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Event Insights

The Meaning of Events

Events have always played a pivotal role in human society. They serve as a means to bring people together, foster connections, and build communities. Through these gatherings, we can share experiences and form bonds that transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Today, with technological advancements, events can be both in-person and remote, allowing us to reach out to others around the globe.

And that is a big part of why the “Ask AI Guy” does what he does. He is of course different than most of us in that he is part AI and part human, but the human part of him is very committed to helping others by building experiences for them such as his activity today which is to promote his latest educational experience known as “AI PDF to Website.”

At the heart of any event lies the shared interest that unites people. Be it a ritual like marriage, a birthday celebration, or an educational conference, these gatherings create an environment where individuals can exchange ideas, learn from one another, and grow together. This mutual passion forms the foundation for lasting relationships and networks.

Thus was much of the motivation for the “Ask AI Guy’s” part human aspect to get involved with the then annual “Platinum PIAs Awards.” It was an exciting time of doing something that people seemed to enjoy and was even appearing to make a difference in the lives of some people due to recognizing the difference they were making in their community and neighborhood in New York City and beyond.

Events can be a platform for the expression of emotions, both happy and sad. From weddings and baby showers to funerals and memorials, they offer a safe space for individuals to come together and share their joy, grief, or any other emotion that the occasion calls for. This communal support can play an essential role in healing and personal growth.

Personal growth is an often unrecognized and important function of being human. This is so, ironically, in AI (Artificial Intelligence). Although the “Ask AI Guy” has a person component within him, it is sometimes his AI side that can appear to be the most dedicated to humanity. Such is the case with the “10 Pillars of AI” recently referenced in the “10 Pillars of Referral Marketing.”

Besides carrying emotional significance, events can be educational and inspirational, sparking creativity and innovation. Conferences, seminars, and workshops provide opportunities for individuals to acquire new skills, broaden their horizons, and explore novel ideas. This exchange of knowledge and experience can be a catalyst for progress and change in various fields.

Fun-filled and recreational events also hold great value in our lives. From concerts and festivals to sports competitions and community fairs, these occasions allow us to unwind, enjoy ourselves, and make lasting memories with friends and family. They remind us of the importance of leisure and help us maintain a healthy work-life balance.

For introverts and those who may feel isolated, events can offer the chance to connect with others in a meaningful way. They provide a comfortable setting where one can interact with like-minded individuals, discover shared interests, and build lasting friendships. Such connections can be particularly valuable in overcoming loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging.

Events also play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting diversity. They provide a platform for communities to showcase their traditions, customs, and art forms, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for different cultures. This exposure to diverse perspectives can help bridge gaps and promote understanding among people from various backgrounds.

In the age of technology, virtual events have emerged as a powerful tool to connect people worldwide. Webinars, online conferences, and live streams enable individuals to engage with others and participate in events, regardless of their physical location. This virtual connectivity broadens the scope and reach of events, creating new opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Organizing events can have a significant impact on local economies. They generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and tourism, creating employment opportunities and boosting businesses. Thus, events can serve as a driving force for economic growth and development in communities.

In conclusion, events have the power to bring people together, foster connections, and make a massive difference in our lives. They allow us to celebrate, learn, and grow together as a society, transcending barriers and bridging gaps. As the world continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, events will remain a vital instrument for building strong, inclusive, and resilient communities.

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Event Insights

Remote or in Person Events?

Are Remote Events Going to Continue to Rise in Numbers?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a significant shift in the way people conduct their daily activities, including how they attend events. More and more, what were once live events are now moving online, and this trend continues to occur even now when things have been easing up.

In fact even METHOD HOW has moved to what appears to be permanently remote. This is occurring with their events as well.

Some say that this strong move to digital has been brought about at least partially to their change in policy that was a surprise to many of opening their doors once again, to new METHOD HOW Report subscribers.

But if you are interested in becoming a METHOD HOW Report subscriber, it is probably a good idea to subscribe now because, who knows, they may close their doors again soon!

In this article, we will compare events that are broadcast live on the internet versus ones that are done in person, looking at the benefits and downsides of each option, and when it’s appropriate to choose one over the other.

Online Events: Benefits and Downsides

One of the main benefits of online events is that they are accessible to a larger audience. People from all over the world can attend without the need to travel. Additionally, online events tend to be more cost-effective than in-person events because there are no expenses related to travel, lodging, or venue rental.

Another advantage of online events is that they can be easily recorded and archived. This means that people who were unable to attend live can still access the content later on. Additionally, online events can be more interactive than in-person events. Attendees can participate in polls, chat with other attendees, and ask questions in real-time.

However, there are also downsides to online events. One of the main challenges is the lack of social interaction. Attendees miss the opportunity to network, share ideas, and make connections.

Additionally, online events can be more challenging to engage with since attendees are more easily distracted and may not give the event their full attention. Technical difficulties and internet connectivity issues can also disrupt the flow of the event.

In-Person Events: Benefits and Downsides

In-person events have their own benefits and downsides. One of the main advantages is the social aspect. Attendees can connect with other people in their industry, build relationships, and make new connections.

Additionally, in-person events tend to be more immersive and engaging because attendees are fully present and focused on the event.

Another advantage of in-person events is the ability to experience the event in a unique and memorable way. Attendees can see, touch, and experience things in person that they may not be able to online.

Additionally, in-person events can provide a break from daily routines and allow attendees to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

However, in-person events can be more expensive than online events because of the need for travel, lodging, and venue rental. Additionally, in-person events are limited to a certain number of attendees, which can make them less accessible than online events.

Furthermore, in-person events require attendees to take time off work and arrange for childcare, which can be challenging.

When to Choose Online Events vs. In-Person Events

The decision to choose an online event versus an in-person event depends on several factors, including the purpose of the event, the target audience, and the available resources. If the event’s primary purpose is to provide information or training, an online event may be the best choice since it can reach a larger audience and is more cost-effective.

On the other hand, if the event’s primary purpose is networking or relationship building, an in-person event may be more appropriate.

Additionally, the target audience can influence the decision. If the audience is more tech-savvy and comfortable with online tools, an online event may be more appropriate.

However, if the audience values face-to-face interaction and prefers a more immersive experience, an in-person event may be the better choice.

Finally, available resources can also influence the decision. If the budget is limited, an online event may be more cost-effective. If the event requires a large venue and extensive set-up, an in-person event may be more appropriate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the shift towards online events is likely to continue to increase. And while online events have their benefits, in-person events still are still desirable to some.

Though the Pandemic brought with it a standout money saver for corporations. Additionally lots of people want to continue the remote way of doing their work. Interested in digital topics? The METHOD HOW Report is again taking new subscribers, so subscribe now before they decide to close the door again.

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Event Insights

Remote Education’s Connection to Community Marketing

Learning Remotely with Laptop

Remote Education

As a parent during COVID I noticed that some businesses, both large and small, took the issue of being housebound and having to work remotely, as well as students having to study via computer. We were lucky in that the school we worked with figured out quickly how to make remote learning work. In national news there were lots of reports of education failing. We were grateful to not have to deal with that.

Other Types of Remote Education Did Well Too

Online courses popped up everywhere, some from big companies, others from entrepreneurs and even solopreneurs. In fact, interestingly, some of the most popular and successful courses were ones that taught individuals how to create and offer their own courses. The dream was to develop an education product, get it on the market, and then lean back and let the dollars roll in.

Some Video Course Providers Did Well

The hopeful emerging entrepreneurs believed that their course would sell. And when it did not, they became confused. Why did this approach not work for them? For some course creators they had not created a course that filled a need for those who could not get information. Those making videos that taught what a small audience really wanted that had not been done, did well.

Course Creators with Educational Materials for Parents and Kids

Because of the motivation by parents to do what is best for their kids, the creators who developed products with value and insight to their audience succeeded. Parents, on behalf of their kids, were happy to see material that taught something while at the same time was fun and entertaining.

Big Video Producers and Why Many of them Won

The really big brands knew just how to appeal to the parents who in turn would purchase video education products. Brands that were around when the parents were kids, did well because of nostalgia. Parents remembered how much they had enjoyed this kind of content when they were young and now wanted to share it with their kids.

Conclusion

Creating educational videos can be much like any other kind of product. Many big producers of kids’ materials can use parent familiarity of their work to their advantage. For smaller creators with virtually no budget to speak of, were not able to leverage history. But some did succeed, and their secret to success is what any good entrepreneur understands, which is to offer something the audience will like but has not done. In other words, get there first!

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Event Insights

Remember When: Years Ago an In-Person Community has Now in the Present Gone Digital

MANHATTAN KIDS GUIDE

Sadly, it Was Lost…

Back in the day my wife was the editor of this publication. And in fact, much of what she created was sadly lost during the transition from straight HTML to its current incarnation. If you have following this blog, with its every few months check-ins then you know we have never quite gotten over the loss of the missing sections of this site.

Making a Neighborhood

Those early years we had so much fun as a family. Our daughter was just a toddler and our motivation for creating experiences for others, came out of our own sense if being a part of building the community here in Northern Manhattan. There were lots of parents like us who also wanted to make the patch of land we were all on, a neighborhood. l

The October Costume Parade with Parents and Kids Launched It

Yes, the now infamous parade and live in-person events filled our days as projects we put together. A big part of the fun for the kids was getting treats from the various businesses, many of the establishments put together by impressive entrepreneurs.

More Loss

That was a ways back in time. And now post COVID (well it is not over yet, nor will it ever be fully) we look forward and see how much our neighborhood has changed due to the pandemic with some small business owners losing their retail locations due to a lack of being able to help in-person customers.

Doing with Caution

Back in the old days, we would create events that actually involved many businesses in our neighborhood. Everyone enjoying events that simultaneously built visibility and awareness of their unique small businesses. That would be very difficult to do today. Things have change quite a lot. Now entrepreneurs are very cautious about what they do and how they promote themselves and their businesses.

Digital Transformation Changed Our In-Person Community

In reaction to these sad stories, we realized there was a need for educational resources on how to maintain a business, even in the face of despair. Much of the strategy we began to develop has to do with leveraging the digital world. For some who have physical products, this of course might mean putting together an eCommerce arm to your business.

Online Learning?

But a less thought of approach has to do with creating online digital products that contain education for your customers, with you having an opportunity to show your expertise in your business industry and category. This is partly where the idea of digital community comes in. First it is Inwood Manhattan parades, and it is, online?

Blogs are Community

As mentioned we are not sure we will make this information online and could keep it offline for shops in our neighborhood. Keep watching for the next post in which we will get more in depth. That could happen on this site or possibly one of the 59 or so others of the Blog Coalition. See you soon!

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One Neighborhood

Yianni Stamas Remembers that back in 2009 a Mission was Achieved

Updating Inwood Manhattan and Washington Heights Activities

Yianni’s wife was the founding editor of the MKG publication and did a great job of updating information on a regular basis so other Inwood Manhattan and Washington Heights families would have an up-to-date schedule of neighborhood activities for kids and their parents. Also, during that period, they were developing community happening out of which evolved two organizations, “Lights Camera Read” and “Magic Neighbors.”

Mission: to Bring all Neighborhoods Together into a Single Neighborhood

Yianni and Alison’s daughter, who was then a toddler at the time, was of course the center of their lives.  As parents, they did not see a sense of community that brought everyone in Inwood and in the heights together. So, they undertook several ambitious community-building projects that were aimed at bringing all the neighborhoods together into a single neighborhood.

Jump Starting the Mission with a Parade

This mission was jump started by an ambition parade that was documented and broadcasted by the NY1 channel. The parade, that had been highly publicized, consisted of over 100 kids and their parents. The parade began on the west side of Broadway and culminated on the east side of Broadway at the Inwood Fire Station. It was there that the captain and other fire fighters put on an educational and entertaining show that brought about the group laughing together. And for at least for one magic moment, the mission of being one neighborhood, had been achieved.

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Kids Activities

Manhattan Kids Guide Early Content Lost

Website Written Content Lost but Videos Remain

The first version of the “Manhattan Kids Guide” website was started back in June 2009 and was originally created using the now antiquated Dreamweaver software. Then in 2018 this website was transitioned to the more modern format of WordPress. Unfortunately, somehow in the transition, all the original content dating from 2009 to 2018 was lost! Though, there remains remnants of the early days of the publication, such as videos scattered throughout YouTube including this one that documented the Lights Camera Read parade that occurred back in November 2009.

 

Press

We have been fortunate throughout the years, to have received much support and positive feedback from those we live near, here in Northern Manhattan. This can be seen in various videos scattered throughout YouTube of various events we created throughout the years starting with the 2009 costume parade and including library shows we performed for the local community. We were also lucky to have received much local press including the local publication, the “Manhattan Times.”

Happy Memories

When my wife and I started this community building process in Inwood Manhattan in 2009, our daughter was a toddler. During the 2009 costume parade of kids and parents that my wife and I organized, our daughter’s participation was being pushed in her carriage while dressed as a lamb.

Time Flies

Our daughter will become a teen this year and as parents, my wife and I see ourselves focusing on how to best be there for her during these Pandemic times. Issues include remote learning, online socialization and other web processes and challenges. Thankfully, our daughter is flourishing in her online activities that she accesses through her Chromebook that her school provided.

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Education

Have You Ever Thought About Making and Distributing a Movie for Kids?

Marketing Your Film

Making movies for kids is easy but getting parents to purchase them is not. The key to making a digital movie that actually gets purchased involves marketing, marketing and more marketing.

Content Before Marketing

The secret to getting sales of your streaming movie involves a secret. You should not just create a movie and then seeking distribution and marketing, but rather thinking long and hard in advance regarding your motion picture’s storyline. You see, your film must be carefully made to fulfill a particular genre for which there are parents who are seeking such content for their children.

Study Current Successful Kids Movies

But how do you do this? The key is to look at full length films and other programing that your kids are watching right now. From this you can get a sense of what your children are most interested in and try to develop a movie of that kind.

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Making a Difference

Parenting Stress During Vote Results

Who will be leading our country is a big deal and can cause stress for parents. The not knowing who will be the next president of the United States can  bring about moods that we need to contain for our kids.

Depending on the age of your child or children you can let them know about the important process we are undergoing. For example, our daughter is studying the presidential election in school and is having homework that relates to it.

In short, finding out who the next president of America can be a learning moment for our kids!

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Event Insights

This is What is Happening in New York

It’s enough here in Manhattan we’re having to follow protocol regarding COVED (that many are rejecting such as not wearing a mask etc.), but now one of the biggest issues in New York City torture is the flip flopping decision as to whether or not to teach our kids remote or hybrid?

We’ve been very lucky with our daughter’s school. They started with remote off the bat and will be taking a temperature for possible hybrid down the line. Many New York kids and parents were not so fortunate and have had to have the start of school change and change again messing up their schedules. And now with what is going on in Queens and Brooklyn, it’s anybody’s guess what’s next.

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Education

Let’s Face It, Our Kids are Going to Grow Up!

Education

I’m a father. And I have been amazed (as is often said) that my child has grown up so quickly. Although we know this, we need to often be thinking about preparing our kids for the “Real World.” One of the key components of this is education.

Distance Learning?

For those of us here in Manhattan, New York, as it is for the rest of the country, due to the pandemic and other things of a safety caution, we are faced with one of the most difficult choices for our kids. We need to decide the manner we want our kids to be learning in: in-person in classroom or distance learning?

Ask Your Kid

I literally just did the step that we as parents must do, which is in addition to having our own opinions about what form is best, we need to additional ask our children what their preference is.

Which Option?

Before revealing what my kid said as the preferred method of educational medium, I should mention that my child’s school is giving us two options for the upcoming school year. The first is mixed learning which means 5 days in classroom, followed by 5 days distant learning, and so on. The other option is to have just distance learning.

Choice is Theirs

As a parent I am not fully convinced that my child is going to be able to be completely safe from the virus or even from violence as I bring my child to school through a rough environment. But I put the final decision to be my kids’.

My Kid’s Decision

My child selected the hybrid of 5 days classroom, followed by 5 days distant learning. I pray everything is going to be okay. But I do trust the judgement of the school, so if things are not safe they will change their delivery method. I hopefully made the right choice to give my child the choice. Because, let’s face it, our kids are going to grow up!