When a window of opportunity comes along, take it-which is what more than 4,200 special event professionals did January 7- 11 at The Special Event '99 in Orlando, Florida. There, attendees got a new view on business, cuisine and design trends through educational seminars. Networking events opened new doors for both professional and personal relationships.

Opening General Session speaker Richard Barrett told attendees how to incorporate spirituality into the work environment to improve communications and inspire creativity.

Working off the Windows of Opportunity theme, designers Cindy Wiedenheft and Randy Dupre of Los Angeles-based EventWorks created a stark, futuristic set for the Opening General Session. Using metal-the symbol of progress and industry-as their medium, the designers juxtaposed soft and sleek; aluminum window screening was loosely draped like soft fabric through clean, geometric, steel window frames. Shafts of light symbolized rays of hope for tomorrow.