Join the Light Years Band featuring Neill Ettridge on drums, Deni Lalouette on bass, Brendan Ross on sax and Avzal Ismail on keyboards on the 24th of Feb 2008 at SMOKE at Groenkloof in Pretoria above Cafe 41 in the Groenkloof Shopping Centre, George Storrar Drive. Great food, great vibe and an amazing band!
Ashley Callie R I P.
Posted in 1 on February 16, 2008 by lightyearseventsWith deepest respect and profound sadness South Africa has lost one of its brightest, beautiful stars. Ashley Callie, REST IN PEACE… You were an inspiration!
The importance of Decor.
Posted in 1 on January 24, 2008 by lightyearsevents
Just as catering contributes to the sensual experience of a function, decor is equally as important. Creating a WOW visual experience is an integral part of any function or event and decor plays a vital role in adding to the overall assault on the senses.
However, decor can be truly classy and memorable, or really bad and memorable..Both for different reasons.
I have worked on functions where the decor was impeccable, truly outstanding. I have also worked on functions ( in all cases as a performer) where the decor was truly appalling in every sense of the word! So let’s cut to the chase!
Depending on your event and the location, you will either have to arrange for decor, or in the case where the venue is in an artistic location such as an art or photgraphic gallery or a historical building or a museum not arrange for specific decor but rather allow for the setting itself to provide the ambience.
If however, the site that you select is a huge, drab, empty hall, then certainly you will have to create magic from the ground up to create excitement and a heady experience.
My advice is to survey a potential site at least 4-6 months ahead of time and to plan accordingly. Think of the following questions when planning your function in a particular venue :
Is it empty?
Is it drab and lifeless?
What is the theme of the function?
What decorations will be appropriate in accordance with the theme?
What will attendees immediately focus on in terms of something eye catching?
Are there particular visual elements such as ice sculptures or stage props
that will immediately grab the attendees?
Is the design striking and complementary yet not detracting and overpowering?
What about logo screens or backdrops are they neccessary?
Is the venue in a good condition IOW are there unsightly cracks or, partitions,
panels, etc that need to be covered?
Will draping be required?
Colour schemes..Do you use company colours or colours according to the theme?
The above are just a sampling of things to take into account when doing decor for a function.
Of course there are many classy venues such as hotel ballrooms that require little in terms of redecorating the venue, if at all!
While you don’t want to go completely overboard, you do want to create a warm and a welcoming atmosphere that will set the tone of the spirit of the event and put the participants in the correct mood, and design and surroundings are one of the key elements that will contribute to the success of the event.
Also, bear in mind that some decorations can actually even become a part of entertainment and can also be interactive. These can include jukeboxes, chocolate fountains, water features, fire pits ( preferably outdoors) 
and as in one case, painted models standing in various poses at various locations in the hall!
Some basic choices such as draped fabrics, balloons (if jovial), flowers, sculptures, ice sculptures, table centrepieces, and little touches will go a long way towards creating an atmosphere. Of course if the client has the budget and actually wants you to go overboard, then by all means go for it.
Again, one can never be too meticulous and this is just another aspect of putting together a successful and memorable function. At Light Years Designer Events, the emphasis is truly on the word DESIGNER! We have a design specialist onboard who conceptualises and designs from the ground up once off events that are uniquely suited to a particular client or company.
We never use the same old tired formula repeatedly. Each client is a unique individual with particular tastes and requirements and we strive to work as closely as possible with our clients to bring their particular vision into reality…We are a Fantasy Factory and we create your fantasy for you!
Contact us for a free consultation to see how we can create magic for you!
Catering and the Black tie Dining experience.
Posted in Corporate Events and Functions. on January 7, 2008 by lightyearsevents
How often have you attended a function where the food tasted “offish or like cardboard” as someone once so aptly described it?
This usually happens when there is a lack of attention to detail…EVERY DETAIL!
An event has to be a multi-sensual experience to be savoured in the moment and remembered and talked about. With this in mind, food becomes a VITAL part of the illusion. Yes everything in that moment is an illusion…You are transported away into a world of fantasy.
Not only must the food that is served be of the highest quality and at it’s freshest, but it must look visually appealing. Everything about it..the presentation, the table layout, the cutlery…Everything must transport the guest into the realm of the sublime. This is part of what I mean when I say ART IN MOTION!
In all cases, select a menu that is visually appealing, tastes sublime, evokes the senses and creates the illusion of sumptuousness.
While your black tie event must have a theme, never, feel forced to cater to the beat of a gimmick. While certain lunches and cocktail themes make sense in some contexts, A BLACK TIE EVENT STANDS COMPLETELY SEPERATE.
So, for expamle items such as pap and vleis, Italian meatballs and spaghetti, Mexican nachos by their very nature contrast the sophistication of everyone gathered in tuxes and evening gowns.
SERVING THE FOOD.
Serve food with elegance. Wait staff serving drinks and light hors d’ oeuvres upon arrival always lends more class as opposed to guests having to crowd around buffet tables laden with oily, heartburn inducing appetizers.
Similarly, wait staff serving at the tables is always much classier than guests having to serve themselves at a buffet table…This also allows for less movement and more control.
THE MENU
The menu itself will probably include appetizers upon arrival, a salad or starter, an entree with veggies, dessert and finally a cheese platter and coffee and elegant chocolates. A selection of table wines (one white, one red) lends a nice touch.
The presentation (and I cannot stress this enough) is all important. Be creative but exercise caution in your menu selection. Serve a meal that is memorable and suitable for most tastes.
Always consider special meal requests ahead of time and cater for them..Going that extra mile makes all the difference. Are there vegetarians attending? Muslim guests to arrange halaal meals for them? Jewish guests for any kosher requirements?
Above all, never be afraid to ask questions when presented with menu selections..Often, items are not clearly illustrated or described with several adjectives being used to describe a simple hamburger….Always ask and if possible arrange for a pre tasting of menu choices ahead of time. And if you’re not happy, look around. There are a number of excellent caterers around and many venues have in house catering services as well.
Again, at Light Years Designer Events and Entertainment, we strive to go beyond the extra mile. Our strict and exacting standards and our tenacious policy of NO COMPROMISE will always ensure that you the client will get nothing but the very best service and products….Every eventing rand spent with us will give you a ten fold return on investment which will be translated to nothing less than an absolutely spectacular event on your behalf! We create ART IN MOTION!!
That’s pretty much all for now….Enjoy your next black-tie dinner and feel free to leave feedback. Have a great week and stay safe!
New Years’ Eve Bash at the Crystal Court!
Posted in Corporate Events and Functions. on January 2, 2008 by lightyearsevents
Here we are, already into 2008! As promised, here’s the feedback on the New Years’ eve bash at the Crystal Court ( Sun City Palace hotel).
This is the third year running that I have done this particular bash ( I must be doing something right “, )
For each of the years, I did do things slightly differently so that we don’t end up with a same old..same old scenario.
This year, we kept it very laid back during the first half of the evening.
What people have to understand is that after years of experience, one learns to instinctively “read” your audience..Are they ready to party? Are they still enjoying their dinner? Do we suddenly shock them onto the dance floor or do we ease them into it?
This was an audience that were very relaxed and in no hurry to start partying straight away…However, when they did finally come to the party so to speak, they had an absolute blast.
The evening started out with us performing very laid back, sophisticated jazz ala Buble, Cincotti, Sinatra and the like.
This always works…Irrespective of any function, this seems to lay an ambience that is sophisticated and classy. Having exceptionally talented and sensitive musicians of course helps…
The staff and management at Sun City have always delivered a class act at the Crystal Court….Everything, from the decor to the lay out, was exceptional!
Little touches like having two Scottish pipers coming through during the evening just lent that little extra touch of class.
When the audience were finally ready, they responded on the dance floor and we certainly got one heck of a party underway.
Needless to say, the fireworks at midnight were nothing short of spectacular.
With a great band, a great audience from all over the world, stunning decor and ambience, the team at the Crystal Court , Palace Hotel once again came up with a winner!
I am proud to have been a significant part of this event!
What to look for in an events company!
Posted in Corporate Events and Functions. on December 31, 2007 by lightyearsevents
As promised, my next posting will deal with the all important question of what to look for in an events company.
The most important question to ask is : “Can this company turn my vision into reality?” In other words, do they have the experience, the knowledge, the contacts?
Often and I speak through first hand experience, I have worked through up to six different companies and agencies working on ONE function..Each with their own agenda and each wanting to be the boss….Guess who foots the bill????? That’s right folks..THE CLIENT!
There’s a saying that’s been going around : “Every second person with a pc, a phone and a fax machine has suddenly become an events agent”….Sad but true.
The events industry is a huge business but it certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and many an “agent” has found themselves in hot water due to inexperience, inferior service, a lack of service delivery, over promise and under delivery among other things.
There are top tier events companies out there..Some of the best in the business and these are the ones clients should gravitate towards, no matter how large or how small your function will be.
Things to look out for are :
Experience.
Industrial knowledge.
Trend setting ( are they fresh in their approach?).
Contact base.
Technical knowledge (crucial).
Musical knowledge ( do you really want to end up with a “Vienese ball” when what you wanted was a “Venetian joll” as happened a few years ago.)
Vision.
Planning and co-0rdination.
Budgetary control.
Integrity.
Committment to the project.
Availability.
Willingness to communicate..especially when things go belly up.
Project management skills.
Artistry…Not just a slap dash event.
Dedication and work ethic.
These are among the things one should look out for when selecting a company to take care of your event or function.
Never call the first available person in the yellow pages and NEVER use a “friend of a friend of a friend”……Use the professionals. They are there.
At Light Years, we bring all of the above when working on an event. We have the added advantage that we have worked on both sides of the eventing coin as entertainers, producers and events project management and that places us in a unique position to identify each and every clients’ unique requirements, whether it be a cocktail function for 10 or a black tie dinner for 2000. We are also uniquely connected with entertainers ( hence no extra agency fee), top tier caterers and decor specialists, sound and AV companies ( our company of choice has won multiple SAMA awards), security, and all other services that are essential to making YOUR event the best yet.
In upcoming postings, I will look at various aspects on an individual basis and I will give you feedback on the New Years’ eve ball at The Palace at Sun City.
We hope to be of service to you in the coming years and we wish you all the very best for 2008!
Another “event”ful year :-)
Posted in Corporate Events and Functions. on December 18, 2007 by lightyearsevents
2007 Has indeed been an interesting year globally, nationally and individually. The events industry has certainly had it’s ups and downs and I have had the priviledge of once again being a part of some great events and some not so great ones.
2008 will certainly see the industry being somewhat shaken up both in terms of service delivery, quality and above all customer satisfaction.
In many respects, companies seem to be stuck with certain “agencies” who seem to deliver the same old …same old year in and year out! Yet, there are some genuinely talented an creative people out there who are certainly able to inject fresh blood, exciting ideas as well as a work ethic that speaks of top tier quality. So perhaps it’s time to take the plunge and to allow an infusion of new and highly creative blood to do your next event!
Remember, it is the client who’s ultimate vision has to be created and therefore, my premise and approach has always been to not slap an event together haphazzardly but to create ART IN MOTION which is the cornerstone of the Light Years philosophy.
Whether providing an ace corporate band, producing a top tier corporate show or orchestrating the entire event on behalf of the client always keep a keen sense of artistry about you…It is this that makes the difference between something slap dash and something truly “WOW”!
Knowledge, coupled with creativity, artistry, flair and the contracting of the best service providers out there is imperative and this is something has has to be an absolute given.
In my next posting, I intend to speak about what exactly should a client look for when hiring the services of an events agency to put together their next event.
Have a great week!
