Enjoying the Music Scene in St. Pete
Located in Western Florida on the beautiful Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is experiencing a renaissance, and amidst this cultural wave is an emerging music scene that is quickly gaining international momentum. With our TOCA offices in South Florida, it is always a pleasure for us to take a trip up the coast to visit the St. Pete/Clearwater area. Something For Everyone Whether you prefer catching a local duo at sunset, such as the Ries Brothers (just back from touring with the band Chicago), or spending your weekend at the annual Blues Festival enjoying world-class entertainment with front row vistas of St. Pete’s downtown waterfront, there is something here for every musical taste. And in every venue, you have the guarantee of rubbing shoulders with an enthusiastic mix of locals and tourists exploring the ever-expanding pool of musically diverse options. From Stars to Drum Circles With world-class musicians gracing stages here, you can just as easily experience the pulsing rhythms of Carlos Santana, as audiences in Clearwater did not long ago, or get caught up in an informal but impressive mass-gathering of drummers who every Sunday at dusk recreate the mesmerizing ritual that dates back to tribal times known as a “Drum Circle.” Covering It All Annual music festivals such as the famed punk/rock “Vans Warped Tour” and the “Sunshine Music Festival,” with it’s huge range of exciting acts such as Grace Potter, Los Lobos, and The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, make it totally possible to catch your favorite line-up. If you’re a jazz aficionado, you can enjoy four days straight of great music in Clearwater at Coachman Park with stars like Tony Bennett, Spyro Gyra, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. With the “Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic” and the “Tampa Bay Blues Fest,” its easy to see that St. Petersburg has it all covered. And If You Just Want to Chill… And when its time to just lay back and chill, you can do as we do when in St. Pete: go to our favorite local New Orleans-style bistro, Ricky P’s, and listen to the soothing sounds of Quin Halpain, a high-school trumpeter whose soulful melodies drift down from his balcony perch like feathers from a Mardis Gras mask. Armed with a bowl of steamy She-Crab chowder and a bottle of ice cold Abita beer, you couldn’t ask for more. www.tocaevents.com[:pb] Located in Western Florida on the beautiful Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is experiencing a renaissance, and amidst this cultural wave is an emerging music scene that is quickly gaining international momentum. With our TOCA offices in South Florida, it is always a pleasure for us to take a trip up the coast to visit the St. Pete/Clearwater area. Something For Everyone Whether you prefer catching a local duo at sunset, such as the Ries Brothers (just back from touring with the band Chicago), or spending your weekend at the annual Blues Festival enjoying world-class entertainment with front row vistas of St. Pete’s downtown waterfront, there is something here for every musical taste. And in every venue, you have the guarantee of rubbing shoulders with an enthusiastic mix of locals and tourists exploring the ever-expanding pool of musically diverse options. From Stars to Drum Circles With world-class musicians gracing stages here, you can just as easily experience the pulsing rhythms of Carlos Santana, as audiences in Clearwater did not long ago, or get caught up in an informal but impressive mass-gathering of drummers who every Sunday at dusk recreate the mesmerizing ritual that dates back to tribal times known as a “Drum Circle.” Covering It All Annual music festivals such as the famed punk/rock “Vans Warped Tour” and the “Sunshine Music Festival,” with it’s huge range of exciting acts such as Grace Potter, Los Lobos, and The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, make it totally possible to catch your favorite line-up. If you’re a jazz aficionado, you can enjoy four days straight of great music in Clearwater at Coachman Park with stars like Tony Bennett, Spyro Gyra, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. With the “Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic” and the “Tampa Bay Blues Fest,” its easy to see that St. Petersburg has it all covered. And If You Just Want to Chill… And when its time to just lay back and chill, you can do as we do when in St. Pete: go to our favorite local New Orleans-style bistro, Ricky P’s, and listen to the soothing sounds of Quin Halpain, a high-school trumpeter whose soulful melodies drift down from his balcony perch like feathers from a Mardis Gras mask. Armed with a bowl of steamy She-Crab chowder and a bottle of ice cold Abita beer, you couldn’t ask for more. www.tocaevents.com[:es] Located in Western Florida on the beautiful Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is experiencing a renaissance, and amidst this cultural wave is an emerging music scene that is quickly gaining international momentum. With our TOCA offices in South Florida, it is always a pleasure for us to take a trip up the coast to visit the St. Pete/Clearwater area. Something For Everyone Whether you prefer catching a local duo at sunset, such as the Ries Brothers (just back from touring with the band Chicago), or spending your weekend at the annual Blues Festival enjoying world-class entertainment with front row vistas of St. Pete’s downtown waterfront, there is something here for every musical taste. And in every venue, you have the guarantee of rubbing shoulders with an enthusiastic mix of locals and tourists exploring the ever-expanding pool of musically diverse options. From Stars to Drum Circles With world-class musicians gracing stages here, you can just as easily experience the pulsing rhythms of Carlos Santana, as audiences in Clearwater did not long ago, or get caught up in an informal but impressive mass-gathering of drummers who every Sunday at dusk recreate the mesmerizing ritual that dates back to tribal times known as a “Drum Circle.” Covering It All Annual music festivals such as the famed punk/rock “Vans Warped Tour” and the “Sunshine Music Festival,” with it’s huge range of exciting acts such as Grace Potter, Los
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
Rio de Janeiro: Passion, Pleasure, and Practicality
Rio de Janeiro… immediately the name evokes steamy nights, sun-filled days, samba, Carnival, and so much more. If you’ve already been to Rio, you might remember the first time you arrived, with that view of Corcovado rising from the ocean, the long stretches of beach, and the fragrance of possibility permeating all. Known as the happiest city in the world, it is no wonder that TOCA Events is based here, as well as in sexy Miami. In fact, TOCA co-owner Robson Coccaro is a Rio native, with all the charm, spice, and flair that is so emblematic of his culture. Soccer at sunset in Ipanema: Carioca life style Exceptional Weather, Exceptional Culture At TOCA, we love Rio for uncountable reasons. The hot summer weather that sends us straight to the water; the temperate winter that has us donning light sweaters as our friends in colder climes wish they were here; the exceptional culture that captures cuisine, entertainment, and all the rest that defines Rio’s sultry and fun-loving way of looking at life; and the exuberance of the people, which keeps us smiling 24/7. A Passion for Life We don’t have to tell you that the Brazilian passion for life is contagious. Go to one Carnaval celebration and you’ll be hooked for life. The greatest party in the world, this is just one facet of Rio that keeps revelers coming back for more. Architectural Imagination and Respect for the Past Rio is a combination of gorgeous Colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. With so many cities losing their character to overdevelopment and poor city planning, Rio maintains its soul by fusing architectural imagination with a respect for the past. Unparalleled Nature And then of course, there is the natural scenery, with 55 miles of gorgeous beaches, including famed Ipanema and Copacabana. Visit the 8,000 acres of Tijuca National Park and you will be in the midst of the largest urban forest in the world, found right at the base of the Christ statue. Venture further out and you will experience breathtaking flora and fauna in natural habitats that are unparalleled. The Perfect Meeting Ground As global event planners, it became obvious to us right from the start that Rio de Janeiro is the perfect meeting ground for businesses around the world. With its growing infrastructure, the city boasts great hotels, a good subway system, an international airport that is only 25 minutes from downtown, and exceptional convention venues. Event Planning Whether planning an event in the trendy Tijuca district at Riocentro, with its five pavillions and one million square feet of space, or in Lapa, the artistic neighborhood that features the Rio Scenarium, options abound. Every event venue offers a plethora of activities all around, including live music events, hotels, and excellent restaurants. Our event planning team often opts for locations around Sugarloaf where there are various meeting areas highlighted by the stunning view. Knowing the City Like the Back of Our Hand Having a main office in Rio makes us very lucky event planners indeed, and we know the city like the back of our hand. From sports hospitality, B2B forums, product launches, and everything in between, TOCA is often called upon to host major events such as the 2014 World Cup, along with the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics. Our international team has also been a part of enhancing activities at the NBA Rio Games 2013 and 2014 at the HSBC Arena and the FIFA World Cup 2014, where we used multiple venues for our multimedia presentations. Passion, Pleasure, Practicality Businesses from the world over clamor to come to Rio. They know that any event hosted here will be a success with their clients, as there are few on earth who don’t appreciate a place that so successfully combines passion, pleasure, and practicality. Contact Us For more information on bringing your event to Rio, contact us today! www.tocaevents.com [:pb] Rio de Janeiro… immediately the name evokes steamy nights, sun-filled days, samba, Carnival, and so much more. If you’ve already been to Rio, you might remember the first time you arrived, with that view of Corcovado rising from the ocean, the long stretches of beach, and the fragrance of possibility permeating all. Known as the happiest city in the world, it is no wonder that TOCA Events is based here, as well as in sexy Miami. In fact, TOCA co-owner Robson Coccaro is a Rio native, with all the charm, spice, and flair that is so emblematic of his culture. Exceptional Weather, Exceptional Culture At TOCA, we love Rio for uncountable reasons. The hot summer weather that sends us straight to the water; the temperate winter that has us donning light sweaters as our friends in colder climes wish they were here; the exceptional culture that captures cuisine, entertainment, and all the rest that defines Rio’s sultry and fun-loving way of looking at life; and the exuberance of the people, which keeps us smiling 24/7. A Passion for Life We don’t have to tell you that the Brazilian passion for life is contagious. Go to one Carnaval celebration and you’ll be hooked for life. The greatest party in the world, this is just one facet of Rio that keeps revelers coming back for more. Architectural Imagination and Respect for the Past Rio is a combination of gorgeous Colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. With so many cities losing their character to overdevelopment and poor city planning, Rio maintains its soul by fusing architectural imagination with a respect for the past. Unparalleled Nature And then of course, there is the natural scenery, with 55 miles of gorgeous beaches, including famed Ipanema and Copacabana. Visit the 8,000 acres of Tijuca National Park and you will be in the midst of the largest urban forest in the world, found right at the base of the Christ statue. Venture further out and you will experience breathtaking flora and fauna in natural habitats that are unparalleled. The Perfect Meeting Ground As global event planners, it became obvious to us right from the start that Rio
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
The Seaside Town of Sitges
There is nothing more wonderful than becoming familiar with parts unknown! At TOCA we love the excitement and mystery of travel, and making discoveries that we can share with our readers is just another way we can help to expand borders. Our TOCA Events Brand Interface Director, Fabio Pamplona, recently came back from a trip to Barcelona, extolling the virtues of a small seaside town called Sitges just a hop, skip, and a short train ride away. With its 17 beaches, you can easily spend the day in Sitges, or better yet, book your entire trip there and then pop over to Barcelona to get a smattering of city life before heading back to deep seaside reverie. A True Vacation, Spanish Style Visiting Sitges means sunbathing, swimming in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, and enjoying the pleasures of a true vacation, Spanish style. With beaches for everyone you’ll find the gamut, including family friendly, gay friendly, and nudist friendly, assuring you that Sitges is a place where everyone feels comfortable and welcomed. Choose a beach close to town where you can people watch and enjoy the company of many, such as Platja de La Fragata right in front of the main church. Or, a bit off the beaten track, you can find a more secluded environment such as Platja de Terramar or Platja de las Aniquines to the west. People Watching and the Allure of Cafe Life Taking a bit of a respite from the sun, you can walk the famed Passeig de la Ribera with the old city on one side and the sea on the other. As wildly passionate cafe lovers, we at TOCA are like iron filings to the magnet of an attractive cafe, and on Sitges there are many. Stop in one of the many local cafes to people watch as you sip a refreshing drink in the breeze. Parc del Garraf From the island you can take some wonderful pilgrimages to the many points of interest nearby. There’s a great national park just inland from Sitges called the Parc del Garraf. With its arid landscape, you get a real sense of the area’s beauty through the flora and fauna, with a stunning backdrop of indigenous calcareous rock formations. The Wine Tour at Castell de Vilarnau Fabio was particularly taken with the excellent wine tour he took to the Castell de Vilarnau. With so many great cavas, it is no wonder that the Catalunya region boasts some of the greatest wines in Spain. Founded in 1986, Castell de Vilarnau’s guided tour includes observing the different stages of production the grapes go through, along with the requisite tastings, and of course, a chance to dine at the great restaurant there. The Monastery at Montserrat An impressive property with majestic views, you can see the monastery at Montserrat from Vilarnau. Montserrat was founded in 1025, becoming a strong destination for pilgrims and visitors as they heard stories of miracles taking place there. With its breathtaking mountain vistas, you can walk there on well trodden paths, or take the funicular to the top. And while you’re there and if you get the chance, listen to the Basilica choir so famous for their Gregorian chants and other types of religious choral music. Finding What’s Right for You Whether you want to relax and do next to nothing or be an active participant in all that Sitges and its environs have to offer, you will find exactly what’s right for you on and near this gorgeous Mediterranean paradise. Contact Us For more information on great destinations for enjoying a vacation or holding your event, contact us today: www.tocaevents.com
The Fine Art of Event Lighting
Lighting creates an atmosphere. When it’s right, it ignites the emotions, sets the mood, and offers direction. Just think of the full moon in a midnight sky shining over a lake. Creating the ultimate romantic setting, it also asks us to look out at the world as we connect with the beauty of nature. Making an Idea Come Alive When it comes to an event, lighting is a powerful design tool that can make an idea come alive. At TOCA, our goal is to create a lighting scheme that is in tune with the surroundings, whether it is used for general illumination, or as an accent or decorative element. When lighting can be layered, using all of the above, the perfect ambiance can be achieved as all falls into harmony. Different Kinds of Lighting General lighting fills up a particular space with overall visibility, such as when we turn a light switch on to see what’s in a room. Accent lighting is directed at a specific area, where we want to direct attention to a particular object or objects. Decorative lighting comes in the form of varying types of small lighting devices, such as table lamps, wall sconces, and even candles. Outdoor Illumination Often we are asked to create exterior lighting, especially when we want to add character to a specific area. This type of lighting can be quite crucial to an event where activities are going on outdoors, as the direction of light will instruct guests where they should be, encouraging them to enjoy certain areas rather than others. Outdoor lighting opens up an event even as it creates a contained atmosphere. It also ensures a safe space for guests, providing them with confidence to see in the dark. Opening Up and Defining Space Our TOCA lighting experts are always looking for the ideal way to open up and define space, whether it is an outdoor or indoor venue. Highlighting installations while also providing the right amount of light to get the most out of photography for a special event is crucial. Impacting the Quality of an Event Good lighting will always impact the quality of an event. A good lighting designer will first assess the possibilities in a given environment and then go to work to find just the right combination of direct and ambient elements. LEDs One of our favorite sources of light comes from LED lighting, which has really taken off as a way to illuminate events over the past several years. In the beginning, using LEDs was expensive and not so easy to control. This has all changed as the art and science of LED illumination has evolved. The beauty of LEDs is that their color output is absolutely terrific for achieving optimum impact. And because they never get hot, they are so much safer to use than conventional lights, eliminating risk at events. LEDs also consume a fraction of the energy generated by traditional incandescent lights, allowing for a longer life and more efficient power requirements. Reducing the Carbon Footprint One of the best aspects of using LED lighting is that they help reduce the carbon footprint, which is what we at TOCA stand for as we seek out the most environmentally sound practices for every event we create. Providing Our Clients with the Best Atmosphere At TOCA, we hold the art of illumination in high regard as we strive to give our clients the very best atmosphere in which to hold their event, no matter if it is a corporate get-together, an art opening, a sporting extravaganza, or a gala party. Contact Us For more information please contact us at: www.tocaevents.com [:pb] Lighting creates an atmosphere. When it’s right, it ignites the emotions, sets the mood, and offers direction. Just think of the full moon in a midnight sky shining over a lake. Creating the ultimate romantic setting, it also asks us to look out at the world as we connect with the beauty of nature. Making an Idea Come Alive When it comes to an event, lighting is a powerful design tool that can make an idea come alive. At TOCA, our goal is to create a lighting scheme that is in tune with the surroundings, whether it is used for general illumination, or as an accent or decorative element. When lighting can be layered, using all of the above, the perfect ambiance can be achieved as all falls into harmony. Different Kinds of Lighting General lighting fills up a particular space with overall visibility, such as when we turn a light switch on to see what’s in a room. Accent lighting is directed at a specific area, where we want to direct attention to a particular object or objects. Decorative lighting comes in the form of varying types of small lighting devices, such as table lamps, wall sconces, and even candles. Outdoor Illumination Often we are asked to create exterior lighting, especially when we want to add character to a specific area. This type of lighting can be quite crucial to an event where activities are going on outdoors, as the direction of light will instruct guests where they should be, encouraging them to enjoy certain areas rather than others. Outdoor lighting opens up an event even as it creates a contained atmosphere. It also ensures a safe space for guests, providing them with confidence to see in the dark. Opening Up and Defining Space Our TOCA lighting experts are always looking for the ideal way to open up and define space, whether it is an outdoor or indoor venue. Highlighting installations while also providing the right amount of light to get the most out of photography for a special event is crucial. Impacting the Quality of an Event Good lighting will always impact the quality of an event. A good lighting designer will first assess the possibilities in a given environment and then go to work to find just the right combination of direct and ambient elements. LEDs One of
Helping Today’s Executive Stay Fit and Tension-Free with Body Activation
Have you ever caught yourself slumping over your computer, spine curving as you enter the umpteenth hour at your desk? What about that shoulder/neck crunch that often happens when you’re on your smart phone? Are your spine and neck reflecting these repeated positions with a dull ache and limited range of movement? Technology, though liberating in so many ways, has also caused us to become less active than ever as the Internet draws us in, even after our working day is over. Unconscious Habits Most of us are not aware of how our unconscious habits affect us over time. And what about the tensions we hold in our bodies without realizing them? Just take a look around you next time you are sitting on a train and you will notice someone with one foot necessarily flexed as the leg crosses over the other, blocking blood flow and creating undue tension in the calf muscles and ankle. Tension and Breathing And what about the tension in your spine, perhaps especially your lower back? Once you put your attention there you begin to feel how much stress you hold in this area. And then of course, your breathing. Do you inhale and exhale fully, or are your breathes shallow and short? Heightening Physical Awareness Body Activation is a new fitness protocol that teaches the body to apply energy to a given area when it is required and how to relax the areas that are not specifically in use. The exercises are designed to heighten physical awareness while creating an optimum sense of balanced physicality.Through a system of exercises that helps you observe where you are holding stress, you are given the tools to dissolve this tension so that you can release the body, gain more mobility, and let go of pain. Healing the Body As we observe our unconscious habits, they begin to dissolve. As we release areas where we are tensing our muscles, we start to feel the delicious and healing sensation as oxygen and blood circulate more freely, which of course is so essential to health and vitality. Becoming More Flexible and Toned Created for anyone who hopes to become more physically and mentally efficient, Body Activation is designed to help your body and mind become more flexible and toned. As you feel the immediate benefits of the exercises, you will notice that you look and feel more refreshed and poised as greater circulation is provided to the digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems. Sharpening Focus When the body is at ease, no matter what you are doing, the mind follows. By placing you in a state of calm and clarity, Body Activation helps you to discover your body and mind anew as you engage in exercises that help you make more space inside the body in order to move with the utmost of efficiency. And with more space comes an increase in oxygen and blood flow to the brain, eliminating headaches and inviting greater mental focus that will keep you on track throughout the day. Guiding You Towards Optimum Form Body Activation creates more space in the body by elongating the spine and areas around the joints. By paying attention to the positive function of gravity, the bones are motivated to move in ways that allow the muscles to relax and fall into place without stress. Strengthening and toning the body at the same time, Body Activation guides you towards your optimum form, no matter what your frame or age. Releasing Restrictions Training the body to enjoy the widest range of motion by releasing restrictive tension through intelligent movement sequences, you will achieve a maximized range of motion though conscious bending, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Coordinating with the breath, Body Activation invigorates the body while helping to release pain due to poor physical habits. A Scientific Approach A scientific approach to physical and mental wellness, Body Activation comes from deep investigation of physical movement. Creator Michele Kadison’s over 30 years of work in dance, fitness, and therapeutic exercise has given way to this new protocol that provides immediate results and deepens over time. With Body Activation incorporated into your daily routine you have a chance to completely reverse the affects of a sedentary, stressful life. Body Activation in the Office Over the years Ms. Kadison has brought Body Activation into many office settings in order to increase productivity within the working environment. It is proven that this protocol helps to increase each individuals’ potential for feeling better, which a major factor in achieving success. Your Break-Away Event TOCA Events embraces the precepts and results of Body Activation, encouraging clients to incorporate a session as a break-away event within their business sessions, as well as a consistent protocol added to the regular work week. Contact Us For more information: www.tocaevents.com
The Magic of December in Berlin
Most of our team at TOCA agrees that Berlin is an absolute favorite destination, especially during the winter season. We know that many are daunted when thinking of going to a northern European city in December, where skies are mostly grey and temperatures drop down into the single digits, but we’re here to tell you that you will see a completely different side in Berlin when the Christmas holidays come around! Old-fashioned Charm and Youthful Ebulliance December is a time when the German spirit is brimming with an old-fashioned charm along with a youthful ebulliance that is so signature to this city. Putting aside the great music and art scene, and an international supply of restaurants that seems to expand every month, the winter holidays are a time to bundle up and take to the streets. Enjoying the Holidays Berliner Style With over 80 Christmas markets offering everything from handmade artifacts to antiques, locally designed clothing, artwork, jewelry, and so much more, there is very little of the frenetic shopping we’re so used to seeing around this time in the States. Watch children play on bungee-rigged playgrounds as they fly from ground to air, sit at an outdoor cafe wrapped in a blanket as you sink your teeth into a mouthwatering bratwurst with its blistering coal-roasted skin topped with mustard, wander around the wooden booths that seem to be designed for another century, and imbibe the ubiquitous gluwein that warms you down to your toes… this is the way Berliners and the rest of Germany enjoys the holidays, and we are all for it! Potsdamer Platz’s Winter Wonderland We love the winter wonderland at Potsdamer Platz, right in the heart of Berlin, where you can skate around the ice rink, go on a toboggan run, visit any one of the wooden huts to sample holiday fare, and all the while take in the stunning view of the Brandenburg Gate. Nearby there is a great Christmas market, where stalls are stocked with leather, textiles, pottery, wood carvings, and other handcrafted goods. Listening to the Masters Music is a staple in Berlin, and no matter if you are into the club or classical concert scene, everyone goes to listen to the masters in the magnificent churches and castles around Berlin. There is nothing quite like listening to Bach or Handel in the Kopenick Palace, or in the hauntingly beautiful Hall of Mirrors at Clarchens Balhaus, which is precious any time of the year. After 60 years of abandonment, you feel the history here. Ravaged from the war, the hall has kept its peeling wallpaper and bruised stucco. With the candles lit, flowers anointing each table, and good wine available from the bar, there is a sense of decadent splendor and profound magic as you absorb the remnants of the hall’s history, letting the music take over. The atmosphere and acoustics are ideal for a romantic night of chamber music, which is why locals and visitors in-the-know hold the hall in so much regard. Celebrating the City We love Berlin for its history, its vibrant present, and the sense of its pulsating future. With so many events taking place here, we at TOCA celebrate the city and invite you to do the same. www.tocaevents.com
How to plan an event
How to plan an event A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN EVENT COMPANY In this article we show you how to plan an event. Creating an event is a many layered thing. No company knows this better than TOCA. From sports hospitality to experiential activities, corporate incentive settings, sponsor-based fabrications, and more, our mission is to construct a unique and exciting experience for everyone involved. Capturing the Client For the TOCA team, creating an event is all about communication. Our success begins the moment we start building a relationship with our clients. Of paramount importance, we get to the heart of what they wish to achieve and what they hope their attendees will take away once the event is over. If you want to know how to plan an event, pay attention. This the key to penetrating the desires of our clients. We make it our business to set up a comfortable and open dialogue where we can pinpoint the essence and spirit of the event at hand, enabling us to ultimately create the perfect blueprint for a successful experience. Creating the Proposal Once we understand the needs and objectives of our prospective client, we go to work on the proposal. This is where we cover all the necessary elements in how to plan an event, such as: transport security staffing hotels business sessions 3-D imaging and animation break-out components such as small meetings, coaching sessions, and the like activities team building entertainment evening receptions dine arounds where clients can feel the pulse of the city daytime activities spouse programs After determining exactly what is needed, we submit our user-friendly package with descriptions, graphics, and an itemized budget. Shifting Into Gear Once the client signs off on our proposal, we then move on to pre-production mode, shifting into high creative gear where each of our departments addresses their respective area of expertise. Keeping in mind the necessary calls to action that are essential to our client’s campaign, this is where the collaborative process is at its highest pitch. It is at this point that our team comes together to create the final design, with suggestions and revisions resulting from the synergy of TOCA’s collective creative vision. The Critical Path Mapping the progress of our productions and staying true to our critical path is where all of the details combine with the bigger picture. Having carefully defined each of the many and diverse moving parts that make up an event, we are now ready to mobilize onsite production and organization, which includes our vendors, set designers, stage direction for business meetings, entertainment talent …and so much more. The Psychology Behind a Great Event Creating a great event has to do with psychology. At TOCA, our passion is to put everyone involved deep inside an exceptional experience, no matter what the content. Once we understand what our client hopes to achieve, we direct all of our moving parts into action to fully and effectively fulfill that vision. And with a cross-cultural team that includes creative minds and designers from the United States, Brazil, Asia, and Europe, we are proud of a staff that is sensitive to the nuances of varying cultures. This ensures that every event is created with a tone that is always right. The Arc and Balance of the TOCA Touch Because every TOCA event is custom designed, we take the time to configure the perfect arc and balance between business-related activities and diversion. And of course, we are always in service to our client’s image, making sure that the messaging, branding, and scripting is all of one piece. Working closely with our clients’ leadership, our job is to make their vision a reality, always with the unique and exciting TOCA touch. Contact Us For more information, take a look at our website at: www.tocaevents.com/contact-us [:pb] Creating an event is a many layered thing. No company knows this better than TOCA. From sports hospitality to experiential activities, corporate incentive settings, sponsor-based fabrications, and more, our mission is to construct a unique and exciting experience for everyone involved. Capturing the Client For the TOCA team, creating an event is all about communication. Our success begins the moment we start building a relationship with our clients. Of paramount importance, we get to the heart of what they wish to achieve and what they hope their attendees will take away once the event is over. Paying attention. This the key to penetrating the desires of our clients. We make it our business to set up a comfortable and open dialogue where we can pinpoint the essence and spirit of the event at hand, enabling us to ultimately create the perfect blueprint for a successful experience. Creating the Proposal Once we understand the needs and objectives of our prospective client, we go to work on the proposal. This is where we cover all the necessary elements, such as: transport security staffing hotels business sessions 3-D imaging and animation break-out components such as small meetings, coaching sessions, and the like activities team building entertainment evening receptions dine arounds where clients can feel the pulse of the city daytime activities spouse programs After determining exactly what is needed, we submit our user-friendly package with descriptions, graphics, and an itemized budget. Shifting Into Gear Once the client signs off on our proposal, we then move on to pre-production mode, shifting into high creative gear where each of our departments addresses their respective area of expertise. Keeping in mind the necessary calls to action that are essential to our client’s campaign, this is where the collaborative process is at its highest pitch. It is at this point that our team comes together to create the final design, with suggestions and revisions resulting from the synergy of TOCA’s collective creative vision. The Critical Path Mapping the progress of our productions and staying true to our critical path is where all of the details combine
Tips On Hosting Your Indoor Tea Party, TOCA Event Style
TOCA Events is used to giving parties. From a mere handful of people to thousands of guests, we create everything from intimate breakfasts to over-the-top bashes, and we love every minute of helping to spread the joy wherever we can. In this spirit, we are always ready to help our readers construct their own festive moments and today we want to talk about the simplest of events: the tea party. Bringing People Together A tea party is a great way to bring friends or business associates together in a cozy setting that is conducive to socializing. Whether buffet style or a sit down affair, you can create a special ambiance with a great setting, delicious foods, and well-thought-out décor. The Right Table As party specialists, TOCA Events always starts out with a good working list of what is needed. First, we look at the room. Is it ample enough to accommodate a table where everyone can sit around it, or should it be used just for food and beverages? If you choose buffet style, move the table against a wall if space is short, otherwise place it so that it is accessible from all sides. Decor Choose a tablecloth and matching linen napkins. A solid color is always a good choice, making the perfect background for beautiful china and well-chosen florals. Select flowers without strong scents, and if there is not enough room for vases or a centerpiece, scatter petals around the table instead. You can also use seasonal elements such as an autumn leaf displays, pine cones and branches, or freshly picked wildflowers surrounding your serving plates. The Sit Down Party For a sit-down tea party, our TOCA Event party planners observe the classic setting with plates centered for each guest and linens folded in either a rectangle, square, or triangle, placed to the left with the open edge on the right side. If there isn’t enough space, put each napkin in the center of the plate. Be sure not to overcrowd your table with cutlery or décor. Cutlery Your cutlery depends on what type of foods you are serving. Place a small spoon on the right side of each plate for tea. If sticky foods are on the menu, place a small fork on the right and one or more knives between the plate and spoon, with the blades facing the plate. If spreads and jams are involved there should be a serving spoon for each one. Cups and Saucers Teacups and saucers go to the right of the teaspoon and a tiny bowl should also be offered for used teabags, tea leaves, and used lemon wedges. Water glasses go above the knives or the tea cup if there are no knives. If you are serving other beverages such as champagne, mimosas, or lemonade, then include the appropriate glass to the right of the water glass. Place the dessert plate or bowl above the main plate, including a small dessert spoon and/or fork horizontally between the two plates. The Buffet For a good buffet, arrange the room elsewhere so people can sit or stand comfortably. Use chairs and sofas to create areas that invite conversation, and provide small tables so that guests can easily put their plates and drinks down. For the buffet table, place the tea service at one or both ends of the table. Make sure you have several tea options on hand, including caffeinated and herbal teas. At TOCA we prefer loose-leaf teas that are freshly brewed in their own teapots Remove the leaves before serving or provide a strainer. Include a bowl of raw sugar granules or cubes along with a honey pot and server and lemon wedges or lemon halves wrapped in gauze for easy squeezing. And don’t forget small pitchers with cream and milk. Placing Your Foods A tea party usually calls for finger foods. Place savory and sweet foods in the middle of the table. These can include small sandwiches without crusts, deviled eggs, scones, small cakes, cookies, and the like. Our TOCA Event party designers love to use three layered cake stands instead of trays, placing scones on top, tea sandwiches and savory snacks in the middle, and sweets on the bottom. Cold drinks can go on a side table and can include water, iced tea, lemonade, white wine, champagne, and sherry. Entertainment Choose your music well, as this is key to creating just the right atmosphere. If you can hire musicians, find a harpist or guitarist or a classical or soft jazz trio. Otherwise, make or find a good playlist that sets the tone while helping guests relax and enjoy! For more information on hosting a party, contact us today at: www.tocaevents.com