New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO J. Stephen Perry was honored today at The Special Event conference and trade show. Perry received the Steve Kemble Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding efforts to keep New Orleans' event and tourism business alive in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Leading event professional Steve Kemble, based in Dallas, presented the award to Perry at the Master's Brunch, held at New Orleans' Intercontinental Hotel. The event included a panel discussion featuring John Besh, chef/owner of Besh Restaurants; Alan Freeman, general manager for the Louisiana Superdome and the New Orleans Arena; Ti Adelaide Martin, co-proprietor of the Commander's Palace restaurants; Steve Rehage, owner of Rehage Entertainment; and Kristin Shannon, executive director of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.

HOT NEW EVENT PRODUCTS

The event slate today at The Special Event also featured a seminar on engaging event products and services presented by Michael Cerbelli, with New Jersey-based Total Entertainment.

Cerbelli presented attendees with a wide range of fun event products, ranging from light-up cocktail glasses to design-it-yourself acrylic bars to Cake-O-Licious cake balls on sticks.

The Special Event continues Friday with education sessions and the Gala Awards, recognizing outstanding work in special events worldwide.

Photos by Special Events