felt like front row seats. Good job Jerry Jones. Once again I am truly grateful for a great weekend and event. Another moment cherished . . . 

Bubbly Yours,
Dana Storm a/k/a Elmo's World The Remix

VICTORY!!! (Super Bowl XLIV)

Some of us aren't as fortunate to enjoy victory as often as we should. I am glad to say, last weekend, my Source Magazine & Magic Shave event granted me just that! Any event planner knows there are always last minute hiccups when it comes to a successful event (even the best of them have issues), and last weekend had its small problems that arose but, at the end the two sleepless nights, last minute nuances, and all other variables, the event was worth it. Biz Bash's recognition of my event was the icing on the cake! It has been over 3 years since one of my events got picked up by Biz Bash (the event planners bible) but never say never. 

Here is an overview of my event Super Bowl Weekend. The Source Magazine along with Magic Shave hosted a Rick Ross birthday grooming suite on The Venetian Lady Yacht, in Miami, Florida. The afternoon consisted of open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, massages and free shaves. The yacht, gorgeous on its own, was adorned with sexy female barbers and a masseuse to pamper the Boss himself and his guests. To top off the event, we had a Rick Ross look-a-like cake, a champagne toast, traveling grooming cases acted as gift bags filled with Magic Shave products, and what was to be a serenade by Chrisette Michelle (who was stuck in traffic and never made it . . . see "hiccup"). At the end,  it was a great event and I am glad that this industry still presents its challenges in attempts to keep me sharp and overcome all things possible. Thanks to The Source team and their help with making this happen.  Who dat!!!

Venetian Lady

 Pop Up Barber Shop

Chad Ocho Cinco

B'Day Cake

Rick Ross

Bubbly Yours,
Dana Storm a/k/a Elmo's World The Remix

My First Time . . .2010 Grammy Awards

It all started with an email from my boss, L. Londell McMillan, asking if I was interested in attending the Grammy's. Shocked at the opportunity, but honestly not yet moved to accept, I tossed the idea around (as well as my luggage) to see if I was interested. Remembering my recent shopping spree and cute zipper stitched cocktail dress, I said why not. So in 90 minutes I curled my hair, accented my facial features with some color, and off I was on Wilshire Boulevard heading to the Four Seasons hotel. I know your thinking "but the Grammy's was at the Staples Center" - well sit tight and let me tell you the story of my first time. . .at the Grammy Awards. 

As I walk to the bar in the Four Seasons lobby to meet my boss, I pass Damon John, Vivica Fox, Tichina Arnold, Don Cornelius, and El DeBarge. I'm not easily star struck, after 9 years in the entertainment business.  .  .  at this point all I could think of was the renowned Four Seasons Brunch more so than the celebs :-). My boss soon meets me and announces that we will attend the awards and have the pleasure of spending Grammy night with no one other than Ms. Debra Lee and her lovely daughter Ava. 

Everything from there went so fast. . . .from the limo ride to the Staples Center, to walking/jogging in heels to make the red carpet (traffic was just that bad), to falling on the red carpet (yes that's right, I fell like a stunt man -on the sideline not front and center in the focal point of all media thank goodness - with a scar on my leg to help tell  my story when I'm old), to watching a great show, and then a night of eating and partying with true movers and shakers. Here are some pics from the awards show taken on my phone (I was in such a rush and afraid of security issues with my camera, that I played it safe and am now o so sorry -- i vow it will never happen again, however there is something to be said for average pictures for a first time experience.)

 Bon Jovi

Eminem

Lil Wayne

Taylor Swift

After the awards, we were whisked away to LA Reid's dinner at Ceccino's, and that was a memorable experience for life. It wasn't Jay Z or Beyonce's presence dining at the next table over, nor Rhianna's shine, nor Drake's kiss on my right hand as he greeted me, or the always great to see Gayle King greeting me "well hello Dana Santiago" (email addresses do wonders I tell you -- our paths cross at least 3 times a year and she is always happy to remember the name/email with the face as am I that she does of course). Not that these moments aren't cherished and memorable, along with all the other talented people whose presence I had the honor to share at this intimate dinner including Usher, The Dream, Ashanti, Akon, Justin Beiber, Melanie Fiona, Michelle Williams and others. What did it for me, was when I was standing less than two feet away from MS. J LO! She and the lovely Marc Anthony attended, and needless to say THIS was the highlight of my night (as I am sure most of you know my fascination with 'Jenny from the Block'). I stood still and just absorbed this moment as if we met and carried on a lengthy conversation, but I promise next time we will! Okay, moving on. The family style dinner was quite exquisite, and well done, but what more can you expect from LA Reid. Thank you Mr. Reid from your technically uninvited guest :-) After sharing great conversation, recap of the awards on large plasmas, truly clapping and congratulating the artists who performed and or won a Grammy as they are sitting across from you, I knew the night couldn't get any better. Off to party hopping we went! Next stop was the Maxwell after party at The Mondrian, where we ran into Estelle, Mos Def, Andre Harrell, AJ Calloway, and actually entered the vip area with Maxwell for few hello's and laughs. We ended our night at the Congo Room hosted by Jamie Foxx and my boy Doug E. Fresh's jam session. Surprise guests included Sheila E., Kelly Price, and Lalah Hathaway. 

What a night to remember. . .and definitely and inspiration of things to come. In the words of L. Londell McMillan, "Dana, you can get into anything [any event] and be in these networks if only you really worked the connections and relationships you have" and that sir I do intend to do. 


Bubbly Yours & Inspired,
Dana Storm a/k/a Elmo's World The Remix