Navigating the Corporate Hospitality Landscape in 2024
The corporate hospitality industry in 2024 is marked by transformational trends that cater to evolving business landscapes and shifting client expectations. No longer just about dining at executive suites during sporting events, corporate hospitality has become an essential part of business strategy, focusing on creating exceptional experiences that align with corporate values, technology advancements, and sustainability priorities. Technological Integration In 2024, technology plays a crucial role by seamlessly blending physical and digital experiences. Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) tech allows companies to engage with clients in innovative ways. Imagine attending a Formula 1 race while simultaneously immersing in a virtual behind-the-scenes pit experience from the comfort of a private suite. This incorporation of technology ensures events are both exclusive and interactive, significantly enhancing the guest experience. Sustainable and Ethical Practices As sustainability demands mount, corporations are now selecting hospitality partners that share their commitment to the environment. In 2024, eco-friendly practices, from sustainable sourcing of food and materials to energy-efficient venues, are non-negotiable. Companies strive to demonstrate corporate responsibility by opting for green certifications and reducing their carbon footprint at events. Ethical considerations extend to inclusivity and diversity, prompting businesses to create more accessible and culturally sensitive events. Personalization and Custom Experiences Personalization takes center stage in corporate hospitality. Businesses recognize the importance of tailoring experiences to individual preferences to foster genuine connections and brand loyalty. Companies now utilize data-driven insights to craft bespoke experiences, from customized menus to curated entertainment, ensuring every guest feels valued and appreciated. This bespoke approach strengthens client relationships and positions the company as attentive and customer-focused. The Rise of Hybrid Events The pandemic accelerated the shift towards hybrid events, and in 2024, this trend is more prominent than ever. Hybrid events combine in-person and virtual components, offering flexibility and broader reach. Clients can choose how they wish to participate, increasing engagement and inclusivity. This model is cost-effective, allowing companies to host larger, more diverse audiences without significant logistical challenges. Focus on Wellness and Well-being An emphasis on wellness permeates the corporate hospitality industry in 2024. Health-conscious menus, mindfulness activities, and stress-reducing amenities are standard components of the event experience. Wellness initiatives extend beyond physical health, addressing mental well-being through serene environments and thoughtful programming. This holistic approach ensures that guests leave events feeling rejuvenated and valued. Challenges and Opportunities Despite its evolution, the industry faces challenges such as balancing high customer expectations with budget constraints and navigating geopolitical instabilities impacting international events. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and differentiation. By prioritizing creative problem-solving, businesses can craft compelling hospitality experiences that set them apart. Conclusion The corporate hospitality industry in 2024 is characterized by innovation, sustainability, and personalization. As companies adapt to the changing landscape, they are not only creating memorable experiences but also reinforcing their brand values and fostering deeper connections with clients. As this industry continues to evolve, its role as a strategic business tool becomes increasingly indispensable.
TOCA is back! The Creative Approach of the Event Production Company in Las Vegas
The Creative Approach of the Event Production Company in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is one of the most dynamic cities in the US; an entertainment capital and global incentive meetings hub as well. Viewed from outer space, the Vegas strip is the brightest spot on our planet both for its brightness and diversity of colors. TOCA draws from NASA’s fantastic images to create the theme for an exclusive program for 3,000 guests in the city’s Convention Center. A unique chance to showcase the talents of our event production company in Las Vegas. Brilliant Lights was the concept used to reconcile the location with the client’s message. The program is a fresh interpretation of Las Vegas culture, inspired by the destination and the unrivaled brilliance that emanates from the Vegas Strip out toward the universe. TOCA Events, the event production company in Las Vegas, delivered a unique fusion of highly sophisticated design elements, subtle yet effective corporate messaging, and visually impactful performance elements from the raw and empty canvas of the Las Vegas Convention Hall S3. The transformation of the Hall took four days of continuous work marked by the incredible creativity of the TOCA Events staff. The overall effect was achieved through various initiatives and the creation of multiple continuous spaces infused with the diverse and cosmopolitan sizzle of Las Vegas. TOCA Events created a central core that mirrored the Strip with mapped lighting effects that formed a glistening corridor interconnecting each of the spaces. The spaces—or zones—were delineated by luminous structural elements, modular translucent walls and LED messaging, culminating in an atmosphere that was vibrant, colorful, and inviting. The sort of dream act for any event professional or event production company in Las Vegas. Our DJ held court from atop his tower overlooking the central Strip. Additionally, to highlight the overall concept, we showcased a LED Cyr Wheel performer who dazzled the crowd alongside an Olympian LED hoops artist who performed atop a bridge spanning the Strip. See also: New Event Planners in Las Vegas Their acrobatics resulted in extraordinary visual impact, complemented by a state-of-the-arts laser dance troupe. To complete such an amazing night, our live dance band took the stage as the crowd danced into the night. Following our event, TOCA Events was proud to become an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor of the Las Vegas Convention Center. And being recognized as a premier event production company in Las Vegas. TOCA Events is an approved vendor for MGM Resorts. Our team is proud to call Las Vegas one of TOCA’s primary hubs in North America, and our establishment as an event production company in Las Vegas has led to an increased presence throughout the West Coast market. [:
Introducing TOCA Social
One would think it would be enough to cover destination management, sports hospitality, and corporate events without having to lift a finger to expand our services . But as those of you who are familiar with our passion to produce the exceptional, we are proud to introduce our newest division, TOCA Social. Headed by the charismatic wedding and party event planner, Breen Halley Miller, TOCA Social offers full service planning for weddings, engagement parties, anniversaries, birthdays, bridal showers, charities, and all other social-related events. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the College of Journalism & Communications at the University of Florida, along with eight years of experience in marketing, planning, and communication, Breen brings an extremely well-rounded background to the plate. Her extensive marketing, planning and communication skills have earned her a reputation for combining the practical with the visionary when it comes to helping a client’s dream event come to perfect fruition. With Breen at the helm, TOCA Social’s team of professionals excel in all areas of logistics, planning, and creative flair. From choosing and meeting with each vendor personally to making sure that every detail is delivered, TOCA Social’s mission is to provide clients with the impeccable services that is the bulwark of our reputation at TOCA Events. Though a new division, TOCA Social is getting busy fast! We are finding that destination and LGBT weddings are some of the most popular social events, with clients excited about engaging our services. The word is definitely out that TOCA Social is right at the forefront, taking the romance of your wedding and marrying it with our ability to make your fantasy come true. And because we know that planning such a life-changing event needs a cool head, we provide you with the following comprehensive services that make it all easy: Initial Consultation Full Service Wedding Planning Wedding Day Coordinator LGBT Weddings Destination Weddings Additional Events — Rehearsal, Bridal Shower, Honeymoon Dress Consultation Floral/Decor Invitations & Calligraphy Photography & Videography Gift Baskets/Favors Travel & Ground Transportation Venue Selection Officient Catering License Coordination/Permitting Post-Wedding Coordination Media Package Knowing some of the prime locations around the world is what has put TOCA Events at the top of the list for destination management. Miami, Rio, and now Cuba are currently the most desirable places to hold an event, and we’re right there in the mix, with offices and liasons in these cities. Being on such familiar terms with these cities is a huge benefit, as we have an insider’s view of where to find all that you need to bring your vision to life… from locale to decor, entertainment, catering, transport, accommodations, and more. For more on producing your social event, contact Breen today at: TOCA Social Breen Halley Miller [email protected] www.tocasocial.com
Rio’s Period Venues
Some of the most stunning villas in Rio de Janeiro are the period homes that speak of many pivotal moments in the city’s history. Discovering the former farmhouse where the document abolishing slavery was written, as well as other addresses that contribute to Rio’s story, is a way for us at TOCA Events to share our respect for the past and our love of beauty with our clients. At TOCA we believe in incorporating as much of local culture as we can when we produce an event. Our clients come to us because of our knowledge of a given locale, and our mission includes finding some of the most unique and exquisite places where we can either produce the event itself or provide a meaningful site visit. For us an event doesn’t stop when the music is over. We want our clients to walk away with something that they can take home and share. Rio’s breathtaking architecture gives us so much fodder for event production here that we are never at a loss for creating a memorable experience. As lovers of architecture, we are well aware that Rio produced one of the greatest architects in the world: Oscar Niemeyer. The home he designed for his family in 1951 is just as modern today as it was then, and we marvel at the brilliance of the way it so harmoniously conforms to the terrain. It is not easy to build a structure of any kind on a slope, and he did so with an elegance that is inherent in all of his work. Made of glass and cement, the home speaks of his love of nature as it settles seamlessly into its surroundings. Another notable home in Rio de Janeiro is the House of Arts and Culture Serpa Juliet. The house was build in 1920 as a gift from husband to wife. Considered the most beautiful home in Rio at that time, it later became the house of culture, named by its owner to honor his mother, Serpa Juliet. People coming to Rio always remark on the seduction of its beaches, the glitter of its nightlife, and the warmth of its people. Add to this the allure of the city’s period venues, as well as its more contemporary offerings. From upscale Rio Branco to the colorful flavelas, there is a plethora of wonderful architecture to behold. Through this one can easily see how the city knits itself together, with so many varied designs creating a fabric that ignites the senses and keeps us intrigued with every new discovery. In celebration of our home here in Rio, along with our constant urge to share what we love with our clients and friends, we are always learning more about the city’s history. We are fascinated by the importance of each monument that has contributed to the intricate and complex path Rio has taken towards becoming the city it is today, and we are proud to be a part of its pulse. For more information on how we can make your Rio event a part of your own history, contact us today at: www.tocaevents.com
The Art and Science of the Party
According to Dr. Joe Goldblatt, founder of the International Special Events Society, event planning is a $50 billion dollar a year industry, and growing. With corporations and private entities outsourcing for all aspects of their special events, we at TOCA are riding the big wave as we strive to perfect the art and science of the Party. As an event planning and destination management company that has been deeply entrenched in the business for a number of years, our list of loyal and new clients is constantly expanding. Our team of professionals is always exploring innovative ways to create parties that are exciting, memorable, unexpected, and on point with what our clients hope to achieve at the so-called end of the day. Planning and designing an event follows a complex road that includes the manifestation of the client’s idea, supervision of the party at all times, and making sure that all elements lead to the desired result. Whether the event is a private celebration, a promotion for a new product, part of a trade show, an educational conference, a commemoration, holiday party, company outing, or otherwise, our goal is for all of the participants to connect with each other through good conversation, networking, and having a great time letting their hair down. There is an enormous amount of pre-planning that goes into making a good party event. Every detail must be examined, from décor to food and beverages, entertainment, the musical playlist, accommodations, and so much more. We believe that the mechanics of creating a seamless event is the science of party-making, while the art is in making the festivities aesthetically pleasing and conducive to personal connection, merry-making, and relaxing. When it comes to corporate events, we know that a successful party is where there is personal interaction. This is what inspires corporate culture, builds brand loyalty, while also inspiring new customers. Corporate parties are designed to help grow business, and at TOCA Events, we create environments that foster personal conversations and a sense of camaraderie that spills over long after the party is over. As a special event and destination management company, TOCA believes in giving people a good reason to come to our parties. We pride ourselves on the ability to merge business with pleasure, where our events and the products or services that are being represented meet all along the way. We know the importance of maintaining a clear objective is the driving force behind every element that makes up a TOCA event. Customizing the party to a tee is a science. Giving guests an experience that is unexpected, exciting, and fun is an art. For more information on how TOCA Events can combine these two elements for your next private or corporate party, contact us today. www.tocaevents.com
Our Recipe for Event Planning Success
At TOCA we believe that the driving force behind every successful production comes from our inherent passion for its planning and creation. Having been in the event production business for many years, we are constantly excited by the prospect of a new project, from creating the perfect concept, to planning, building, and finally seeing the idea come to fruition. With the satisfaction of our clients and those who have participated in the event being our ultimate reward, we are always ready for the next challenge. Whether it is sports hospitality, business sessions, corporate or private parties, or anything in between, the elements that go into making each event a success are the same. Here are some of the precepts that we feel are critical for achieving the best possible results for everyone involved: Listening The art of listening is key when it comes to satisfying our clients. We need to know what they are looking for in an event, and most importantly what they hope to achieve as an end result. Sometimes our clients are not able to fully articulate exactly what they are looking for, so it is up to us to listen carefully and fill in the blanks. Listening implies good “people skills,” and at TOCA we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to understand just what our clients want so that we can successfully communicate their vision to all of our vendors who will help us consolidate the perfect outcome. Listening is also essential when it comes to working with our team. For us, every person working at TOCA is a peer, which creates an atmosphere of respect and an openness to new ideas. A good listener usually means that communication is open, and it is in this spirit that we uphold and honor the strengths of each one of our team members. Flexibility As TOCA Events grows, our productions become bigger and bigger, which also means they become more complex. Here is where it is essential to be flexible, with the ability to manage whatever surprises may come our way. This may be a change of vision or last minute changes from our client, a glitch in a schedule or performance, or any other exigency that might come up before, during, or even directly after an event. Flexibility implies resourcefulness, which means that we always have to be ready and able to provide a quick creative fix if the occasion arises. Big productions also mean we have to manage many teams at the same time. Here flexibility provides us with the ability to handle the many responsibilities that large events require, including staying calm when problems arise so that we can think and act quickly to resolve them. A Positive Attitude We know that the feel of a company trickles down from the top. If we as owners are positive, enthusiastic, and calm, our team will be as well. It is up to us to maintain the right mood at all times, regardless of what kind of pressure we may be under during the production process. Because of our experience level in event production, we are very rarely are up against situations that we cannot resolve with grace and ingenuity. And as multi-tasking pros, we love a good challenge, and find that this attitude is contagious amongst our TOCA team as well! Choosing the Right Team Any good manager knows that having the right team means everything. We have an incredible network of trusted pros that we can count on to help make every event into a star production. And of course having the right team means we can delegate without having to worry that the job won’t be done to perfection. Our core team works like a well-oiled machine, which is what makes a TOCA Event so recognizable. www.tocaevents.com
Revving Up for TOCA Cuba
With its tropical climate; warm soothing waters; over 5,000 coasts bordering both the Atlantic and Caribbean; natural reserves, landscapes, and parks; and stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites, Cuba has everything it needs to becoming a leading tourist destination. Already plans are in action to update and expand the hospitality industry in order to accommodate the expected influx of business and resort tourism, and TOCA Cuba is in place to help coordinate what will be a boom in event production. With news of Obama’s opening the gates for a new relationship with Cuba, local entrepreneurs are excited about the fresh air that will finally enter their city. After the 50 year embargo, the nation stands to develop into a brilliant destination for meetings, workshops, congresses, festivals, and other special events, and we plan to be one of the major players in helping to develop the local economy. Just 90 miles from Key West, Florida, Cuba became a magnet for tourism back in 1915, when it was actually the most visited city in the Caribbean. Prohibition was on and the island was the place to go for its natural beauty along with legalized alcohol and gambling. During the great depression and WWII, tourism slowed down, only to build up again in the 1950’s until ’59 when Fidel Castro overthrew the pro-American dictator Fulgencio Batista. During this time foreign influx was looked down upon and new internal policies were created that led to JFK’s embargo in 1962, where Cuba turned to the USSR for support. Later on tourism came back into favor, driven by European and Canadian interest. Today visitors still need a license to enjoy the island, which can be found with licensed travel service providers. However with American travelers now able use their US credit cards, and cruise ship companies and airlines expanding their services to accommodate the expected huge influx of tourism, it is easy to predict the future. The hospitality industry is girding up, with Melia Hotels International opening a stunning hotel with 1,176 rooms on the island of Cayo Coco and many other hotels preparing for the competition. Even AirBnB now has approximately 1,000 listings in Havana alone! At TOCA Events we are excited about the renovation, renewal, and revenue that will positively affect the Cuban population. New strategies are coming into view and a positive trend is already in place for the first quarter of 2015 that according to “Hospitality On” shows that arrivals are up from the previous year by 14.2%. The vitality of the country has always been a powerful allure to anyone attracted to a population with heart and soul, a landscape that ignites the senses, and all the culture one could hope for in one place. Cuba boasts over 120 art galleries, 260 museums, over 80 theaters, along with exhibition halls and hotels that are made for world-class events. With all of this in mind, TOCA is already forming liasons with artists, vendors, and venues as we create an organic connection with the Cuban community. In service to our future involvement with Cuba, as well as with other Spanish-speaking countries, TOCA Events has now added a Spanish version of our website as we move into this next exciting phase. www.tocaevents.com
Color in Design
One of the most important elements in creating a specific ambiance is how we use color. Whether in the home, for a party, a conference, or in advertising, selection of the right colors is key in creating the right emotion. Color activates the emotions To most of us, specific colors evoke certain feelings, even if we don’t realize this on a conscious level. Take the color red. Red can be understood as sexy, passionate, warm, inviting, positive, sophisticated, and sometimes dangerous. We often associate green with tranquility, warmth, and renewal, as well as with money and thus prosperity. Black is dramatic when placed in the right context, and white always depicts purity, cleanliness, and clarity. At TOCA Events, we are acutely aware of how important color combinations are for creating the right tone for a specific event. For us, understanding the type of impact our clients wish to create, as well as the results they hope to achieve, is the basic key to creating an environment that works. In this regard, choosing the right colors is the absolute foundation for transmitting the feeling that clients wish to evoke for their attendees. There is a very specific vocabulary of color, which starts with the color wheel. Thanks to the work of Sir Isaac Newton, who discovered that colors formed a spectrum after bending light through a prism, we have the circular color wheel that starts with red and goes to orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and then back to red. The wheel consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, where primary colors can be mixed together to create secondary colors, which in turn can be mixed together to create tertiary colors. The wide variety of color schemes makes for a wonderful opportunity to find just the right hues for every emotion, which is something any artist will tell you. Along with color combining, there is color saturation, which is the purity or brightness of a color. When it is clear and bright, it is considered highly saturated. When there is a more muted tone, it is considered to be less saturated. We also can talk about tone, which is when colors are modified by the addition of white or black. Here light tones or tints are created by mixing a given color with white, while dark shades are made with gray or black. Combining colors and paying attention to saturation and tone is what creates optimum impact when creating an event. Our job at TOCA Events is to identify the mood and then follow suit with colors that work well for the message. Through good planning, the right colors will impact ideas, messages, interest, and emotion, which all come together to make a statement that works with subtle strength. A TOCA we are intrigued by both the science and art of using color. We are fascinated by the way colors are made, as well as what color symbolizes, and recognize what a powerful tool color is in changing the way we think, act, and react. Playing a vital role in our world, color has the power to soothe or irritate, calm our appetite or raise our blood pressure, change the look of an ordinary space, and define who you are or what you represent. Through the right use of color, we can create an instant change in perception. At TOCA, we believe that finding the right colors to express the personality and intention of the moment is an art form, which adds another dimension to the pleasure we get in working with our clients to create an environment that is consistent with the unspoken message within their event. www.tocaevents.com
TOCA’s Unique Sports Marketing Solutions
Most sports fans show up at an event to enjoy the game and to add their energy to help their team win. The focus is on the action, and all the rest is usually taken for granted. Creating a good sporting event is an art form, with many different pieces that go into framing the event in order to make it a memorable and exciting experience for everyone involved. Creating the Ideal Fit The sporting industry requires a special eye to marketing. We are proud of our team of TOCA professionals who are able to work hand in hand with clients in order to create the perfect fit for each event. Making Every Experience One to Remember At TOCA, our goal is to make every event we produce an experience that people will enjoy to the fullest and remember for a long time to come. In service to our clients, we make sure that what we add helps to articulate the brand, inspiring and building recognition and customer loyalty every step of the way. Bringing An Event to Life Having produced sporting events at regional, national, international levels, we consider ourselves experts at creating customized solutions for every possible situation. We love the challenge of collaborating with our clients to explore innovative strategies that bring an event to life. Some of Our Favorite Events Some of our favorite events of the past have been creating critical elements for SONY Open Tennis and the BCS College Football Championship Game. And of course, with one of our main offices based in Rio de Janeiro, we always enjoy working with clients there, such as the Confederation Cup and FIFA World Cup, and we’re absolutely thrilled about being a part of the Rio Summer Games coming up in 2016. New Contracts Currently TOCA’s focus is on the new contracts that are keeping us busy as we enter the new year. In the initial process of envisioning plans for each one, here just a few of the things we’re up to: We just received a three year contract with Banco Itau International to produce their experiential marketing component at the Miami Open. With Toca’s Co-Director, Sean Gibbons wielding his racquet on the court whenever he gets the chance, there is no question that this is a perfect fit. Presented by Itau, the contract covers the event for 2015, 2016, 2017, which puts us right in our sweetspot! Another contract we recently signed is once again with Univision to produce their Fieston 2015 events. These will be hosted in Los Angeles in February, Houston in August, Chicago in April, and Dallas in October. The focus is around Liga MX, the Mexican Soccer League, where we expect an attendance of over 8,000 guests! Loving What We do Working to create sports marketing solutions is as exciting as you can imagine. Bringing our clients’ visions to life by carefully honing a solid strategy is extremely satisfying, especially as the project approaches its final form. Experiencing the end product with fans who not only engage with their team, but also feel the vibe that we’ve helped create becomes the absolute topping on the cake. And this is why we love what we do! Contact Us For more information on sports marketing solutions, contact us today: www.tocaevents.com
The Fine Art of Flower Arrangement
Even the hardest of hearts will open before the presence of beautiful flowers. Touching us in the deepest way, their inherent magic penetrates our psyches, lifting us up on the darkest days and granting us continuing joy on the brightest. It is more than apparent to us at TOCA that flowers help to make the event. Whether you’re hosting a party of thousands, an intimate setting for two, or enjoying time on your own, flowers complete the scene. Flowers create a mood. They affect our emotions without the use of words. They help to create a connection between people and environment. They raise the spirit. You can gather a bunch of wildflowers together and put them in a jar, place a simple bouquet in a vase, or use your imagination to create a combination of colors and textures. No matter what you do, flowers will exercise their power to enchant. When we follow the history of flower arranging, we find that the earliest versions began in ancient Egypt, where cut flowers were placed in vases to enhance a table. To celebrate an event, such as a procession or burial, stylized arrangements were put together to honor the moment. The ancient Greeks and Romans used flowers for their symbolic meaning, creating garlands and wreaths used to award highly regarded poets, orators, and athletes. In Rome, a military victory saw commanders crowned in headpieces made with herbs and flowers woven together. In ancient China, floral arrangements were used profusely in the Han era, which dates back to 207 BC. Looking at carvings, pottery, and embroidery from this period, you will see the extraordinary finesse the Chinese applied to creating their flower decor. With the Byzantine Empire, floral arrangements were often designed in a cone shape. Using flowers such as daisies, carnations, and lilies combined with fruit, cypress branches, pine, and ribbons, floral decoration became as varied as a designer’s imagination allowed. Flower arranging in Europe really took hold around 1000 AD when churches and monasteries were adorned with lush florals. In the Middle Ages, gardens expanded as herbs and wildflowers became more popular and in demand. And just look at Renaissance paintings to enjoy the magnificent vase arrangements that were in fashion, as well as the ample garlands created to decorate walls and ceilings. Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, is perhaps the best known for its exquisite detail and simplicity. The disciplined practice of Ikebana emphasizes the importance of shape and line, where the colors of blooms combine uniquely. Here the use of a rock and cactus, along with a minimal use of flowers create a spiritual and meditative message that can calm and widen the soul. Serene, whimsical, or vibrant, a floral arrangement can create any mood required for any occasion. At TOCA, our floral designers are kept on their toes with a wide variety of events to challenge their artistry. Enhancing decor with dried flowers, bark, leaves, moss, and artifacts, they can create a spectacular effect, no matter what the season. Contact Us For more on creating flower arrangements for your event, feel free to contact us at: www.tocaevents.com