Monday, June 30, 2014

How to throw a Snow Party everyone will attend

 
 
“Wherever there are friends there is a party”
-Author Unknown
On our continuing series on Man-made Snow, we have covered topics like Who Should Throw a Snow Party and What You Can do for a Snow Party.  And as we near the end of the series, we are ready to dive into how to throw a snow party that friends will want to attend.
Because a party is only as fun as the friends you are with.
Prep Them
The reason to have snow at a party is either for aesthetic or entertainment value. It can either set the scene or become the point of the gathering.  
The first step in gathering friends to your event is to TELL THEM ABOUT IT. Sounds simple, right?
It’s amazing how many people forget to talk up the value of their own party before they send a formal invitation. I don’t have any solid statistics, but I can guarantee that the response rate for a party is noticeably higher when friends are prepared ahead of time for the event you want them to be at.
If you want something, ask for it!
TALK ABOUT IT. Let everyone know when and where. Tell them you’ll have snow! Take the time to explain what kinds of snow activities will be available and remind them to dress for the cold.
Even if the party is formal and the snow is simply decorative, let everyone know. The fact that you ordered snow will not only spark curiosity, but also make them see that this get-together is important enough for you to have ordered some.
Invite Them
Invitations are like a peek into what your friends can expect. Hand-written invitations are easy and informal. These are impressive (and rare) for kids parties. When you are an extra crafty parent, this is the way to go every time.
Invitations can also be ordered through services such as Shutterfly or printed by a local Walgreens. This way, you can add personal touches such as a photo or theme. It’s all about setting the right mood.
In addition to the place, time, and reason for the invite, be sure to mention the snow. And remind everyone to dress appropriately if they want to play. Some may even want to bring their own sleds or clothing for a snow man. Prepared guests are happy guests.
Remind Them
At this point, you have prepared your friends for the party and sent out invitations. But the modern man is too busy to respond to an RSVP so do not be afraid to follow up. Give everyone a courtesy call, letting them know that their presence is important and remind them to keep the date clear. It will also help finalize the guest list.
Point the Way
The day of the party has arrived! The snow is about to be delivered and party prep is in full swing. You’re on a roll so there’s no room for mistakes. Guests may not be familiar with your location, or you could be hosting the party at a rented venue. Be sure to “light the way” for traffic by posting clear signs or balloons to guide party-goers to the door.
They will appreciate the help.
 
By planning the right party and securing a well-rounded guest list, you’re well on your way to creating a day that will be stamped in memory for years to come. And isn’t that what planning a party is all about? Times with friends can be epic… just plan them that way.
Next week, we will continue on our series. In the meantime, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our articles by clicking the link to the right. Don’t miss out! Links to our articles will be sent directly to your Inbox.


Monday, June 23, 2014

Inspired! Winter snow events that will rock your world


 
Our series on Man-Made snow is in full swing. Last week, we started out asking if you should host a snow event. This time, our focus is on what you can do for a winter-themed event that fits your special day.

Be prepared to come to the table with a concept of what you’re looking for.”

Each snow production company is different. Some are more “full service” in helping not only plan how much snow you will need, but what kind of event is possible to produce. Others are only interested in getting the maximum amount of snow delivered and leave all the phases of planning or dreaming to you.

Word to the wise: at least be prepared to come to the table with a concept of what you’re looking for. If you don’t have any idea what you want, we can’t create the vision from scratch. Or know how much snow to send.

Children’s parties they will talk about

Kids parties are where imaginations run wild. We talked last week about the popularity of ‘Frozen’ themed parties. They’re hugely popular this year but as time goes on, the craze will eventually die out and parents will face the challenge of new, original party themes.

Let’s explore some new ideas for themes and entertainment.

 Parties need games, and snow games are magical.

Here are a few things parents can do for winter-y party activities:

·         Plan a snow-based scavenger hunt

·         Host a sledding contest or egg race on sleds

·         Have a snow-man building competition

·         Give kids bottles of colored water to “tye dye” the snow

Snow-themed parties are mostly hosted in the winter months for obvious reasons, but we do set up for snow parties year round. The melting time will vary by outside temperature but it does last long enough to enjoy.

 Snow themes are thrilling and chilling.

Parties based on winter ideas work well for children. Here are a few ways you can work snow seamlessly into the day:

·         Winter Wonderland

·         Cinderella; Set up a castle outside and add snow for a magic touch

·         Beauty and the Beast

·         Fantasia

·         Mary Poppins; Put penguins in the snow

·         Alaska Adventures

Be sure to use your snow delivery as an opportunity to get timeless party photos. We suggest hiring a professional photographer for the day. Maybe you can gather the family for a Christmas card picture while it’s there!

Go ahead. Brainstorm more snow-based party ideas. Pinterest is a great place to continue searching for themes, ideas, and decorations.

Spotlight a business

Businesses throughout Phoenix and Las Vegas have successfully used snow events to catch attention and bring customers through their doors. A few examples are when a furniture store decides to have a major sale and wants to offer a special incentive to come down to the store. So they call us for snow. Another example would be a snow party that is part of a grand opening.

Entertainment for children always draws parents. And if you decide to order a large blanket of snow, that’s even better than renting an inflatable bouncy house. Why? Because it’s unexpected. And it’s different.

Liven up your community

Housing communities love to throw snow events but don’t always know where to find snow or how to set one up. Sometimes we reach out to these types of communities and sometimes they find us. But once the right connection comes together, the planning quickly blossoms into something both unique and special.

A recent request was to quote a snowboard ramp that launched boarders into a lake. We love our job! And the spontaneous customers we serve.
 

If you need more ideas to drive customers through your door, or throw the party of a lifetime, just give us a call. We’re happy to assist. Besides, if we haven’t seen it, it probably hasn’t been done before.

Keep watching as we dive deeper into the world of snow production. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE by clicking the link to the right.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Snow Parties: To host or not to host, that is the question. Right?


This is the first part in our new series on Man-made Snow.

If you’re not familiar with the concept of ordering snow, here’s a quick crash-course in what you’re missing.

Snow is a natural attraction for children of all ages. And as human nature goes, anything we love we want to “own.” But gathering snow from the mountains and trucking it all over Phoenix or Las Vegas simply doesn’t make any sense. Snow in shipment changes-- it loses its “fluffiness.” Practically speaking, shipping ruins snows texture.

So how do we do it? Companies like ours have snow machines. Not the kind used at ski resorts, but a smaller version made for areas like homes and businesses. Ice is trucked in and fed through the machine. Soft, ground up ice is then sprayed through a hose onto the ground and packed into sledding hills. It looks like, it feels like, and essentially is snow.

We, of course, encourage everyone to consider hosting a snow party.

Here’s why:

·         It’s unique

·         It’s great advertising

·         It’s for all ages

·         It’s good, clean fun

Let me explain…

Unique Snow.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration, holiday party, or anniversary, chances are a snow party is something none of your friends have done yet. It’s special. It’s memorable. And it’s your own idea.

One-of-a-kind celebrations seem to be even more important for children’s parties. Parents often feel the need to think outside the box or go bigger than the previous year. This year, ‘Frozen’ themed parties are a big hit. (The best ones have snow, if they knew who to call.)

Even holiday parties are instantly festive when there’s snow outside. Especially in the desert where Christmas can either be 40 degrees or 60 depending on the year.

Snow does marketing.

Customer reach looks drastically different in recent years. Millions of viewers click on flash mob videos. Marketing companies have harnessed the power of interactive events. More and more products are available to “try before you buy.” Apps make your favorite products and companies more accessible.

Catching attention is nothing new but how it is done has gotten bolder and increasingly creative.

A few creative geniuses have found ways to use snow for marketing your business. And increase sales.

Picture this. Customers show up in droves at your car lot. The Saturday morning news station is there to watch the day unfold. Kids are excited to play in the snow you provided and their parents are anxious to shop while their little ones are occupied. All of a sudden, your business has become the biggest event in town!

Snow just may give you the edge you’re looking for.

Snow appropriate.

“Sledding hills are popular with fraternities, home owners associations, private parties, and church events.”


While most clients order snow for children, it’s actually for all ages. Just customize it to fit those needs.

For example fraternities, home owners associations, private parties, and church events book sledding hills. Snow on and around door stoops is perfect for adult gatherings and businesses that don’t want to deal with a lot of melting snow but still want a wintery touch.

Play areas and snowmen are perfect for golf courses, businesses that don’t want speed demons flying through their turf, and calmer children’s events.

Whether you are enticing kids at heart or entertaining a posh gathering of your closest colleagues, consider snow.

Snow fun.

Unlike natural snow, man-made snow is guaranteed to be clean and sanitary. It’s safe to play in, sled in, and eat to your heart’s content (if you so choose). The ice used to produce snow has never even touched human hands.

·         Outdoor playtime

Parents are always trying to come up with ideas to get the little ones outdoors to burn off pent up energy. And one way to pry the ipads and remote controls out of their clenched fingers is to order some snow and leave a sled nearby.

·         Community bonding

Housing communities have the challenge of creating community among neighbors. Snow parties are a great way to bring everyone together for a day of fun. Snow ball fights are not mandatory but highly encouraged.

·         Team building

Do your employees deserve a treat? A day of fun? Or maybe a team-building exercise is in order? Hmmm… sounds like a snow day is just what the CEO ordered.

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Have you caught the bug yet? As the wheels of imagination begin to turn, why not SUBSCRIBE by clicking the button on the left to follow along on our next journey through Snow.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Christmas in June!... or July, August, September, October...

 
 
Did you know that we produce snow? If you need a little bit of snow, any time of year, that's our specialty.
 
Watch for more posts on snow party ideas, but for now you can dream of winter wonderland and watch this video of past events.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Who loves Starbucks Green Tea Latte?

 

My love affair with Starbucks did not come in a whirlwind romance. It started shyly, slowly, testing the waters and sticking to what was tried-and-true. And I did find that love. But it was only for the Green Tea Latte. And the taste was mesmerizing.

Through trial and error I slowly came up with a good homemade alternative. One that didn't require a branded drink mix.

Here is the final product.

Go slowly... you may just fall head over heels.

Green Tea Latte Shake
4 Bags of green tea, brewed in two cups of water
1 Bananna
1 Tablespoon protein powder
1 Cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 Cup vanilla ice cream
Pinch of cinnamon
2 drops green food coloring
Handful of ice cubes (about 5)

Blend all ingredients on high until smooth and all ice is evenly blended. Serves 2.