Congratulations Debbie, Alex & ALL Executive Staff Planners!
This site is so organized and presented with all bells of high technology. The event is a year from now, but the website is fully featured and so functional. Really, this is what we need in the industry. As always you all have done an extraordinary job in the Gift Basket Industry.
Many THANKS and see you all soon,
Nenette
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
So very, very grateful.
I can't be anymore proud than I am today to start the 30 day countdown to ticket sales for the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention. I am very grateful to all who have helped and guided us along the way especially Pam Newell, Mary Ann Jacobs, Teresa Nelson and the executive team, Lisa Bevan, Claudia Johnson and Twila Kaye. We have an amazing faculty and a wonderful event for you. I hope you'll mark your calendar for May 1st at 8:00 a.m. PST and get ready to jump in to the 2012 NGBC.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Pre-Registrations End on March 31, 2011
Well, tomorrow is it...if you're looking to pre-register, tomorrow is the day! We'll be ending the pre-registration process and holding tight for 30 days before the actual registration opens on May 1, 2011. Why pre-register? Because it guarantees you're spot to get the complimentary gift pack for being one of the first 150 guests. So far, we're up to number 81!
Monday, March 28, 2011
2 More Days until the 30 Day Countdown!
On May 1st, we'll be opening for business! You can buy your booths, choose your sponsorships or if you're attendee, buy your ticket and/or pay for it all at once or make payments. It's going to be an exciting day with extra raffle tickets going to the first 50 people who sign up (vendors and attendees).
Mark your calendar for May 1st at 8:00 a.m.! I'll be broadcasting live on Ustream TV throughout the day!
Debbie
Mark your calendar for May 1st at 8:00 a.m.! I'll be broadcasting live on Ustream TV throughout the day!
Debbie
Friday, March 25, 2011
Welcome to our Pre-Registered Guests!
You picked your yellow ticket and now, have your place in line to be the first 150 to receive our complimentary gift pack. We'll start the 30 day countdown to May 1, 2011 very soon so get your tickets ready and watch your email. You're going to get a special email to sign up a little itty bitty earlier than everyone else.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Travis Woodward joins the faculty at the 2012 NGBC!
Yes, Travis is my son! He's also the owner of Dinosoar Studios, a small business video production company. Travis has been making videos for the gift basket industry since he was 13 years old. Now 17, he'll be teaching Gadgets and Gyzmos with Lisa Bevan showing you how to use a variety of different technologies to improve your efficiency and impress your customers.
Welcome Travis! (oh and surprise - nothing like Mom not telling you ahead of time!)
Welcome Travis! (oh and surprise - nothing like Mom not telling you ahead of time!)
Celebrity Chef Michael Mina
The executive planning team and I were able to spend the day at The Marriott. We were treated so wonderful that we didn't want to leave. The entire team was so amazing. Even the executive chef came over with appetizers and extras for us to try. All of the food at the glorious Arcadia Restaurant is designed by Celebrity Chef Michael Mina. Chef Mina owns several restaurants and I must say that their food is just so delicious.
All of the meals we've chosen for the convention, especially The Cabaret, has been designed by Chef Mina and we'll be pleased to have it served to you at the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention.
All of the meals we've chosen for the convention, especially The Cabaret, has been designed by Chef Mina and we'll be pleased to have it served to you at the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
JDW Distributors is sponsoring our Rockin' Design Challenge!
Love JDW! They're one of my favorite vendors. I remember they were one of the first vendors I used when I started Gourmet Gifts so long ago. And now, we have even a bigger reason to love them! Ribbon Print USA and JDW Distributors have agreed to sponsor the Rockin' Design Challenge. JDW will be stocking the pantry's for our participants to choose products from - allowing them to create designs out of amazing gift basket components.
Thanks JDW! We're looking forward to seeing you at the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention!
Thanks JDW! We're looking forward to seeing you at the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention!
Ribbon Print USA Sponsors the Rockin' Design Challenge
We're SO excited to announce that Ribbon Print USA will be the official ribbon printer for the Rockin' Design Challenge at the 2012 NGBC.
The Rockin' Design Challenge puts two teams of five gift basket designers will come together to create random designs with unknown products in front of the entire gift basket community. It's a fun event with live music, two full workshops, a centralized pantry of supplies and an audience.
If you think you can handle the pressure of ten minutes to create a design from products you've never seen before, then we dare you to sign up for the Rockin' Design Challenge.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thanks to Savarozza!
We are lucky to have Savarozza support our 2012 NGBC! They'll be providing samples for our classes and wait until you taste their products. Simply amazing. I use their single serve imported Italian cookies in several of my gift baskets and they're a great hit!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
March 20, 2011, Questions about the Attendee Payment Program
We're getting some questions from our attendees wanting to know more about the "Payment Program". Here it is:
Attendees must make a $50 non-refundable deposit on their ticket. After that, the remaining amount due is scheduled to be charged to their ATM/Debit or Credit Card on a monthly basis via our reoccurring system (not Paypal) over a 10 month period which equates to a mere $25 per month. If our attendees want to pay for their entire ticket all at once, GREAT!
Additionally, the first 150 attendees who register, will receive our complimentary gift pack. We're thrilled to bring you a eco-friendly tote bag, note book, water bottle and aluminum name badge.
It's that simple. :) If you've already received your "yellow ticket" you're guarantee a complimentary gift pack and a ticket to the convention.
Be ready to officially sign up on May 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. PST at
Attendees must make a $50 non-refundable deposit on their ticket. After that, the remaining amount due is scheduled to be charged to their ATM/Debit or Credit Card on a monthly basis via our reoccurring system (not Paypal) over a 10 month period which equates to a mere $25 per month. If our attendees want to pay for their entire ticket all at once, GREAT!
Additionally, the first 150 attendees who register, will receive our complimentary gift pack. We're thrilled to bring you a eco-friendly tote bag, note book, water bottle and aluminum name badge.
It's that simple. :) If you've already received your "yellow ticket" you're guarantee a complimentary gift pack and a ticket to the convention.
Be ready to officially sign up on May 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. PST at
March 19, 2011, A Systematic Approach
One of the things we talked about when we first started the convention planning is how we're going to manage data. When our attendees purchase their tickets on May 1st, there is a process for each one to ensure they get the classes they want and if they're making payments, how do we track that to ensure accuracy. Each classroom has to be set up, areas have to be moved around, you get the point.
We are lucky enough to have a few technologists on our team and we have created strong systems and databases to make managing our information seamless. From an automatic scheduling program that allows us to enter the number the class, available seats and then place someone in that class while ensure they're able to take the other classes they want to take all the way to a program that allow us to create a booth environment by vendor, we are well prepared. Vendors can easily tell us how they want their booth configured including extras that will make their booths extra special. Once a booth is chosen, that booth is automatically shown as "taken" so we hopefully won't have duplicate booth choices.
All of this makes our jobs easier so we can spend our time working on other things that will make our convention perfect.
We are lucky enough to have a few technologists on our team and we have created strong systems and databases to make managing our information seamless. From an automatic scheduling program that allows us to enter the number the class, available seats and then place someone in that class while ensure they're able to take the other classes they want to take all the way to a program that allow us to create a booth environment by vendor, we are well prepared. Vendors can easily tell us how they want their booth configured including extras that will make their booths extra special. Once a booth is chosen, that booth is automatically shown as "taken" so we hopefully won't have duplicate booth choices.
All of this makes our jobs easier so we can spend our time working on other things that will make our convention perfect.
Friday, March 18, 2011
March 18, 2011, Vendors are lining up!
It's a dream come true. Imagine creating a gift basket and without doing much marketing, having your customers contacting you to buy them before they're even available. That is a dream and that is what is happening with the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention. Much like what Tom & Pam experienced this year, vendors are working hard to secure the last 20 booths they have available.
Our first batch of booths is a batch of 50 booths and so far we have 27 commitments. 27! Seriously? I'm past excited. And when my phone rang this morning from a vendor in Oakland (close to San Jose) asking when they can register, I got even more excited. That's the norm right now and I'm truly very, very blessed to have such amazing support. I will work harder at providing the return to all of you. We might have to open up that second bank of booths but we'll see.
We have even start selling them yet and I've got a list of vendors who have already committed and picked their booth location! You might have picked your location but will you be one of the first to actual register when we open it up on May 1st at 8:00 a.m. for sales? I hope so!
Our first batch of booths is a batch of 50 booths and so far we have 27 commitments. 27! Seriously? I'm past excited. And when my phone rang this morning from a vendor in Oakland (close to San Jose) asking when they can register, I got even more excited. That's the norm right now and I'm truly very, very blessed to have such amazing support. I will work harder at providing the return to all of you. We might have to open up that second bank of booths but we'll see.
We have even start selling them yet and I've got a list of vendors who have already committed and picked their booth location! You might have picked your location but will you be one of the first to actual register when we open it up on May 1st at 8:00 a.m. for sales? I hope so!
March 18, 2011 2013 Discussions Begin!
Who would have thought we'd be starting talks about the 2013 Convention! It's not even 2012 yet! As I reflect on the convention we're having in Ohio this year, the one in California next year, it makes me wonder where we'll have it on 2013! Don't assume it will be in California - we might just surprise you! But, the talks have begun and will continue.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
March 17, 2011 A Facebook Comment at the Perfect Time
One of my Facebook gift basket friends posted this comment on my wall today, "Wow Debbie, this convention actually gets me excited! I really have missed Cherie's conventions. I'm almost positive I'll be on the plane heading for CA next July. I hope you have classes that are geared for people who have been in the profession for a long time."
What amazing timing! We've been working so hard on the convention that I was thrilled to read this.
We have very specifically studied, surveyed and learned from personal experience that as gift basket professionals, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. For those of us who have been in the industry a long time, learning how to put a gift basket together isn't exactly necessary. For those of us new, its HIGHLY effective. We have worked hard to bring classes to the 2012 NGBC that will be interesting for everyone at any point in the career. And, you can chose your classes. Even better.
Debbie
What amazing timing! We've been working so hard on the convention that I was thrilled to read this.
We have very specifically studied, surveyed and learned from personal experience that as gift basket professionals, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. For those of us who have been in the industry a long time, learning how to put a gift basket together isn't exactly necessary. For those of us new, its HIGHLY effective. We have worked hard to bring classes to the 2012 NGBC that will be interesting for everyone at any point in the career. And, you can chose your classes. Even better.
Debbie
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
March 17, 2011 GREAT Announcement
The entertainment at the National Gift Basket Convention in 2012 is going to so much fun! I'm so excited!
At the Rockin' Design Challenge, we have to have music so we'll have a small band there to entertain us.
And then, my husband is a drummer and he's had a band for many years. At The Cabaret, his band will play and guess who is going to sing? Our very own Twila Kaye! Oh my gosh. I can't wait!
Wow. I'm speechless. Thanks Twila. I can't wait for you to share your talent.
At the Rockin' Design Challenge, we have to have music so we'll have a small band there to entertain us.
And then, my husband is a drummer and he's had a band for many years. At The Cabaret, his band will play and guess who is going to sing? Our very own Twila Kaye! Oh my gosh. I can't wait!
Wow. I'm speechless. Thanks Twila. I can't wait for you to share your talent.
March 16, 2011 Convention News
Tonight, the executive planning team and I got together and reviewed several pieces of the convention including the ticket pricing. We settled on a ticket price of $349 with an early bird discount of $50 if you order your ticket on or before September 1, 2011. Why so early? The convention isn't until July of 2012.
Well, because we are offering you a flexible payment plan. Instead of having to shell out the whole amount at once, you can make payments over the course of ten months. It's that simple. This will give you over a year to plan your trip. Bring your family for a vacation in Northern California! You'll be in San Jose which is 45 minutes to Santa Cruz Beach, San Francisco and just a bit longer to Napa Valley or the Carmel Coast. July has perfect weather in California and you'll be amazed at the airline prices. They are unbelievably good.
Tickets go on sale May 1, 2011 at 8am PST. Be ready. The first 150 to register get a complimentary gift pack. It will be waiting for you at check in at the beautiful Marriott Hotel in San Jose, California.
Well, because we are offering you a flexible payment plan. Instead of having to shell out the whole amount at once, you can make payments over the course of ten months. It's that simple. This will give you over a year to plan your trip. Bring your family for a vacation in Northern California! You'll be in San Jose which is 45 minutes to Santa Cruz Beach, San Francisco and just a bit longer to Napa Valley or the Carmel Coast. July has perfect weather in California and you'll be amazed at the airline prices. They are unbelievably good.
Tickets go on sale May 1, 2011 at 8am PST. Be ready. The first 150 to register get a complimentary gift pack. It will be waiting for you at check in at the beautiful Marriott Hotel in San Jose, California.
March 16, 2011 Is a blog a substitute for regular direct communication?
Well here I am doing something I said I'd never do. Allow blogging to take the place of regular conversations I have on a daily basis. The reality is that between being a mom, wife, business owner and involved with so many organizations, its time to call everyone regularly. I struggle with keeping in touch. My voicemail fills up, my cell phone is ringing constantly and my email - well, forget about it. Ok so I'm exaggerating slightly but one thing is for certain, I'm having trouble keeping up.
But on the other hand, the activity is great. I love getting phone calls, emails and talking to people regularly so keep them coming. I promise I'll never say, "I'd love to chat but I can't so go read my blog!" I won't, I promise.
All of that being said - this blog is intended for the smaller announcements having to do with the convention. Things that aren't really big enough for a newsletter but are important enough to be mentioned. So, I'm going to try to write daily because every day, something new is learned, discovered, added....well you get the picture.
DebbieQ
But on the other hand, the activity is great. I love getting phone calls, emails and talking to people regularly so keep them coming. I promise I'll never say, "I'd love to chat but I can't so go read my blog!" I won't, I promise.
All of that being said - this blog is intended for the smaller announcements having to do with the convention. Things that aren't really big enough for a newsletter but are important enough to be mentioned. So, I'm going to try to write daily because every day, something new is learned, discovered, added....well you get the picture.
DebbieQ
March 15, 2011 Here we go! It's countdown time.
We're set to open for ticket sales for attendees and vendors for May 1, 2011. Why so early? It's an easy explanation. It's because we're excited and so proud to bring you an amazing convention. Ok well that's true but the real reason is that we want to give you a year to pay for your ticket and plan your trip. I don't know about you but I'm a planner. I like to know exactly what I'm going to do and when. I'm hoping by giving you plenty of notice - you'll be able to attend and it will be financially affordable for you.
I don't want you to miss a thing. You will be our VIP - I'm personally going to make sure.
Mark your calendar for May 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. PST and get online, get your ticket, choose your flexible payment option and get ready to discover, design and dream. We'll handle the rest.
I don't want you to miss a thing. You will be our VIP - I'm personally going to make sure.
Mark your calendar for May 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. PST and get online, get your ticket, choose your flexible payment option and get ready to discover, design and dream. We'll handle the rest.
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