Tag Archives: new year’s

New Year’s Eve Events & Adventures San Franscico Bay Area
San Francisco, Santa Clara

A Night to Remember for Bay Area Members

Image

This New Year’s Eve Bay Area Events & Adventures members truly experienced a night to remember. As San Francisco’s and Santa Clara’s newest Event Managers, we didn’t know what to expect from our first New Year’s Eve with Events & Adventures, but we can honestly say that it was one of the greatest parties we’ve ever had the pleasure to coordinate and attend!

The theme this year was Wicked Winter Masquerade. Picture a room filled with black lace, elegant frost-bitten centerpieces and a little chill in the air (mainly because dancing got HOT…crank up the AC, baby!). As people started to arrive, the ballroom was filled with beautifully ornate masks and even more beautiful faces behind them. Red lipstick left lasting impressions against champagne glasses and as the night went on, you’d find those same impressions left upon unmasked cheeks.

The closer it got to midnight, the more energy seemed to fill the air. The lines between celebration and relief began to blur as 2016 came to a close. All of us had different stories to tell, lessons learned, and hopes for what the new year would bring. But what truly unified us all was the fact that we were going to live this night to the fullest. This was our time.

This New Year’s Eve Bay Area Members were Simply Wicked

11:59pm. Here we are, counting down the last few seconds of 2016, trying to imagine what happens after the clock strikes midnight. The build-up to both a beginning and an erupts as the halls echo with “three..two..one…!”

And there it was. The most perfect moment frozen in time. Everyone is cheering, hugging, kissing and celebrating with each other. Not a single thing could take this moment away from us.  Events & Adventures is all about fun and great experiences, but we’re not above a little sentimentality once a year!  We danced our way well into 2017 and demanded that it knew that this was our year.  We look forward to reporting back on even more upcoming events!

~ Alex & Brittany, Events & Adventures Event Managers for the Bay Area

Events & Adventures Seattle
Seattle

Events & Adventures Seattle Welcomes 2017

Image

It’s already been a week since the huge New Year’s Eve bash for Events & Adventures Seattle, and as the old expression goes, time sure flies when you’re having fun and our NYE party was definitely that!  We sailed into 2017 on our private Argosy Cruise Ship, the Goodtime III, where our members danced the night away, enjoyed catered cuisine, and sipped free champagne (and doesn’t it always taste better when it’s free?)!  Our cruise took us around Lake Washington, where we passed houseboats and a variety of other seafaring vessels all decked out in holiday cheer.  And because we were out on the lake, our unobstructed view of the Space Needle fireworks was amazing!

The Party is Just Getting Started for Events & Adventures Seattle!

Now that we’ve begun our journey into 2017, we are so excited for another wonderful year filled with new experiences and new adventures!  Already this year we’ve had members “shred the gnar” up on Mt. Stevens, sip wine while painting beautiful artwork, and enjoy a fun Sunday morning on a coffee-crawl!  While there are plenty of exciting events to come, we are especially excited for our next big party, which is already only a month away—our annual Valentine’s Day bash!

Members of Events & Adventures Seattle are looking forward to their very own private club, equipped with DJ, dancing, an amazing light show, and stellar drink options.  In the spirit of promoting “being adventurous!” we will have a mystery drink list, printed on strips of paper which will be drawn from inside a giant mason jar.  Should you be daring enough to try a mysterious adult beverage, you slip the paper to the bartender, who will then concoct the mystery drink and dazzle your taste buds!  For an added element of fun, we request that all attendees will wear white, as well!  This will enhance the psychedelic light show that will be projected and promote a sense of unity and fun.

If you’re an Events & Adventures member but haven’t already checked out our upcoming Seattle events, be sure to do so soon and snag a seat while you can!  And if you’re not, there’s no better time to join Events & Adventures, just in time for our upcoming Valentine’s Day party.  We can’t wait to see you there!

new resolutions group event with Events & Adventures
Vancouver

New Resolutions with Events & Adventures Vancouver

Image

It’s 2017, and a new year always brings new resolutions, goals, and visions to life.  But we should remember and celebrate the year that is behind us.  We had so many adventures and made so many new friends, and little by little we went out of our comfort zones to experience so many new things that we have never done before.

Even as event manager for Events & Adventures Vancouver, it was a year of many firsts.  In 2016, I experienced white water rafting, paddle boarding, and snorkeling with seals all for the first time, as well as my first salsa cruise, my first swing dance lesson, and my first camping experience in the US.  More importantly, there were many firsts for our great members.  Here are some of their favourite memories of 2016:

“My favourite activity this year was the camping trip at Concrete in May. There was a great group of people and great food. I couldn’t have asked for more—except to do that every weekend, since I’m hooked! There is not enough time to do everything, but 2017 is already off with a bang!” – JoAnne (member since May 2016)

“I can’t choose between the camping trip from the long weekend in September or the New Year’s party in Parksville. Both were amazing events. Overnights are the best because you get to socialize with people for longer periods of time and get to know them on a better level than the weekday events. I got to reconnect with people I know, as well as meet new members. The memories you create will last a life time. I’m looking forward to all the fun 2017 has to offer!” – Samantha (member since December 2015)

“One of my favourite events was Oktoberfest; I visited Munich long time ago and it has the same feel of being in Germany. I love beer and mingling with people so it’s a perfect night for me.” – Chantal (Member since August 2015)

So Let’s Welcome 2017 with New Resolutions!

It is a chapter that has yet to be written, a year full of things that yet to be experienced.  As the Event Manager in Vancouver, my new resolutions for 2017 are to create more events that you may have never heard of or done before, to create a bigger community through our Events & Adventures family, and to not look back at 2017 saying, “I wish”. I want to make everyone who walks into our home feel the sense of comfort and ease and experience a sense of adventure in their everyday lives.  Events & Adventures may be a singles club, but we are way more than that, as well.

Helen Keller once said, “Life is either a great adventure or nothing”, and I believe there is so much truth in that. My hope for you in 2017 is that you live, laugh, and experience many new things in the 12 chapters that make up 2017. Contact Events & Adventures if you want to learn how we do it!

~ Michelle, Event Manager for Events & Adventures Vancouver

Events & Adventures New Year's in Minneapolis
Minneapolis

Events & Adventures Goes Back to the 20s

Image

Events & Adventures Minneapolis started off 2017 with a bang!  More members came out for our New Year’s Eve Roaring ’20s Gala than any event we’ve put on before.  And everyone was dressed to the nines from flapper dresses to zoot suits! The food was amazing and offered a little of everything, including, of course, the cocktails.  The fabulous 514 Studios hosted the party, where the night kicked off with live music from a wonderful local duo who entertained everyone while they checked in before turning it over to the DJs to make sure everyone was able to dance the night away!  Here is what our members had to say:

“I cut my trip short just to come back for the party. The 18-hour non-stop drive from Texas was so worth it! Sorry fam, but I’ve already made my plans for next year! Loved getting dressed up in theme; everyone was looking fabulous! The dance floor was hopping and the people were great. It was an amazing night! Definitely one of the best New Year’s Eves I’ve had.”  – Amanda

It was an incredible night! Met many great people, with the gems in the women’s hair to their sparkle on their dresses, the men geared to the nines with their shiny shoes!” – Preston

“My favorite part of the night would have to be dancing. Seeing people so free and living it up is contagious! It was definitely a night to remember.” – Raquel

There were so many more great members in attendance, each with their own story to tell.  New Year’s Eve should always be a night to remember, and Events & Adventures puts on a party you’ll never forget.

Events & Adventures Phoenix New Year's Event
Phoenix

Events & Adventures Phoenix Rings in 2017

Image

Events & Adventures Phoenix brought in the New Year with style—Great Gatsby style, that is—as we rang in 2017 at the spectacular Sheraton Grand Phoenix Hotel. There was no more fitting place than the Sheraton Grand Phoenix to celebrate a new year like it’s the Roaring ’20s; it’s right in the heart of Phoenix, just steps away from the convention center, restaurants, arenas and museums.

Old and new Events & Adventures friends gathered their best 1920s gear and showed us all that a little party never killed anybody. Dressed to the nines, everyone showed off a bit of their personality with their best ’20s get-ups. Flapper dresses, boas, long strands of pearls, fedoras and suspenders lined the dance floor as everyone showed off their best moves while the DJ spun away.  To keep the memories of the night alive we had a photo booth that beautifully captured the laughs, happiness, and fun of the evening.

Nobody Parties Like Events & Adventures Phoenix

And the fun didn’t stop there! As we clinked glasses and cheered to new friendships courtesy of our open bar, we also played our best hands at the blackjack table in true 1920s fashion. For all of those eager to find out what their new year had in store for them, we were also guested with a psychic who provided tarot readings and good fortune for all. Events & Adventures Phoenix couldn’t have thought of a better way to say “out with the old and in with the new” than at this event. As we all counted down those 60 seconds to a brand new year full of endless, exciting, and adventurous possibilities, everyone seemed to be ear to ear with happiness as we toasted in 2017.

Let’s just say the Great Gatsby himself had nothing on this event! There really is no better way to ring in a new year than with Events & Adventures. We are so excited for the New Year and to share in all of those adventurous New Year’s resolutions. Say hello to 2017 with new friends, new adventures, and a new you!

Events & Adventures New Year's Eve Party
Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Seattle, Uncategorized, Vancouver

New Year’s Eve Party How-to Guide

Image

The Experts at Events & Adventures Share How to Throw a New Year’s Eve Party

  • Location. Where you choose to throw your party is almost as important as what you do at your New Year’s Eve party!  Are you going for a destination event, like hosting it at the beautiful and historic Hotel Galvez?  If your guests are going to travel you want to make sure you make it an all-day or two-day affair.  Planning meals and cocktail hours in the area makes for a complete experience your friends will enjoy.  If you want to stay in the city, look and feel is important.  A good planner can transform any space, but why spend the extra time if you don’t have to?  Book early if you can, but if you have to book late then make sure to negotiate.  Banquet/event coordinators will be willing to negotiate because an additional, unexpected end-of-the-year sale will bump their paycheck and year-to-date totals. So we recommend going private if you can.  Separating yourself from the party people who have a carefree spirit on New Year’s is a way for your guests to relax and get into the event.  If you book a room in a restaurant or bar hire security to keep out unwelcome guests and under-age explorers.
  • Theme?  Putting pressure on your guests to dress up or do work for your event must be taken seriously.  Am I really going to have more fun if I make a mask for a masquerade ball or a western theme?  If the answer is yes, make sure your guests know exactly what to expect.  To put it bluntly—don’t half-ass it.  Expect to put in some money to make it come to life in the space you are using.  Simple color scheme themes make it easy for people to participate without having to put in a lot of effort.
  • Food?  Start later and go lighter.  If you start around 9pm, most of your guests will have eaten dinner beforehand allowing you to have more fun with your food budget.  Finger foods only with light or no sauce—you don’t want there to literally be stain on your evening! Food is important if you plan on a night of drinking so think about serving lite bites that will soak up at least a couple Manhattans.
  • Drinks.  We’re talking booze for a New Year’s Eve party, so this is where you want to focus your budget.  Don’t cheap out.  Open bar at most venues will run you about $15-25 per hour per person depending on your options.  The perfect time to host a bar is from 9:30 pm to 12:30 am.  If you are running the bar yourself, try to focus on one or two signature cocktails, two wine choices, and a mix of quality beer and domestics.  If you are hosting the party you shouldn’t feel obligated to stock an entire bar.  Choose one or two of your favorites and stock up.  A fun bourbon drink and vodka will cover most of your bases. You can still serve bourbon on the rocks and shake up a martini for those guests who just have to have it their way.
  • Entertainment.  Friends and tasty cocktails should be all you need for a fun-filled evening.  If you must add on, keep it simple.  A photo booth and casino are easy.  You don’t want your guests to separate themselves from the party vibe or have to sit and think about anything else other than socializing.  If you must spend more money, consider upgrading your drinks or investing in drivers to take guests home at the end of the evening.
  • Champagne Toast.  This is a must have, but even though it’s a New Year’s Eve party, don’t overspend on champagne.  Get the cheap stuff and rip the label off or keep it in the kitchen, then pour and serve to your guests.  You’ve already given them drinks and no one needs more than a sip of champagne after their liquor or they will regret it the next day.  If you are hosting a house party, only people trying to look cool will splurge on fancy champagne glasses they will only use once, so use the plastic.  When half of your guests drop their glass they won’t have to feel bad for breaking your stemware.

Hopefully, these tips that we’ve learned over the years at Events & Adventures will help you throw some awesome New Year’s parties of your own.  And if you’re ever in doubt, or want to skip the work, joining Events & Adventures is a great way to take part in legendary bashes and meet new people without having to buy all the booze and handle all the planning!