Fiestón and Our Commitment to Sports Hospitality
We’ve mentioned before that TOCA Events knows how to throw a party. But how about a party for a thousand people or more? Handling an enormous event requires an understanding of sports hospitality that includes the art of bringing sports, entertainment, and the public together in a true spirit of celebration. One of the best examples of how we show our stuff is for the Univision Deportes Fiestón events, and we have produced quite a few. From Phoenix to Dallas, L.A., Houston, and our latest event for theJuly 2015 Dallas SuperCopa MX and Campeon de Campeones , we help to make sports into one big festival that brings excitement to all. With popular anchors like Alejandro Berry, Jorge Calvo, and Aly Villegas, and soccer legends such as former Mexican National Team player Ramón Ramirez who delighted fans at Fiestón Phoenix, and Enrique Borja who came to our latest Dallas event, fans are already excited, even before the games begin. Add to this a giant screen where people can see their favorite teams play’ up close and personal,’ its easy to see how these live events capture a spirit that embodies everything that is great about sports. Entertainment is key for an event like Fiestón. We’ve marveled over mobs of girls sobbing over Mexican pop star Luis Coronel and thousands of fans going crazy over the band, El Dasa. We’ve watched people connect with each other over refreshments in the beer gardens, and we’ve been endlessly enchanted by kids of all ages playing with each other as they bond over common ground. Free admission assures that everyone can enjoy the Fiestón events, which is something that we at TOCA uphold as the perfect way to bring people together. We believe that sports hospitality is based on creating an atmosphere of celebration, excitement, sharing, and pure, unadulterated fun for everyone… and this is the spirit with which we help to build these magnetic events. TOCA Events makes sure that with every sporting event we produce everyone comes away with something special. Whether it is free books for children, a chance to interact with celebrities, play games, or just hang out in the sun, the final goal is to allow guests to spend a great day together and create a perfect memory. Creating a positive atmosphere for families and fans is a way to promote good feelings all the way around, giving everyone the chance to share their experiences with their friends at home. We carry this belief into all of the productions we create at TOCA Events, where every member of our team is dedicated to creating a celebratory event that stands out and leaves people feeling uplifted. With so many more sports events on our plate, we are delighted that we can bring a festive spirit to every production. At TOCA, we believe that infusing people with the spirit of unity and joy is one of the best ways to make the world a better place. For more information on TOCA Events sports hospitality: www.tocaevents.com
Rio’s Period Venues
Some of the most stunning villas in Rio de Janeiro are the period homes that speak of many pivotal moments in the city’s history. Discovering the former farmhouse where the document abolishing slavery was written, as well as other addresses that contribute to Rio’s story, is a way for us at TOCA Events to share our respect for the past and our love of beauty with our clients. At TOCA we believe in incorporating as much of local culture as we can when we produce an event. Our clients come to us because of our knowledge of a given locale, and our mission includes finding some of the most unique and exquisite places where we can either produce the event itself or provide a meaningful site visit. For us an event doesn’t stop when the music is over. We want our clients to walk away with something that they can take home and share. Rio’s breathtaking architecture gives us so much fodder for event production here that we are never at a loss for creating a memorable experience. As lovers of architecture, we are well aware that Rio produced one of the greatest architects in the world: Oscar Niemeyer. The home he designed for his family in 1951 is just as modern today as it was then, and we marvel at the brilliance of the way it so harmoniously conforms to the terrain. It is not easy to build a structure of any kind on a slope, and he did so with an elegance that is inherent in all of his work. Made of glass and cement, the home speaks of his love of nature as it settles seamlessly into its surroundings. Another notable home in Rio de Janeiro is the House of Arts and Culture Serpa Juliet. The house was build in 1920 as a gift from husband to wife. Considered the most beautiful home in Rio at that time, it later became the house of culture, named by its owner to honor his mother, Serpa Juliet. People coming to Rio always remark on the seduction of its beaches, the glitter of its nightlife, and the warmth of its people. Add to this the allure of the city’s period venues, as well as its more contemporary offerings. From upscale Rio Branco to the colorful flavelas, there is a plethora of wonderful architecture to behold. Through this one can easily see how the city knits itself together, with so many varied designs creating a fabric that ignites the senses and keeps us intrigued with every new discovery. In celebration of our home here in Rio, along with our constant urge to share what we love with our clients and friends, we are always learning more about the city’s history. We are fascinated by the importance of each monument that has contributed to the intricate and complex path Rio has taken towards becoming the city it is today, and we are proud to be a part of its pulse. For more information on how we can make your Rio event a part of your own history, contact us today at: www.tocaevents.com
The Art and Science of the Party
According to Dr. Joe Goldblatt, founder of the International Special Events Society, event planning is a $50 billion dollar a year industry, and growing. With corporations and private entities outsourcing for all aspects of their special events, we at TOCA are riding the big wave as we strive to perfect the art and science of the Party. As an event planning and destination management company that has been deeply entrenched in the business for a number of years, our list of loyal and new clients is constantly expanding. Our team of professionals is always exploring innovative ways to create parties that are exciting, memorable, unexpected, and on point with what our clients hope to achieve at the so-called end of the day. Planning and designing an event follows a complex road that includes the manifestation of the client’s idea, supervision of the party at all times, and making sure that all elements lead to the desired result. Whether the event is a private celebration, a promotion for a new product, part of a trade show, an educational conference, a commemoration, holiday party, company outing, or otherwise, our goal is for all of the participants to connect with each other through good conversation, networking, and having a great time letting their hair down. There is an enormous amount of pre-planning that goes into making a good party event. Every detail must be examined, from décor to food and beverages, entertainment, the musical playlist, accommodations, and so much more. We believe that the mechanics of creating a seamless event is the science of party-making, while the art is in making the festivities aesthetically pleasing and conducive to personal connection, merry-making, and relaxing. When it comes to corporate events, we know that a successful party is where there is personal interaction. This is what inspires corporate culture, builds brand loyalty, while also inspiring new customers. Corporate parties are designed to help grow business, and at TOCA Events, we create environments that foster personal conversations and a sense of camaraderie that spills over long after the party is over. As a special event and destination management company, TOCA believes in giving people a good reason to come to our parties. We pride ourselves on the ability to merge business with pleasure, where our events and the products or services that are being represented meet all along the way. We know the importance of maintaining a clear objective is the driving force behind every element that makes up a TOCA event. Customizing the party to a tee is a science. Giving guests an experience that is unexpected, exciting, and fun is an art. For more information on how TOCA Events can combine these two elements for your next private or corporate party, contact us today. www.tocaevents.com
The Excitement of Fieston
Having created several events for FIESTON, we at TOCA Events are always excited when we are asked to sign the next contract. An event that attracts thousands of people of all ages, we become just as swept away as everyone else when the gates open and the day begins. With FIESTON Cicero and FIESTON L.A. under our belts, our latest FIESTON has us in Phoenix, Arizona. Here we are continuing our multi-contract with Univision Communications to produce the FIESTON Liga MX live viewing event, coming up on April 26th, 2015. As the broadcast network for Liga MX, Univision is bringing this public event to Phoenix for the first time, working in collaboration with host venue Chase Field to cross promote the Liga MX with Phoenix’s major league baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joining forces with Chase Field’s Hispanic Festival, we at TOCA Events are helping to create an exciting family-oriented experience that is open to the general public. In addition to a live viewing of the much anticipated Chivas vx America soccer match, FIESTON Phoenix will offer something for everyone. From the 3×3 soccer pitch, painters, and interactive games for kids, to the Coors Beer Garden, Tequila Tasting, and a range of performances including folkloric dance, Mariachi and live bands for adults, this will be a thrilling and fun-filled day that will ignite the entire Phoenix community. Reaching Univision’s international audience, the event includes pre-game and halftime segments that will be broadcast to live from the Univision Sports Desk, situated in the center of the event footprint. The broadcast will be hosted by renowned presenters Jorge Calvo and Alejandro Berry of the popular show, “Fantasticos del Frio.” The two will be joined by star soccer player Ramón Ramírez, one of the greatest Mexical league and national team players who retired in 2000. Ramírez will be at the Sports Desk with the two hosts providing insights and commentary, and will also be available for autographs and photos with guests at specified times throughout the day. FIESTON culminates with a live performance by none other than the young Mexican superstar, Luis Coronel. With hits like “Será Mas Facil” and “Escápate,” Coronel won the Latin Billboard Artist of the Year in 2014 and Regional Mexican Artist of the Year in 2015 and is bound to set the field on fire with his charisma and talent. As with all of the FIESTON events, we are expecting an extremely large turnout in Phoenix, with families and especially kids immersing themselves in the experience. In the past we’ve seen between 4,000 – 8,000 guests attend FIESTON, and we are projecting that FIESTON Phoenix will be no exception to the rule. FIESTON Phoenix is open to the general public from 11am to 7pm on April 26th at the Chase Field Plaza located at 401 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix. www.tocaevents.com
Rio’s Exciting Beach Culture
No wonder Rio de Janeiro, known as “Cidade Maravilhosa” is a place where we at TOCA feel right at home. Jumping from our office in Miami to this Brazilian paradise just shows you what sensualists we are, with an office that allows us to perfectly cover the many corporate events we produce in South America. An Emphasis on Sports Of course, besides the exciting work, its the beach that calls us to Rio, with a totally different vibe than the one we find in Miami. Like Miami, Rio has a huge beach culture, but with an enormous emphasis on sports, with people of all ages playing volleyball, soccer, and enjoying surfboarding whenever they have a spare moment. Mornings and early evenings find the locals exercising, whether its walking or jogging along the water’s edge, or stretching on the sand. In the afternoons, you’ll see some pretty exciting sports being played, with vendors selling coconut water, grilled prawns, and oysters as they wend their way through the throng. Another popular workout on Rio beaches is on the public jungle-gym equipment you see in various areas along the beach. What a great way to keep the public involved in staying fit! Alterro do Flamengo Flamengo Park or “Alterro do Flamengo” is great park for sports, located between the Catete and Botafogo districts right at the edge of Guanabara Bay. Also known as Eduargo Gomes Park, it sits on 286 acres, making it the largest leisure park in Rio. Known for many activities including as the main drag for the Rio Cycling Race and a popular finish line for marathons, the park is dotted with football fields, basketball courts, an outdoor theatre, and even an area for remote control airplane fanatics! And adding to the area’s allure are the exquisitely created gardens by Burle Marx, a famed landscape designer who has made the park as unique as it is practical. Where Socializing is Key The beaches in Rio are where everyone comes to socialize. With 45 miles of gorgeous sand, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon are the most popular and familiar to visitors. If you want to make a date to meet friends, you only have to choose one of the “postas” or lifeguard stations that stretch along the main beaches. Name the number of the posta and everyone will find you! Planning Your Event in Rio If you’re planning an event and aren’t sure where the best place could be for keeping your guests entertained and fit on their time off, look no more! Our TOCA planning experts will make sure that you get the right mix of a perfectly designed corporate gathering with time off for everyone to enjoy Rio’s exciting beach culture. www.tocaevents.com
St. Pete, Florida: A Perfect Event Locale
Just when the majority of the United States is in the grip of never-ending snowstorms, there is one state that seems to avoid the trend. Though the freeze has even found its way to the deep South, Florida remains free of these back-to-back winter storms, with residents and visitors basking in balmy temperatures under a delicious sun. With weather you can count on, St. Petersburg, Florida offers the perfect destination, which is why we at TOCA Events have become partners with this great city. The area is alive with extraordinary beaches, exceptional culture and entertainment, and constant growth. You only have to read about neighboring city, Tampa’s recent development coup set to break ground this spring, offering over one million square feet of office space and a half a million square feet of hotel and meeting spaces. It became obvious to us a long time ago, that St. Pete would be the ideal setting for a satellite TOCA office. With this in mind, we were lucky to find Hospitality and Special Event pro, Suzan Gough, to join our stellar staff as Senior Executive, MICE Relations for the Tampa Bay Region. With her deep experience in client service, Suzan is helping us grow our brand, creating a significant presence along Florida’s Gulf Coast. With her background as an on-board purser and cruise hostess to years in sales and marketing for hotels Radisson, Marriott, and Resorts International, she also served as the Director of Marketing for Broward County’s Hotel & Motel Association. Launching two separate entrepreneurial endeavors, she provided event and culinary services to a broad list of clients, including ESPN, Blockbuster’s World Headquarters, the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Whitbread sailing teams. As former account executive and event producer for conceptBait, a global event and floral design house, Suzan has just the right mix of experience, creativity, professionalism, and clout to manage a strategic locale for event planning such as we have here in St. Petersburg. From the complexities of planning large corporate and sporting events, to managing ancillary activities, our St. Pete team has been hand-picked for their knowledge of the Tampa Bay/Clearwater scene. This means that when our clients ask for a full-on event package, they get the very best that the area has to offer. Whether it’s beach volleyball, a sunset boat ride, or a visit to some of the coast’s best venues, TOCA knows how to tailor off-site experiences that guests will never forget. After a full day of workshops and conferences, we know how to show everyone a good time. Obtaining hard-to-get tickets for a sporting event or a performing arts performance, gaining entrance to fashion shows and clubs, and offering off-the-beaten-path nature walks are just some of the ways our familiarity with this splendid locale can provide that “something extra” that our clients deserve. St. Petersburg and its environs is an easy sell when our clients are looking for a setting that offers consistent weather and a plethora of opportunities for relaxation and pleasure to offset an intense corporate pow-wow or simply to reward employees for work well done. TOCA Events is proud to be a part of the scene, and always excited to plan the perfect on-site and off-site events. www.tocaevents.com
Tailoring Unique Experiences from Rio to Miami
As TOCA Events prepares for the Rio Summer Games 2016, we are digging deep into our local resources to tailor a huge variety of events and activities for our visiting clients and their guests. Making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience is what gives each event its TOCA stamp, as we are able to initiate experiences that only true Rio de Janeiro insiders can do. A native of Rio, TOCA co-owner Robson Coccaro knows the city like the palm and the back of his hand. Combining his deep knowledge of Brazilian culture with partner Sean Gibbons’ breadth of expertise with U.S. and international clients has allowed the two to build a powerful presence in Rio and Miami, with TOCA offices in both major cities. With our South and North American team collaborating daily on ongoing projects, TOCA has an amazing network on the ground in both Rio and Sao Paolo that covers the whole of Brazil. No wonder we are growing as an international event company by leaps and bounds. More and more, our clients are enjoying the fact that our exciting and unique events consist of a local scene that isn’t just a backdrop, but filled with local artists and providers who thoroughly authenticate the experience. With a palette that includes great music and dance, fine arts, exceptional flora and fauna, beaches that defy the imagination, sports activities, fashion shows, and great dining opportunities, our Rio and Miami offices are always buzzing with creative fervor as we plan each new 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
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 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