Posts tagged eventprofs
The 2023 Bay Area AMAZING Holiday Event Guide

Venues

The Battery

I have been fortunate enough to have been involved with The Battery since the beginning. First, I was booked to perform at their opening night and I have been the Resident Magician there since 2015, entertaining members and guests in The Musto Bar.

The Battery features a wide variety of event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, as well as hotel suites. The Penthouse is a great place to host an event with stunning views of downtown San Francisco.

It’s one of my favorite places to visit.

www.thebatterysf.com

The Bridgeyard

Formally a maintenance facility for the Bay Area’s ubiquitous street cars , The Bridgeyard is now a dedicated event space with panoramic views of Oakland and San Francisco it’s a “blank canvas” waiting for you add your vision.

Having visited countless event spaces, The Bridgeyard is a breath of fresh air.

www.thebridgeyard.com

Claremont Club & Spa

What can you say about The Claremont Club & Spa.

Stunning. Iconic. Historic resort charm in the heart of Berkeley with sprawling spaces and incredible attention to detail everywhere you look.

And I hear they have an amazing magic show happening there every month!

www.fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley

Odette Estate Winery

Odette Estate Winery is run by my friends at PlumpJack Group and their hospitality is second to none.

If you’re looking for a venue in Napa to host your holiday event you can’t go wrong with Odette Estate Winery.

www.odetteestate.com

Press Club

One of the first planners I met when I arrived in the Bay Area was Ashley Guillory and we ended up working a handful of events together. Ashley is now Director of Private Events at Press Club, a sophisticated and social wine bar in the heart of downtown San Francisco. If your group enjoys seasonal small plates and thoughtful pairings, Press Club is your spot.

www.pressclubsf.com

Catering

Carrie Dove Catering & Events

Our mission is simply stated – “to work hard to create comfortably elegant events in partnership with our clients”.

From your first inquiry to your last bite everyone you meet from Carrie Dove Catering & Events will exemplify hard work, humility, happiness, team work and a good attitude.

www.carriedovecatering.com

Day Darmet

Day Darmet provides a catering experience with a tailored handheld feel.

From client meetings, product launches, all day conferences, and more… we create menus to fit your exact catering needs providing end to end customer service.

www.daydarmet.com

Hugh Groman Group

Call us saucy, but we think gatherings should be fun–fun for guests and fun for the people who host them. Comfortable. Easy. Surprising. Delicious. You could say we are full-service caterers and event planners. Or, you could say we make magic happen. Let us delight you.

www.thehughgromangroup.com

Off The Grid

From outdoor office lunches or team happy hours to corporate holiday parties—we bring the lively atmosphere of our Off the Grid market experiences to every catered event. Curbside, inside or outside, we curate moments that are as diverse and thoughtful as the local, small food businesses we work with.

www.offthegrid.com

Tonic Beverage Catering

From humble beginnings in a questionable garage to our position as an independent brand within a highly regarded hospitality group, our team has put in the literal blood, sweat and tears to make Tonic what it is today. We produce hundreds of events per year across the Bay Area and Beyond from the most intimate gathering to the grandest experience.

www.tonicbeveragecatering.com

DJs/Music

DJ Airsun

It’s not a party if people don’t dance. DJ Airsun has been putting people in the mood to groove at private parties, events and clubs since 2011. Airsun’s experience spinning for diverse groups with different tastes means the dancing at weddings and private parties is always a blast and always curated for the people of the hour.

www.djairsun.com

Denon & Doyle

While there is no secret formula to our success, there is something special about the way we approach each event. There is a fusion of tradition and innovation, experience and youth, charisma and calm, that exists at D&D.

www.djay.com

Gatsby Event Studios

An elevated level of production focused events with all the great entertainment services you know and love.

www.gatsbyeventstudios.com

Photographers

Kevin Meynell Photography

Kevin Meynell is a good friend and a trustworthy event partner. He has an innate ability to make you smile and ensure “you” shine through.

And he’s a damn good guy.

www.kevinmeynell.com

Misti Layne

Misti and I have crossed paths at a number of events and her charm and charisma behind the camera always puts me at ease.

www.mistilayne.com

The Vanity Portrait Studio

I always feel like a ROCKSTAR anytime The Vanity Portrait Studio takes my photo and you will too.

www.thevanityportraitstudio.com

The AMAZING Bay Area Holiday Guide 2022: DJs/music

DJs / Music

DJ Airsun

It’s not a party if people don’t dance. DJ Airsun has been putting people in the mood to groove at private parties, events and clubs since 2011. Airsun’s experience spinning for diverse groups with different tastes means the dancing at weddings and private parties is always a blast and always curated for the people of the hour.

www.djairsun.com

Denon & Doyle

While there is no secret formula to our success, there is something special about the way we approach each event. There is a fusion of tradition and innovation, experience and youth, charisma and calm, that exists at D&D.

www.djay.com

Gatsby Event Studios

An elevated level of production focused events with all the great entertainment services you know and love.

www.gatsbyeventstudios.com

The AMAZING Bay Area Holiday Guide 2022: Catering

Catering

Carrie Dove Catering & Event

Our mission is simply stated – “to work hard to create comfortably elegant events in partnership with our clients”.

From your first inquiry to your last bite everyone you meet from Carrie Dove Catering & Events will exemplify hard work, humility, happiness, team work and a good attitude.

www.carriedovecatering.com

Day Darmet

Day Darmet provides a catering experience with a tailored handheld feel.

From client meetings, product launches, all day conferences, and more… we create menus to fit your exact catering needs providing end to end customer service.

www.daydarmet.com

Hugh Groman Group

Call us saucy, but we think gatherings should be fun–fun for guests and fun for the people who host them. Comfortable. Easy. Surprising. Delicious. You could say we are full-service caterers and event planners. Or, you could say we make magic happen. Let us delight you.

www.thehughgromangroup.com

Off The Grid

From outdoor office lunches or team happy hours to corporate holiday parties—we bring the lively atmosphere of our Off the Grid market experiences to every catered event. Curbside, inside or outside, we curate moments that are as diverse and thoughtful as the local, small food businesses we work with.

www.offthegrid.com

Tonic Bererage Catering

From humble beginnings in a questionable garage to our position as an independent brand within a highly regarded hospitality group, our team has put in the literal blood, sweat and tears to make Tonic what it is today. We produce hundreds of events per year across the Bay Area and Beyond from the most intimate gathering to the grandest experience.

www.tonicbeveragecatering.com

The AMAZING Bay Area Holiday Guide 2022: Venues

Venues

The Battery

I have been fortunate enough to have been involved with The Battery since the beginning. First, I was booked to perform at their opening night and I have been the Resident Magician there since 2015, entertaining members and guests in The Musto Bar.

The Battery features a wide variety of event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, as well as hotel suites. The Penthouse is a great place to host an event with stunning views of downtown San Francisco.

It’s one of my favorite places to visit.

www.thebatterysf.com

The Bridgeyard

Formally a maintenance facility for the Bay Area’s ubiquitous street cars , The Bridgeyard is now a dedicated event space with panoramic views of Oakland and San Francisco it’s a “blank canvas” waiting for you add your vision.

Having visited countless event spaces, The Bridgeyard is a breath of fresh air.

www.thebridgeyard.com

Claremont Club & Spa

What can you say about The Claremont Club & Spa.

Stunning. Iconic. Historic resort charm in the heart of Berkeley with sprawling spaces and incredible attention to detail everywhere you look.

And I hear they have an amazing magic show happening there every month!

www.fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley

Odette Estate Winery

Odette Estate Winery is run by my friends at PlumpJack Group and their hospitality is second to none.

If you’re looking for a venue in Napa to host your holiday event you can’t go wrong with Odette Estate Winery.

www.odetteestate.com

Press Club

One of the first planners I met when I arrived in the Bay Area was Ashley Guillory and we ended up working a handful of events together. Ashley is now Director of Private Events at Press Club, a sophisticated and social wine bar in the heart of downtown San Francisco. If your group enjoys seasonal small plates and thoughtful pairings, Press Club is your spot.

www.pressclubsf.com

Conjuring Wonder Promo video

Excited to share the new promo video for CONJURING WONDER - Magic: Up-Close & Personal.

Join us monthly at The Claremont Club & Spa in Berkeley for The Bay Area’s Premiere Close-Up Magic Experience.

Tickets available at www.conjuring.live.

Conjuring Wonder at The Claremont Club & Spa

Oakland, CA - Dennis Kyriakos sells out the premiere performance of CONJURING WONDER at The Claremont Club & Spa, in Berkeley, CA.

Imagine making your way through the stunning lobby of the Claremont Club & Spa and unwinding with a glass of wine while mingling with other guests.

Claremont Club & Spa

Take your seat around the table as a dapper gentleman is introduced and the mysteries unfold.

Magic Show at The Claremont Club & Spa

Suddenly, objects vanish and reappear before your eyes. Uncanny coincidences unfold. Secret thoughts are revealed.

You are left charmed, bewildered, and amazed.

CONJURING WONDER will be presented monthly at The Claremont Club & Spa. Stay informed when future tickets go on sale here.

2021: In Technicolor
 
 

Yes, we still continue to face challenges but I firmly believe that it’s important to occasionally look at where you’ve come from and acknowledge your success — and failure. Do this often enough and with the right spirit and a clear path emerges in the direction you’re heading.

Despite the uncertainty of 2021, I was fortunate to present Virtual Deceptions at 44 online events and make appearances at 20 in-person corporate, private, and fundraising events this past year.

Here’s a taste of some of the most memorable moments…

The Return of In-Person Events

My first in-person event happened in May 2021. A team-building dinner for my new friends at Saltmine.

The event took place at Taplin Cellars, one of the oldest family-owned vineyard in Napa and Sylvia Taplin is the consummate host. The entire experience felt like being home.

The entertainment portion of the evening was a surprise for the team, so the folks at Taplin put me up in their cottage which doubled as a greenroom. After a fantastic meal prepared by The French Laundry, I was introduced and performed al fresco overlooking the vineyard.

What a joy to be back!

The Cottage at Taplin Cellars

The Cottage at Taplin Cellars

Greenroom

Dinner by The French Laundry

Sylvia Taplin thanking our chef for the evening and introducing the performance

Trade Shows

 

We saw the trade show industry open up this year with shows — large and small — across the country. One of the last events I did before locking down was the RSA Conference in February 2020 and we had no idea when the industry would be back.

Nice to see trade shows coming back and organizers adjusting the circumstance.

Stopping traffic for W Brothers at the Institute of Real Estate Conference Orange County Chapter Conference and Trade Show

 

Presenting for Bitdefender at Connect IT 2021 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

Presenting for Bitdefender at Connect IT 2021 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

In-Person Conferences

This year brought the opportunity to help a new client entertain conference attendees in Las Vegas and New Orleans.

Each reception included about 50 - 60 VIP conference attendees from across the country. And I designed a couple of customize presentations to get the client’s message across.

VIP Conference Reception at 1923 Prohibition Bar in Las Vegas

VIP Conference Reception at The Chicory in New Orleans

Speaking of Magic

As I mentioned at the top of this blog post, it’s important to look back and acknowledge success and failure. One of the things that kept me sane these past two years was finding a way to take the challenge we’re facing and do something positive with it.

 
Every obstacle in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and invoke our own submerged inner resources. The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths.
— Epictitus
 

Making Zoom Magic

The more Zoom meetings I had with clients the more I realized I had something to offer.

MAKING ZOOM MAGIC is a peek-behind-the-curtain to share the process of pivoting from performing at in-person events to crafting a highly-interactive and successful virtual magic performance for corporate events. I presented the talk to a handful of groups — virtually, of course! — and walked attendees through the nuts and bolts to making their next Zoom meetings amazing.

If you’d like to discuss bringing MAKING ZOOM MAGIC or another customize presentation to your group please drop me a note here.

The Speaker Spring Board Podcast

Alfred Poor invited me to be part of The Speaker Springboard Podcast. We talked about the business of doing magic, and what managers and leaders can learn from it.

 
 

Yeah, we jammed a lot into 10-minutes but Alfred it really good at what he does and apparently I have a lot to say on the subject.

And that’s no lie.

Listen to the episode here!

Virtual Conferences and Meetings

As challenging as it has been, there have also been some exciting opportunities to emcee and entertain at sales and kick-off meetings and opening receptions at virtual conferences for clients like Guidewire, SingleStore, Clarizen, DocuSign, SNUG World, Side reUnite, the Society for Technical Communication, and more!

The Battery

Thrilled to be back at my residency at The Battery this year. It was great to see the membership and staff again!

I’ve been the Resident Magician at The Battery since 2015, entertaining casually in The Musto Bar.

In November, I presented Psychic Illusions for approximately 80 club members. The performance ran 90 minutes in length and featured an act rarely seen today. What a treat to be back at the club!

The Oracle Act

The Parlor at The Battery

Thank you

We made it! We’re one year wiser, one year stronger.

Thank you for your loyalty and support.

May you find much WONDER & JOY in 2022. I’ll see you there!

Dennis

Pinch me, I'm dreaming

Wanted to share some exciting news...

Last night, after 15 months of virtual performances, I had my FIRST IN-PERSON EVENT! An intimate company team building dinner at Taplin Cellars, the oldest family owned vineyard in Napa.

The entertainment portion of the evening was a surprise for the team, so the folks at Taplin put me up in their cottage which doubled as a greenroom. After a fantastic meal prepared by The French Laundry, I was introduced and performed al fresco overlooking the vineyard.

What a joy to be back!

Cottage Inside copy.jpg
Meal.jpg
Taplin Event Space.jpg

Is this the end of virtual performances?

Well, only time will tell. But calls are coming in fast-and-furious for in-person events and it's looking good.

That's all for now. Be well.

Check out the LIVE INTERVIEW!

Ghabrana Nahi is a web show hosted by Rafea Moshin of Evenement, an Event Management and Solutions Company based in Pakistan.

Honored to be featured on their 20th episode as their first international guest!

 
 

Discover what sparked my interest in magic, the challenges faced and surmounted when moving west, and how I’m currently making adjustments to meet this moment.

And of course, there’s a bit of magic as well.

We had a fantastic time and hope you’ll have a look!

Case Study: The Elios Society Dinner and Virtual Magic Show
 
elios-logo-stacked.png
 

History

After arriving in the Bay Area in 2012, I challenged myself to make as many connections as I could to rebuild my business. Sometime in 2013, I connected with The Elios Society, A Company of Friends for Hellenic Heritage. I joined one of their meetings and performed after their meal. It was great to connect with that many Greeks under one roof. It felt like home!

As we sheltered-in-place and my business pivoted to performing virtual shows, I began reaching out again to past clients and The Elios Society was on my list.

Planning

I approached with the idea of putting together a virtual magic show where members can connect over cocktails and an evening of entertainment.

But it was on the very first call with the Executive Director when the idea began to expand.

The owners of The Argentum Project, and Elios Society members, would put together a fabulous menu that included mezedes (that’s Greek for appetizers!) dinner, glyko (Greek sweets!), and a bottle of wine to everyone who RSVP’d for the event. 

 
 

Execution

A total of 108 meals were delivered to 40 households across the Bay Area and a handful were even overnighted to the east coast arriving just in time for the show.

On Saturday, August 8th, attendees simply heated and enjoyed their meals with family in the comfort of their own homes. And at 7:30 PM everyone logged onto Zoom for the show. 

 
Elios Dinner.jpg
Alpha Wine.jpg

Each meal also came with a deck of playing cards, generously provided by the Eldorado Reno. Yet another member of The Elios Society stepping up to make the evening a success!

Why did each member need a deck of playing cards?

Well, VIRTUAL DECEPTIONS, is a highly-interactive experience with guests participating directly in the show!

It was a fantastic time and we had a blast!

Virtual Magic Show Dennis Kyriakos
Virtual Magic Show Dennis Kyriakos

Are you looking for a virtual magic show to create a truly unique experience for your association, organization, or group? Let’s find a creative solution that will suit your needs.