Blog

Friendsgiving; What’s Trending in 2023

Friendsgiving; What’s Trending in 2023

Hosting in any form involves lots of moving parts. Whether the event is a large-scale, multi-day conference, or a group celebrating a holiday, we all need a plan. November is right around the corner, and be it turkey, stuffing, or a good old-fashioned nap, there are...

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What Makes Anchorage Alaska a Great Place for Hosting Events

What Makes Anchorage Alaska a Great Place for Hosting Events

Hosting events in Anchorage is a no-brainer, as many say a trip to Alaska is a bucket list destination.  Anchorage has many venues to choose from and your attendees can enjoy a mini vacation as part of their conference experience. It’s unique blend of natural wonders...

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Creative Networking Ideas for Conferences

Creative Networking Ideas for Conferences

  Conferences are not only about gaining knowledge and exchanging ideas; they are also about building valuable connections, fostering collaborations, and expanding professional circles. However, traditional networking activities at conferences can sometimes feel...

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Top 5 Spas and Hot Springs in Alaska

Top 5 Spas and Hot Springs in Alaska

Alaska, with its pristine landscapes and untouched wilderness, offers a plethora of natural wonders to explore. Among these treasures are the enchanting hot springs scattered throughout the state. Nestled amidst breathtaking views, Alaskan hot springs provide a serene...

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Anchorage Food Truck & Catering Favorites

Anchorage Food Truck & Catering Favorites

  When it comes to planning an event one of the key ingredients to success is undoubtedly the food. The vibrant food truck scene in Anchorage offers a multitude of delectable options that can elevate any gathering to new heights. As an event planning company...

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ALASKA SUMMER EVENT ROUNDUP

ALASKA SUMMER EVENT ROUNDUP

  With the days getting longer, and an abundance of activities to choose from, we have compiled a list of events around the state including some that are weekly favorites, and others that are annual traditions. Mark your calendars now, and make sure you don't...

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Top 10 Uniquely Alaskan experiences

Top 10 Uniquely Alaskan experiences

  Alaska is a big and beautiful state. A place that conjures up incredible images of breathtaking scenery in people’s minds. Alaska is also a place whose vistas and peaks are unmistakable. Denali, for example, is easily recognized and is an iconic symbol of...

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How To Travel Alaska Like A Pro

How To Travel Alaska Like A Pro

  Alaska is a bucket-list destination for both leisure and business travelers. But with so many options for unique destinations, and unforgettable adventures, planning a trip can quickly become overwhelming. In order to help you plan for your Alaskan adventure...

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15 Essential Event KPI’s To Be Tracking

15 Essential Event KPI’s To Be Tracking

  As an event attendee, the most common measure of success is - “OMG, that event was so fun!” And as an event planner, that is hands down the best response to ever receive from an attendee. But truth be told, there are dozens more details used to track success...

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10 Wellness-Centric Ideas for your next Conference

10 Wellness-Centric Ideas for your next Conference

  In today's post-covid world, many people are more commonly seeking out healthy options and maintaining a work-life balance, while still pursuing their professional goals. This has led to a growing interest in wellness-centered events that focus on mindfulness,...

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Doing a Summer Event Right! The Top 5 Summer Event Must-Haves

Doing a Summer Event Right! The Top 5 Summer Event Must-Haves

  With Summer just around the corner, companies and organizations statewide are ready to capitalize on our limited window of beautiful weather. Summer is the perfect time for a company bbq, employee picnic, or community arts festival. And because everyone wants...

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Our Top 5 Favorite Road Trips from Anchorage

Our Top 5 Favorite Road Trips from Anchorage

  Anchorage is not only an important center for tourism but also serves as the gateway to some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the world. The city is tucked between the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm, which provides a perfect backdrop for exploring...

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The 2023 Arctic Encounter Symposium – A Recap

The 2023 Arctic Encounter Symposium – A Recap

Wow! What an incredible last few weeks it has been, with the Toast of the Town team producing an incredible stretch of events and conferences around town.  But hands down one of the most exciting of them all has been the 2023 Arctic Encounter Symposium.  This event...

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How to Plan for Impactful Conference Breakout Sessions

How to Plan for Impactful Conference Breakout Sessions

  Conferences are incomplete without breakout sessions, and as a planner, it is crucial to make these sessions impactful for your attendees. Participation from attendees is imperative, and creating opportunities for them to share their experiences or ask...

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The Official Guide to Summer in Alaska

The Official Guide to Summer in Alaska

  While pretty much doing ANYTHING during the Summer months in Alaska is exceptional, there are still a few must do's that locals and visitors alike clamor for any time the sun comes out. Here are a few of our top picks:   OUTDOORS Mountain Biking at Alyeska...

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5 Exciting Opportunities for Corporate Event Planners in 2023

5 Exciting Opportunities for Corporate Event Planners in 2023

  While the last few years have certainly been challenging in the world of live events, event planners and attendees have adapted and continued to flourish. The remarkable ingenuity and resilience of organizations and planners has proved significant results with...

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Top 10 Event Food & Beverage Catering Trends for 2023

Top 10 Event Food & Beverage Catering Trends for 2023

  Whether you are looking for inspiration for your conference closing reception, or something unique and creative to impress your gala guests, food & beverage is an important part of the overall guest experience. Make sure your next event is memorable and...

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Steal Worthy Event Decor for 2023

Steal Worthy Event Decor for 2023

Grand Entrances Guests are enthusiastic to be returning to large in-person events, so make sure to greet and welcome them with that same energy, by designing grand, over-the-top entrance experiences. Color and light galore made possible with creative uses of many...

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3 Must Haves for Conferences in 2023

3 Must Haves for Conferences in 2023

  Live events are surging back, experiencing fantastic and record registration numbers as people are eager to get back to shaking hands, socializing, and enjoying the interaction of an in-person event. As event planners, we have been experiencing this since...

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The Official Anchorage Valentine’s Day Guide

The Official Anchorage Valentine’s Day Guide

  Whether your love is fresh like a spring dew, fleeting like an allegro jazz piano, or mature like a fine wine, it is always worth celebrating. Nice romantic meals, an exciting performance, enlightening art displays, or whimsical outdoor fun make for great date...

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How to do a Lunar New Year Event Like a Pro!

How to do a Lunar New Year Event Like a Pro!

  With Lunar New Year (LNY), otherwise known as Chinese New Year, coming up on January 22nd, we decided to put together a quick how-to for planning a fun LNY event. The Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar and each year is represented by one of the 12...

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2022 Letter From the President

2022 Letter From the President

2022, What a Year! 2022, what a year!  Like many of you, I can hardly believe it’s come and gone and all that happened in between. This year was a whirlwind of returning events that came back bigger and better from their long slumber and flood of new events that...

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Fun NYE Traditions From Around The World

Fun NYE Traditions From Around The World

Fun New Years’ Eve Trraditions from All Around the World  Be more active. Eat less junk food. Spend more time reading books and less time on social media. These are some popular modern-day New Year resolutions, but where did the practice of making resolutions come...

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Event Invitations: Best Practices for Success!

Event Invitations: Best Practices for Success!

Event Invitations: Best Practices for Success! The first impression you can make on your attendees at any event is in your event invitation. Let’s talk about three basic considerations you will need to make before designing your invitations. This crucial element sets...

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Conference Planning Timeline & How to Stay on Track

Conference Planning Timeline & How to Stay on Track

  If you are considering hosting a conference, congratulations! As you are getting started, there are many factors to consider! All the different tasks you need to take care of can be overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to break them down into small steps so that...

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Top 10 Holiday Party Themes for 2022

Top 10 Holiday Party Themes for 2022

  With the holidays just around the corner, and Covid restrictions getting longer in the rearview, companies, employees, friends and family are all excited to gather and celebrate this year. Some in fact have been planning and anticipating this moment since...

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Gratitude: How to Show Appreciation to your Event Committees

Gratitude: How to Show Appreciation to your Event Committees

  Planning an event is a lot of work and for many of the events around town, they couldn’t be possible without their valued event committee members. Building and maintaining a highly productive and high-functioning event committee is not easy and takes time and...

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The 7 Dos and Don’ts of Attending a Company Holiday Party

The 7 Dos and Don’ts of Attending a Company Holiday Party

  Many think fondly of their company's holiday parties as a great way to let their hair down and mix and mingle with their favorite co-workers. Don’t let the casual nature of this celebratory event fool you though, there are ways you can have a great time and...

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What’s Trending in the World of Corporate Gift Giving

What’s Trending in the World of Corporate Gift Giving

  Curious what other companies are doing this year to stay ahead of the curve and make sure their employees know they are appreciated? ‘Tis the season to show your gratitude and create your corporate gift giving plan. Many of our clients, including ourselves, use...

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Non-Profit Annual Appeal Tips & Timelines for Success

Non-Profit Annual Appeal Tips & Timelines for Success

  Fall is here! It’s time to plan your year-end fundraising campaign. 30% of annual giving occurs in December so you want to be sure you’re ready to take full advantage of the opportunity to connect when folks are feeling the most generous. The hard work begins...

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Alaska Native Corporations Turn 50

Alaska Native Corporations Turn 50

  For the last 50 years, the Big Twelve Alaska Native Corporations have been a significant driver of the State’s economy and equally impactful on their shareholders' lives. Both in terms of receiving annual dividends and the employment opportunities that they...

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Winter is Here in Alaska! Time to plan out your winter fun!

Winter is Here in Alaska! Time to plan out your winter fun!

  So long Summer, it's been great having you around. It's safe to say the last few months have been incredible, and anyone who gets to experience Alaska during the Summer would agree. The long sunny days, the smell of the forest when it rains, and incredibly...

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Inspired Ways to Capture Ideation at a Conference

Inspired Ways to Capture Ideation at a Conference

  Conferences can be an incredible place where new ideas can emerge and people come together to breathe life into them. As conference planners, we are constantly working to find new and creative ways to capture the ideation in a room. When doing this we always...

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Fall Hygge “Let’s get Cozy”

Fall Hygge “Let’s get Cozy”

  It is no surprise that fall is one of the most beloved seasons of the year. It may be the anticipation of the holidays, or that feeling of being warm and snug with a hot beverage, your favorite throw blanket, and all while sitting in your favorite chair. Either...

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Top 10 Day Trips from Anchorage, Alaska

Top 10 Day Trips from Anchorage, Alaska

Looking for a mini trip while you’re in Anchorage? Here are some great options to choose from. From sightseeing, small-town culture, to wildlife tours and gourmet food. You can truly do it all.    Alyeska Resort / The City of Girdwood A quick (and gorgeous) hour...

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3 Easy Alternatives to Pipe and Drape for a Stage Backdrop

3 Easy Alternatives to Pipe and Drape for a Stage Backdrop

  We have seen it a million times and will see it a million more, with a little creativity though you can help your event stand apart from the rest. The traditional go-to for any stage backdrop because it’s easy, cheap, and accessible is pipe and drape. Good old...

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Alaska Best Live Music Venues

Alaska Best Live Music Venues

  While Alaska technically does experience all four seasons, any local will tell you that there are pretty much 6 months of winter. Although the Summer is short, Alaska makes up for it with the midnight sun and our locals soak up every minute of it. Concerts,...

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Top 3 Event Design Trends for 2022

Top 3 Event Design Trends for 2022

  Live in-person events are back with a vengeance! And how is that translating to decor and design? In a word - “BAM”! Event designers are putting more effort and budget into large installations than ever before. Curious about what trends are really taking off as...

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The 5 Do’s & Don’ts of Hybrid Events

The 5 Do’s & Don’ts of Hybrid Events

  Many of you have experienced the benefits that virtual events can bring, maybe it surprised you to see your attendance grow higher than ever, or that people were willing to engage in a virtual setting. As we are all able to start hosting events again in person...

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How Virtual or Hybrid Conferences Can Help Build Community

How Virtual or Hybrid Conferences Can Help Build Community

  Our Toast of the Town event planners have been knee-deep in planning and orchestrating virtual events since early 2020, and suffice it to say - we are virtual event pros by this point. We see that virtual events, or blended hybrid style events, are going to be...

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A Long Weekend in Anchorage & Girdwood

A Long Weekend in Anchorage & Girdwood

  If you are new to Alaska, your first impression may be just how vast the state is. Put frankly -- Alaska is huge, and things are really spread out. Alaskans love it this way, with lots of room to stretch out, and explore. But continue to read between the lines...

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Expert tips for planning an outdoor event in Alaska

Expert tips for planning an outdoor event in Alaska

  Having an outdoor event in Alaska, while wonderful, also means always planning to have either an indoor or at least, a covered, backup option. Even in Summer, the unpredictable nature of Alaskan weather can make planning an outdoor event quite challenging....

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Cinco De Mayo: “Trendy New Cocktails & Ways to Decorate”

Cinco De Mayo: “Trendy New Cocktails & Ways to Decorate”

  There are many ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Whether it's going to one of Anchorage’s local restaurants, planning something authentic at home, or biking along the coast and having a cerveza with a friend. If you are planning for the first or considering the...

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How to Make Your Next Event a Green Event

How to Make Your Next Event a Green Event

  We have all been to an event where as everyone is leaving you see all the trash and waste left behind. The scary thing is that event likely produced much more than what was visible to you as an attendee. Bringing people together is an amazing thing, but...

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Why Hybrid Events Are Good For The Environment

Why Hybrid Events Are Good For The Environment

  In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the events industry by and large pivoted to virtual events in response to governmental gathering restrictions. And while this pivot was at the time viewed as an interim solution until things got 'back to normal',...

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Event Donor Appreciation: What to Know About Doing It Right

Event Donor Appreciation: What to Know About Doing It Right

  The event has wrapped up, the last guest has left, and while all you WANT to do is head home and go-to bed, you are instead thinking of all the post event to-do's on your list and which ones need to be checked off first. Event donor appreciation might be the...

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Art Services North

Art Services North

  Art Services North has contributed to the success of events in Alaska for 35 years. Working in the same industry for almost a decade, we have produced events alongside the Art Services North team and were sorry to see them go. The COVID-19 pandemic has been...

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Speaker Checklist, How to Make Managing Them One Step Easier

Speaker Checklist, How to Make Managing Them One Step Easier

  For many event planners, speaker management alone can be a full time job, especially if they have 40 or more that they are juggling at one time. But this daunting task doesn’t have to be as time consuming as you might think. In this blog post we share our...

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Destination Management Welcome Packet

Destination Management Welcome Packet

  In our experience, a welcome packet and corresponding gift bag can make a big first impression of your guests’ expectations at your event. The welcome pack becomes a strategic tool to transmit brand, community and commitment image, but above all, it builds...

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Cheers to Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!

Cheers to Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!

  With St. Patty's Day just around the corner, bars around Anchorage are stocking up on Guinness and Jameson, breaking out the green cups, food coloring, and Leprechaun-themed everything. But despite the pure fun of this celebratory holiday, there is actually a...

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Destination Events: What You Need For Success In 2022

Destination Events: What You Need For Success In 2022

  For everyone, the post-COVID-19 world looks a bit different, and the meetings and event industry is no exception. As organizations look to get back to in-person events again, Toast of the Town wanted to provide a snapshot of some key elements that will set your...

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10 Easy Steps to Reduce COVID-19 Risk at Your Next Event

10 Easy Steps to Reduce COVID-19 Risk at Your Next Event

  Many organizations are back to hosting in-person events and recognize the need of a mitigation plan for COVID-19. This guide will provide you 10 easy steps to reduce COVID-19 risk at your next event and help you take appropriate action based on the level of...

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Top 10 Event Trends for 2022

Top 10 Event Trends for 2022

  We love events because they are exciting, bring together community, and each one is unique in its own way. That being said, we’re feeling 22 and couldn’t help ourselves when it came to sharing the top 10 event trends to expect this year.   #1 Virtual /...

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How to Craft The Perfect Intimate Lunar New Year Party At Home

How to Craft The Perfect Intimate Lunar New Year Party At Home

  If you’ve experienced a rocky start to the new year, you may find yourself eager for a chance to restart and fully embrace 2022’s Lunar New Year. If you’re not sure where to begin, but you’re hungry to celebrate with close friends and family, then read on for a...

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The 3 Biggest National Event Industry Trends of 2022

The 3 Biggest National Event Industry Trends of 2022

  The last 2 years have been challenging for events industry professionals but there have been some incredible growth as well. And if the last couple of years has taught us anything, it's that while growth isn't always smooth IT IS always exciting. We have seen...

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5 Steps to Annual Fundraising Goal Planning

5 Steps to Annual Fundraising Goal Planning

  With January around the corner many of us have been in the process of finalizing our goals for the new year. If you are a nonprofit and want to ensure you have all your bases covered we just made your life a little easier with our 5 steps to annual fundraising...

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15 of History’s Most Memorable New Year’s Eve Toasts

15 of History’s Most Memorable New Year’s Eve Toasts

  The tradition of the party host giving the perfect New Year’s Eve toast has been one that has carried on for hundreds of years. You may be considering what to say this upcoming holiday to all of your friends and family that gather to ring in the new year. To...

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Consider a Horse Drawn Holiday

Consider a Horse Drawn Holiday

  This season you may find yourself searching for a special way to treat your family, friends, employees, or guests to something timeless? Consider a horse-drawn holiday experience. We see it in all the classic Christmas movies we love, and the reality of doing...

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Letter from President

Letter from President

  2021 - What a Year!   Here we are, feeling proud of another successful year! It has been one for the books, full of growth and development for the Toast of the Town (TOTT) team. After 6 years of vision and leadership, we supported our Co-Founder Carrie...

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Blitzed on Blitzen: Holiday Event Ideas in Alaska

Blitzed on Blitzen: Holiday Event Ideas in Alaska

  ‘Tis the season to celebrate your favorite reindeer! We’ve compiled a great list of holiday event ideas unique to Alaska, for you to enjoy. As a fun option to accompany a holiday party consider Palmer, Alaska’s Reindeer Farm where you can create specialty...

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Thanksgiving Planning Tips

Thanksgiving Planning Tips

  Thanksgiving is here! It’s one of the best times of the year. A time to gather together with family and friends, be thankful for one another, and feast on delicious food. See some of our Thanksgiving planning tips below on how to be a great host and easily make...

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Alyeska Holiday Ski Experience for Small Groups

Alyeska Holiday Ski Experience for Small Groups

  Looking for a fun way to show appreciation to your team that feels special and unique to the traditional Holiday Party? For many Anchorage-based businesses the small trip to Girdwood, although only 45 minutes away, is somewhere close and accessible but feels...

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What does a hybrid event in Alaska even look like?

What does a hybrid event in Alaska even look like?

  The definition seems pretty straightforward: A hybrid event in Alaska is one that uses a combination of in-person and digital elements, tailored to each audience for optimal experiences. But the reality is a little more complex than that. A hybrid event is one...

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Winter Festival on Ice

Winter Festival on Ice

  As many of you may be considering options of how to celebrate this upcoming holiday season we thought we might suggest one of our favorites! We are so lucky to live in Alaska and with that are able to take advantage of the amazing outdoor scenery that it...

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Gala Fundraising: How To Be Prepared

Gala Fundraising: How To Be Prepared

  First things first, to ensure that nothing goes undone when planning a gala, you’ll need to create a schedule that delegates all of the necessary fundraising tasks by committee, subcommittee, and individuals. You will need everyone’s support to be successful!...

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5 Major Benefits of Virtual Conferences

5 Major Benefits of Virtual Conferences

  Zoom meetings, remote teams, and virtual events which all started as a temporary fix, have turned into an absolute necessity over the last year. Unexpectedly, this prolonged absence of in-person events has turned out to be an amazing opportunity for brands and...

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Lights & Sights Private Holiday Tours

Lights & Sights Private Holiday Tours

  Food, Drink, Lights & Fun for the whole team! Nothing is more special than the holiday time in Alaska, and at the darkest time of the year, we wanted to help brighten up the festivities. Toast of the Town has been working to create special holiday gathering...

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Team Building Foodie Experiences That You Can Take Virtual

Team Building Foodie Experiences That You Can Take Virtual

  Over the last 18 months, off-site teams and remote work has skyrocketed and a question that comes up again and again is “How do you keep remote employees engaged so they don’t lose the sense of comradery?” According to a Gallup research poll conducted in early...

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COVID, The Black Tie Virtual Event Experience

COVID, The Black Tie Virtual Event Experience

  For many of us who love to attend our favorite annual black tie events each year, the last year and a half has been filled with longing. What we would do for a chance to get all dressed up, see our favorite people, and get treated to an amazing meal and...

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Level Up Your Holiday (Virtual) Happy Hour

Level Up Your Holiday (Virtual) Happy Hour

  The seasons are quickly changing, and with the holidays approaching it is time to start thinking about fun and creative ways to host those long overdue festive gatherings to be enjoyed with your team, supporters, and clients. Everyone enjoys this most wonderful...

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Hospitality Boxes

Hospitality Boxes

Hospitality Boxes are otherwise known as "Corporate Gift Boxes" have been becoming more and more popular over the last 2 years, and primarily as a result of the typical in-person corporate event switching over to a necessary virtual event style. Whether they are...

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