What better way to round up a year at the michael alan group than to ping the crew and find out their favorite moments. Without further ado, here are 2016’s top moments, straight from the team.

“When our office finally agreed to push the Keurig aside to get the real deal. I think everyone agrees that having a coffee pot in the office really upped the ante. I’ve actually seen people standup & cheer when they hear someone just brewed – and yes, when I say people I’m talking about myself.”
Lenetta Pesotini, Account Manager

“When we tried to get pancakes at IHOP on International Pancake Day but there was a really long line and so we went to a diner across the street and still got our delicious fluffy pancakes. New York City is incredible in that way, sometimes the destination you are heading is not always where you end up but usually it is just as good or better!”
Heather Hamilton, Account Executive

“In the Staffing World, once in a blue moon, there’s a day when multiple activations fall on the same date. One of those this year was Thursday, June 16th. Besides activations in Atlanta, Chicago, DC, and LA, we also had three major ones in NYC which had a total staff of 130 working at simultaneously. So, the fact that it went pretty painless with the clients happy & the majority of the staff stepping up their game, it became one of my favorite MAG moments of the year.”
Marivic Tagala, Staffing Manager

“Getting a peak behind-the-scenes of the Tim Burton MoMA exhibit when the MAG Art Department attended the 99U Conference in May.”
David O’Neill, Art Director

Work Family

“My favorite MAG moment of 2016 began as a somber one… it was the morning after the election and a group of us were huddled in the conference room. On my way to work that morning, I felt very alone as I grappled with the unexpected outcome. But when my colleagues arrived, and we all assembled together – I was reminded that I am surrounded by a work family who shares in my fundamental beliefs and aspirations for our future. And for that, I felt truly blessed – and part of something very special.”
Erin Mills, Chief Operating Officer

“I love cracking open a new book, and it became even more fun when I was surrounded by coworkers diving into the same story. MAG Book Club was the best! Something I’m hoping to read in the coming year? Weird Ideas That Work by Robert I. Sutton.”
Melanie Slattery, Graphic Designer

“The Mountain Dew GUTS Aggro Crag! If you thought NYC had GUTS…This years Mountain Dew Aggro Crag Nickelodeon GUTS throwback challenge proved just that! An exact replica of the famous Aggro Crag mountain was erected in NYC and competitors of all walks of life came, conquered, and competed against one another over an epic match of king of the hill! My favorite moment of the event was seeing how all competitors celebrated atop the Crag, whether losing or winning, exemplifying great sportsmanlike NYC conduct! It was an unmatched competitive and celebratory moment in my 2016!”
Mark DiConzo, Project Manager

“When a bunny showed up at our food truck event!”
Molly Appel, Account Executive

Wedding Bells and Birthday Surprises

“When my fantastic co-workers threw me (and my co-brides in the office) a surprise bridal shower complete with a fathead of our my fiancee and a custom prize wheel. When we pitch that people really love prize wheels, we mean it. It’s all about the prize wheel.”
Elizabeth Jones, Senior Vice President

“Attending Eva’s wedding and seeing her walk down the aisle! Just one of three beautiful MAG brides that tied the knot this year!”
Rachel Jenkins, Account Executive

“When the office surprised me with an Apple Watch for my birthday.”
Jonathan Margolis, President and CEO

“Scheming up and sending out a fake brainstorm to surprise Jon with his gift.”
Eva Chung, Operations Manager

A Merry Celebration

“Definitely the MAG holiday party because it’s always fun to see your team in an environment outside of work. Secret Santa reveals were great because just when you were on to something and you thought you knew who, you’re always wrong! Everyone’s poems were ON POINT and of course the food and drinks were also bomb. :)”
Melissa Mach, Junior Account Executive

“Being a part-time MAGger, I really loved being with everyone at a holiday lunch because I don’t get to hang with everyone as much as I would like!”
Betsy Margolis, Special Events Coordinator

“Secret Santa! Getting cute notes and presents left on my desk.”
Devendra Singh, Graphic Designer

Last, But Never Least

“When Eva introduced us to Butterfinger cups. Life changing stuff.”
Amy Spielholtz, Senior Account Director

We’ve been planning and executing productions and events for over 15 years. This is the first installment in our series on Small Changes, Big Gains, where we explore 10 simple ways to elevate your event.

Lighting the Room

Event spaces that look great in sunlight often lose their charm when the stars come out. For all of its subtlety, quality lighting is essential for creating just the right aesthetic. But too often a lighter event can also mean a lighter wallet. That’s why we decided to lead off with three simple ways to turn up the ambient light:

1. With Fire: Humans have been using fire as a light source for… well, a while. But since Thomas Edison, firelight has become dramatically less common. And, as a consequence, it’s also become dramatically more charming. So consider candlelight to price down and class up your next event.

2. With Bulbs: Speaking of Thomas Edison, the light bulb may have been a technical marvel at the turn of the century, but today it’s a symbol of elegant simplicity. If Smoky The Bear gives you grief over candlelight, you can still bypass elaborate lighting rigs by suspending bulbs from the ceiling. The less embellished the better. And bistro-style string lights yield equal the charm for half the hassle.

3. With Video Projections: So far we’ve taken advantage of historic (and pre-historic!) solutions. But new technologies can often offer equal efficiency. Save big and light well by directing the glow of video projectors against reflective surfaces. This is particularly effective in tents.

Believe it or not, the entire space for the Pinnacle Cinnabon 24 Hour Brunch was filled with white walls. Video projections brought the party to life.

Adorning the Walls

When brands look to make an event space their own, they often begin by filling wallspace. But signage, art, and drapes can consume resources that are better spent wining, dining, and entertaining guests. So how do we dress the walls efficiently without compromising on style?

1. With Clings: Wall and mirror clings can give your space character without crowding your footprint or cramping your style. Simple, versatile, inexpensive, and attractive — what’s not to love?

2. With Balloons: Wait. Hear us out. Balloons are actually just as flexible in function as they are in form. We’ve seen them floated to the roof as elegant ceiling décor, repurposed as step-and-repeat paneling, and bunched together as colorful accent pieces. They look great, cost pennies, and leave guests marveling at your ability to make beauty from nothing.

3. With Lights: To enhance the drama of your décor, consider uplighting the walls with rich, candy-crush colors. Or, if your event palate is more subdued, consider gels on the white-to-gold spectrum. We also love uplighting walls because doing so can provide plenty of ambient light, assuaging two of our concerns at once.

Setting the Tables

And then, of course, there’s the task of impressing your guests when they get to the table. It’s always good to have strategies that are both affordable and chic.

1. With Menus: A visually-appealing branded menu with quality copy gives guests something tangible that they can handle and interact with. And if its look is in sync with the event’s other design elements, the menu can reinforce and enhance your chosen aesthetic.

2. With Mason Jars: You probably don’t need us to tell you that mason jars are coming back in a big way. Not only do they combine value and utility, but they also speak to your brand’s cultural awareness. Plus, they’re extraordinarily versatile. You can load them up with wildflowers for centerpieces or fill them with lemonade. Top that with a lemon wedge and a fancy straw and everyone will think you’re Martha Stewart.

3. With Linens: Even when the plates and their contents disappoint you, upgraded linens can seriously upgrade elegance. And if next-tier tablecloths don’t seem feasible, a simple improvement in the quality of napkins can achieve the same effect. As with the menu, napkins are one of the few items at the table that guests actually spend time handling.

The after party following the USOC 2016 Team USA Awards incorporated several items on this list, including candles, custom menus, and quality linens.

The Golden Rule

If you’ve been keeping count, you’ll notice that we’re 1 solution short of our promised 10. That’s because we’ve been saving the best for last. Here’s our golden rule for enhancing quality while avoiding sticker shock.

With a theme: When it comes to event planning, no single element can have as large an impact as theme. And we’re not even talking about the content of your theme here. Whether you pick thrifting as your theme to match the moment or go with black-and-white to match your guests’ apparel, what matters most is coherence. If every element — lights, walls, table, menu, entertainment, and beyond — speaks clearly to your theme, your event will look great. Plus, it will guarantee success when it comes to the real purpose of the event: communicating your message.