WOW Awards!

July 17th, 2009, the best contributions from Central Florida's event industry were honored at the WOW Awards at Orlando's World Center Marriott, presented by ISES Orlando. All of Orlando's event, convention, meeting and hospitality association professionals convened for the event.

Unique Option is pleased to announce our award for Best Event Support for the May 2008 WD-40 Surprise birthday event.

For this 80's inspired 40th birthday, Unique Option creative director Awny Khashoggi was called upon to add authenticity in the re-creation of the various environments created for this event, the areas worked on to recreate the night club, which was set to be reminiscent of an era when people cared more about enjoying themselves than being seen, the 80’s was truly brought back with the layout of the furniture and decor items. The furniture groupings provided included lavish lime green sofas contrasting club chairs in red, cobalt blue, and lime as those colors reflected on the black glossy cocktail tables.



We congratulate all the winners this year and are honored to be in such company. Awny commented"Event support is coveted by Unique Option since it is what we excel in. And of course could not been successfully done without our client and colleagues.

For more information on the winners and nominees check out:

WOW Awards 2009

Consistency of a Brand

Unique Option along with graphic design agency- Treefrog Cinegraphix, LLC collaborated last Summer on the re-branding of our company’s logo and corporate identity. The design and execution of this project were crucial as we wanted to capture the essence of our company, past, present and highlight the new direction of Unique Option.

We strategized on the best way to add impact, longevity and most importantly reflect our company’s business values and our mission to provide success to our clients and vendors.

Our owner, Awny Khashoggi explains the rationale behind our new branding- "The new logo with a revised font and presentation, embodies the strong foundation represented by Event Partner and the soaring aspirations of the company. The color on color executed beautifully with UV coating is a graphic display of the harmonious varying textures exhibited by our talented team."

The end result- An award winning corporate identity package!

We celebrate today as we just learned that we were awarded the 2009 Communicator Creative Excellence Award in the category of print / Corporate Identity – for the best Identity Program Campaign.

The winning new logo, featuring a modified font & orientation along with the business tag of Event Partner is presented here as it appeared on the collateral.

Now that they are retired, we wanted to share our past identity which was an award winner at the time, presented here for your viewing pleasure:

Tough Times Make Planners Stretch Decor Budgets

Lisa Hurley, Editor of Special Events Magazine writes in this week's Eventline E-newsletter on event designers tips, including a unique perspective from Unique Option's President, Awny Khashoggi on how to effectively stretch budgets without eliminating decor elements:

Check it out.... CLICK HERE for the full story

NACE Jacksonville

May 13, 2009, We had the pleasure of speaking to the Jacksonville National Association of Catering Executives. The topic-

DESIGN & SPACE PLANNING FOR HIGHER PROFIT MARGINS

A topic on a lot of catering executives and industry professionals minds, as the state of the marketplace is becoming more and more competitive and with client's expectations increasing the challenge is to win the job, so you keep winning jobs and make your offering unparalleled to your competition. In this 30 minute presentation our creative industry expert, Awny Khashoggi discusses how to position your team to incorporate effective design, space planning and your Black book of resources for higher profit margins in your business.

The lunch meeting was hosted at the Selva Marina Country Club in Atlantic Beach in Jacksonville, a classic country club, the Jacksonville NACE committee greeted us for a delightful luncheon. Thanks goes out to Chapter President- Robert Capers and VP of Programs and Education- Kevan Wilson.

The Return of the Bonding Event...

Now that we are settled into the Unique Option "home of hospitality". Our friends and partners enjoyed an evening, last Thursday, 5/7/09 of networking, relaxation and the welcoming of Michele Butler Events to a crowd of industry professionals. Michele collected her shower gifts along with business cards and catalogues from those in attendance.

We were happy to see photographers, entertainment companies, venues and caterers all present making this a successful networking event for all.

Happy Earth Day!

Being green in your life and business is all the rage and with the celebration of Earth Day, Unique Option reiterates our dedication to green practices in our business, as the future and health of our planet, the beloved Mother Earth depends on it!

Our owner, Awny Khashoggi is not only a expert on event design and decor, but also an expert on green and earth conscious techniques for decor in your home. Check out his tips and advice as he appeared on the Wednesday, April 22nd's edition of the Daily Buzz....

Look out for a future blog entry on smart green for the event industry!

The Promise of Spring...

A note from Awny Khashoggi...

I am delighted by the personal connections my team and I had during our SPRING IT ON event on 4/3/09. I always understood and relished in the fact that we are in the business of “promise”. Every time our clients come together to do business or celebrate, they do so with anticipation of a happier tomorrow. When it was our turn to have an event, there was no exception. We picked spring as a time, theme, and spirit.

I would like to share a few reflections on the conversations and memorable inspirations I had with the guests that day. They centered around three words: real, partners and trust. The three notions work in tandem and are interchangeable with each other as you cannot have one without exercising the others.

We demonstrated at this event, along with our partners, that we can deliver real solutions for real needs. This get-together was marked by our community’s REAL need for collective comfort. The Unique Option Demo Room could not have gotten a better initiation than being the kitchen in which guests gathered for their heart to heart conversations as they kicked back and relaxed with friends.

We are grateful for Puff N’ Stuff’s hospitality, along with our event PARTNERS. American Audio Visual, who artistically enhanced the ambiance and the amazing entertainment throughout the day provided by Ms. Sammy, Belly Dancer, Jewels of the Nile, and the music of Alejjandro, and DJ Lu Fontanez.

If you joined us, you know that we had a real Spring celebration. To celebrate Spring is to reaffirm your TRUST in the promise of better tomorrow.

Thank you, I will end with some of the responses I received from guests after their visit.

Best regards,
Awny Khashoggi, Your Event Partner!
__________________________________________________________________
Your team did an outstanding job as well. It was a great event and beautiful facility. I too look forward to our next successful partnership.

Respectfully,

Warren Dietel
President
Puff 'n Stuff Catering, LLC
__________________________________________________________________
Dear Awny,

Thank you so much for your fabulous event! I didn't expect such a warm reception, great food, wonderful presentation and nice people! You made us feel welcome immediately. And you took so much time for me and my team showing us around - that felt really good! I think Puff N'Stuff did an excellent job - I tried the salmon/brie omelet and it was tasty, healthy and very unique! Actually your reception was an eye-opener for us: we realized that you and Puff N' Stuff are true leaders in town and that you know what you are talking about. Hopefully we can work more with you in the near future!

Please come and visit us at our new office as well - you are always welcome!

Thanks again,
Best regards,

Iris Langanke, DMCP
Owner / Director of Operations
PRA Destination Management Orlando
__________________________________________________________________
The event was FABULOUS!!! The food was wonderful, and as usual, your creativity and remarkable event décor transformed your show space into a scene from ‘Breakfast at Awny’s’ I wish I could have seen and tasted what lunch and dinner had to offer.

Thank you for the invitation!

Rashida Erskine
Sales Manager
BBJ Linen

It was a pleasure. Thank you so much for having me. I am quick to refer business your way if anyone asks for furniture rental. You have the best quality and selection of anyone in town.

Congratulations on your new space. I loved your showroom. I wish you and your team the best.

Warm Regards,

Mike Cruz
Sales Manager
BBJ Linen
__________________________________________________________________
I greatly enjoyed the event. I enjoyed meeting you, Awny and talking with your wife and being introduced to the wonderful food and furnishings your companies provide. We look forward to working with you.

Leya Black
ASI Production Services, Inc
__________________________________________________________________
Awny,

It was great to see you and thanks for inviting my entire team out. We loved the new showroom, and look forward to bringing clients by to showcase your product.

I could not agree with you more on Puff-n-Stuff’s level of product and service.

Take care and good luck to al of us in these “UNIQUE” times….

Rich Whiddon
President/Owner
Exclusive Destination Management
__________________________________________________________________
Awny~

It was wonderful! Congratulations to you and your team and partners! Well done!

I really hope we get to work together again soon!

Warmest regards,

ELISA DELGARDIO CSEP, PBC
principal, event & wedding designer | A Flair for Affairs
__________________________________________________________________
Hello Awny,

Thank you, so much for your email. It was great to see you and your team again. You always know how to have fun and entertain your guests. Your event was wonderful to include such amazing food.

Thank you so much, and I look forward to working with you soon.

Best regards,
Jackie Zumaeta
Catering Manager
Reunion Resort & Bella Collina
__________________________________________________________________
Awny:

Thank you so much for an amazing evening. You have some amazing items that I foresee will be a huge hit in the bridal industry. WE look forward to the opportunity to promote you in the future. Thank you again for a wonderful event!

Kind regards,

Brandi Zrallack
Market Manager, Perfect Wedding Guide
Managing Editor, Central Florida Bride
__________________________________________________________________
Hello Awny,

It certainly was a pleasure meeting you and your team. Both events were great and so was the food.

All the best,

Kim H. Lightbourne | Hilton Orlando
__________________________________________________________________
Hello Awny and Warren,

Thank you very much for including us for such a wonderful event ! We had a great time, and I really look forward to our continued partnership in the future.

Hope to see you both soon-

Best,

Janine M. Boylan, CFBE
Director of Catering
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Hilton Bonnet Creek
__________________________________________________________________
No Awny and Warren, thank you. Both your companies did an amazing job and your invite to our team and the community as a whole was greatly appreciated. Like both your company's Greenery Productions has been growing emotionally, in it's design capabilities and with it's partners. We look forward to becoming as strong of a strategic partner to each of you as you have been to those in our industry.

Thank you both again,

Tommy Murphy
Greenery Productions
__________________________________________________________________
RISE N' SHINE
Breakfast Event

IT'S A PICNIC
Lunch Event

SPRINGING HOUR
Cocktail Reception Event

The Grand Opening Event- A Springing Success!

Unique Option welcomed the event, tradeshow and convention industries to their new facility for ideas and inspiration at: 9603 Satellite Blvd. Ste 150, Orlando, FL 32837.

With a day full of activities spread out over 3 mini-events, for those who came, check yourself out in the photos below. For those who missed it, we wish you were there!

We will follow up and blog more event pictures along with descriptions next week! Stay tuned!

Unique Option in the News!

Extra, Extra read all about it! Our recent announcement of our move to our new location made homepage news in Friday's 3.20.09 edition of Biz Bash Florida.

Check it out... CLICK HERE

Spring It On! Grand Opening Event 4.3.09

Join Us as we connect with our partners in springing into a new era of optimism for an industry that is founded on hope and the promise of prosperity.

ISES South Florida Beachside

Tuesday, March 10th we showcased at the monthly ISES South Florida meeting held at The Ocean Sands Resort and Spa in Pompano Beach. Our Pacific Collection paired with Hawaiian entertainment and tropical delicacies created the perfect beach side oasis; what a memorable experience!

Unique Option portable bars and tower tables were featured poolside along with the exotic Cabana chairs and ottomans

Our new Sales Manager- Mandy Morton was on hand to welcome the South Florida ISES members accompanied by Zulkeira Rodriguez & Michelle Bergstein.

Mandy and the rest of the team is working on the Orlando office Grand Opening. Stay tuned for more information...

All the Buzz!

In today's turbulent economic times, how does the event industry do it? How are we at Unique Option carrying ourself and surviving during these tough times?

Keeping positivity and optimism up! AT ALL TIMES!

It's hard, it's hard, but it is a choice that we make...

Check out our own Unique Option fireside (I mean on the set) chat..

On the Move!

After a week of settling into our new place at our new centrally located address at 9603 Satellite Blvd. Suite 150, Orlando FL 32837. We are organized and ready to welcome you!
We are sure you are anxious to explore your event possibilities and be the first to put this amazing resource to use. Whether you are looking to put together an eclectic look or a customized grouping- you have reached your only comprehensive destination for furniture and decor- we have the most diversified and stylish collections along with the largest inventory in the industry!

Our new space includes an impressive 4,000 + square foot showroom and a private guest conference room.

Let's make an appointment and make money together!

We look forward to seeing you very soon and here is a sneak peek at the showroom...

The Special Event Show 2009

Group Therapy- by Awny Khashoggi

Lisa Hurley was leaving The Special Events Gala celebration (adorned with Total Event Resources harvest of Galas, special congratulations to Kathy Miller and all the other recipients) when she stopped and thanked me for coming to the TSE and I was happy to report back to her that this was my most successful Special Events Show.

I wrote this blog on my way back from California reflecting on why I felt that way. Success did not come from the open conversation with our competition that their business is down as well. It was not that clients are now coming to your booth spending time learning about the features of the product you introduced two years ago. Even the excitement over orders is not what made this the most successful show………The success is not that of an individual, a company but that of an industry that insists on being:

I) Resilience, as no one stopped innovating or creating amazing ideas.

II) Solidarity, we want to take all your business, but we wish our competition well.

III) Optimism, we are not out, done or forgotten. We are here to stay and rise to new heights.

IV) Genuine desire to help others, this is hallmark of being an event professional and it was never more obvious when we engaged in this group therapy to assure each other “I got your back”.

Our amazing trip....

A Marketer POV..
by Michelle Bergstein, Marketing Manager

Coming from the world of advertising and in my experience of exhibiting at trade shows it’s all about your booth’s gimmick and what can attract as many leads as possible to your booth. Not the case for the Special Event Show! Rather than quantity and massive traffic its all about the quality of the guests in your booth.

The most powerful gimmick is not having a gimmick and showcasing your creativity. In the events industry, planners and production companies are looking not to be sold to, but inspired, which is the true test of your achievement. It’s all about how your product or service can help accentuate their event, win them awards, gain repeat business and wow their prospective clients.

Showcasing at our booth creative use of space, combined with amazing products, and connecting with professionals by highlighting our inner passion for this business in a genuine way is how we accomplished our goal in driving the planners and production companies we set out to meet.

Super Bowl Bonding....

WOW! What a game last night! The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals went head to head last night, a match up that was quite interesting and unexpected! As this was the first year the Arizona Cardinals ever made it to the Super Bowl. The Steelers went on to win the game during the last 5 minutes. The Steelers now the only team in the NFL to win the most SuperBowl championships with 6 wins under their belts.

OK... enough about the game and sports talk... As last night's bonding event was all about the FOOD, COMFORT & FUN...

Unique Option teamed up again with long-time catering partner - Puff N' Stuff. The array of football food was amazing from personalized Steelers and Cardinal cakes, ice cream, with toppings galore- hot fudge, caramel, nuts, sprinkles, everything you can think of... and onto the food- from gourmet sandwiches, wings, chips, dip, margaritas, beer - of course... and every food item you can think of that completes any sporting shin-dig.

Guests experienced the game on a huge projection screen and enjoyed their food either gathered around the many 80" inch round tables or seated on the opulant black leather art deco sofas or the red or blue leather club chairs along with complimenting birch coffee tables. A collection so functional for a wild night of fun and football.

Till next month's bonding event.. stay tuned...