Texas legislators gather for The Bow Tie Cause

As of April 13, 2011 and Senate Resolution No. 758, the purple bow tie is Texas’ official symbol of collaboration and will be recognized annually.

As the resolution sponsored by Senator Eddie Lucio and Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams states,

“Texas Bow Tie Day at the Capitol is a joint effort organized to highlight the benefits of bipartisan collaboration while raising funds for cancer research and survivorship….this exceptional occasion serves as a model of bipartisan cooperation for a worthy cause.”

The foundation of the decree is the brainchild of Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and TEDx Cincy speaker, Dhani Jones. Jones began wearing bow ties in support of and on the advice of longtime friend, Kunta Littlejohn (who was fighting Non-Hodgkins lymphoma). He came to realize that bow ties were conversation starters. He began to use these conversations to frame ideas on how we serve our communities. He shares, “It’s about a conversation which becomes ACTION!”

Gaining momentum in a relatively short time, he has since gone on to incite others to get involved in what he believes are four critical areas of need: collaboration, service, self-representation and critical thought. His platform? The Bow Tie Cause.

It’s working.

Produced by CLINK, the event conceived of by James Frinzi was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Goodman Networks and AT&T. The first gathering to celebrate the new resolution was hosted at The Driskill. The details of the event are re-capped on our design blog.

Conference and meeting registration or information transfer has a new face….the QR tag.

Simply put: QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. QR is the abbreviation for Quick Response, as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.

CLINK is experiencing the amazing capabilities of this quirky new (relatively to America at least) technology for TEDx Austin. As part of the event’s production team, we have seen the registration process evolve with the use of QR tags. The response has been significant.

Interested parties downloaded a free reader on their Smart phones– like ScanLife — aimed their phones at the a barcode (similar to the one above) and shot a photograph of the square box of “squiggles.” Participants were immediately taken to the front page of the TEDx Austin website for more information which included video links, general information, photos, prompts, etc.

According to Inc. Magazine, industry experts predict Americans will be able to pay for a bus ride, buy a can of soda, and board an airplane all through the use of phones with built-in code-readers.One source shared it perfectly:

“We have a great story to tell about the brand,” says Therese Bird McGuire, interactive marketing manager for Bonterra Vineyards, which is based in Louisville, Kentucky and which started using Microsoft tags on its packaging and advertising this summer. “Ads just didn’t give us enough space to tell the whole story. We’re using the tags to help supplement them.”

Consider using QR tags to illustrate the following:

CONFERENCES

• Virtual Swag Bags (include speakers bios/photos, performance videos, sponsors coupons and links).
  
• Free Giveaways during conferences. Change the QR tags hourly for booth discounts, free offers and targeted outreaches.
  
• Attendees can opt into an expanded address book for all participants. Ever wish you could reconnect with an attendee you met?
• Go Green–attach footprint data on refuse bins.
  

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Sponsor a vegetarian or gluten-free zone and post QR tags for each dish served.
• Hand-wrapped donated snacks can have both nutritional information and a coupon for later use attached.
  

PARTICIPATION/DONATION

• Highlight a cause.
• Donation opportunities can be attached to a QR tag participants choose to view.
  

The “rest of the story”…

• Expanded branding opportunities (more information)
• Video representations
• Pricing/Packages
  

Retail Applications

According to Baum & Whiteman, one of the most noted international restaurant and food consultant groups out of New York, the new buzz words for food in 2011 include monikers like designer donuts, fancy poutine, upscale food courts, convenience store cuisine, artisan ice pops, fregola, and a nod to our part of the woods –”down-home” Southern cooking….among others.

Perusing the list, we realized CLINK got in front of a few of these predictions with corporate groups in late 2010 including creative meatball usage, gourmet Airstream stations, flavored ice and artisan popsicles,  fresh veggie bars and late-night breakfast bars.

“BUZZWORDS FOR 2011: Coconut water, awash in a mythology of good
health; bourbon, for people who actually like booze; cucumbers, lavender and
hibiscus, especially in cocktails; upscale food courts; umami along with
stealth use of miso; sangria with new twists; peppadew; fancy poutine, a
Canadian calorie bomb, could have a US trend life of a year; macarons, not
macaroons; whoopee pie; Korean spicing and condiments; pesto variations;
newfangled machines vending fresh fruit and vegetables; designer donuts
imitating froufrou cupcakes; meatballs; burrata; tacos with global and wacky-
fillings; convenience store cuisine; artisan ice pops; “free from” food labels;
pop-up restaurants; fregola, a pasta from Sardinia; Greek yogurt; ever-larger
“snacks” and multiple snacks replacing meals; meatless Mondays; reinvented
grits and down-home Southern cooking; and isn’t anyone tired yet of black
kale?”

Enjoy the FULL REPORT HERE.

1. Board/Advisory Meetings: our annual event management contracts includes LOTS of board and advisory meetings–we love them. While certain standards apply, the dossiers kept on the companies we manage ensure smooth no-fuss logistical planning so meeting time is maximized.
2. Sales & Training Conferences: our conference partners generally require full-scale planning and production of internal and/or public-driven gatherings. Our extensive knowledge and scalability allows us to work independently as well as with in-house planners to support their vision.
3. VIP DMC programs: our full-service VIP management contracts have us moving from private airstrip to boardroom to vineyards. We’re told our hands-on management of executive groups is invaluable.
4. Lunch n’ Learns: from sourcing speakers to logistical planning and entertaining aspects of lunch n’ learns, we absolutely love producing these. We’ve done so for internal groups, for client appreciation gatherings and for continued education purposes.  2011 requests for these smaller educational opportunities are already coming in. Many are booking for the four quarters to receive preferential annual contracts/concessions.
5. Award Programs: people love appreciation. This will never change. We work hard to produce the “unexpected” for award programs. We’ve even been known to produce top winner peer videos as well as custom slides and custom designed corporate awards for every category.
6. Destination Management Programs: 2011 should prove a great year for destination management programs in Austin, Texas. The people flooding to our fair city to maximize event/incentive budgets has never been higher. What we’re hearing? People have grown weary of economic fear and are instead digging deep and thanking their employees for stepping up during challenging times. Popular? Spouse excursions, wine tours, dine-arounds and alternative space gatherings (think galleries, private spaces and underground vaults).
7. Executive Retreats: this year we’ll see retreats in the Texas hill country, Canada and Beaver Creek…..so far. Our clients tell us that we provide such an easy time that they can really focus on annual forecasting and strategy.
8. Customer Appreciation Events: many think of these only as social events however some companies are choosing to bring in highly sought after speakers and turn customer appreciation events into educational opportunities. The “wow-factor” of the speakers spike participation — a great way to keep the client interaction alive.
9. Hunting Excursions: Yep, we handle them. Yep, we love them. We’ve produced everything from skeet shoots to full-on hunting weekend excursions. We only do it right though so if your idea is to take a few clients out and throw some sandwiches together at mealtime, we’re not for you.
10. Large-scale Corporate Social Events: we regularly produce both high-brow and low-brow corporate social events including picnics, company carnivals, galas, seated dinners and private concerts.



According to The Atlantic, Austin was named as the ONLY U.S. city in the World’s Most Dynamic City listing.

No surprise to CLINK.

What this means to companies traveling to Austin for corporate events, meetings and conferences is also no surprise.

According to the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau data, visitors share that Austin is one of the most easy to navigate and has a robust and varied corporate meeting structure. Again, no surprise as our strictly unofficial (measured only by our clients reactions) poll tells us the exact same thing. A few highlights they outline:

Ample Space To Make Yourself Comfortable

• 6,000 amenity-filled downtown hotel rooms
• Nearly 30,000 hotel rooms citywide, at a wide range of price points

Quick and Convenient Access

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport — “Best Domestic Airport Worldwide“
• More than 15 million people within a day’s drive
• A mere 7.5 miles from airport to downtown

And of Course, Plenty To Do for Fun

• More than 120 unique downtown restaurants, from down-home to four-star
• Nearly 200 live music venues
• World-class art collections and museums
• Nearly 300 days of sunshine each year
• Short drive to lakes, Hill Country and glorious state parks
• Elite-level University of Texas football, basketball and more
• 32 public golf courses around – “The Best Golf City in America“

A few things we would add from a planner standpoint is what we have experienced with late 2010 contracts and 2011/2012 contracts being accepted:

• Concessions, concessions, concessions–we’re seeing all types of concessions being granted including welcome receptions, complimentary snacks, greater ratio suite upgrades, F & B discounts/upgrades and recreation vouchers. Have your wish list well thought out and prioritized.
• Room night/Meeting space ratio allowances have never been more generous.
• Multi-year contracts are sweeter than ever.

The best advice we can offer though for bringing a corporate meeting or incentive group to Austin or the greater hill country region?

You guessed it, hire us as your planners. Local knowledge, buying power and strategy is essential as you enter this dynamic city. It is the number one way to maximize the budget allocation–we know where to spend, where not to and most importantly how to.

EVENT EXPERIENCE: THE VIDEO

CLINK  recently partnered with another creative class client, GSD&M Co-Founder, Tim McClure to celebrate the success of his brainchild– MindMeld: A Creative Alliance.

Challenged to create an intimate and informal yet inspirational and hip setting to host this creative braintrust, we naturally turned to relevant newcomer and private hotspot in town, Hotel Saint Cecilia with food provided by CLINK-favorite, La Condesa.

The scene for the annual review meeting and first anniversary fete was set amongst the mighty oaks lining the 1.5 acre private boutique property just steps from SoCo. This alternative meeting space provided both the expected corporate AV set-up while lending the intimate room (capacity approx. 35-45) to support the interactive mission of this gathering.

As guests were greeted in the courtyard, they were handed event badge lanyards and a chilled H2Orange–one of the brands this alliance put on the map. Transitioning into the lounge where Lyle Lovett music washed over the group as they greeted each other, the welcoming chatter was filled with many congratulatory comments befitting the successes this group has celebrated in 12 short months.

After the 1.5 hour exclusive program, the group was invited into the private bungalow courtyard space of the infamous Suite 4. Greeting the guests was Jazz great, Jeff Lofton and  The Jeff Lofton Trio. Dinner was served from casually elegant stations tucked into the bamboo-lined private courtyard. The fireside grill preparation and whole pig carving station provided by La Condesa served as both centerpieces of interest as well as culinary delights. The suite’s permanent warming firepit was ablaze and candlelit accents rounded out the setting for an evening of celebration.

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Event re-cap video by Mason Jar Films

]]> http://clinkevents.com/corporate_blog/2010/11/mindmeld-a-creative-alliance/feed/ 0 http://clinkevents.com/corporate_blog/2010/11/for-those-of-you-who-forgot-to-call/ http://clinkevents.com/corporate_blog/2010/11/for-those-of-you-who-forgot-to-call/#comments Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:10:10 +0000 kelley http://clinkevents.com/corporate_blog/?p=120 Yep, we’re still booking holiday dinners, happy hours, private events and appreciation luncheons. Need just a bit of help with decor or need the entire thing planned and executed? We’re here. Call us.

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

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.

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