PHILOSOPHY

Every year American corporations spend $10.2 billion on special events and business meetings. Sad to say, most of it is wasted on pre-packaged, off-the-shelf events and programs that generate the same old reactions from the very people they set out to impress. A special event - to be really special - is a strategic investment, and there's no such thing as a good investment in a canned event.

Here at Carlson Frank, LLC, we have a different approach to business events, and we realize it's not for everyone. Our philosophy is simple to express yet hard to accomplish: A great event creates a situation your guests have never before experienced and will remember for the rest of their lives.

We create every event from scratch with the pleasure of your guests our singular goal. Some of our clients give us a target budget upfront. Most don't, so we work with them to create the event concept and finalize the budget before our work begins. Our budgets are detailed, open book and include our professional fee, typically a percentage of the total (minimum: $2,500). We never accept mark-ups from our suppliers and pass on all hotel commissions to our clients. Our billing practice tells you we are truly client oriented, not supplier oriented. And our business practice tells you we are results oriented. Every dollar spent is accounted for -- fiscally as well as from the results the investment will reap.

SERVICES

Carlson Frank, LLC is a corporate special events and meeting planning firm focused on helping companies motivate and strengthen relationships with customers, employees, sales forces, distributors and other important stakeholders. Each event and meeting is specifically customized to ensure your event dollars deliver the results you need.

Working as an event consultant to your in-house staff or as an event manager on a fully outsourced, turnkey basis, we provide fresh ideas for a variety of program types:

Incentive Travel Programs Annual Meetings Executive Retreats Board Meetings Product Launches Trade Shows Groundbreaking Ceremonies

Client VIP Events Sales Meetings Employee Events: Orientation Seminars Award and Service Dinners Seasonal Events Training and Teambuilding Programs

EXPERIENCE

OVERVIEW OF A CLIENT VIP EVENT
CLIENT:	An international commercial real estate services firm
OBJECTIVE:	To strengthen relationships with and enhance host's image among important clients and prospects.
FORMAT:	A yacht race aboard two of the original, 130-foot, J-Class, America's Cup challengers: Sir Thomas Lipton's Shamrock and Sir T.O.M. Sopwith's Endeavour. The two-day event included: Welcome reception and gourmet dinner at the hotel Half day business meeting Half day yacht race Awards dinner at the International Yacht Restoration School
LOCATION:	Newport, Rhode Island
HOTEL:	A "mansion house hotel" in the heart of historic Newport, Rhode Island, was bought out for the duration of the program.
RESULTS:	Host's image was clearly enhanced. Several pieces of new business were secured. Important client relationships were formed.
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Site and supplier selection and contract negotiations Event name and logo development Invitation letters and guest's information kits Entertainment brokerage Arrangements for yacht charters Ground transportation Welcome gifts, award selection and production Food and beverage recommendations Business presentation consulting and audio-visual arrangements Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

OVERVIEW OF A CLIENT VIP EVENT
CLIENT:	An international commercial real estate services firm
OBJECTIVE:	To strengthen relationships with and enhance host's image among important clients and prospects.
FORMAT:	A golf tournament, unique with the inclusion of five of the world's top teaching professionals who hosted informal clinics and participated in the golf tournament. The two-day event included: Welcome reception followed by dinner after which one of the teaching professionals spoke on the psychology of winning Half day business meeting Half day golf tournament Two informal teaching clinics Awards dinner followed by cigars and cordials under the stars
LOCATION:	Tucson, Arizona
HOTEL:	A prestigious yet intimate hotel was bought out over the event dates for this group's exclusive use.
RESULTS:	Relationships were fostered and new business was initiated. As stated by our client, "I have no doubt that this event contributed directly to the strong year we had and we will continue to host it annually."
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Site and supplier selection and negotiations Invitation letters and guests' information kits Arrangements for teaching professionals and tournament Ground transportation Welcome gifts, award selection and production Food and beverage recommendations Business presentation consulting and audiovisual arrangements Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

OVERVIEW OF AN INCENTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAM
CLIENT:	An international spirits production and distribution firm
OBJECTIVE:	A sales incentive
FORMAT:	From pre-meeting information prepared to ease travel, to on-site greeting, 24-hour a day support staff and on-site schedule change updates, creative planning was essential to maximizing the event budget. The three-day event included: A Fiesta themed welcome reception and poolside dinner at the hotel 24-hour-a-day hospitality suite Optional tours and activities Group dinner at informal, local restaurant Farewell celebration dinner including a sunset cruise to the dinner location
LOCATION:	Cancun, Mexico
HOTEL:	The best Cancun has to offer, located in the midst of the area's acclaimed nightclubs. This location afforded these award-winning salespersons the freedom to visit many of the clubs - an important nuance for those working in the spirits industry.
RESULTS:	Attendees commented that this was "the best planned" company-sponsored event they had attended.
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Site and supplier selection and negotiations Event name and logo development Pre-meeting information on destination Design, copy and production of individual "Pocket Agendas" Entertainment, tours and activities Ground transportation Gift selection and production Food and beverage recommendations Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

OVERVIEW OF A SALES INCENTIVE TRIP
CLIENT:	An international commercial real estate services firm
OBJECTIVE:	To award achievement, to strengthen relationships within the workforce and to heighten the company's image to its personnel.
FORMAT:	A three-day mini-vacation at a luxury resort. The three-day event included: Welcome reception/buffet dinner in a garden setting with entertainment provided by a Grammy nominated trio Two days of activity options including golf, spa appointments, spring training ball games, cultural tours and varied athletic pursuits An off-site dinner for the top 20 sales persons and their spouses A final night awards dinner Daily gifts
LOCATION:	Phoenix, Arizona
HOTEL:	In an effort to add cache to the program and ensure a high quality of individual service, a prestigious, historic hotel was selected. The top 20 salespersons were housed in the hotel's finest sleeping rooms.
RESULTS:	Attendees were dazzled by the experience. One attendee commented that the event ran like a "well oiled machine - with heart." They left with a new perception of their company - and with the gratification that comes with being so wonderfully acknowledged for outstanding achievement.
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Site and supplier selection and contract negotiations Event logo development Design, copy and production of all correspondence with attendees including invitation letters, information and welcome kits, gift enclosures and "Pocket Agendas" Arrangements for (in some cases, creation of) off-site activities Ground transportation Dinner event décor and entertainment Food and beverage recommendations and coordination Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

OVERVIEW OF AN ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE RETREAT
CLIENT:	Midwest chapter of a national association of successful executives
OBJECTIVE:	Network, relax and enjoy life - with your spouse!
FORMAT:	Great success rarely comes from just luck and oftentimes requires a good amount of time spent on the job, away from treasured families. This weekend was a celebration of success and one that included those very important 'other halves.' Efforts were made to illuminate every moment, every detail. Beverages were available on all transfers. Stamps were affixed on the postcards included in the welcome gifts. Decorations at the dinner dance ranged from glow-in-the-dark necklaces at each place setting to glow-in-the-dark shot glasses passed on the dance floor after dinner. And everyone present will always remember the participatory 12 Days of Christmas at the final dinner. Attendees' expectations were continually surpassed. Features of this two-day event included: Welcome dinner dance at The Adler Planetarium Lecture and viewing of a special exhibit at The Art Institute Informal afternoon at cigar bar Gourmet dinner at local restaurant
LOCATION:	Chicago
HOTEL:	The 'grande dame' of Chicago hotels was chosen for this event. The elegance of the facility paired well with the financial achievement of the participants.
RESULTS:	New relationships were formed, old relationships were strengthened and attendees were re-assured that their association with this organization remains worthwhile.
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Site and supplier selection and negotiations Site inspection for organization's event planning committee Pre-meeting information on destination Entertainment, tours and activities Ground transportation Gift selection Food and beverage recommendations Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

OVERVIEW OF A MAGAZINE LAUNCH
CLIENT:	A New York-based publisher
OBJECTIVE:	To introduce a burgeoning trade publication and its staff to the Chicago market.
FORMAT:	A sophisticated cocktail party (with delicious foods and super-premium cocktails) was held at a convenient location (to encourage attendance by top executives in the industry). Extraordinary service was provided to these high-level business executives including complimentary valet parking, no-wait coat check and a wait staff with a ratio of one for each ten guests.
LOCATION:	A hip, new restaurant in Chicago located near the financial district was bought out for the evening for this group's exclusive use.
RESULTS:	Industry leaders were entertained in high style. The magazine's editorial staff had the opportunity to meet the leaders one-on-one. And the magazine's sales staff met their future clients in a fertile setting.
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Event concept development Site and supplier selection and contract negotiations Food and beverage recommendations Decoration recommendations Gift presentation Invitation format and copy recommendations Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

OVERVIEW OF A CORPORATE TEAMBUILDING PROGRAM
CLIENT:	The Field Sales & Marketing division of the nation's largest upscale, all-suite hotel chain.
OBJECTIVE:	To improve communication, collaboration and trust among the team - and have fun doing it!
FORMAT:	A half day "corporate climb" at one of the nation's highest indoor climbing walls. Under the guidance of a well-seasoned climbing instructor with a Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an emphasis was placed on how to work together to accomplish goals. The workshop was followed by dinner at a hip, new River West restaurant and a hilarious evening at the venerable Second City.
LOCATION:	Chicago
RESULTS:	Everyone had fun, learned much about fellow team members and returned to work with a renewed team spirit, having experienced shared laughter and the dramatic impact of trust on performance.
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Event concept development Site and supplier selection and contract negotiations Recommendation of teambuilding facilitator Food and beverage recommendations Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

OVERVIEW OF AN EMPLOYEE TRAINING CONFERENCE
CLIENT:	The Multifamily Investment division of a major commercial real estate company
OBJECTIVE:	To provide up-to-date training and networking opportunities to a select group of real estate brokers from offices located around the country.
FORMAT:	A two and a half day training conference with multiple breakout sessions, multiple speakers and varied audiovisual presentations. Networking opportunities included a welcome reception the first night and a reception and dinner in the private dining room of a top restaurant on the second night.
LOCATION:	An off-strip hotel with state-of-the-art meeting facilities in Las Vegas. This destination provided easy and inexpensive airline access from all points around the country as well as reasonably priced guest rooms - an important budgetary consideration during a period of economic downturn.
RESULTS:	Attendees were educated on the latest industry trends through client's presentations. Relationships were formed. Budget considerations were met.
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Site and supplier selection and contract negotiations Event registration Attendee information kit development and fulfillment Speaker coordination Audiovisual coordination Speaker gifts selection Food and beverage recommendations Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

OVERVIEW OF AN EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY EVENT
CLIENT:	An international commercial real estate company
OBJECTIVE:	To celebrate the holiday season and thank employees for their efforts throughout the year, with the added goal of introducing them to a newly built-out employee café and training center.
FORMAT:	The newly built-out floor in the company's headquarters building was transformed into three distinct "destinations" to encourage employees to visit each area and to ease traffic flow. Guests enjoyed rum drinks and Polynesian snacks in the "Tropics Room" which swayed with samba music. The "Downtown" room sparkled with sophistication and live jazz. Here, guests enjoyed a martini bar, piles of shrimp and passed hors d'oeuvre. In the "Winter Wonderland" area guests delighted in an abundant array of bite-sized desserts and gourmet coffees. Here, oversized snowflakes hung from the ceiling and a lively accapella group harmonized throughout the evening. Employees were invited to the event via an invitation that included a personalized "passport". To encourage them to visit all three areas, their passports were stamped as they entered each "destination". If the passports were stamped in all three rooms, guests were invited to include their passports in a drawing in which generous gifts were offered such as airline tickets for two or a fabulous weekend in the city.
LOCATION:	Company's world headquarters in Chicago
RESULTS:	Every objective was met - employees had a great time and they were introduced to the long-anticipated, renovated space - with a splash.
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Event concept development Entertainment brokerage Food and beverage recommendations Decoration and signage recommendations Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

OVERVIEW OF AN EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION EVENT
CLIENT:	A Fortune 100 international mining and mineral firm
OBJECTIVE:	To celebrate the summer season and thank employees for their efforts throughout the year.
FORMAT:	A family picnic that included a variety of entertainments - a nod to the scope of interests of the employees and their families. Recreational opportunities were varied. If you didn't want to dance with the disk jockey, you could attend a percussion workshop. If you didn't want to ride on the Seadog (150-passenger speedboat), you could have a balloon poodle made for your wrist. If you didn't want your face painted, you could have your picture taken with your friends. If you didn't want to ride on the ferris wheel, you could enjoy the jugband music workshop. This was old-fashioned, family fun for everyone.
LOCATION:	Chicago's Navy Pier
RESULTS:	New relationships were formed, old relationships were strengthened and employees were re-assured that they worked for a company that appreciated their efforts.
SERVICES PROVIDED:	Site and supplier selection and contract negotiations Development of copy for invitation Pre-event information for attendees Entertainment brokerage Decoration and presentation Food and beverage recommendations Planning budget and final cost reconciliation

ACCOLADES

"We thoroughly enjoyed our launch party, and it was a tremendous success. No doubt, much of the success was due to your efforts on our behalf."
Mr. Jonathan A Schein, President & CEO, Real Estate Media, Inc.

"I hope you savored the standing ovation at the end of the event. It was the first time in 17 years of client outings that I have ever seen that type of response."
Mr. Douglas P. Frye, President, Grubb & Ellis Company

"It's been a great pleasure working with you on our Scotland project. And because of your professionalism and attention to detail, I have been better able to focus on the overall program knowing that you are monitoring the fine points. This is a unique comfort factor I wish all our suppliers could provide."
Jeffrey S. Garnes, Communications and Meeting Management, FMC Corporation

"Once again your enthusiasm, knowledge and creativity in planning a party made LaSalle Partners stand very tall in front of a valued client...the event was a smash."
Mr. Hossein Youssefi, Managing Director, LaSalle Partners

"I want to thank you for the excellent job you did in providing what I think was a most delightful reception."
Mr. Robert J. Cooney, Managing Partner, Cooney & Conway

"Thank you for all you did to help make our Board of Directors' meeting a success. To quote our chairman, 'it went very, very well.' Everything you had set up for us, from menus to tours to golf, was first-class."
Mr. Michael W. LaWell, Senior Director, Public Affairs, LTV Steel Company

"We sincerely appreciate everything you've done for us and all your creative ideas on how to make an event 'more fun' and 'special'."
Ms. Beth A. Fortin and Ms. Cathy Gajewski, Special Events, Sara Lee Corporation

"It would be hard for me to recommend anyone more highly."
Mr. William D. Sanders, Chairman, Security Capital Group

"I've heard nothing but positive feedback about our excursion..."
Mr. Carl Larsen, Jim Beam Brands

"My boss told everyone that whoever plans our next outing is going to have a very tough act to follow. I can't thank you enough for making our day so great and making me look so good."
Ms. Cindy A. Murphy, Director, Field Sales & Marketing, Embassy Suites Hotels Brand Management

540 Frontage Road, Suite 2125
Northfield, IL 60093
847-784-1202 phone
847-784-6929 fax
www.carlsonfrank.com