Brandon Cunningham

Executive Chef – the green o

“If you’re lucky enough to live in Montana, you’re lucky enough.” On the other hand, if you’re lucky enough to stay at the green o in Montana, then it may be the next best thing.

There are multiple features that make this all-inclusive resort remarkable including the people and the service. One fact that must be vocalized is we were exposed to a new level of culinary virtuosity.

Our initial site visit included dining at Pomp, the fine dining, yet rustic ranch-style restaurant of The Resort at Paws Up. What unfolded in each dish we devoured was beyond any taste profile known to us. Distinctive combinations of senses yet keeping within the character of the environment.

Samantha Lange (NSM of Paws Up and our hero) delightedly shared with us that Chef Brandon Cunningham was the mastermind behind it all. Fast forward to our actual incentive program>>> Chef Brandon is at the green o Social Haus and at our Welcome Reception!

Our client had reserved all the inventory at the green o, extending exclusive Social Haus use. As the guests arrived, Chef Brandon approached each one who had noted any dietary restrictions or preferences to personally discuss the offerings and adjustments. We watched in awe of his interaction, care, and determination.

The next few days were superior in cuisine. Each night involved a 9-course show that exploded our existing knowledge of gastronomy. Works of art, such as a smoking terrarium that included freshly and locally foraged edible flowers, will never leave our memory.

We inquired as to why he is not a Michelin-star chef. Interesting to know that to earn or even be considered, you must be in an area covered. There are other criteria that may affect his ability to even be studied. Shame.

Over a year after the event, we have not stopped thinking about how unpretentious, devoted, and inspired he was. Recently we were able to catch up with him and not surprisingly, he is still all those things. Our biggest question is how he does not take any criticism personally since being a chef is about your art. He humbly responded, “It is about taking the ego out of the food. Creating and serving others is about their enjoyment.”

Chef Brandon, we concur. Thank you for awakening senses and protecting “the why”. The bond of authentic heart and hospitality in our fellow humans exists.

Think Neu Events

Think Neu Events specializes in the production of world-class corporate events. From the tiniest detail to rippling success, our team is strategic, devoted, and visionary. The company is owned and operated by Shellie Neuman and Kimberly Willis. Adept and accomplished as event managers, they developed the business in 2014 to ensure priority service is merged with intentional planning at every level.

Think Neu Solutions.
Think Neu Experiences.
Think Neu Events.

September 11, 2023 Think Neu Events 0 Comments What's Neu all-inclusive, best events, best of the best, Branding, corporate events, culinary genius, Details, Event planners, executive chef, hospitality, incentive, location, meetings, montana, resort

What’s on the Menu?

The evolution of food is a fascinating, yet critical, piece of the event pie. With 20+ years in the event planning industry, we’ve seen the menus shift. It used to be “what variation can we fit in the budget” (spoiler, it was always chicken) to “what’s the best selection for the value.”

Amongst a movement in the diversity of food options, global cultures, dietary preferences, food aversions, health focus, interactive experiences, and chef notoriety, the event menu has become a complex and prioritized focal point in our design process. The fact is that culinary experience is taking center stage in corporate programs.

From exclusive restaurants and chef involvement for our executive board meetings to non-repetitive, health-conscious buffet items, our charge is to be comprehensive, intentional, unpredictable, and creative when crafting menus.

To allow the attendees to savor their experience, our approach includes many of the following steps:

Pre-event communication
Collaboration with onsite chefs and local cuisine
Menu variety
Gastronomy and fusions
Allergen and health awareness
Transparent labeling
Customizable options and substitutions
Flavor and presentation
Signature drinks and local flare
Chef interaction and demonstration
Action stations
Onsite communication
Feedback loop

Being gastronomes, we take pride in ensuring guests get the flavor of the overall event through the culinary offerings and attention we put into bringing those to the table. Our mission is for everyone to be excited about and to remember “what’s on the menu.”

Think Neu Events

Think Neu Solutions.
Think Neu Experiences.
Think Neu Events.

August 29, 2023 Think Neu Events 0 Comments What's Neu banquets, best events, best of the best, corporate events, corporate food and beverage, cuisine, Details, dietary restictions, Event planners, foodie, gastronome, hospitality, meetings, presentation, specialty, taste

Carol Kavanaugh-Arrington

Director of Sales – Outside DMC

3H Specialist

In the face of challenges and setbacks, some individuals possess a quality that sets them apart – their unwavering determination, resilience, and sheer perseverance. This quality is known as grit. Carol has this through and through.

Outside DMC, Carol, and Mike Overton (Founder and CEO of Outside DMC and Outside Brands) were the main recommendations to assist us in the many elements of a National Sales Meeting in Hilton Head Island, SC. Our first introduction in 2019 created an instant bond. They are both so darn likable and experts at what they do!

Carol put us at ease and alleviated many aspects of the event. She did so by getting to know us, the client, and the outcome we desired.

That grit we mentioned became fundamental in the unexpected path that forced us to reschedule the 2020 meeting, cancel the 2021 new date, and eventually start from scratch for the 2022 program. Carol remained by our side and restructured where required. From décor, additional staffing, and transportation to a phenomenal team-building afternoon on Page Island, Carol, and her team executed the program just as we would – with passion, vision, and determination.

Carol’s flexibility, positive attitude, care for others and relentless spirit helped propel the sensational 2022 results. We are grateful to know her. She’s precisely what 3H signifies.

Think Neu Events

Think Neu Solutions.
Think Neu Experiences.
Think Neu Events.

The Hiring Advantage

Struggling to decide whether to hire an external event professional, hire within, or simply assign to an internal employee?

A simple analysis would be to imagine you are building a house or a restaurant. It is an investment, and anyone would recommend you hire a project manager.

Here are compelling reasons why hiring a corporate event planner can be highly beneficial:

Professional Expertise: Corporate event planners have specialized knowledge and experience in planning and executing successful events. They understand the nuances of corporate settings, logistics, and requirements, ensuring that every aspect of the event is well-coordinated and executed flawlessly.

Time and Resource Management: Planning a corporate event can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially for busy professionals. Event planners take the burden off your shoulders by handling all the details, allowing you to focus on your core responsibilities. They have established relationships with vendors, which enables them to secure competitive prices and access exclusive resources for your event.

Creative Vision and Innovation: Event planners bring fresh ideas and creativity to the table, helping you design unique and memorable experiences for your attendees. They can transform your event concept into a visually stunning and engaging reality, incorporating innovative technologies and trends to make your event stand out.

Budget Optimization: A professional event planner understands the importance of budget management. They can assist you in creating a realistic budget, making strategic decisions to allocate resources effectively, and negotiating with vendors to get the best value for your money. Their expertise ensures that your event achieves maximum impact within your financial constraints.

Seamless Execution: Event planners excel at coordinating multiple elements of an event, from venue selection and logistics to catering, audiovisual requirements, and entertainment. They meticulously manage timelines, ensure smooth communication between stakeholders, and troubleshoot any unforeseen issues, guaranteeing a seamless event execution.

Stress Reduction: By entrusting your event to a professional planner, you alleviate stress and minimize the risk of oversights or mistakes. They handle all the intricate details, allowing you to relax and enjoy the event alongside your guests.

Enhanced Attendee Experience: Event planners focus on creating engaging experiences that leave a lasting impression on your guests. They design comprehensive event programs.

We believe in what we do, the mutual motivation, and our enhanced skills for corporate programs. Please reach out to discuss any considerations, opportunities, or inquiries concerning corporate events.

Think Neu Events

Think Neu Solutions.
Think Neu Experiences.
Think Neu Events.

July 6, 2023 Think Neu Events 0 Comments Uncategorized best events, corporate events, Details, Event planners, meetings

Juan Ramirez: Our First 3H Specialist

Server at Tidepools Restaurant, Grand Hyatt Kauai

Certain things catch your eye. Especially after a long travel day and a five-hour time zone adjustment. The salmon-colored, linen, adorned with German Shepherds (details below) button-up shirt was the spark we needed. The enthusiastic gentleman wearing it is the spark everyone needs.

We sat down to dinner with our client and immediately felt the joy, aloha, and hospitality of Kauai – thanks to the “Juan and only.”

Juan greeted us like we were royalty, even though he had numerous tables. His energy, tone, approach, and conversation were authentic and natural. He engaged with our client like he’d known her for years, suggested the perfect dishes and wines, and charmed us with his infectious smile.

With curiosity, we inquired about his time at Hyatt and that shirt! First, the shirt. A couple dined with him one evening, learning of his love for German Shepherds. We also saw pride glimmer when talking about his loyal 4-legged companion. A couple of weeks after their encounter, he received a package from this thoughtful couple. They had specially shipped him his new favorite shirt that he would wear on fun Fridays!

As Juan recalled his 27 years with Hyatt, we realized his allegiance is powerful. He boasted about Hyatt and the support employees receive. His specifics on the extended offerings during unknown times and appreciation of the simple perks continually provided by the “Hyatt family” impressed us.

Juan is a recent recipient of Hyatt’s Employee of the Year award. Bravo, Hyatt, for the recognition, grasp of adherence, and for Juan. He knows where he wants to be, and it fits.

Sitting in Juan’s section quenched more than our travel day hunger and thirst – his true passion for serving others, loyalty to the Hyatt family, and zest for life satisfied our soul and mirrored the ultimate aloha experience.

Mahalo, Juan, for serving us with your heart for hospitality.

Think Neu Events

Think Neu Solutions.
Think Neu Experiences.
Think Neu Events.

June 28, 2023 Think Neu Events 0 Comments What's Neu best events, best of the best, Branding, corporate events, Details, Event planners, Experienced Planners, hospitality, incentive, location, meetings

Introducing 3H Nation: The Hearts & Humans of Hospitality

If we were to ask you what was your most memorable travel or event experience, 9 times out of 10 you would be able to link that experience to a person who contributed to it – right? Almost always, there is a human that provided some service behind the scenes that made it all possible.

Think Neu Events wants to bring these people to the limelight. Through our travels, planning, and implementation of corporate events we have encountered extraordinary people whose love of hospitality shines through in the simplest or toughest of tasks. The end result is monumental memories that make us smile and make the world better.

We are excited to begin featuring these (sometimes) behind-the-scenes individuals by giving them the public recognition they deserve. Stay tuned for our monthly 3H recipients.

Think Neu Events

Think Neu Solutions.
Think Neu Experiences.
Think Neu Events.