Planning an event isn’t just about selecting a venue and coordinating schedules. It’s also 
about creating a positive experience for attendees. Adding just a few details can give your meeting that “extra special something.”
These elements don’t need to be complex and often require minimal extra investment. The experts at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis. have identified several details that can go a long way in helping to support the success of your event: Continue reading
There are dozens of tasks that go into planning an event to ensure it runs as smoothly as 
possible: you need to book the right location, coordinate schedules, send out the invites, keep track of RSVPs, manage refreshments or catering, and more. The complexities of event planning make a helping hand (even one that operates digitally) more than welcome.
While Monona Terrace has a staff of seasoned experts on hand to help you take care of many of these important details, there are several helpful tools event planners can keep as close to them as the nearest mobile device. Here are five options that may help to make your event planning even smoother. Continue reading
As the trends and “wish-fors” in the wedding planning process lean toward a more 
simplified approach, an increasing number of couples are consolidating their ceremony and reception into one location. And while many couples have uncovered a variety of benefits in doing so, how do you know if it’s right for you? Let’s explore some benefits and drawbacks.
An increase in health-conscious eating and a better understanding of dietary restrictions and allergies has meant event planning has become slightly more complicated. Catering to attendees’ individual needs now requires more preparation than in the past when a one-size-fits-all approach was still appropriate. Guests with allergies and other special dietary needs often feel slighted if they are unable to enjoy the great food at special events.
Monona Catering divides special food needs into two separate categories: allergy-based and dietary-based. Allergy-based dietary needs include specific allergens, including nuts, strawberries, egg, soy, gluten and lactose among others. It is vital to be aware of allergy-based dietary needs as these can be potentially life threatening. Dietary-needs are just as important and include gluten-free, meat-free, vegan, diabetic and more.
From the planning stages to the actual meal, it’s important to keep track of your attendees’ needs and preferences. Below are some helpful steps to take when planning your event.
Planning your wedding can be stressful. There are a lot of moving parts, which, in the end, all need to work together in order to make your wedding a success. A key part of your wedding is color choice. The right color coordination can make a wedding. The wrong colors can have the opposite effect. Continue reading
Whether you’re an event planner by vocation or necessity, selecting the right venue is vital to the success of your event. Narrowing down the best location may seem like an overwhelming task, even for the most seasoned event planners. But, it doesn’t have to be. Keep the following checklist in mind as you move through your consideration process.
Planning an event takes a lot of work. Thankfully, there are several tools and resources available that can make planning a corporate event or conference more manageable. Seeking help from a certified meeting professional (CMP) at your venue is an important and helpful first step, but the following list of tools and resources will help round out your event-planning tool belt for event-planning success. Continue reading
What’s the latest trend in wedding cakes? Well, how about a wedding without one!? Many couples tend to go for a more unique approach to dessert these days including candy buffets, petite desserts or cake pops. This playful, new spin on the traditional wedding cake presents couples with many options to serve their guests on one of the most memorable days of their lives.
1. Cupcakes. A popular choice among couples, the days of plain chocolate and vanilla are a thing of the past. How about flavor combos like dark chocolate with sea salt caramel frosting, or white chocolate blackberry, or even a cinnamon pecan french toast cupcake!? A beautiful presentation with multi-tiered stands or other props can make the difference as well. The displays can be as elaborate as the cupcakes themselves!
2. Cake pops. What better way to say love than with cake that is conveniently and beautifully mounted on a stick? Cake pops are very popular with weddings as well as smaller gatherings of birthday parties, bachelorette parties and anniversary celebrations. These tasty treats are easy and fun to customize to your event with colors, toppings and shapes.
3. Candy Buffet. Why not theme the dessert to your event? Consider a color theme, or a retro theme of candy from days past, or even a seasonal approach. For a fall wedding, how about candy apples, candy corn and other sumptuous trick-or- treat type sweets?
4. Petite Desserts. Who wants to choose just one item for dessert? Why not have it all? Petite desserts are the perfect accompaniment to an elegant affair adding flair through color, design and variety of flavors. These may include chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes, cake pops, candy, éclairs, fruit tarts, miniature cheesecakes, and cookies. The options are endless!
5. S’mores Buffet. What is more playful and creative than letting your guests create their own s’mores? There is a huge variety of cookies, crackers, marshmallows of all flavors, shapes and sizes, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, and colorful sprinkles to cover your gooey, toasted marshmallow. Or how about hazelnut spread or peanut butter to smear on your sweet creation? Let your imagination run wild!
6. Personal Cakes. For couples still wanting the traditional cutting of the cake, yet are interested in new dessert options, simply ask your catering professional for a small classic wedding cake made just for two, so that you can have your cake and eat it too!
At Monona Terrace, more future brides and grooms are opting for unique dessert ideas to enhance their event. On site caterer, Monona Catering, specializes in decadent and beautiful sweet treats made on-site in the Monona Terrace bakery. With a trusted catering professional, the final food event at your wedding will leave guests with an unforgettable remembrance of your most special day!
Wendy Brown-Haddock, CPCE, Senior Sales Manager, Monona Catering
There is no meeting blunder more noticeable than a glitch in A/V or technology. Microphones that don’t work, projectors that can’t display a presentation and lighting malfunctions: we’ve all experienced these speed bumps during what should be a great event or meeting.
Ensure your A/V and tech needs are met by following these simple guidelines when planning a corporate meeting or event: Continue reading
As a meeting planner, your number one priority is to make sure that your attendees are happy and satisfied. However, meeting planners also feel a growing obligation to be environmentally-conscious, choosing meeting options that leave a smaller carbon footprint on our planet. Working with an eco-friendly meeting facility like Monona Terrace, you can reduce your impact on the environment without impacting a meeting’s appearance and efficiency.
The following list includes some suggestions for green meeting practices, as well as common environmentally friendly requests from meeting planners. With the right meeting location, and a few easy choices, your event will be both successful and sustainable.
Things you can do:
Things your meeting host can do for you:
As a LEED-EB silver certified building, Monona Terrace already maintains high standards for sustainability. From green cleaning products to environmentally preferred purchases, we make sustainable practices a priority. Working with a meeting facility that has the expertise to facilitate a cost effective, environmentally sound event is a win-win for meeting planners and attendees, as well as our planet. Contact our team of professionals today to get started!
Meg Statz, Event Services Manager, Monona Terrace
