As a PR professional, I like to think of myself as a bit of an expert when it comes to event planning.  In the past few years, I’ve attended countless weddings, showers, bachelorette parties and – my favorite - cake tastings.  As I’ve taken my turn as a bridesmaid, I realized I have an arsenal of tricks upof my sleeve that make the planning process a little easier. If you consider that the wedding is just one big editor event, you can figure out all of your bridesmaid duties faster than they’ll say “I do.”

Logistics: There’s a reason we write key contact sheets, run-of-shows, and outline roles and responsibilities before a media event – it works! When my friend and former coworker Sami got married a few months ago, she had a 5-page run of show sent to all of her vendors prior to the big day.  They thought she was crazy, but everything went off without a hitch.  Assigning a fellow bridesmaid’s 4-year-old daughter to help me carry away opened presents during a bridal shower kept her out of her mom’s hair and helped us speed up the clean-up.

Budget: Three gifts, two dresses, and multiple weekends of travel can get expensive.  When you’re a bridesmaid, you’ve got to pony up for little extras, too. Make sure you have an OOP budget in mind, and don’t keep everything til the last minute, or you’ll be stuck with a $300 bill for monogrammed sugar cookies (I’ve done that.)   One of my favorite sites to help with the financial blow of a friend’s upcoming nuptials is Rent The Runway. For about $65, you can rent a designer dress for the weekend, and they’ll deliver it to your apartment in a garment bag, with a pre-addressed envelope to mail it back when you’re done, like Netflix.

Social Media: You can’t always see the bridal crew in person, but it’s easy to stay connected through social media.  Create a Pinterest album to show off ideas and get friends’ opinions. When I didn’t know how to create a ribbon bouquet, a bouquet made from the remnants of bridal shower presents to be used for the rehearsal, a friend sentd me a how-to link from YouTube so I knew what to do. 

Although the responsibility of being a bridesmaid can be a daunting task, PR professionals already have the essentials to put any wedding planner to shame.

- Amy

When I think of parties, especially ones during the holiday season, the word “bowling” rarely comes to mind. Mistletoe, hot cocoa, ugly sweaters … sure. But bowling? So when I learned that the 2011 Hunter Holiday Party (my first) was happening at a place called “Lucky Strike,” I held off on getting too excited.

Rookie mistake. Not only was the party a blast, but the venue couldn’t have been better. Unlike the hokey, nerdy bowling alley I had envisioned, Lucky Strike turned out to be a very classy lounge with a great vibe, incredible food, an awesome DJ and of course, some intense bowling.

We played pool, took our turns in the photo booth and enjoyed a night together out of the office. As the night wore on and drinks began to replace hors d'oeuvres, we even got a chance to let loose and bust a move on the dance floor, which made for some pretty entertaining dance battles. Let’s just say I taught a few people how to dougie.

So what has this newly minted Hunter learned from his first out-of-office social event? That Hunter Public Relations is an agency that both works hard and plays hard. At some agencies, the fast-paced nature of the work keeps you from really connecting to those around you on a level deeper than business collaboration. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. I’m glad I get to work with so many people who are both professional and incredibly fun. Here’s to having fun this holiday season!

-Jason Woodward

It’s the thick of the holiday season in New York City.  And while much fanfare is bestowed upon the Rockefeller Center tree each year, to me, what truly makes the city an enchanting place at the holidays is the myriad of corner tree vendors that spring up across the city.

I can still remember the first time I returned to the city from Thanksgiving break, filled with that bittersweet feeling of leaving family and friends and the excitement and anticipation of holiday festivities to come.  As I made the trip uptown from Grand Central, I saw them.  Everywhere.  On nearly every street corner.  Each had its own flair.  Some had lights, some music, some had inflatables, but each brought an undeniable helping of good cheer.  They come each year, often entire families, from upstate, New England and Canada and set up shop for the month.

Since that first sighting, I eagerly await the return of the tree vendors each year.  It is, for me, the true start of the season.  Here are some of my other favorite NYC scenes:

• The Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal – home to nearly 100 artisans and merchants, it’s a great place to find unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry, toys, and more.  Its location makes it ideal for lunchtime or after-work browsing.
• The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden – imagine replicas of some of New York’s iconic landmarks, constructed completely from tree bark, twigs, nuts and leaves – great for kids or to bring out the kid in you.  Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers – the wait time can be long and the conservatory gets warm.
• Wollman Rink – home to a few past Hunter PR holiday parties, a skate at this open-air rink is the stuff holiday memories are made of. 

- Amanda

Not only did 11-11-11 mark an auspicious day on our calendar, it also celebrated a time-honored fall wardrobe staple, corduroy! You may ask, why 11-11, but if you take closer note you will notice the vertical numbers are nearly identical to the beloved corduroy pattern. For me, a true corduroy fan, there’s nothing like crisp fall weather and reaching into my drawer to pull out my softest corduroy pants. For those that have similar feeling and love for all things corduroy, you may consider joining the over 5,000 fans of the Corduroy Appreciation Club.

The Corduroy Appreciation Club, with chapters in cities across the world, brings together people who not only love corduroy but have an interest in meeting others who share a similar love for the fabric. They gather twice a year, eat linear themed foods such as ruffled potato chips, and cite oaths to wear corduroy as much as possible. Beware, if you attend the bi-annual meetings wearing less than three items of corduroy you will sadly be dismissed. If corduroy is your thing, take careful notice of those on the street since they might pass an invite to join this elite club. I’m hoping that one day I will be bestowed this special honor.

So while some may have spent the day celebrating 11-11-11 with “press-worthy” stunts I hope that you enjoyed your day with a nice plush corduroy pant or blazer. Until next year fine corduroy fans…

-Dominic

It’s no secret that the folks at Hunter PR work hard and play hard.  Truthfully, we don’t even need an excuse to celebrate – we are always up for showing our creativity and we hunger for a bit of friendly-competition and bite-size Snickers.  The halls at Hunter PR were no different on Halloween. 

The entertainment committee (Donetta Allen, representing a “Flash Mob,” Alex Conway, representing Fred’s Team as a marathon runner, Daniel Mazier, dressed as a hunky skeleton and Danny Palestine, showed his appreciation for expectant mother-to-be and colleague Jamie Castaldo) kicked up the competition this year challenging the staff with a pumpkin decorating contest.  The award for Best Pumpkin went to super-star intern Nick Schweers for his rendition of the Jersey Shore’s Snooki.  A little taste of Jersey earned him $100.  Score!

As for the costumes, Christine Bilms, who came to work as a zombie bride, unanimously took home the award for Scariest costume. 

The Best in Pop Culture category went to Chad Pearson, Cassie Galasetti, Samantha Chapman and Sandy Bustamante for their interpretation of the popular TLC reality show Toddlers & Tiaras. 

The Most Creative bunch went to Lisa Jablon, Rose Finnerty and Nihara Gonsalves who not only dressed the part of the characters in the animated film “Up” but shamed the rest of us by even going as far as decorating their cubicles, they got extra credit for their set design skills. 

The category that got the most entries was, of course, the Best in Hunter PR Culture.  Vanessa Polk, Dan Devece, and Wayne Westerlind dressed up as their beloved colleague Stacey Druker, who accessorizes daily with her jewelry, iPod and an ice-cold Diet Coke.

The Best Group award went to the Digital & Design Department with their Plants vs. Zombies theme, inspired by this year’s #1 game on iTunes. 

We are all looking forward to the surprises that Donetta, Alex, Daniel and Danny have planned for our annual holiday party.  They really set the bar high this time!

- Gigi

My knees ache.  My hips hurt.  My back is sore.  My soul…my soul is singing. I just started running - again.  I started running for the first time 12 years ago.  I was working with eight-time U.S. Duathlon Champion Kenny Sousa and he made running sound like it was fun.  It wasn’t.  Not at first.

The very first time I decided to give running a try, I sprinted for three (that’s not a typo) blocks, grabbed the light post for support and started hyperventilating.  The next day, I began running with a passion. I ran every day for two years while training for the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon. 

The last time I ran was March, 2007.  My nephew Frank talked me into entering the Utica Heart Run.  He was a high school track star. I was a middle-aged woman.  I agreed because I thought it was cool that he asked me (not many 18-year-olds want to be seen having fun with their aunt – especially when their aunt is wearing running tights).  I wasn’t prepared for this challenge, but I gave it the old college try. Had I still been in college, the results may have been different.

Frank completed the 10-mile-run in the same amount of time it took me to compete the three-mile-run.  As I approached the steepest part of the course – Utica’s own “Heartbreak Hill”- I barely noticed Frank striding along beside me.  I was focused on the roadside posters pointing out the seven warning signs of a stroke - four of which (shortness of breath, heart palpations, dizziness and fatigue) I was experiencing at that very moment.  While I checked my pulse and scanned the area for an EMT, Frank waved and shouted “See ya at the finish line.”  He wasn’t even breathing hard.

My goal is to run the Utica Boilermaker, July 2012.  It’s the country’s largest 15K run.  Often covered by ESPN, it attracts elite runners from around the world. I’ve participated in the race twice before and it’s fabulous.  The entire city gets involved.  As a PR professional, I applaud the marketing genius of the F.X. Matt Brewing Company.  As the event’s lead sponsor, they offer all runners Saranac Beer free of charge. Bottled water costs $2.50. 

-Karen

This year marked my first visit to BlogHer, an annual conference that brings together thousands of bloggers from all walks of life.  Here, they can interact with brands & distant friends, learn about new & existing products, and get advice from fellow bloggers & PR professionals. 

This year’s event was held in sunny San Diego from August 4^th–6^th and attracted bloggers & brands from all over the world.  Since it began in 2005, BlogHer has grown to more than 3,500 attendees and attracts people who blog about everything from parenting to technology to finance.  You name it, you’ll find someone there who blogs about it!

If you are like me and have never attended BlogHer, here are some helpful tips for surviving next year’s event:

Wear comfortable shoes!  No matter if you’re attending or working, you’ll be on your feet throughout the day so be sure to dress for function.

Pack lightly…because there is tons of swag for attendees that you will want to bring back with you.  From food to personal care products to glassware, you’ll want to save room to bring back all of the goodies to try (and blog about!).

Bring plenty of business cards.  Think about how many you think you’ll hand out.  Now, double that.  No matter if you’re a brand representative or a blogger, BlogHer is all about networking so it’s important to have your contact information easily accessible to share at all times.  They run out quicker than you think!

Download the BlogHer App.  The smartphone application will help you navigate the many sessions, demos and parties that are offered.  Also included are a map of the expo floor, a list of sponsors and a live twitter feed of all tweets about BlogHer ’11.

Till next year!

-Melody

I like to eat. Everything. All the time. No, really, it’s bad - I’m perpetually hungry and reading, writing and talking about delicious things all day only makes it worse.  I’ve never been able to say no to trying new foods, and my belief that no meal is complete without dessert guides my entire life.

I read the New York Times Dining section religiously, and one glorious Wednesday morning the hallowed broadsheet magically flew open to a two page ad spread announcing the return of New York City’s bi-annual Restaurant Week from July 11 – 24, along with this summer’s participating eateries. Clearly, this was a divine message telling me to spread the good news, so I immediately emailed the rest of the “Hunter Public Relations Newbie Crew,” a group of new-hires, and fellow foodies, to begin planning a Restaurant Week outing.

In case you’ve never experienced it, Restaurant Week offers those of us with more appetite than cash an opportunity to indulge in a three-course meal at some of the city’s finest culinary hot spots without fear of defaulting on a month’s rent.

We decided to dine at nearby Ilili, which serves Lebanese/Mediterranean cuisine.  We began with a complimentary Shot of Passion, having all unlocked the Foursquare special within minutes of arriving. Between the nine of us, we were able to try nearly every dish on the menu – including the octopus! Our mutual adoration for Ilili’s tuna belly even convinced one less adventurous Hunter newbie to try it for the first time.

Working with others who share my prandial enthusiasm has been more fun than I could have imagined. I’m lucky to work at an agency where everyone is eager to experience new things (food-related or not), so I’ll be keeping my eyes open for more newbie adventure ideas. Stay tuned!

-Nihara

Well, San Diego Comic-Con 2011 (SDCC) has come and gone, and what a whirlwind it was! In case you don’t know, SDCC is the biggest, the baddest, and the most awesome comic convention in the whole wide world. Over the years, what once started as a small gathering of comic book fans, has now transformed into arguably the biggest entertainment news event of the calendar year. A Mecca for media, SDCC is the place where the stars shine, secrets are revealed, and hundreds of parties rage.

Between the cosplay ("costume play" - check out Darth Mario!), exclusive toys (I’m partial to Hasbro’s Marvel Mini Muggs Avengers Pack, obviously - see above) and panels upon panels upon panels, there is a never-ending amount of super-sweet nerdery to check out. When my team got back, they said Hall H is just about the size of four football fields, filled with anything and everything related to your favorite TV shows, movies, comics, toys, games and everything in between. Basically, if you can’t find it at SDCC, well, then you’re out of luck my friend. Not really – I guess that’s why they invented the Internet.

Although I didn’t make it out to San Diego this year, I am really looking forward to the not-to-be-neglected New York Comic Con (NYCC), hitting the Big Apple this October. Firstly, I can take a subway home (#winning). Secondly, it’s exciting to see the progress NYCC will have made from last year. NYCC is the smaller and not-as-popular-but-still-kind-of-popular cousin of SDCC. Please don't misinterpret - NYCC has most certainly blossomed into a robust and recognized event as well, and is going to be PACKED with geeky goodies, literally, for days. Who knows what lies in store for NYCC, and I cannot wait to find out!

Let your geek flag fly!

-Danny

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…no, I’m not talking about the holidays.  I’m talking about Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC), the world’s premier cocktail conference held in New Orleans.  Each July, more than 2,500 bartenders, spirits brand ambassadors, spirits companies and yes, public relations professionals endure the NOLA heat all for the love of cocktails.

This was my fourth year attending TOTC and let me say it was one of the best. Not only did I spend six days with eight other fabulous Hunter PR team members, I also had the pleasure of attending and executing events with some of the best bartenders in the country who have become some of my best friends. That’s one important thing I’ve learned – always befriend your bartender.  They are some of the smartest, passionate and most kind people you’ll ever meet.

But I digress, back to TOTC.  While there, we attended some truly memorable events including a 1940s party at the World War II Museum, the Diageo Happy Hour with 40 bartenders making cocktails and the closing Bartenders Breakfast where everyone danced the night away.

I also had the opportunity to experience all the amazing food New Orleans has to offer. No judgment, but I ate at Mother’s three times, Cochon Butcher twice and August and Herbsaint once. 

Although it’s hard to believe, we actually do learn a lot at a “cocktail conference.”  By attending seminars and trying new products you really have your finger on the pulse of cocktail culture.

Even though TOTC just ended, I’m already counting down the days to 2012!

- Vanessa