Unlocking the Secret to Choosing the Perfect Venue for Your Corporate Event
Unlocking the Secret to Choosing the Perfect Venue for Your Corporate Event Planning a corporate event can be a daunting task, with one of the most crucial aspects being the choice of venue. The right setting can elevate your event, leaving attendees with a lasting positive impression. Let’s explore the key factors in uncovering the perfect spot for your next corporate gathering. 1. Understand Your Event Goals Before you start the venue hunt, have a clear understanding of the event’s purpose. Are you launching a product, hosting a team-building retreat, or celebrating an organizational milestone? Your goals will help dictate the atmosphere and functionality needed in a venue. 2. Consider the Location Location plays a pivotal role. It should be convenient for all attendees, especially if they are coming from different areas. Proximity to public transportation, hotels, and airports can significantly improve attendee experience. Additionally, consider the local amenities and attractions that might enhance the overall appeal of your event. 3. Assess the Capacity and Layout Ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate your expected number of attendees. Consider the layout for presentations, networking, or workshops. An adaptable space that can be configured for various activities is often ideal. 4. Evaluate the Ambiance The venue’s ambiance should align with your event’s theme and objective. Does the décor mirror a professional, cutting-edge vibe for a tech launch, or is it more relaxed and creative for a workshop? Sound, lighting, and even the scent of the venue can contribute to the overall atmosphere. 5. Check Available Amenities Review the venue’s facilities. Depending on your event needs, you might require audio-visual equipment, Wi-Fi access, on-site catering, or breakout rooms. Adequate parking or valet services are also important considerations. 6. Budget Wisely While budget is a significant factor, it’s worth investing in a venue that offers value to your event. Consider all costs, including any hidden fees for additional services. Sometimes spending a bit more on the ideal venue can lead to greater returns in terms of attendee satisfaction and brand image. 7. Visit the Venue Photos and virtual tours can be helpful, but nothing beats visiting the venue in person. This allows you to get a true feel of the space, assess logistical aspects like accessibility, and envision how the event will flow. 8. Seek References and Reviews Researching reviews and requesting references from past clients can provide insight into the venue’s quality of service. People’s experiences can reveal important details you might not consider initially. 9. Consider Flexibility and Availability Check the venue’s availability on your desired date and ask about their flexibility regarding changes in timelines or guest count. Venues that can adapt to unforeseen changes can save a lot of hassle. Conclusion Finding the perfect venue for your corporate event involves balancing essential elements like location, capacity, and cost with the needs of your attendees and the goals of your event. By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to orchestrating a memorable and successful event. Happy planning!
New Event Planners in Las Vegas: TOCA opens its doors in the city
New Event Planners in Las Vegas: TOCA opens its doors in the city Our Event Planners in Las Vegas: Design, Production & Logistics International event planning and destination management company TOCA Events continues expansion with its new office location Las Vegas, tapping into the largest meetings and incentive market on the planet, regular and potential clients now have the good fortune to know that TOCA has its team of excellent event planners in Las Vegas, besides Miami, Boston and Rio. As one of the primary event planning destinations in the world, Las Vegas dazzles like no other city. Whether it is the draw of famous headliners such as Celine Dion and Cher, extravagant shows such as Cirque du Soleil and many of Broadway’s best, titillating adult entertainment, great comedians, architectural wonders, exceptional restaurants, and daytime tours, life just isn’t complete unless you’ve been to Vegas at least once! And what better place to produce an event than a city that offers such a myriad of choices when it comes to keeping guests excited, surprised, and on their best party toes? Our team of event planners in Las Vegas are ready to share that with clients from all around the globe. Destination Management Creative Solutions for Las Vegas TOCA Events is no stranger to destination management in the city. As expert event planners in Las Vegas, the company upholds its reputation for producing and planning some of the most exciting experiences for clients… Whether it is an onsite mega-party, an exploration of overground and underground locales, or anything in between. With a knack for creating and tailoring just the right package, TOCA upholds its reputation for stepping right to the beat of a city and creating the perfect rhythm for every client’s need and desire. The TOCA team of event planners in Las Vegas brings years of experience to this market, having completed numerous projects including automotive launches, corporate incentive programs and comprehensive destination management services in the US and abroad. From 2,800+ guests at the Las Vegas Convention Center to select VIP casino access in premiere hotel properties and multilingual staff, the TOCA creative and logistical teams are ready to develop the ideal program that defy traditional Vegas offerings. See TOCA Events Brilliant Lights at the Las Vegas Convention Center Corporate Events: More and Better Event Production in Las Vegas The TOCA touch in event planning is undeniable, as we know from the many, many events that we have created for clients such as Audi, Visa, Johnson & Johnson, Ameriprise, AT&T, BCG, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Univision, and so many more world-renowned companies. Check out this project by our event planners in Las Vegas It goes without saying that opening a branch of our event production company in Las Vegas now provides needed services to clients worldwide who are looking for exciting and unique experiences hosted by a team of professionals that knows how to put a truly magical spin on a good time. The recent tragic events in the city have only increased our determination to showcase Las Vegas and its people to the world. We hope that you will join us, and let us share the creativity, talent and dazzling surprises that only Las Vegas can offer. For more information on how we can tailor an event for you with the best event planners in Las Vegas, please contact: Sean Gibbons +1 702 462 7272
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. [:
Bossa Nova Sinfónico & TOCA Culture: Resounding Success in Havana
The sun had not risen on the morning of May 11th when Robson Coccaro, President of TOCA Culture, was already being interviewed by Univision Television Network at Miami International Airport about the upcoming performance of Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana. The interview session culminated with an impromptu rendition of Girl from Ipanema by vocalist Rose Max to the delight of the airport staff, the press and dozens of travelers who broke into applause. Bossa Nova Sinfónico is an ode to Brazilian music, an homage to the legendary Antonio Carlos Jobim, one of the 20th-century’s most admired composers. It features the classic Brazilian jazz quintet format in tandem with a symphonic orchestra. The glorious sounds of Jobim’s compositions come to life through the voice of Rose Max, accompanied by Ramatis Moraes (guitar), Mike Orta (piano), Carlomagno Araya (drums) and Jamie Ousley (bass), all under the direction of conductor Jeremy Fox. The project has been presented in Costa Rica and Mexico, was nominated for a Latin Grammy, and received the Brazilian Press Award for Album of the Year. Jeremy Fox conducts Cuba’s National Symphony Orchestra for Bossa Nova Sinfónico The cultural immersion of TOCA Culture’s entourage of artists and VIP sponsor guests began as soon as we arrived in Havana. The group seemed overwhelmed by the colors, textures, sounds, and architecture of the city, a grand old dame that has been given a second chance to shine. Our first stop was the classic Café del Oriente in San Francisco Square. It was a time to take in the city’s vibe and get ready for an unforgettable four-day musical journey. Havana, cradle of Cuban music and culture Bossa Nova Sinfónico was selected to perform at the Inaugural Gala of Cuba Disco 2016, Cuba’s premier music industry event, which was celebrating its 20th anniversary. As we approached the theater for our first rehearsal, TOCA’s staff had been prepped by our Cuban counterparts for a simple session without much expectation. But as the first chord made its way through the theater halls, everyone sensed that the concert would be a success. One of the most emotional moments came during the first rehearsal when both the orchestra and the quintet realized they were a perfect fit. Everything was fluid. Maestro Enrique Pérez Mesa, Director of Cuba’s National Symphony Orchestra—and the most gracious host—said, “the music of Cuba and Brazil—and their cultures in general—share the same roots: Yoruba African slaves and colonizers from the Iberian Peninsula.” These historical ties manifest themselves through parallel cultural landscapes that understand each other without speaking the same language. Rose Max and Bobby Carcasses, who was instrumental in presenting Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Cuba. It was most gratifying to observe as new relationships and friendships were born between the musicians, producers, event organizers, and staff in general. And our project lives on through the national broadcast on Cuban television of the concert, and will spread beyond the Island as TOCA Culture identifies global broadcast partners for the project. There could not be a better example of real People-to-People exchange. The concert was broadcast on Cuban National television on June 4th. Bossa Nova Sinfónico was presented to a full crowd at Teatro Nacional de Cuba in Havana. Between rehearsals, the group explored Havana’s neighborhoods, from the baroque palaces and squares of Old Havana to the dive bars in Centro Habana as well as the theaters and restaurants in posh Miramar. The Bossa Nova Sinfonicogroup met more musicians in the streets and were invited to play in some descargas with local bands. As a prelude to the main concert, part of the quintet (Rose, Ramatis, and Jamie) had the opportunity to present a concert at the Centro Hispanoamericano de la Cultura—a gorgeous neoclassical building along the Malecón— sharing the stage with the renowned vocal ensemble, Schola Cantorum Coralina. Under the direction of Dra. Alina Orraca, the ensemble performed a program of Cuban traditional classics with perfect pitch. Meanwhile, Rose Maxdelighted the audience with Brazilian standards preceded by a lovely children’s choir. A few tears were shed by some members of the public as children and adult choral members joined Rose on stage for a resounding finale. Rose Max and Ramatis share the stage with the renowned vocal ensemble, Schola Cantorum Coralina at Centro Hispanoamericano de Cultura. Front row from left to right: Mike Orta, Jamie Ousley, Jeremy Fox, Carlomagno Araya, Rose Max, and Ramatis Moraes. Rose Max, Carlomagno Araya (project founder), and Robson Coccaroparticipated in a press conference that drew almost 60 national and international media outlets. The trio charmed the press with their genuine words of gratitude and admiration for the Cuban musicians, people, and culture. When the day of the concert arrived, all the musicians were relaxed, as when one knows things will go well. Bossa Nova Sinfónico was the first half of the gala and Max’s renditions of Jobim‘s songs grabbed the audience from the first note. The Cuban audience is extremely knowledgeable of Brazilian music and at times sang along, even danced in the aisles to the melodies and rhythms emanating from the stage during the final selection. The performance was received by two standing ovations, interrupted only by an interpretation of Mas Que Nada which brought the house down in a palpable celebration of the best in popular music. The second half of the program was entrusted to the singer/songwriter Raúl Torres, author of classic pieces such as Candíl de Nieve, and Se Fue. The great Vania Borges, a sultry chanteuse with a velvety voice was his guest. And so Cuba Disco 2016 was inaugurated. Granma International said in its art column, “The excellence, beauty and quality of the work of Tom Jobim, performed by the Bossa Nova Sinfónico quintet together with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra, provided a high degree of distinction to the Inaugural Gala of the 20th CUBADISCO International Festival”. ACN (Agencia Cubana de Noticias) echoed Rose Max’s feelings about her stay in Cuba. “Being in Cuba is a great dream”, said the vocalist, “as a child I always heard about the quality of Cuban musicians, and as soon as we started rehearsing we were captivated by the warmth and talent of
Copa America brings Fiestón to South Beach
A special edition of Copa America—the premier men’s soccer event in the Americas—is being held for the first time outside of South America. The United States is the host nation for Copa America Centenario, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Tournament from June 3rd to the 26th. The 2016 event is significant because it features teams from CONMEBOL (the South American football confederation) and CONCACAF (the Confederation of North and Cen- tral America and the Caribbean). Soccer fans across the US will be able to view all 32 games live on Univision Sports, but if you feel the need to share this unique experience with fellow fans and cheer for your team, Univi- sion, the largest Spanish-language television network, has organized viewing parties across the country as a way of replicating the sensation of being at the stadium. One of such events—a tailgate beach party—was produced by TOCA Events during the week- end of June 3 to 6 at Miami Beach’s Lummus Park on the iconic Ocean Drive. The Fiestón—as Univision calls these viewing parties—came to Miami for the first time, and the sports manage- ment side of TOCA Events was chosen to take care of the challenge and design an unforget- table opportunity for all soccer fans of all ages. There were plenty of family-fun activities for attendees. Besides cheering for their favorite teams, guests enjoyed beach games as well as live musical performances by reggaeton artist Joey Montana, pop artist Karol G, pop Latin sensation Grupo Treo, Afrobeta, and Locos for Jua- na, among others. The first six matches of the tournament were broadcast live on large LED screens placed on the beach. TOCA Events continues its support of Univision Fiestón events in cities across the country such as Dallas, Phoenix, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. www.tocaevents.com
TOCA Culture Presents Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana, Cuba
TOCA Culture presents Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana Cuba MIAMI, USA (March 24, 2016) — The Miami-based cultural institution, TOCA Culture, will present Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana, Cuba on May 15th, as the opening concert for the 2016 Cuba Disco Festival. In a historic move, Cuba’s National Symphonic Orchestra will share the stage with U.S. artists based in Miami. This momentous occasion coincides with the Festival’s 20th anniversary. The orchestra, guest musicians, and the Cuban fans of Brazilian music are looking forward to this award-winning program that celebrates ever increasing cultural dialogue between Cuba, Brazil and the U.S. The collaborative performance will be led by the Symphonic Orchestra’s Maestro Enrique Perez Mesa. Bossa Nova Sinfónico is a project founded with the purpose of sustaining Antonio Carlos Jobim’s body of work and legacy among music lovers everywhere. Jobim was the most pivotal figure in Brazilian popular music over the last century. His music has permeated cultures around the world. Jobim’s compositions coupled with the symphony orchestra format and the traditional Brazilian Jazz quintet gives this project its unique appeal. The quintet is formed by singer Rose Max, guitar player Ramatis Moraes, bassist Jamie Ousley, pianist Michael Orta and drummer Carlomagno Araya. Conductor Jeremy Fox, from the original concert in Costa Rica, will be part of the encounter, working together with maestro Perez Mesa. In its first year, this project was performed in Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Its premier in Costa Rica along with the National Symphony Orchestra (March 2013) resulted in the release of a live recording. The CD “Bossa Nova Sinfónico Recordando a Antonio Carlos Jobim” garnered a Latin Grammy nomination, as well as winning “Best CD of the Year” at the 2014 Brazilian Press Awards. “The music of Jobim is universal, and provides the ideal framework to present our PanAmerican musical encounter,” states TOCA Culture director Robson Coccaro. “We are at such a transformative moment in U.S.-Cuban relations, and we are thrilled to be collaborating creatively with Maestro Pérez and Cuba’s National Symphony Orchestra. Much like Jobim’s subtle use of rich harmonies in his music, our hope is that this performance will encourage harmony and further stimulate the cultural dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba”. ABOUT TOCA CULTURE TOCA Culture is a not-for-profit cultural organization that promotes the visual and performing arts through cultural exchange and performative encounters throughout the Americas, with particular focus on Brazil-USA-Cuba interface. We support established as well as emerging artists, and produce live and virtual events to showcase their works and introduce their offerings to a global audience. Bossa Nova Sinfónico is scheduled to be presented at the Cuba Disco Music Festival in Havana, Cuba under the direction of Maestro Enrique Pérez Mesa with the National Symphony Orchestra. This showcase of Brazilian Bossa Nova, performed by Brazilian artists based in the US and Cuban musicians from the national orchestra, embodies the cross-cultural focus of TOCA Culture. www.tocaculture.org
Sao Paulo: Brazil’s Favorite Destination for Events and Incentive Travel
Fabulous Sao Paulo is Brazil’s largest city and the most populous megapolis in the entire Southern Hemisphere. The world’s ninth largest metropolis is located in Southeastern Brazil—in the State that shares its name—and is the commercial and industrial heart of the South American giant, a country that has made great strides in the last few years to become a world economic power while helping and assisting the perennially underserved populations of its urban centers and rural areas. View of Sao Paulo Sao Paulo is also a world-renowned center for art, culture, entertainment and sophistication, unlike any other Latin American city. Practically an open air museum with neighborhoods and buildings of historical value—it ranks first among the cities that host international events in the Americas and 12th in the world, after Vienna, Paris, Barcelona, Singapore, Berlin, Budapest, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Seoul, Lisbon and Copenhagen. And according to a study by MasterCard in 130 cities around the world, São Paulo was the third most visited destination in Latin America with 2.4 million foreign travelers, who spent US$2.9 billion in 2013 (the highest among the cities in the region). Some of the most relevant annual events include the Sao Paulo Biennale, Brazilian Grand Prix, Sao Paulo Fashion Week and the ATP Brazil Open, as well as the largest gay pride parade in the country, which draws over one million visitors every year. Ibirapuera Auditorium TOCA Events, with offices in Miami and Rio de Janeiro, boasts a comprehensive team of expert curators, tour guides, planners and fixers in bustling Sao Paulo, who bring you up-to-date insight into the latest developments in this unique city. Knowing the city and its inhabitants so well, TOCA Events is poised to be your best all-inclusive provider to organize your next incentive experience in the most cosmopolitan city of one of the most beautiful and emblematic countries on the entire planet. Ibirapuera Park In 2014, CNN ranked nightlife in São Paulo as the fourth best in the world, behind New York, Berlin, and Ibiza. Although we do not know the criteria used by our partners at CNN, we agree that the paulistanos (as the locals are known) are unique, outgoing, sophisticated, and have built a city worthy of our admiration, even in a country with one of the most legendary architectural legacies of the 19th and 20th centuries. Avenida Paulista Starting from the iconic Avenida Paulista, home to the city’s most emblematic monuments, such as the Latin American Memorial, Ibirapuera Park, Museum of Ipiranga, São Paulo Museum of Art, and the Museum of the Portuguese Language, the city radiates towards some of the most relevant business centers that host headquarters of major corporations, banks and financial institutions, organizations whose arms reach the rest of the continent and beyond, including the largest stock market in Latin America. Terracoitalia restaurant One aspect of this fantastic city that seems to escape most history books is the fact that this is one of the most multicultural enclaves in the world, especially in South America. The city holds the largest population of persons of Italian descent in the entire world—more than Rome. Sao Paulo is also home to large Arab and Japanese communities. Mani restaurant Know for a penchant for luxury and excess, Sao Paulo hosts the leading fashion brands and cultural institutions. The Jardins neighborhood is regarded as one of the most sophisticated spaces in town with a broad variety of hotels and restaurants, including the award-winning D.O.M., considered one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants by San Pellegrino and Restaurant Magazine. Morumbi Since the city hosts 75% of the trade fairs and conventions in the country, the TOCA Events team of destination management professionals are consistently engaged in offering the highest level of creativity, quality and service to its growing global clientele. The city has become one of our favorite destinations for sports marketing, business sessions, incentive travel, and evening events produced with special attention to all the logistical details that lead to unforgettable experiences. www.tocaevents.com
Cienfuegos: Cuba’s Hidden Gem
Perhaps many of our readers have never heard of the city of Cienfuegos in Central Cuba, but it is time to take notice of this beautiful enclave by the sea! The Pearl of the South—as locals affectionally call it—sits by a vast bay and harbor that are ideal for sailing and water sports. Cienfuegos is poised to become one of the main tourist destinations in Cuba forecasting the onslaught of cruise activity that will descend upon the island in the coming years, which could more than triple the number of travelers visiting this beautiful island nation. With that idea in mind, the local government has embarked in a comprehensive tourist expansion plan that should be completed by the year 2030. The ambitious project will revamp the city’s infrastructure to welcome more tourists. The city’s location in the center of the island–and the presence of an international airport–make Cienfuegos the ideal starting place for visiting some of the country’s most beautiful sites. These include the nearby town of Trinidad, founded on 1514 and preserved to retain its Spanish Colonial essence, as well as the Valle de los Ingenios, one of the most important sugar production hubs since the 18th century—both declared UNESCO Heritage Sites. From Cienfuegos, we can visit the Ciénaga de Zapata, the island’s largest swamp and an example of Cuba’s efforts to maintain one of the most pristine ecosystems in the Caribbean. The mountains of the Escambray emerge from the North side of the city and rise to 3,000 feet above sea level. There are multiple caves, rivers, waterfalls, grottos, canyons, natural pools with crystal clear water, and mountains teeming with mariposa—Cuba’s national flower—announcing their presence with a soft and unique fragrance from June to early September. For those looking for the Fountain of Youth, we recommend a visit to the thermal baths at Ciego Montero, Cuba’s most popular spa. The Escambray is home to more that 40 species of orchids and giant, seven-foot ferns endemic to the island. Bird watching, hiking and taking advantage of the lush forests and fresh air are perhaps the main amenities in the Central Cuban Mountains. TOCA Events prides itself in finding unknown destinations for our clients. We take you places where culture and history take priority over more mundane activities. More than exotic, Cienfuegos is a real place, where the locals welcome foreigners with a warm embrace that lasts during the entire trip. Proud of their heritage and magnificent architecture, Cienfuegueros are soulful, lively and musical. And they have plenty of reasons to be proud. The city of about 150,000 inhabitants was founded 1819 by French immigrants from Bordeaux and Louisiana led by Don Louis de Clouet who settled the land known as Fernandina de Jagua on behalf of the Spanish king Ferdinand VII. The name of the settlement was changed in 1880 in honor of the island’s Governor Don José Cienfuegos. The city is considered young by Cuban standards since the main villas on the island were founded in the 16th and 17th centuries. Cienfuegos is very different from other Cuban cities and has a distinct look and feel while retaining many impressive landmarks, including stunning palaces, quaint squares and beautiful theaters. The city has kept its Gaelic heritage with a modern layout and eclectic architecture. We start our periplus visiting some of the city’s most emblematic sites. The bay is lined with a scenic promenade (Malecón) where locals and visitors stroll peacefully at dusk taking in the Caribbean breeze and the glorious, melancholic sunsets. Cienfuegos also boasts the island’s longest tree-lined boulevard. Known as El Paseo del Prado, this strip is the city’s most popular artery and the meeting place for locals who come out everyday to enjoy the shade, socialize and keep their culture alive. Paseo del Prado covers the western part of the city and leads to Punta Gorda, home to some of the most beautiful houses in town, including the iconic Palacio del Valle. The 1913 building—a symbol of the city—displays a series of architectural elements reminiscent of Spanish Moorish art. The builders sought inspiration in myriad styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Mudejar, a cacophony of influences that resulted in a gorgeous and balanced palace. Although a small city, we encourage you to take a few days to discover and enjoy its parks, plazas, and monuments where you become immersed in a generous display of neoclassical, art nouveau and art deco imagery. The great weather year-round will help and inspire you to walk the lovely streets of the Historic Center, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the impressive José Martí Park, one of the most beautiful and well preserved in Cuba; the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with its asymmetric towers, and the dome of the Government Palace. Also nearby is the historic 19th-century Terry Theater, a revered institution within the Cuban art scene. Towering over te entrance to the bay is Jagua Castle, Cienfuegos’ oldest fortress, built in 1745 to protect the city from corsairs and pirates. One shouldn’t leave Cienfuegos without visiting the Marina and Nautical Club, a stately building by the bay offering sunset cruises, catamaran outings, and access to the best diving in this part of Cuba. Also worth visiting, the vast Botanical Gardens founded in 1901 under the name “Harvard Botanical Station for Tropical Research and Sugar Cane Investigation”. Today, the garden boasts a large collection of exotic plants including endemic orchids, palms, ficus, bamboo and species from other latitudes. Cienfuegos is a gift from the gods. It continues to draw inspiration from its French origins while staying modern and relevant, beautiful and promising. The sea frames the city with a warm embrace and the blue waters that surround it are a true privilege. Cienfuegos is a cultural cluster located between the sea and the mountains. TOCA Events, under its division TOCA Trips, offers curated, personalized trips to Cienfuegos and other Cuban destinations where we share our experiences and knowledge with sophisticated travels looking for exposure to something they may not have experienced before. You
Curating Experiences
Every now and then we have to stop and think about how grateful we are to have gotten into the business of curating experiences through TOCA Events. Uniting people together through entertainment and the beauty of other cultures is certainly the perfect formula for helping make life so rich and varied. We all know that creating a united world comes through sharing knowledge. Travel, the arts, food, and philosophy are just some of the ways we foster a greater awareness of the similarities and beautiful differences between cultures. Through dialogue and exposure we make a collective vision that helps to empower our own individual take on the world, as well as a much wider awareness of the varied and colorful communities that exist around the globe. Sharing is the key. We are truly in a time of individual and communal transformation, with communication and knowledge at our fingertips whenever we have the desire to learn more. Creative partnerships are paving the way for greater global unity through sharing ideas, expertise, and joy. At TOCA, we emphasize this through all of our programs, collaborating with people from different cultures to bring new awareness to our audiences. As all of you readers of the TOCA blogs are well aware, we adore travel. Along with the excitement of discovering the unknown, exploring the world expands the mind and spirit. Sharing language, history, and different customs adds color and heart to life, with every location on this earth emanating its own soul. And of course, travel helps to dispel preconceptions and prejudices as we open up to the new. We have created TOCA Culture to reach into communities worldwide, enjoy their spirit, and help share this energy with our clients. Whether it is a musical tour, learning a specific craft, taking a cooking course, or enjoying a festival, a film or the nightlife and natural resources of a given region, we enjoy the sense of sharing what we have discovered… and always with a light and conscious footprint wherever we go! One person can accomplish amazing things. Companies have an even farther reach, working within their own business culture to extend outwards. In our company, we always seek to gift our clients with the exposure to something they may not have experienced before. Keeping cultures alive through awareness is just part of what it takes to create global unity. By sharing the spirit of the world, we can honor those communities that we are not familiar with, with their customs enriching our view of the world. www.tocaevents.com
The Exciting Game of Sports Marketing
As we prepare for the Rio Summer Games, where we are assisting the NBA for the third year in a row, it occurs to us that we might say a few words about the exciting game of sports marketing. As huge sports fans, we at TOCA are always thrilled when we are called upon to provide our sports clients with strategies that bring their goods and services to expectant fans. Perhaps more than any type of event, sports has the power to ignite both the passion and pride of its viewers. Ready to cheer for their favorite athletes and teams, there is no more vicarious thrill than feeling the excitement generated by fans when the game is on. Competition, an undetermined outcome, and star athletes put everyone on the edge of their seats, creating a thrilling mix that electrifies every sporting event. Sports marketing wouldn’t be what it is if advertising wasn’t tied in to the event at hand. The popularity of teams and athletes encourages fans to purchase the products and services that they support, which creates an undeniable synergy. At TOCA our task is to come up with great strategies that will promote an event, along with the goods and services that go along with it. In service to this, we provide our clients and audiences with interactive settings that keep team spirit at its highest and client brands at the forefront. Getting the public to participate in ancillary events, allowing them to get closer to their favorite athletes and teams through live feeds and parties, and providing urban elements that encourage fans to stay active is what makes an event successful. Our goal at TOCA is always based on offering people a wonderful time, and it is with this in mind that we create our marketing strategies. Sports marketing is a fast-paced, energetic facet of event production. It requires quick thinking and a knack for coming up with creative solutions for promotion and advertising. Attention to detail, good communication and organizational skills, and a ton of flexibility make for a great result. When clients keep coming back for each new event, you know your formula is working. In this regard, we are proud to be producing three more events for Univision’s USA Mexico game, including simultaneous live viewing parties in L.A. and Dallas. We expect over 4,000 fans to turn up at each location, with fun and games for all. We have many sports marketing-related events in the works, many with return clients who want more of the TOCA touch. With each one, we rev up our motor, hone our skills, and revel in the excitement we share with our clients, the sponsors, and the fans. And of course, with each production, we learn more about our craft as we come up with new ideas for the exciting game of sports marketing. www.tocaevents.com