Color in Design
One of the most important elements in creating a specific ambiance is how we use color. Whether in the home, for a party, a conference, or in advertising, selection of the right colors is key in creating the right emotion. Color activates the emotions To most of us, specific colors evoke certain feelings, even if we don’t realize this on a conscious level. Take the color red. Red can be understood as sexy, passionate, warm, inviting, positive, sophisticated, and sometimes dangerous. We often associate green with tranquility, warmth, and renewal, as well as with money and thus prosperity. Black is dramatic when placed in the right context, and white always depicts purity, cleanliness, and clarity. At TOCA Events, we are acutely aware of how important color combinations are for creating the right tone for a specific event. For us, understanding the type of impact our clients wish to create, as well as the results they hope to achieve, is the basic key to creating an environment that works. In this regard, choosing the right colors is the absolute foundation for transmitting the feeling that clients wish to evoke for their attendees. There is a very specific vocabulary of color, which starts with the color wheel. Thanks to the work of Sir Isaac Newton, who discovered that colors formed a spectrum after bending light through a prism, we have the circular color wheel that starts with red and goes to orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and then back to red. The wheel consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, where primary colors can be mixed together to create secondary colors, which in turn can be mixed together to create tertiary colors. The wide variety of color schemes makes for a wonderful opportunity to find just the right hues for every emotion, which is something any artist will tell you. Along with color combining, there is color saturation, which is the purity or brightness of a color. When it is clear and bright, it is considered highly saturated. When there is a more muted tone, it is considered to be less saturated. We also can talk about tone, which is when colors are modified by the addition of white or black. Here light tones or tints are created by mixing a given color with white, while dark shades are made with gray or black. Combining colors and paying attention to saturation and tone is what creates optimum impact when creating an event. Our job at TOCA Events is to identify the mood and then follow suit with colors that work well for the message. Through good planning, the right colors will impact ideas, messages, interest, and emotion, which all come together to make a statement that works with subtle strength. A TOCA we are intrigued by both the science and art of using color. We are fascinated by the way colors are made, as well as what color symbolizes, and recognize what a powerful tool color is in changing the way we think, act, and react. Playing a vital role in our world, color has the power to soothe or irritate, calm our appetite or raise our blood pressure, change the look of an ordinary space, and define who you are or what you represent. Through the right use of color, we can create an instant change in perception. At TOCA, we believe that finding the right colors to express the personality and intention of the moment is an art form, which adds another dimension to the pleasure we get in working with our clients to create an environment that is consistent with the unspoken message within their event. www.tocaevents.com
Helping Employees Bond Within Corporate Culture
When our corporate clients hold an event the purpose is clear: disseminating new information and modalities for the company and rewarding employees for their good work. This is usually the motive behind meetings that also serve as a powerful way to bring company members together. Combining Business with Pleasure One of the essential ingredients that we feel is necessary for creating a successful corporate event is offering exciting extracurricular activities as a part of its fabric. Keeping participants energized, engaged, and involved beyond the scheduled meetings and workshops is a key element in combining business with pleasure. The Perfect Recipe for Team Building At TOCA we seem to touch on all the right ingredients, which is evident in the glowing reports we get after every event. Our signature talent is in providing a diversity of options, spanning everything from interactive sports to dining, cultural events, private tours, and innovative classes. Inviting attendees to mingle in a relaxed setting is the perfect recipe for team building, which forms the essence of a solid corporate culture. Loosening the Proverbial Necktie As heads of divisions mingle with those climbing the ladder, people have the chance to shake hands and get to know each other better during a relaxed “off the business schedule” experience. In this more personal atmosphere, the proverbial necktie is loosened as new friendships are made that will ultimately lead to greater productivity and inspiration in the workplace. Location Our TOCA team is always excited when we get to the extracurricular side of planning an event. Because we want to give attendees a local experience and because we are fortunate to produce events in so many exquisite and exotic settings, the choices we give our clients come from extensive research into what each specific location offers. Our diverse international team allows us to present exceptional activities from people who are really in the know, many of which are off the beaten path from conventional tourism. Our Menu of Possibilities With our two main TOCA offices in Miami Beach and Rio de Janiero, it’s not hard to imagine the great activities that are available. Beach volleyball tournaments, a guided tour of the exotic flora and fauna, hiking and climbing, a taste of local cuisine, or even a private fashion show are just some of the pleasures one can expect from our menu of possibilities. Creating the Perfect Balance From Boston to Phoenix, Buenos Aires to Berlin, it is always a thrill to mine what is nearby our event location. Introducing attendees to local fairs, wineries, bakeries, cooking classes, and even dance lessons (0ur Samba parties are famous!) create the perfect balance for a TOCA corporate event. Excursions and Culture Providing participants with a plethora of photographic opportunities, we offer day trips and overnight excursions to points of interest, as well as many behind-the-scenes events. And because our staff is exceptionally knowledgable in the performing and fine arts, we always enjoy adding museum and art gallery tours, as well as an evening at the theatre or concert to the itinerary. And Let’s Not Forget Sports! Sports are a fundamental part of what TOCA is all about. As producers of so many sporting events, we are attuned to the tremendous attraction of sports competition, especially for participants who have been attending seminars for most of the day. Whether it is extreme sports training, a day of biking, an evening of bowling, or a friendly softball game, we love it when we see people get physical. Something for Everyone From Body Activation to yoga, a spa visit, or a fitness presentation, we offer beautifully designed off or on-site activities that will bring something to everyone. At TOCA we believe in helping employees bond within corporate culture through the shared and unexpected pleasures we so love to provide. www.tocaevents.com
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
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
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
A Private Fashion Day in Rio with TOCA Events
As masters of special event production, TOCA Events struck gold once again with a special fashion extravaganza for VIPS in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With offices in two of the hottest capitals in the world, Miami and Rio de Janeiro, TOCA Events made the most of two hours on a Saturday morning, treating high-profile guests from the USA to festivities that delighted the senses and inspired the soul. With their knack for always being in the know, TOCA chose the super trendyDona Coisa store for their exclusive event. Right near the Jardim Botanico in one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Rio, guests were treated to a private fashion show with exquisite clothing, jewelry, and accessories created by some of the top contemporary Brazilian designers. Because the store was closed to outsiders, the VIPs could comfortably browse the store, also enjoying sumptuous displays of native cosmetics and other unique offerings that captured the best of Brazil’s artistic climate. No wonder the invitees were in seventh heaven at this luxurious Brazilian event, with full attention give to them by handsome barmen, a personal shopper, manicurist, make-up artist, and photographer. Sipping mimosas, shoppers chose outfits, basked in beauty treatments, and mingled amongst each other. Great music deejayed by one of Rio’s best accented the morning, making the event another hit for TOCA Events and proving that the company indeed deserves the accolades and recognition it gets for throwing great parties coast to coast. Contact Us For more information on TOCA Events, contact us at: www.tocaevents.com