Flower & Garden Show 2019

A serious case of "flower power" is taking over the World Trade Center in Boston's Seaport district from March 13th to 17th. This year's show features gardens, landscapes, and flowers from all ages. Winning floral arrangements from elementary school aged students is among works showcased from veterans in the floral field. The show featured lectures and demonstrations, including one featuring farm to table cooking. Spring is truly in the air in Boston! An arrangements of photos from the 2019 show can be seen below. For ticket info: https://bostonflowershow.com/hours-tickets/

Here's to Spring in Boston!

Diner en Blanc: 5th Anniversary!

This year's Diner en Blanc took over City Hall Plaza transforming the epicenter of Center Hall into an all white picnic du jour! What began 3 decades ago in Paris has now spawned an international sensation!

Now in its fifth year in Boston, the tradition continued with volunteer hosts leading participants to the top secret location, revealed to guests, only when they arrived on the very site. Partons bring their own tables and chairs. Table clothes, chairs, and all attire are required to be white. In keeping with the age old tradition, the diner began with the waving of the white napkins. New this year, participants had the option of purchasing a Gold Shimmer Brut from One Hope Wine in celebration of Boston's 5th Diner en Blanc. More than 1,400 participants took part in this momentous event. 

Feast your eyes on Diner en Blanc 2018!

EzFoodFest

This year's EzFoodFest invaded the Lawn on D bringing with it the best from all over Boston and the 'burbs. Whether you order food for meetings, sales, or special events, EzCater has you covered. The event showcased a wide variety of cuisines including:

Andres Cafe
Anna's Taqueria
Avellino’s Restaurant
Beta Burger
boloco
Boston Catering & Events
EvyTea
Hearth Pizzeria
Kitchen Millie
Lanta Asian Cuisine
P.F. Chang's
Phinix Mediterranean
Sa Pa Vietnamese Kitchen
Spinelli’s Catering
Trio Cafe

In addition to great tastes, the event also featured a signature cocktail shown below.

Cheers to Fall in Boston!

Taste of Downtown Crossing

The 2nd Annual Taste of Downtown Crossing takes place this Sunday, September 24th from 12 to 3 pm.

Boston's Avenue de Lafayette will be transformed to feature tastes from the best of downtown crossing restaurants paired with chef demonstrations.

This year's Taste will feature delectable dishes from:  Artisan Bistro, Avenue One, Back Deck, Boston Chops, Chicken & Rice Guys, Cultivar, Explorateur, Fajitas & 'Ritas, Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors, jm Curley, Legal Crossing, Marliave, The Merchant, Omni Parker House, Pabu, Papagayo, Roche Bros., Ruka, Ruth's Chris Steak House, SA PA, Salvatore's, Serafina, Shed's BBQ, Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen, Taste Wine Bar & Cafe, and Yvonne's to name just a few!

Chef demonstrations throughout the day include: Chef Kelly Armetta (Avenue One), Chef Ben Steigers (Pabu), Chef Brian Young (Cultivar), and more.

For more information visit: http://tasteofdtx.com/

To view photos from last year's Taste of Downtown Crossing: https://theredballoonreport.blogspot.com/2016/11/taste-of-downtown-boston.html

To buy tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-downtown-crossing-tickets-36692415001?aff=redballoon

Happy Tasting Boston!

Diner en Blanc: Boston

Interested in joining this year's top-secret Diner en Blanc Boston?

What began nearly 30 years ago in Paris by Francois Pasquier and a group of close friends has grown to a gathering of thousands which takes place across six continents.

It is not until the last second that the meeting location is revealed. Thousands join together dressed all in white to meet for what can only be termed "the greatest picnic of all time."

This year's Diner en Blanc Boston stands to be yet another epic event. Today is the last day to order picnic baskets from Bon Me Foods, Captain Marden's Seafoods, and Pennypackers Food Truck, as well as wine.

To register and find more information visit: https://boston.dinerenblanc.com/register

For photos and video from previous year's: https://boston.dinerenblanc.com/media

It may be past Labor Day, but it is not too late to wear your very best white.

Bonne soirée,

The Red Balloon

TechJam 2017

Local Speakers, Bands, Beer & Food Trucks to Rock Boston TechJam 2017

Speakers, Music, Food Trucks, Libations and Games Provide Entertainment as Local Tech Community Takes Over City Hall Plaza at 5^th Annual Outdoor Innovation Event

 Boston – June 6, 2017 – Boston TechJam – a celebration of the technology ecosystem and culture of New England- and Boston-area entrepreneurs, startups, established tech companies, venture capitalists, non-profit organizations and higher learning institutions – has released its 2017 content lineup!

Over 7,000 Boston TechJam attendees will gather at City Hall Plaza on Thursday, June 15 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.to join the part block party, part tech showcase. Although speakers were missing from last year’s event, Boston TechJam 2017 is bringing an exciting lineup that will feature robots, fitness and audio tech.

“Attendees have been asking for more opportunities to learn from the wealth of experience and knowledge Boston has to offer, so we’re thrilled to bring speakers back to Boston TechJam this year,” said TechJam co-founder Mark Lorion, president and GM of Apperian. “These high-caliber guests will appeal to everyone – from students just starting out to long-time, seasoned executives.”

In addition to the newly added speaker lineup, two of the area’s top bands will perform, Jack’s Abby will be pouring beer and food trucks will be lining up, creating a fun environment for networking, discovery of local innovation and idea sharing to accelerate the region’s technology ecosystem and culture. There will even be a robot at the event that may deliver you chocolates and a surprise speaker or two.   

“Boston TechJam, now in its fifth year, is a networking event unlike any other: a giant block party with innovative companies showing off their latest inventions,” said Ben Maitland-Lewis, CEO of PrettyInstant.com and Founding Music & Entertainment Director of Boston TechJam. “The incredibly fun and unique-to-the-area atmosphere really brings the community together to celebrate all that we as a city are contributing to the world.”

This year’s entertainment line-up includes:

• Speakers – Throughout the event, speakers will be discussing Boston’s audio tech scene, how MA is shaping the fitness industry, and how robots are making the world a better place. 
• Live Music – Award-winning bands will play funk, soul, R&B, pop, and reggae to keep the party grooving. Bands this year include East Coast Soul, joining Boston TechJam for their second year, andSpiritual Rez, performing their only live show in Boston before continuing on tour.
• Games and Exhibits from over 100 Local Companies – While the bands are rocking, entrepreneurs, startups, established tech companies, venture capitalists, non-profit groups and students will be checking out local innovations and enjoying fun, festival-style activities and games. The exhibiting companies will be organized as “Innovation Villages” to inspire community and networking within the event.
• Food and Libations – Attendees can stay fueled at the festival by enjoying beer from Jack’s Abby and munching on eats from a variety of Boston-favorite food trucks, including: Chubby Chickpea, Moyzilla, Rhythm & Wraps, Roxy's Grilled Cheese, Sabroso Taqueria, Zo on the Go, Vice Cream, The Sausage Guy, Revelry and Collettey's Cookies.

Register for the event now at www.bostontechjam.org.

The event would not be possible without the thought leadership and financial support of underwriting sponsors Autodesk, Cengage, Chewy, Cybereason, EBSCO, Kronos Incorporated, Monster, Optum, PTC and Rapid7.

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About Boston TechJam

Boston TechJam is a showcase and accelerator for new ideas and world-class innovations coming out of the Boston region. The event brings together early stage companies, entrepreneurs, students, established enterprises, venture capitalists and artists to celebrate the region's technology, entrepreneurship and culture. Equal parts idea exchange and celebration, Boston TechJam is an unconventional meeting ground for local innovators, visionaries and up-and-comers. The 18+ event will take place June 15, 2017 on Boston City Hall Plaza.

Boston TechJam is supported by Autodesk, Cengage, Chewy, Cybereason, EBSCO, Kronos Incorporated, Monster, Optum, PTC and Rapid7. Founding collaborators include Apperian, MassTLC, East Coast Catalyst, Pretty Instant, Influence Central and SHIFT Communications, additional collaborators include BostInno, Boston New Tech, CIC, General Assembly, Launch Academy, MassChallenge, MassDiGi, MassTLC Education Foundation, MITX, Resilient Coders, SheGeeksOut, TechGen, Venture Café, WBUR and the City of Boston.

 Tech

Perks Convention 2017

This year's Perks Convention was the unconference of the year. The event took place at a new location in Fenway at Hatch. The event space featured a swing set with the words, "Get Cracking." The innovative space served as an appropriate springboard for an event now in its fourth year, bridging a connection between corporations and a wealth of outside benefits for employees.

All the best in on-site services available to companies was present. From corporate ice cream socials via Vice Cream to manicures at your office from Manipro, the event showcased partners that will work with companies to ensure that employees are getting the "perks" they need. Everything from health and wellness to food and beverage was part of this year's Perks. The event featured Boston Organics, Medworks, The Dinner Daily, Bevi, and Mobile Mini-Golf to name just a few. The event features an array of delectable treats from Fooda. Photos from the 2017 Perks Convention are below:  

Perks Convention 2017

The Red Balloon presents an exclusive interview with Alexa Baggio, the Co-founder of the Perks Convention. Here is what you need to know about the upcoming 4th Annual Perks Convention.

• Can you talk about the history behind the Perks Convention?

​Perks started as a simple meet up group for like minded businesses.  We had the founders of New England-based in-office service providers coming together on a regular basis to share strategy, make introductions to clients, and generally just help each other out.  We were all selling the HR managers at the same offices, so it makes sense to have a network.  The concept grew legs from there when we realized HR teams were looking for an easy way to discover our services without the hassle of organic discovery.  

The second phase of the organization came in the form of an annual convention that attracts HR managers from innovative offices all around New England.  We originally expected about 75 sign ups and were pleasantly surprised when we saw 600 plus attendees sign up.  

The last phase of the organization will be to continue developing out our online portal for the convention to then live on-line all year round.  

• Now in its fourth year, what can participants expect to be different from past years? What has stayed the same?

​We are excited to be hosting at Hatch Fenway this year.  The layout is amazing and the vibe is exactly what we look for - fun and non-traditional.  We have a ton of new vendors this year, but it will be the same atmosphere of fun music, drinks flowing and ​unforced networking.  We often call ourselves the 'unconference' of the HR world, hoping that attendees will feel more like they are at a party then a professional event. We commit to being #unconventional.  

• Can you give us an idea of what goes on behind-the-scenes of the Perks Convention?

​We are acting as connectors in the B2B services world.  We really feel like it's our duty to connect forward thinking companies with amazing on-site services that range from yoga to on-site haircuts.  Behind the scenes you'll see a lot of introductions happening and a lot of prep work for what tends to be a rather large event with a lot of moving parts. ​

• What are your goals for this year's Perks Convention? What do you hope the convention can accomplish?

​Our goal of the event is always pretty simple.  We want to add value to companies looking to explore ways to enhance culture and we want to help innovative start ups find great clients.  We also want to make sure that everyone has fun in the process. ​

• How do you envision the convention will grow and change in the future?

​We see this growing market over market.  What we are building here in New England can and will be replicating in every major market.  We hope we can spend the next few years developing the road map for a nation-wide expansion of the platform and the convention itself. ​

For more information and for ticket information:

http://www.awesomeemployeeperks.com/

Taste of Back Bay 2017

The Red Balloon is pleased to share the official 2017 Taste of Back Bay Press Release:

The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) will hold its 22^ndAnnual Taste of the Back Bay on Thursday, May 11^th 2017, from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Prudential Skywalk. Come and sample some of the finest food and drink Boston has to offer. This year a portion of the proceeds will benefit Women’s Lunch Place in addition to NABB’s many community programs.  Tickets are $125 members/ $135 non-members/ $150 day of event. For more information or to order tickets go to www.nabbonline.com or call 617-247-3961.

************************

FULL PRESS RELEASE

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Contact:                                                                                 Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay

Susan Baker                                                                          www.nabbonline.com

Taste of the Back Bay                                                         info@nabbonline.com

Baker.sue@comcast.net                                                    160 Commonwealth Ave.#L-8, Boston, MA 02116

617-867-9501                                                                      617-247-3961

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                    Back Bay Neighbors to Celebrate the 22^nd Annual Taste of the Back Bay

                                                To be held Thursday, May11^th, 2017

The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) is pleased to announce the restaurants and vendors that will be participating in its 22nd Annual Taste of the Back Bay on Thursday, May 11^th 2017 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Prudential Skywalk. The proceeds from this year’s Taste will benefit NABB’s many community programs, and a portion will be donated to the Women’s Lunch Place.

The Taste of the Back Bay is an annual sampling of the finest food and drink available in the Back Bay and the surrounding area-including signature dishes, fine wine, and micro-brewed beer. This year’s stellar lineup includes:

-Abe & Louie’s                                     -Kashmir

-Atlantic Fish                                       -King’s Boston

-Bauer Wine & Spirits                        -La Voile

-Bar Boulud                                          -Legal Sea Foods

-Brasserie Jo                                         -L’Espalier

-Bristol Lounge                                    -Lucca Back Bay

-Back Bay Beats                                   -Papa Razzi

-Buttermilk & Bourbon                      -Pecinct Kitchen + Bar

-Capital Grille                                       -Off the Common

-Cornish Pasty Co.                               -Roost Bistro/The Patisserie

-DeLuca’s Market                                -Stephanie’s on Newbury

-Earl’s Kitchen + Bar                          -Still River Winery

-Eatlay                                                   -Top of the Hub

-Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse           -The Urban Grape

-Georgetown Cupcake                        -80 Thoreau

-Joe’s American Bar & Grill                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                               

Tickets are now on sale and cost $125 for NABB members, $135 for non-members, and $150 day of event.  Those wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets early.

To purchase tickets, go to www.nabbonline.com or call the NABB office at 617-247-3961.

Boston Wine Expo 2017

The wondrous Wine Expo Grand Tasting was filled with the sweet sounds and scents of superb wine. The expo celebrated its 26th anniversary this past week on February 18th and 19th. Inside Boston's Seaport World Trade Center there was plenty of sparkling concoctions worthy of toasting.

This year's Grand Tasting highlighted over 1,800 wine varieties from around the globe. The Celebrity Chef Stages featured appearances by Andy Husbands as well as David Becker to name a few. Seminars on over 35 topics including, "One Hour Wine Experts" and "Why You Like the Wines You Like" took place for those looking for a more formal education in wine.

The Red Balloon had the privilege of meeting and discussing wine with Marzia Ferraris Arizzi at the Expo. Marzia is the proprietor of Arizziwine. This family owned winery produces Sangiovese and Merlot wines from the soil to maximum the taste. Marzia stressed the importance of quality when producing all of her wine. She ensures that within each bottle she creates, that the grapes and the very essence of life are contained. Her philosophy of quality is clear in her devotion to her winery. For Marizia, the wine process from start to finish is clearly a labor of love. Marzia is pictured on the far right of the photo below:

New this year, participants at the Grand Tasting could take part in mini-paint sessions to get a feel for Paint Night. With aprons on, participants took to their canvases and got in touch with their inner Picasso.

Participants also had the option of creating mini-terrariums, getting their hands dirty and a sense of what is involved in Plant Night.

More photos from the expo:

                           

                         

                                                                                                                                           

As always, the expo is for a worthy cause.Proceeds from the Boston Wine Expo support the Tufts Medical Center's Summer Camp Program for Children with disabilities.

Cheers to 2017!

Boston Expos

Auto Expo

Beep Beep Beep! New England's largest auto expo invaded Boston's Convention and Exhibition Center last month. With countless imported and domestic models as well as a classic collection of vintage automobiles it was the place to be for all auto enthusiasts.

The Boston Auto Show is the place to feed your need for speed. Whether you're in the market for a hybrid, light truck, car, van, or crossover - the show is the one place where you'll see it all.

See some photos from the show below including a vehicle being painted before patrons very eyes - the car will be one of the official pace cars in the 2017 Boston Marathon:

Ski & Snowboard Expo

The 35th Annual Ski & Snowboard Expo took place at the Seaport World Trade Center, featuring all things for those in search of winter adventure.

Countless demonstrations and tips for combating the winter blues were on hand. Interactive exhibits and all the gear needed for skiers and snowboarders was available including some below:

Taste of Fenway

The Taste of Fenway was a huge success featuring restaurants that pleased even the most discerning palates.

Blaze Pizza, Basho, TigerMama, Fiouna Catering, Hojoko, Sweet Cheeks, Yard House, and Wahlburgers were among just a sampling of the restaurants providing a taste of their cuisine for patrons to feast upon.  Fomu was on hand offering alternative ice cream. Flavors including the seasonal favorites of pumpkin caramel and apple cider donut as well as the delightful chocolate pudding. TigerMama dished out Singapore Street Noodles which consisted of delicious crispy curried noodles, asian greens, and sesame seeds. Basho Japanese Brasserie served up a BBQ chicken wrap that delighted. Blaze Pizza provided a variety of pizza pies including a vegetarian option. Wahlburgers crafted their special "Our Burger" sliders which consisted of lettuce, tomato, "government" cheese, Paul's signature housemade wahl sauce and pickles paired with their Housemade Chili.

Wally the Green Monster made a special appearance.

Photos from the Taste of Fenway:

Here's to Fenway!

Taste of Downtown Crossing

This Sunday, the very first Taste of Downtown Crossing will take place.

Please see an excerpt from the official Press Release:

The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District to Host The Inaugural Taste of Downtown Crossing 

A celebration of diverse food, culture and entertainment Boston, MA-

The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting the inaugural Taste of Downtown Crossing, a celebration of diverse food, culture and entertainment. On Sunday, September 25, 2016 between noon and 4:00 pm Avenue de Lafayette will be transformed into a lovely street side café. Event attendees will enjoy the sounds of violinist Lewis Flores, opera singer Marshall Richard and piano player Brian John. The event will also feature a wine and beer garden, culinary demonstrations and food tastings from over 20 restaurants offering their distinctive cuisines. The Taste of Downtown Crossing will showcase many of the restaurants that have made Downtown Crossing a foodie hotspot. Since the formation of the Downtown Boston BID in 2011, thousands of Boston residents, employees, students and visitors have flocked to Downtown Crossing to enjoy the best food and shopping Boston has to offer.

“Taste of Downtown Crossing is a new destination event that will allow the BID to continue promoting the Downtown Crossing area as an active and welcoming neighborhood, and we are excited to celebrate the many restaurants of Downtown,” said Rosemarie Sansone, President & CEO of the Downtown Boston BID. Downtown Crossing restaurants to be featured in the tasting portion of the festival include:

Artisan Bistro,
Avenue One at Hyatt Regency,
Back Deck,
Boston Chops,
Central Bistro,
David’s Tea,
Fajitas & ‘Ritas,
Gordon’s Fine Wine & Liquors,
 JM Curley,
Kingston Grille & Bar,
Legal Crossing,
Marliave,
Mast,
The Merchant,
Oceanaire,
Papagayo,
Roche Bros.,
Ruth’s Chris Steak House,
SA PA,
Serafina,
Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen, and
Yvonne’s

Happy Tasting!

Walk to End Alzheimer's

The 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's Greater Boston takes place on September 25th 2016. The event is the world's largest event to raise funds and awareness of Alzheimer's. The facts about Alzheimer's are startling:

Currently, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's Disease.

In the U.S., approximately two-thirds of those with Alzheimer's are women.

Alzheimer's is a chronic and progressive condition.

There are over 3 million people diagnosed each year with the disease in the U.S. alone.

Alzheimer's Disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer examined the brain of a woman who had passed away after experiencing memory loss, speech impairment, and unexplained atypical behavior. Following her passing, Dr. Alzheimer noticed abnormalities within her brain, now known to be amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease.

The annual walk is held  in over 600 communities. The greater Boston Walk will take place at DCR's North Point Park in Cambridge. The Alzheimer's Association is a global organization with a goal of supporting research across the globe. The walk is all ages and all abilities, spanning two to three miles. The event sends a message of hope to the community.

For more information, specifics about the event, or to find a walk close to you go to: www.alzwalkmanh.org

Outside the Box

Outside the Box Festival was held on Boston Common and brought many amazing acts right to the center of the city.

The 5 day festival featured a curated line-up of musicians, poets, and artists.
New this year, the festival featured an innovation section.

Daughtry, Smashmouth, Ruby Rose Fox, and many, many other artists brought an array of culture, art, and music into beautiful Boston Common. Check out the photos for yourself:

Keep on thinking "Outside the Box" Boston!

21st Annual Taste of Back Bay

The exquisite 21st Annual Taste of Back Bay took place on May 19th at the Skywalk in Boston's Prudential Center.

The 360 degree view of Boston from the Skywalk was breathtaking.


The Top of the Hub provided a dish of halibut which was divine.

The French brasserie La Voile provided a beautiful arrangement of delectable treats to taste without flying to Paris.


Not only was the food fantastic to taste, the presentation was second to none.

Not to be missed, Georgetown Cupcake was on hand with some sweet desserts.


It was an incredible night in support of a worthy cause, Food for Free, which rescues fresh food that might otherwise go to waste and provides it to those in need.

Until next time, The Red Balloon is off to great places!

Hyatt Regency: Inside Look

The Hyatt Regency Cambridge at 575 Memorial Avenue offers an extensive array of spaces for hosting events. They've recently remodeled and The Red Balloon takes you on an inside look of the hotel.

The Riverside Pavilion offers a white tent with French windows. The space offers both modern and classic charm to create an elegant and timeless space. See for yourself how beautiful it is:

Conveniently located along the Charles River, the Riverside Pavilion offers an impressive space for you and your guests as well as a selection of food and drink that is in a category of its own.

For those who are looking for a space with a view of high above the city, the Hyatt offers a variety of options including the 14th floor's Empress Ballroom. Here is a view from the ballroom:

As if that's not enough, on the 16th floor, you will find the Charles View Ballroom, which offers 180 degree panoramic views of Boston. Fun fact: that space used to belong to Boston's only restaurant that spun (yes it is true.) The restaurant was named the Spinnaker. The restaurant may not be there anymore but the view remains the same. See below why they call it the Charles "View" Ballroom:

And the food is nothing short of amazing.

The Hyatt Regency Cambridge transforms spaces into places. The Hyatt has everything covered for all of your event needs to make your special occasion a lasting memory.

Happy Hosting!