WET AND WILD

The week's festivities begin with the “TSE Starts Here” mixer. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, Atlanta's Georgia Aquarium — with 8 million gallons of fresh and salt water — will host this splashy party, with tempting treats provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering.

SOUTHERN COMFORTS

See how the South celebrates at The Welcome Event on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Located at the New World of Coca-Cola and sponsored by TSE and NACE, the festivities come courtesy of event chairs Elizabeth Cipro of A Legendary Event and Bold American Catering's Stacy Zeigler. Vivid vignettes will represent the five regions of the South, so guests can enjoy the urban delights of Atlanta alongside the food and music of the Southern coast.

LOVELY LUNCH

Annual favorite the Wedding Luncheon, chaired this year by Dee Lane Eades of BBJ Linen, will take place at the Omni Hotel's International Ballroom on Wednesday, Jan. 16. At the designers' showcase, displayed in the gallery, attendees can view both traditional and new ideas for nuptials. Over lunch, listen to tips and techniques for creating the client's dream day.

FOXY FUN

Atlanta's iconic Fox Theatre, built in the 1920s, is the location of this year's Leadership Brunch, set for Thursday, Jan. 17. Chaired by AGL Resources' Claudette Bouton and Lindsay Pitt, CSEP, of the Atlanta Athletic Club, the event will focus on how industry leaders can create a legacy. Also, Steve Kemble will present the Steve Kemble Leadership Foundation Award. Enjoy authentic Southern hospitality from caterer Divine Events Catering and Special Events.

BEST FOR LAST

Wrap up the whirl of social events with the Gala Awards and Celebration on Friday, Jan. 18. The “bliss” themed evening will include a first-course buffet, seated dinner and dessert. Co-chairperson of the event, L. Gene Huddleson of Detail+Design, is donating his expertise; other professionals contributing to the celebration include Sharon Morabito and Kim Romano of The Special Event and Kari Strolberg of Eventful Marketing Solutions. This year, the Gala promises innovative colors, textures and styles as part of the evening's new “hip-hop beat” format.

For more info on the social scene at The Special Event 2008, call 866/486-0731 or 708/486-0731 or visit www.thespecialeventshow.com.