Half of the Raspyni Brothers juggling team entertains at Eventworld 2009's Opening Session.

ISES members from throughout the world convened in San Francisco Aug. 5-8 for Eventworld 2009, which offered a full slate of education sessions, special events and the annual Esprit Awards ceremony. A total of 422 attended, according to ISES headquarters.

Some members got an insider tour of AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team, showing a wide range of spaces for special events. For more, click here.

At the opening general session, ISES international president David DeLoach likened the outlook for his employer, the Disney company, to that of ISES, noting that both organizations will benefit from creativity, technology, a strong brand and international expansion.

Motivational speaker Simon T. Bailey, head of the Brilliance Institute, urged attendees to push through the current recession by embracing "vu ja de," the flip side of déjà vu, by drawing new conclusions from the existing set of conditions. For more, click here.

Education sessions covered a range of topics for everyone from novice event professionals to seasoned pros. A special focus turned on the power of social networking; for more, click here.

At the annual SEARCH fundraiser for event professionals in crisis, members enjoyed a wine tasting and food pairing from fine local caterers while bidding on auction items. The Galleria at San Francisco Design Center served as a multilevel venue for a jam-packed evening of entertainment. For more, click here.

Eventworld 2009 ended Saturday night with the annual Esprit Awards ceremony, honoring the finest work of ISES members. For the complete list of winners, click here.

Eventworld 2010 runs Aug. 4-7 in Baltimore.