Richie Havens
with Harry Manx
Friday, March 6, 8 PM
The soulful, rough-hewn voice of Richie Havens has been electrifying and inspiring audiences since emerging from the Greenwich Village folk scene in the 1960s, along with his unconventional thumb-fretting, rhythmic guitar style. Touring in support of a bold and stunning new collection Nobody Left to Crown, Haven’s creativity is imbibed with timelessness—heartfelt and unwavering—even after more than 25 albums and countless tours. Opener Harry Manx creates musical stories that wed traditional blues with the depth of exotic ragas from the East.

Capitol Steps
Saturday, March 7, 5 PM & 8 PM
$40
With a plethora of new political fodder, our favorite band of former Congressional staffers turned sketch comic performers is back! The issues and events of “Decision 2008” will surely inspire some side-splitting satire—whether it be commentary on the media’s obsession over Obama (Obama Mia!) or a tome on Sarah Palin’s environmental record (Green, Green Grass of Nome). With their constantly updated take on current events, the Steps bring their hilarious wit, uncanny prescience, and catchy tunes to entertain both sides of the aisle.

“If entertainers can be politicians, then politicians can be entertainers.” Just which of the two sets is more successful is probably a matter of taste, but I’ll vote for the latter, especially if it is the Steps, who have managed to find a rhyming song for every calamity that can be laid at the feet of politicians. Quite a feat. —Sasha Paulsen, Napa Valley Register

www.napavalleyoperahouse.org

Whether you are planning a small executive retreat or large conference for thousands they both have similar basics to follow.

- Are some people considering your meetings all “fluff” and no “substance?”

- Do you feel you are having meetings just “to have meetings”?

- Are you finding your budgets slim, non-existent, and efforts wasted when executing an event?

- Can’t seem to capitalize upon, and learn anything from, your past meetings and conferences?

Be it a monthly, quarterly, or annual meeting, conference, board meeting, event or convention – in a world where corporate expenses are increasingly scrutinized – it all boils down to your Return on Investment (ROI).

Even if you are fortunate enough to have a budget when planning your program; without knowing the goals and objectives you intend to achieve, you will have wasted your efforts, money, and the valuable time of your company and work colleagues. The one sure way to get attention and add fuel for thought when a company is planning and executing a program is to ask . . . Why are we getting together?

From a Professional Meeting/Event Manager
By Todd Schwartz, CMPSource: www.pmpmeeting.com
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How do you maximize your ROI?                                                                                                           · First, take a poll from prospective attendees prior to establishing the venue and program and ask: What are your expectations? Also review the crucial feedback at the close of your last program if you should have it available.

· Via email or “snail” mail, address a short one-page document to the attendees that outlines the main points of the program, including an overall perspective and goals of the program. Even if the intent of the program is for socialization and comradery, make this clear.

· Once the goals are established, move into executing and planning your program by researching venues that match your needs and criteria. After selecting a property or venue, make sure you understand what is being asked of you from your company and the hotel when working with a hotel or venue.

· Remember, ROI does not only involve dollars. A key element of ROI is making sure there is enough time for networking, and if applicable, allowing your guests the opportunity to see the area at large. Research shows that companies are finding more and more that if there isn’t an element of mixing and mingling, attendees get frustrated and loose interest.

· If you don’t have the time, or the resources to plan an event or meeting, hire an expert meeting planner. When planning a program with any budget, hiring an experienced meeting/event manager can prevent headaches, and more importantly, unexpected costs. Look for years of experience, credibility and programs executed. A “Wedding Planner” is drastically different from an “Event/Meeting Planner,” so make sure to ask questions when outsourcing this function. They are versed in the industry and have probably planned the same types of conferences and meetings you desire so you won’t be reinventing the wheel.

· ROI can’t always be measured immediately. But, a key to achieving this goal is always to record a history after each meeting, including an evaluation from the attendees. If there’s not enough time to do so at the event, take advantage of today’s ever-changing technology: meeting planners are taking advantage of Palm Pilot and Blackberry technology to collect immediate feedback while guests are leaving the property or waiting for their flights. Develop a pattern of feedback and utilize your findings to your advantage.

Source: www.pmpmeeting.com
tw

No I am not in Paris sitting in a swanky tea house or beautiful chocolate house. However in my mailbox today arrived a copy of Clotilde’s Edible Adventures in Paris. For anyone who dreams of fantastic baguettes, chocolate and escargot this is your book. You can search between the different districts i Paris to discover flavourable place or just choose by the type of shop you are in the mood of.