Steem Away

We recently completed an event for Stanley Steemer's Award Dinner.
Our fabulous Project Manager, Michael Bova, pulled together a beautiful and elegant evening of jewel tones and rich fabrics.
Thanks to all of our gurus who tied chairs bows, arranged flowers and assisted in making the event a smashing affair.

Business2Business

ZenGenius recently became a member of the Columbus Chamber. For less than a month now we've been navigating their site and learning of all these wonderful networking opportunities offered to their members. You know us we love to go out and mingle.
After an introduction meeting with one of the chamber organizers we learned of an opportunity to attend what would be our first official Chamber Expo.

Held Tuesday the 23 at Nationwide Arena was the Chambers' Business2Business Expo.
Set up on what should have been the ice, we had two larger than life tables, one featuring our event planning and the other displaying a bit of ZG visual merchandising.

In less than a few hours Joe Baer, yes he created and installed the tablescape all by himself, had created another ZG masterpiece.

With Twizzlers at our side and our mannequins packing glue guns, we enlightened our new Chamber friends with the wonder of ZenGenius.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and introduced themselves. We look forward to attending more events like the Business2Business Expo in the future. Next time we'll give you all a heads up so you know when and where to find us.

PS-Tracy, our florist extraordinaire had created two amazing arrangements, which weren't around when we snapped these shots. They were displayed behind the black and white, round ZG graphics and they offered a great sense of height and scale to the middle of the tables.

They can still be found in the office for the next week or so, if you wish to stop in and see her handy work.

Erin and Danny sittin’ in a tree…

Last weekend, I went to the most amazing wedding and reception. It was not amazing due to copious amounts of calla lilies carried by bridesmaids, shiny pin tuck satin linens with perfectly placed complicated centerpieces, or a wedding cake that looked like a creation from The Ace of Cakes. Nor did the bride don a fabulous Vera Wang dress.

Their event had all of the beauty and attention to detail that one would expect on this special day with none of the pretense and over-spending that can come with such occasions. This was a true reminder that a wonderful wedding and reception does not have to break the bank.

Some of the most memorable details included:

The Programs: Printed on brown recycled paper that reflected the aesthetic style and eco-sensibilities of the couple.

The Ceremony: The couple had two friends sing and play guitar to a beautiful original song. Another friend officiated the ceremony. Both were meaningful and cost effective.

The Dress: The bride wore a stunning 1940’s style silver duchesse satin gown embellished with white feathers at the bottom of the dress. Think: modern flapper dress with gorgeous details.

The Bouquets: My favorite thing: Bunches of ORIGAMI PAPER FLOWERS were carried by the bride and her bridesmaids. Perfect example of thinking outside of the box. As a floral designer, I know exactly how expensive flowers can be. I thought this was the coolest idea. Made from recycled magazine pages, they were also eco-chic.

The Centerpiece & Favors: In the reception room, the first thing we saw were piñatas of all types as centerpieces on the tables. We had Godzilla. The table next to us had a monkey. After dinner, the couple told us to bust open the piñatas on the floor to find the party favors. To our utter delight, we found dozens of stick-on mustaches and thick caterpillar-like eyebrows inside. You could not hear the person next to you over the laughter of everyone in the room. We exchanged mustaches, changing from The Frenchman, to The Handlebar, to The Professor. With memories like those, who needs a take-home favor?

The Linens: Rather than splurging on satin or custom linens, they chose to use the basic white cotton linens that the venue provided, and rented colored napkins from a linen company. This is a great way to have an impact without blowing the budget.

The Cake: Carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting were chosen over a wedding cake for a cost savings and a cute modern departure from tradition.

The entire event was as lovely, authentic, and original as the couple themselves. They found the balance between making sure that their guests had a great time while also respecting their own bank account. A great way to start off a life together, I think! I will upload some photos here when I get them.

Consider some of these alternative ‘out of the box’ ideas and others for your next event and remember that ZenGenius can help with events of ANY budget- from $500 to $500,000. Call us to set up a consultation for a brainstorm for your event!

Evening of Hope Pictures

Two of the lovely event Co-Chairs, Brooke O'Neill and Sarah Windels Ziegler
Ice station inspired by the event invitation

The crudite and appetizers station

The entertainment tent from S&G Tent Rental with dynamic lighting my LIVE! Tech.

Evening of Hope at Easton Town Center

For the sixth year, ZenGenius had the pleasure of assisting Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation in producing “Evening of Hope” benefiting the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The Center for Child and Family Advocacy (CCFA) is a unique and first-of-it’s-kind organization that is serving as a National model. CCFA serves kids and families that have experienced sexual abuse. CCFA is a one-stop-shop for treatment, counseling, investigation and prosecution of sexual and violent crimes against children. It's the first, but CCFA partners everyday with organizations around the country to set up similar programs. It's truly a jewel in Columbus's crown. We are honored to support their critical works!

“Evening of Hope” is held at Bon Vie at Easton Town Center. We work with S&G Tent Rental to install a one-of-a-kind 3,000 sq. ft. modular tent on the patio and street in front of the restaurant. LIVE! Technologies provides A/V services and excellent sound for the band. This year, we were entertained by the body-moving sounds of Conspiracy, who truly rocked the house (tent)!

Guests dined on awesome nibbles from Bon Vie, including a beautiful raw bar by Paul Ahrens of Precise Ice. Please stay tuned for another update with pictures from the event. Again, we would like to thank everyone that makes this evening such a rousing success including event co-chairs, Rachel and Scott Friedman, Brooke and Brendan O’Neill, and Sarah Windels Ziegler. Without their efforts to promote the event, “Evening of Hope” would not be such a hit!

“Evening of Hope” is produced in conjunction with Abigail and Leslie Wexner with the generous support of Premier Sponsor Grange Insurance and Presenting Sponsors Easton Community Foundation and Bravo Development, Inc. With the support of Time Warner Cable.

Happy Earth Day

Zen Genius celebrates Earth day 365 days a year.
We try our best to live a green lifestyle at our office by recycling our paper, ink cartridges and magazines. You can find us emailing each other often to cut down on paper consumption. We scheme up creative ways to keep items out of land fills. For instance, we recently found ourselves sitting on thousands of used votive holders with wax still crusted inside them. Instead of throwing them all away we asked our gurus to step forward and help us clean them. Now we have gleaming votives for years and years to come.
We are also proud to have completed our application for Columbus GreenSpot, a local effort encouraging individuals and companies to create a more sustainable city.
This month we even had one of our visual gurus, Tim Levan, create a green scape at the front window in our office building. Repurposing items found in our storage space Tim truelly turned trash into treasure.
They are little steps but it's the little things that count! What little steps are you taking?

Are we having fun yet?

Of course we are having fun! That's one of our favorite things about our unique and passionate team at ZenGenius. We enjoy having fun, bonding and growing together as a team.

One of the unique ways we work to improve our team synergy and purpose is by working with a Business Coach. We choose Victoria Vetere from Enlightened Life Coaching to work with us throughout the year to focus on improving communication, collaboration and defining and focusing on our goals. This has been a new experience for us all and a great chance to grow.

Victoria lead us through a workshop at the creative SPARK space in Downtown Columbus. What a wonderful space to explore our goals and have fun at the same time. Yes, this is work.

We took some time to focus our intentions, define our goals and express our individual and team goals. In the end we came out with a clearly focused set of objectives that everyone believed in.

We also had a chance to feed our faces and load up on all of the snacks and candy we wanted.

Working with Victoria has been a great experience. Not only has it been fun but it has also been a great reminder to balance our lives and remember we are here for a purpose. Remembering
to balance our work and travel with moments to allow the inspiration to find us as well.
Our clients often tell us we bring a sense of calm and reassurance to all of our projects.
That's certainly a wonderful compliment and our goal is to help our clients sleep better at night knowing that we are here to help and can accomplish miracles. We are a creative rock!

PROUDLY INTWITTERING THE "ZG FLY GIRLS"

"Yes, we are sexy. But, we are not just pretty, plastic or fancy fiberglass girls.
We care deeply about our environment and the world around us."

ZenGenius is proud to intwitter the ZG Fly Girls. These
gorgeous Patina mannequins will be the new hosts and
spokesmodels for the ZenGenius Twitter site.
The ZG Fly Girls were selected from a range of mannequins, forms and other inanimate
but highly sophisticated freeze models and objects that turned out for the auditions.
The ZG Fly Girls were selected for their natural beauty, passion for fashion, pop culture and their whole hearted intention to use their new found voices to help improve our planet.
"It's not just to help all of the millions of mannequins and abstract forms that are out there,
it's to help all of the other dolls, appliances, furniture, toys, plants, animals and even the people that co-exist together. We believe if we everyone continues talking about and believing in changing the way we do things we can improve the way we ultimately function and live together on the Earth and within our vast Universe" stated Sophia, the wisest Fly Girl.
You can follow the ZG FlyGirls at http://twitter.com/zengenius

"Essentially we are pleased that mannequins are finally finding a voice and getting some credit. We have nothing against the Old Navy mannequins that are receiving all of the press as of late. We just feel that if you are going to use the power to communicate you should focus on working to make the world better and educate the people that do not get it. Yes, we are hotter than the Old Navy mannequins. And they may have won the popularity contest and have a larger audience and all. But we are still Fly!" added Envia, the slightly bitter and jealous fly girl.

The ZG Fly Girls are classic Patina mannequins from one of the worlds greatest manufacturers of fashion mannequins, forms and decoratives. Check them out:
http://www.patinav.com/

Mannequins across the world are doing their part to speak up. New mannequins are being introduced made from new materials and packed and shipped with eco-friendly materials.
Mannequins made from Soy Beans?
http://grenekersolutions.com/green.cfm



Lightweight, affordable and recyclable mannequins made in the USA from!
http://www.ozmannequins.com/

Want to learn more about mannequins? Visit the VM+SD website and do a search on Mannequins. You'll discover hundreds of articles and vendors!
http://vmsd.com/search/node/mannequins

Homeless mannequins? Yes, this is a growing concern. There are thousands of homeless and miscared for mannequins all across the world. Although mannequins have ended up in the landfills for centuries that is no longer an option. Mannequins have often been bruttally compacted, shredded and even tossed and left in dumpsters. This madness has to end. This is an easy solution to keep another substantial item from filling our landfills.
If you know of a homeless, abused or orphaned mannequin looking for a home. Drop us a note or send us a picture to: info@zengenius.com or call (614) 220-9040.

Don't forget to follow the ZG Fly Girls! Twitter.com/zengenius

ZG Celebrates 10 Years - With a Little Toast

Visual created by ZenGenius co Founder: Paul Cook

"Welcome to the WONDERful World of ZenGenius!"
Exclaimed the Patina V mannequin generously provided on loan from
Victorias Secret. She stood proudly chic-ly dressed in a halter top created from
locally produced Wonder Bread Bags by ZG Co founder, Paul Cook. The lovely
model accessorized herself for the evening with the signature "little toasts" ZenGenius
used to invite guests to the event.


The Invite was co-created with LabelBrandGraphics.com and the ZG Team!
Little toasts were hand glued and delivered with 95% crumb free success.
Envelopes were hand addressed by the HandwritingDiva.com

On January 23, 2009 ZenGenius celebrated their 10th anniversary
with a little toast at the Wexner Center for the Arts- Black Box.
This is an amazing venue tucked into the Wexner and as you can tell from the name
this is a great space to transform for any event.
The ZenGenius team created an atmosphere that was welcoming, energizing and showcased both the Event Design talent but also the Visual Merchandising strength that makes this a unique and innovative company. The Wex team worked hard to help set the evening an layered the venue with perfect lighting. The mood was set and pre-determined a special night.

Sherri Gelden from the Wexner Center welcomed ZenGenius and introduced Joe Baer for the special toast at 7:30. With glasses raised the crowd listened on the verge of every word:
"Thank you Sherri and the Wexner Center- the adorable Elaine, Claudia, Andy, Jack, Jeff, Chris and the whole team at the Wex. It's an honor to celebrate in an institution that wholeheartedly embraces creativity and the arts. To share an evening with Andy Warhol is unbelievable and we hope he is here with us in spirit this evening.
If this were a formal toast and we were in London this evening we might begin the toast by raising our glasses with a "God Save the Queen" (laughter and comments from crowd) but we are here in the USA and this is also the ending of a historic week so it's also appropriate to raise our glass to include the head of state, President Obama. May each of our individual actions help to make his words a reality as we usher in a new era. This is also a new era for us at ZenGenius. Tonight we toast the past. The accomplishments, daily lessons and victories we have earned. Tonight we toast the present. This moment that brings all of us together tonight to celebrate and live. Tonight we toast the future. A future that allows each of us to use our talent and gifts to bring more peace, beauty, harmony and visual inspiration to benefit all.
This is a toast of thanks. Thank you to each of you. Thank you Paul. Thank you to my family. Thank you Mom. And thank you to all of the inbeleivably talented people that reek of individuality and creativity and make up the incredible team at ZenGenius! Thank you ZenGenius! Cheers!"

The champagne poured from the champagne bar and guests were invited to embellish their flute with a classic sugar cube, strawberry, orange quarter, pommagranite seeds or a stick of cholcolate. Trays of an assortment of mini toast hors d'ouvres were passed and the buffet featured a modern crudite display, a gourmet cheese board and a tasting wall with spoons featuring different delights.

Event Source lit up the evening by supplying great lounge furniture with remote control LED cubes and an LED dj booth where Rainer Zeihm kept the evening hopping with a hip bollywood influence that ignited the diverse crowd of clients, friends, family and ZG gurus. Event Source provided beautiful black candelabras lit with frosted LED votives, great custom linens and ghost chairs to set the stage at the Black Box.
Another key element to the beautiful look were the flowers created by Tracy Elzy and Kim Downs from ZenGenius. Beautiful arrangements adorned the bars and the chic arrangements were added to ZG logo toasters to reinforce the "toast" theme.

Custom Linens from Event Source and toaster florals by Tracy Elzy and Kim Downs from ZenGenius

Live Technologies gifted a lazer cut "ZG" that was featured behind the bar on an Event Source bookcase and also as guests entered by the Wonder Bread lady. Thank you Bonz! Amanda! Rusty! and Sean!!!! You rock!

LazerCut Foam letter from Live Tech. White Bookcase from Event Source
Modern Champagne flutes from Lasting Impressions. Color phasing LEDs from ZenGenius
Design: Matthew Buccilla and Michael Bova, ZenGenius

Lasting Impressions also provided an amazing new line of lounge furniture for events as well as our favorite flute! Lasting also provided a plate that delighted the guests....a plate that has a spot for your glass to sit while you eat. Love it!!!

Lounge Furniture now available from Lasting Impressions.

One final exciting element that added to the pace of the evening was the first annual ZenGenius Iron Merchant Challenge. Six ZG gurus competed to create a display using a mannequin with limited time, limited resources using a special ingredient: a little toast! Guests were then invited to vote on their favorite.
Brain Duran and Barbara Joy led team one creating "Ginger Toast"
Heather Glass Oakes and Joe Lamother led team two and their creation "The Toast Genie"
and the third team of Jen Graven and Angela Siciliano created "Lil' Red Garbage Hood"
The race was close and it came down to a difference of just two votes! Team three Jen Graven and Angela Siciliano were victorious. They proudly sported tiaras, sashes and sceptors! Congratulations!!!!

Iron Merchant Contenders:
Team One- Brian Duran, Barbara Joy "Ginger Toast"
Team Two- Heather Glass Oaks, Joe Lamothe "Ten Years of Wishes!" The Toast Genie!
Team Three- Jen Graven and Jen Siciliano "Lil' Red Garbage Hood"


"Ginger Toast" Brian Duran and Barbara Joy
"The Toast Genie" Heather Glass Oakes and Joe Lamothe

After the champagne poured for a bit and guests were giggling we introduced a hot dog cart with chic little hot dogs and gourmet toppings like mango chutney and spicy ketchup to help balance the alcohol. Our vegetarian friends were also delighted to find out that veggie dogs were included for them as well. Consideration of every guest...another ZenGenius value.
Cameron Mitchell did an amazing job with both the food and the service. The staff was observant and the guests commented on the great service. The Wexner Center bartenders were on top of the night keeping the glasses full and the energy hopping!
Thank you for joining us...for a little toast!

The pictures are rolling in. So stay tuned to see if your mug made it to any of the shots.

First, Thank you to the incredible photography of Ray Lavoie. He captured many beautiful faces and wonderful moments. How does he make everyone look so damn good? If you need a professional photographer or great event photographer. Ray is your man.
Follow this link:
http://raylavoie.com/zengenius_2009/

Mitch Lambert wrote:

Little Red Garbage Hood was looking over the evening from the balcony, with her “first place” smirk on her face and commanding respect from her two runner-ups.

The glow of the ZG logo was like a full moon against a darkened sky and it sparkled in her eyes. The heavy bass of the music pounding deep into her mind thinking ”..not even Andy Warhol can steal my attitude!” However, the night did not belong to her, as she had so conceived, but to an entrepreneur of ten years. So, she scoffed her head and conceded the floor to the “real” celebrity as he took the microphone.

Mr. Zen Genius proceeded to thank his many artist for their contribution to ZG. Smiles and laughter were abound with his “God save the Queen…” statement. A toast for all with raised glasses was the conclusion of his admiration for his friends and family. The tribute was filled with hugs, smiles and champagne that left an everlasting impression. Still, Little red Garbage Hood, with all her self-center narcissism , would not turn her head to acknowledge the evening of Zen Genius. (What a Bitch!)

"Lil' Red Garbage Hood" created by Jen Graven and Angela Siciliano official
winners of the 1st Annual 2009 ZG Iron Merchant Competition!