As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the experiences and lessons learned throughout 2024. From navigating unexpected challenges to embracing new trends, each event brought unique insights that shaped my growth as a planner and a small business owner. Here are the top lessons I’m taking with me into 2025:

The holiday season is upon us, and we’re here to take the stress out of gift-giving with a curated selection of our favorite picks. From delicious edible treats to stunning coffee table books, these thoughtful ideas are perfect for both personal and corporate gifting.

Corporate events are more than just networking and business discussions—they’re opportunities to build team spirit, celebrate achievements, and strengthen company culture. The activities you choose can truly shape the experience. Thoughtfully planned activities can energize your team, encourage collaboration, and create lasting memories. Here’s a guide to planning impactful corporate event activities that leave a lasting impression.

Fall in New York City is our favorite time of year, but sometimes a brief retreat to a more tranquil environment is just what we need to recharge. Luckily, there are several fantastic hotels and resorts within a two-hour drive or train ride from NYC that offer everything from luxury accommodations to charming, cozy escapes. Here are some recommendations for your next nearby getaway, wedding or corporate retreat.

Summer is a popular season for weddings, offering long days, beautiful weather, and vibrant natural settings. After producing an intimate wedding at The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel during a heat wave last month, we wanted to share some tips for hosts to make the most of a summer celebration

Event expenses can add up quickly, especially post-pandemic with increased vendor pricing due to inflation, supply chain issues and rising labor costs. Whether you're organizing a conference, a wedding, or a corporate retreat, negotiation skills are essential for getting the best value. As a former event sales professional with 15 years of experience in the industry, I've learned a few tricks of the trade that can help you navigate the negotiation process with confidence and finesse. In this blog post, I'll share some valuable tips to help you master the art of negotiation and secure the best possible deals for your events.

If you’re an event planner, a business owner, a parent, or all three like me, you know that finding work-life balance can feel impossible at times. Faced with never ending to do lists and technology that allows us to be reached at all hours of the day (and night), we are navigating challenging times. In this post, I share some tips for attempting to find balance and sanity.

Spring is here, and if you have yet to secure venues for your May or June events, we are here to help. New York City, with its iconic skyline and vibrant energy, is home to some of the most spectacular rooftop event spaces. The right location and an impressive setting will have a direct impact on your attendance and guest experience.

Picture this: the stage is set, the anticipation is palpable, and your new product gleams in the spotlight. It's the moment you've been working towards tirelessly – your product launch event.

In the dynamic world of corporate events, clients often hire us to help differentiate their event. How can they attract the most targeted guests and ensure the attendees are engaged? The key to success is thoughtful planning. Here is our approach to elevate your corporate event experience from ordinary to extraordinary:

The event planning industry is ever evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and a constant quest for innovation. As we step into 2024, the landscape of event planning is poised for exciting transformations. In this blog, we will share our predictions of trends that will shape the way we plan and experience events in the coming year.

At Amy O'Keefe Events, we know that choosing the right wines for your event can elevate the entire experience. Here's our guide to Wine 101 and making the perfect wine choices for your next gathering:

I recently had the privilege of planning hertelier’s “Morning Shift,” a panel discussion and networking breakfast to celebrate and inspire women in hospitality. This was a rare occasion where I felt I could play the role of a guest and a planner, connecting with peers in my industry and listening intently to the presentations. Everyone left the Carlyle Hotel feeling inspired and uplifted, myself included.

When planning a corporate offsite, the destination is driven by many factors: urban vs. resort, weather, travel convenience, and activity options, to name a few. Sometimes a client simply has a connection to a location, which was the case for us and resulted in a trip to Dallas, Texas, this summer.

With over 20,000 restaurants in New York City, finding the perfect Private Dining Room can be overwhelming. Whether booking a holiday dinner, a special family gathering, or a business meeting, experienced event planners can help you choose the perfect setting without the stress and time spent searching online. Here is a list of our favorites:

As event planners, we are always on the hunt for new venues to excite our clients and improve attendance. However, if you’re considering booking a brand new (or newly renovated) hotel for your upcoming group or event, be prepared to manage the process.