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BB Events

We are a San Francisco Bay Area event planning company that plans and produces social change events
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29/09/2023

Words cannot fully express our gratitude to the 53 vendors who helped bring the magic of Havana Nights, the ILEA-NCC annual fundraising gala, to life. We’re proud of the diversity and representation of our vendors, 19 being women-owned businesses, 17 BIPOC owned and 9 being both. 🙌

Your dedication, creativity, and passion were the secret ingredients that made the night unforgettable. From the rhythm of the drums and the sparkle of the dance floor to the delectable food and drinks and captivating activities, each element was a testimony to your incredible talents and efforts.

The evening demonstrated that with vision, organization, teamwork, and skill an epic, event is inevitable.

We couldn't have done it without you! 🙏

Let's give a shoutout to these amazing sponsor vendors and in kind donors who brought this incredible event to life:

arts

radish

alley

party.rents

club

Block Party Productions
California Academy of Sciences
Club Fugazi
Erin Parsley Dance
Foley Family - Ferrari Carano
Goldenvoice & AEG
Kathy Fang
Landmark Wines
Lighthouse Glencove
SFMOMA
Tonic

27/09/2023

In an age where technology connects us in seconds, the beauty of virtual events cannot be overstated. For Environmental Awareness Month, let's celebrate the eco-friendly nature of online gatherings.

Hybrid and virtual events offer an opportunity to reduce environmental impact and make it easier for marginalized groups to attend.

Think of every virtual attendee as one less car on the road, one less plane in the sky. It's not just about convenience; it's about conscious choices for our planet.

Whether hosting a hybrid event or going entirely online, you can create experiences that achieve your goals and pave the way for a greener tomorrow.

25/09/2023

Park and play with the mobile trailhead known as the Roving Ranger.

Usually, we’re the ones trying to ‘wow’ guests; however, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy had us giddy with excitement as it drove up and stationed itself at our event. It was part of the conference connecting attendees with the outdoors and finding ways to create meaningful impact in the environment.
The Rover roams the city and attends events with park maps, educational books and eco-activities for all ages.

Photos: .studio

20/09/2023

Activate your next mixer with a creative playdate.

Not everyone feels comfortable sparking up a conversation with a stranger. Art activities, storytelling sessions and live paintings are awesome ways to put guests at ease, give them a conversation starter or give them something to do with their fidgety hands. Soon, you’ll see guests open up and the conversations will flow. Swipe to see some of our San Francisco Bay Area favorite activations.

Networking can be daunting, especially when you throw in the professional angle of wanting to make connections and promote your business. Chat with us about adding an activity to your next event.

Photo: .art.party

19/09/2023

Today is International Equal Pay Day, which represents the enduring efforts toward equal pay for work of equal value.

But sadly, we're far from that utopia.

In 2021, women earned about $.82 for every dollar men made; Hispanic or Latina women earned about $.58; Black women earned about $.63 for every dollar White men earned.

So how can we bridge this gap? Here’s a few ideas:

🤎 Donate to organizations already advocating for equal pay and more women in leadership roles like .
🤎 Call or write state lawmakers, urging them to address gender wage issues in state laws.
🤎 Take equal pay into your own hands by learning how to negotiate your salary in the workplace.
🤎 If you're an employer, publishing wage ranges for roles can foster transparency and narrow the gender pay divide.

Today is a great time to reflect and ask: what is your organization doing to fight ? Or if you’re an employee, be bold and ask your boss this very same question!

16/09/2023

Celebrating small businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The annual Closing Party was the perfect way to wrap up a week of networking events, workshops and talks across San Francisco.

Hosted at , local vendors, business owners and nonprofit service providers set up in our marketplace, all accompanied with a high-energy MC and DJ to keep the good times flowing.

Shoutout to all those who made this evening happen!

Marketplace
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• Filipino Chamber of Commerce
• Fisch & Flore
• Chinatown Merchant Association
• San Francisco Disability Business Alliance
• Sonika Publishing
• New York Life

Vendors
• Audio Visual:
• Catering: Block Party Productions
• Entertainment:
• Entertainment: Ouida
• Zero Proof Cocktails: Free Spirits Bar
• Music: DJ Enzo
• Photography:
• Rentals:
• Venue & Beverage:

Photography:

15/09/2023

It's not just about the shimmering lights or perfect decor in the events world. It's about the heartbeats behind every event—the people—that truly matter. 💓

A startling statistic reveals that 1 in 3 event professionals might face a bout of mental ill health — that's more than the national average of 1 in 4.

Today's R U OK? Day started in Australia in 2009 and shines a spotlight on how we should check in with others and encourage more community cohesiveness. It’s a simple, yet profound message that transcends borders. We value the message and we encourage folx wherever you reside to ask it to those you care about and truly listen. You don't need to be an expert - just a good friend and a great listener.

Feeling unsure about how to start? Follow these four simple steps:

1️⃣ Ask "R U OK?"
2️⃣ Truly listen.
3️⃣ Encourage action.
4️⃣ Check back in.

Especially now, with many of us working in our own virtual bubbles, asking "R U OK?" can spark a crucial conversation and even save a life.

And if things feel too heavy, remember there's always help. Call the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at 988, who offers 24/7, free, confidential support for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. 💚

10/09/2023

Talk about a sensory overload (in the best way possible)!! 🎉 With the infectious beats of our drummers, dazzling dancer moves, and the big band's soul-stirring melodies, ILEA-NCC’s Havana Nights was a night to remember! 🥁

But with so much happening, how do we ensure every guest soaks in the full experience?

Let's talk about a vital event concept — mastering guest flow. This is how we move guests through the event space so they can make the most of the experience. Here's how we did it for Havana Nights:

1. Pre-Arrival Buzz: Through social posts, we painted a vivid picture, setting the stage and building anticipation even before the main event!

2. Warm Welcome: Right at check-in, we set the vibe with a skirt filled with sparkling drinks, drummers and a photo booth, encouraging guests to keep moving to explore the wonders that awaited.

3. Guided Signage: Clear directions led to various locations, like the main ballroom and the panoramic rooftop.

4. Team Spirit: Kudos to our volunteers who seamlessly guided guests, ensuring no one missed a beat.

5. Entertainment on Cue: By strategically timing our activities across different zones, we created a natural pull, drawing guests from one spectacle to the next.

With over 20 dynamic entertainers, 250 amazing guests, and vivid multi-floor spaces, not everyone will catch every moment. But in the dance between "overwhelming" and "just perfect," striking the right balance is always our aim. 💃

09/09/2023

In the nonprofit events arena, monetary and material contributions always make a significant impact. But remember, not everyone can spare dollars or offer goods. What you might have, however, are invaluable skills and time waiting to be shared.

Take our founder, Becca, for instance. She volunteered on the planning committee for the event to raise funds and awareness for / . She generously donated her meticulously crafted planning tools and spreadsheets, logistics knowledge and vendor contacts to ensure it was a seamless event. Such knowledge is priceless!

Donations go beyond the financial. Whether it's your specialized expertise, dedicated time, or unique talent, your contribution can be transformative in the nonprofit space. Donate in the way you can, and it will sure be appreciated.

03/09/2023

Meet Susan Sheinkopf one of our Lead Event Producers!

Susan has been a longtime event professional and was one of the first people that Becca met when starting out in the events industry. Susan is diligent, thorough and thoughtful on every project she works on. She has fabulous ideas that we love chatting with her about. We appreciate the love of food we share - ask her about the delicious mustard that she makes!

It’s a year of change at as Becca steps back from day-to-day operations. Becca’s new buzzword is ‘delegate’ as she passes the event management baton to Susan in order to spend more time building client relationships, finding new venues, forging new vendor partnerships, attending educational events, getting inspired and expanding the reach of BB Events.

Say “hi” to Susan in the comments below 👋

28/08/2023

Put on your birthday hat!

What an appropriate way to celebrate BB Events' birthday with a hat, our founder Becca Bloom's signature look.

Thank you to for designing a beautiful hat and adding a touch of "B" with the turquoise jewel and BB initials. Our trip to Park City is now complete!

26/08/2023

Celebrating women on Women's Equality Day 2023.

We're lucky to work in a female-led industry; 76.9% of people surveyed in the event management industry were women. Girl Power! 💪🏼

Here's how you can encourage a gender-balanced and diverse workplace:

1. Encourage inclusive behavior company-wide – Set a diversity standard by educating your staff. Let the team know when their behavior or language falls short.

2. Promote diversity at all levels – Your team are looking to the top for leadership and guidance. Look for those underrepresented in leadership positions.

3. Reflect on company data – Complete thorough exit interviews and look for behavioral trends.

4. Normalize conversations around gender and diversity – Now is not the time to do your best ostrich with its head in the sand impression. Be transparent about the gender diversity issues your industry faces and how you're working to change things.

5. Establish gender-inclusive initiatives – Female mentorships and talent development programs help support females stepping into leadership roles.

We've come a long way since the federal and state law was passed allowing women to vote in the 1920s but there's still work to do!

Stats by: https://ibtmevents.com/blog/ibtm-event-management-gender-equality-report/ #:~:text=From%20a%20global%20sample%20of,out%20that%2076.9%25%20are%20women.

23/08/2023

Becca swaps planning for attending at ILEA Ignite, an annual convening for event professionals through the International Live Events Association. This year was hosted by .

It was a week of networking, education and inspiration. Attending events allows Becca to get new ideas and connect more deeply with her event industry colleagues.

Here are some of her key takeaways:

• Being surrounded by the ILEA network of event professionals was so enriching.

• Getting out of the office and in a new, inspiring and energizing environment was so great for my soul and energy. I was truly IGNITED!

• Learning new ideas to run the business better and be a more effective event planner.

• Making new friends to support each other.

• Amazing workshops and keynotes around communication, design, managing costs, DEI, allyship and more

• Dining with new people at a unique San Antonio restaurant during a night of ‘Dine Arounds’

• Celebrating at the Esprit Awards at the historical Aztec Theater - an awards show honoring great achievements in the events world. Upon our arrival, with members from inter tribe group Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin performed a demonstration from TLANEZI Teatro Ritual by blessing the space and reminding us what land we were on and how it was taken.

Organized and hosted by and in collaboration with the and chapters.

22/08/2023

We're still riding the high from the -ncc Havana Nights Fundraiser Gala that took place earlier this month. There are almost too many amazing points to talk about! One thing’s for sure — event professionals know how to plan a party!

As part of our board role, we served as the Project Manager overseeing the planning and ex*****on of the event, working closely with all of the committee members for many months. Because of our expertise in logistics and operations we donated templates and planning tools to keep everything organized, collaborative and transparent.

Here are a few of the highlights of the successful and stunning event:

1. Over 30% of the vendors were BIPOC and/or women-owned business!

2. The activations, food, beverage, lighting, music and signage took guests on a magical new experience from the moment they entered the venue to the last song on the dance floor.

3. Cuban and Latin-heritage was demonstrated and celebrated.

4. The lighting was out of this world.

5. Entertainment and music was outstanding.

6. Signage and branding was spot on including on the outside of the building.

7. The committee brought their talents, skills, experiences and connections to the table to create something collaborative.

8. The Co-Chairs complemented each other perfectly — one's strength was design and the other was logistics. A team made in heaven!

Swipe to see some pictures from the night. It was an event to remember!

Photos:

18/08/2023

Learn how to help on World Humanitarian Day.

Humanitarian efforts aren't limited to the recovery and aid post-natural and man-made disasters. It's stepping up whenever there's a person or community in need.

For our founder, Becca, that means participating in food bank volunteer days with groups she is a part of like this past May’s with event associations to feed the wider San Francisco Bay Area community. This by and , research and get your team involved in volunteer projects in your area!

18/08/2023

Sustainable travel 101

Green event planning doesn't just start and end on event day when your guests are inside the venue. Consider how attendees will get to your event and how much their travel will impact the planet.

Here are some ways to reduce carbon emissions for event guests:

Local:
• Recommend public transport (find a venue that’s close to train/metro lines)
• Encourage ride sharing
• Suggest bike riding (have bike racks at the venue)

Interstate/overseas:
• Book nearby hotels with green credentials
• Suggest offsetting flight carbon emissions
• Offer virtual attendance

Get in touch to start planning your planet-positive event.

17/08/2023

Happy National Nonprofit Day!

Shoutout to all the volunteers, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises and charitable champions we work with to create events with impact.

We love doing what we do knowing that we’re elevating the important work of nonprofits in the Bay Area through events that raise money, educate and connect people around their missions.

15/08/2023

Bring multiple voices to the event-planning table.

Just because something feels good and comfortable for you doesn't mean it'll work for everyone. We're all guilty of defaulting to our comfort zone and that's no different for Becca and her event planning.

In a conversation with on inclusivity, Becca talks about bringing guests with disabilities into the event planning process to get their opinion on what will work. It takes the guesswork out and gives real-life feedback and intel to make sure you're getting it right on the day.

Get in touch to start planning an event with accessibility in mind.

11/08/2023

Color and cultural inspiration is everywhere!

Becca recently took a trip to Portugal where she was amazed by the colorful tiles, known as azulejos, adorning buildings and walls. It got her thinking back to four years ago when she was designing the brand and sought inspiration from her Brazilian heritage, where Portuguese influence is still prevalent. The Portuguese colonized Brazil beginning in the 1500s.

Azulejos were introduced to Portugal by the Arabs during their invasion in the 13th century and were incorporated into Portuguese culture by King D. Manuel I who were enchanted by their vibrancy after a trip to southern Spain. While many are often geometric shapes, many tell stories of Portuguese history.

Our brand tells our unique story which we love celebrating. Consider how your brand touchpoints speak to your unique story. Check out our profile image to see how Becca was inspired!

09/08/2023

Acknowledging and honoring Indigenous communities on this International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

Across the world are communities rich in customs and traditions. We are based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where we are on the lands of the Muwekma Ohlone peoples. We want to acknowledge the people and land both past and present to highlight the vibrant community that they still are. We acknowledge with respect that they have been stewards of this land for generations while we never forget the legacy of colonialism that have impacted Indigenous peoples and their traditions.

The present-day Muwekma Ohlone Tribe is comprised of all of the known surviving American Indian lineages aboriginal to the San Francisco Bay region who trace their ancestry through the Missions Dolores, Santa Clara, and San Jose; and who were also members of the historic Federally Recognized Verona Band of Alameda County. The aboriginal homeland of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe includes the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, most of Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, and portions of Napa, Santa Cruz, Solano, and San Joaquin.

To learn more about them, visit muwekma.org.

Photo:

06/08/2023

Becca’s tips for maximizing time as a leader.

As our founder, Becca, moves into a strategic role, she’s reviewed her workload to see where she can delegate tasks and free up precious time.

• Communication with vendors – finding the right vendor for your event takes time from procuring proposals to selecting the final one with the client.

• Floor plan - Building out a good set up and flow of a space is key.

• Running meetings - Weekly meetings with the client, taking notes and sharing everyone’s action items.

• Confirmation emails - important day of event information for all stake holders

With all this new time, Becca will focus on finding new venues and vendors, nurturing existing client relationships and building new ones. Cue the collaborations and strategy sessions!

04/08/2023

What does your headshot say about you?

If your budget doesn't allow for a professional shoot, here are some tips for getting a good headshot at home:

• Find a neutral background

• Use natural light

• Consider how the light will hit your face/highlight your features

• Choose an outfit that speaks to your profession

• Use a tripod (or a volunteer friend or family member)

• Play with different poses

At the mixer and board installation, had a headshot station for professionals. And people went mad for it! No more selfies, outdated hairstyles or creatively-cut wedding snaps to grace your website bio!

28/07/2023

International travel is on – YES! But that doesn't mean Covid has disappeared. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is the key to making sure everyone feels comfortable, whether they decide to wear a mask and social distance or not.

We recently planned a hybrid indoor/outdoor event for the inaugural fundraiser, so we had to manage the logistics of two different safety environments. Here are our takeaways:

• Start the conversation early in email updates to set the tone. Start a conversation around equity and state that mask-wearing is welcomed so immunocompromised don't feel uncomfortable.

• Ask guests to self-test ahead of the event. Put the ownership on them.

• Have a testing area onsite. Offer masks on entry and set up a sanitization station.

• Let speakers, guests and staff decide whether they would like to wear a mask. If speakers choose to wear masks, this may affect the accessibility for those who lip read. Check the accompanying presentation and consider an interpreter.

27/07/2023

Working as an independent event planner VS collaborating with others.

As well as being the founder of , Becca also volunteers on the Board of Directors at to co-create events in the San Fransisco Bay Area. So how does that event planning experience differ?

Benefits:

• Work with other professionals who understand the industry - Every volunteer is an event-industry expert, so they know the intricacies involved in event planning and can support each other in multiple ways.

• More grace as you're working with peers - They get it and understand that often things don't go according to plan (we know we’ll make it work by putting our heads together!)

• Freedom to express individual passions – Becca is passionate about sustainability, so she was able to incorporate this value into the event design process including having a vegetarian menu for an event that was a huge success!

• Gaining new insights, perspectives and connections - With so many brilliant minds coming to the table, you’re bound to learn something new every day and meet new people to collaborate with.

Limitations:

• When everyone is a volunteer, it can be hard to maintain momentum as we all juggle our own jobs, businesses and personal obligations. It's important to remind yourself of why we are all here and the greater good that we’re all doing together.

• It’s not about promoting your own business – the collaboration is about uplifting the association. BB Events takes a back seat to focus on the shared vision of ILEA-NCC which is being a lead network for event professionals in the Bay Area.

25/07/2023

We’re back with part two of our ideas to improve attendee engagement – designing for belonging.

When attendees feel they’ve been considered and included in the event experience, they’re more likely to leave feeling positive and energized.

At the inaugural conference, we designed the event with a few touch points that offered guests various ways to engage in the experience:

1.Pronoun stickers for guests to put on their name tags.

2. Mixing up seating with crescent rounds facing the stage and giving the table some more space, high boys to stand at and floor space for lounge-style seating.

3. Fidgets on tables to play with to help with concentration.

Check in at the end of the month for our final tip!

Photo: .Studio

24/07/2023

Creative ways for people to donate that don’t cost a dollar.

Inflation has lowered discretionary income, reducing the dollars donors can give to nonprofits. This means nonprofits need to get creative on how to continue engaging with their donors to keep cultivating a base of folks who can remain loyal and supportive of the organization. Consider these non-financial ways that donors can donate:

• Their time
• Their skills
• Introductions to key stakeholders/partners
• Give a stock gift (donate stock directly to a nonprofit with no capital gains tax for the donor)
• An auction item
• Chairing or organizing a fundraiser

Read more about nonprofit events in our recent blog https://bbevents.biz/non-profit-event-benefits/

20/07/2023

6 Steps to work with tabling exhibitors for a smooth event day.

Every event will have a unique timeline, location and vendor list, so ensuring everyone is on the same page and has the necessary information is essential. Here's how we work with our exhibiting partners:

1. Set up a logistics call followed by a summary email and fact sheet – Do this at least 1 week before the event so they have time to send any questions and plan their staffing and displays.

2. Give each exhibitor a specific load in time – This helps stagger curbside space for load in which can often be limited on the streets of San Francisco.

3. Send out a confirmation email with a map of where to go, attire and behavior expectations – Setting these standards helps folks come prepared so there are no confusions or miss understandings.

4. Meet new vendors at the curb – This is particularly important for new businesses who may not know the venue well.

5. Recommend ways to create fun and eye-catching displays - Think about a 'spin the wheel' or 'fun facts' game to entice guests to their table.

6.Have a printed doc on each vendor table with useful event info – Think WIFI login, the service schedule and the event planner’s contact information.

19/07/2023

Improve attendee engagement through the power of play – part one.

Post-Covid, we’ve gotten quite used to meeting from behind a screen, often in the comfort of our own home. So, it’s time to rethink how we do in-person meetings and events and develop strategies to build connections outside the dated networking concept.

Number one: The power of play! Breaking something apart and putting it back together again creates opportunities for imagination and collaboration. Plus, a bit of friendly, fun competition like this giant Jenga is a great way to break the ice and encourage conversation in an informal setting.

At the Fundraising Gala, we set up recess-style games like foursquare, hula hoop, Jenga and corn hole to have guests spinning, bouncing and jumping with joy during cocktail hour.

Check back later this month for part two and three!

https://bbevents.biz/gallery/playworks-fundraising-gala-2022/

Photo:

18/07/2023

Pack your bags and join us for a night of Cuban food, music and color.

The Havana Nights Gala is a chance to network with event industry professionals whilst sipping a refreshing cocktail and swaying your hips to Latino beats.

Secure your ticket via the link in bio!
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/havananightsileancc

17/07/2023

First impressions count – and this starts right when a guest walks in to the event to check-in. No one wants their excitement arriving at an event dampened by a long, boring wait time to get in. It’s hard to predict when guests will arrive, which means preparing for possible wait times. Take advantage of that moment when you have everyone in that one place. Here are some ways to keep your guests entertained and energy high:

• Stagger volunteers along the line to answer questions and help check people in with digital devices. Good time to check IDs or pass out wristbands too.
• Get raffle ticket sellers to roam the line.
• Have a live musician entertain.
• Offer canapés or a glass of bubbles.
• Have a lot of check-in kiosks, many volunteers and keep the process simple.

15/07/2023

This year, our founder, Becca, took on the Board of Directors role of VP of Education and Programs with to create sustainable, educational and meaningful event-industry events in the San Fransisco Bay Area. The exciting journey and growth of serving on the board over the last three years has led to her to assume her new role as President-Elect for the 2023-2024 term. Becca is thankful for serving alongside amazing colleagues both on the board and on the multiple committees that are vital for keeping our chapter strong and vibrant. She’s excited to take on a new strategic, advisory role and working with both continued board members and some new fresh faces!

Thank you 2022-2023 Board!

President: Hugh Groman, Hugh Groman Group
President-Elect: Ersson Bartle, Airsun
Immediate Past President: Ame Hernandez , Amersive Events .events

VP Membership: Kathy Newby , AFR Furniture Rentals
VP Communications: Shelley Anderson , Cage and Aquarium Productions
VP Education and Programs: Becca Bloom, BB Events

Director: Maggie Panontin-Young , The Lighthouse at Glen Cove Marina
Director: Rita Chretien , Innovative Entertainment
Director: Kristen Parks , Circosphere
Director: Quan Zhou, BluEdge Productions
Director: Dan Ohrman , Denon & Doyle
Director: Samantha Marie ,
Director: Shlomo Franco, Wine Meats Cheese

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