aVenue Event Group

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of PR and events at Scorpion, a marketing agency servicing lawyers, franchise companies, home services, medical, and healthcare.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with aVenue Event Group?

We’re based in LA, and we go to a lot of conferences throughout the US. Depending on where we’re going, I’ll often plan a party or networking event as part of that conference. If it’s a bigger event, I’ll usually hire an event specialist in that city, which is how I came into contact with aVenue

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I booked the venue with the venue itself, and hired aVenue for everything else. The team handled all the florals throughout the event, the furniture, and other custom items like an ice luge and custom pillows with our logo on it.

aVenue also acted as my on-site contact, since I wasn’t able to attend the event myself.

What is the team composition?

I mostly worked with Jill (Partner) and Megan (Event Sales Manager). 

How did you come to work with aVenue Event Group?

I found them through a Google search. I’d looked at several different companies in the area that served Orlando, and they were the most responsive when I called them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $22,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

The collaboration took place from December 2019–February 2020. I’d intended to plan another event with them again this year, but that’s obviously on hold due to COVID-19.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We got incredible feedback from everyone who attended the event. aVenue ran it very smoothly, and they were in contact with me the whole time. I’m impressed with everything aVenue did. They’re very professional, budget-friendly, and creative with the space. It was awesome.

How did aVenue Event Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They were really responsive; any time I had a question, they would respond to my emails immediately, regardless of the time difference. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their enhancements were really on point and on brand for what we wanted. Everything they presented me with was very classy, and they never tried to oversell me on anything I didn’t want. They were also really friendly. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing that comes to mind. They were great to work with.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come with a really clear plan and vision for what you want, and aVenue can run with the details.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a market operations specialist for Lyft, the ride-sharing platform. I work in the central-Florida region.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address aVenue Event Group?   

We hired them to help us set up multiple experiential marketing events.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us with five separate experiential marketing events. This included setting up pick up and drop off locations for Lyft during music festivals, providing resources and materials, setting up events like car washes, and working with our other vendors. 

What is the team composition?

Our main contact was Megan. We worked with four or five different team members across different projects. 

How did you come to work with aVenue Event Group?   

We found them online, and saw that they had a lot of good reviews. We gave them a try with one event, and everything went well so we decided to continue working with them. 

How much have you invested in them?

We spent between $25,000–$50,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2019. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We made between 50,000-100,000 impressions from each event we worked on them with. 

How did aVenue Event Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re amazing with communication. They respond quickly, and they always go above and beyond to meet deadlines and deliver. I don’t have to worry about what they’re doing because I’m confident in their abilities. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very responsible. They always deliver what we ask of them. Even if we haven’t asked them to do something, they always come prepared to take on more. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not that I can think of. They’re amazing. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the business coordinator of Couture Med Spa. We have three locations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Avenue Event Group?

Our team was looking for a new vendor to handle our client events. We do client initiation events twice each year at each location.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Avenue Event Group handles all of our events. They provide the food, open bar with bartender, and entertainment. The details vary depending on the location and theme of the event, but over the years, they’ve provided a band, magician, and fire acts, to name a few. Their team is also in charge of décor, including lighting, furniture, and any other decorations needed. They also do valet parking.

What is the team composition?

Megan (Event Sales Manager) is my main point of contact and Lexi (Jr. Events Manager) is the secondary point of contact.

How did you come to work with Avenue Event Group?

I’ve known Sean (Partner) for years.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested between $150,000–$200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around December 2016, and our partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Avenue Event Group does a great job. Our clients give feedback to Megan at events, and they appreciate seeing that she’s responsive to what they like and want for future events. Each event has roughly 100 people. When an event is announced and promoted, they wait to hear details from us through email or texts. We’re pleased with the work they do.

How did Avenue Event Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re amazing and super organized. Their team immediately responds to requests made. The communication is fantastic and they give everything we ask for in addition to meeting our price point.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They make the event process smooth, are professional, and really understand what we, and our clients, want. This has been a much better engagement than previous experiences I’ve had with other vendors. Avenue Event Group is great at what they do.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Tell them exactly what you want and the price you need it for, and they will make it happen in a timely fashion.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are an office solutions company providing support for copiers, computer software, and pretty much all other office technologies. I am one of the owners and the president of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with aVenue Event Group?

They helped us to book and organize a gathering of friends and business associates.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their team assisted with menu selection entertainment options and third-party partnerships such as a band and other individuals that I have worked with in the past. We sat down together in the time leading up to the event to plan out everything, from finding out if there were enough electrical outlets to making sure everything looked the way that I wanted it to.

We wanted to bring in antique cars to the venue, so they walked through the floor plan with us to decide where everything should go. On the day of the event, they coordinated with everyone involved to make sure that the band was set up properly and everyone else was there when they needed to be. From there, they made sure we stuck to our schedule and facilitated anything that the guests needed throughout the party.

What was the team composition?

I worked with Megan (Owner, and two other members of her team.

How did you come to work with aVenue Event Group?

They were originally connected with us through the venue that we were using for the event. I had come across them during another event where I had worked with a different group, so I was familiar with them and wanted to get the more unique atmosphere that they bring to the table.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $25,000 with them in total.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started coordinating with them around February and the celebration took place in March 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Everybody who came completely loved the event. The fact that the venue was so unique was a big hit, and the guests were very impressed with how attentive the staff was to make sure everybody was comfortable. All of the feedback we got was great, especially about the food, which I was really excited about. I didn’t get a chance to do a tasting beforehand because of the timeframe, but it came out really well in the end.

How did aVenue Event Group perform from a project management standpoint?

We started out communicating with them over email, and then they followed up with phone calls from there. Leading up to the event, we met more in person and used text, and they made themselves very available to discuss things back and forth as much as we needed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were able to take the vision that I had in my mind and bring it to life almost perfectly. A lot of times, you can think you’ve communicated something to someone, and it turns out that their perspective is completely different, but I was not disappointed at all when I saw the final result. When it actually came down to the final day, I had no issues with any of the details whatsoever.

Are there any areas they could improve?

In my experience with event planning, there’s always a little bit of wiggle room when it comes to the price points, and I think this was a little bit tighter in that regard than I expected, but it certainly wasn’t unexpected or unjustified in any way. Other than that, I really didn’t have any complaints.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m in charge of HR and payroll at a surveying and mapping company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address Avenue Event Group?   

We were planning a company Christmas party.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did all the planning, catering, and other special arrangements for the party. They also provided the venue for us. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with two people. Jennifer (Account Manager) was my main point of contact. 

How did you come to work with Avenue Event Group?   

They were within walking distance of our office and we wanted to hire a local business.

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent close to $25,000 so far. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in 2018, and the work is ongoing. They put on our office holiday party each year.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Their work is unbelievable. Anything that I needed, they were able to provide for me, and then some. They took care of even little details like providing us takeout containers for the leftover food. 

How did Avenue Event Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They were on top of it the whole time, including the night of the parties. They checked in constantly and made sure everything ran smoothly. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were invisible, but they were there taking care of everything. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there is anything they need to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

They give you so many options and can tailor their work to meet your needs. If you have a specific idea of what you’re looking for, it will be easier for them to help you. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Brandcoders LLC, a digital agency based in Orlando, FL that services over 250 clients nationwide.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Avenue Event Group?

Brandcoders reached a major milestone on November 1, 2019 of 5 years in business, so we decided to blend together our annual corporate holiday party with this milestone party and invite all of our clients to this event in the downtown Orlando area.

What were your goals for this project?

Avenue event group expected a busy weekend that would typically be very expensive for the venue we selected, but they consulted with us and we determined that we could do an earlier party/happy hour. We were able to lock down a much better rate due to our prior working relationship and scheduling adjustments.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had a prior relationship with all of the owners at Avenue Event Group, having worked with them in the past on other corporate events. I've always known of their customer service, attention to detail, and professionalism.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Avenue Event Group managed everything for me - from start to finish - including pricing/proposal, contract negotiation, vendor procurement, and event execution the day-of. My final bill was just over $25,000 and that included an open bar, food grazing stations and we had live entertainment and flair bartenders. There was also a fun poet there that wrote individual poems for our guests throughout the event, which was a hit! After the party was over, many guests stayed and enjoyed Mathers for a few more hours.

What was the team composition?

I worked with Ashley, Jill, and Sean, as well as several of their staff during the event. 2 team members were on-site during the event as well to make sure everything was going smoothly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Everyone involved had a blast at the party. It was so well-executed that we didn't really notice anything out of place. My main measure of an event's success is whether everyone had fun and left with a full stomach. I believe that was achieved. Everyone at our office and our clients talked about our event and how fun the entertainment was for months following.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Avenue Event Group has their process down pat. After going through their event planning process and working with their experienced team, it's no secret why they constantly get repeat business. I would not work with anyone else now, having had some bad experiences with event companies in the past - those older companies don't even come close to AEG's level of quality and service.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was so shocked that they were able to put together such a huge event so seamlessly. I know a lot of effort went into it behind the scenes, but I didn't feel under pressure or anything - they basically handled it all for me so I could enjoy the night. That was what stood out to me the most.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, Avenue Event Group has a phenomenal and intelligent/experienced team and is a rare gem of a company.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the treasurer of the Mopar Masters Guild, which is an organization of the top 100 Chrysler dealers in the country. Our members are service and parts managers from around the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Avenue Event Group?

We used to be a little all over the place with our efforts to secure places for our meetings, schedule our meals during conventions, and other logistical matters. We decided to bring on a partner to help us with managing all of those tasks.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We have an annual meeting every year held in coordination with the National Automotive Dealers Association meeting which is located in different cities around the country. Avenue Event Group helps us with the planning and execution of all of the logistics involved in that event, including booking meeting spaces and restaurants, and other event accommodations. They help select everything from the larger location to the menu options available at any given meal.

How did you come to work with Avenue Event Group?

At one of our events many years ago, we were shut out of a venue that we had expected to have access to. One of our member’s daughters was familiar with Jillian (Managing Member) and asked for her help, and she got us set up with a new space in no time. From there, we asked if she would work for us on a yearly basis, and we’ve been partnering together ever since.

How much have you invested with them?

The annual cost is usually between $90,000–$100,000, and we’ve been working together for eight years, so the total cost has been close to $1,000,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in February 2013 and haven’t stopped since.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Jillian is very detailed and always caters to our needs, so we are able to let her know what our budget is and rely on her to make sure it stays within those parameters. She’s done a great job of being creative to help us cut corners in certain areas when we want to add more bells and whistles in another. She’s rented out photo booths, booked yachts in the San Francisco Bay, and helped us to host some really spectacular events that make everyone happy.

How did Avenue Event Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They work hard to make sure that our experience as a client is absolutely seamless. If Jillian isn’t available at any time, there is always someone else available to take our calls. In general, anything we throw to her she is able to make happen no matter what the constraints or deadlines are, which has made working with them incredibly enjoyable over the years.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The attention to detail apparent in their work is just exceptional. As an example of how minute they can get, if somebody likes diet Pepsi better than diet Coke, she’ll make sure that both are available. Our members are extremely satisfied with the quality of their services, and at the end of the day, customer satisfaction is what it’s all about.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I honestly don’t have anything I could imagine them doing any better than they already do.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Just make that first phone call, and you will be happy from start to finish.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the global manager of corporate events for Armstrong Fluid Technology.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Avenue Event Group?

We host an annual customer appreciation event following the first day of one of our largest tradeshows in North American. Given that this was a new area for myself in terms of location and position, I reached out to Avenue Event Group to assist me.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we spoke about the project and they gave me a range of options in the area that matched my criteria. We went through each option together, discussing the pros and cons and how they would work. Eventually, we landed on and moved forward with one particular option.

They coordinated and managed the entire event from a logistics point of view. We worked closely on a number of areas to ensure the event happened relatively flawlessly. They made arrangements for the venue, the menu, and ensuring the invitations had the right creative on them. They answered my questions in a timely manner and acted efficiently.

Halfway through the process, the venue we decided to hold the event at changed ownership. They made some drastic renovations and our whole project flipped upside down. It turned out to be a positive thing, in the end, thanks to Avenue Event Group. They held my hand throughout the whole process, including being at the event to ensure the food and beverages were up to par.

During the event, they were professional in how they conducted themselves – watching and listening and being all over anything I asked for. They were all over everything including chairs, food, beverages, pretty much any concern I had. We had to figure out a lot of things on the fly too, and they worked well with that.

What is the team composition?

I interacted directly with one person.

How did you come to work with Avenue Event Group?

A colleague recommended them after using them in the past.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent just over $100,000 USD.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March 2019 until January 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We were very pleased with Avenue Event Group and received lots of positive feedback following the event. We expected to have 450 to 500 people, and we exceeded that. We had a full-house when our competitors didn’t, from what I understand. Avenue Event Group provided really good service.

How did Avenue Event Group perform from a project management standpoint?

We went out to lunch and got to know each other a bit a few days before the event, which was really nice. I felt comfortable working with them because of how accommodating they were. They also came with lots of suggestions, which we thought was great.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They had their finger on the pulse of what venues would work for our organization. I received several quotes before I proceeded with Avenue Event Group and I felt the venues they suggested were very much aligned with what we were looking for. They listened well, understood well, and had good contacts with really cool event companies and venues. They even followed up with a nice thank-you gift following the event. It was a nice, unexpected touch.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. I was very pleased and am looking forward to working with them again.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Start early and ensure you’re clear on what you think you want. Get on the phone with them and brainstorm because they may have some ideas and options you haven’t thought of. This is what they do, and if you’re not used to running and hosting events in unfamiliar cities and venues it can be pretty challenging without a partner familiar with that location.