Administrative Professionals Conference

This year’s 2014 Administrative Professionals Conference held by the Wake Forest University’s Administrative Professionals Committee was an absolute success! WinMock is honored that we were able to be the setting for this fantastic day of learning, encouragement, and fun for our local administrative professionals for the third year in a row.

The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for area administrative employees to come together and learn from one another while enjoying a selected group of speakers. The theme of the 2014 conference was “Professionals Supporting Professionals” and included dozens of vendors, three incredible motivational speakers, breakfast and lunch, along with door prizes and goodie bags!

A special thank you to everyone who came together to help make the conference such an amazing day and to all of the attendees–we hope to see you again next year!

 

We loved the enthusiasm as attendees jumped up to claim their prizes!

Room Configuration 101

When creating the perfect space for your meeting or event, the room configuration is key for productivity, functionality, and maintaining attentive attendees. Whether you are planning a brainstorming session, networking event, or informative lecture, setting up the room can be a cinch once you familiarize yourself with different design options.

1. Theater/Auditorium Style

In this particular style of seating, chair rows can be lined up in straight, circular, semi-circle, or in a v-shaped chevron pattern, but all will face a stage or focal point in the room. This set-up is most often used when you have an informative lecture, preferably for short durations of time and for larger groups. Tables are not used, so this set-up would not be ideal if food is being served or extensive note-taking would be required.

 

2. Classroom Style

Many meetings require surface space for attendees to take notes, review handouts, use laptops, or enjoy refreshments. In the classroom style of seating, typically six-foot tables with two or three chairs or eight-foot tables with up to four chairs are used. This set-up would also face a stage or focal point, but works well for breakout sessions. In some cases, venues and rental companies may offer narrow tables to boost efficient use of the space as well as group interaction.

3. Banquet Style and Crescent Rounds

Meetings and events that serve meals and initiate small group discussions often use the Banquet Style set-up. In this arrangement, round tables are used with seating all around. The Crescent Round seating is only a slight variation, with chairs only going partly around the tables in order for all attendees to comfortably view the presenter. Table sizes may vary, but the most commonly used sizes are 60 and 72 inches, both providing ample work space.

4. Conference Style

There are a number of different combinations that can be used in the Conference Style set-up. Each layout allows for diverse meeting objectives, while maintaining group interaction and direct view of colleagues for smaller numbers.

• Boardroom: This set-up involves one rectangular table or multiple tables set together as one solid rectangle with seating all around. With attendees facing one another, this is used best when there is no speaker or visual presentation, but dialogue and discussion is encouraged.
• Hollow Square: This table formation is also not optimal for a meeting with a presentation, but has the ability for a group or panel leader to be seated at the head of the set-up, if necessary.
• U-Shape: Rectangular tables are set in a “U” shape with seating along the outside in order to retain direct view of colleagues while also making it possible for attendees to face a speaker or audio/visual presentation.

When making the decision on which set-up is best for your event, keep in mind the needs of each attendee and presenter with the objectives and goals of the meeting as the overall priority. It is best to discuss these details with your venue coordinator to ensure that any choices made are well-informed keeping in mind additional factors such as available venue space, restrooms, windows, sight lines, emergency exits, and fire marshal restrictions.

WinMock at Kinderton is a unique conference center that has a variety of distinct meeting rooms and spaces. WinMock features a stunning Loft Ballroom excellent for general sessions as well as dinners and receptions, Forsyth and Davie Dining Rooms that can accommodate any room configuration for smaller numbers, Yadkin Meeting Rooms capable of breakout meeting spaces and presentations, and the separate Granary facility, which makes for an exceptional private retreat.

Interested in learning more about the flexible room set-up options available at WinMock for your next meeting or event? Please contact Angela Carleton at AngelaC@WinMock.com or 336.397.2010.

WinMock Raises the Flag in Honor of America’s First Responders

For the second year in a row, we raised our ‘grand ole flag’ on 9/11 to honor our community’s first responders and the memory of those we have lost. From our national military to critical first responders to fire departments to the entire police force, we humbly thank you for all you do.

This year, we began the morning by coming together for a time of prayer on the East Terrace, followed by a community breakfast. Afterward, our flag went up – proudly overlooking Highway 158 – and we invited the community to join us for a picnic on the lawn. A special thanks to the Cooleemee Fire Department, Cafe Gelato, California Fresh Catering, KevMark Catering, One Shot Photography and all of the first responders who joined us in making this time of remembrance possible.

Join Us for Community Christmas Caroling

Join your friends and neighbors in the beauty of historic WinMock at Kinderton this Sunday evening, December 9th, for the perfect event to get your Christmas spirits in high gear! Church of the Good Shepherd, a new church organizing in East Davie County, is hosting a free Community Christmas Caroling event beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be a reading of the Christmas Story and singing of classic carols that we all know and love. Desserts, coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider will be provided.

Church of the Good Shepherd in East Davie County is being organized as a mission of Christ Church, Winston-Salem. Both are part of the Anglican Church in North America and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Church of the Good Shepherd will begin services in January, 2013, at WinMock at Kinderton.

Joining Church of the Good Shepherd as co-hosts are WinMock at Kinderton, the Clemmons Courier, the Davie Enterprise-Record, Macedonia Moravian Church, Calvary West, M. Gioeli Photography, Master Counsel Technologies, and Sterling Events.

We hope to see you in the Loft on Sunday!

For more information about Community Christmas Caroling or Church of the Good Shepherd in East Davie County, please contact tom@GoodShepherdEastDavie.org or go to www.GoodShepherdEastDavie.org.

 

WinMock Remembers 9/11

With the help from our friends at Smith Grove & Cooleemee Fire Departments, today we proudly salute those heroic men and women who serve our country. From our national military to critical first responders to fire departments to the entire police force, we humbly thank you for all you do.

Book Now! 20% Off All Holiday Event Bookings In December

Make sure your holiday party is the first one on everyone’s calendars this year. Book now to reserve your date today.

And as an added incentive for booking early, we’re offering you 20% off all event bookings in December (excludes wedding events). Plus our sister divisions over at Sterling Events Group are throwing in an additional 20% off of holiday event decor and audio, video and lighting packages booked by October 31st.

So go ahead. Take a peek at your December calendar now before your friend does. Give us a call and get a head start on those holiday plans today!

For Social Inquiries/Bookings: 336.397.2012 – tabatha@winmock.com
For Corporate Inquiries / Bookings: 336. 397.2009 – angelac@sterlingevents.com

The Granary at WinMock Now Open {Winston-Salem Special Event Venue}

Ladies and Gentlemen.  Boys and girls. It’s official.  The Granary at WinMock is now open for rentals and WE cannot stop gushing about how much we love having this new space to share, just steps away from WinMock (a.k.a. the “big barn”).

The Granary at WinMock.

On November 17th, the Granary (a.k.a. the lil’ barn) welcomed her first visitors for an intimate gathering of staff, crew members, local officials, clients and meetings professionals. 

WELCOME to The Granary, just steps from WinMock.

 

Dramatic entrance greets you inside.

 

 

Historic character mixed with modern conveniences.

 

The soaring wooden beam work adds a special feeling to this event space.

Wayne Thomas, president/owner of Sterling Events Group (developers of WinMock at Kinderton) discusses The Granary's beam work with Carolyn McManamy, president of the Davie County Chamber of Commerce.

Michael West of West and Stem Architecture, PLLC discusses the project. West was the lead architect on both The Granary and WinMock at Kinderton.

Paula Thomas, owner and wife of Wayne Thomas, president of Sterling Events, with WinMock managing director, Tabatha Renegar.

Buddy Seymour, president of Windsor Commercial and wife explore the space. Windsor Commercial was the general contractor on this project and the main barn.

Guests mingle during our November 17th sneak peek.

Tabatha shares stories with reception guests.

David Munoz of Sterling Audio Visual chats with Dawn Siverson, operations manager for WinMock.

Our favorite new "antique" on display.

Our crew!

The flexible space, filled with historic character and rustic charm, is an ideal setting for meetings, teambuilding events, seminars, conferences, retreats, group luncheons, private dinners, retirement parties, wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, gosh, the list goes on and on…

With soaring wooden beam work, carefully designed zoned lighting, and full wired and wireless connectivity, The Granary is a charming alternative for smaller groups.  The event space accommodates groups up to 160 (theater seating). 

Tabatha Renegar , managing director of WinMock, shared “We have already received a tremendous amount of interest for 2012 bookings and just like with WinMock, many clients contracted before renovations were even complete.”

Cross beams are highlighted with soft lighting.

To learn more about The Granary at WinMock or to set up your own private tour, call 336.397.2010 or email Tabatha@winmock.com

{Photography by Tom McCulloh Photography}

Meet The Sharpes! {Winston-Salem NC Wedding Venue}

Meet Abby and Allan. He’s a medical student. She’s studying for her masters in the art of teaching program at College of Charleston. And following one lovely day at WinMock,  they are now united together as the Sharpes.

But enough from us.  Sometimes sweet videos speak louder than words…

 

A special thanks to Ryan Plantz (ryanplantz@gmail.com) for sharing his video creation and to our fantastic bride and groom for choosing WinMock as the backdrop to their amazing day.  It was such a pleasure having you.  See more from this special wedding on their blog here!

Debuting This Winter : The Granary at WinMock

Friends, you spoke and we listened.  While we originally had plans to transform the small granary barn at WinMock into offices for the growing team over at our parent company, Sterling Events Group, we have since decided (with your encouragement – thank you!) to transform the small barn into a second special events venue. 

Granary Barn, April 2009. Photo by TMphotography

We are delighted to share that The Granary at WinMock, an intimate setting filled with historic character and rustic elegance, will debut this winter.

Welcome to The Granary at WinMock. An ideal setting for ceremonies, receptions, parties, corporate meetings and private dinners.

The granary is expected to hold up to 150 guests once complete.

This flexible space is adjacent to WinMock at Kinderton.

Renovation has begun and we will continue to keep you posted on the latest developments through photos here on our blog and on our gallery page on WinMock.com.  

For booking information, please contact 336.397.2010 or tabatha@winmock.com

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Sara + Aaron – Before And After {Winston-Salem NC Wedding}

You might remember Sara and Aaron from last year…

Their awesome engagement photos, shot by David Rosen of Photo Innovations, were some of the last photos taken at WinMock before we began renovations last November.  This engaging couple also had the vision to see beyond the hay and dust and sign on as one of our very first WinMock weddings – before demo even began. 

Visionaries we said…

Where we first met Sara & Aaron. Photo by Photo Innovations

Fast forward and here we are today with some gorgeous “after photos” to share with you.  Here is your up-close look at the barn “after” renovations and this magnetic Mr. and Mrs. before and “after” they say “I Do”.  Enjoy….

Chairs are set. Photo by Photo Innovations.

Groomsmen enjoying a little QT in our groom's room. Photo by Photo Innovations,

 

The Loft is ready for a beautiful reception. Photo by Photo Innovations.

 

 

Soft. Elegant. Serene. Photo by Photo Innovations

 

Making it official on the East Terrace .... Photo by Photo Innovations

 

Sealed with a kiss... Photo by Photo Innovations

 

A sweet, peaceful moment .... Photo by Photo Innovations

 

Special slow dance... Photo by Photo Innovations

We're not sure this group knows how to have fun 😉 Photo by Photo Innovations

 

Farewell Filliponi's! Photo by Photo Innovations

A special thank you to the talented David Rosen of Photo Innovations for sharing these wonderful photos with us.  We loved them all.

Supporting Vendors
Wedding Photographer:  Photo Innovations
Wedding Caterer:  Catered Affairs
Wedding Cake: Dewey’s
Wedding Florist:  Floral Visions
Wedding Transportation:  Prestige Limo