Industry

Ahh, the busy season…That time of year that simultaneously stresses you out and showcases your amazing planning skills. We talked to two event planners about what the season looks like more…

Working events day in and day out, you probably host like a pro. You know that the early bird gets the worm when it comes to following up on leads, more…

Finding the best event management software to help grow and manage your events program can be both exciting and overwhelming. You know you need a tool to take some work more…

Networking may not always feel like a top priority, but it’s actually a great way to hear best practices from around the industry. Though nothing can replace face time with more…

So you’ve decided it’s time to start using an event management software. Maybe you’ve been doing everything in binders, and you’re drowning in paper. Or maybe all those documents cluttering more…

As the grapes come in, you’re in crush season! While your staff is busy winemaking, your tasting room is probably full too – everyone wants to celebrate the harvest. All more…

In 2018, the number of craft breweries in the US grew 13% to 7,450 (Brewers Association). That’s a lot of breweries! With all that competition out there, you’re probably looking more…

This month, get the 411 on 2019’s top food trends, learn tips for turning new visitors into regulars, see what unconventional questions a Georgia-based restaurant’s hiring manager asks applicants, get more…

Depending on how long you’ve been working in events, surely there are at least a few ways you’ve seen the industry transform. Sure, some may be hesitant or slow to more…

For our recent State of the Plate report, we wanted to take a deep dive into what’s powering the fast-growing restaurant events business. To do that, we surveyed more than more…

It’s no surprise that safety is important when it comes to running a successful business — a restaurant is no exception. Even so, it’s probably not something you think about more…

As part of our State of the Plate report, we conducted an industry survey with hundreds of restaurant event pros. One of the interesting results we found showed that, for more…

There’s no magic formula when it comes to sourcing event leads (though we wish there were!). But the fact remains that leads can make or break an events program. So, more…

This month, learn about the can’t-miss Chicago restaurants to put on your list, the life event that inspired a USHG employee to give back, why the upcycled food waste trend more…

Got a love of beer that you’re looking to turn into a business? Opening a brewery might be the perfect way to do just that. Craft beer is a $27 more…

Event minimums are nothing new, but determining the amounts can be challenging. You want to be sure you’re offering minimum pricing that’s beneficial for your company’s bottom line and that more…

When it comes to understanding your restaurant customers, it’s easy to think there’s no real effective way to approach it. After all, what more can you do beyond simply interacting more…

The food truck market is growing, and now’s a great time to get on board. Got an enticing idea for a concept (or just want to expand your restaurant offerings) more…

Managing events means leading an on-the-go lifestyle — no surprise there. When you get a new lead or something changes with an existing booking, you could be tasked with updating more…

This week, learn about what two months of global travel taught one organization about foodservice, find out the hottest brunch spots in New Orleans this spring, hear about one woman more…

A well-made cocktail can be the cherry on top of a great event — something people enjoy and remember. And while the list of popular libations is ever-evolving and growing, more…

For months, we’ve been taking a closer look at the current state of restaurant events. We conducted an industry survey, interviewed event pros, and did our own research to see more…

For all of the ways technology has changed our day-to-day lives, one of the most drastic impacts it’s had is on how we buy things. We’re more likely to buy more…

This week, find out how Yelp is highlighting eco-conscious eateries, see the link between training and restaurant employee retention, get to know USHG’s new president, find out the latest restaurant more…

A successful event makes your guests feel like the planning process is effortless. But those working behind the scenes know it’s anything but! While software does wonders for making things more…

Believe it or not, proper reporting is one of the most beneficial elements of your events program. Without reporting, you risk the feeling of “flying blind.” But even if the more…

You could be the catering company with the tastiest dishes and highest quality customer service around. But it doesn’t mean much when no one knows you exist, right? That’s where more…

When it comes to sourcing new event leads from organic site traffic, it doesn’t get better than the Gather lead form. This one-page form embeds on your company’s website, allowing more…

This week, we’ve got a brand-new lineup of industry news. Read about how restaurants are turning the volume down, get some Earth Day marketing inspiration, find out which spot was more…

It’s the million-dollar question event pros have: How can I host the most profitable events? Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are things you can do to attract more…

The secret’s out, everyone: today’s consumers can’t get enough craft beer. In the past decade or so, the craft brewery industry has exploded. From 2008 to 2018, indie brewers went more…

Making guests feel welcome is what customer service is all about. But, are you doing all you can to make sure that those with disabilities or impairments feel comfortable as more…

This week’s industry news roundup features restaurants as travel destinations, the delivery service supporting refugee and immigrant restaurants, why people are drinking more mindfully, the leaky pipeline for women in more…

This week’s industry news to keep you in the loop includes who snagged this year’s James Beard Lifetime Achievement award, how Yelp helps women-owned businesses, supporting solo diners, the lowdown more…

In an increasingly digital world, it’s crucial for potential event clients to view and learn about your restaurant or venue before they set foot inside. One of the most effective more…

As the industry’s expert in event management, we know firsthand how quickly madness can creep into your events program. It can cause unnecessary headaches for you and poor guest experiences more…

As the industry’s expert in event management, we know firsthand how quickly madness can creep into your events program. It can cause unnecessary headaches for you and poor guest experiences more…

This week, find out how restaurants can make money fighting food waste, the future of the world’s best bars, using gift cards to combat reservation no-shows, plus more industry news more…

A menu may not be the first thing customers see at your restaurant, but it is one of the most powerful communication tools in your business. A menu is a more…

As the industry’s expert in event management, we know firsthand how quickly madness can creep into your events program. It can cause unnecessary headaches for you and poor guest experiences more…

When you hear chefs throwing around phrases like “amuse-bouche,” “julienne-style,” and “unleavened,” it can feel like the food world has its own language. And you’re not wrong! There are a more…

Social media connects people to one another like never before. And it can be used for way more than sharing puppy photos and tasty meals (although it’s great for that, more…

These days, technology has transformed nearly every industry. But there are still plenty of venues out there using pen and paper to manage their events. While it can be done, more…

It’s easy to lose sleep over your business’s bottom line. After all, cutting costs and managing margins can’t be taken lightly. While you’re doing all you can to reduce food more…

For many people, a wedding is the biggest party they’ll throw in their entire lives. There’s no detail too small when it comes to planning these soirees — from napkin more…

Running a restaurant is no easy feat (spoiler alert, right?). Luckily, proper delegation, tech tools, and good old-fashioned experience can help alleviate many work-related pain points. But one task that’s more…

So, you’re opening an event venue. Congrats! You’re certainly not alone — these days, business is booming. Eventgrid reports that about 18 million events and meetings are organized in the more…

Running a restaurant is no easy feat. It’s difficult for restaurants to make it out of their first year — one study reports a 23% failure rate after 12 months, more…

This week, find out what creative tactics brewpubs are using to attract patrons, which side hustles restaurant pros are embracing, the tech aiming to improve the dining experience, and more more…

Your restaurant can have an impeccable menu, refreshing cocktails, and a stunning interior. But what good is all that if people don’t know it exists? Luckily, there are plenty of more…

If you asked an event manager to describe what “a typical day” looks like for them, you’d likely get one of two answers. They may spend several minutes laying out more…

As a catering company, your menu can be the deciding factor that motivates a potential client to (virtually) sign on the dotted line. Those who do it well know it’s more…

This week, get the lowdown on the latest Instagram trend taking over restaurant bathrooms, find out how the plastic straw ban is transforming the industry, learn about the new tech more…

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a restaurant professional who doesn’t describe their career as “fast-paced.” But taking the time to learn about industry trends, hear people’s success stories, and connect more…

In a world where the average person receives over 100 emails a day, marketers can no longer get by with following the basic newsletter-style formulas of yore. Instead, communications need to be simple, fun, and most of all, make some kind of personal connection with customers. Ever scratched your head wondering why your open rates aren’t higher?

Here are some of the most common mistakes we’ve spotted, with some simple tips on how to improve.

This week, find out what an Uber Eats exec has to say about the future of food and tech, how to open a restaurant successfully, use Instagram to boost your more…

Whether through our phones, laptops, tablets, or a combo of the three, most of us are using technology multiple times a day. So it makes sense that we’d turn to more…

This week, we’re highlighting a Tokyo dining experience involving a virtual-reality headset, predictions about next year’s biggest restaurant trends, and more buzzworthy industry news on our radar.

Searching for the perfect venue is one of the first (and most important) things an engaged couple does when planning their wedding day. Many traditional nuptials have historically taken place more…

Big-name celebrities can make millions of dollars through touring, selling albums, acting gigs, appearances, and more. So, it’s no surprise that they’d want to use some of their earnings to more…

Running a restaurant is hard work. You’re in charge of handling inventory, planning out employee schedules, and making sure customers remain happy — all while keeping a steady eye on more…

The holidays can be an exciting time for your business, since more reservations and events mean more revenue. But, with the holiday season comes added stress — with your employees more…

From igloo rentals atop Ponce City Market in Atlanta, to Eater’s list of 38 essential restaurants, find out what buzzworthy industry news is on our radar this week.

Banquet halls are a classic choice for events. Thus, owners and managers of these venues often have an easier time than nontraditional spaces when it comes to getting people through their doors. But whether business is slacking or steady, there’s always room for improvement.

The life of an events pro can take you various places throughout the day — whether you’re giving tours of your space or meeting with vendors to prepare for an more…

When you’re in the events industry, you’re probably often working long hours trying to pull off amazing events for your clients. But finding time to brush up on trends in more…

From the list of the 50 best restaurants in the world, to the Special Events 2019 Event Planner Forecast Findings, find out what buzzworthy industry news is on our radar more…

The right kind of drink menu and bar setup can give you a serious edge over your competition. It can create buzz and be memorable, or it can be a more…

At the end of each quarter, you may be feeling the pressure to hit a high sales goal. If you’ve spent too much time sweating and scrambling to reach your more…

If you’ve opened your own bar, restaurant or coffee shop, you know the joy that can come with crafting something delicious from scratch and sharing it in a space you more…

Have dreams of being your own boss? Whether you have past experience in the events industry or you just want to tap into your entrepreneurial side, then the thought of more…

From chefs taking steps into the world of cheesemaking, to the ten best Instagram ideas for restaurants this Halloween, find out what buzzworthy restaurant and event industry news is on more…

There’s no doubt the catering industry is competitive — and that can make it hard to grow your business and increase your bottom line. So, how do you stand out more…

Did you know that the average close rate for an in-person sales meeting is 40%? The job of an event manager isn’t easy. It can feel like you’re spending hours more…

From new data that speaks to the rise in demand for events and meetings, to Jose Andrés giving a keynote speech at the MUFSO conference, find out what buzzworthy industry more…

Over the past few decades, payment security has become a top concern for businesses of all shapes and sizes — especially those in the food and hospitality industries.

Having multiple locations is a big win for any business. But more outposts also means managers and owners are tasked with making sure things like customer service and best practices more…

Gather was built as a platform to make managing and growing your private events program easier. And now, with the Gather Booking Network, we’re taking a big step forward by more…

The results are in: 63% of consumers feel that online reviews are “important” or “very important” when choosing local businesses. Reviews are one of the top resources customers use when considering more…

There’s a charm to most independent restaurants that’s harder to find in chains or national eateries. But, that can also mean that you don’t have the resources to invest in more…

Millennials are the largest generation ever — even larger than Baby Boomers, according to Gallup. So it should be no surprise that this demographic is a huge percentage of the more…

The right song can change everything. A certain tune or genre can immediately transport you to a different time and place. In the right atmosphere, music is more than just more…

If your restaurant or venue accepts credit card payments (and it probably does), you’re probably a little familiar with payment gateways. You also likely have a merchant account, the type more…

Whether you’re a new venue or an established restaurant that wants to start hosting events, you want to make sure you and your staff are prepared. You’re (hopefully) about to more…

You can have a mouthwatering menu, delicious cocktails, and a stellar interior. But what good is all that if people don’t know about your restaurant?

If you’re new to restaurant management, figuring out where to begin can be daunting. Your tasks often include handling community outreach, mediating staff conflicts, crunching inventory numbers, meeting customer expectations more…

Online marketplaces are the ultimate way to connect professional and social event planners to the right venues. From EVENTup to Wedding Spot, these sites allow prospects to search using filters for their occasion, more…

Turns out, more than half of chefs, owners, and general managers think it’s important that their event software provides them with business-building tools, according to a third-party market research study more…

It’s not easy to create an event management software that works for each one of the wide variety of venues out there. But at Gather, we do our best to more…

As an events professional, it’s tempting to focus on the clients who come to you when they want to book a private event. But to maximize your space and grow more…

With summer in full swing, you’ve likely got your hands full coordinating and managing private events. But don’t let this hectic season cause you to be unprepared for the upcoming more…

The events industry is competitive. It can be hard to stand out among the slew of restaurants and venues hosting events. One way to differentiate yourself from the competition is more…

As we’ve mentioned before, there are plenty of great reasons to host your next event at a winery. From holiday parties and birthdays to business retreats and reunions, the scenic more…

Open-book management, if you’re unfamiliar with the concept, is when a company is transparent to employees about the company’s financial information, including cash flow, profitability, and more. Occasionally, this extends more…

The trend of restaurants offering a menu chock-full of organic, locally sourced ingredients is alive and well. It’s easy to see why: It’s a surefire way to show customers that more…

Whether you want to boost revenue at an established restaurant or have yet to open your doors, building an events program from scratch can be daunting. If you’re not sure more…

Once a restaurant or venue gets a solid events plan in place, it’s common to bring on a sales manager (if they don’t have one already) to take the reins more…

A huge part of streamlining the events process is laying out all of your events in an easy-to-digest format for all your team members.

At Gather, we know it’s totally possible to build a private events program — even if you don’t have a designated space to host events. If you have office space more…

It’s safe to assume that hosting huge events or buyouts can mean a nice boost to any restaurant’s bottom line. And, it turns out, that’s what most people think of more…

For those looking to host private events in nontraditional event venues, breweries are topping the list more and more.

When you’re busy running a restaurant, planning dozens of events or managing a venue, the notion of giving back may fall to the bottom of your to-do list.

As the event coordinator, you or a team member are likely tasked with marketing your venue’s private events program. There are the usual strategies — like social media, check presenter more…

Whether it’s due to an unread email, a lost sticky note or an unchecked voicemail, every missed lead means missed revenue opportunity for your events business. Luckily, Gather can help more…

Did you make a resolution to create positive habits for your work week? We understand that it can be a daunting task for event professionals, considering that work days can drastically differ from week to week. That said, adding some stability to weekly tasks will fortify your overall efficiency - basically, creating recurring tasks can act as bookends to your less predictable work.

What do beer, bicycles, and birthday parties have in common? They’re all things one of our new Gather team members, Joe Scaramellino, knows very well. Joe is a Coca-Cola loving, avid cycler and he joins us from The Porter Beer Bar, where he was the “Cellar Seller” (aka Event Coordinator). Not only did he manage their events program - he started it! Read on for more of Joe’s story.

Getting customers to dine at your restaurant is one thing — but getting them to book a private event is another. But with diners, the hardest part (getting them through your more…

We sat down with Gentleman Design & Works, a multidisciplinary creative agency founded by Atlanta-based designers Bart Sasso and Roy Fleeman. They have 15 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, which allows for a unique perspective in crafting and cultivating memorable brands and guest experiences for clients. Basically, they are pros when it comes to all things restaurant design.

As an events industry pro, it can seem like there’s never enough time in the day to cross everything off your to-do list. From meeting with clients and creating proposals more…

As the restaurant and hospitality industries become more and more saturated, it’s as important as ever to have a strong brand. That strong brand shouldn’t just stop when you set more…

When it comes to private events, nontraditional venues like theaters and restaurant-theater hybrids are growing in popularity. And with amenities like A/V accessibility, signature food and drink options, and a more…

There’s no shortage of breweries these days. So, when looking for an event venue to hold an engagement party, rehearsal dinner or wedding reception, these spaces can serve as a fun and unique option for you and your family and friends to celebrate. Below, we talk to local experts about how breweries can best market themselves for a wedding event.

When you’re a food truck owner catering weddings, working festivals, and joining the crowd at food truck parks, it can feel like business is booming. Consistency, however, is another story. more…

At Gather, we’re problem solvers, not problem seekers. As we continue to drive innovation in the event management space, it’s important for us to keep up with new and evolving more…

We’ve discussed the many benefits of being a venue that hosts corporate events in past posts. But booking these events can be tricky.

Millennials are like fingerprints — no two are exactly alike. But when it comes to events, most millennial clients have certain elements they’re looking for, from Instagram-worthy decor (#nofilter) to more…

In an increasingly digital world, it’s as important as ever that potential clients can view and learn about your event venue before they set foot inside it. A great way more…

As the event manager at a music venue, you’re likely using software to coordinate ticket sales and RSVPs of guests at your public events. But, how are you coordinating with more…

Putting event info on your company’s website and in your check presenters are great ways to get the word out about your private events program. But what more could you more…

If your company has a growing customer base, you’ve probably heard the phrase “CRM,” or customer relationship management, being tossed around. Basically, CRM is a type of software platform (like more…

If you manage events, you know how time can simply disappear when you’re planning, organizing, and executing events. While events are a significant opportunity to bring in additional profits to your restaurant, what you may not realize is that not managing events wisely can leave you strapped for cash.

Sure, Gather helps keep you organized when it comes to managing private events. But, did you know you can leverage our software to increase your leads and events too? Below, more…

Remember the old days of using software? You’d buy a CD of a program and install it on your computer to run it. These days, cloud-based software has changed that more…

A winery is a classic place to hold a wedding. If the vineyard is onsite, the cascading vines provide a picturesque backdrop for one of life’s biggest parties and the tasting rooms with rich wood bars and tables are perfect for serving guests food and drink. While a wedding is certainly one life event that requires some kind of celebration, there are also plenty more that deserve commemoration. Here are nine alternative but excellent excuses to throw a party at a winery.

Think about what your venue already offers. Is it bright and well-lit? Cozy and intimate? Minimal and chic? Decide what the space has going for it and run with that. Next, consider all the visual aspects of the program and make sure that they are all supporting the vision you’ve created. We’ve compiled a list of a few visual details, so read on for a quick start to the process.

Sure, Gather helps you easily get organized, eliminate clunky binders and folders, and streamline your private events business. But are you taking full advantage of our customized reporting features? If more…

Articles all over the interwebs are howling “cold calling is dead!” Well, we have to (politely) disagree. Cold Calls get a bad rep, but actively calling on prospects is still a great way to drum up new business! We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you feel prepared before you pick up the phone, and help ensure that you’re confident throughout the call.

When looking back on your childhood, some of your fondest memories probably revolve around food. Think: mixing up a fresh batch of cookie dough and licking the back of the more…

For those event managers using pen and paper (or, these days, Google and email) to run their events programs: we get it. You have a system, you’re used to it, more…

We would never be so bold as to call the holiday season “easy,” but business tends to be more readily available during November and December. If you need help maximizing the busy season, we have some tips for you, but we want to focus on filling your sales bucket when the well seems a little dry.

Depending on the time of year, the scope of your offerings, or any number of other factors, event sales may not always be where you want them to be for more…

According to published reports, there are 175 million active monthly users on the social media platform Pinterest. So, it’s no wonder that venues want to use this social media platform to more…

Event spend is increasing nationwide. So what does this mean for you and your restaurant? If you don’t already have a private dining, events, or large group program in place, you are missing out on a revenue growing opportunity. So, why create a private dining, events or large group program?

To be in the events business, you’ve got to be equipped with incredible organizational skills and street smarts to boot. For those just starting out a career in event sales, the process can understandably seem a little daunting. But it doesn’t have to to be! We’ve got a listicle below for you that calls out seven common myths and offers tips to overcome them.

So, you’ve decided that an event management software might be right for your business, but how do you choose which one? At Gather, we pride ourselves on offering the latest more…

Event management software can help your business grow in a way that’s manageable for you and your team — whether you’re a multi-location restaurant group, a food truck, a mom-and-pop more…

Ah, Restaurant Week. While it may elevate the level of chaos at your venue, it’s also a great opportunity to get new patrons through your doors.

It’s no secret that we are big fans of private events and the businesses that produce them, and we want your business to get the exposure it deserves! If you aren’t accustomed to using social media like Twitter, it can seem like more effort than it’s worth, but sometimes you just need a few good examples for inspiration. We collected some of our favorite industry tweeters for that very reason. Read on for our picks and an explanation of why they get it right.

Instagram is a great way to engage the public and build your brand’s personality. At a glance, potential clients can view beautiful spaces, be enticed by delicious dishes, and see what others are saying about your business. It is a relatively simple and easy to use tool, but strategy is crucial. We want you to avoid the common pitfalls of ‘gramming, so read on for quick do’s and don’ts.

As you may have seen in a previous blog post, there are a lot of things that set Gather apart from your average event management software. But one of our more…

While your team can be as prepared as possible during private events, there’s only so much you can do to predict the future or anticipate potential disasters. You can’t foresee more…

Experienced events industry professionals know being well-rounded is essential to success. Having skills beyond knowing how to plan and execute events can help prepare you for unexpected situations. From quickly more…

As guests leave your restaurant, are they already hungry for their next visit? A repeat customer is your restaurant’s best friend.

A menu can make or break an event — if the food is sub-par, guests will remember. So, what are the best practices to keep in mind when crafting a more…

Whether you’ve been approached about venue management software before or have yet to hear of the concept, it can be hard to decipher whether it’s right for your particular restaurant or more…

Brunch events are a great way to celebrate everything from baby showers to graduations.

It’s no secret that nontraditional venues are a growing trend in private events. From boats and museums to go-kart tracks, these venues often bring their own signature dose of fun more…

What comes to mind when you hear the words event venue? A grand banquet hall or a theater that can seat thousands? If so, you are definitely not wrong, but you could be overlooking the entire realm of private events. There are countless businesses adding revenue to their bottom line by renting out extra space to individuals or groups who need a place to host a wide variety of events, from team meetings to baby showers. We’ve compiled a list of four types of businesses that have an opportunity for private events that may come as a surprise.

Do you ever end a day and say “what happened to all my time?” It happens to everyone, and those in event management are particularly susceptible to this, because there is very little down time, and often time-off is sporadic. There are endless “how to save time” lists on the internet, but those who have a non-traditional schedule deserve one of their own.

After an event you’ve been managing for weeks (or months) at your venue is finally over, it’s tempting to jump right into the next set of tasks on your to-do more…

Ah, the Banquet Event Order binder — used by event professionals and venue managers for years to keep track of all event-related documents, contracts, menus and more.

Experts have reported that food trucks are an industry worth more than $1 billion. More than 4,000 food trucks are operating around the country, averaging six-figures worth of yearly sales more…

As the first month of the year comes to a close, have you taken the time to look at how your overall private events program performed last year?

Looking to get a fresh crop of event clients and guests through your doors? Mix it up by reaching out to local businesses who offer creative event options!

For many venues, the post-holiday months are a time of decreased event inquiries. Between companies working to suss out their yearly budgets and less than desirable temperatures outside for most more…

Social media has been a game-changer in nearly every major industry. One of the industries most transformed is the process of modern wedding planning.

With the new year comes a fresh start. It’s a great time to look at your venue and see how you can improve your private events program moving forward.

In our household, we have three iPhones, two iPads, two MacBooks, one Apple Watch and one Apple TV. Whatever technology is under this roof, it’s a safe bet that Steve more…

As a restaurant or venue, you may think the only technology you need to run your business successfully is a bookkeeping software, an inventory tracker, and a reservation app. But more…

Everyone out there who has said you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover has obviously never had to think about how to choose a restaurant name.

Lately, it seems like you can find a pop-up around every corner. It could be the preview of a forthcoming restaurant opening, or a fun bar concept that plays to more…

As we reach the final few months of the year, the holiday season is in full effect — especially at restaurants and venues. Now’s the time to make that final more…

Your customers are the bread and butter of your business. We know getting them in the door is half the struggle, but actually getting them to return? That’s a separate more…

There are plenty of ways to prepare your venue, your staff and yourself to host a successful private event that goes off without a hitch. But when it comes to more…

Here on the Gather blog, we’ve touched on how to host successful events for millennials. Now, let’s take a look at another generation: Gen X. This group ranges in age from more…

Just in time for the spookiest of holidays, let’s talk about something that can be scary for event staffs — a new process! But just because you’re switching things up doesn’t more…

Here at Gather, clients often tell us how much saving they do because of our software. We hear everything from sentiments like, This will save me so much time, I more…

With the holidays fast-approaching, you may think there’s too much going on to add “implementing a new software” to your to-do list. But if you’re planning to keep your private more…

While private events are a great way to add stability to your company’s bottom line, it’s natural that some months may be slower than others.

Sure, it may seem like running your private events program with a free management software is good for your bottom line. But it’s not.

https://youtu.be/lagwPXLRdQo We visited Atlanta-based Ford Fry restaurant BeetleCat to speak with the executive chef and events manager about how software saves them time, keeps everyone on the same page, and more…

Technology is designed to make life easier. It’s designed to simplify our personal lives and our work lives. This simplification is particularly the case in the restaurant industry. Today’s technology more…

Changing leaves, lower temperatures, and seasonal coffee beverages — the ushering in of autumn also means the return of football season. As it turns out, this beloved sport has quite more…

Think a private event management software platform like Gather isn’t a good fit for catering companies? Think again! Along with traditional and nontraditional venues, restaurants, food trucks and everything in more…

Nobody understands the nuances of hosting private events better than the pros who experience the multitasking, chaos, and logistics every day. With that in mind, we sat down with several of more…

As a business, it’s important to be thinking about ways you can give back — and not just during the holidays. No matter your company size, there are plenty of more…

For this video, we visited Atlanta-based Ford Fry restaurant King + Duke to speak with the executive chef and events manager about how using software helps them streamline team communication more…

There are plenty of benefits to being a venue that hosts corporate events — word of mouth from a great event can help increase your event inquiries, and there’s always more…

Gather Spotlight: St. Cecilia from Gather Technologies on Vimeo. For our first Gather Spotlight, we visited Atlanta-based Ford Fry restaurant, St. Cecilia to speak with their executive chef and events more…

All it takes is a quick scan of our client quotes or case studies to see all the benefits that event management software brings to businesses. But despite all the more…

When you sign on to partner with Gather, you’re not just getting a great private events management software.

It’s a common question many event venue managers have: What are the tricks for getting interested clients to end up booking your space? It can be frustrating to spend time more…

There are plenty of reports about all the ways that technology is transforming the restaurant and events industries. But one aspect that’s not highlighted as often is how these technologies more…

Restaurant sustainability has moved past its trend phase — it’s here to stay. A whopping 65 percent of diners now take a vested interest in where the food on their more…

Got a phone call from a potential event client? Received an event inquiry from your website’s lead form? Had a past event client reach back out about another party? That’s more…

Managing and growing an events program at a single venue is one thing — doing so at multiple locations simultaneously (and successfully) is quite another. But whether you’re a one-spot more…

From punch cards and points systems to discounts and promotions, there are plenty of options when it comes to incentivizing repeat clients for their continued business. But how do you more…

Looking for that awesome new idea to bring in new customers and revamp interest from repeat customers? Why not offer a chef cooking class? Restaurants can host chef cooking class more…

Deciding to implement an events program is a great way to add a new revenue stream to your business, whether it’s a restaurant, rec center, coworking space, office, or anything more…

Gather’s mission is to make the event planning process more seamless and more fun, for both our customers and their event guests. One of the big ways we do this is more…

When you compare the tools that planners and properties had at their fingertips in years past to the tools of today, it’s amazing that events happened without a hitch. Think more…

The hard part is over: You’ve created an event venue! Now, it’s time to promote. For our latest Social Tables guest blog, we created a post on “How to Kick Off more…

For our friends at Social Tables, Gather has contributed a guest blog on “How to Market Your Non-Traditional Event Venue Online.” Some of the insights include: Differentiate yourself from traditional more…

At Gather, we’re always thinking of next steps — how we can keep improving our software to make the event-planning process easier for both venues and their clients. With that more…

Recently, we contributed a new guest blog for Upserve about How to Host A Stellar Spring Brunch at Your Restaurant. We discussed tips such as: offer live food stations look into event more…

You’ve got your private events program in place, your marketing is on point, and your sales team is ready to rock. But whether it’s an off-season, post-holiday rush, or just more…

Recently, Gather collaborated with TouchBistro, the #1 ranked iPad-based point of sale solution specifically designed for restaurants, for a guest blog on “The First Steps to Add a Private Events Program to more…

The restaurant was bursting at the seams. The kitchen was keeping up with dozens of orders of appetizers, and the bartenders were in the zone. It almost felt like your more…

We’ve touched on all the ways private events can help boost your business — but why limit your space to just evening events? Hosting private breakfast events is a particularly great more…

When it comes to an event idea that’s unique, memorable and outside the box, more and more groups, organizations and planners are booking private cooking classes. It’s a great way more…

We’ve covered topics like meeting sales goals, driving event sales and ways to increase restaurant revenue in the past. But there’s another important aspect of venue sales that should be more…

As a restaurant owner, it’s easy to lose sleep over your bottom line — cutting costs and managing margins can’t be taken lightly. So while you’re doing all you can more…

The Gather team is lucky enough to work with quite a handful of highly acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs around the country. Not only do they run highly successful restaurants with more…

For restaurants and traditional event spaces, it’s easy to see how an event management software platform like Gather would help streamline and grow their business. But these venue types aren’t more…

Whether you’re an exclusive event space, a restaurant with a few private banquet rooms or something in between, wedding season (generally believed to ramp up in spring) can be a hectic more…

Great news: business is booming! When you’ve got a solid customer pool, climbing financial targets and a top-notch staff, the next phase is often to expand your brand. But, how more…

Gather’s growing roster of beer clients shows that breweries are on the rise across the U.S., especially when it comes to hosting events. More and more people are choosing nontraditional more…

As we say ‘sayonara’ to this year, venues across the country are looking to end the year with a bang by hosting a slew of fun New Year’s Eve events. more…

Is your venue hosting festive soirees this holiday season? Great! Are you using Gather to streamline the planning process and keep everything organized? Even better! Now comes the fun part: more…

The end of the year is a time to reflect on all the people and things for which you’re grateful. While the first thing that comes to mind is probably more…

What’s the biggest change coming to the restaurant industry? We’d argue in favor of restaurant technology. For too long, restaurants have struggled with clunky, outdated, expensive technology that’s hard to set up more…

Recently, Gather collaborated with The Daily Rail, which covers restaurant news and trends, for an article about all the ways hosting events can take your restaurant’s or venue’s business to more…

Think everyone is spending hours in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day whipping up a meal from scratch? Think again: more and more, Americans are opting to dine out on Thanksgiving, more…

Whether you don’t have a designated events space or just aren’t sure if investing in a software program will be worth it for your business, it can be hard to more…

In today’s increasingly competitive restaurant environment, it’s important to understand what’s contributing to your restaurant sales. When are your restaurant sales at their highest and lowest? How are you comparing more…

With temperatures warming up, it’s the perfect time to host events on a scenic rooftop. From corporate team-building retreats to wedding receptions and everything in between, an expansive rooftop venue more…

Who made your lunch today? If you work for one of Sifted’s clients, you could answer that question with, “a chef!” At its essence, Sifted is a Nashville-based lunch catering company. But they have a specific focus: “pop-up lunches as a perk.” The two founders, Kimberly Lexow and Jess Legge, visited the Gather office recently and we got a chance to sit down with them to learn more about their story.

Concentric circles can be all different sizes, but they must share a common center. Likewise, in Atlanta, while each of Concentrics’ restaurants are singular, they share a common value of excellence, creativity, and darn good food and drink. We sat down with their Director of Sales, Joe Nash, who has been with the company for ten years and is a well-established events powerhouse. Read on for event management advice from Joe!

While the average person is probably daydreaming of cozy sweaters, pumpkin beer, and freshly sharpened pencils as the holiday season approaches, the average restaurant Event Manager or Sales Director is probably thinking of two little words: Holiday Parties. We chatted with a few seasoned pros for their advice on how to think ahead, plan accordingly, and maximize the business opportunities that are waiting right around the corner. Here’s what they had to say.

When it comes to dining in Atlanta, “empire” is pretty much the only way you could describe Ford Fry’s Restaurant Group. They couldn’t do what they do without a killer team, and at the center of that team is Valerie Moseley, PR & Sales Director. We caught up with Valerie to talk shop about what it’s like working behind the scenes at one the Southeast’s most successful restaurant groups.

Social media gurus love to extol the marketing virtues of Facebook and Twitter, with their vast user bases and clicky, addictive properties - but when it comes to finding new customers, LinkedIn is a star in its own right. Here’s how you can make use of this social networking powerhouse to seek out new business.

Back in ye olden days, “snake oil” typically referred to a purported cure-all health remedy peddled by traveling quacks of questionable origins…but the elixirs being mixed up by Snake Oil Cocktail Company are anything but questionable. We caught up with Michael Esposito, the Co-founder of the West Coast-based Cocktail Catering Company, to chat about booze, business, and a few of his favorite summer cocktail fixings.

Ah, summer: a time for rest, relaxation, and reapplying SPF 50 with vigor. While we grown-ups may not get a three-month break from real life like the good old days, the summer months are still a perfect opportunity to seek out some respite from the daily grind. And what better way to do so than with a little summer reading? We spoke with Ford Fry, Bob Amick, and more for a few life-changing book recommendations for you.

Ten acres, seven city blocks, 250,000 square feet of restaurant, retail, and entertainment space, and fifteen years in the making: there’s no denying that Ballpark Village, St. Louis’s stadium-side entertainment district, is a big, big deal. We caught up with Jill Methard, Ballpark Village’s Sales Director, who gave us the scoop on how they step up to the plate with all of their events, and what they do to ensure a home run with each and every client.

In Scandinavian culture, “skal” is a toast between friends—one that’s all about goodwill and good fortune. In Connecticut, Skal is… well, it’s kind of the same thing. Skal Restaurant Group is known and loved for its cozy neighborhood gathering places like the Ginger Man and Cask Republic. We stole a few minutes of owner Christian Burns’s time to talk shop about what exactly goes into keeping their customers happy and their event calendars full.

In a world where the average person receives over 100 emails a day, marketers can no longer get by with following the basic newsletter-style formulas of yore. Instead, communications need to be simple, fun, and most of all, make some kind of personal connection with customers. Ever scratched your head wondering why your open rates aren’t higher?

Here are some of the most common mistakes we’ve spotted, with some simple tips on how to improve.

Wouldn’t it be lovely if all you had to do to keep your event calendar full was kick up your heels and let new business come to you? Alas, the truth couldn’t be further from the case. Luckily, the opportunities abound - and some of them are right under your nose. We’ve rounded up five low-maintenance, accessible sources where business is ripe for the picking.

San Diego restaurant group Whisknladle was one of the first in the area to serve true farm-to-table fare back in 2008, when their flagship concept opened its doors to La Jolla. Fast-forward seven years later, and the guys behind Whisknladle are managing five critically acclaimed restaurants across San Diego.

We caught up with David Balanson, the group’s COO, to get the scoop on what it’s like behind the scenes at one of San Diego’s most successful restaurant groups.

What if we told you that one simple tactic could increase your events business sevenfold? We know, we know: it sounds like a pitch you’d see on a bad infomercial. But this one strategy courtesy of the Harvard Business Review really can make your event bookings skyrocket.

Yup, people do still use LinkedIn! And for event professionals in particular, it can be hugely beneficial. Here’s how to make it work for you.

Laying the groundwork for a successful, lasting events program can be overwhelming—especially for venue owners and managers working in the trenches. The good news: it’s not nearly as scary as it may seem. Read on for the three steps that will help turn your events program into a well-oiled machine.

We sat down with the restaurateur behind some of Atlanta’s most revered dining destinations for his advice on navigating the tricky waters of private events.

As Alex reviewed earlier this week, corporate event spend and wedding budgets are increasing nationwide. What does this mean for you and your restaurant?

If you don’t already have a private dining, events, or large group program in place, you are missing out on a growing revenue opportunity.

This is the second installment of our series of articles where we interview event salespeople behind some of the most popular venues across the country. Each series will highlight a different salesperson, their venue and some strategies they use to attract more business.

For this installment, we spoke with Farrah Butler, Sales Manager & Corporate Event Planner at Concentrics Hospitality Group in Atlanta, GA.

Last week we sat down with Valerie Mosley, PR & Sales Director at Ford Fry’s Restaurant Group in Atlanta to talk events, sales and software.

Read on for Valerie’s advice about event sales at a fast-growing restaurant group!

Without a doubt, one of the most controversial topics facing restaurants today is the new automatic gratuity tax.

Since the new year, the IRS has begun cracking down on the way restaurants report automatic gratuities. Here’s the key takeaway: if a customer does not have the ability to opt-out of gratuity, then it is not a tip — rather it is a mandatory service charge.

Because of this classification as a service charge, restaurants are required to report gratuities differently for taxing purposes. This can have major implications on costs for you and your wait staff.

Read on to learn about what this means for your business, and how other restaurants are addressing this change.

We’re introducing a new series of articles where we interview event salespeople behind some of the most popular venues across the country. Each series will highlight a different salesperson, their venue and some strategies they use to attract more business.

First up: Whitney Myler from MAX’s Wine Dive in Austin, Texas.

I had the pleasure of sitting down at one of Atlanta’s favorite hangout spots, Octane Westside, for a perfect Spring evening on the patio. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Stephanie is an Industrial Design graduate from Georgia Tech who has spent the past few years making brides and grooms have their dream weddings with her company Carolyn A. Events.

In between sips of delicious iced-coffee, Stephanie and I talked about Pinterest, Bridezillas, and the importance of comfortable shoes.

In Part 1 I talked about why centralizing your event sales is a good idea as your hospitality group grows. In this post, I want to talk about how to actually organize your operations. For the record, the model I outline below isn’t the only way to successfully run your events operations. But it is the most widely used model we’ve seen used.

If I told you there was one small thing you weren’t doing right now that could increase your likelihood of a new event booking by 7X, would you do it?

According to the Harvard Business Review there is one factor that can lead to a seven times increase in your booking success.

We’re fortunate enough to work with a number of fast-growing restaurant groups across the US. Early on, these clients typically staff or empower one individual at each of their locations to focus on events. However as they really hit a growth stage, their leadership often reaches out to us with an important question: how do we scale our event sales?

After an event has finished, how likely are you to send a Thank You note to the guest? As it turns out, if you’re not doing this — you’re losing potential business. We suggest a few quick tips for writing an effective thank you notes.

So, you’ve decided which email marketing provider to use and you’ve signed up for an account. You’ve imported all your events contacts from Gather to build your first list. What’s next?

One of the biggest questions in event sales is not how to deal with incoming business, but where to go to find leads (and what to do with them when you have them).

We recently met up with Kat McIntosh of Rosebud to talk about how she manages leads, and how she’s used this process to drive up her events sales.

Welcome to our new series ‘Using technology to grow sales’! In this ongoing series of short pieces, I’ll outline simple ways to build your private events business using technology.