Event Trendspotting

RSVP: Respondez s`il vuÉ what?

We see it everywhere – RSVP, but what does it really mean? The French, respondez s’il vu plait, is translated as respond if you please or simply please respond. The acronym is placed at the end of many invitations but is commonly misunderstood or ignored.

It does not mean call only if you are not going to attend. It does not mean confirm you are attending and then not show up. And it certainly does not mean bring extra guests without warning. The purpose of an RSVP is to help the host prepare. Knowing the number of individuals planning to attend an event can affect every aspect from the amount of food to available parking.

How does a host get invitees to respond? The sad fact is most individuals either forget, do not know what it means, or worse, are waiting for a better offer. There are, however, ways to increase the efficacy of an RSVP.

The simplest way is to write Please respond in English, leaving nothing lost in translation. Another rising trend is to say Regrets Only and simply assume all invitees who do not respond will attend.

According to the strictest etiquette rules, it is proper to respond to a written invitation with a written reply. But in the digital age, this is no longer practical. Providing an e-mail address or a phone number on the invitation makes responding easier and more convenient. In this day and age communication is easier than ever, so respondez s`il vu plait.

Hit List:

1. Art in the Park: Stephens Lake Park Ñ June 7-8
2. Cheers for Children Wine Tasting: Les Bourgeois Winery Ñ June 12 at 5:30 p.m.
3. Shelter Gardens Summer Concert Series Ñ Sundays from June 15 to July 27
4. I Love America Festival at the Fairgrounds: Midway Expo Center – July 4

Is your favorite charity holding a fund-raiser? Is your company hosting an event? Are you and your friends throwing a party? Tell me about it at [email protected].

Review

Paintbrush Ball

Where: Pickard Hall, MU Alumni Center

When: Saturday, May 3

Why: Benefit for the MU Museum of Art and Archaeology

Cost: $70/person or $130/pair of tickets

Details: This event was really like three events in succession. The first occurred in the fascinating Cast Gallery, with wine and light appetizers. The art was great, the wine was good, and the food was just fine. My only knock is that wine glasses ran out early, which resulted in people in formal dress, looking at art and drinking wine from what amounted to a ballpark beer-cup. The second event was a silent auction in the Reynolds Alumni Center great room. A fun mix of art, wine and experiences were for sale. Then the party moved into the dining room, with the “Kapital Kicks” providing a great musical atmosphere. The biggest kudos go to John LaRocca and the University Club for providing by far the best banquet catering I’ve ever had. Somehow Chef Pliska was able to produce about 350 medium rare-tenderloins that tasted better than those some fine-dining restaurants can produce. The evening wrapped up with a live auction and lots of dancing.

Rating: 8/10 – It’s easy to see why this event sells out year after year.

Previews

The Tiger Quarterback Club’s Trivia Night

Where: Peachtree Banquet Center

When: Friday, June 13, 2008, 7 p.m.

Why: To benefit the Missouri football program

Cost: $200 per table of 8 or $300 to sponsor a round of trivia (which includes a table of 8 and a 30-second infomercial)

Details: Join the Tiger Quarterback Club for an evening full of fun trivia. The night’s activities will include a silent auction, raffle items, 50/50, individual and group trivia and much more. The winning trivia table will receive a cash prize.

Anticipation Rating: 7/10

3

Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

5:45 p.m. Stotler Lounge, Memorial Union on the University of Missouri campus

The Chamber Chair and retiring board members will be honored for their service this past year. The 2008 Outstanding Citizen of the Year and the Ambassador of the Year awards will be presented. $35 per person. Register online for discount at www.columbiamochamber.com.

4

Columbia Image Awards

9 a.m. Community Room of the Walton Building, 300 S. Providence Road.

To recognize business and institutional leaders whose vision, imagination and dedication have resulted in places and spaces that create a positive and lasting perception of the city. Contact Jessica at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, 875-1231

5

Building an Investor-Ready Tech Company (session 1 of 4)

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Osher Lifelong Learning Center, 3215B LeMone Blvd.

From the Missouri Business Development Program comes four evenings in June that covers a variety of topics on business creation and development of a high-technology company. The June 5 session is The Basics of Business. June 12 is Determining the Market. June 19 is Managing the IP. The June 26 topic is The Equity Investment Process. $149 for four sessions.

6

Beginning Quickbooks for Small Business

9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Osher Lifelong Learning Center, 3215B LeMone Blvd.

An introductory, computer, hands on learning for small businesses. The session will cover cash flow, set up customers and vendors, track accounts payable and receivable, reconcile accounts, create reports and set up a budget. Pre-register by calling the University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at 573-882-7096. Cost is $119 and includes lunch.

9

EPIC’s “Havana Nights”

6 p.m. Columbia Country Club, 2210 N. Country Club Dr.

Join the Emerging Professionals in Columbia group “poolside” for dinner, live music and drinks to kick off summer. $25 per person if you register online at www.columbiamochamber.com or $30 at the event. Golfers can play a quick nine before the event starting at 4 p.m. for $25, which covers a golf cart and prizes. Register online.

11

Exploring Entrepreneurship Start-Up Class

5:30 p.m. W1004 Lafferre Hall, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Stewart Road and Sixth Street.

A start-up session involving general business issues and information about starting a business. Cost is $20. Pre-register by calling the University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at 573-882-7096.

REDI Board Meeting

11:30 a.m. Board Room of the Walton Building, 300 South Providence Road.

Board meeting of the Columbia Regional Economic Development Inc. Call Michele Holmes at 573-442-8303 if you plan to attend.