Confetti Fair & Kara’s Party Ideas workshop – Sydney 2014

 

Last week I had the fabulous opportunity to attend the Kara’s Party Ideas workshop and Confetti Fair in Sydney. You can see the professional photos from this event on the Rosie and Rolf Photography facebook page. Most of the below are my own personal iphone pictures and they don’t do the beautiful styling justice!

It was a wonderful opportunity to learn some party planning tips from Kara Allen as well as meet with others in this lovely industry and see gorgeous styling, party products and ideas!

We were greeted by this amazing feather feature as we walked in to the beautiful Byron Kennedy Hall. Gorgeous!

 

 

The workshop was lots of fun (how could it not be with the fantastic Sugar Coated Mama co-hosting and creating lots of laughs!) with some wonderful party planning tips by Kara Allen which were also accompanied by a party planning folder filled with lots of practical tips. She provided advice which was useful for event stylists as well as “mummy stylists” like me.

 

 

She was friendly, sweet and down to earth and we were able to watch as she styled a table herself.

I won’t give too much away so as not to spoil the workshop for those of you yet to attend!

However we also received a wonderful party goodie bag filled with some fun party items.

Sarah from Sugar Coated Mama was a delight to meet and hear from in person. She doesn’t just talk party, she walks the talk! I loved this gorgeous stand she created:

 

 

We also heard from other wonderful speakers and panel members! Michelle from Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs provided some honest business advice. She discussed the importance of not worrying about what everyone else is doing and posting on facebook. Instead, focus on your client and what your client wants. If you please your client, then your reputation will grow as word of mouth is so important for your business. Even if you don’t like the cake or table etc your client wants you to create – still do it. You don’t have to post it up on facebook, but if the client is paying you then do what they want.

 

 

 

I thought this was such important advice as so many of us are integrating social media with our business and sometimes there can be a clash between what our facebook likers would enjoy seeing and what our actual client wants. As Michelle explains – most of your facebook likers won’t become business for you, so focus on what your client wants first!

 

 

There were lots of chances during the workshop breaks to have a browse of all the Confetti Fair setups and chat with everyone. It was lovely to meet up in person with the vendors on my directory, other people in the industry and meet some new faces and even some blog readers of my blog!

I have included some images in this blog post, however to see all the photos and stands pop onto the Confetti Fair facebook page.

Tiny Tots Toy Hire shared an array of some of their wonderful props they have for hire! As you can see Flamingos are still trending and made an appearance around Confetti Fair:

 

 

Lots of loveliness, inspiration and props:

 

 

 

Such an amazing Alice in Wonderland cake at the Little Wish Parties stand!:

 

 

 

Gorgeous vintage prettiness!:

 

 

I was able to view these popular light up toppers in person:

 

 

Purple made a feature at a few stands and I loved the ombre look created here:

 

 

What I love about Confetti Fair being a mum, is that it showcases ideas and products for kids parties (along with adult events).

This was a creative Art Party setup. Loved the kids table settings!

 

 

How clever are these colour in cookies?:

 

 

These mini honeycomb balls were so cute:

 

 

Such an array of partyware on display:

 

Sweet Health had their fabulous cookie mixes in a bottle at the fair and I took the opportunity to buy another mix to make at home with my girls:

 

 

 

Lots of unique chocolate favour ideas for kids parties, and smashcakes:

 

 

Some really cute party stationery on show plus I picked up some delightful fairy wings for my girls at the Hoot Invitations stand:

 

 

 

Such a unique setup by Mumma Cakes who sell DIY cake kits. I also picked up a DIY play dough kit for my daughter here:

 

Lots of toys, creative play and party game ideas:

 

 

These are just some of the stands at the fair and as you can see there was plenty of ideas and products to take in. My head was definitely in party planning mode over that weekend!

If you have the chance to attend the Kara’s Party workshops and/or Confetti Fair in your state, I highly recommend it! You’ll discover so much inspiration, products, ideas and tips which are relevant for ALL celebrations whether they be a baby shower, birthday party, Christening, engagement, wedding or other occasion.

You can find all the details on the Confetti Fair website.

 

 

 

 

 

*This is not a sponsored post*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giveaway: Sequin Tablecloth & Confetti Fair tickets

I have a WONDERFUL giveaway for you this week! I know how many of you love these stunning sequin tablecloths from Any Occasion Events (based on the last time we gave one away)!

So here is your chance to win your choice of a SILVER, BLACK or GOLD sequin tablecloth! Perfect also to be used as a backdrop!

 

 

These tablecloths will be used by Kara Allen during the Kara’s Party Idea workshops & Confetti Fair in Australia and I’m also giving you the chance to win TWO FREE TICKETS to Confetti Fair (Syd, Melb, Brisbane or Adelaide).

Entry is simple via rafflecopter. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Confetti Fair – an inspiring affair

Heading to Confetti Fair I felt like the “online party world” I see everyday via FB, blogs etc was about to come to life.

So many businesses/business owners I follow online, comment on their pictures and truly admire – I was able to finally meet and see their work or products in real life.

This was at the entrance to the venue – love the colour combo!:

It was amazing to be surrounded by so many different stalls – each styled so uniquely. It truly felt like you were at a different party at each table you went to.

 

However looking back at the pictures I realise I didn’t get to take in all the details of everyone’s stalls and displays – probably because I was too busy talking to all the lovely ladies behind the stalls!

I truly enjoyed meeting everyone at Confetti Fair – most of whom I had dealt with online. It was so lovely to finally get to meet in person these wonderful women who inspire me (& many others) online and see their work in person rather than just onscreen!

I don’t want to mention particular names/businesses because to be honest we could be here all day and I’m bound to miss somebody!  I’ve just picked different pictures to show you from various business to give you an idea of what was on display- please click on the image to be taken to the business/image source.

 

everyone I met….yes everyone, was friendly, down to earth and welcoming!

You know how you see these AMAZING parties styled by people online, or brilliant cakes, or such unique printables…and you realise just how talented these people must be – and wander how they will be if you meet them ? Well each and every single business owner who was exhibiting was so genuine, lovely and humble!

 

 

 

 

Besides specific stalls, there were all sorts of collaboration tables set up all around the hall – lovely kids tables & dessert tables with styling, decor, treats etc all by various businesses combined!

I wish I could put up a lot more images to showcase everyone’s displays however you can see more on the Confetti Fair facebook page.

There were party boutiques, handmade decor suppliers, party hire businesses, cake makers, printable designers, event stylists and more all exhibiting –  everything you need when organising a party!

If Confetti Fair is coming to a city near you, you HAVE to go….!

Whether it be to find some party ideas or products or to meet in person the people behind the amazing party businesses in these states – I assure you, it is worth it.

Here are the upcoming dates, more details and tickets via the Confetti Fair website:

Brisbane: 14th July

Melbourne: 4th August

Perth: 23rd November

Congratulations & thank you to Claire for organising Confetti Fair and to all the businesses who exhibited and put together such inspiring displays of their work/products/services for all of us visitors to enjoy!