tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48371330504093260662012-01-29T04:40:37.975-05:00Event production wisdom and guidance from an industry leader; The Wizard of Ahs has produced hundreds of events ranging from gala parties to Super Bowl half-time shows. This is the one-stop location for live event consulting, rental, and full package production, as well as in depth articles and musings from The Wizard himself; Mark CheplowitzWizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.comBlogger421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-89899695116807181772012-01-24T17:24:00.011-05:002012-01-25T09:59:19.736-05:00

What do you give an aviation enthusiast for his 50th birthday? How about a surprise party at a local international airport?! Wizard of Ahs was contacted for event planning with only a week to produce an intimate yet exciting birthday party for 25 guests. After an in-depth interview with the birthday boy’s spouse, it was determined that something fun and unusual would be just the “ticket.” A few

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-28139521048891081342012-01-05T17:25:00.008-05:002012-01-05T17:42:03.984-05:00

Sometimes when it comes to advertising your products or services, it’s necessary to pull out the big guns. Making your brand stand out from the thousands that bombard shoppers is not only a necessity, it’s a competition.When commercials, print ads and websites just aren’t cutting it anymore…it’s time to consider advertising stunts. If pulled off properly, an advertising stunt can give your brand

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-67894277887097356062011-03-18T16:16:00.017-04:002011-08-02T11:29:19.332-04:00

Wizard of Ah's recently wrapped up the Harley-Davidson convention in Florida where we helped roll out the company's newest product - motorcycle insurance! That's right, Harley-Davidson now offers its customers its own branded insurance plans.Wizard of Ah's was contacted just 6 weeks before the convention to pull together the event and create a unique, interactive experience for nearly 1,300

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-46015439943264053642011-03-14T16:57:00.016-04:002011-10-28T15:16:44.927-04:00

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Vitamix. In honor of the special occasion Vitamix once again turned to Wizard of Ah's to create a one of a kind event for their annual employee meeting.Highlights from the first day were a full entertainment production that showcased the dancing, singing and narrative talents of many of the company's employees and a special appearance by Marilu Henner. An

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-78433384397796342952011-03-08T14:31:00.012-05:002011-03-08T15:08:20.005-05:00

Wizard of Ah's produced the Groundbreaking Ceremonies for the much anticipated Cleveland Medical Mart on January 14, 2011. Contracted less than three weeks prior to the event, the Wizard faced some unique challenges while planning the ceremony and luncheon for nearly 500 guests.Since construction began on January 3, the site had already seen extensive excavation and construction. Wizard of Ah's

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-46280510351431082002011-03-03T14:06:00.016-05:002011-08-02T11:30:50.866-04:00

The 2010 Light Up Night in Pittsburgh was a one-of-a-kind grand celebration jammed packed full of events both new and old to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Light Up Night. From the much loved traditional tree lightings and holiday exhibits to several new events, the 2010 holiday season was kicked off in the most spectacular way. A record number of people attended the two day event, making it

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-58281236247880192962011-03-01T16:51:00.007-05:002011-03-01T17:06:37.708-05:00

Last October Vitamix held PR events in Tokyo, Japan, Sydney, Australia and Taipei, Taiwan to help generate enthusiasm and support for it's Asian distributors. The events ranged from TV appearances to in-store visits to appearances by the President and CEO Jodi Berg.Wanting to archive these special appearances on video but not having room in the budget to fly a camera crew to each of the events,

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-79814089007591519082010-07-22T13:43:00.024-04:002011-08-30T12:20:15.650-04:00

This year marked the 25th anniversary of Montana's Big Sky State Olympic Games. Wizard of Ah's produced the Opening Ceremonies for the event that took place on July 16 in Billings. The Ceremony kicked off on Friday night with the Parade of Athletes along with various events including a performance by country star Aaron Tippin, and an exciting audience participation act, The Drum Cafe. A

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-13590364530251292922010-07-13T17:23:00.006-04:002011-08-30T12:20:40.331-04:00

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-76757385280011076062010-06-24T11:44:00.004-04:002010-06-24T11:55:11.401-04:00

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-15481328067491268242010-06-23T11:36:00.005-04:002010-06-23T17:11:08.670-04:00

The video is ranked #1 on Advertising Age Magazine's Viral Video Chart, beating videos from the World Cup and Nike!Check out what all the buzz is about!Click here to see Advertising Age's Viral Video Chart for this week.

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-3823456853406750942010-06-11T10:28:00.014-04:002011-08-30T12:23:39.987-04:00

Music pumped, paparazzi cameras flashed and celebrities air kissed each other as the third annual Cosmo Bikini Bash got underway on the pool deck at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Monday, May 24, 2010. At the center of it all, conducting the whirl of activity was the man behind the curtain, the Wizard of Ah's. Cosmopolitan Magazine hosts the Bikini Bash every year as one of

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-90684243688502579072010-05-17T13:00:00.003-04:002011-08-30T12:23:49.745-04:00

Wizard of Ah's produced the ground breaking ceremony for the new Akron Technology Center held on February 18. Bridgestone CEO Mark Emkes along with Governor Ted Strickland, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and many other local and state officials symbolically broke ground at the center's future site on South Main Street and Firestone Boulevard. Construction on the $100 million dollar technical center

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-39605912941792607932010-05-10T18:20:00.005-04:002011-08-30T12:23:59.952-04:00

Wizard of Ah's helped Vitamix introduce its new household blender, the Vitamix 5200, to its employees by putting together an extravagant event at a recent employee meeting. Wizard of Ah's wholly produced the show, from conception to reception and every song, dance, design and image in between, no detail was missed on this one of a kind, memorable event. Stage Show The event featured a full

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-55209603691610270842010-04-09T12:33:00.016-04:002011-08-30T12:22:39.465-04:00

Light Up Night pic by bethykae on flickr The 2009 holiday season was kicked off in grand style as a crowd of over 250,000, the largest ever, celebrated at the 49th annual Pittsburgh Light Up Night on November 20, 2009. Wizard of Ah's was once again proud to be a major part of this significant city event by producing the Santa Spectacular show at Point State Park. In downtown Pittsburgh the

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-71111792495606579132010-04-02T11:56:00.018-04:002011-08-30T12:22:26.723-04:00

In early 2009, University Hospitals asked Wizard of Ah's to create and produce a unique event to run from September 10 - October 31, in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The result was a fantastic and unique display of lights that incorporated three of their Cleveland area facilities. At UH's Beachwood facility pink LED lights were washed over the building, making it glow in the

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-5300479370047513542010-04-01T13:52:00.006-04:002011-08-30T12:22:55.651-04:00

The 2009 Road Runner Akron Marathon was another huge success! Held on September 26, over 11,000 runners competed in the 7th Annual Akron Marathon, besting the number of participants by several thousand from the year before. The Wiz custom designed the impressive illuminated start line and finish line as well as the VIP Platform, time delayed sound system, main stage with roof and sound and

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-81659521083161907622010-03-24T13:05:00.005-04:002011-08-30T12:22:04.551-04:00

LeBron James' 2009 King for Kids Bike-a-thon was held on August 22, 2009 in Akron, Ohio. Wizard of Ah's helped produce the event that featured many activities including a post ride celebration at Lock 3 park featuring entertainment, food, games and a reward ceremony. The King for Kids Bike-a-thon recognizes and rewards Akron-area children who have achieved academic success, improved their

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-18617275846379383442009-08-25T09:50:00.016-04:002009-08-25T11:38:17.292-04:00

Wizard of Ah’s produced The O’Jays annual benefit concert held at Fawcett Stadium on Saturday, August 15. Fans young and old packed into the stadium to see The O’Jays perform along with Frankie Beverly & Maze and The Whispers. Proceeds from the event went to the O’Jays Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance to Canton/Stark County students. The three-day weekend celebration included

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-74078139815390801802009-08-11T11:22:00.014-04:002009-08-24T09:55:20.595-04:00

Wizard of Ah's celebrated it's tenth year producing the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony and Pre-Game and Half-time shows. Each of the events were fantastic! The Bills vs Titans game was equally as exciting and an impressive opening to the NFL pre-season. We look forward to producing another great show for the Pro-football Hall of Fame next year!The American Football League's 50th Anniversary

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-23621352622005619222009-07-28T09:32:00.017-04:002009-08-11T13:56:37.938-04:00

Wizard of Ah's will once again produce the Pro-Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony and Pre-Game and Halftime Shows. The Wiz has proudly produced the event for the last ten years!Enshrinement CeremonyThis year's ceremony is on Saturday, August 8 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, OH. The enshrinement Class of 2009 is Bob Hayes, Randall McDaniel, Bruce Smith, Derrick

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-31492368894583742392009-07-27T11:10:00.009-04:002009-07-28T11:04:32.136-04:00

Video footage of the Opening Ceremonies for the Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia as well as interview and performance footage of Elliott Yamin, a former American Idol finalist who gave a special performance during the ceremonies can be viewed on local Roanoke, Virginia TV news Channel WBJ7's website..

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-5796874500599994742009-07-14T12:36:00.013-04:002009-07-14T13:18:45.498-04:00

The Wizard was asked to step in and produce the Opening Ceremonies for the 20th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Games of Virginia with just ten days to go before the event. This wasn't the first time we've had to step in at the last minute- so we didn't miss a beat. The Wizard worked his magic on the event and now it's ready to go for this weekend so don't miss it!The ceremony will take place at

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-20616606611721611542009-07-06T11:40:00.010-04:002009-07-06T13:35:24.864-04:00

The Wizard celebrated the 4th of July by lighting up the sky in Aurora, Ohio with a spactacular display of fireworks. Thousands watched fireworks dance across the night sky while enjoying music specifically choreographed to the fireworks by the Wiz himself!

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-78212599906176122502009-07-06T11:13:00.016-04:002009-07-06T13:37:01.295-04:00

Photo courtesy of Lisa DeJong of The Plain Dealer.Team USA defeated Canada in a 41 - 3 win to take the Gold Medal in the first ever IFAF Junior Football World Championships held in Canton, OH at Fawcett Stadium on July 5, 2009.The Closing Ceremonies, produced by the Wizard of Ah's, featured awards and medals presentations to the players and coaches.Read the Canton Repository's full coverage news

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-33647839960528457872009-06-29T13:46:00.016-04:002009-07-06T10:01:59.484-04:00

Wizard of Ah’s produced the opening ceremonies for the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship held in Canton, Ohio on June 27.The international championship is the first in the league's celebrated history and took place in Canton’s historic Fawcett Stadium. Closing ceremonies will be produced by Wizard of Ah's also and will be held at the stadium following

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-53475874424273063252009-06-22T11:53:00.002-04:002009-06-29T14:20:26.771-04:00

Wizard of Ah’s produced the Opening Ceremonies for the State Games of Mississippi held in Meridian last weekend June 19 - June 22. The Wiz has consecutively produced the ceremonies for the Games each year since 1993- 17 years!Patterned after Olympic competition the State Games also feature the lighting of the torch, a parade of athletes and gold, silver and bronze metal presentations to winners

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-69364053497802011882009-06-22T11:43:00.004-04:002009-06-22T12:08:00.545-04:00

Check out this video that Cosmopolitan Magazine put out highlighting the 2009 Bikini Bash. Don't miss out on all the fun- plan to attend next year's bash now!Click here to see a slideshow of behind the scenes pics put together by Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-33494611695628245692009-06-03T12:37:00.009-04:002009-06-16T10:19:49.054-04:00

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-68074861214050080582009-06-03T12:23:00.011-04:002009-06-16T09:45:41.113-04:00

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-8126450793629131372009-04-27T13:25:00.019-04:002009-06-16T09:45:29.408-04:00

The Wizard worked his magic on a Progressive sales vehicle and converted it into an old arcade favorite: the Claw Grabber!The game was recently unveiled at Progressive Field during the Indian's first at home game of the season. Unlike the standard game it features two large flat screens mounted to the back of the vehicle so that spectators can view play.The arcade game was a special project for

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-44670109730037113482009-04-10T11:32:00.015-04:002009-06-16T09:45:16.645-04:00

Known for creating and producing halftime shows, Christmas spectaculars, opening ceremonies, and televised entertainment specials, the Wizard of Ah's has produced events that specialize in the use of pyrotechnics, human animation, theatrical lighting and jaw-dropping props for over 25 years. From unique private parties, galas, corporate meetings to brand launches and stunts, no event is too small

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-89419711117758984322009-04-10T10:29:00.007-04:002011-08-30T12:21:51.484-04:00

Check us out on Youtube! Luminations is a live Christmas holiday theatrical show formatted for a 30-minute television broadcast. It has won numerous Emmy nominations and other awards. In addition to it's entertainment value, it is used as an economic development tool to support the retail merchants in downtown areas. Media outlets also use this show as a Non-Traditional Revenue (NTR) event to

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-61982723883626995242009-04-06T12:39:00.036-04:002009-06-16T09:44:50.337-04:00

The Wizard hit the sand and surf in South Beach, Miami on March 16 to re-team with Cosmopolitan Magazine for their 2nd annual Bikini Bash!Hosted by Laguna Beach reality TV star Kristin Cavalleri, over 700 girls participated in the event sponsored in part by Nivea and bikinis were given to the first 700 who participated. After donning their bikinis the ladies were organized into groups forming the

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-90309030193212323622007-08-07T14:41:00.001-04:002009-06-16T09:44:37.315-04:00

Mark Cheplowitz, owner of event production company Wizard of Ah's was recently featured in a 5 minute segment on NPR Station; WKSU 89.7 Kent, Ohio.The segment aired on Friday, August 3 on the stations drive time program; "Your Way Home".Interviewed by WKSU Reporter Amanda Rabinowitz, the Cheplowitz interview was conducted on location at the National Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio as Wizard

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-90871648898321520932007-08-07T14:35:00.001-04:002009-06-16T09:44:24.358-04:00

The following article appeared in the July 19, 2007 issue of Currents...Mark Cheplowitz specializes in infusing special events with magicWhen planning a special event, infuse it with magic from Wizard of Ah’sBy SALI McSHERRY Beyond the 25-foot helium balloon and illuminated acrobat performing underneath it or the sizzling Super Bowl half-time show with 4,200 performers or the

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-88387251480972410492007-06-12T13:52:00.002-04:002011-08-30T12:21:37.094-04:00

WOW! AH! The Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner was the most successful and enjoyable of the last 17 years. That is what several people told me in reference to the event on last Friday. Gregg, we did nothing different. The format was the same. The time was the same. I do not believe that the liquor company changed the ingredients for the wine and beer. What was different? The ambiance created by

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-19603363759769028172007-05-31T15:01:00.002-04:002011-08-30T12:21:22.279-04:00

Luminations Holiday Spectacular is an EMMY Award-winning, self-c0ntained extravaganza designed to generate excitement in your city during the holidays.The Luminations event highlights our singing Santa and Crystal the Snow Princess. In impressive bursts ofo theatrical pyrotechnics, Santa releases rockets that travel over your audience and illuminate the holiday displays throughout your downtown.

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-49341706024647645012007-05-08T10:50:00.002-04:002009-06-24T10:08:56.092-04:00

Who hasn’t chuckled under their breath when asked to create a budget for a special event? Any "who"(s) been in the business can tell you, you need to learn new terminology to help you deal with the unexpected. Today’s lesson: “Oh-by’s,” as in “oh, by the way…”To help you head off the inevitable “oh-by,” here are five budget busters to plan ahead for:1. Music licensing: If you’re thinking of

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-86171753949718407632007-04-19T12:21:00.001-04:002009-06-16T09:43:26.298-04:00

The bar has been raised: savvy cities are now pulling out the red carpet each holiday season to lure crowds downtown. Cities are applying marketing know-how to attract people back to Main Street. Ho-hum holiday decorations are being replaced with more dazzling displays and Broadway style entertainment because it is good business. This emerging trend yields a domino effect: downtown businesses

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-47612360584142358512007-02-13T16:02:00.001-05:002009-06-16T09:43:11.757-04:00

When the representative of Columbus based band “As Is” failed to pay booking commissions to booking agency Soundsation, Judge Marilyn Milian of The People’s Court “threw the gavel” at them and ordered immediate payment.According to The People’s Court producers, the “As Is” v. Soundsation episode will air on February 27, 2007. The Peoples Court is broadcast in Cleveland on WBNX TV at 11am Monday

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4837133050409326066.post-69999444278473771032007-02-08T14:32:00.001-05:002009-06-16T09:42:55.298-04:00

Have you ever heard the term "nontraditional revenue"? If you’re not immersed in radio and TV ad sales, you’re most like not familiar with that industry buzz phrase, more commonly referred to as NTR. But the concept, when applied to your business, can add bottom-line income to your existing revenue streams.A little history first: A number of years ago, when radio stations were being snapped up

Wizard of Ahshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095751642791637667noreply@blogger.com0