May 2024 Newsletter
May 1st, 2025
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Welcome to the Fun Enterprises Newsletter
May 2025
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Kids and Family
Mother's Day, Sunday May 11, 2025
The 35 Best Mother’s Day Gifts
How to Surprise Mom on Mother’s Day: 12 Unique Ideas
Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025
Memorial Day Activities for Boston Visitors - 2025
The 19 Best Memorial Day Weekend Getaways for 2025
Memorial Day 2025 - Recipes and ideas
June is Pride Month
Boston Pride for the People - June 14, 2025
Rhode Island Pridefest - June 21, 2025
Provincetown PRIDE - June 6-8, 2025
Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025
61 Best Father's Day Activities to Make Dad's Day Extra Special
by: Mark Gallagher, Fun Enterprises Graphic Designer
Anecdotes and Advice from AC
AC Anders, CMP.
VP of Corporate Events
Have a question for AC?
Please reach out to directly at [email protected] or
617-838-5691
How We Became Great at Managing Large Events
Large events with hundreds—or even thousands—of attendees can be an absolute blast. But making sure the flow and lines are managed properly is critical. Otherwise, guests end up spending most of their time waiting in line… and let’s be honest, that’s not FUN.
Over the years, we’ve developed a system that makes large event entertainment feel seamless—and we’ve become really good at it. In fact, we’d confidently say we’re among the best when it comes to managing entertainment for large-scale events.
We know our readers enjoy hearing some behind-the-scenes stories, so here’s a little history about how we got here.
A Lesson in Chaos
About 30 years ago, we had a new client request a magician and one novelty program for an event. They expected about 100 guests and told us they had volunteers lined up to handle crafts and face painting.
On the day of the event, more than 300 people showed up—and the volunteers never did. That left only the magician and one novelty program (Wacky IDs) to entertain a crowd of children. It was total chaos. The line for Wacky IDs moved slowly, and kids kept asking for more than one, which only made the wait worse.
Adapting the Plan
The following year, we worked closely with the client to create a better plan. We emphasized that depending on volunteers for key entertainment elements might not be ideal. Together, we added four more programs to help spread out the crowd—and it worked! People were thrilled.
But then a new issue popped up: guests were taking multiple items from a single program, so supplies ran out quickly and some guests didn’t get anything. So, the next year, we introduced a ticket booklet system to help manage the flow.
The ticket system worked for many programs—but not all. For instance, it didn’t work well for caricature artists. Caricature drawings are mini pieces of art, and each one takes time. So instead of using tickets, we created a single managed line for the artist and scheduled roving performers to entertain the people waiting. That approach worked beautifully and has since become part of our strategy.
Tips for Managing Entertainment at Large Events
Here are a few helpful hints we’ve picked up along the way:
- Create individual lines for specific programs and manage them with stanchions to keep things orderly.
- Use roving entertainers around long lines to keep guests engaged while they wait.
- Design your floor plan to accommodate lines—some programs will always have a wait, so plan space accordingly.
- If you use a ticket system, clearly define where guests pick up items or participate in activities.
- For craft tables, set up a square of tables with staff inside the center. This gives them better access to supplies and allows them to assist more people efficiently.
- Offer a variety of entertainment types—something for everyone. Think photo ops, personalized takeaways, art stations, hands-on crafts, interactive games, shows, and music.
Managing entertainment for large events is part art and part strategy. Our process has been built over time—by listening, learning, and always focusing on creating the most enjoyable experience possible for every guest. And when it’s done right? It’s not just well-organized… it’s FUN.
Sam's Gluten-Free Picks
As you may have noticed, I have a passion for baking and often I use it as a means to spend time with my children. My oldest recently surprised me by checking out a cookbook from the school library so that we could try some new recipes together. As you know, I can't have gluten, so I have adapted them to be safe for me. The following recipes are derived from "Taste of Home Ultimate Baking Cookbook". We loved the chocolate chip cookie recipe so much that we made three batches in a week. Enjoy!
Asked and Answered
with Speak Educators!
One of the things that we most enjoy about working with speakers is hearing the questions that our clients ask. Here are a few questions that we sent out to our speakers and here are their responses. We hope you enjoy them.
1. With all the changes in the world today, how has that impacted your presentations and materials you use?
Michael Miller: I think employing sensitivity to individual’s situations and beliefs are important to all that we do, now almost more than ever. Also, remembering to practice empathy for where folks are in this space allows us to create a “safer” learning environment. While I have always believed this, I am as committed as ever to the thought that we are in the privileged and sacred space of not telling participants “what to think;” rather, we are here to offer alternatives, perhaps not considered, and welcome participants to make their own best choices in moving themselves and their organizations forward. This seems more important than ever now.
Amma Marfo: I want to create experiences that as many folks as possible can learn from. For me, that's meant leaning on accessibility principles. I try to ensure that a mic is used so all can hear me, where possible that I can use live captions on my slides and videos, and that folks have the time and space to digest what I'm saying.
Dave Zamansky: My presentations center on community development and leadership. It is hard to talk about those two concepts without bringing up inclusion. This is why it is important for me to talk with our clients before the presentation to talk content and what I can say and not say. As long as we are communicating, we can make the presentation something positive for all.2. In all of your travels through life, what do you consider the most rewarding things about your career?
Michael Miller: I am thankful to the many participants who have asked me the question I always ask of them: What do YOU want out of your time and your life? I have to say, the most rewarding thing about this “speaker’s life" is perhaps that I have “helped” in a meaningful way. It’s incredibly wonderful to think that your work, your time, your efforts have resulted in an advance: personal, professional, or organizational. That moment where you realize you’re leaving things a bit better than you found them is incredibly motivating and keeps me “keeping on."
Amma Marfo: Anytime folks can let me know that they remembered something I shared in a session - a fact, a reflection question, a piece of advice - I'm always flattered and hugely appreciative. This world offers so many opportunities to take in information, and it's never easy to know what will stick or prove useful. Whenever folks show me that my hope of having an impact, has happened? That's immensely rewarding.
Dave Zamansky: It is the people I am presenting to. I go through my presentations with the expectation that everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner. I am constantly learning from the communities I am presenting to. I can facilitate the same team/community builder 10 times with 10 different results and 10 different learning outcomes; I am being taught something different every single time. Each situation is unique and should be treated as such. I love the work we do. 3. In your opinion, what attributes make for a good client?
Michael Miller: This is an interesting question to me. I think all of our clients are good and I am not being Pollyanna here; rather, there is an inherent goodness in our clients, for they seek to create learning experiences and environments that accomplish this in an engaging and thoughtful way. That said — good clients approach us in a partnership — using their intense knowledge of their organization and their people to partner with us to strengthen what works with their group, address difficulties, and size opportunities to move ahead. Good clients read the outline and give feedback — including negative feedback, so that we can retool planned materials to meet the needs of their group precisely. Almost always, I appreciate the divergent but effective ways our clients work with us — and I have infinitely more praise and gratefulness for our clients than anything else. And not just because they pay us — rather, they are doing important, and in many instances, life changing work. It’s a privilege to work alongside them in that space.
Amma Marfo: Specificity is so important. Who will I be speaking to? What matters to them? Under what circumstances (environmentally, culturally, logistically) will I be speaking to them? When you're working with a speaker of facilitator, have as much context available for them as possible. The more we know about who we're serving and what they need, the more helpful they can be. 
Dave Zamansky: Communication. A client that is willing to accept the invitation to meet prior to the presentation to work on all the specific details is important. We go over numbers of participants, what kind of audience I will have, content for the day, what I will be bringing and what the client is providing, dress code, anything happening within the community I should be aware of, and my contact the day of the event. As long as we are communicating throughout, it makes for a successful day and event. I also love the followup after the presentation as well. Feedback is essential to what we do for success moving forward.
Themed Corporate Events: Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary
Pictured above: AC and the White Walkers. AC Anders, VP of Corporate Events, facilitated the creation of a Game of Thrones Themed Corporate Event, complete with White Walker characters, Living Statue Weirwood Trees, and themed green screen photos and caricature drawings. It was an amazing event, not soon forgotten by anyone who attended.
by Debra Holland
Let’s face it: traditional corporate events can sometimes feel, well, a little too corporate. But they don’t have to be. Themed events offer a chance to breathe new life into team gatherings, client parties, and end-of-year celebrations. When done right, a theme can transform an ordinary function into a memorable experience that sparks conversation, fosters camaraderie, and leaves a lasting impression.
Choosing a theme doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most successful events draw inspiration from pop culture, the seasons, or even decades past. Think of a roaring '20s soirée with flapper dresses and jazz music, a tropical luau with island-inspired food and leis, or a Hollywood red carpet night complete with paparazzi and faux awards. The key is to match the theme to your audience’s interests and the goal of the event. Are you trying to build team morale? Impress clients? Celebrate a company milestone? The theme should enhance that objective without overpowering it.
The best themes create opportunities for interaction. That might mean costumes, games, interactive decor, or photo booths that encourage guests to step out of their shells. It also gives your team a chance to get creative, so don't forget to solicit their input. Departments can collaborate on decorations, music playlists, or themed activities, which brings a new dimension to team bonding beyond the usual workplace routine. If you have a food service on campus, a caterer, or even a cafeteria in your building, solicit those teams as well as they sometimes enjoy getting creative and making foods not normally on the everyday menu.
Another reason themed events work so well is because they tell a story. From the moment guests receive their invites to the last bite of dessert, a well-executed theme creates a narrative. It helps people engage emotionally with the event, making it more than just another day out of the office. Even the most hesitant attendee can find themselves swept up in the atmosphere when there’s a clear, cohesive experience being offered.
Execution matters. A themed event doesn’t require a massive budget, but attention to detail makes all the difference. Consistency is what sells the story—from signage and invitations to food, entertainment, and even how staff greets attendees. When every element plays into the theme, guests feel immersed rather than confused.
At Fun Enterprises, we’ve seen firsthand how themed events energize and engage attendees. Whether it’s a Game of Thrones theme like above, a Casino Night that gets people mingling over card games or a Carnival-style party complete with popcorn machines and stilt walkers, the possibilities are endless when imagination leads the way.
So if you're planning your next company event and want to move beyond the boardroom, consider picking a theme. You’ll be surprised how far a little creativity can go in making your event one to remember.
Will the Tariff Situation Impact FUN and the Price of Your Programs?
by Ken Abrahams
This wasn’t the article I initially intended to write for this newsletter. With May and June being significant months for graduations and weddings, I had nearly completed a fun, celebratory piece. However, given the current situation, it’s important to address a question that’s on many minds, even though it’s a bit more serious than the usual topics we aim for.
Recently, I received a text from a client asking, “Will the tariff situation impact FUN and the price of your programs?” My response? One word: ABSOLUTELY.
I didn’t want to leave it at that, though. It deserves a more thorough explanation. Many of you are likely wondering how these tariffs will affect us, and more importantly, how it will impact you as our valued clients.
Yes, the global trade tensions are going to have a significant impact on both corporations and consumers. FUN Enterprises is no exception. Months ago, when the first wave of tariffs was announced, we started receiving notifications from suppliers about immediate price increases on some products, with more to follow. As of now, we continue to get regular updates on price hikes from vendors, and while some of these items may not directly affect us, others will.
Back in early February, we proactively communicated to our clients that we would hold off on raising prices until April 1st. Since then, any price increases on items already booked have been passed on directly to our clients.
In preparation for these price hikes, our operations team took steps to stock up on commonly used items, purchasing as much as we could and storing them in our warehouse. Unfortunately, both warehouse space and financial limitations restricted how much we could buy. As a result, the sticker shock for our clients has been relatively manageable so far.
What you should know is that tariffs are not only applied to finished goods but also to raw materials and components. For example, even if our street signs are made here in the U.S. by an American manufacturer, if they use metal sourced from overseas, that metal is subject to a tariff, which increases the price. These price adjustments are determined by the vendors we work with. At FUN Enterprises, our policy is to only pass along the exact price increase imposed by our suppliers.
For instance, if an item which previously cost $2, now jumps to $5, and you're ordering 120 pieces, the increase of $3 per unit adds $360 to the cost of the program. Unfortunately, as these tariffs continue to escalate, other costs like food and possibly fuel are expected to rise as well.
We’re committed to making this as painless as possible for all of you. We truly value our clients and understand that this is a challenging time for everyone. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or anyone on the FUN team. I can be reached at [email protected] or 617-347-0720.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
*Subject to Availability
Call 781-436-3187 or email
Ken Abrahams ([email protected]) for College/University Events
AC Anders ([email protected]) for Corporate/Private Events
Brainteasers
1. Who is bigger: Mr. Bigger, Mrs. Bigger, or their baby?
2. I'm a six-letter word. My first three letters refer to an automobile and my last three letters refer to a household animal. My first four letters are the name of a fish, but I'm found in your house. What am I?
3. Can you name the three playing cards that have been placed in a row using the following clues? There is a two to the right of a king. A diamond will be found to the left of a spade. An ace is to the left of a heart. A heart is to the left of a spade.
Math Riddles
1. If you have 30 red socks, 20 white socks, and 10 blue socks, how many will you pick to get at least 1 matching pair without looking?
2. 3 monkeys share a bunch of bananas. The first monkey takes 3 bananas. The second monkey then takes half of the remaining bananas. The third monkey takes the last banana. How many bananas were in the original bunch?
3. On a farm, there are ducks and cows. There are 18 legs and 7 heads in total. How many ducks are there?
Kim's Corner
Click the links below for some great ideas, recipes, and FUN!
Trivia
1. In which year did World War II begin?
2. What’s the most popular drink in the world that is not alcohol?
3. What does BMW stand for (in English)?
Gardening
What to do in the garden in May
5 easy plants for beginner gardeners
5 lawn care tasks to do in May, according to a garden expert
Puzzle Answers:
1. 1939
2. Coffee
3. Bavarian Motor Works
1. Their baby, because he is a little bigger.
2. Carpet
3. Ace of diamonds, king of hearts and two of spades.
1. 4
2. 5
3. 5 ducks and 2 cows
Newsletter written and edited by
Debra Holland
May 2025
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