Aggie Girls Make the Impossible, Possible

It's always interesting to see what Aggies are doing after they graduate. The adventures of Brittany Smith, Natalie Smith, and Christina Chin are no exception. The trio are contenders on ABC's show "Expedition Impossible."



Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night can deter the 13 three-person teams racing across the exotic Kingdom of Morocco in hopes of claiming the prize of a new Ford Explorer and $50,000 for each winning teammate.



Brittany, Natalie, and Christina met while attending UC Davis and competing on the Aggie athletic circuit. They are now "Team California Girls," challenging fierce opponents like "Team No Limits," "Team New York Firemen," and "Team Grandpa's Warriors."



In a recent interview with The California Aggie, Christina Chin declared, "I'm so proud to represent Davis...For me, it was about having a personal experience with my teammates, who all graduated from Davis and had a great time at Davis, but at the same time I really wanted to be a part of putting Davis on the map."



Five teams have already been eliminated, but the "California Girls" are still in the running. Tune into ABC tonight at 9 pm and cheer our Aggies on!

Save the Date!

We will be hosting the 15th Annual Caterer and Vendor Showcase at UC Davis on Wednesday, November 16th.

Complimentary registration for event planners in the area.

Interested? Check it out here!

  

Green Your Event

Here's a tip we found about event preparation that you can incorporate into your own green event!

Decorate with creativity – not disposables.

"Don’t purchase decorations you use once and toss - use compostable, recycled and recyclable options.

...look outdoors for decorations such as flowers, unique foliage/plants, rocks, interesting branches, fall leaves, etc. Look to farmers markets for freshly cut, organically grown flowers. Highlight the time of year by filling tall glass vases with seasonal produce like lemons, limes, cranberries and winter squash, or with pinecones, leaves and rocks.

  

Turn searching for recycled decorations at yard sales or thrift stores into a scavenger hunt with the kids. Old clothes are especially useful; they inspire creativity and there are plenty around to reuse. For example, cut up checked clothing for napkins at a Raggedy Ann party, use shiny fabrics for signs or table decorations for a Star Wars theme, and wrap plain glasses in the colors of the season and tie with raffeta.

Choose tablecloths made of organic cotton or hemp. Buy the unbleached, brown paper napkins, or make your own reusable ones from ready-to-recycle, colorful clothing.

Use petroleum free candles like bees wax or soy candles. These natural candles don’t emit sooty fumes and produce a pure and clean-burning flame."

  

(Source: The Global Warming Diet)

This is a post in an ongoing series to provide you with tips to make any event you are planning--from weddings and conferences to birthday parties or tonight's dinner--more sustainable, less wasteful, and ultimately: more green.

Quote for Thought

"Great business deals start and close face-to-face. There is no substitute for spending quality time with other executives and professionals. The more seasoned the executive, the more this is understood. When gathering in person, scale to intimately fit the needs of the meeting...Develop a signature element you can memorably repeat--one that will be expected and sought after by guests."

Kevin Clark, President and Founder of Content Evolution LLC,
when asked what advice he would give to today's international meeting planners

(via One+ magazine)

Conferences Go Virtual

Imagine attending a conference in Spain—without ever stepping foot out of your home or office! Online trade fairs are now emerging across the Internet and making it possible for people to convene at their convenience.

Learn about and interact with the Tourist Office of Spain’s unique online virtual trade show by following the link to Rob Hard’s article: Are We Ready for Online Trade Fairs to Select Events Destinations?


A screenshot of a virtual conference.

Share your thoughts with us—are online conferences the way to the future? Would you attend one or even host one yourself? Let us know!

Video Update: Silo District

Hey everyone, we have a new video here at CES! It features the Silo District, an area in the heart of campus where you can host your event. If you're looking for a lecture hall or a rustic setting for a small conference, the Silo District is the place for you. From the restored dairy barn the district is named after to the patches of warm sunshine bathing the grass, the Silo District is full of charm and the perfect venues for your next event. Play the video to see for yourself!

Unexpected Entertainment

Not many Davis students and residents alike realize that one of the world's most renowned theaters for performing arts is located on our very own UC Davis Campus.

The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts is home to dozens of internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers, speakers, and public figures every year.

Don't be fooled by its fine architecture and reputation however! This theater isn't a place for just those who can afford hundred dollar admission tickets. The Mondavi Center generously offers one free ticket for all freshman and first-year transfer students, and even 50% ticket prices for any student, from any institution (not just UC Davis).
This next 2011-2012 Season marks the 10-year anniversary for the Mondavi Center for Performing Arts, and will be hosting performers like the San Francisco Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Alexander String Quartet.

Invite your family and friends for a gathering and to watch one of these extraordinary performances!
UC Davis Conference and Events services can provide lodging at the on-campus Hyatt. Visit http://www.events.ucdavis.edu for more information regarding lodging
Visit http://www.mondaviarts.org for more information about performances and tickets