A lot of people believe that planning an event by themselves is the better route to go than hiring an event planner for many reasons, but in reality the pros completely outweigh the cons.

Planning an event can be really stressful. Hiring an outside source to plan your party alleviates the stress of having to do it yourself and instead you can describe your vision and watch the event planner put it all together. Then, think about when the event takes place; Instead of having to be on top of everything and worry if things are going smoothly, the event planner is there to coordinate and take care of the whole thing. It is your event; you should be able to enjoy it. Coming up with a theme might also be causing you stress. Event planners are very creative. We also stay on top of the trends so this way the level of creativity of your party is one of a kind.

Event planners are skilled professionals and can handle a lot of situations that you, yourself may not be expecting. If something were to potentially go wrong, the event planner knows exactly how to handle the situation. You might believe that hiring an event planner is more expensive than doing it yourself but really, the deals and hook-ups that you receive through your event planner will save you more money in the end. This is what we do, so we have built and maintained relationships with vendors so this way we can get you a better deal than you could get yourself.  We are also made aware of your budget when you hire us, this way there is no chance of going overboard and increasing the price.

So whether its stress levels, creativity, insurance, cost, or coordination, hiring an event planner for any of your event needs would be the best way to go. Remember, it’s your party; Enjoy it!!

–Amy Romano, Intern

See, when you think about the fall, winter, and back to school this way, it doesn’t seem as bad. We need to keep in mind that there a great things about every season. We may not realize it as we are being care-free during the summertime but everybody misses something about the fall and winter seasons. Personally, I love the feeling of being organized and in a school routine. I enjoy waking up early for class and having the entire day ahead of me. What I love the most is watching the leaves change colors and the calm before the first snow fall. Now go ahead, admit it, you love those things too. Here are a few tips to help you transition from summer to fall.

1. Stay organized. Making lists are the best way to stay organized. Check off the items you have already bought or the tasks you have already completed. This keeps your mind clear and prevents you from forgetting anything important. Lists work great when preparing to go back to school, going grocery shopping, and when deadlines are approaching quicker than you thought.
2. Complete the last few items on your bucket list. If you’re the kind of person who has a summer to-do list, time is running out. Make sure you take that road trip to California that you’ve been planning or get a bunch of friends together for a scavenger hunt because back to school is right behind us.
3. Put your summer clothes away and break out the scarves. Now that summer is winding down, it is time to think about reorganizing your closet. Move the short sleeves and dresses to the back and the long sleeves and sweatshirts to the front. The cold weather is going to come faster than we’d like it too.
4. Go shopping. That’s necessary for new back-to-school clothes, right?
5. Time management. Now is the time to give yourself some relaxation time before the madness that is school work begins. Give yourself a solid week to do nothing but organize your thoughts and get together with your friends. 

–Amanda Pryor

I can think of a very famous multitask that has more tragic stories than good ones. Texting and driving. I’m sure everyone is guilty of it. If you’re not, than more kudos to you. How many times have you heard your phone ring, look down at the funny picture your roommate sent you, and by the time you look up the breaks of the car in front of you are too close for comfort? Another famous multitask is listening to music while writing a paper for school. Again, everyone does it but how many people actually thrive?

The work place is an important place where multitasking should be brought to an extreme low. At your job I would suggest multitasking the least amount possible because this is the place where you want to put your best foot forward and prove that you are capable. It is possible to increase your productivity without having to multitask. Yes, you have deadlines to meet, projects to finish, emails to answer, phone calls to return, errands to run after work, and maintain a social life but so do the rest of us. There is a way to get through it all. You just have to work on your time management skills and unfortunately those are skills that you have to teach yourself.

Some key advice for coping with your time management skills are this:

1. Don’t let your emails pile up.
2. Do the most important things first.
3. Keep yourself extremely organized. Yes, that means your desk too.
4. Know when you work best.
5. Organize a to-do list every morning.

My point is that multitasking will hurt us more than it will help us. It is better to do one thing to the best of your ability, with all of your attention focused on it than doing three things half as good as they could be.

–Amanda Pryor

Are we sabotaging ourselves by being constantly available? Are we minimizing time spent doing other tasks, or even compromising our own deserved relaxing time so we can respond immediately to that text message or email? The answer is yes. Technology has become the catalyst for our addicted. People are now demanding instantaneous responses or feedback because they have the inclination that their message is being read the moment they hit ‘send’. I came across an article published in “Real Simple” and wondered what the consensus was for appropriate response time/whether to respond at all. I believe that no matter what the message, big or small, a response of some sort should be administered. If the person took the time to send the message, then it clearly is of importance and should be treated that way. (For more information, please read http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2011/07/07/email-etiquette-tips/). And especially if you have a Smartphone, you may as well already consider yourself a crackberry and have the courtesy to respond to the message. Until the Western culture slows down it’s pace and changes the standards, people expect (and deserve) nearly instantaneous responses!

-Lisa Glover, Summer 2011 Intern

Hey all! It’s Marie and Alyssa together again writing about the upcoming holiday known as St. Patrick’s Day. To many people, ourselves included, we associate the holiday with wearing green and drinking Guinness. We stumbled across this article in the Metro News that gave us some insight on what St. Patrick’s Day is really about.

It turns out the real Saint Patrick was not even Irish, he was born in Britain. His real name is Maewyn and at age 16 he was kidnapped and sent to Ireland. He was sold into slavery and worked as a Shepard. During this time he began to have religious visions to join the priesthood and preach Christianity to the people. Although these visions moved him, Maewyn didn’t feel worthy of returning to Ireland since he was a non-believer. So, he journeyed to France where he entered a monastery and began studying for the priesthood. At this time he changed his name to Patrick.

It was only after finding his true spiritual self that Patrick felt he could answer the call to return to Ireland. He returned as a bishop around 432 A.D., traveled throughout Ireland spreading the word of God, and built churches and schools. Eventually he made his headquarters at Armagh, which is in Northern Ireland. By the time of his death on March 17 between 461 A.D. and 490 A.D., Ireland was almost entirely Christian. St. Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint. Who knew this festive holiday had such a deeper meaning then just local parades and pub crawls!?! We hope you all have a fun, safe and happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

“May the leprechauns be near you
To spread luck along your way.
And may all the Irish angels
Smile upon you St. Patrick’s Day.”

-Marie and Alyssa

A new and fun trend popping up at events is the Food Truck. Remember those trucks from the carnival as a kid that you couldn’t wait to grab some cotton candy or a funnel cake from? Yep, those! These trucks are conveniently waiting outside towards the end of events so guests are hit with one last surprise.

Imagine.  It is the end of a not-so-thrilling corporate event.  You act like you know the random guy who continues to say hello to you and hold back laughter for the old woman who won’t stop hitting the bar.   Already relieved that the event is almost over, you step out of the venue and BAM!  A Free Food Truck Surprise.  Prearranged by the event’s coordinator, Food Trucks are available to provide a take home gift to your attendees at no cost to your guest.  White Castle is one of the many vendors now taking part of the food truck craze hitting events all over the country. Granted, the mini burgers and chicken rings aren’t the healthiest option but after a night of business networking, a little grease can’t hurt.

How about at the end of a wedding or a sweet 16 party a cupcake truck greets you as you exit the event? An old fashioned automobile filled with warm donuts, cotton candy, chocolate desserts, and delectable drinks like hot cocoa and cider is the perfect ending to a fun event.  Since the night was filled with love, why not end it with treats you love?

To incorporate the company, wedding couple, or guest of honor  of the event is to have a sign placed on the truck with the name of the business or individual honorees. If you want to do something more subtle, try having personalized napkins handed out with each treat. For example, the napkin could say “Thank You for celebrating our special day!” or “Surprise! Love, Chris & Stephanie”.  Having goodies for your guests is much better than receiving a paper weight or heart shaped wine cork.

Visit this site, http://newyorkstreetfood.com/12865/nysf-featured-vendor-profile-mexicue/, to search for gourmet food trucks in your area and contact for a private event. They range from high-class cuisine to simple pleasures.  What ever tickles your taste buds, there is a food cart for you!

If you need any help contacting a vendor feel free to contact me, mferreira@pentaevents.com, and I’d be more than happy to help!

m, and I’d be more than happy to help!

“On the twelfth day of Christmas my event planner said to me…”

12. Spice up your menu with non traditional items…don’t limit yourself to milk and cookies.

11. Decorations don’t have to be green and red…

10. Bring a Dish you’ve made before…don’t try something new your friends have to sample it.

9.   Play a Christmas movie on mute…It’s a Wonderful Life can be a lot for fun when narrated by your friends.

8.   Presents aren’t needed to make a party great

7.   Kid’s games aren’t only for children…who doesn’t love decorating ornaments and cookies?

6.   Add food coloring to your favorite cocktails to match the décor

5.   New Christmas music comes out every year… experience the classics with a twist.

4.   We go to a hundred “Christmas” parties… try throwing a Kwanza party to have fun   while learning something new.

3.   Instead of a secret Santa party where no one wants the gifts bring gifts that will be donated to the less fortunate.

2.   Holiday parties don’t have to be limited to the indoors… hot chocolate and space heaters go a long way…especially if you do something fun like a tree lighting.

1.  Never EVER require your guests to carol.

As my time with Penta comes to an end, I wanted to share what I have learned from this internship.

One: Networking is important. Working with Penta I have learned that networking is a huge part of an event planner’s job. Networking events are something one must attend in this industry. While attending these events, you can meet potential clients, other event planners, vendors, journalists, and bloggers. I have found it is important to take the time to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and see how you can help each other out in the future. When attending these events, I began to see some familiar faces on more then one occasion. It is important to make a good first impression because you never know when you’ll meet them again.

Two: Event planning is not your average 9 to 5 job. I have experienced many different events, company picnics, holiday parties, corporate meetings, weddings and more. I have learned that the event planner is the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. I have woke up at 4 in the morning to be at an event and did not get home until midnight that evening.

Three: Social Networking is here to stay. If you are going to be in the event planning industry, or any industry these days, social networking is a must. I have learned that you will need a Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, website and blog to have a successful business. Having these social media sites is one more way to connect with people, advertise events and reach out to potential clients.

Four: There is more to event planning than just parties. Being an event planner you do have a chance to be creative and brainstorm, but there is another side to event planning. Many days I find myself behind a desk, actively working with MS Word and Excel, writing emails, making phone calls and other administrative duties. Although this side to event planning isn’t as exciting, it is still important to the job.

Five: Don’t get discouraged. Clients can and will change their minds. Sometimes changing their mind includes not using your services, which can be frustrating. Although projects/clients may go a different way, try to keep a positive, professional attitude. Also, stay in touch with all potential clients for future opportunities.

Overall, my advice for future event planning interns is to take every opportunity your internship gives you. Go to the networking events, work hard on any task you are given, and don’t be afraid to offer your opinion. I have loved my time here at Penta. I am thankful for Michele and Emily for giving me this opportunity.

–Casey Gallagher

I am so excited for this year’s Thanksgiving Holiday that I can smell my mother’s sweet potato casserole from here.  This year, I will be leaving chilly New York and spending my Thanksgiving in the south at my parent’s house in Charlotte, NC.  On Thanksgiving Eve, I am meeting my friends at a local bar to enjoy drinks, catch up, recall unforgettable memories, and laughing til my belly aches.  On Thanksgiving, I plan to nurse my hangover with tastes of all the traditional Thanksgiving fare and Holiday favorites.  This year, my boyfriend’s parents will be joining the Holiday feast at my house, meeting my parents and extended family for the first time and adding a little spice to the traditional meal.  The Thanksgiving tradition I am most excited about is Black Friday!  I plan to spend more money than necessary on discounted items I cannot live without.  To rest my feet after a successful shopping excursion, I will be cheering on my USC Gamecocks on Saturday as they dominate over Clemson in an epic college football battle.  I will miss my fast paced, metropolitan life style, but I am looking forward to some good ole’ southern comfort.
–Emily

Thanksgiving. The time of year where family and friends get together to eat, drink and eat some more. This tradition in my family is a little different from most.  We enjoy a Gallagher Thanksgiving.  Usually, my Mother has to work on Thanksgiving Day, so my parents cook in the morning and we enjoy a Thanksgiving lunch, where we say what we were thankful for.  (I am Thankful for my internship, my family and my friends).  After lunch, my mom goes into work and sometimes my dad would tag along to keep her company.  My older brother, my little sister and I either lie around the house and watch TV or see a movie at the theater.  Another Gallagher Thanksgiving tradition is celebrating my birthday. Yes, I was born on Thanksgiving. (My dad still gives me a hard time that he had to eat hospital food for his Thanksgiving meal that year.) Whenever Turkey Day is around the corner, I know for me it means food, drinks, friends, family and, of course, presents! This year I will be spending Thanksgiving here in New York City.  This will be my first non-Pennsylvania Thanksgiving/Birthday. First, I’ll go see the Macy’s Day parade while my brother works at the Apple Store (It is not a Gallagher Thanksgiving unless one of us is working).  Then, I will come back to my apartment to my roommate and my brother cooking a Thanksgiving Feast.  I plan to grab the pumpkin pie out of the fridge, plop myself on a comfy chair in the living room and enjoy my Thanksgiving meal.  Although I will be missing Pennsylvania Thanksgiving/Birthday, my first NYC Thanksgiving/Birthday will be one to remember.
–Casey

Thanksgiving will be a fun one this year.  The younger of my two older brothers recently relocated with his family to Long Island.  Now, for the first time in many years, all of us live in the same state and even better…we are all about 30 minutes from each other.  This year, Thanksgiving will be spent at my brother’s house.  It will be a smaller holiday but I am looking forward to getting to spend it with my brother, his wife and their two very cool kids (and my husband and parents of course – that’s a given!)…something we did not get to do very often when they lived in Virginia.  We will miss my oldest brother and his fiancé at the Thanksgiving table this year while they escape to the Florida sun.  My sister-in-law’s parents will also be present which means I can expect to see a fair amount of scotch drinking among the men and hear lots of very loud talk about politics.  I’m thinking I’ll escape with the kids to play Wii when that starts.
–Michele

So…you want be Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga is probably one of the top costumes this year. I know I have seen a Lady Gaga costume in every Halloween store I have been to, but the costume alone is fifty dollars, not to mention the accessories you need to purchase. Why not piece together your own Lady Gaga costume.

1. Sunglasses are a must.  Purchase a pair of sunglasses and crazy jewelry from a street vendor.  I have some great ‘knock off’ Ray-Bans I purchased for $5.
2. Next, go to a craft store for some glitter, gems, rhinestones and other flashy items to dress up those street sunglasses so that even Gaga would want them for herself (Pearl Art & Craft Supply has great discount art supplies: http://www.pearlpaint.com/)
3. Onto the outfit.  If you are going for Gaga, the outfit must be colorful, loud, and original. Get out those old prom dresses and shoes we all know you will never wear again and combine them together. You may even inspire Gaga’s next red carpet outfit.
4. Hair.  If you hair is short, go for the curly bob look.  If you have long hair, get out that straighter to get the Pokerface look!
5. Now, on to the makeup.  Loud colors, a star or a lighting bolt on your face, and a dark red lipstick should bring out the Lady Gaga in you.

You are officially ready to have a bad romance this Halloween.

So…you want to be on the Jersey Shore: Although they are selling Jersey Shore costumes this season (I do believe Snookie’s costume is the number one seller) there is no reason to buy the costume.

1. Ladies:  Visit multiple stores in NYC and find a tight, short, barely there dress for an inexpensive price (Exstaza Limited is a good place to check out:  http://www.yelp.com/biz/exstaza-limited-new-york)
2. Buy some inexpensive bronzer for the perfect fake tan and cheap hair spray to make sure the ‘Snookie/Pauly D poof’ will stay intact for the night.
3. For the fellas, buy a v-neck (Uniqlo has some great v-necks for $5:  http://www.uniqlo.com/us/), wear a pair of jeans, and draw a tribal tattoo on your arms.  Buy lots and lots of hair gel and you are the new MVP.

So…you want to be in the 80’s: 80s costumes is one of my personal favorite. It is so easy yet so affordable!

1. First, a pair of colorful leggings is a must.
2. For the top for your 80s outfit, check out any Goodwill or thrift store (I have purchased a great leopard long sleeve shirt that made me believe I was back in the 80s).
3. The make up should be loud colors and put it on thick.   Blue eye shadow is a must!
4. As for the hair, the bigger the better.  If you don’t want to spend the next three days trying to get the hairspray out of your hair, a side ponytail would also do.
5. Top off the 80s look with a pair of ‘knock off’ Ray-Bans.

So… you want to be Don Draper: Mad Men is cool, sexy, and daring. Choosing to be Mad Men’s leading man, Don Draper, is an excellent choice. The best way to do this costume on a low budget would be…

1. Wear a suit you already own.
2. Buy an inexpensive fedora.  They sell these at street vendors or, if you want more of a selection, check out Gallerie H.: www.facebook.com/pages/gallerie–H/334852768441
3. Buy a pack of cigarettes (the cheaper, and healthier alterative, would be candy cigarettes).
4. Drink lots and lots of brandy.
5. Want a special touch?  Add a couple of red lipstick stains on your collar. 

So…you want to be a vampire: Between Twilight, The Vampire Diaries and True Blood, vampires are the new “it” thing. Instead of doing the old school vampire, do the new aged vampire.

1. Put on your everyday clothes.
2. Buy some vampire teeth.
3. Make fake blood (check out http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fake-Blood for recipes).
4. Put on some makeup that makes you like pale.

Instantly, you are the new sexy vampire of NYC.

Penta wishes everyone a Happy and Haunted Halloween!

Question or comments? Email Casey Gallagher at cgallagher@pentaevents.com