LET'S GET THE PARTY STARTED

Get in the celebratory spirit of The Special Event at TSE Starts Here, which will take place at the Stingaree — one of downtown San Diego's hottest venues — Tuesday, Jan. 27. The event chair is Gayle Feallock of Just Imagine. This night on the town is designed to connect attendees with industry peers and expand their contact lists. The first drink of the evening is free; a cash bar will be available for the remainder of the party. “We chose this event venue because of its fun atmosphere, multilevels and its rooftop bar — a real hit for northerners in January,” Romano says.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Join Opening General Session event chair Anthony Welsh--who is also chairing the Gala Awards-- of Multimedia Presentation Group in kicking off The Special Event. The session, which will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 28, will recognize industry successes. The show floor will open immediately following this event.

PLANNERS WHO LUNCH

Make a commitment to attend the Wedding Lunch, which will be hosted by Peggy Jewell of Jewell Entertainment and Rachel Peniche of Plan It San Diego. This event will take over San Diego's edgy Hard Rock Hotel on Wednesday, Jan. 28; keynote speaker Carley Roney, co-founder of The Knot, will provide up-to-the-minute wedding information. The event's focus will be on the millennium generation. “This won't be a traditional lunch — it will have a Generation X/Y feel to it,” Romano says. Attendees will have the chance to explore The Special Event's Designers' Gallery directly after lunch. For the first time, The Special Event is offering Wedding Lunch VIP tickets, which will include an exclusive pre-lunch viewing of the gallery, reserved seating and VIP gift bags.

SURF-STYLE SOIREE

Catch a wave at The Special Event's Welcome Event, which takes place Wednesday, Jan 28. The “vintage” California beach party will be hosted by Tracey Amernick of Bahia Resort Hotel, Jeff Anderson of Party Pals and Angie Kemp of the Dana on Mission Bay Resort Hotel. The key players in San Diego's catering community will tempt attendees with California cuisine and traditional Mexican fare, highlighting the colorful mix of food from the San Diego culinary scene. The event site will be San Diego's On Broadway nightclub; shuttles will be provided.

THE GRAND FINALE

End your week with a bang (and hopefully an award) at the much-anticipated Gala Awards and Celebration--which will be chaired by Amy Berner of Pacific Event Productions and Nicole R. Matthews of the Henley Co.--at the San Diego Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 30. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception; the awards presentation will follow. The Special Event 2009 will close with a dinner designed to celebrate outstanding special events. “It's the time to pay homage to the honorees and celebrate their hard work and accomplishments from the past year,” Romano says.

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For more information and a complete rundown of the social events at The Special Event 2009, call 708/486-0731 or 866/486-0731, or visit thespecialeventshow.com.