EVENT PLANNING GROUP TO WORK AS STRATEGIC PARTNER FOR HOTEL EVENTS

Austin, TX – Monday, May 17, 2010 – CLINK today announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Austin-based Hotel Saint Cecilia a Bunkhouse, Inc. property.

The agreement serves as a collaborative effort to offer groups and organizations coming to the sprawling boutique property the highest standard of service that both the hotel and CLINK are known for.

“Hotel Saint Cecilia is an ideal partner for CLINK’s team of creative minds,” said CLINK CEO, Denise Silverman. “We are honored to represent the property and look forward to creating one-of-a-kind, unforgettable guest experiences.”

Since opening in 2009, the award-winning property named for The Patron Saint of Music and Poetry,

has been a sought-after favorite for its eclectic, yet upscale features. Featuring five distinct suites, six poolside bungalows and three studios, the grounds are designed to stir the poet and artist within.

“We selected CLINK because they service the kinds of groups that are an ideal fit for our property, noted General Manager, Kevin Osterhaus, “They understand the types of experiences we host and they bring with them a wealth of relationships, a great reputation, and myriad creative ideas.”

With flexible spaces and meeting options, the property is an ideal spot for think-tank retreats, small private/social events and intimate weddings. It can also accommodate local breakfast meetings, private lunches/dinners and weekday Happy Hour events. In conjunction with the agreement, local destination management services will also be provided including transportation, signature tours and VIP services.

About Hotel Saint Cecilia
Recognized by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2009 “Hot List” as one of the top hotels around the world, Hotel Saint Cecilia-named for the Patron Saint of music and poetry has fast become one of Austin’s exclusive and private bungalow properties. Under the Bunkhouse, Inc. umbrella headed by renowned hotelier, Liz Lambert, the picturesque grounds feature five distinct suites, six poolside bungalows, and three studios that span over 2 acres of private wooded area. Tucked secretively within walking distance of the Austin’s SoCo District, this property is designed and furnished to stir the poet and artist within.

About CLINK
CLINK is an Austin-based, full service event production and destination management agency that designs and coordinates programs and special events in Texas, across the US, and abroad. Launched in 2002, CLINK is a recognized leader in the Texas event planning industry – having won multiple awards for innovative event design, detailed planning and organized production. CLINK’s mission is to translate each client’s vision into a signature event.

Contact:
Denise Silverman
CLINK
512.236.0264
denise@clinkevents.com

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Team Building Event with Groove Labs: Corporate Rock Stars from Groove Labs on Vimeo.

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Play Big! the message challenged–Play Big they did. As the global brand took the local stage, CLINKs, Kelley Burrus (formerly Olive + Oz Branded Events) was invited to become a part of the producing team–one of the most inspirational and motivational challenges of her career.

As the day opened on the infamous KLRU Austin City Limits stage, the secret speaker panel was revealed via a keepsake conference program that has fast become a collectors item to TED enthusiasts — see making of the program video here.

The day unfolded in 18 minute segments of life lessons, reflections, best practices on health, wealth and philanthropy with performances scattered throughout.

One of the most powerful areas of the day was the accompanying studio space where the ideas being presented were talked about, challenged and implemented by participants–each with an individual spin aimed at an individual area of interest.

This first year event for Austin audiences was attended by 350 participants with over #450 on waiting list status.

The below video is just one visual example of the genius in the crowd.

TEDxAustin on Sticky Notes from Austin Kleon on Vimeo.

One thing we know for certain….we’ll be back. CLINK has signed on to return to the 2011 production (details coming soon).

For more information on TED or TEDx Austin visit links–follow on FB and Twitter for annual inspiration.

A gourmet coffee truck-fueled “All aboard!” kicks off this Texas Hill Country culinary jaunt through the rolling hills just one hour west of Austin, Texas. Attendees are asked to arrive and gather around the vintage-inspired, rolling dispenser-of-goodness as it delivers a morning blast of coffee or tea in the form of hand-steamed cappuccinos, blended frappuccinos or even just a cup o’ joe – straight up.

As the touring bus leaves the downtown Hilton, a guide begins to relay the best-kept-secret about Texas. As it turns out, around the turn of the century, Texas’ horticultural heartiness played a major part in saving the entire French wine industry. And the story goes on . . . .

“Foodies” around the globe have arrived at the first destination to experience the “character” simply referred to as Mr. Olive. As a dubbed “olivoligist,” this heartfelt lecturer has crafted the most enchanting way to communicate the knowledge and passion he has for growing olives, creating olive oil and originating olive-based recipes. This humor infused experience wraps up as the attendees enjoy a light lunch that includes locally sourced foods – all accompanied with a variety of olive oils.

Guests leave the hilltop orchard and soon find themselves arriving at a charming Texas Hill Country vineyard and winery. This afternoon’s tour features a picturesque vineyard stroll, Texas Hill Country wine tastings, historical insights and the opportunity for shopping (coolers provided for perishables).

As the afternoon winds down, guests arrive at the final tour destination – an architecturally delightful “ranch” that features a beautifully appointed and art-filled Italian-esque lodge, slate swimming pool and rolling walking paths. Greeted by cold drinks, assorted cheese trays and fresh towels, guests are welcomed into the lodge for a quick introduction to the chef and a glimpse of the beautifully arranged, locally-sourced foods that have inspired the evening meal. Guests are then escorted to the pool area where the most pressing decision before dinner is a refreshing dip, an idyllic hammock nap under a mighty Texas oak, or an afternoon walk through the gentle hills.

In the early evening, the chef invites the attendees to a full-service outdoor dinner under the Texas sky (rain plan pavilion also available). This true farm-to-table experience features only Texas Hill Country sourced components including meat, vegetables, cheeses, breads, wines and micro-brews.

After the slow dine, guests load for departure. Each is provided a beautifully wrapped dessert to-go box that includes the chef’s recipes as well as miniature bottles of olive oil and red wine.

The CLINK Details:

• Tours available to groups of #12 – #250
  
• Customized itineraries provided.
• Full day program (half day with variation available)
• Great for: birthdays, executive groups, conference excursions, women’s groups, supperclubs
• Request more information.
  

We are witnessing a new evolution of corporate “retreats” that could (and should) be labeled corporate “CHARGEs!”. What is coming out of these circle-the-wagons meetings can only be defined as refreshing.

No one is denying that the meetings + conventions and destination management industry saw many challenges last year. It may also be too soon to call a new trend, sustainable. What we know is that there appears to be a sea change of those unwilling to wait to see what “survives”–instead they are defining how their organization THRIVES.

According to the recent RFPs landing at our doorstep, we can almost imagine executive teams around the world asking themselves, “What do our people need?”.  A nice percentage of answers must sound something similar to…”to know that we will continue to invest in education, training and development,” ” to know that we are committed to creativity in business,” “to know that we take our responsibility to the members of our team very seriously.”

One of the most primal ways in which this is being demonstrated is with the help of teambuilding programs such as The Drum Cafe. As a program opener, closer or mid-week spark, many groups are bringing in the global group (headquartered in the Texas Hill Country) to facilitate an atmosphere of cooperation. This carefully planned and executed program is not just one of performance art. The pre-conference interviews, work and customization which goes into each program had one executive remarking,”…he wove in more about our company than some of our employees understand.”

What the drumming teambuilding program demonstrates:

Breaking down of barriers to create a more open organization.
Alignment to a common goal, mission or vision.
Improved Communications through accurate feedback.
Accelerated Productivity by motivating staff and getting them to listen to each other.

Through a musical round-about exploration of leadership and diversity that one just must experience to understand, this thought-provoking and highly effective program aligns teams. “One beat” comes to signify the place at which all organizations must arrive to better define success….down market or not.

“Mission accomplished, tenfold.” -Global Oil Executive