News & Tips
This is your source for news on recent and upcoming Ann Plans projects, as well as information on best practices and trends to help you maximize your planning resources.
Save the Date - and Be Destined to WIN in 2011!
August 02, 2010
As the conference planner for Women In Networking’s second annual Destined to WIN conference, Ann Plans invites all women in business to mark their calendar for the all-day conference on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the Continuing Education and Conference Center on the U of M campus in Saint Paul. It’s not too early to start planning for your success in the coming year!
An Invitation to Meet Minnesota Authors and Cast Your Vote
March 05, 2010
During the month of March, Minnesota readers can vote online at TwinCities.com for their favorite Minnesota Book Awards finalist book. The finalist with the most votes will be awarded the Readers’ Choice Award, sponsored by the Pioneer Press and TwinCities.com. Join Ann Plans for the Readers’ Choice Event on Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Open Book Literary Arts Center (1011 Washington Avenue South in Minneapolis). This free event provides opportunities to meet many of the finalist authors and learn about their books. A wine and dessert reception follows the author program.
February 26 Event Celebrates 2010 Minnesota Book Artist in Style
February 21, 2010
Wilber H. “Chip” Schilling, winner of the 2010 Book Artist Award, an annual award of the Minnesota Book Awards, was honored with a special event planned by Ann Plans on February 26 at the Open Book Literary Arts Center. More than 200 guests enjoyed this free event showcasing an exhibit of Schilling’s work and featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live music by Sally’s Flag Empire. Schilling, winner of the third annual Minnesota Book Artist Award, is the owner of Indulgence Press specializing in hand-bound, letterpress printed fine press books, artist books, and limited edition fine art prints.
Share Your Event with the Universe
January 20, 2010
Make this the year when you maximize the value and return on your meeting or event. The biggest mistake I see organizations make is not getting the word out soon enough, and frequently enough, to maximize attention and attendance. Here are six tips to help ensure your event gets noticed – and attended – in 2010:
Ann Plans Helps Women Entrepreneurs Tune Up for a Recovery Year
January 19, 2010
The Women in Networking (WIN) “Destined to Win in 2010” conference was a smashing success! More than 125 women gathered on Thursday, January 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Zuhrah Shrine Center, 2540 Park Avenue South in Minneapolis. This first annual conference was aimed at helping women entrepreneurs prepare themselves to make the best of brighter times and emerging opportunities. Thank you to all who worked so hard on the conference, and to everyone who attended.
“Sister Kenny’s Children” Gala Receives Standing Ovation
January 19, 2010
On February 26, a sold-out crowd of 200 guests attended the Sister Kenny’s Children Gala supporting the life-changing work of the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. Guests enjoyed an hors d’oeuvres reception and gourmet dinner followed by a private performance of the History Theatre’s world premiere production of Sister Kenny’s Children starring Claudia Wilkins. An additional 175 guests attended the performance only followed by a dessert reception with cast members. This successful fundraiser planned by Ann Plans supports the Institute’s innovative and quality rehabilitative care provided to nearly 70,000 children and adults annually with conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and brain injury.
Ann Plans Helps Minnesota Celebrate a Special Bolivian Relationship
October 07, 2009
On October 6 nearly 200 guests attended Mano a Mano’s “Weaving a Tapestry of Hope” celebration at the Wellstone Center in Saint Paul. This event, celebrating the opening of the organization’s 100th clinic in Bolivia and 15 years of a unique partnership between Minnesota and Bolivia, was coordinated by Ann Plans. The evening featured a Bolivian dinner, traditional dance, and special guests from Bolivia. Mano a Mano, which began 15 years ago as a kitchen table conversation, is now changing thousands of lives. Keep an eye out for details on Mano a Mano’s first annual fund raising gala on Saturday, April 24 at the North Oaks Country Club, also coordinated by Ann Plans.
Making the Most of Your Event Budget
September 24, 2009
There are encouraging signs that the economy is recovering, but most of us still need to watch and manage our budgets closely. Events remain an important way to foster relationships with key constituents and to tell your story to the broader community.
