FAM trips are an incredible tool that both suppliers and planners use to gather information and business contacts.  When attending or planning a FAM, here are my suggestions for making sure the experience is a good one.

FAM Trips Do's and Don'ts

Please visit this great article with suggestions from me about planning a Destination Wedding

http://weddingsinhouston.com/eblast_images/151_PDFS/WIH151_400-401_GetAwayFromItAll.pdf

New article about the destination of Aspen, Colorado

/http://houston.culturemap.com/news/travel/07-19-14-destination-aspen-where-to-stay-eat-shop-and-enjoy-a-cool-colorado-getaway-1/

New Article in Special Events Magazine

In event planning it is important to really think it all the way through

Had such a great time writing this article and with so many options in Houston, it was easy to do.

Another great event(s) produced by Elias Events.

Future so bright, gotta wear shades.

New Article for Culturemap.com. Excited about new opportunity to write section called All About Events.

WHERE IN THE WORLD ……..?

1….. is the closet tropical living to the Western United States? It’s neither Hawaii nor the Caribbean
Answer… Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

2….. are there beach front vacation rental villas, where every room commands spectacular views, even the bathrooms, even the bathtubs.
Answer… Puerto Vallarta Beach Club. One at the most uniquely designed resorts in the world.

3……are there vacation rental villas or any hospitality venue that can boast a 93% repeat guest factor.
Answer… Puerto Vallarta ’s Villa Verano.

4…… can you lay on a “tropical beach” having a great lunch, wine and that night have dinner in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, or Houston.
Answer… Only in Puerto Vallarta.

5…… can you take a group a friends, family, or business associates, to a private rental estate and all 3 meals, and liquors, are usually less than 40 dollars a day, per person.
Answer … Villa Verano Puerto Vallarta.

6…… can you vacation in world class private villas, in a tropical beach front jungle, yet a 4 minute walk to an exotic and lively night life.
Answer… Puerto Vallarta Beach Club.

7…… did Robin Leach find “Pure Sanctuary” and called it “Hollywood’s Best Kept Secret”
Answer … Puerto Vallarta ‘s Villa Verano.

8…… can the western u.s. fly to the tropics without east or west jet lag.
Answer… Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

9…… do you know a vacation rental villa that the same business and leisure groups have been going for 21 years?
Answer… Puerto Vallarta ‘s Villa Verano.

10…… can you rent a private tropical beach front villa with houseman, maid, private pool, gourmet kitchen, private beach, and walking distances to all the fun, shops, restaurants and night life for $300 us per night , per bedroom.
Answer… Puerto Vallarta Beach Club.

Elias Events lights up the night with Fire and Ice.

http://www.bizbash.com/amex_logo_shows_up_on_everything_from_flip-flops_to_ice_cubes_at_delta_air_lines_opening_party/orlando/story/20623

Had a fabulous time with Veronica Millstid Levine of Bailey Conner Catering filming at Party Girl segment for Wild About Houston. Her new program for Team Building will definitely be sought after by companies looking for fresh ideas. The company also has ideas for cooking parties and fun cocktail events.

http://www.myhoustons55.com/_Team-Building-Iron-Chef-Style/video/1114688/38668.html

Had a wonderful time with Christine and Patti at La Torreta Del Lago. The property has undergone an extension renovation and is an amazing location to host a Destination Wedding or Conference. Located about an hour outside of Houston proper, it sits on Lake Conroe. I have to say i was taken back by the beauty of the property, the amenities and the service. i will be working with them in July with the Deer Breeder Co-op conference. They have a focus on weddings and social events and in 2011 will even be adding a locale for have a wedding close to the waters edge with the sun set as a perfect backrdop. http://www.latorrettalakeresort.com/

So many details to remember when planning a Destination Wedding. Here is a guide to help you with the planning

http://www.houstonbridalnetwork.com/pages/bride_article_3.php

I love finding new places to host events. Your Cup of Tea in Houston is a delightful venue for brunches like Bridal Showers, Wedding Day or Mother's Day. Also fabulous for authentic afternoon tea. With a wonderful selection of tea, finger sandwhiches and china, it makes for a great experience. www.urcupoftea.com