EMZARA HELPS USERS PLAN WEDDINGS, EVENTS AT UNIQUE VENUES

NOAH’S Event Venue in Morrisville announces the launch of EMZARA, a sharing economy startup like Airbnb for the wedding world

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The parent company of NOAH’S Event Venue of Morrisville announced the launch of EMZARA Events, a website that connects people planning weddings and events with unique, privately owned properties around the world. EMZARA allows the owners of unique properties (such as beach houses, rooftop patios, antique barns, or private backyards) to rent out their spaces to individuals looking for one-of-a-kind locations for their weddings or private events.

Utah-based Noah Corporation builds and operates NOAH’S Event Venues and there are more than 30 locations nationwide, including one in North Carolina located in Morrisville. Now the event industry giant is entering the sharing economy with its newest venture.

“We saw a key element missing in the sharing economy,” said Theresa Mikrut, Director of Sales and Operations for EMZARA. “Airbnb created the marketplace for your extra bedroom and Uber did the same for your vehicle, but there was nothing like that in the event industry.”

Property owners can apply online to become a featured property. Listing a property on the site is free, however each property must meet certain requirements, such as proximity to an airport, sufficient parking, and the ability to obtain proper event permits if needed.

“There are so many brides who want to skip the traditional banquet hall and really make a statement with their wedding venues,” said Mikrut. “And there are just as many people who own beautiful private properties who would love to make extra money renting them out occasionally for weddings and events. EMZARA will finally connect these two groups of people.”

Brides and event organizers can view available properties and book them online using the EMZARA website (www.emzara.com). EMZARA Certified Event Coordinators will serve as the go-betweens to assist both the event organizers and the property owners through the process and on the day of the event.

The website launched today and EMZARA has already announced its first properties have signed on. EMZARA hopes to emulate the rapid success of other startups in the sharing economy. Airbnb, which launched in 2008, now features more than 2 million listings worldwide and was recently valued at over $25 billion.

“NOAH’S Event Venues have set the bar when it comes to customer service and event expertise at our venues across the country,” said Nick Redd, Chief Operating Officer for Noah Corporation. “EMZARA allows us to leverage that industry experience and our reputation for customer service to create the first sharing economy in the event industry. We know there is a market for unique, one-of-a-kind event spaces and we know that we are the right people to meet that need.”