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Plan It! Magazine is LIVE!

 

SPRING HAS SPRUNG – Plan It! Magazine Spring 2021 is LIVE!

 

For those of you with an upcoming event to plan – START HERE! This magazine was created to provide great tips and keep you up to date on what’s new, trendy and local. The advertisers are all vetted by Star Trax and would be great additions to the team of professionals that you gather. Our staff is always available to offer you advise or help steer you in the right direction. We are great listeners and our hand holding is free.

 

Check out the Spring 2021 edition here.

 

Mark your calendar for our 2021 EVENT SHOW – Sunday, October 10, 2021 at The Orchard Mall in West Bloomfield. ONE DAY ONLY, you can plan an entire event in one day – under one roof. For 18 years we have been gathering the best local event professionals to showcase their products and services for those in the throws of planning. The best venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, design and décor specialists, invites, linens and rentals, souvenirs, fun foods – EVERYTHING YOU NEED! Stay in the loop by registering to attend here – It’s free!

 

Budget Basics

“I’ve been told the first thing you need to do when planning an event is determine your budget? How exactly do I do that?”

 

Having a budget to work within is the best way to start formulating a “plan.” Typically, a client will have an end number in mind that they are comfortable spending. This number is one they hope not to exceed. It is very important to start here – it will help you choose your venue. If your total budget is $35K and you are in love with a venue that has an average spend of $30K on a Saturday night, then you will know right off the bat that this is not the right venue for you! (Our team can easily make suggestions of venues that can fit your budget!)

 

Start with the most obvious numbers first and begin backing out of your target spend. These would be Venue, Food & Beverage, Entertainment, Photographer/Videographer and Decor. Once you have subtracted for the priorities, then you will know what you have remaining for rentals, souvenirs, activities, invitations, lighting, sweet treats, etc.

 

The best planners always build in a “miscellaneous” line item for overages and last minutes add-ons. We recommend saving at least 5% of your total budget for the “just in case” category. If you spend it, at least you were prepared for it.

 

If you choose to work with a planner, they will know the costs and will be able to easily help you build a team of professionals that will fit your vision and budget. Planners also have the ability to identify items that, if eliminated, will not impact the integrity of the event. If you are planning on your own, a clear budget will save you time as you begin making calls and collecting prices. Be sure to ask about set up and delivery fees and overtime rates. Some industries do not include these figures in the initial quote.

 

Happy Planning!

Planning Ahead 2021

“My daughter’s Bat Mitzvah is in a year, and with the world situation, I have no clue when to start planning. How far in advance does one plan when the world is not upside down?”

It is a great question and advanced planning often takes on the personality of the client. We have clients who are long term planners and want to start the process 2+ years in advance. They may have certain vendors, venues or entertainers in mind, and do not want to run the risk of not being able to secure them. We appreciate those customers and realize that getting vendors secured and “out of the way” fills a desire for some. We always suggest securing a venue, caterer, entertainer, decorator, and photographer as soon as possible. Once those details have been confirmed, you can relax…a bit! By the 6-month mark, we suggest picking out invitations and diving in with your event design team. Last will be the addition of customizable products, party swag, souvenirs, and sweet treats.

We also have many customers who are comfortable starting the planning phase at the 6-month mark. While they may not secure 100% of their first choices, we are fortunate to have a lot of talent in this community and they will be well taken care of.

In reference to what is happening in the world today –

There are some vendors who will hold a date for you and not hold you to the deposit in the event of an unavoidable circumstance. Some will ask for a deposit that they indicate will be returned while others may allow a hold with no deposit for a certain length of time. If you are not working with a planner who will manage these moving parts for you, it is important to ask the right questions about each vendor contract and their policies.

Upside down or right side up – Star Trax is here for you every step of the way. Our team of planners is happy to assist you in getting “this party started.”

Focus on Ferraris (… and Valet)

 

‘Twas a cold, but beautiful, night for valet at the Cauley Ferrari Dealership in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

 

Seventeen valet parkers were systematically lined up – waiting for guests to arrive at the Uncork for the Cure Annual Fundraiser.  Everyone was in good spirits that evening.  Guests were attending an amazing fundraiser for cancer research, and parkers were grinning – cheek to cheek – expecting to park some rare Ferraris.

 

The rush of cars could not have gone smoother.  Star Trax Valet, Cauley Ferrari veteran parkers, knew the perfect strategy to seamlessly park 170 vehicles. As the event got underway, guests were able to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and libations, while observing some of the finer Ferraris on the market, all while supporting an amazing cause.

 

What started as a cold November evening turned out to be an incredible experience for attendees and employees alike. From guest arrival to departure, our Valet Team delivered.  Another flawless event with Star Trax Valet!

 

The History of the Event Show

Sunday, August 17, 2003 was the date of our first Event Planning EXPO. After a year of creating, discussing, planning, selling and marketing – we were set to embark on a “first” for the social event planning community in Metro Detroit. We were thrilled to gather local event industry leaders and experts under one roof for an entire day – ready to meet prospective clients planning milestone events. Nothing could have prepared us for the BLACKOUT of 2003. As the heat index climbed – power surged and disrupted millions in the Northeast, including eight states and Canada. Guess what? Most of the power in our area wasn’t restored until the end of the weekend.  Locals fled the heat – perfect timing for a weekend getaway before the start of school. OUR EXPO WAS SUNDAY!

The show must go on!

Generators were sent to Sheraton Oaks Novi, our EXPO site.  Power was restored!  We had lights, we had electricity, and we had the lingering chlorine smell from the lobby pool, a result of the weekend’s high humidity and lack of power.  Conditions were not perfect.  Our vendors rallied.  Load in happened as planned.  There was no FACEBOOK.  There was no way to reach people and tell them that the hotel was open and the show was still ON.  The doors opened AND PEOPLE CAME!  Over 200 families attended the show.  It was a success.  It proved that our community needed this event.

Fast forward 18 years. The Event Planning EXPO, now referred to as The Event Show, has become an annual event for vendors and attendees alike.  This year, the Event Show will be held on October 6, 2019 at the West Bloomfield JCC (11 AM to 3 PM).  Experts will be on-site, ready to inspire families and businesses planning events!  No matter the occasion, our vendors can walk you through the entire event planning process, sharing ideas on WHAT’S NEW, CURRENT, and ON TREND.   We have it all:  the finest venues, decorators, floral designers, photographers, linens, décor, rentals, catering, fun food, invitation and souvenir specialists, interactive entertainment, music and so much more.  Seventy vendors ready to meet you face-to-face and help you plan your entire event in one day!

ONLY ONE DAY, ONCE A YEAR!
FREE TO ATTEND!  PRE-REGISTER HERE: www.theeventshow2019.eventbrite.com

The Event Show is bigger and better than it’s ever been.  We have more vendors and more attendees than ever.  And we have the finest local talent, experts and businesses in the event planning industry.

The need for year-round event planning assistance has inspired Plan It! Magazine.  This party planning resource guide is filled with trusted referrals and vendors providing services for everything you need to plan your next event.  Updated and published twice yearly, the print edition can be found at various rack locations throughout Metro Detroit as well as online at www.planitmagazine.com.  The content is current.  The photos are phenomenal.  The advertisers are always at your fingertips.

Join us.  Let us hold your hand.  See for yourself how others have made the planning process for their events easy.  Meet the professionals, sample the cuisine and see new products. To sweeten the pot, our vendors will be offering discounts and Event Show incentives for those that attend – ONLY!

We look forward to meeting you on October 6, 2019 at the West Bloomfield JCC from 11 AM – 3 PM.  

www.theeventshow2019.eventbrite.com

 

B.E.N.

Who is B.E.N.? What is B.E.N.? Are you B.E.N.?  Why does it say B.E.N. on your sleeve?  These are questions that our valet parkers are asked all the time.  On the right sleeve of our valet parkers’ jackets and polo shirts is the acronym B.E.N.  It stands for Be Extra Nice.  B.E.N. defines who we are – not only as a valet company, but with all our relationships at Star Trax Events.

 

On site, B.E.N. has many meanings … smile, open doors, offer a hand.  Can we carry something in for you?  Do you have a sport coat in the back seat of your car?  Can we walk you to the door?  If It’s snowing, we’ll shovel a path for guests to walk.  If it’s raining, don’t worry, we brought umbrellas.

 

On every job, with every car we park, and with every door we open, we want to be thinking of ways that we can Be Extra Nice.  How can we improve our service?  What can we do to be better?  This is the mindset of, not only our parkers, but the entire Star Trax Events Team. If you’re not falling in love with us, we’re not doing it right.

 

Our passion is customer service.  We live for it.  We breathe it.  We love being there for you.  Wherever you are – that’s where we want to be.  A wedding, mitzvah, graduation party, your residence, a restaurant, the Country Club, and even the gym. We’re always happy to park your car and Be Extra Nice!

 

 

Maccabi 2019

Star Trax was thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of the 2019 Detroit JCC Maccabi Games fueled by The JCC of Metro Detroit.  Our task was to engage and entertain 1,500 kids, aged 13 – 16.  Not an easy feat!

 

The Kickoff Event was an over-the-top Beach Party with a giant slide, shaved ice, HUGE cornhole, and the largest ball pit one has ever seen – filled with 150,000 balls and floating rafts.  Flash tattoos, Pop-A-Shot, giant foosball, dancing, and, of course, an opportunity to SWIM.  It was an unforgettable night!

 

Three days later, Star Trax organized a second event for Maccabi and created a COACHELLA Festival.  The scene was set on an adjacent hill covered with colorful blankets and private teepees adorned with string lights.  Stilt walkers decked out in festival-ware, giant bubble blowers, a LED dancing robot, and jugglers entertained and danced with the guests.  The event also featured body marbling, glitter tattoos, and on-site screen printing.  Not to be missed, the giant Ferris wheel – which was a huge attraction all night long – kept the kids going around and around all evening.

 

At the closing ceremonies, the JCC Maccabi torch was passed to a representative of the 2020 Maccabi host city, San Diego.  Fifteen hundred kids and volunteers rocked out on the hill with their phone lights shining in the dark and singing in unison … waiting for the grand finale.  Just when everyone thought the Games were over, they were treated to a spectacular and emotional firework show, bringing the 2019 Detroit JCC Maccabi Games to an official end.

 

Two incredible evenings that will live on in the minds of this fantastic group for years to come.  We were so honored to be a part of such an amazing experience!

Interactive Activities at Events are a MUST!

Social events are fun! One of the easiest and most popular ways to keep the energy high throughout an event is to add interactive experiences and activities.  Think …. photos, silent disco, virtual reality, giant Pac Man, electronic sports, tattoos, specialty desserts, and personalized swag.

 

There are so many fantastic ways to have fun with your events and engage your guests!  Imagine a ‘sports-themed’ party or sports banquet with interactive Hoops, Bubble Hockey, or even an 18” LED foosball table. Creating a ‘festival-themed’ party?  Enhance the “vibe” with face and body glitter, engraved leather bracelets, tattoos, and custom screen-printing.  Hosting a corporate or non-profit event?  Photo activities paired with social media capabilities provide social interaction, souvenirs, and memories.

 

Whether it’s a convention, staff recognition event, corporate party, life-cycle celebration or school function …  events are a time to gather and have a good time!  The goal is to encourage your guests to “kick back” and enjoy themselves … and what better way than to offer on-site experiences.  Parties and events are always more successful and memorable when your guests have a great time … and go home wanting more!

Summer Sno

Our team never passes on an opportunity for a sweet treat.  This time it allowed us to meet Mickey Ellis, the proud owner of Sno Biz Detroit.

 

In May, Mickey and her team saved the day when an entertainment client of ours received a call the night before her party that the shaved ice company she hired had to cancel.  At 10 PM the night before her son’s celebration, she googled, and stumbled on Sno Biz Detroit  – who was delighted to take her call and book her event for the following evening.

 

Mickey and her team were set up and ready to go on time.  The guests LOVED their shaved ice sundaes. Our client was thrilled!

 

Fast forward to today – we had to see (and taste 😊) for ourselves.  Sno Biz Detroit pulled their truck right into our warehouse.  They also provide their specialty product on a tabletop or behind a beautiful kiosk.  We chose between shaved ice sundaes (ice cream on the bottom – shaved ice on top), shaved ice alone, or a slushie.  There was a zillion flavors and even more rave reviews.

 

We met new friends today.  We hope to see them at many mutual events in the future.

Summer Days = Summer Fun!

Happy 4th of July! Star Trax loves special events and celebrations! To celebrate July 4th, the Star Trax Team enjoyed our own event – the Annual Star Trax Summer Fun Day. With the weather reaching the 90’s, we opted to plan an indoor (think ‘air-conditioning’) Summer Fun Day this year. In full summer holiday weekend spirit, we closed the office at 1 o’clock and set out to enjoy an afternoon of fun … lunch and a private movie screening!

 

Our office event began with lunch as we headed over to Royal Oak’s Detroit Taco for Taco Tuesday. To our delight, we discovered that Detroit Taco shares its space with Café Succo. We enjoyed tacos, burritos, and nachos … and … organic smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and health bowls loaded with acai, fruit, and nuts. Yum!

 

Next stop … a movie matinee! We crossed the street to the Royal Oak Emagine Theater for our private screening of Yesterday! Who doesn’t love the Beatles?! Before heading up to the private screening room, the Star Trax Team hit the concession stand and stocked up on popcorn, slushies, and candy.  Once in our private theater, we settled in: lights dimmed, chairs reclined, candy boxes were torn open … and Yesterday began. We even sang along with the movie … everyone loves a good Beatles song!

 

Over the years, we’ve enjoyed a variety of Star Trax Fun Days including a City of Detroit Scavenger Hunt, a Walking Tour of Eastern Market, a Cooking Competition, an Axe-Throwing Tournament, and an evening of Broadway in Detroit watching Rent, the Musical. We have learned who’s the best at solving clues, who’s the best axe-thrower, and who likes to sing. We know who follows recipes and who likes to explore the city. And we know who’s competitive and who likes to ‘go-with-the-flow.’ Most importantly, we enjoy bonding outside the office and getting to know each other a little bit better.

 

Star Trax understands the importance of a good event. We understand the importance of a good celebration. We understand the importance of a good time. This is what we love to do – it’s our job and it’s our passion … and once in a while, we love to experience this together, as a Team.

 

Happy 4th of July!