April 2026 Newsletter

April always seems to bring thoughts of warmer weather, outdoor FUN, and special gatherings. At FUN Enterprises, we’ve already started helping clients plan their summer outings, fall events, and—dare I say it—yes, even holiday celebrations!
Because of that, I’ve been out on quite a few site visits lately. It reminded me that choosing the right venue is one of the most important parts of planning a successful event. After more than 30 years in this business, I thought this might be a good time to share a few helpful hints I’ve learned along the way.

There are so many GREAT venues out there, and each one has something special that could make it perfect for your event. But a beautiful venue doesn’t always mean it’s the right venue. Before you start searching, first decide what your event goals are. Is your event an educational meeting, a networking reception, a FUN theme party, or a sit-down awards event? You’ll also want to consider things like location, parking, public transportation access, traffic patterns, and even the time of year. Knowing more about your event needs before going on site visits will help both you and your event partners find the best venue for the job.

Over the years I’ve learned that asking the right questions during a site visit can save you a lot of surprises later. Here are just some of the things I always look at when choosing a venue:

Is the space the right size—not just for your guests, but for all the other elements you may have such as stage entertainment, décor, catering, or specialty lighting?
If there is a speaking program, will all guests have a clear line of sight to the speaker?
Does the venue fit the purpose and overall feel of your event?
How far will guests have to travel to get there?
What will traffic be like during arrival and departure times?
Are there appropriate accommodations nearby if guests are traveling?
Is there enough parking for the number of cars you expect?
What challenges might the venue present during the season you are planning the event?
How easy is the load-in for equipment, décor, or entertainment? Always ask to see the loading dock during your site visit and ask about any restrictions.
Is the AV in-house, or can you bring in your own vendor?
Does the venue have Wi-Fi, and is it strong enough for your event needs?
Do they require a preferred caterer or vendor list, or can you bring in vendors you already work with?
Is your preferred date available?
Are there additional fees if you need early access for setup?
If the facility has multiple rooms, ask what other events may be happening at the same time.
How many restrooms are there and where are they located? (And yes—always take a look during the site visit!)
Does the venue provide the electrical capacity needed for your event elements?
If it’s an outdoor venue or park, ask about permits, trash removal, tenting, and rentals—and who is responsible for arranging them.

When I started in this field over 30 years ago, I asked just a few questions during site visits. Today, with every event, I seem to find a few more to add to the list!

What I’ve learned is that the more questions you ask, the better prepared you’ll be to choose the right venue for your event.

As an event producer with FUN Enterprises, Inc., I often join clients on site visits as a second pair of eyes—especially when an event will include multiple elements like entertainment, décor, or interactive activities.

Never be afraid to involve your vendors in the venue selection process. Their experience can often help you avoid surprises, save money, and make sure everything runs smoothly on event day.

We work with many fantastic venues and would love to help you find the right fit for your next event.
Be sure to check out some of the venues we work with on our website!

New Program Alert!

We are so excited to introduce Personalized Whoopie Cushions!

Put your name on your favorite pranking accessory!

April Fools!

2026 NACA LIVE

February 13 - 16, 2026 -Columbus, OH

We had so much FUN at the 2026 NACA Live Conference!

Did you attend the conference? We had giveaways, bear friends forever, game shows and more! We loved meeting new people and getting to see some familiar faces.

We hope you had the chance to stop by and say hello to Ken Abrahams, Samantha Drake and Dave Zamansky.

Did you attend one of Dave Zamansky's Ed Sessions?

Listen. Reflect. Resolve

Together We Thrive

The History Of FUN Enterprises

The year was 1790.

The United States Of America was still a young nation and citizens were looking for opportunities to gather and host celebrations.

Alas, there were no organizations or businesses that could provide such offerings and the citizens were forced to have dull, boring affairs.

Fortunately, Sirs Kenneth Abrahams And Waydeth Anders had a solution for everyone's problem.

They combined their ideas and skills to start a business venture named "Gleeful Gatherings." The two soon brought joy to citizens across Massachusetts and the other colonies.

As the joy was shared, their reputation grew and as the years passed it transformed into the FUN Enterprises we know and love today!

Sam's Picks for Tricky Treats

As You know, I love a good theme and a sweet treat. These FUN and easy dessert recipes are sure to confuse and delight your friends and family.

Bird's nest cookies

Irish potato Candy

Don't be fooled! Amma Marfo may be a comedian, but she doesn't joke around...

As we approach transition season, many of your student leaders may see themselves "on their way out." In their minds, they're ceding ground to younger leaders, and may feel tempted to drop a binder or a Google Drive link into the hands of their successor and walk away. But there's a case to be made that their most important work starts now: inspecting and shoring up the foundation that next year's leaders will stand on.

This archival piece from our speaker and resident comedian Amma highlights two of her favorite jokesters - not just for their skill, but also for how they set others up to use their skills to their highest potential.

Read Amma's Blog Here

No Fooling:

The Power Of Play At Work

by Debra Holland

April Fools’ Day is known for jokes and playful surprises, but it also reminds us of something important: laughter has a place in the workplace. While workdays are often filled with deadlines and meetings, moments of play can help teams connect, recharge, and collaborate more effectively.

Play has a funny reputation in the workplace. It’s often seen as something extra—something that happens after the work is done, or maybe during a rare team outing. But the truth is, play has always been an important part of how people connect, collaborate, and recharge. April Fools’ Day reminds us that a little humor and lightheartedness can go a long way.

Most people spend a significant portion of their lives at work. Between deadlines, meetings, and the daily rush to keep everything moving, it’s easy for the environment to become all business, all the time. While focus and productivity are essential, organizations are increasingly recognizing that moments of play and laughter can actually strengthen teams and improve morale.

When people laugh together, barriers come down. Conversations flow more easily, creativity tends to increase, and teams often find it easier to collaborate. A shared moment of humor—whether it’s a clever icebreaker, a friendly competition, or an interactive activity—creates connections that don’t always happen during a typical workday. Those small moments of fun can build stronger relationships and make the workplace feel more welcoming and energizing.

Play also offers something many employees need but don’t always get enough of a mental reset. Even a short break that encourages people to step away from their screens and engage in something enjoyable can help people return to their work with fresh energy and focus. In many ways, those moments of play are not distractions from productivity, but contributors to it.

I remember one of my first Mardi Gras’ here at Fun Enterprises. The CFO went out back and dressed in a bright red dress, with beads and a big straw hat and sunglasses. He strutted around the office in his finery and had everyone in stitches. We all immediately jumped on the band wagon and grabbed beads and masks and had some fun with it. The photo above is the result of a spontaneous half hour that put everyone in a good mood.

That’s one reason so many organizations are incorporating more interactive elements into meetings, conferences, and company events. Entertainment, games, and shared experiences give teams permission to relax and enjoy themselves together. They create opportunities for people to connect in ways that don’t always happen during the usual work routine.

These experiences also tend to become the moments people remember. Long after the agenda items and slide presentations are forgotten, people often recall the laughter, the unexpected moments, and the shared experiences that made them feel part of something enjoyable. Those memories help strengthen company culture and reinforce the sense that work can be both productive and enjoyable.

Of course, play in the workplace doesn’t mean turning every meeting into a comedy show or replacing structure with chaos. It simply means recognizing that people do their best work when they feel connected, engaged, and energized. Creating space for a little fun—whether during a team gathering, a celebration, or a company event—can make a meaningful difference.

So, while April Fools’ Day is traditionally associated with pranks and practical jokes, it also serves as a gentle reminder that laughter has a place at work. A workplace that allows room for a little play is often one where people feel more comfortable sharing ideas, collaborating with colleagues, and bringing their full energy to the job.

At Fun Enterprises, we’ve seen firsthand how shared experiences and interactive entertainment can bring teams together and create memorable moments at events. Sometimes the best way to strengthen a workplace culture is simply to give people a chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy the experience together.

The Lighter Side of FUN

by Ken Abrahams

It’s April Fool’s Day, so if this newsletter looks slightly suspicious… that’s intentional. When you’ve been in business for 35+ years—especially in our business—you collect more than memories. You collect outtakes. Bloopers. Moments that make you question your life choices. Here are a few highlights from the FUN “behind-the-scenes reel.”

The Great Stuffing Emergency

Back when we first launched Bear Friends Forever—our version of “stuff a bear”—the stuffing came in giant bulk boxes. Unfortunately, it was designed for machines, not humans. The machines would aerate it into fluffy clouds of cuddly perfection. When we tried to fluff it by hand, it behaved more like compressed insulation.

Our solution? Order more stuffing. Because clearly the answer to non-fluffy stuffing is… more non-fluffy stuffing.

This system worked reasonably well—until a massive holiday event where hundreds of adorable, unstuffed critters awaited their destiny. With over an hour left, a panicked voice crackled through the staff headsets: “We have a stuffing emergency.”

Now, I don’t know what was on your bingo card that day, but “stuffing emergency” was not on mine. Fortunately, there was a Walmart nearby.

Pillow stuffing was purchased. Disaster was narrowly avoided. Bears were fluffed. Order was restored.

Ron & Me: A Cautionary Tale

Ron Bates and I have worked together since Day One of FUN. His wife, son, daughter, nieces, and extended family have all worked here too—most still do. It’s practically a franchise.

However, putting Ron and me together at an event is… risky.

For reasons still unexplained, printers have fallen off dollies into snowbanks when we’re nearby. Cameras mysteriously malfunction when we’re assigned to the same function. Coincidence? We think not.

But nothing tops The Great Candle-Making Fiasco.

When we introduced the Create Your Own Candle program, the candles were made with wax granules—like Sand Art. If the tops weren’t sealed, guests would go home with what can only be described as a “mobile wax spill.”

Our brilliant solution? Small handheld torches. Yes. Torches. At a large holiday party. With hundreds of children.

Ron and I were in charge of sealing candles. As we worked, we noticed a faint smell in the air. That would be the tablecloth. Smoldering. No problem. We adjusted. Very subtle. Very professional.

Then we noticed the curtains nearby were… slightly singed. To this day, I believe we successfully disguised the incident as “festive ambiance.” The room was remodeled a few years later, and as far as I know, our torch-based decorating enhancements were never officially discovered.

The Laptop vs. The Car

Not all mishaps happen at events.

One staff member was reloading their vehicle at home and placed two laptop bags behind the car. Meanwhile, a family member parked in front needed to leave. In a moment of efficiency (and mild haste), our staff member backed up to make room.

Crunch.

As anyone would, they jumped out and discovered they had backed directly over the computer bags.

Miraculously, the laptops showed no visible damage. Not a scratch. Spirits lifted. Crisis averted. They finished packing, drove to the office, and powered them on—only to discover the screens no longer worked.

It turns out computers and the full weight of a vehicle are not, in fact, compatible technologies.
Who knew?

After 35+ years, there are many more stories I could share—but some may require legal review, selective memory, or plausible deniability.

For now, we’ll save those for another April Fool’s Day.

Happy April Fool’s Day from all of us at FUN—where even our emergencies are stuffed, slightly scorched, or gently run over.

Book Review by Erica Lombardi

Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recently, a close friend of mine was told that her position as an Executive Assistant at a prominent Boston-based company will be phased out over the next few months and replaced by an autonomous AI agent. Initially, I was furious on her behalf. I couldn’t understand how a highly respected executive could conclude that the nuances and personal nature of her role could be replaced by a bot. After hearing this news, I spiraled into thinking about the immense uncertainty surrounding AI.

Will AI destroy our ability as a society to interact directly with each other? How many of our careers will be replaced by AI? Will we divide into those who rely on analog methods and those who use AI for everything? How will we ever keep up with the constant changes and advancements?

As you can probably tell from my reaction to my friend’s news, AI makes me uneasy. Like many people, I find myself both fascinated by its potential and wary of its implications. Instead of letting the panic set in, I decided to read about AI in hopes that I might feel more in control of my own future.

Reading Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI helped me take the first steps toward feeling less fearful of AI’s reach and more in control of my own interaction with it. For better or worse, AI isn’t going away, so we might as well learn how to work with it.

Ethan Mollick frames AI not as a replacement for human thinking, but as a collaborator. While AI’s constant evolution could be used to replace human effort, that isn’t necessarily the most effective use of its capabilities. Instead, AI can work in tandem with us.

If you are anything like me, the idea of working truly in tandem with AI may seem far-fetched. However, Mollick introduces four simple principles that make a more productive partnership feel more tangible:

Always invite AI to the table. Use it as a brainstorming partner and a starting point for ideas.
Be the human in the loop. AI can generate content, but judgment, ethics, and final decisions must remain human.
Treat AI like a person, but tell it what kind of person it is. The clearer your instructions and role-setting, the better the results.
Assume this is the worst AI you will ever use. The technology will only improve, so learning how to work with it now matters.

Mollick breaks down these principles through real-world examples and mostly plain language, ensuring the book’s lessons are digestible for almost anyone. He doesn’t ignore the risks, but reminds us that thoughtful, ethical use is what will ultimately shape how this technology fits into our work and lives.

While Co-Intelligence didn’t quell every fear or teach me everything I need to know about AI, it did serve as a catalyst for beginning a longer journey of learning and experimenting with AI tools. It also didn’t necessarily change how I feel about my friend’s predicament. However, ‘knowledge is power’, and learning more about AI may be the only way to feel more in control of its effects.

Because Mollick’s book was published in 2024, many of the examples are already somewhat outdated given the fast pace of AI’s evolution. If you are looking for a completely up-to-date technical guide, this may not be it. However, the principles at the center of Mollick’s message remain extremely relevant. Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI might be just what you need to start your own journey with AI.

Looking for a great program our Bear Friends Forever never disappoints!

Below is the newest lineup - click here for all bear options!

*Subject to Availability

Call 781-436-3187 or email

Ken Abrahams (Ken@funent.com) for College/University Events

AC Anders (AC@funent.com) for Corporate

Samantha Drake (Sam@funent.com) for private events

Brainteasers

1. If April showers bring May flowers, what do may flowers bring?

2. What is in the middle of March and April, but never at the beginning or end?

3. They fill me up, and you empty me almost everyday; if you raise my arm, I work the opposite way. What am I?

See Answers

Math Riddles

1. I am an odd number. Take away one letter and I become even. What number am I?

2. What did one math book say to the other math book?

3. I am finite while standing, but infinite while laying. What am I?

See answers

Kim's Corner

Click the links below for some great ideas, recipes, and FUN!

Creative April Fools Recipes

More April Fools Recipes!

April Fools Pranks

Easter Recipes

Easter Fun

Random Trivia

1. Who is the Greek goddess of Spring and nature?

2. How many Tulips bloom in the Netherlands each Spring?

3. What day was the song "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles Released?

See Answers

Gardening

April Gardening To-Do List

April Gardening Tips

What to Plant in April in Your Kitchen Garden

What To Plant In April: Based On Your Hardiness Zone

2026 Gardening Trends

Spring Is The Season Of New Beginnings

And what is more symbolic of a new beginning than a wedding?

This is no April Fools, our very own Jonathan Ferrini is getting married this spring. We are so excited for him, and his fiancé Rebecca, to tie the knot!

Join us in congratulating the happy couple and wish them well as they begin their life together!

Have you viewed Ken's Tuesday@10 Video Blogs?

Go to Blogs

Sign Up to get Ken's Video Blogs sent directly to your inbox every Tuesday@10!

Puzzle Answers:

Hidden Object Puzzle:

Trivia:

1. Persephone

2. More than 7 million!

3. September 26, 1969

Brainteasers

1. Pilgrims

2. The Letter "R"

3. A mailbox

Math Puzzle

1. Seven

2. Do you want to hear my problems?

3. The number eight.

Newsletter compiled and edited by

Lexi Grabowski

April 2026

Dear Readers:

If you read through the February edition of our newsletter, you would have learned that Debi is moving into another position here at FUN. With her new responsibilities, she has to hand over the responsibility of the newsletter to someone new.

Well that someone happens to be me.

Hi! My name is Lexi Grabowski. Since this is my first time working on the newsletter, I’d like to share a bit about myself.

I like to joke that I’ve been working for FUN my whole life. My mom actually started working for FUN when I was just 2 years old. Back then I was just a model for Antique Photos and Pictures with Santa. I began working full time for FUN as a teenager and well into my young adulthood. I slowed down to part time after I got married, moved to western MA and started my family.

Fast forward 12+ years, my family moved back to the South Shore and I started back full time. I started on the operations team, packing and loading programs, keeping up with inventory, while also making the occasional video or post for our social media.

Today, I have full creative control over our social media and taking on the responsibility of our beloved Newsletter as well as other marketing and engagement tasks.

I could not be more excited to see what the future holds in this position and look forward to connecting with you on social media and right here in our newsletter every other month!

Sam's Gluten Free Recipes

10/01/2024

Bird's Nest Cookies

Yield: 12 cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups gluten free pretzel sticks
1 1/2 cups peanut butter baking chips
2 teaspoons butter
1/4 cup candy eggs (I used peanut butter m&ms but Cadbury mini eggs would work)

Instructions:

Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water; cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Uncover the pan and place a medium heatproof bowl over the simmering water, allowing it to sit on the rim. Add peanut butter chips and butter to the bowl; using a rubber spatula, stir often, until just melted.
In the meanwhile, break pretzels into 1/2-inch pieces or roughly chop with a knife.
Once the peanut butter has melted, carefully remove bowl from the heat. Add pretzels and stir until fully coated in mixture.
Spoon onto the prepared baking sheet into small piles (about 1/4 cup per nest). Spread each pile out into a 2 1/2-inch circle, then make a small divot in the center to create a nest.
Fill each nest with 3-4 candy eggs and place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or until they are cooled and harden.

Irish Potato Candy

Yield: 18-22 pieces

Ingredients:

2oz. cream cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups powdered sugar
3 cups packed shredded coconut (I use unsweetened finely shredded)
2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Place the cream cheese, butter, vanilla and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until fluffy, about 1 minute. Reduce the speed to low and slowly add the confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated. Add the coconut and mix on low until just incorporated, about 1 minute.
Using a tablespoon measure, spoon out level tablespoons of the candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, shape each spoonful into an oval potato shape.
Place the cinnamon in a medium bowl. Roll each potato candy in the cinnamon until fully coated and place back on the prepared baking sheet. Chill the candies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. You can refrigerate the candies in an airtight container between layers of parchment or wax paper for up to a week.

Fun Enterprises News and Newsletters

April 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the Fun Enterprises Newsletter

Kids and Family

April Fools Day, Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Easter, Sunday, April 5, 2026

April Vacation/Spring Break 2026

Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026

Find the Hidden Object

Anecdotes and Advice from AC

Picking A Venue?

Make Sure You Ask The Right Questions