Great Wolf Lodge

If you're looking for a little family fun and something different to do, check out Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, MA. They just recently opened in New England but are in a couple locations across the country already. The adventure awaits you at Great Wolf Lodge, as told in this great promotional piece on their homepage:

"Your Great Wolf Lodge New England adventure begins in our massive, 84-degree indoor water park with over 68,000 square feet of water-packed excitement. And when you’re ready to dry off the fun continues with activities for everyone in your pack including the brand new Howlin’ Timbers Play Park with a multi-level ropes course, mini golf, bowling, and more. Grab a wand and battle a dragon in MagiQuest or get an ice-cream themed manicure at Scooops Kid® Spa. Before bed, gather the whole family in the Grand Lobby for nightly Story Time by the fireplace – the perfect end to the day."

They have a variety of activities for different age groups; something for every member of the family to enjoy. I personally want to test out the ropes course and lazer frenzy! What I like most about this place is that it promotes being active and getting families to participate in being active all together.

I also really like that they can be a venue space for different events. Great Wolf Lodge offers packages for weddings, reunions, youth and social groups, as well as business needs. You are able to collaborate with Great Wolf's team of experienced meeting professionals, who will work with you to coordinate everything from catered functions and one-of-a-kind events to entertainment and technical support.

Great Wolf Lodge has a lot to offer so be sure to check them out before devouring the details are your next family outing or event!

Find Your Event Planning Niche

In an article by Entrepreneur PRESS, authors explain how you can get started in the event planning industry, whether you want to work part or full-time in the planning industry, from a first-birthday party, bar mitzvah or wedding to political fundraisers and product launches. They talk about the two most recognized types of markets you can target as well as why choosing a niche is a smart move.

Broadly speaking, there are two primary markets for planning services: corporate and social. In my thesis, I wrote a lot about how each was defined and distinguished from one another. This separation played a role in the history of planning and why there has become so many more opportunities for planners in the industry, like the different niches listed in this article.

By finding you niche, in corporate or social environments, you are able to generate a focus. It makes it easier for a market customer to find you. Specializing in one or two types of events will also make your job easier. You can become an expert in one type of event faster than you can in multiple events. It will also save you time because you’ll soon be familiar with all the elements of, and vendors required for, the type of event you choose. These are crucial abilities to have in the industry.

They suggest the following possible niches for social event planners:

• Weddings
• Hospitality suites (events held in the “party” room of a retirement home or a business)
• Parties away from home (events hosted by hotel guests)
• Surprise parties
• Progressive parties (events at more than one venue, usually involving transporta­tion from one location to another, such as tours or scavenger hunts)
• His and hers showers, both wedding and baby
• Birthday parties for one-year-olds
• Theme parties
• “Golden” parties (50th anniversaries, 50th birthdays, etc.)
• Milestone birthdays
• Weekend event guest services (events to entertain out-of-town guests over the weekend, such as tours or barbecues)
• Kids’ parties
• Kids’ event areas at grown-up parties

The niches listed above all have a social focus, even though your client might also be a corporation. The following are some additional possibilities for finding your niche in business-related events:

• Mall events (fashion shows, store grand openings, department-store promotions)
• Meetings and conferences
• Awards events
• Fundraisers
• Corporate retreats or picnics

Read the whole article to find your niche and start devouring the details!

Me, You, and Glasses for Two, At The Franklin Park Zoo

In college, I did a project where I had to plan an awards ceremony for a company that trains seeing-eye dogs. I decided to hold the event at a zoo. I was so inspired with the work they do with dogs, that I thought why not let them celebrate with a whole bunch of animals! Sure enough, it was a successful project, and definitely a memorable one. That's why when I saw this event actually happen, I knew I had to blog about it.

The Franklin Park Zoo hosted their first ever 'Uncorked' event featuring wine tastings and snacks in the Tropical Forest Pavilion. Boston Uncorked hosts a variety of wine-related events in and around Boston. Their events include everything from walk-around tastings to educational forums. Each event is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to explore a collection of wines in a friendly and social atmosphere.

Guests tasted sips from Twelfth Night by Vela Wines, Indaba Wine by Cape Classics, Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, The Naked Grape, Sexy Wine, Tricky Rabbit, and Stray Dog, while spending some quality time with the zoo’s animals. Proceeds from the event went toward funding Franklin Park’s conservation and education initiatives. Check out pictures and more information here.

The Franklin Park Zoo will also be hosting a 'Brew at the Zoo' event in August (actually on my birthday, so I should most definitely attend). Brew at the Zoo is a beer-tasting event that features stations hosted by local breweries and restaurants. You will also have the opportunity to stroll amongst the animals at the zoo. Actually, this is the first year the entire Zoo will be open for the event! Get more information and your tickets online at the Franklin Park Zoo website.

What a great way to devour the details while visiting your favorite zoo animals!