B-SIDE by Boston Globe Media’s Post

Is It Necessary to Hold a Beer Glass to Fit in at Corporate Parties? Do you ever feel judged if you’re not holding a glass at corporate parties? People might ask, "Are you still a kid? Haven't you grown up?" if you choose not to drink. But what’s the real takeaway from these parties? Are they truly just about drinking? For some, they might be, but I think there’s more to it. These gatherings are a chance to learn about each other’s lives, share stories, and build real connections beyond work. It’s okay not to hold a glass if you don’t want to. Be kind to yourself and don’t do things just to fit in. At the end, It's your life and live it on your own terms not just to happy your boss or colleagues. Would love to hear your thoughts! #corporateworld #linkedinforcreators

It's a been while, but it's Friday. Summer is on the horizon. I can say this when you can finally walk outside during a warm Chicago morning and layers are a thing of the past. Just typing this is a mistake; it will probably snow tomorrow. With this exciting time, comes events and festivals. Concerts, Lollapalooza, ball games, cookouts, they're all back. What's also back is the need to staff them appropriately. You ever been to a festival and the crowds outnumber the beer tents 4,000 to 1? Yeah me too, knowing full well I'll give them $18 for a tall boy of Budlight to be warm halfway through it. Covid was a huge set back for so many companies adjusting to public gatherings again. It took a while for many organizations to build back a confident roster of workers they could lean on. Some are still in this rebuilding process. This article does a great job of explaining the effects of short-staffed events. There's so many things to cover when you're preparing for them - food, music, ambience, etc. https://lnkd.in/gvTmnksG Don't let inadequate staff be an extra issue, especially when there is on-demand labor now to supplement it so easily. Uber for staffing? Yup, it's a thing, and I'm happy to shed light on it. #summer #events #baseball #staffing #festivals #concerts #beverages

Source: Social Media: *Some years ago, there was a Mensa convention in San Francisco.* *Mensa, is an international organization for people who have an IQ of 140 or higher.* *Several of the Mensa members went out for lunch at a local cafe.* *When they sat down, one of them discovered that their salt shaker contained pepper, and their pepper shaker was full of salt.* *How could they swap the contents of the two bottles without spilling any, and using only the implements at hand?* *Clearly -- this was a job for Mensa minds.* *The group debated the problem and presented ideas and finally, came up with a brilliant solution involving a napkin, a straw, and an empty saucer.* *They then called the waitress over, ready to dazzle her with their solution.* *"Ma'am," they said, "we couldn't help but notice that the pepper shaker contains salt and the salt shaker contains pepper..."* *But before they could finish, the waitress interrupted & said...* *"Oh -- sorry about that."* *She leaned over the table, unscrewed the caps of both bottles and switched them.* *There was dead silence at the Mensa table.* *For most of the problems in our lives there are simple solutions, but it is our “Brilliant” minds that complicate every simple solution. ...Change the Caps and enjoy life !!* *Take a re-look at life, you will find non issues mostly!*

Inclusivity at events means more than just providing the basics—it’s about offering thoughtful food and beverage options that make everyone feel welcome. I often think of my colleague Erica, who had to quietly switch to club soda (tipping the bartender extra) after one vodka soda to avoid standing out among her heavy-drinking clients. Or my friend Thomas, who left an industry event early because the only non-alcoholic choices were soda and water. He was looking for something more engaging, like an NA beer or a mocktail, that would let him enjoy the event without compromising his well-being. He lost out on potential relationships and business. These stories highlight why this conversation is so essential. We need to rethink how we craft food and beverage experiences at our events to ensure we offer options that cater to everyone’s needs and preferences. I look forward to discussing these topics at "Beyond the Bar," a unique sober-inclusive happy hour and panel discussion about redefining event experiences. Carl Radke, Alyssa May Hart, Madelyn Olavarria, our moderator David T. Stevens®, PMED, and I will dive into wellness trends, explore the rise of alcohol alternatives, and share insights on creating events that are truly inclusive for every attendee. Plus, I can’t wait to try some of Loverboy Inc.’s innovative NA drinks. 🍹 If you’re in Las Vegas for #IMEX24, come join us at the Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club. Let’s connect and work together to create events where everyone feels like they belong. 🗓️ Happy Hour: 6:30-7:30 PM 🎤 Panel Discussion: 7:30-8:15 PM 👥 Meet + Greet: 8:15-9:30 PM Spots are limited, so RSVP soon and be part of this important conversation! 👉 https://lu.ma/j439q87o Thanks to the OTHR Agency, Caesars Entertainment Meetings and Events, Loverboy Inc., and Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club, in partnership with CEMA-Corporate Event Marketing Association for hosting this important conversation. #BeyondTheBar #InclusiveEvents #EventInnovation #EatingAtAMeeting

Here are 5 tips to help you host a memorable, yet cost-conscious, event.

Here are 5 tips to help you host a memorable, yet cost-conscious, event.

Here are 5 tips to help you host a memorable, yet cost-conscious, event.

Here are 5 tips to help you host a memorable, yet cost-conscious, event.

Here are 5 tips to help you host a memorable, yet cost-conscious, event.

Here are 5 tips to help you host a memorable, yet cost-conscious, event.