Leap Year saunters in every four years, tossing an extra day into February like a secret bonus track on your favorite album. It's the universe's way of saying, "Here, have some extra time," because, apparently, even celestial bodies recognize humans could use a do-over button every now and then. A Slice of History with Extra Toppings Good ol’ Julius Caesar, the OG calendar DJ, spinning Earth's orbit into a tune that almost syncs with the sun. Leap Year is his remix to avoid time drift, making it the ancient world's answer to "Oops, we miscalculated". Leap Day Love and Other Shenanigans Then there's Leap Day, flipping traditional courtship on its head since the 5th century. It's the original Sadie Hawkins Day, where women proposing to men isn't just accepted; it's tradition. Planning an event on this day? Channel that Leap Day spirit and create a bash where norms are parked at the door, and spontaneity reigns supreme. Bonus points if you manage to get a proposal story that beats "He asked over dinner". Fortune Favors the Bold (and the Quirky) Legend has it that Leap Day is sprinkled with a bit of luck, making it prime time for those "Why not?" moments. Hosting an event? Make it a "Leap of Faith" affair where guests are encouraged to embark on new ventures or maybe just try sushi for the first time. It's about making the most of this calendar oddity with a sense of adventure and, possibly, a dash of recklessness. Marketing Sass Leap Year's scarcity is like that limited-edition sneaker drop: blink and you'll miss it. Use this to your advantage. Market your event with the urgency of a midnight sale, teasing the exclusivity of a "Leap Year Edition" bash. Remember, this is your chance to sell the idea of a party so unique it's like finding a four-leaf clover in a concrete jungle. To Wrap It Up Leap Year is a chance to throw the kind of event that makes regular parties look like a Monday morning meeting. It's a reminder that time is weird, life is short, and every now and then, we get a 24-hour bonus round. Remember when it’s February 29th that it's not just another day - it's an excuse to leap a little higher, laugh a little louder, and maybe even plan the kind of event that'll have people talking until the next Leap Year rolls in. Source: advanceamerica | allthatinteresting

Written by Kelly Burns, Founder + Managing Director, AGENCYNESS The event production industry is no exception. The FTC's landmark ruling to ban these restrictive agreements is a game-changer for marketing + event professionals and signals a change for the industry. While historically seen as a safeguard for client relationships, these agreements can stifle innovation and limit career mobility for talented event professionals. Bye-Bye Boxed In: For too long, talented event professionals have been handcuffed by these non-competes, limiting their ability to pursue new opportunities and advance their careers. I too, faced this previously in my career with agencies putting a stronghold on the relationships I had built over countless years. Therefore, when new opportunities and greener pastures had presented themselves, it wasn’t always the easiest decision to take the leap. Collaboration, Not Control: The FTC's decision further strengthens our thought process in general: Strong client relationships are built on trust and collaboration, not contractual limitations. The Future is Freer: With non-competes out of the picture, event professionals can now freely leverage their expertise across diverse portfolios and level the playing field amongst the ever-advancing industry. This synergy of talent fosters an environment brimming with fresh concepts and disruptive approaches. Imagine a world where event professionals with experience from different agencies collaborate to create truly groundbreaking experiences for your brand! A Breath of Fresh Air for This Agency: As an event agency owner, you might expect some pushback from me on the non-compete ban. But here's the thing: this ruling is a breath of fresh air for this business. Why? It aligns perfectly with how I believe we should operate. Sure, there might be a bit of risk involved – a challenge to constantly improve and retain top talent. But that challenge pushes me to be a better leader, not just another face onsite for clients. Loyalty based on trust, not restrictions, is what truly matters to me. Source: FTC

International Women's Day 2024: Brace yourselves! This International Women's Day, AGENCYNESS isn't just joining the conversation on inclusion for women—we've been rewriting the script and shouting it from the rooftops. "Inspire Inclusion" isn't a mere theme to us; it's our rallying cry. As a trailblazing company owned and operated by fierce women, we're not here to play by the rules. We're here to redefine the game. Enough with the lip service; we're rolling up our sleeves and taking action! Our Rallying Cry: Why do we care so much? Because it is coded into our DNA! We've navigated the "sweethearts," the eye rolls, and the slammed doors throughout our careers. And what did we do? We kicked those doors down and made our own entrance. Our paths have been anything but a leisurely stroll. It's been a relentless marathon – in 4” heels… backwards. But here we are, forging the path, running 6 minute miles, and ready to learn from our own personal setbacks and celebrate our victories to empower others. Though we must remember - there is more work to do. Commitment to Change: Let’s cut to the chase — change, especially regarding fair pay, recognition, and career growth for women and crushing the archaic "good ol' boys" club in live production is overdue. AGENCYNESS stands proud with our army of women in production, show management and AV roles, and we’re providing the opportunities aforementioned for these women to thrive. A few examples of these are: 💸 We compensate fairly and take steps to ensure they know their worth! Ever heard of an agency willing to pay more than what was asked? That’s us, continuously fighting for the proper valuation of women’s roles in our programs. 🎯 We offer the flexibility to travel with families when they need to be onsite for our programs. Listen, show business is tough - especially on families. But extending the opportunity for a flexible environment where we want our team performing at their best is key. Husbands, partners, children, nannies, friends? No problem - just be on time. ;) ✨ We empower women to bring their magic to the table in ways that help with their career growth. We are BIG fans of supporting those who ask for it. What is your preferred role on this project?  Where can you make the most impact for our team?  It’s these kinds of actions that can be powerful to us all. 🌱 We are big advocates of mentorship. Ever have thoughts of what you would tell your young self entering into this industry, let alone the corporate world?  Yeah, us too! Leveraging seasoned professionals' insights to pave the way for the new wave of young women in this complex industry can help prepare them to better navigate the learning curve and balance the intense workloads against a flourishing personal life. Nothing fulfills us more than providing real solutions – and dare we say: with a bit more grace. A recent commendation from a client who recognized what we're doing says it all: “I love this – what a powerful and inspiring group of women leading the production of our event” In our ongoing quest for genuine inclusion and equity for women in our industry, we're no longer asking for a seat at the table - we're proactively building a new one. We are making IWD 2024 a moment when we celebrate how far we've come, and how we will continue to make tangible progress one show at a time. So, rally with us as we aren’t merely observing anymore; we're leading the charge. And we’re confident our supportive and encouraging male colleagues could not agree more. ;) We leave you today with one of our favorite quotes: "Well-behaved women rarely make history." —Eleanor Roosevelt Sound like a vibe you want to be apart of? Get in touch and lets start planning your future!

Welcome to 2024 - where we’re leaping into this leap year, dusting off the holiday glitter, and refocusing our efforts; at AGENCYNESS, we’re setting those yearly intentions and laying the foundation for the 12 new chapters ahead. Being the proud #goaldiggers we are, we have always been fond of channeling our energy towards what we truly want to see flourish, and this year is no different. Therefore, rather than sharing our perspective on what’s IN vs. what’s OUT for the coming year, we are simply focusing on the positive – what's IN – and anchoring ourselves in what we want to see MORE OF in the coming year – event production style. 01. More Peer Networking and Human Connection: Not Just Agenda Buzzwords Let's face it, in the digital age, human connection is like gold dust. With remote work being the new normal, events are now the grand stage for real, tangible interactions. We're talking more peer-to-peer time, networking spaces, and activities that aren't just add-ons or the 15 minute coffee break, but the core of your event strategy. 🎯 Remember, your audience isn't just craving connections; they're downright famished for it! Julius Solaris hits the nail on the head with his insights on networking at events. Check out his post here for some food for thought. 02. Sweet Shizzle for My Snoop Dizzle: Embracing the Disruptors 2023 gave us more Snoop in all his glory, and we're not just talking about music. From his quirky collaborations we’ve seen in the past (hello, Martha!) to his most recent “I’m giving up smoke” ad campaign with Solo Stove that left the world spinning for a few days. And the announcement just this week that he’ll be joining NBC as host of the “high jump” at the 2024 Olympics in Paris - Snoop Dogg has been a breath of fresh, albeit smoky, air. 💨 And if you’re late to the party, Snoop's LinkedIn commentary is sooooo worth the follow in every way to read more about this rapper from the LBC, who has taken his role as business man to the next level. Let's bring more of this unexpected and delightful disruption into 2024 – cause we fo-shizzle need MORE of this in our lives. 03. Flawless Event Production: The Magic Behind the Scenes Do you feel like you have a technical curse that follows your events? 🙈 Have you clicked to advance that perfectly edited new video to no avail? 🙉 Did your microphone give that awful screeching feedback as you introduced yourself? 🙊 Was the timing off on your cues with your production team? If so, hire a show management team! Our motto is simple yet effective: help us help you! We are the ace up your sleeve, the magicians behind the curtain, ready to deliver a flawless show. 🪄 But to do so, we need to be (quite literally) one step ahead of you. 👟 We need to be even more prepared than you as a speaker to intercept potential mistakes onstage. These aren't hypothetical scenarios; these are real challenges we've faced and overcome. Remember, a great show is like a swan - graceful on the surface, but furiously paddling underneath. And we're pretty good at being those swans, just sayin’. 🦢 In all seriousness, these issues often arise from relying on teams that lack the necessary expertise to execute a show properly. Or perhaps it's a case of making too many last-minute changes, rushing into the general session mere minutes before it's due to start. A proficient Show Management Team, however, does more than just manage crises. A good team will proactively push you to meet deadlines, encourage speakers to participate in both pre-event and onsite rehearsals, ensure timely delivery of content, and promote thorough preparation. When we’re all on the same page, that’s when the real magic happens. 🌟 04. Engaging Keynotes: The Art of PREP-ER-A-TION Great speeches don't just happen; they're carefully crafted masterpieces. We're talking about thoughtful storytelling and extensive preparation that leave you craving more from said speaker; not just a last-minute PowerPoint hustle to get a point or two across. 📣 Have you ever wanted to deliver a speech that rivals your favorite TedTalk?  We’ll let you in on a dirty little secret; they are not preparing their speech the night before their presentation, nor the week before. 🤫 And with many industry professionals claiming [Connection > Content] is the new event strategy for 2024, the same ol’ song won’t be in tune for much longer – therefore the content and speech delivery cannot be good, it must be GREAT to resonate. Many times we are asked on the best approach to guiding speakers before a presentation and of course the messaging is critical – but what sets apart the best speakers in our book is no other than preparation. Take a leaf out of one of our favorite keynote speakers Judi Holler's books; she knows her stuff, balancing so many rehearsals she’s lost count with wellness rituals days before hitting the stage to be in top form EVERY-SINGLE-TIME. It's all about mind, body, and content alignment for this pro and it shows. PS – Judi Holler recently dropped ‘Speaker School’ and it’s an amazing concept for those that want to take their stage presence up a notch or two. And she loves to rock sequins and hot pink on stage while rapping poetry or dropping improv (what more can we ask for?!) 🪩 💖 05. Anchoring to a Strategy and Never Losing Sight Of It Do You Really Have a Strategy? This year, we challenge you to think deeply about your event strategy. It’s essential to have a clear, well-defined framework that guides every decision around the event. What is a Strategy, Really? A strategy is more than a set of goals; it’s the backbone of your decision-making process. It should be well-articulated and serve as the north star to align your program objectives. Consider the purpose of your event, the short/long term vision, company initiatives, your target audience and the KPI’s. What is NOT a strategy: A strategy is not the shiny new venue that you are selecting for your show, nor is it the detailed agenda for your program. We must think about the objective of the program and never lose sight of the preferred outcome. Alignment is Key. Every activity, event, session, or theme should align with your strategy. No matter how tempting (or cool) that sponsor activation could be, if it doesn’t align, it’s time to say no. Consistently ask: Does this align with our strategic goals? If not, let-it-go... ❄️ 🎶 ❄️ 06. Introverts, Unite! Creating Comfortable Spaces for All As self-proclaimed extroverted introverts, we get it. Events can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. It's high time we design our events to be inclusive, offering varied experiences that cater to all personalities. Small meetups, buddy programs, and serene wellness activities are just the beginning. 07. AI Tools: The Future Is Getting More Productive Yes, there’s an AI tool for that! 📲 We've just scratched the surface but we are approaching an era that resembles a time when mobile apps exploded. Although there is so much more to come, these tools have been revolutionizing productivity, and we're all for it. 📈 Our current favorite? Fireflies.ai for Zoom meetings. It's like having your personal assistant scribing away in that meeting, minus the coffee runs. Check it out! 📝 08. Color Blocking: Making Bold Statements Color blocking is not just a trend; it's a statement. 🎨 It's about being bold, vibrant, and unapologetically present. It's a visual feast that we absolutely adore, and we bet you will too. See for yourself how Swarovski brought this concept to life so beautifully. 💚💛🩷 There you have it – a sneak peek into what we want MORE of and our “IN” list for 2024. It's not just about following trends; it's about setting them (and sticking to ‘em). We’ll see you backstage! ;) Need more information about how. to incorporate these into your next event? Get in touch! Sources: NBC  | Swarovski

Say goodbye to scouring event galleries for hours looking for those insta-worhty pics with your colleagues at the last conference you attended. Here is an AI tool worthy of a bookmark that was used at an event we helped produce this month with our clients at Primary Venture Partners. NYC Summit used this exciting new AI tool, Clik! Clik allows you to upload a selfie to their software after the event where it will pluck your fabulous face out from the pictures taken throughout the day. We all know what a nightmare (and eye-squintingly headache inducing) it can be to root through thousands of pictures and tiny thumbnails to get a glimpse of yourself enjoying the event, so Clik is to the rescue! Clik opens up a new door of possibilities for us #eventprofs so don’t be surprised when we offer this cool and efficient tool on our next collaboration. We want to make sure the entire experience is thoughtful, on and off the screen, and we can’t wait to enhance the post-event experience for attendees. See it for yourself! Clik It Here

Our client recently hosted an inaugural conference unlike any other, where diversity, equity, and inclusion took center stage. Agencyness had the privilege of orchestrating this two-day conference full of ideas and interactions that made for an unforgettable experience. The conference buzzed with an energy that was palpable, a testament to the colorful tapestry of attendees who brought their stories and spirits into the space. It wasn't just a meeting of minds but a celebration of what makes each of us unique. Of course, the heart of the conference was the amazing speakers. Agencyness didn't just produce and manage this aspect—we helped our clients curate an experience and bring their vision to life. Leaders and change-makers took to the stage to share insights and inspirations, each talk a thread woven into the larger narrative of change and progress. The decor was as dynamic as the dialogue, with bursts of color and pockets of interactive spaces designed to not only please the eye but to foster the flow of ideas, something we pride ourselves on at Agencyness. We formulated a creative photo-op session where with a swipe of lipstick, attendees scrawled powerful words representing DEI on their arms, turning their arms into living personal banners proudly flown for the world to see. Another fun element of the conference was lipology! Lipologists, like palm readers, have the power to read each lip print, as unique as fingerprints, which added a mystical touch to the fun. As we chimed “that’s a wrap” on this inaugural conference, it was clear that what took place was more than just another corporate event. It was a powerful demonstration of how when we support our clients with big initiatives we're not just talking about change—we're living it! And we are HERE-FOR-IT! #MOMENTSTHATMATTER #EVENTSWITHPURPOSE

It's called The Sphere, at least for the moment (until a naming rights deal comes along). The Madison Square Garden Sphere is an entertainment venue project by the MSG Entertainment Corp and is unlike any venue you've seen before. Located on the Las Vegas Strip just east of the Venetian and Palazzo. Designed to feature advanced technologies and literally reshape not just the skyline but the entertainment industry as well. With a jaw dropping opening performance on July 4th that included stunning visuals of fireworks, floral, underwater and the American flag it's no doubt that this is the venue of the year! See it for yourself HERE from the source. Here are some fun facts about the MSG Sphere. The Details: The Sphere is 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, it has 17,500 seats and standing room for 25,000 guests with 23 VIP suites. OMG, The LED: It has the highest resolution screen in the world with 1.2 million LED lights and 19,000 x 13,500 pixels for a fully immersive environment for concerts, shows and live events. The Acoustics: The acoustics system has advanced technologies with 157,000 ultra directional speakers ensuring all seats offer an over-the-top audio experience with infrasound haptic system which allows viewers to "feel the music" literally (with vibrations and wind machines). The Shows: U2, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, will be taking center stage and the first to perform in The Sphere starting in September 2023 with a ticket range of $500 over $1k. Will we see you there too?! So, if you're interested in seeing your favorite sports team, music artist, film or even hosting a corporate event look no further than the one and only The Sphere, coming Fall 2023. Sources: Spherevegas, Casino.org, USA Today, Vegas Food & Fun,

In a world fatigued by meetings, keeping attendees inspired can be quite challenging. We understand the importance of creating memorable experiences that foster creativity and build connections. So, when our client asked us to find the perfect venue for a unique experience to engage their teams, we couldn't help but suggest Brush Creek Ranch. While there's always a need for traditional meeting venues with targeted audiences, when your goal is an intimate, out-of-the-box offsite, this venue checks all the boxes – and then some. Brimming with refined luxury, The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is an exclusive destination abundant with authentic ranch culture, unbridled adventure and limitless panoramic landscapes. This place will leave you speechless, while providing a resort with a plethora of unique opportunities to connect your teams in a truly special way. What we love most about Brush Creek Ranch Luxury Ranchers Things are not quite the same once you pass through their gates. Their luxury dude ranch accommodations combine legacy, tradition, and heritage with modern extravagance. Authentic, western exteriors are accompanied by modern amenities and lavish accents to favor your ultimate comfort. Their accommodations provide a seamless semblance of the “old west” while maintaining luxury incorporating modern amenities throughout. Culinary The Farm at Brush Creek is redefining the culinary experience with its innovative approach. Treat your guests to an immersive opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skill set in the culinary arts. Their expert culinary team utilizes fresh ingredients from their 20,000-sqaure-foot Greenhouse, along with ranch-raised Wagyu beef and cheese made from their own goat herd to create one-of-a- kind dishes paired with wine and spirits from the on-site Distillery and 94-yard wine cellar. From fine dining at Cheyenne Club to interactive epicurean experiences such as distilling, cheese making, baking, and mixology classes, The Farm is an integral component to Brush Creek Ranch and is exclusive to its guests. Adventure + Wellness What sets Brush Creek Ranch apart is their commitment to providing personalized, "choose your own adventure" experiences for attendees. With an extensive range of daily activities available, including horseback riding, rafting, archery, zip-lining, high-mountain hiking, fly fishing, and more, there's something for everyone. For those seeking a more serene experience, options like yoga sessions and reiki are also available. This diversity ensures that everyone can find something they love and provides the perfect opportunity for attendees to connect on another level, encouraging small huddles and fostering strong connections. Meetings + Events Get ready to break free from the traditional event venues, as you won't find any airwalls around here! Their exceptional collection of event spaces includes the exclusive Saddle Barn, an impressive Wine Tunnel ideal for exquisite dinners, and the Event Lawn with panoramic views that will take your breath away. The sheer uniqueness of these venues is guaranteed to make your offsite unforgettable. Their facilities can accommodate up to 150 people comfortably. And the opportunities for unique on-ranch events are endless, from savoring a gourmet meal in remote dining yurts to enjoying group campfires along the banks of Brush Creek. With mountaintop entertainment patios, the possibilities are simply limitless! Location Nestled on 30,000 acres of secluded land in the heart of the American West in Saratoga, Wyoming, this destination is truly like no other. Although secluded, Brush Creek Ranch is easily accessible, just over an hour's drive from a regional airport with daily commercial flights. Is the West Calling? If you're looking for an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience for your next offsite, get in touch to learn more about the special concessions available to AGENCYNESS customers -- and let us help you produce your next unforgettable offsite.

Happy Halloween Event Profs! We're excited to share a game-changing AI tool that's taken our event design inspo to the next level: Midjourney. Midjourney is the Picasso of AI tools, a creative genius at your service when you need an extra spark or idea to get those creative juices flowing. Unlock Your Creativity: Real Life Inspo When you need “out of the box ideas'' let Midjourney be your creative companion to help steer you in the right direction. Now, we’re not suggesting this AI tool to replace your own genius ideas, but it certainly helps deliver creativity in ways never quite accessible before when searching for a bit more inspo to add the extra oomph to your event design. To give you a taste of what’s possible, here are some prompt examples we have generated using Midjourney, spooky style!: Prompt: A luxury fashion brand hosts a brand pop up with a fashion show in a pumpkin patch Prompt: A modern stage set with neon accents in a spooky halloween theme Prompt: A large tech conference is hosted in a haunted house As you can see from the visuals above, the graphics are interesting and although we wouldn't be replicating these anytime soon, each of them do have cool elements we would take into consideration for designs that fit the bill. And the best part, these were all generated in seconds. More on How Midjourney Gives Your Event Design a Creative Edge Visualize Your Imagination: Midjourney helps you see your event visions come to life. Need ideas for stage or set design? Midjourney generates images that match your imagination. Save Time: Say goodbye to time consuming stock photo searches or tirelessly looking for that inspiring photo to help support the concept you’re looking to bring to life. Your 24/7 creative studio, producing visuals of literally anything you can think of, on demand. End those Creativite Blocks: Midjourney helps you get over the hump of those pesky creative roadblocks and allows you to warm up before the real magic begins Infinite Iterations: Test and experiment with countless design ideas effortlessly until you find the perfect spark of inspiration. But there is one (important) thing to note. Using generative AI tools, like Midjourney, does come with a learning curve and it takes time and practice to get the hang of it. However, once you master it, the possibilities can be endless. Midjourney is helping us smash through those creative roadblocks and make our event design journey a little more unexpected and exciting. Stay creative, stay innovative, and let this AI tool help you with new, groundbreaking designs. Stay sparkly ✨ (and spooky)! 👻

We’ve all been there — the dreaded event hangover. And sometimes, it can feel worse than a wild night out drinking copious amounts of tequila on an empty stomach. All the stress, adrenaline and exhaustion of bringing that project to life can take a serious toll on your mind and body. And then of course, the 27,000 steps you peaked at daily while onsite playing magician. You deserve some self-care STAT. Here are our top five go-to strategies to bounce back quickly. 1. Rest and get a foot massage: Your body needs rest after the stress of an event, so make sure to take the time to recuperate. Consider treating yourself to a relaxing reflexology massage - your feet will appreciate it after the 100k+ steps onsite. 2. Hydrate: Dehydration can intensify feelings of exhaustion, so be sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate. And if you're feeling fancy, why not add some French Bubbles? Just make sure to match it with equal parts water. 3. Eat well. To help replenish your body's energy reserves, opt for fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. And if french fries are required — we won’t judge! 4. Stretching, exercise: Engage in physical activity like stretching or yoga to release muscle tension and improve circulation. It may be the last thing you want to do when you’re exhausted, but trust us — it’s a game changer. Not to mention, getting it in daily WHILE onsite can help with stress relief. One of our favorites apps to use on-the-go which is especially helpful while onsite is from Melissa Wood Health -- check it out! 5. Reflect: Take some time to reflect on the event and celebrate the wins. You’ll have time to review your opportunities L A T E R! For now, enjoy the moment and shut out the noise for the time being to give yourself time to relax. Until the next show — and we can’t wait to do it all over again. If you have something to add, hit us up. We'd love to hear from you.