Your work is challenging and fulfilling. You're in the groove, on the track, hitting on all cylinders, but somehow you volunteered to plan the "Perfect Picnic." What now? WTF? OMG!

Do you check Task Rabbit on the commute to see if you can trust the teenage part time Uber Driver who does catering too? Are you about to choke down frozen pizza again because you now have 3 more hours of party planning tonight on approved overtime on your own time?

(BTW, here's a few ‘Golden Rules’ we’d like to share with you that'll help you enjoy the party with your guests and make the planning process smooth and enjoyable no matter how you decide to organize it all.)

1. Pick a theme to get your creative juices flowing. Start with Carnival, Hawaiian Luau, or Surfin' Safari and then customize for your unique style. The choices are endless!

2. Entertainment is the key to a fun day in the sun. A Bluetooth Jambox can never match the high energy of a DJ acting as MC to keep the day interesting by leading games, dancing and competitive challenges.  Make sure to include a mix of interactive entertainment like clowns, face painters, balloon artists, puppet shows, tarot card readers, strolling magicians, henna artists, and carnival game booths with prizes.

3. Color, color, color!  Create a festive atmosphere using balloons, colorful table clothes, centerpieces, sunglasses, beach balls and plush toys.

4. A picnic screams FINGER FOOD! Grab-and-go items like a fully loaded hot dog and hamburger bar are a popular way to refuel without needing a fork and knife. Of course if you have tables, you can always go chicken and ribs BBQ with smokehouse sides like baked beans, coleslaw and cornbread. Remember the veggies too so nobody feels left out. Keep it local, seasonal and fresh. For a real treat add specialty food carts like Cotton Candy, Sno Cones, Churros and Popcorn.

5. Everybody loves dessert! Include healthy and fresh items like ice cold watermelon with a seasonal fresh fruit display including creamy yogurt and granola, but don't forget the decadent choices like colorful candies, cupcakes, pies, brownies and cookies for those with a sweet tooth.

From chilly lounges to mini golf courses, opt for one of these unexpected locations for your next festive gathering.

Looking for a venue for the company holiday party, but tired of booking the same local bar? This year, why not reward a team’s creativity with an equally original location? From Ferris wheel cabins to bedroom arcades, here are 12 venues so unique, they’re sure to spark conversation among coworkers.

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By Rose Curiel Posted September 26, 2014, 11:53 AM EDT

Social media is now one of the most important tools planners and marketers can use to disseminate information about events and meetings, interact with attendees, solicit feedback, and create year-round engagement with a target audience. But its rise to prominence has prompted questions about how to effectively employ Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other such sites before, during, and after live gatherings. Here's a look at new strategies, tools, and tips from across the event and meeting industry.

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By Martha C. White Posted October 27, 2014, 7:15 AM EDT