Tech that takes the stress out of event planning

Technology is not only changing our day-to-day lives but also having a fundamental impact on the events industry. From how an event is organised, happens, and interacted with.  

Here are some of the top techs we recommend for helping you with your event planning process – from start to finish.  

Event planning apps & tools 

Planning an event can be very time-consuming, so make sure you’re using the right tools to help utilise your time. We’d recommend Asana , which is free (for up to 10 users). It  allows you to create boards, timelines, and Gantt charts. This will help you keep on top of deadlines and split your event planning up into manageable chunks.  

Another event planning software is Planning Pod, a paid-for specific event management tool, which includes  help  with budgeting, itineraries, customer communication, catering management, and appointment scheduling. There’s also a built-in floor plan tool to help plan the layout of your event.  

Alternatively, if you just need a tool to arrange your table plan – Top Table Planner (a free trial is available) could be for you. This is ideal for wedding planners who may need to move people about at the last minute.  

Registration and ticketing 

There are plenty of tools out there that make registering and ticketing for an event simple for you and your attendees. Here are a few of our top recommendations:  

  • Webex Events – this includes registration, event check-in and badge printing, an event app, and customisation. Within the app, attendees can also easily share contact details with other people by shaking their phones next to each other.  
  • Hubspot Online Form Builder – it’s free to use, customisable and includes automated emails. 
  • Splash – it has everything from ticketing to guest management to reporting. 
  • Eventbrite – this includes ticketing, analytics, and an organizer app which allows you to check in guests and sell tickets at the door. 

Event communication 

It’s important to keep your attendees up to date in the lead-up to your event, whether it’s by social media, email or letter. To help you create quick content try AI sites like Click-up, which will generate your comms based on the information you’ve input.  

We hope this tech will transform your event planning processes and your attendees feel the benefits too. Let us know which tech has revolutionised how you plan your events by tagging us on Twitter – @Amazingtentco. 

For more helpful event advice head to our website here.  


← Back to Amazing News

Host a Glitzy NYE party with a theme everyone will love

If you want to give 2023 the send-off it deserves, make sure you do it in style. Here are seven theme ideas that will get everyone in the spirit. 

Throw it back 

Whether it’s the roaring 20s or the swinging 60s, choosing a decade as your theme can transport your guests to another period. They’ll also love embracing the costumes, food, and music of the time. 

Simple, yet effective 

If you’re looking for a classy affair, look no further than the black and white theme. It’s simple yet chic and will help you to create a cohesive event with everything in only two colours.  

Roll out the red carpet 

Hollywood knows how to do glamour, so why not put on a show, and ask your guests to dress up as their favourite celebrity? You could even present an Oscar to the best dressed. 

Pop the champagne 

You could theme your whole party around the glitziest drink there is – Champagne. Think glitter, gold balloons, and sparkly dresses.  

Around the world  

Be inspired by other countries and divide your space into different places in the world. You could decorate each country with its flag, famous landmarks, and signature dishes.  

Mad Hatters’ tea party  

From teapots hanging from the ceiling to centre pieces of delicious, iced cakes – a magical tea party can capture the imagination of all ages.  

Good riddance 2023 

Welcome the year with everything 2024 themed. Hand out branded 2024 hats and glasses and display fun prediction boards for the upcoming year.  

We hope these themes inspire you to have an unforgettable NYE extravaganza. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and X – @Amazingtentco and share your party pics with us. 

If you’re looking for a temporary structure for next year’s NYE soiree, head to our website to find our full range of Saddlespan party tents. We’ve got you covered whether you’re having a small get-together or a large shindig. And don’t worry about the cold winter air – our tents can accommodate heaters of your choice, keeping it nice and snug for your guests. 

 


← Back to Amazing News

5 interactive ideas to engage your event guests

Whether you’re hosting a conference, wedding, workshop, or team-building event – getting your guests involved is a great way to keep them engaged and active in the conversation. Here are a few ways to keep them on their toes… 

Catch the mic 

Let your guests share their thoughts by throwing an interactive microphone ball around. A great example of this is a Catchbox – a soft box with a microphone inside. This is a fun way of hearing your guests’ opinions and allowing them to interact with the speaker.  

Livestream your event 

Create some hype at your event by livestreaming on social media and getting guests involved. You could do this by setting up a dedicated social media area where people can be interviewed about the event. It’s also a good idea to have an area where your attendees can create content with your company logo and colours in the background. 

Transport your guests using VR  

Help your guests visualise a product or a place through the power of virtual reality (VR). For example, if you were promoting an African safari, your guests could be transported amongst the animals via a VR headset. Or, if you want to show off a product like a new car model, VR can help your guests to visually see all its features. The possibilities are endless!  

Interactive food and drink stands 

In recent years this has become more and more popular at events – especially weddings. Instead of opting for another drab buffet, excite your guests with something different. You could have a make-your-own pizza station, a portable oyster bar, or a cheesecake table. As for drinks, provide a ‘pimp your hot chocolate’ station, complete with cream and lots of indulgent toppings. As they say, a way to someone’s heart is through the stomach.  

Customisable photobooth  

Create a lasting memory for your guests with a unique photo or video to keep. There are lots of products out there including selfie pods, GIF photo booths, and roaming photo booths. These are hireable at companies like Boothco. 

We’ve got you covered 

Engaging guests at your event will not only give them a positive experience, but it can make your event the talk of the town and if it’s an annual event will keep them coming back each year and help you to promote future events. 

If you’re planning an event in 2024 and need an event structure we have you covered. Take a look at a few of our Saddlespan tents which are fantastic for creating interactive events. 


← Back to Amazing News

Making your event tent ‘summery’!

As well as large events and festivals, a smaller summer celebration can be the perfect way to party – weddings, birthdays, corporate fun days, engagements, and christening parties can all be enjoyed in a Saddlespan. Make the most of the warmer weather and create a fun, beautiful environment for your colleagues, friends, and family.

Here’s our top tips for planning your exceptional event this summer in one of our unique structures: 

  • Choosing the right size SaddleSpan – before ordering, consider the number of guests you are hosting and the type of party. Is it a sit-down event with food and drinks? Will you want to dance under the stars or be covered by a canopy? 
  • Decoration is key – weddings and christenings might be lighter décor with chandeliers, and an engagement or birthday party might be themed to suit the couple or birthday person’s interests. We have many contacts in the tent interiors business who can guide you with these choices. 
  • Would you like a side with that? – for a family fun day you might opt for a circus or Hawaiian theme, so why not remove the sides from the #Saddlespan for flexibility and room for fun. Whether it’s juggling or hula-ing! This is also a good option for wedding receptions, so your guests can easily mingle inside and outside.  
  • Don’t forget the lights – if you’re planning to party into the evening, you will need to ensure that you have adequate lighting set up to keep the party going. We can help with this too.
  • Furniture – do you need tables and chairs for sit-down dining, or a relaxed seating area near the bar? Depending on the theme and ‘feel’ of your event there are many options to be considered. 

Do get in touch with us when you’re planning your summer party and we’ll help guide you towards a spectacular summer celebration: (0)7778 835 207 / enquiries@amazingtent.co.uk 


← Back to Amazing News

Top tips for event planning

We’ve been in the events business for decades, so we have a lot of experience when it comes to planning events. It’s not too late to prepare for 2023 but ideally, as you’ll see from our first tip, organising events for 2024 can start now!

· There’s no such thing as starting to plan too early! Start planning and organising NOW.

· We love a production schedule. Creating a schedule or a timeline to help you see where you are on your planning journey is a real help for an ‘at a glance’ check. Make sure everyone involved in your event has access to a copy.

· Ensure that you, or your client has a clear and specific goal or outcome for the event. What is the purpose? That might be as simple as a great party, or it could be a product launch, whatever your event is, you need to target the look and audience carefully. Ensure this is clear and shared with all of your event partners and suppliers.

· You can’t do it all on your own. Delegate jobs and responsibilities and check them off against that schedule or timeline.

· Calculate, and then stick to your budget. We have a variety of #Saddlespans for every kind of event and budget, as will caterers, lighting suppliers, and designers. Speak to your suppliers and be honest and open about what you have to spend on which event elements. · Embrace event technology – we covered this item in our January blog. But tech does really seem to be an element to be considered and included where possible to ensure your event stands out from the crowd and is appealing to as many people as possible. Dare to be different!

· Finally – don’t take a risk when it comes to the venue. A venue can make or break your event. It’s crucial for space (obvious one!) but also how the space can be used, and how versatile it is. #SaddleSpans are versatile and impressive. They can be configured to suit your event, whether it’s a small party or a national exhibition. They are ideal as an open stage cover or for an enclosed ball – they’ve been used for all of these.

Now you have some top event planning tips, talk to us and we’ll suggest the most suitable and cost-effective option for you.


← Back to Amazing News