A FIRST-CLASS EVENT

When a big event in our life or business is coming, we have to clear dozens of details. Each of these is important for the final success and each step on this road should be made carefully and with consideration.

Before you begin preparing a particular event, you need to clear up for yourself its character. A scientific or business conference needs more businesslike environment, a product launch party frees you to experiment with the sets and the programme, while a wedding comes with its requirements about its style and, accordingly, about the best environment for it. You need to decide on how many people will participate and how many hours or days the event will take. Are you going to advertise your conference or seminar and if yes, via which channels?

The accommodation of participants who come from afar should also be considered, as well as the options for fun and recreation outside the official part of the event.

When you have chosen the date and the location for your event, it is time to concentrate on other details. Will your foreign guests and participants need interpreting? How will the set look like? What type of catering and official lunches and dinners will you opt for – while not forgetting to provide a variety of choices for people with specific food requirements. What company gifts will you offer? What equipment will you need?

With the event approaching fast, tension tends to grow. Often something goes wrong while there are still a lot of things needing your attention. Among them are the event's coverage in the media and the social networks.

Organising an effective contemporary event is an art in itself. Happily, good event managers skilfully navigate in these turbulent waters, taking care that everything is spick and span for your big day.

Special Events Group: Specialists who know how
Quality event is impossible without a competent specialist. You will find yours at SEG (Special Events Group), a leading group of companies for specialised services in the field of event industry (Sofia, 100 Cherni Vrah Blvd, Paradise Center, floor 3, phone: 02 866 9440, www.seg.bg, LinkedIn: specialeventsgroup, FB: segbg). The brand unites well known leaders in the field of corporate events and conferences: Kongresstechnik Bulgaria, Scenio, Sofia Event Center, Diana's Angels, Sintegra Partners and SEG Event Services. The group offers a wide portfolio of services like technical equipment, set construction, complete concepts for events, furniture rental, Sofia's most modern event location – Sofia Event Center, the best in event decoration by Diana's Angels, system integration and sale of high-class equipment and inventory for events, offices and conference rooms by Sintegra Partners. In 2018, the group opened its first office outside Bulgaria, in Vienna. The professionals at SEG are perfectionists who craft even the tiniest details. They are innovators who create unique concepts with integrated new technologies, and trendsetters defining the developmental direction of event business in Bulgaria. The people at SEG are as well reliable partners who build long-term relationships with their clients.

What location to chose for your event? The options are many and you should consider them carefully. Traditional conference halls are suitable for all types of business and scientific events, and usually already have the necessary equipment. Restaurants with event options are an excellent solution, particularly for a party or cocktail. Hotels have another advantage: you can accommodate you guests there. But where this hotel should be located? Each option has its advantages. If you choose a big city, like Sofia or Plovdiv, all of its infrastructure, including international airports, and entertainment opportunities will be at your guests' disposal. The hotels in sea and mountain resorts, for their part, will bring in the event the needed feel of relaxation.

International Hotel Casino & Tower Suites, Golden Sands resort: Five-star-quality event
The sea's relaxing breeze, inspiring vista, elegant luxury in a combination with opportunity to relax and have fun in the business schedule: there should be no doubt whether to choose International Hotel Casino & Tower Suites at the Golden Sands resort (www.interhc.com). The five-star hotel offers 325 elegant rooms and suites. Its conference centre has a modern theatrical hall (360 seats), multifunctional ball hall (320 seats for gala dinner; 600 seats for conference layout), 8 adjoining rooms on one floor, as well as separated conference room by the VIP Lounge on the 17th floor. In their free time the guests of your event can relax not only by the sea, but also to have fun in the hotel's restaurants, bars and wellness centre. An individual coordinator will help you to stay calm during the event and will cooperate with the organisation of thematic team building programmes.

Hotel Rila, Borovets: In the mountain's embrace
Is it possible to provide the guests of your event with clean nature and impressive landscape all the while you are still close to Sofia? Yes, if you choose Hotel Rila in Borovets (www.rilaborovets.com, events.btcollection.com). Situated in the magnificent Rila mountain, the hotel offers an irresistible combination of comfort and excellent technical options. The Rila has new elegant superior rooms and suites, and eight multifunctional conference halls with capacity from 10 to 700 people. For a truly exclusive experience, opt for the Rila Ballroom, which has private lobby, bar and terrace. The AV equipment is modern, and the catering can be adjusted to the client's desires and preferences.

Federation of the Scientific Engineering Unions: Tradition matters
With its 130-year history, the Federation of the Scientific Engineering Unions (Sofia, The House of Science and Technology, 108 GS Rakovski St, phone: 02 987 7230, www.fnts.bg) is a leading non-governmental organisation of engineers, economists and other professionals. The FNTS's scope of activities includes the organisation of scientific forums and conferences, seminars and concerts. The association has prepared specialists in event management and is a good solution to anyone seeking help in this field. The House of Science and Technology offers comfortable rooms for all sorts of events – conferences, seminars, trainings, in the very centre of the capital.

Sankt Peterburg Park Hotel, Plovdiv: Elegant business style
With its memorable silhouette on the bank of the Maritsa, Sankt Peterburg Park Hotel (Plovdiv, 97 Bulgaria Blvd, www.sphotel.net) is a landmark in its own right. The impressive architecture and comfort are only a part of the things that make this hotel truly significant and emblematic. With its comfortable location close to the centre and a capacity to accommodate a large number of guests, Sankt Peterburg is an excellent solution for each of your events, regardless of its character and size. Conference Hall Puldin has a capacity of 200-300 seats, while Droujba and Neva halls are for 50-70 people. Each hall has a direct connection to a restaurant, making the organisation of coffee pauses or business lunches and dinners trouble-free. For an exquisite cocktail or a magical wedding, opt for the aristocratic atmosphere of the one of its kind Viennese Pavilion or the exclusive luxury of the Sankt Peterburg Restaurant with sliding ceiling and tempting gourmet suggestions.

The View Restaurant: Exclusive event at an exclusive location
When you want to impress the guests of your events not only with impeccable organisation, but also with memorable location, the right place is The View Restaurant (Sofia, 89B Vitosha Blvd, Millennium Center, floor 24; events: +359 883 987 080; www.theview.bg; @TheViewRestaurantSofia). Situated on the top of the towering Millennium Center, The View restaurant is an excellent opportunity to celebrate a birthday, wedding and baptism, to organise a conference, seminar or a cocktail party on the backdrop of a mesmerising panorama over Sofia. Besides vistas and exquisite atmosphere, The View has well-prepared specialists and a rich choice of interior setups and halls in accordance with the character of the particular event. The menu has vegetarian and vegan options.

Park Hotel & Spa, Skopje: Expanding your horizon
Travelling to an interesting destination is one of the best decisions for your event. The five-star Park Hotel & Spa (phone: +389 2 551 51 51, www.parkhotel.mk) in Skopje, Macedonia is providing you with that very option: combining business activities with a walk around the historical and the new centre of an exciting city. Located at the heart of the city park, the hotel stands out with its comfort and relaxing atmosphere. For its business guests Park Hotel & Spa offers comfortable and stylishly decorated conference rooms, equipped with the latest technology, excellent lightning, perfect sound system and elegant furniture. The six halls have capacity ranging from 12 to 90 seats, and their names reflect the arrangement and atmosphere of each of them. Whether you choose New York, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Amsterdam, Barcelona or the Executive Lounge for your event depends on you and your event, but the result is bound to be excellent.