Events Archives - Page 12 of 18 - Tendenci Blog | Tendenci

2011-04-062014-11-02

SXSWi 2011 – The Extended Version

We all like a little closure. Last week Scooter dropped her South by Southwest Interactive takeaways. Today we’ve compiled favorite takeaways from other SXSWi Schipulites to share with you.

SXSWi 2011 Takeaways

From Melissa

Photo via www.fastcompany.com (SXSWi 2011 Scvngr feature)

The highlight of SXSW 2011 for me was definitely SCVNGR CEO Seth Priebatsch’s keynote address. Priebatsch explained how the developing ‘game layerâ€ in the virtual world can be applied to solve problems in the physical world by taking advantage of principles of game play, including rules, rewards, and levels. He even concluded the talk with a short game involving the audience to illustrate how game play can motivate people to work together to accomplish communal goals, regardless of locale of the players.

Not only did the talk itself cover a lot of real world problems (such as the inherent problems with school model) and present some interesting solutions, but Priebatcsch’s energy and enthusiasm was unmatched and inspiring. Listen to the audio of Seth Priebatsch’s Keynote Address

The high-profile presence of Gowalla and their SXSW-focused game of checking-in and collecting stamps throughout the conference was a lot of fun, too!

Also, I attended a panel session called Time Traveling: Interfaces for Geotemporal Visualization. The panel discussed how much data we are creating and storing in online systems, such as Google Maps, now that so many more people have access.

It’s easy to show either time or space/geography in visualizations, but combining them together makes visualizing the data a lot trickier. It’s a new challenge and new opportunity to create and use tools to learn about history, current events, and trends and also presents new ways for storytelling on the web.

One of the panelists, Nick Rabinowitz, who works mainly as an information consultant with a focus on non-profit organizations, created a JavaScript library called Timemap.js that can be used to display geotemporal data in tons of ways, including progressing loading as you scroll through time. He and his brother, panel moderator, Assistant Professor and Director of University of Texas’ Institute of Classical Archaeology Adam Rabinowitz, also created GEODIA, a system that visualizes the temporal, geographic and material aspects of ancient Mediterranean civilizations.

From David

We went to SXSWi with a strict goal to promote Schipul as a leader in the Drupal community, and while we promoted our Drupal Monster video, we had a wonderful time engaging the SXSW crowd with a content management system some were new to.

As part of our strategy, we printed out Moocards with a simple link on them, and we handed them out guerrilla-style.

We got more of a response from DrupalCon the week before SXSWi. But that’s to be expected since the video is Drupal-related. That being said, our promotion at SXSWi kept the snowball rolling. Watch the Drupal Monster video.

From Derek

The panel that made a lasting impression on me was by Aaron With from Groupon called ‘Strange Business: Corporate Creativity that Doesn’t Suck.â€ It was about a lot of things they do that most people see as wasting endless amounts of time and money for no reason. They do fun, interesting things that have no plan at first then actually end up having value at some point (try unsubscribing and you’ll see). My favorite quote was Aaron describing one of their activities: “We made it for no good reason then it ended up having a business benefit.”

At Schipul, we don’t go to the extremes Groupon does, but it’s good to see the idea reinforced by a large company. Our company realizes the potential of ‘wasting timeâ€ even when it may mean lack of productivity at that specific period of time. The Drupal Monster video or Plasma Car races are perfect examples. Listen to the audio version of this panel

Random Photo Time!

While in Austin, we took every opportunity to live it up: nerd-style. That means Lyndia and I cuddled the xtranormals (you may remember them from @urbanhoustonian’s video); I met Dule Hill from psych (USA) and The West Wing (NBC) ; and between panels, the Schipulites enjoyed the beautiful weather on patios with free wireless internet access.

xtranormal cuddlies at SXSWi 2011 — Lyndia and I cuddled the xtranormals.

KMe_DuleHill_SXSWi_2011 — Me to Dule Hill: Dude. You're hot.

lyndia_kme_derek — We're mapping out the parties that have free beer. Priorities. Nerdery.

Looking ahead

We had a few SXSWi first-timers in our group (including me). Since the conference we’ve had opportunities to apply much of what we’ve learned in small doses. Between now and the next SXSWi, it’ll be interesting to see how we, and how others, expand on information from panels.

If you missed it, I’ve updated my takeaways with audio links to the panels. Check them out here. And please feel free to share your takeaways and links with us. We’d love to hear from you!

2011-03-302014-11-02

SXSWi – The Quick Version

I was recently given the awesome opportunity to attend this year’s SXSW Interactive Festival with some of my fellow Schipulites.

How did it go? In a word’ Overwhelming. The entire experience was a hodge podge of sessions, panels, networking, crowds, conference food and, of course, parties. But considering that this was an exercise in education, I’ll skip the parties and share my major takeaways from my favorite sessions.

The Unwritten Rules of Social Media

Ben McAllister and Kate Canales with Frog Design had some thoughtful comments regarding acceptable behavior in social media.

Three Types of Relationships

Kate and Ben identified three types of social relationships:

Authority: An example of this type of relationship is the relationship you would have with a police officer. There’s pretty much not a question. He has the authority. You do what he says.
Exchange: This is a basic friendship or romantic relationship. A mutually beneficial give/take relationship.
Communality: These are looser relationships basically based on having something in common. Social media relationships rooted in this. An example would be that person you talk to online through Twitter about a common interest, but you don’t really know much else about them.

Each type of relationship comes with its own set of social rules and norms, and we know how to act in each situation. We behave accordingly. When we don’t, it’s very awkward. Example: If I hug (Exchange behavior) and police officer (with whom I have an Authority relationship), it would be awkward. So guess what? I don’t hug police officers. Ever. But life’s not that easy. These relationships overlap a lot. What if I were married to a police officer? What happens when I spend time with my coworkers outside of the office? Things can get hairy, and sometimes awkward.

This happens in social media too. Relationships overlap, and acting out of turn can create an awkward situation with a digital footprint.

Avoid Awkwardness Online

Ben and Kate offer three rules for brands to follow in order to avoid these types of situations.

Pull Back the Curtain: Transparency earns honesty. Let your consumers take a peak behind the scenes. Best Buy’s Twelp Force is a great example of this.
Stop Selling. Start Sharing: Self promotion is awkward. Share relevant content that makes people trust you. Ben and Kate liked one of their own projects as an example.
Stop Talk. Start Listening: Once again, self promotion is awkward. Listen to what your consumer wants and respond when it makes sense for your brand. For example, Bravo heard their viewers saying that they wanted to see a show all about Bethenny from the Real Desperate Housewives. So, Bethenny Ever After was born. (If you watch this I’m judging you.)

Does this interest you? View the presentation, or listen to it online.

Tools and Processes for ADD Project Managers and Entrepreneurs

The first full session I was able to attend was for sure one of my favorites. While I don’t think I have Attention Deficit Disorder or any derivative of it, Jason Ford of FeedMagnet gave organization tips that could be useful to any project manager or entrepreneur. The takeaways:

We have problems with Attention

These problems are Hyperfocus and Distractibility
We moderate Hyperfocus through consistent scheduling, working in locations that allow us to get our work done and delegation
We moderate Distractibility with plain, old will power, lists and any gadget or application that helps us stay focused and organized.

We have problems with Action

These problems are Intensity, Restlessness and Impulsivity

We moderate Intensity through shorter meetings, self awareness and transparency.
We moderate Restlessness through regular exercise and meditation.
We moderate Impulsivity through wise counsel, human filters and boundaries.

What to know more? Hear the full session online.

Seth Priebatsch: The Decade of Games

Seth Priebatsch, 22-year-old founder of SCVNGR, suggested that the next decade will see a shift towards games in most aspects of life: digital, marketing, even school. How?

1.) School

School is game. But it’s broken.
Grades are rewards for not failing. Grades should be rewards based on progression
Cheating is only punishment in this game if you get caught. Schools should create an honor code in which knowing about cheating is as bad as actually cheating if you don’t tell – complicity as a crime.
I take issue with some of Seth’s thoughts here, but I like his attitude. He saw something that was broken; identified what was broken, and offered a solution.

2.) Customer Acquisition

Seth described how customers will be acquired through game play with a simple example – Groupon. What is Groupon? Something free + communal game play + a countdown = Groupon.

Why does this formula work?

Something free: Sounds too good to be true. So why don’t people think it’s too good to be true? Groupon removes skepticism by requiring that a certain amount of people also sign up for a deal in order for anyone to get it.
Communal game play: Since Groupon requires a minimum amount of people sign up for any deal to be valid, Groupon users are compelled to spread the word.
Countdown: Groupon creates a sense of urgency and excitement by requiring that said minimum is met by a certain time.

3.) Loyalty

Brands can create loyalty through games based on “leveling up.” American Express successfully uses this method by offering different levels of cards. How does this work?

Loyalty allows you to “level up” (get a better card)
Leveling up has status associated with it.
Status feels good.
People stay loyal.

4.) LBS will go Mainstream

While they’re growing in popularity, location-based services like foursquare, SCVNGR and Gowalla aren’t quite mainstream yet, but Seth sees this as changing in next ten years. Right now he sees two main obstacles that these services need to overcome before this can happen.

They’re too hard: The rules are frustrating for users and keeping more people from using them (including me)
Reward schedules: Location-based services and their affiliates have seen a lot of success through reward schedules (ex: check into Starbucks at XYZ time and get a free coffee), but they only work for a limited time.

Check out Seth talking about his Game Layer on TED.

2011-03-132014-11-02

SXSWi Catch-Up: Sex, BestBuy & Gaming

We’re still wreaking havoc in Austin! Here’s a an overview of what I’ve been up to –sending a little SXSWi report to give you a peek at what’s going on here. We’ll take a more comprehensive look at these panels and others we attended when it’s all said and done.

SXSW Newcomer

This is my first time at SXSW. I knew it would be impossible to do everything so I set a few goals to help get the most out of the experience. One of my goals is to attend panels that cover topics that interest me as a woman, a web marketer, a writer and a minority in America. I have to admit, I’m pleased with my panel selections so far.

The Yoga Panel

No. This guy wasn’t the instructor, but he totally was giving out free hugs.

About the yoga though: It was interesting to see yoga offered as a panel. And it was an actual yoga class that any beginner could get through easily. It was a good experience for advanced yoga folks, too. The panel was surprisingly popular and we had to modify a few of the poses for the sake of space. Ari Stiles was a great instructor who made light of the crowded room and kept us all at ease. I left feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day. If you missed Saturday Yoga, no worries. Tuesday Yoga will help you close out the conference feeling peaceful.

#sxswyoga

The Sex Part

Listen to the Bedsider SXSWi 2011 presentation

Bedsider.org is funny, human and interesting enough that it got women to share their personal experiences with sex and protection on camera. They’re also a free support network for birth control. It sounds boring. I know. But it’s so not.

One of the major take aways from the panel Re-Branding Birth Control: Behavior Change through Design, was simply that it’s easier to have sex than to talk about how to have sex responsibly. Jennifer Maer and Lawrence Swiader did a beautiful job of illustrating how Bedsider has a conversation about sex and protection in a way that women can relate to: through girl talk.

Despite sex ed classes, religious teachings and Maury baby daddy episodes, young adults who say they don’t want to have kids yet also say they use birth control inconsistently. To that, the Bedsider team says awareness isn’t enough, and that part of the solution is to have the right tools and an agile approach to educating young adults about safe sex. Bedsider is a community supporting women who use birth control and rewarding them for getting it right. And they’re doing it all by design and conscious content creation.

If you’re into sex (no joke), check out this evening’s panel on Subtle Sexuality on TV.

#bedsider

Latino Link: Marketing to Spanish Speakers Using Digital Platforms

Ana Grace and Joe Kutchera facilitated a brilliant discussion on including Spanish speaking consumers in online marketing campaigns. Ana is leading the charge at BestBuy. She presented a case study on BestBuy’s Spanish language website that gave attendees an idea of how to approach this form of online inclusion. Some of the challenges the company overcame included deciding which version of Spanish to use (they went with universal Spanish), and whether or not to highlight special content to try to appeal to their Spanish speaking customers.

The major takeaway from this panel is that in the BestBuy case study, they learned consumers didn’t want different or “customized” content on the Spanish language site. Their target audience wanted the content to be identical to the content on the English language site. Also, it was an integrated campaign that relied a lot on the support of off line (in-store) components. The offline components included helping customers identify Spanish-speaking customer service reps that could help them in the store.

#latism

Keynote by SCVNGR founder Seth Priebatsch

Listen to the audio of Seth Priebatsch’s Keynote Address

Seth Priebatsch (founder of SCVNGR mobile check-in app) delivered a compelling keynote presentation. The main conference room was jam-packed so we watched the simulcast from a nearby conference room.

Priebatsch proposed a theory that suggests that we can solve some pretty big problems if we apply key elements of gaming to real life. He demonstrated the premise of his theory by getting the audience involved in a little bit of play time.

Each person in the audience had a card with two colors – one color on each side of the card. (Only in the live presentation, not the simulcast ones). The cards were placed randomly. The colors varied on each card and the room was filled to capacity. The challenge: get each person on a row the same color card. The prize: SCVNGR would donate $10k to The National Wildlife Federation.

It was a fairly difficult task. And it was timed –they got about 2.5 minutes to win the game. Players couldn’t get up from their seats (though I saw some people standing). The audience did well and completed the challenge with almost one minute to spare.

#GameLayer

Branding Panel: Congratulations! Your Brand is about be Obsolete

Listen to the audio of Congratulations! Your Brand is about to be Obsolete

This panel rocked my socks off. I was hesitant to go because, straight up, I didn’t want to get duped into watching a power point slide show about extinct brands and what they should’ve done. This panel was not that at all. The panel played to a packed house.

SXSWi panel on keeping brands from becoming obsolete

Andrea Ring and William Charnock of R/GA presented the audience with what would be a tough sell to the client of a marketing or branding agency:

Dear client,

Hey! Things couldn’t be better. You’re at the top of the game right now. Your brand is doing well –you’re the hottest thing going right now. In a word: you’re winning. Now let’s change everything completely. Don’t worry.

Thank me later.

Your Branding Agency

Scary. Charnock and Ring painted a clear picture of why changing while a brand is at the peak of its influence helps it avoid becoming obsolete. It’s a form of adapting overlooked by some brands that have failed. As an example, Ring and Charnock pointed out that lots of companies built their brands around selling fur, but cultural shifts made that change. You have to be ready to shift when “shift happens.” The key to brands shifting when at the height of their success, according to Charnock and Ring, is to find your higher purpose as a company rather than focusing solely on a product.

#savebrands

Stay Tuned! There’s More.

These takeaways are just snippets of what I learned in each panel. There’s more information and takeaways from the rest of the team still to come. We’re taking in new ideas and making new friends every day we’re here. Look forward to seeing more of what we learned as we return from SXSW. Can’t wait for the wrap-up posts? Follow our tweets to participate in our SXSWi experiences!

2011-03-102014-11-02

SXSWi or Bust: The Schipulites Take Austin

The Schipulites are headed to SXSW Interactive. Five days. Nine Schipulites. Prepare for brains to explode.

SXSWi is jam-packed with information and conversations on the latest technologies. Attendees can learn how these technologies and the way we use them change the way we behave socially, as web developers, as journalists, health practitioners, political advocates, non-profit organizations, video gamers, students and more.

By day, March 11-15, we’ll be all over the place checking out panels, keynote presentations, and workshops we’ve been dying to see. By night, we’ll be partying hard, singing karaoke, or studiously preparing for the next day’s sessions.

Follow the Schipul blog for SXSWi updates from first-timers (me!) and SX veterans.

SXSW Tips for First-Timers

After speaking with SXSWi vets, I picked up a few tips to share with you:

If you haven’t already, check out the schedule and start selecting the panels you’re interested in attending.
Keep your badge (and your ID to prove you’re 21+) You’ll need them for parties.
RSVP for parties. It’s pretty late in the game for this, but Schipulite Will Hilliard shared a great list of parties from the Republic of Austin. It’s updated regularly.
The SXSW smartphone app can come in handy. Download it for Blackberry, iPhone and Android devices.
Pack at least two changes of clothes for each day. Conference clothes by day. Party clothes by night.
Print a hard copy of your itinerary. You may not go to all your dream panels, but in the midst of chaos, it’s good to have a plan.
Carry some cash. The shuttle service is pay-as-you-go.
Use a buddy system. C’monson. Beer abounds, so you’ll want to travel in packs. Someone’s gonna have to remember what you did for those recaps.
Pack a power strip. It’s easy to make friends when they can plug into your power strip to stay connected.
And of course: Make Friends! (I’ve selected a few for you below 🙂 You’re welcome!)

Schipulites to Befriend (or follow) @ SXSWi

Below is the Schipulite SXSWi face book. Should you see any of these individuals, be warned: we are nerdy, we are freakishly friendly, we can’t help talking about our clients’ events and cool things they do, and we may be armed with cameras.

Enjoy your SXSWi experience!

2011-03-042014-11-02

5 Ways To Convince Your Boss To Buy You An iPad2

Haven’t had the guts to ask your boss for an iPad yet? Wish you had one… um, you know, for work? It would be sweet, right? Well, even if you’re still swooning over smooth display screen and the dozens of other amazing features of the iPad, perhaps it’s better that you’ve held off.

The New iPad2 had been revealed and you have just enough time to convince your most favorite-est boss in the world that it is imperative that you have one for the good of the business. (And it has TWO cameras, just check out the specs!)

So, what’s good, iPad2?

The truth is, smart devices such as the iPad2 are great for many businesses and employees; being connected in the office or on the go makes huge differences in the way we do business. The iPad2 will be available for purchase on March 11th so here’s what you need to know.

1. Knowledge Sharing

Many consumers are huge fans of the iPad already because it is a great learning tool. Students can take notes, download reading material, put together presentations, and stay organized by being able to track project with the ipad. Hey now, doesn’t that sound like it can be used in the office?

Share notes and books/book reading apps
Share and send reports
Put together proposals
Share and distribute training materials
Set up meetings
Take photos
Keep track of opportunities and sales

All are a must if you ask me (or relay to your boss).

2. Takin’ Care of Business

I’ve got one thing to say to you, TCB. Every boss wants multi-tasking employees who can Take Care of Business. The iPad2 is a TCB rock star. Easy to use apple business apps or iWork apps are available from $9.99 each (some apps are free) and let you conduct business from anywhere, even print – all with a touch of your finger from the iPad2 . Want more reasons?

iWork: Pages, Keynote and Numbers applications
Professional: Spreadsheets, Financial Reports, Mock Designs/Sites and Presentations.
Skype: Conduct business meetings or share your screen for training
Media: Video Presentations and stunning graphs, charts, and presentations.
Email: I think we all get the importance of email in today’s work place and lifestyle.
Access: Access documents on your company network and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.

3. Staying Connected

What better way to help brand yourself and stay connected to work, clients and networking connections than social media; and with the iPad2, you can do this from anywhere! Respond to client inquiries, concerns or mentions on the internet instantly. Photos and updates on work related news and events can be sent out anytime, anyplace. Social Media connections also allows you to put in virtual facetime with connections as well as personalized correspondence.

Facebook
Twitter
Blogs
iTunes (want to transfer iTunes to the iPad2?)

4. Security

Your boss won’t have to worry about information security once he buys you an ipad2 either. The new iPad2 has great security features that I only wish my laptop or phone came with. Apple’s MobileMe can perform all the security functions you need from one spot.

Find my iPad App
Remote Lock
Remote Wipe

I can’t talk about security without mentioning the gorgeously geeky and functional new iPad2 magnetic cover. This thing is awesome and has more moves than a “Saturday Night Fever” television marathon (which you could watch in HD quality on an iPad2 – just sayin’).

5. Social Objects

Social objects are the reason we correspond, socialize and contact one another. What social objects do you, your boss, clients or audience share?

User Experience Stories and Photos
Quotes
Product Photos
Promotional Materials
Company Brands
Events

Share something socially, build business and create connections (sounds like a job for the iPad2).

Pretty Please?

So, let your boss know that “going forward, in order to put all of your ducks in a row, you’ll need a new iPad2 to help you think outside the box and bring your A-game. The iPad2 is already on his radar so it’s best to push the envelope and get one for you.”

For those with an iPad now, learn How to Transfer your iTunes to from an iPad to the new iPad2!

If logic doesn’t get you an iPad2, you can always try puppy eyes…

Photo thanks to Flickr user iPad_2 and .melanie under the Creative Commons License.

2011-03-012014-11-02

Startup Weekend Houston

Houston Startup Weekend Sign

Start Starting Up!

Ever wonder how some business ventures get off the ground and get going? Or maybe how you can go about getting your idea rolling? Well, Startup Weekened does just that for developers, coders, designers, marketers, product managers and startup enthusiasts who participate in several Startup Weekends world wide.

“Build Community. Start Companies. No talk. All action.”

A great (and true) tag line for this growing non-profit organization that helps participating teams from all over the world get their ideas from concept to launch. Starting in 2007, the non-profit Startup Weekend has grown to provide about 120 volunteer based facilities for creative and entrepreneurial brainstorming sessions.

Previous companies that have evolved from a Startup weekend include Cloudbot, Milton, iBuildApp and Pocket Tales. In fact, there are tons of new businesses from all over the planet that have started at one of these 54 hour weekend community events.

Startup weekend is expanding and growing so fast for a reason. First it’s an amazing non-profit that educates entrepreneurs and strengthens communities and all at an extremely affordable price. Let’s face it, even the word “startup” is horrifying if you’re going it alone, but Startup Weekend provides a risk free, community environment to get things going and touch on what is and is not realistic. Basically, it’s help. Help from great people who care.

Startup in Houston!

What could be more awesome than Startup Weekends? Oh, that there is a Startup Weekend Houston! This past weekend represents the First Official Houston Startup Weekend not to be confused with the first Houston Startup Weekend back in 2007 at Caroline Collective. The 2007 weekend was hosted by omnipresent Erica O’grady.

The proud team of organizers of Startup Weekend Houston were the amazing Sarah Worthy , Javid Jamae a fellow a developer; humble … the way all developers should be, Brian Cohen, Daniel Sommars, Katie Sunstrom and Jerald Reichstein. Jerald owns his business like most people own their notebooks. He’s had at least one before, knows it’s powerful, but he spends more time enjoying it rather than being worried about it. Or maybe I was most impressed with his personal rock climbing wall. Either way, the mood at this event was inspiring.

Along with Dozens of Houston’s creative and geeky go-getters, it was nothing less than a privilege that we were able to be there. Even more-so of an honor was being given the opportunity to contribute; our Creative Director David Stagg gave a small presentation on the important role a simple website plays in the discovery and positioning of your organization.

I look forward to next year’s event, I’m hoping to do more than just enjoy a Saturday morning. Be sure to check out photos from Startup Weekend Houston and David’s presentation.

Don’t Forget the Milk

View more presentations from Schipul – The Web Marketing Company

2011-02-222014-11-02

Stamp(s) of Approval

Schipul is incredibly excited to show off some new stamps we’ve had created with the help from our friends at Gowalla.

While we are still trying to figure out everything there is to know about location based social media, we LOVE the way Gowalla allows locations to easily customize their visitors’ experience. These three stamps are our first steps to helping our clients get more out of Gowalla, and help them find new ways to interact with their customers, visitors and patrons.

Download the Gowalla App, and collect these beautiful custom stamps!

Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park

The Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park will be held Friday, March 25 through Sunday, March 27 in Memorial Park. The Bayou City Art Festival is produced by the Art Colony Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to producing high quality art festivals and events, which provide financial support to local nonprofit organizations. Over the past 39 years, Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park and Bayou City Art Festival Downtown have raised $2.6 million for local nonprofit organizations.

For more information, visit the Bayou City Art Festival web site.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

The 2011 Miller Outdoor Theatre season kicks off March 23 with Swing, Jive and Pop! Into Dance presented by the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. The performance incorporates history, fashion, music and the arts into an interactive blast of excitement. The company dances through the eras of the 1930’s Lindy Hop, bops into the 1950’s, grooves into the 1970’s and ends into the Hip Hop music of today.

For more information on this and other performances, check out the Miller Outdoor Theatre web site.

2011-02-142014-11-02

Schipul Flocks to The Houston Zoo’s Beastly Brunch

A Wonderful, Wild Sunday

Cocktails? Brunch? A live DJ? Awesome animals? Yes, please! This was the set-up for the Houston Zoo’s Beastly Brunch held on Sunday and it was marvelous. The Beastly Brunch and other such events at the Zoo are held by Flock – The Houston Zoo’s Young Supporters Group who do their best to promote public awareness and interest in The Houston Zoo with events such as this one.

Party Animals

The DJ and the reflection pool created a perfect atmosphere for a Sunday brunch and the weather was superb! Cocktail bars, coffee and Sprinkles cupcakes were set up and down the length of the reflection pool with tasty buffet of bruchy eats at the end for everyone to enjoy. My coffee was followed by a bloody mary, a mimosa, croissants, various quiches, fruit and cupcakesâ€¦ that’s right; cupcakes and mimosas at the zoo with a herd of Houston’s animal lovers. Bliss.

Cuddly Critters!

Not only did The Houston Zoo provide an amazing morning of mingling and gnarly nibbles, but they also brought out some adorable critters! I got to meet a chinchilla and a very tiny owl. I’m a sucker for fuzzy and tiny creatures and these guys were just too much cute to handle.

It was a great day…

The Beastly Brunch lasted from 12pm-2pm; so afterward we walked off all the deliciousness with a stroll through the zoo, which is always a delight, waved goodbye to our new animal friends and headed home (sleepy, but excited for the next event at The Houston Zoo).

Kudos to Flock! Want to Join them?

Flock is a group of 21 and up professionals who devote themselves to the growth and success of The Houston Zoo with unique, exciting and educational events throughout the year. It’s easy to join Flock and a membership carries with it awesome privileges including entry to some fantastic shin-digs and exclusive volunteer opportunities.

Thanks, Sponsors!

Also, thank you to the sponsors of The Houston Zoo’s Beastly Brunch! Food, atmosphere and beverages were also provided by the following:

All photos taken by our own Katrina Esco.

2011-02-112014-11-02

Schipul Pops In At The CultureMap Pop-Up Party at FotoFest

Above: Gilbert Garcin, The flight of Icarus(after Leonardo da Vinci),

[L’envol d’Icare (d’apres Leonard de Vinci)], 2005 – FotoFest.org

FotoFest: A Matter of Wit

Last night I had the pleasure of popping into the Culture Map Pop-Up Party at FotoFest. What was all the celebration about? Yesterday was the opening of a great new exhibit at FotoFest: A Matter of Wit. Featuring collective works of Gilbert Garcin, Miro Å volÃk and Colin Blakely, each visitor was surrounded by remarkable visions of whimsy, humor and ability as they navigated through the displays, friendly faces and tasty treats.

Aside gawking at some amazing photography, The Culture Map Pop-up Party at FotoFest also gave me my first taste of sugary goodness from MMMâ€¦Cupcake and an amazing twice-baked potato pocket pie from Oh My! Pocket Pies (which was adorable and delicious). The folks at MMMâ€¦Cupcakes and Oh My! Pocket Pies couldn’t be nicer (and kudos to the pie guys for sticking it out in freezing temperatures).

Another awesome turn up at the Map Pop-up Party at FotoFest was Smile Booth! I got to chat with Josh from Smile Booth and I have to say, it’s probably one of the neatest things I’ve seen out and about in Houston. A superior twist on old school instant film, a high quality instant camera with takes a few photos of you and your friends and print right out; these pictures turn out great and you can view them online the next day (just like the ones from FotoFest)!

Everyone had a blast, but if you missed the Pop-Up Party at FotoFest, don’t worry the exhibit: A Matter of Wit continues through Feb 25th. Thanks to CultureMap, the awesome food vendors, Silver Eagle, FotoFest and everyone who contributed for a great night!

FotoFest: A Matter of Wit | Gilbert Garcin, Miro Å volÃk, Colin Blakely

February 10, 2011 – February 25, 2011
Mon-Wed and Fri, 10am – 5pm, Sat, noon – 5pm,
Late Night Thursdays 10am – 7pm

Want more FotoFest?
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2011-02-092014-11-02

Chookooloonks visits Blue Willow Bookshop

Maybe that one thing about you that you can’t stand is your different.

To that, Karen Walrond (@Chookooloonks) would say, “Your different is your beautiful.”

Karen Walrond, author of The Beauty of Different dropped by Schipul client, Blue Willow Books for an intimate reading and book signing. Karen shared with visitors her different (she was a sensitive child) and said it’s probably what made her able to write the book.

The reading was like sharing a story with a good friend. It was share and share alike as visitors talked about their different, their experiences blogging and their journeys through photography. After the reading, Karen signed books with personal messages to each woman.

The Blue Willow staff f gifted Karen with a pen before she climbed the ladder to leave her mark on the wall. She wrote: Your Different is Your Beautiful.

The Beauty of Different features photos and stories of everyday people and the unique things about them. Through their faces and revelations, perhaps readers will discover their own special qualities.

For more about The Beauty of Different check out Karen’s Blog. Also, our very own happykatie is featured in the book and writes about being part of the experience on her blog.

Be sure to check out Blue Willow Bookshop on Facebook to learn about more events like this. Each event brings a new guest, a new book and new friends.