MARKETING UTOPIA

Back To School

2011-08-05T15:46:00.000-05:00

Gear up for the end of Summer with our Back To School promotional products! If you were anything like me as a kid, you looked forward to buying new school supplies, outfits and more! brandITbandits offers a wide variety of customized Back To School favorites!

Browse our selections, you never know what you might find that meets your school needs or satisfies a current client!

Call (281) 674-8440 or email today!

Did you know?

2011-08-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

Fun give-a-ways are always appropriate for your prized customers. Did you know that branditbandits offers a complete solution for your advertising specialties? We have over 200,000 products that we can customize.

Contact us today if you are looking for new marketing ideas and ways to keep your business on top!

281-674-8440

SURTEX NYC

2011-04-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

The brandITbandits team is gearing up for a fabulous presentation at Surtex 2011 in New York City. Our artists include Lisa Jane, NYMBOO, AC Milan - Adidas and Kat Mack Photography.

Here are some of our clients and a sample of their work! Come see us in NYC May 14-18 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Reinvention...and It Feels So Good.

2011-01-10T13:00:00.003-06:00

There's nothing better on a warm summer afternoon than a cool frappucino from Starbucks. Or, on a cold Holiday evening, a hot latte to warm the soul. Starbucks has been controlling and maintaining body temps for almost 40 yrs and with a resume that long, it's not a stretch to say the company has managed to keep their image young and modern by constantly re-inventing their brand. In fact, to celebrate 40 yrs in the biz, starbucks is planning on unleashing a brand new version of its original logo. Hey, if starbucks can re-invent and re-establish their brand in an effort to stay modern, shouldn't your small biz do the same? We think so! Check out an awesome article featuring a Q & A with Starbucks' SVP Terry Davenport discussing the new logo. Then, waltz over to branditbandits.com to find out how you can reinvent your small business brand today!

Build Your Brand: Social Media Can Help

2011-01-07T11:00:00.000-06:00

Here at brandITbandits, our specialty is small business branding. We live for giving small businesses the platform the social platform they need to grow into a success. From blogging, to press releases, we know how to use social media to get our client's names out there.

Usually, we'd hate to give away our secrets, but this blog on entreprenuer.com details what we do so well, we couldn't help but share it. Check the blog out here:

www.entreprenuer.com/article/217815

then, give us a call, shoot us an email or contact us on facebook to get your business's social media campaign started today!

Invitation Bandits

2011-01-06T11:00:00.000-06:00

Planning a wedding, shower or other special event? Then you're going to need invitations! http://www.invitationbandits.com/ is the place to get premier deals on all the hottest invitations and paper vendors. Check it out today!

Getting Your Email Campaign Ready for 2011

2011-01-04T11:00:00.000-06:00

Email marketing is a tool advertisers and marketers alike have been using for years to reach out to their clients...but, it's not enough anymore. Now, to be an effective email marketer, you not only have to send out emails, you have to be prepared to dive head first into social media: the art of allowing your clients to have a conversation with you. Check out this article on email marketing from entrepreneur.com. Then, give us a call at brandITbandits for help with your social media strategies!

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217805

Houston Bridal Extravaganza Show: Don't Miss It!

2011-01-03T12:26:00.004-06:00

For a Bride-to-be in Houston Texas, there's no better place to go this January for all things "wedding" than the Houston Bridal Extravaganza Show. Housed in the George R. Brown convention center, this bridal expo will be filled with wonderful wedding vendors from all over Houston including Silver Sycamore Tea Room, Ashelynn Manor, and The Vineyards of Waverly Manor! With all these fantastic resources in one place, this is one event you don't want to miss!

Laura Bernardi Interview: Kazachok Licensing Forum, Italy

2010-11-28T10:45:00.000-06:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Elect-Jennifer-Schafer--Your-Vote-Counts-.html?soid=1103611975246&aid=B8PJSSF5s2o

2010-11-02T09:46:00.000-05:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Elect-Jennifer-Schafer--Your-Vote-Counts-.html?soid=1103611975246&aid=B8PJSSF5s2o

Bridal Showers and More!

2010-10-16T11:12:00.001-05:00

Did you know that Silver Sycamore Tearoom is the perfect place to have you bridal shower? They offer a great selection of gift items and party favors at the Gift Shop and a delicious menu full of great flavor!

As engagement season starts, Silver Sycamore is ready to serve you!

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blogger for driod!

2010-10-15T13:22:00.001-05:00

Droid x has a cool AP for blogger! This excellent

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0

AddThis - Bookmark, Email, Share, Translate - Google Chrome extension gallery

2010-09-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

AddThis - Bookmark, Email, Share, Translate - Google Chrome extension gallery

Facebook Rolls Out New Page Browser

2010-09-27T03:21:00.000-05:00

Facebook Rolls Out New Page Browser

Old News Revisited-Refresher!

2010-09-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

It has come to our attention that Facebook is a little wacky right now. Some blogs are taking longer than normal to post and I noticed that some blogs were magically re-posting themselves from previous entries. No big deal as Facebook sometimes goes a little nuts when they are in the process of a change or improvement. These are good things. As the world wide web continues its expansion, we continue ours.

Good news. At the NACE Experience 2010 conference in Austin, we learned a lot about Social Media. We already knew a lot of the information they shared, however, one can never know it ALL. As the attendees eyes glazed over with confusion, our eyes lit up. It made us aware of a few things. We have job security(!) and that it is more important than ever to harness free based social media. Attending the conference opened our eyes to the simple fact that if our clients are messing up the PAID FOR advertising and marketing, they are SURE to mess up the FREE. This isn't meant as a DIG against our clients, simply a wake up call for all of us. After only one session, we realized that if our clients spent the time it takes to learn, understand, keep up with, implement and achieve a conscious branding experience, they would have no time to sell their products or services. As small business owners, we already do EVERYTHING ourselves and there has now become a need for a service that makes sense of it all.

brandITbandits doesn't take the Internet for granted. Social Media is human and organic. It is always changing and improving and we only hope to continue to learn and grow with you. It is my passion that small business owners have access to affordable marketing and media solutions where they maintain security and transparency of their image and brand name. Thus, Social Bandits exists. brandITbandits put a label on the free based social media world. And, if TIME is MONEY, then you are paying a lot more than you should. Social Bandits is a set-up service coupled with a low monthly maintenance. If you are glazed and confused about social media, our team is here to coach you and uncover your marketing needs.

Some tips and free advice:

Facebook now allows any business profile with at least 25 fans to secure their own URL on Facebook. An example is www.facebook.com/brandITbandits Our team has worked diligently to secure that position for each of the profile pages we manage so that someone else didn't get to it first.
Networked Blogs: this application on Facebook now syndicates your blog and posts it in real time to your business profile pages. Since that recent release, our team will work to make sure that each blog has been registered to the networked blog application and syndicated it for faster / improved updating. Another cool improvement is the ability to now see the BLOG icon in your tabs on the business profile page. Facebook users and fan will now have the ability to see your BLOG through the networked blogs application. This app continues to improve and FOR NOW the most efficient way to import your blog to notes faster.
Reviews: The reviews TAB in Facebook is underused and imperfect, however, that team is constantly making tabs and applications better and more enhanced. Facebook recently launch Questions and Answers. It's an ability to POLL Facebook users and rivals Ask.com and eHow.com http://www.ehow.com. I'm interested in playing around to see what happens. You never know if you are going to get a legit answer or if legit questions are being asked.

Entrepreneur.com Daily Dose - Social Media Marketing And Your Business

2010-09-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

Entrepreneur.com Daily Dose - Social Media Marketing And Your Business

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FESTAC LOGO

2010-09-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

So, growth isn't bad, unless you aren't prepared. I wasn't prepared for my little instant growth pattern and I am now adjusting. First adjustment? Team up with a senior graphic artist that works in conjunction with our style. We have to welcome Jennifer Erdman to our team of strategic partners. We have artists of all types on our sub contrators list, however, Jennifer Erdman of Jennifer Creative is the first one we have had that is really solid and works with our deadlines. She is also tremendously flexible.

We recently had the privilege of reworking a logo for Elias Events client. This logo was for FESTAC. We are starting the brochure this week.

Twitter Updates from Team Twitter

2010-09-02T12:16:00.000-05:00

Over the coming weeks, we will be making two important updates that will impact how you interact with Twitter applications. We are sending this notice to all Twitter users to make sure you are aware of these changes.

What are applications?

There are over 250,000 applications built using the Twitter API. To use most applications, you first authorize the application to access your Twitter account, after which you can use it to read and post Tweets, discover new users and more. Applications come in many varieties, including desktop applications likeTweetDeck, Seesmic, or EchoFon, websites such as TweetMeme, fflick, orTopsy, or mobile applications such as Twitter for iPhone, Twitter for Blackberry, or Foursquare.

Update 1: New authorization rules for applications

Starting August 31, all applications will be required to use “OAuth” to access your Twitter account.

What's OAuth?

OAuth is a technology that enables applications to access Twitter on your behalf with your approval without asking you directly for your password.
Desktop and mobile applications may still ask for your password once, but after that request, they are required to use OAuth in order to access your timeline or allow you to tweet.

What does this mean for me?

Applications are no longer allowed to store your password.
If you change your password, the applications will continue to work.
Some applications you have been using may require you to reauthorize them or may stop functioning at the time of this change.
All applications you have authorized will be listed athttp://twitter.com/settings/connections.
You can revoke access to any application at any time from the list.

Update 2: t.co URL wrapping

In the coming weeks, we will be expanding the roll-out of our link wrapping service t.co, which wraps links in Tweets with a new, simplified link. Wrapped links are displayed in a way that is easier to read, with the actual domain and part of the URL showing, so that you know what you are clicking on. When you click on a wrapped link, your request will pass through the Twitter service to check if the destination site is known to contain malware, and we then will forward you on to the destination URL. All of that should happen in an instant.

You will start seeing these links on certain accounts that have opted-in to the service; we expect to roll this out to all users by the end of the year. When this happens, all links shared on Twitter.com or third-party apps will be wrapped with a t.co URL.

What does this mean for me?

A really long link such as http://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446563048 might be wrapped as http://t.co/DRo0trj for display on SMS, but it could be displayed to web or application users as amazon.com/Delivering- or as the whole URL or page title.
You will start seeing links in a way that removes the obscurity of shortened links and lets you know where each link will take you.
When you click on these links from Twitter.com or a Twitter application, Twitter will log that click. We hope to use this data to provide better and more relevant content to you over time.

Thanks for reading this important update. Come and check what's new athttp://twitter.com.

Thanks,
The Twitter Team

5 Signs it's Time to Fire Your Client - Entrepreneur.com

2010-08-10T06:27:00.000-05:00

5 Signs it's Time to Fire Your Client - Entrepreneur.com

New Logo Development

2010-07-27T15:54:00.000-05:00

This logo was one of our latest for a photographer friend and client. Her client wanted a special logo developed to place at the bottom of the images. This was a super fun project!

The

Social Media Revolution

2010-07-19T02:39:00.000-05:00

New Line!

2010-07-09T00:52:00.000-05:00

brandITbandits is representing a new line of invitations for corporate clients. We have decided to represent OPTIONS. Although we hail from the wedding industry, our focus is small business development, social media branding and marketing, start-up solutions and creative strategies within the special events industry.

We wanted to take a moment and offer up a few unique ideas and ways to get your message out.

This invitation can double as a media kit or products kits. Allow us to show you how to use this is your business.

Entrepreneur.com Daily Dose - Understanding The Small Business Cloud

2010-07-02T20:32:00.000-05:00

Entrepreneur.com Daily Dose - Understanding The Small Business Cloud

Lisa Jane Kindle Edition of Angel Kisses Book

2010-06-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

"Angel Kisses: A book of Comfort and Joy" has been released in the Kindle Edition. Her book features scriptures, quotes, personal stories about love and loss and more. Lift your body, heart and soul by reading Angel Kisses. Lisa Jane is a world renowned childrens photographer that was called to write an inspiring book filled with her latest images. If your eyes are the gateway to your soul, let Angel Kisses transport you to a place of comfort and joy.

Available for Kindle download now!

Entrepreneurial Exercise - Resume Building

2010-06-01T10:17:00.000-05:00

When you own your own business, the weight of being an OWNER and not an EMPLOYEE can get daunting. Recently, I was asked to 'apply' for a job. Although I wasn't looking for work, I decided that it would be a fun exercise to build my resume again. The last time I can remember doing a resume, it was saved on a floppy disc. Pretty funny. So, out of the dregs of my business existence, I built my resume from scratch.

Here are some tips for what they are looking for these days:

Include an image in your document. A professional head shot is not hard to obtain and not terribly expensive.
A clean layout that is easy to read with traditional fonts.
A video of you performing your trade or showing off an example of 'how-to' is always nice.
Be serious and respectful, but showing a sense of humor is good too.
Make sure your resume is relevant and honest. If you over sell yourself, you will find yourself miserable trying to figure out something you might not know.
Don't downplay either. If you are over qualified for the job, you might consider waiting until you find something closer to your skill set.

Here is the one I submitted. I think it's fun.

THE… Jennifer Schafer
281-330-7311
6909 Grand Blvd.
Houston, TX. 77054
Jennifer@branditbandits.com
www.branditbandits.com

Mission: Before you GOOGLE, you SCHAFER.

Objective: To take over the WWW one blogger at a time. To enhance my status as GURU of Sales and Marketing, on-line and off. Whatever it is, it better be fun and make me a lot of money.

Super Power: I can see into your business’ future, travel over 250 miles a day on sales calls, solve all your personal and business problems simultaneously without making you feel stupid, speak PC and MAC, create an advertising campaign in under a minute and multi-task my network with my 5 year old son, also known as Spiderman.

Alpha One Publishing, LLC 2005-present
Owner of Alpha One Publishing, LLC dba, Premier Bride Magazine and Premier Wedding Showcase. I am a leader in the Wedding and Special Events industry, an entrepreneur and guru to my clients and advertisers. I sell advertising while creating limitless opportunities for my clients to reach out to their target demographic. I own the franchise for Premier Bride Magazine in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Bryan-College Station and created a bridal show that currently serves the Galveston Island and Bay Area. My reputation for being ethical and transparent affords me credibility among my peers and provides me a head above my competition.

brandITbandits.com 2006-present
Owner of brandITbandits.com. I formed brandITbandits.com in reaction to the average small business not having access to cutting edge marketing and branding. brandITbandits offers the average small business a high level of brand consciousness allowing their strategic advertising campaigns to work harder. Through Premier Bride Magazine, I had access to several small businesses that did not understand or know how to begin a ?campaign?. I took it upon myself to launch a company that catered to the development and growth of small businesses within the Wedding and Special Events industry. Currently, that strategy advises towards social media integration, website redesign, blog development and more. In Houston, I am considered an expert.

Associations & Accomplishments:

The Special Event Conference 2010: Speaker: New Orleans, LA.

National Association of Catering Executives: Houston Chapter Board Member since 2005 in the role of Recruitment Director.

National Association of Catering Executives: Houston Chapter Essential Piece Award 2007/2008

National Association of Catering Executives: Houston Chapter Presidents List Award 2007

National Association of Catering Executives: Houston Chapter Outstanding Volunteer Leader 2007

National Association of Catering Executives: Houston Chapter Rising Star Award 2007

National Association of Catering Executives: Austin Chapter - Member Since 2007
National Association of Catering Executives: Alamo Chapter - Member Since 2007
Bay Area Wedding Professionals: Member Since 2005
ISES (International Special Events Society) Houston Chapter Member Since 2007
HADJA (Houston American Disc Jockey Association) Sponsor / Member since 2005
PPA (Professional Photographers Association) Member 2006-2007
HPVA (Houston Professional Videographers Association) Member 2006-2007

Elkins High School Prom

2010-04-14T21:41:00.000-05:00

The design team at brandITbandits was able to do a little event branding for Elkins High School. Together with Elias Events, brandITbandits was able to kick off an amazing Moroccan Mystique theme for the 2010 Prom. We are proud that they are using our logos for the lighting GOBOS, which also add an amazing brand consistnecy to any event.

I can't wait to see the final photos.

ISES Pages March-April 2010

2010-03-31T13:38:00.001-05:00

ISES Pages March-April 2010

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Blogger Training

2010-03-31T10:38:00.001-05:00

Today brandITbandits is training on blogger for the national franchise of Premier Bride Magazine and the local market associates. The video will be available a few days later!

Can't wait!

Opening Statements - Just Sell®... it's all about sales®

2010-02-10T22:32:00.000-06:00

Opening Statements - Just Sell®... it's all about sales®

The Top 5 Things You Should Know About Social Media - Entrepreneur Video Network - Entrepreneur.com

2010-02-10T22:11:00.001-06:00

The Top 5 Things You Should Know About Social Media - Entrepreneur Video Network - Entrepreneur.com

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The Benefits of Business Blogging - Entrepreneur Video Network - Entrepreneur.com

2010-02-10T21:39:00.001-06:00

The Benefits of Business Blogging - Entrepreneur Video Network - Entrepreneur.com

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10 Ways a Facebook Fan Page Helps Your Business - Facebook Fan Pages for Business - Entrepreneur.com

2010-02-09T20:46:00.001-06:00

10 Ways a Facebook Fan Page Helps Your Business - Facebook Fan Pages for Business - Entrepreneur.com

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S'Move Out- Sales Quote for the Day

2010-01-14T19:23:00.004-06:00

I love the site JUST SELL. It always reminds me to be my best and be kind while I do it. If you subscribe they will send you daily inspirational sales quotes like this one:

“An idea can turn to dust or magic depending on the talent that rubs against it.”

	William Bernbach (1911–1982) American pioneer of modern advertising

You can draw value from a naysayer or cynic by remaining objective and positive in your thinking. (yes, it can be tough)

Occasionally, they'll point out valid hurdles or challenges you haven't seen (even if they present it like an @ss#o/&). With their help, if you can remain objective (and keep your ego in check), you'll have a better chance of getting something valuable from the interaction.

The Special Event Conference-Going on Now

2010-01-14T09:57:00.004-06:00

The Special Event Conference and Trade Show is going on now in New Orleans, LA. brandITbandits had the distinct pleasure of presenting a class with Debbie Elias, CSEP, CMP of Elias Events on branding. Titled " Brand Conscious or Unconscious - Steps to Wake the Sleeping Giant" was a huge success. The show chose our class to record for attendees to later enjoy. As a first time speaker at this level, I was apprehensive being the first 8:30am class on a day prior to the conference opening day. However, my fears were put to rest when people started to pour in. Moreover, the class quickly filled and 98% stayed for the entire presentation. The questions being posed were mostly related to social media and how to harness those platforms for global brand positioning. I had the pleasure of speaking to a few of the attendees later that day. The VIBE agency is a DMC dedicated to the European market and wishes to expand into the US. We spoke briefly one on one about their goals and where they want to go from here. Shortly after that, Mia Farrell, owner of Leave it to Mia, spoke about her instant success and where to go now that her company is 'on the map'. The guys with Bon Appetit Management Company posses a challenge to brand their organization next to another one to maintain individuality with cross-market efficiency.

When I reviewed the schedule of classes being offered on the sales and marketing track, I was pleased to see that most of the classes focused on branding. 'Tis the season to develop strong strategies that are cost effective and efficient. Using social media for business and global development is key.

Branding your business, small or large, takes time and a well thought-out strategy. It has always been my impression that businesses making up the special events industry were left behind when it came to campaign development and management. It seemed that the industry was focused on creating whimsical trendsetting and well branded events for their clients and missed the mark creating it for themselves.

After working with Elias Events and other special events related companies since 2007, branditbandits focus became teaching and educating the special events industry to be more brand aware. Through low cost targeted resources, our clients are able to maintain control over their brand while being part of the creative team that makes it happen.

The Special Event in New Orleans- Educational Sessions!

2010-01-11T01:22:00.003-06:00

SM02
Date/Venue	Tuesday, 01/12/2010 8:00AM -10:00AM , Room 235
Description	Wake the sleeping giant! Has your proven ways of sales and marketing gone stale? Discover practical, easy and cost effective ways to harness your brand and position yourself for long term gain. This seminar focus' on trend shifts happening in sales and marketing and how they apply to your business plan. Uncover branding do’s and don’ts and learn practical ways to navigate various forms of media; Virtual Social Networks, Virtual Based Media, Print, Face-to-Face marketing and Cold Calling. Deliverables 1. Grasp your current brand and how it works for and against you, applications on how to streamline and make it more efficient. 2. Learn to set up and streamline your virtual marketing and social network media to save you time and money. 3. Gain practical working knowledge of applications available to assist you in marketing and selling in a new economy. 4. Leave with a printed guidebook on simple, easy to use, free applications available to help take your business to the next level.
Speaker(s)	Deborah Elias CSEP, CMP, Elias Events, President Jennifer Schaeffer, President, Brandit Bandits

Repost-Entrepreneur Maagazine Daily Does

2010-01-05T21:50:00.002-06:00

Avoid being held hostage by your Web designer

By: Mikal Belicove | January 4, 2010 3:42 PM

Recently, I received an e-mail message from a reader of my Entrepreneur magazine column inquiring whether I could help her company gain access to source code that a third-party programmer had created on their behalf and is being used to run certain areas of her company's website.

Her company had hired a Web design and programming firm to create her company's website in 2008, which includes an e-commerce-enabled shopping cart containing customized code that she had already paid the developer for. Now, one year later, she wants to move the website to her own server and have it managed by one of her own employees. However, in order to receive 100 percent of the files required to run the site, her company has no choice but to pay an additional fee. Why? Because the site is hosted by the developer, and, she agreed to the following terms when the site was built:

Unless other contractual arrangements are made beforehand, you will not be receiving any source code or files containing code of any kind from us other than what is stipulated here: You can request a CD or ZIP file containing and limited to: ".swf", "html", files for purposes of backing up your site. Unless specific arrangements are made these files cannot be altered, adjusted, decompiled or changed in any way. If you remove and edit or otherwise obtain files not given to you by us you are in direct copyright and contractual violation.

The website design firm further stipulated:

I understand that the source code for all projects belong to and are copyright of (Name of Design Firm). Source code is defined as all project files, executable code, source files and materials used to create the framework of the project. [In the event that (Name of Design Firm) is not able to provide service or future updates, we will negotiate a flat fee for any source files. This fee will be 50% of the total hours spent on the creation of source files. Source files will include fla, swf and a copy of the store.]

You may be asking yourself, why on earth would anyone agree to such limiting terms? If you were in the company owner's shoes and had never owned a business or had a website built for your business, you might fall into a similar trap. Feeling pressured to sign a deal, eager to see the vision for your site come to fruition, or assuming the developer knows best you may unwittingly hand complete control of one of your business's most valuable assets over to a vendor.

If you're thinking about outsourcing your website design or programming, then consider how much control you will ultimately have over it. Today's friendly Web designer or programmer can become tomorrow's hostage taker, holding your website, shopping cart, or other Web-based technology for ransom over even the slightest disagreement. Protect yourself. In this post, I show you how.

Be the master of your own domain
You or your company should own the domain. Register it yourself. It's cheap and easy, and you can configure the domain name server (DNS) in a matter of minutes to point to wherever you want it hosted. By registering your own domain, you gain the following:

Ownership of the domain (yourcompany.com) and any subsets of it, such as blog.yourcompany.com and shop.yourcompany.com.
Freedom to specify contact information for the domain's registrant and administrative and technical contacts.
Ability to move your site to a different hosting service and reconfigure the DNS to point to the new location.
Ability to use your domain for whatever email addresses you want to add.

Treat your domain as a valuable company asset. Allow no one to register or own the domain on your behalf.

Always play host
Web design and programming vendors may offer to host your site on a shared server they control. This seems innocent enough. After all, the developer needs quick and easy access for any maintenance or repair, and perhaps you know nothing about Web server management. But this, too, puts you at the mercy of the developer, because you have no access to your files. Protect yourself:

Choose a hosting service that you and the developer feel comfortable using.
Establish your own account with the hosting service.
Pay the hosting fees to the hosting service yourself.
Set up administrative privileges for yourself, and add and remove users and control access to your files yourself.

Avoid licensing what you already paid for
Some Web developers insist on licensing their work to clients. In other words, the developer owns the code, and you as the client/company pay to use it. If your company decides to work with a different developer, it must either purchase the code outright or start from scratch.

Most business owners would never think of paying their employees a licensing fee for their work, but this is exactly what many companies do when they hire a Web developer who insists on licensing. And, in my experience, most of these companies eventually feel the sting.

Under very few circumstances should you ever agree to a licensing deal for source code or website design elements. About the only time to agree such an arrangement is when the cost of owning the code or design outright is so prohibitive that you would never get it built in the first place. Accepting a more affordable solution upfront certainly allows your project to get off the ground sooner, but you should always plan to retain complete control over your source code and related files.

Villa Rinata

2009-10-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

Villa Rinata Birthday Celebration

Does your email address make you look like an amateur?

2009-10-03T09:34:00.002-05:00

A lot of wedding industry business cards pass through my hands. Many emails descend into my computer. Recently, I started to notice a disturbing trend in email addresses.

An alarming number of email addresses reek of amateur hour. One wouldn’t show up at a networking event in T-shirt, cutoffs and flip flops, would one? Why would a business use an equally lame email address?

Without busting actual addresses or people, let me construct some fictitious email addresses and then explain their various shortcomings.

janesbakeshop@aol.com: This person shows a website address on her business card as janesbakeshop.com. AOL is something almost all of started; however, it is not a business email. It makes you look like you are operating out of your garage. Event if you are operating out of your garage, one should move on to jane@janesbakeshop.com. One doesn’t have to close the AOL account. In fact, it’s good to use an AOL browser to see how people look at your website. AOL also now includes email forwarding features.
midnightmama9696@yahoo.com: I’m glad this person has a private social life or nickname; however, it doesn’t look very cool when filling out an industry order form and doesn’t show will on a business card. This kind of email should be strictly private.
joesdjandweddingofficiant@gmail.com: This person has multiple businesses and is trying to wrap them into one free email address. He should have two websites: joesDJservice.com and weddingofficiantjoe.com – He should maintain them as separate business identities. For that reason, Joe might get a personal domain, such as joesmith.com to use for ALL communication. His standard email might then simply be joe@joesmith.com. I recommend having a Google email account (gmail) as a business backup, but it does not support the name or domain of your website, correctly.
tennesseeweddingdiva@hotmail.com: Don’t use the word Diva, unless it is part of your business name or domain name. NEVER use a Hotmail account. Hotmail accounts have a high incidence of being used to send spam. Consequently, your email to a prospect or customer has a much higher chance of being directed to a spam folder or blocked, entirely. If this business has the domain tennesseeweddingdiva.com, then the email should be maryclaire@tennesseeweddingdiva.com.
bayareamuseum@msn.com: Abbreviations are tricky. Is this Green Bay, Tampa Bay, San Francisco Bay, or some other bay? As well, it’s an msn.com account, not a real domain. In the real world, it should be something like events@tampabaymuseum.org
supercalifragilisticexpialidocius517@theworldsbestdisneydj.com: Annoying long email addresses are counterproductive. Short, sweet, and easy to remember is the way to go.

Your email address should be simple and reinforce your domain name. AndyEbon@WeddingMarketing.net or simplify further by just using your first name. This is about being explicit, memorable and projecting a professional image.

Here’s the deal. If you use a sub-standard email address for your business, change it, today. Then modify your email listings, everywhere, to the new address. Notify your contacts. It’s not that difficult; just takes some time. Tough!

If this is you, these steps should have taken place long ago. NO EXCUSES!! Just get it done! Amateur Hour is over.

And if one of your friends is a guilty party on this matter, please forward this blog post address to them. They will thank you.

Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority

Amerifab

2009-09-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

Working with Amerifab on new website photos!

Small Business Seminar

2009-09-17T22:46:00.002-05:00

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a new small business owner, this seminar is for you! We cordially invite you to our small business development seminar to learn from Houston's top business builders. We have asked trusted business professionals to share with you their solutions to the challenges of starting a new business or running an existing business more efficiently.

The half day seminar will be on Friday, September 25^th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at The River Oaks Tower, 3730 Kirby Drive, 2^nd Floor Conference Room, Houston, TX 77098. Lunch will be provided. The cost for this event will be $35.00 per person. Please RSVP by Thursday, September 24^th.

At the beginning of the seminar, each professional will introduce their company and the services they have to offer. Following the introduction, you will have the opportunity to meet with the professional(s) of your choice in small groups in order to ask your specific questions.

The Business Professionals that will be in attendance include:

Will Colgin – Becerra & Colgin Law Firm - Contract Law; Corporate Entity Development

Ken Sanders & Diana Zayed – Chase Bank – Small Business Banking Solutions

Allen Shapiro – SCORE (small business administration) - Numerous Resources Available

Michal Johnson & Vince Pinto – GrowthForce - Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping

Jennifer Schafer – BrandITBandits – Marketing, Sales Solutions and PR

Brenda Campbell - Grant Writer - will be in attendance via video conferencing.

This is a seminar you WON'T want to miss!

Being Nice Saves Money in a Down Economy

2009-08-10T14:20:00.003-05:00

In an economic downturn, there is little we can do to control how the economy might effect us. I recently discovered one really great way to save money that I could actually control; being nice.

Recently, I had to do a last minute print job over a weekend for a friend. I arrived at Office Depot, where I wasn't sure I could get the quality I was after or that they could turn my job around in a matter of one hour. I waited in line patiently behind a woman, talking on her cell phone, waiting for her shipment and job to be processed by John, the Office Depot team member. John was attentive to me by greeting me (a training thing for OD workers) and I quickly seized an opportunity to ask how much for color copies. He responded .59 cents. Being bad at math (or lazy), I asked how much the total job might be. He excused himself and told me that he would work up the quote after he finished with his current customer (still on her cell phone). I stepped back patiently and waited quietly while he started to check out his current customer. She commenced to unloading her basket (to which John was not aware) and started to take items back that she decided against purchasing. John looks at me and let's me know he will be right with me and apologizes for the delay. I say "no problem, take your time, I am not in any hurry". I do take another opportunity to let him know that my goal was to have my print job in a little under one hour and wanted to make sure that was even possible. He asked a few questions and then asked me to bring in my files for processing.

John has a visual disability. His eyes pointed in different directions and he moved a little more slowly b/c of his eyesight. In order to accommodate me and operate more quickly, he asked for my assistance (without shame or judgment from me). More people arrived behind me and as I was helping him help me, I let him know that it was o.k for him to take care of the others.

After a few more interruptions from other people, we finally got the job done together. Each time I was gracious and step back while their needs were addressed and taken care of.

John was so thankful that I was patient and nice he only charged me for HALF my job. I even had 4 sides cut and trimmed off my job to make it look nice and wasn't charged a penny.

The moral of this story? We can't control the ebb and flow of our economy, but we can control how we act in public. By being nice and patient, even kind to others when they are stressed out, you might save yourself a little money.

NACE-EXPERIENCE 2009

2009-07-26T13:27:00.004-05:00

This is a pre-Day 1 to the NACE EXPERIENCE 2009 conference in Charlotte. With a packed schedule, celebrities and great speakers, you won't want to miss out when NACE comes to Austin, TX in 2010.

Highlights from the CPC meeting this morning were the unveiling of NACE-TV.

Check out the website for more details on how being a member of NACE brings you one step closer to realizing your networking and money making potential.

CLICK HERE

To learn more about becoming a member of this organization, please log onto our LOCAL HOUSTON CHAPTER website for details.

The Special Event Conference and Trade Show 2010

2009-07-21T23:24:00.003-05:00

Jennifer Schafer of brandITbandits.com in conjunction with Debbie Elias of Elias Events are slated to speak at The Special Event Conference and Trade Show. It will be held in New Orleans, LA at the Ernest J. Morial Convention Center, January 12-15, 2010.

branditbandits.com recently developed Elias Events custom blog and website. The site has been entered into several categories for awards and we are awaiting the results. Meanwhile, Jennifer Schafer and Debbie Elias developed a brand awareness class entitled " "Brand Conscious or Unconscious? Effective solutions to waking the sleeping giant." This class will go over the importance of corporate identity in the current economic climates and how to revive established businesses taking them into the next millennium.

Join us there in 2010!

Special Arrangements Logo

2009-07-21T23:17:00.002-05:00

Lori Holley is a long time advertiser of Premier Bride Magazine. We recently sat down to build her new AD and developed a fresh new look and updated logo.

Lori Holley with Special Arragements creates some of the most amazingly detailed floral arrangements for weddings and special events of all type. Her company services Greater Houston and Austin.

Contact her today for more information:

Lori Holley

Jacob and Will visit with Astronauts

2009-07-13T23:49:00.000-05:00

STS-127 Mission Overview

The 16-day mission will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Astronauts will attach a platform to the outside of the Japanese module that will allow experiments to be exposed to space.

The STS-127 crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Dave Wolf, Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn, Tim Kopra and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette. Kopra will join the space station crew and replace Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. Wakata will return to Earth on Endeavour to conclude a three-month stay at the station.

Dave Wolf is a friend of Tammy and Paul Brindley, Will's parents. Jacob and Will (although disappointed that the shuttle didn't launch), met an ACTUAL Astronaut and took pictures with them. Dave Wolf, on his final mission in Space, was on his way to the shuttle and asked to speak with both Jacob and Will about the upcoming mission.

Mommy has been keeping up with the commander, Polansky, through Twitter so that she can get up to the minute action on briefings, cancelations and fun facts.

Flordia Vacation Fun 2009

2009-07-13T23:45:00.000-05:00

Jacob and Will having fun at the beach in Florida with Tammy, Paul, Nana and Papaw. They wear each other out while waiting for the Space Shuttle Endeavour to take off on it's final mission to the space station to finish a Japanese project.

This was Jacob's first time away from mommy and daddy. Mommy and Daddy were able to blow kisses from across the telephone so that Jacob could have a rare opportunity to watch the shuttle take off. Unfortunately, the mission was canceled several times due to weather and we will have to watch it from home!~

Social Networks Round-up

2009-06-04T20:58:00.002-05:00

brandITbandits.com has been chosen by special events companies in the local Houston area to round up and maximize their social media experience.

Allow us to show you how most social networks can benefit your business, increase brand awareness and market share, efficiently capture the next generation of consumers and bring it all together in one easy to use application.

Make sense of your social network and discover how you can connect to the outside world through proper posting and blogging.

We might not know EVERYTHING, but we know more than you!

Call today for your appointment:

281-330-7311

Licensing Expo 2009-Las Vegas

2009-06-02T09:01:00.003-05:00

I am traveling to Las Vegas to increase my universe on all things licensed.

This is an excellent opportunity for me to gain some 'next level' knowledge. I am traveling with world renowned Childrens Photographer, Lisa Jane. Lisa has already achieved a well known name and we are here to help her take control over her brand and increase her market share.

Check out her successful new website: www.lisajane.com

Web Safe Fonts: Wikipedia

2009-04-27T16:14:00.001-05:00

Web-safe fonts are those fonts likely to be present on a wide range of computer systems, and are used by web content authors to increase the chance that content will be displayed in their chosen font. If a visitor to a website does not have the specified font, their browser will select an alternative — in the case of dingbat typefaces the alternative is unlikely to have similar characters at the same code points.

[hide]

[edit]CSS Generic Font Families

The most safe option is to use the generic font families as defined by the CSS. These are: sans-serif, serif, monospace, cursive and fantasy. One of them should always be specified as a last resort for every font-family CSS property. Sans-serif is regularly specified in CSS as the default for generic font families, as sans-serif fonts are more easily readable on screens.^{[citation needed]}

Examples

sans-serif
serif
monospace
cursive
fantasy

[edit]Microsoft's Core Fonts for the Web

Microsoft has started a Core fonts for the Web initiative. However, despite the name, only some of the fonts defined there are web-safe indeed. These are: Arial, Courier New, Georgia, Times New Roman,Verdana, Trebuchet MS (more recently) and Lucida Sans (to some extent).

Examples

Arial
Courier New
Georgia
Times New Roman
Verdana
Trebuchet MS
Lucida Sans

Note: These examples may not display properly in all browsers/operating systems

[edit]Unicode Fonts

Only two fonts available by default on the Windows platform, Arial and Lucida Sans, provide a wide Unicode character repertoire. A bug in Verdana (and the different handling of it by various user agents) hinders its usability where combining characters are desired.

[edit]Alternatives

A common hurdle in web design is the programming of mockups that include non-web-safe fonts. There are a number of solutions for situations like this. One common solution is to "slice" out the text and reference the particular font along with a similar replacement. For instance, if a heading contains a Windows Vista-specific font, the programmer would write the code such that the heading is physical text (rather than an image) and references the particular font. If the font is not present on a viewer's computer, the website falls back on a similar font or set of fonts that are similar or are suitable replacements.

Another practice is to use image replacement techniques. These methods store the text in question as physical text and then overlay the text with an image containing the text typed out in the correct font. This is good for search engine optimization and aesthetic purposes, though the text cannot be selected (for say, copy and pasting). However it should be noted that Mozilla Firefox for instance has the optionCopy on the right click contextual menu for a highlighted image which copies the alt attribute to the clipboard.

Image replacement techniques can be easily done with the php/JavaScript library FLIR. It can automatically replace any text on the webpage with an automatically generated picture, if the font is missing from the client machine. FLIR is open-source itself, and does not require any other tools to be deployed or used, besides a php-interpreter. (which is also open-source). Nor does it require any plugins on the user's computer. The only things that the client's browser needs to implement is displaying of images and JavaScript. Any true-type or open type font can be used to automatically generate text.

Another technique in the web design community is the use of Flash-based solutions such as sIFR. They work similar to image replacement techniques, though the text is selectable and rendered as a vector. The downside to this method is that the tools needed to create sIFR files are generally not readily available for free.

Web fonts, a new CSS2 feature, introduced functions for client-side font matching, font synthesis and progressive rendering which give a web designer a wider variety of font styles based on the rendering process inside the browser.

Elias Events Project

2009-03-29T21:09:00.002-05:00

The Elias Events website is LIVE! Thanks to Lara, my web developer, for a great job well done.

Check it out!

ELIAS EVENTS

Celebrations Weddings and Special Events

2009-03-14T20:45:00.004-05:00

brandITbandits was recently hired to take a non-existing company and make it exist. With a few revisions, our team was able to create a logo (corporate identity), postcards, business cards and newly formed website for this new event planner in Dickinson, TX.

We are in the infant stages of the website development. I think we will hit the nail on the head once again.

Bogarts Bed & Breakfast Project

2009-03-14T20:27:00.005-05:00

Bogart's Casa Blanca Bed & Breakfast hired branditbandits last year to rebrand their business. We started with the logo, at left, moved onto their AD and then website. Bogarts retains the back cover of the Premier Bride Bryan-College Station magazine. We also developed letterhead design as well as the website. Click Here to view it on our test servers. The reason we place sites on the test server is so our clients have an opportunity to view it as it would appear on the web and critique it's presence in a safe mode.

Elias Events Project

2009-03-14T20:19:00.003-05:00

The website project for Elias Events is now uploaded on our test servers. Team member, Lara Ozenne-Toman, was recently employed to freshen up the Elias Events brand and website. After many months and 60 pages, branditbandits is proud to have finally uploaded the test site to a back end server. The view the new test site (not public yet) click here. The old website look is still active until we finish minor tweaks. All parties are very exited to wrap the project and push it out to the public....I think we need a LAUNCH PARTY!

brandITbandits.com wins Elegant Beginnings Inc. project

2009-03-14T20:11:00.005-05:00

Elegant Beginnings, Inc., a Houston based linen company specializing in special event linens and weddings, hired brandITbandits.com team to redo and update their existing website. brandItbandits.com will create a full service html website with custom photo galleries, printed and web based catalog and photograph all linens carried in stock and special order. Elegant Beginnings will also employ brandITbandits.com to update all advertising campaigns with their recent purchase / lease of a new space in Humble Texas. Currently, branditbandits finished shooting the linens and has already started on the catalog layout and website development.

The current site is Elegant Beginnings and they recently referred another site soon to start.

Stay tuned for more recent activity as we post progress on the blog.

Client on Oprah!

2009-02-26T15:50:00.002-06:00

Although we aren't formally finished with the Elias Events website, we are incorporating her logo rework into a banner for the Oprah Show! Debbie Elias, of Elias Events is going to appear on the Oprah Show using SKYPE technology.

I love technology!

We uploaded her new banner for a last minute press. More screen shots of her new site coming soon!

Allied Wealth Management

2009-02-22T10:47:00.003-06:00

brandITbandits.com proudly wins retainer contract from Allied Wealth Management.

Current projects:

Planning & Execution of the company Client Appreciation Dinner at The Downtown Aquarium on December 5, 2009. Event to include two forms of entertainment and an Elvis Impersonator.
Developing quarterly Client Referral Dinners with Perry's Steakhouse and Grille.
Overseeing monthly planning, printing, design and implementation of seminar materials, 50,000 piece direct mail and more.

Allied Wealth Management

2008-11-16T20:53:00.006-06:00

branditbandits has been working with Allied Wealth Management on several of their branding efforts. We started off by working with them on a photoshoot at Solaris Studios. It was a great experience and has earned me a client for life! So far, we have worked on recreating all their marketing materials to assist them in earning more clients for 2009.
Our current efforts is a postcard mailer that will target 55+ retirees that wish to rollover their 401K's, etc.
Here is our progress so far: (shows back to folded front)

Bailey Connor Catering

2008-11-16T20:47:00.003-06:00

brandITbandits.com has been working diligently with Bailey Connor Catering. A local, well-known caterer of more than a decade needed a fresh new look to take them into the next millenium.

This is the LOGO we have created and also the letterhead we are advising on currently. The LOGO development is complete as we integrate this into the new advertising campaigns, van graphics, website, direct mail campaign, and more.

I look forward to updating you on our progress.

ISES Houston

2008-11-16T20:37:00.002-06:00

Jennifer Schafer, owner and publisher of Premier Bride Magazine, was given a panel position with leading bridal magazines in the Houston area. Top professionals from The Knot, Weddings in Houston, Brides.com, Modern Luxury Brides and Premier Bride Magazine spoke on trends for 2009 special events.

Below is the panel topic Jennifer Schafer covered in her discussion:

Trends in tradeshows / booths (3 trends minimum please) Does not have to focus only on social/wedding can also be corporate:
Fun Items like Logo Gobos and pop up from the following:
· Displays to Go: www.displaystogo.com
· SDsign: www.sdsign.com
· ExhibitDeal: www.exhibitdeal.com
· 20/20 Exhibits: www.2020exhibits.com

With the new economic problems, are you seeing any effect on the event industry as a whole?
1. Double edged sword. Current advertisers are trying to maximize and really pay attention to what works and what doesn’t forcing all of us to be more creative and work harder for advertising ROI. I have other NEW clients seizing the opportunity to try to work out deals and make a play for the business that is being lost. I have some clients that will now advertise because they realize, that now more than ever, they need to ‘show up’ and not rely too heavily on word of mouth referral bases. I also saw a great halt to all things (like holding our breath) until after the election and after we could recover some from the storms and market crashes. I think for our corporate based business, we see a MAJOR slow, for brides, it’s business as usual.
2. I see more people trying to advertise now than I did before. No one is canceling unless they have gone out of business. They realize that I am part of their marketing and sales team and they need more of now more than ever. My clients rely on me for sound business advice and to come up with cutting edge out of the box ideas that will catapult them to capture more of the market share.
When you go to an event or bridal show, are you seeing more, or less people and what do you think the determining factors are?
1. I see the same number, different faces. There are more brides maximizing their budgets, however, they are still spending money and it still increases each year. For my vendors, I am coaching that it will take a little work for them to get their return now. The money is there, it just isn’t falling out of the sky. I coach my vendors that they need to get their businesses shaped up and start really BRANDING themselves. It is not longer small business as usual. You will need to be different and a LOT different at that.
Are you seeing an influx of event/bridal magazines growing in the Houston / TX market, if so why? If not, do you think there will be in the near future?
2. Not really. I see it in TEXAS, but not Houston specific. I think there is room for anyone that works hard and proves themselves. Have you gone to a newsstand lately? And just like any small, medium or large business, it take continous effort and you can’t relax. It’s no different than any other business in town. Flowers, Wedding Planning, Cake, etc. It all amounts to WORK.
Are you seeing any multicultural trends, items or ideas from China, India etc?
3. I see printing and graphics being outsourced SOME, but I don’t outsource overseas. I prefer to use Americans. That being said, I do like some imports to purchase. On a corporate level, I see some great promotional tradeshow products that I am able to offer my clients that are coming from overseas. I also am seeing a more ‘global’ feel and look to most design in weddings now. It’s a great variety and mix. We are seeing more of a MIX than a heavy presence either way.
How do you deal with irate customers on your end?
4. I trade them in. Seriously, I have a great team of people that assist me now and if I am going to lose my professionalism, I will have my production manager difuse the situation. The trick is to never get them mad in the first place. I guess I am pretty easy going if it’s an honest mistake and all I can do is admit it and ask for forgiveness. That usually does the trick. I can’t draw blood, so they just have to take that. If it gets ugly, there is always court. I haven’t had to do that yet.

Based on your years in the industry, in what way do you think trends will change in 5 years?
5. It’s like fashion. Nothing NEW is coming about, just making something from the past better the next time around. Or worse. I see a great deal of the natural and green items happening. We did that in the 60’s and 70’s. Renewable resources are playing a BIG role in weddings right now. Items that have a smaller global footprint are very HAUTE right now.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

2008-09-22T17:42:00.002-05:00

Are you a bride recently canceled because of the damage Hurricane Ike? Do you need a wedding vendor or location to have your wedding?

Well, Premier Bride Magazine has been compiling a list of vendors that are ready to help you out!

Post a comment today or email us if you are in need of anything wedding related.

We are here to help you!

jennifer@premierbride.com

EMBROIDERY SERVICES

2008-08-31T14:33:00.002-05:00

brandITbandits.com has partnered with a local Screen Printing and Embroidery Shop to offer clients low prices on Company T-Shirts and Screen Printing.

Call Today for more information on how to project the perfect image by wearing your logo on a clean crisp button down, polo, or graphically enhanced t-shirt.

Jennifer Schafer
brandITbandits.com
281.330.7311

EAT THE HEAT 2008

2008-08-09T14:26:00.001-05:00

Host:
Scott Valley
Location:
Maggie Mae's323 E Sixth St, Austin, TX 78701 USView Map
When:
Thursday, August 14, 5:30PM
Phone:
512-458-3535
Join us on Thursday, August 14, 2008 for the eighth annual Eat the Heat Progressive Cocktail Party showcasing Austin's finest culinary talent and their favorite ways to forget the GRUELING Texas summer.We will be starting at Maggie Mae's at 530PM. Then we will move to Buffalo Billiards at 630PM and at 730PM we will head over to the finale and Chef Showcase at the Omni Downtown.Great food, great entertainment and great fun to be had by all!!Please visit www.eat-the-heat.com and purchase tickets online! Tickets are $65.00 if purchased ahead of time through a NACE member or online. You can also purchase tickets at the door for $75.00 at any of the three stops!

NACE-EXPERIENCE 2008

2008-08-05T18:17:00.002-05:00

Meeting Mindy Weiss was FANTASTIC! Down to earth, lovable, serious, funny, approachable, relatable. At NACE Experience 2008 in Philadelphia, Mindy Weiss spoke about upcoming trends in wedding decor and design, got REAL about top 10 things you hate to hear and how to handle them, celebrity weddings of Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Eva Longoria and Tony Parker, and Jessica Simpson to Nick Lachey. It was a pleasure to have the Wedding Channel award first place to one of ten table scapes and enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the nations oldest and most adored ballrooms. After an extended walk through downtown Philadlphia, we all were able to purchase Mindy's book on wedding planning. A bible on the true trends, tips and how to's for todays top wedding professionals. I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of my own. It was a great experience.

NACE conference 2008: Experience. Truely a great pleasure.

NACE EXPERIENCE 2008-PHILADELPHIA

2008-08-02T08:58:00.003-05:00

In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever for catering executives to keep up with the latest industry trends and innovations. Experience! 2008 promises to bring on-premise caterers, off-premise caterers, event planners and industry vendors/suppliers together to network and learn new ideas.
With more than 30 educational sessions and two keynote speakers, we're sure that you will experience the latest in catering and event design, and the best of Philadelphia. For complete information on Experience! 2008 view the Conference Brochure.
Catch a Star!
Join the brightest stars in the hospitality industry:
Mindy Weiss, Celebrity Event Planner
Linnyette Richardson-Hall, "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?"
Walter Scheib, White House Chef
Cindy Novotny, Founder Master Connection Associates, and
Culinary Experience! with Featured Chefs: Rich Landau, Horizon; Michele Mitchell, Hotel du Pont; Andy Snow, Feastivities Events; Guillermo Pernot, Cuba Libre Restaurant; Mitch Prensky, Global Dish Caterers and Supper Restaurant and Moderator Brian Freedman, Food and Wine Writer and Educator
Wedding Luncheon featuring Mindy Weiss
The cost of the wedding luncheon is included in your conference registration. Additional tickets are available. Purchase your ticket today!
Breakout Sessions
The following sessions have been added to the program.
Tuesday, August 5, 2:45 pm – 4:15 pmSales and Marketing
Life is a Highway - Putting the Pedal to the Metal, The One-up on Sales Edge
Eric Ostrow, CPCE, The Glazier Group
Join Eric Ostrow, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Glazier Group, an evolutionary event management team and owners of Bridgewaters, Strip House, and Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C. in Manhattan to learn about the ever-changing world of sales. The session will address the importance of identifying and addressing your clients' needs, as well as your ability to adapt to their changing requests. You will learn how to develop and strengthen your prospecting ability, how to listen to your clients' needs to identify new sales opportunities and how to increase you sales by creating loyalty in today's competitive market.
Wednesday, August 6, 11:45 am – 1:15 pm
Event Management
I'm not the Wicked Witch of the West - Why a Professional Wedding Planner Can Be Your Fairy Godmother
Linnyette Richardson Hall with Prentice Pollard, CPCE, CMP and Bill Hamilton
When a client tells you cheerily, "Oh - I have a wedding planner!", do you groan inwardly? This informative, light-hearted workshop is designed to lift the mist shrouding the role of the professional wedding planner and to demonstrate how they can be an ASSET to any other event or catering professional. Using a panel/discussion format, participants will have an opportunity to understand the modalities that many professional planners work from, identify methods of working cohesively with an independent planner and to hear from other vendors on the panel as to how they've benefited from their working relationship with a wedding planner.
Key Deadlines
May 15 Early Bird DeadlineJuly 15 Regular Registration Deadline
Registration
There are two ways to register:
Mail your completed registration form along with a check (US funds only) payable to the National Association of Catering Executives, to NACE, 9881 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 101, Columbia, MD 21046
Fax your completed registration form including your credit card information to the NACE Headquarters at 410-290-5460.
Full conference registration includes the following:
2 Keynote presentations
30 educational sessions
Admission to the Opening Reception, Off-Premise Event and Closing Night Gala
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 breaks
Wedding Luncheon
Chefs' Panel - featuring local Philadelphia chefs
Design and Decor session
Register today at the early-bird rate. For more information contact conference@nacenet.org.
Hotel and Travel
The official conference hotel is the Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Loews Philadelphia Hotel1200 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19107(215) 627-1200Room Rate: $179 per night (single/double occupancy)
Reservations must be made by July 2, 2008 to receive the conference rate.
Awards & Special Events
View the Industry Awards, Chapter Awards and Individual Awards Nomination Forms and enter today!
Silent Auction Make a Donation for the Silent Auction!
NACE Has Talent We know you have talent, so show us! Sign up today.
Wear it Proud Fundraiser! To commemorate 50 years of NACE, the student organization of NACE at the University of Central Florida is selling NACE-embroidered polo shirts.
Marketplace, Business Partners & Local Donors
Experience! the latest products and services in the catering and event planning industry. Visit the Marketplace on Tuesday in the Millenium Ballroom. The Marketplace is SOLD OUT! If you are interested in other sponsorship opportunities or would like to reserve a spot for 2009, please contact Matt Dirks at mdirks@nacenet.org.
Experience! Philadelphia
Learn more about fun things to do while in Philadelphia. Experience! Philadelphia and NACE's 50th Anniversary Celebration!

NACE encourages your professional development through voluntary participation in its certification program, the "Certified Professional Catering Executive".
Earn your CPCE at Experience! 2008 -- Apply now! Testing Date Scheduled - August 3, 2008! ...more

Chapter Leaders! Look for more information on 2009 Leadership Summits here!
More of your great ideas from 2008 summits
Got ideas? Let your Chapter Leaders know!
Follow the link to see what happened in 2008
...more

TRASH THE DRESS-YOU ARE INVITED

2008-06-13T12:30:00.003-05:00

Network Solutions

2008-05-12T04:09:00.003-05:00

brandITbandits is now partnered with Data Communications offering security enabled network solutions for small and medium businesses. Data Communications and brandITbandits offer security, firewall protection and full scale network solutions.

For more information, please contact us at 281.330.7311

brandITbandits now offers promotional items

2008-05-09T10:18:00.004-05:00

brandITbandits has recently formed an alliance with Space Age Promotional Products in The Heights, TX. With all the bridal shows and special events to attend, brandITbandits decided to get in on the action. Space Age offers a complete line of promotional items and 'green marketing' items for any trade show, bridal show or special event. Please take a moment to visit their website at http://www.spaceagepromotions.com/. Space Age will go the extra mile to find you what you need at the best price. We want your businesses to succeed and the best way is to market with comprehensive promotional items. Call brandITbandits today and let us know how we can help you!

Networking with Great Intentions

2008-03-29T13:36:00.006-05:00

As most of you know, I sit on the board of the National Association of Catering Executives. I believe it to be one of the best places in Houston to network with special events industry professionals.

This Wednesday, April 2, 2008, The Houstonian will host WT2008: Reuse, Recycle, Rethink! The program is focused on how special events are "going green" and giving back to the environment. Special Events hold some of the largest carbon footprints in the world. Being able to offset some of the waste created by special events is going to take re-educating ourselves on better products and services.

Here are some of the links we have for our program. I invite everyone to join us for this occasion.

Sponsor Links:
Houstonian Hotel and Spa: http://www.houstonian.com/
Barefoot Bubbly: http://www.barefootwine.com/
Redwood Creek: http://www.redwoodcreek.com/
14 Hands: http://www.14hands.com/

Green Events and Weddings Web Links and Resources:
http://www.justgive.org/worldwildlifefund/weddings/index.jsp
http://www.carbonfund.org/site/pages/individuals/category/Weddings/?gclid=CP3Jo4K4o5ICFQkvgwodslwRQg
http://www.greenhotels.com/
http://www.greenweddings.net/
http://www.greeneleganceweddings.com/
http://www.greatgreenwedding.com/default.php
http://www.favorideas.com/wedding-themes/unique-themes/green-or-environmental-wedding-favors
http://www.sprol.com/?p=293
http://www.onsiteeventsgreen.com/
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/mar2007/db20070319_140179.htm?chan=top+news_special+report+--+green+business_special+report+
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/194806/ten_wedding_trends_for_the_20072008.html
http://www.naturallyeverafter.com/?&CustSourceCode=11816&ssource=goog_nea&kw=environmentallyfriendly_newlp&s_kwcid=green%20wedding1082310038&gclid=CNnu3rG4o5ICFQ6XggodDyIBQw

Magazine Editorial Links on Green Wedding Trends:
http://premierbride.com/greenwedd.html
http://www.theknot.com/keywords/in_701.shtml
http://weddingsinhouston.com/article.asp?article_id=158&ctr=12
http://weddings.about.com/od/bridesandgrooms/tp/2008-Wedding-Trends.htm

RSVP please by Monday March 31st.

http://www.nacehouston.net/

BRIDAL SYMPOSIUM BRIDAL SHOW

2008-03-04T08:25:00.005-06:00

The premier Houston bridal show and expo with everything you'll need to plan the "Perfect" Wedding and honeymoon. This Houston bridal show and expo features the finest wedding professionals from the greater Houston, Texas area.
The Houston Bridal Symposium provides complete wedding planning, event planning and honeymoon information to Houston area brides. Information on wedding planning, bridal shows, marriage licenses, hotels, entertainment, photographers, reception locations, formal wear, shoes, cakes, caterers, bakers, lingerie, florists, invitations, equipment and much more is available at this Houston bridal show. Join us for the next Houston Bridal Symposium and meet Houston's professional wedding companies.

If you are thinking of joining this show, you are thinking right! It's one of the best ways to market to brides all across greater Houston. Please vist the website today and download the forms. It's simple and easy. If you can't figure it out, one of our team members is here to assist you.

Movin' on UP!

2008-03-01T19:16:00.008-06:00

PRESS RELEASE:

brandITbandits.com was made aware that Premier Bride Magazine is bigger than ever; Announcing the launch date for their Austin issue as July 25, 2008. Join us in celebration in Austin, TX. as publisher Jennifer Schafer launches Premier Bride Greater Austin after 3 years of success in Houston, TX. On deck, Premier Bride is gaining ground in San Antonio, TX. with a soft launch scheduled for January 2009. As well, Premier Bride Magazine will launch a smaller publication in Bryan-College Station in July 2008.

The hard work has paid off for publisher, Jennifer Schafer, as she was recently awarded The Rising Star award by the Houston Chapter of NACE; The National Association of Catering Executives. Jennifer Schafer sits in the distinguished role of Recruitment Director for the association as well as attending seminars on leadership. Premier Bride Magazine believes in education and also retains membership in PPA, HPVA, GHAMMA, HADJA, BAWP and more.

This expansion will create a greater market share for the already 33 other markets Premier Bride upholds.

MARKETING UTOPIA

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SURTEX NYC

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http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Elect-Jennifer-Schafer--Your-Vote-Counts-.html?soid=1103611975246&aid=B8PJSSF5s2o

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10 Ways a Facebook Fan Page Helps Your Business - Facebook Fan Pages for Business - Entrepreneur.com

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Repost-Entrepreneur Maagazine Daily Does

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Amerifab

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NACE-EXPERIENCE 2009

The Special Event Conference and Trade Show 2010

Special Arrangements Logo

Jacob and Will visit with Astronauts

Flordia Vacation Fun 2009

Social Networks Round-up

Licensing Expo 2009-Las Vegas

Web Safe Fonts: Wikipedia

Contents

[edit]CSS Generic Font Families

Examples

[edit]Microsoft's Core Fonts for the Web

Examples

[edit]Unicode Fonts

[edit]Alternatives

Elias Events Project

Celebrations Weddings and Special Events

Bogarts Bed & Breakfast Project

Elias Events Project

brandITbandits.com wins Elegant Beginnings Inc. project

Client on Oprah!

Allied Wealth Management

Allied Wealth Management

Bailey Connor Catering

ISES Houston

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

EMBROIDERY SERVICES

EAT THE HEAT 2008

NACE-EXPERIENCE 2008

NACE EXPERIENCE 2008-PHILADELPHIA

TRASH THE DRESS-YOU ARE INVITED

Network Solutions

brandITbandits now offers promotional items

Networking with Great Intentions

BRIDAL SYMPOSIUM BRIDAL SHOW

Movin' on UP!