Crisp, cold weather and a sizzling party marked the first day of The Special Event, which runs Jan. 15-18 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. While registration figures are not yet available, show management reports that major showcasing event are sold out, and attendance is tracking well with the record crowds in Los Angeles last year.

Seminars yesterday included "Bringing Innovation to Your Corporate Culture," "Invitations, Jewelry Accessories, Oh My!" and "Award-winning Marketing on a Shoestring Budget."

The kickoff party--"TSE Starts Here"--took over the Georgia Aquarium for an evening featuring catfish tacos, hush puppies chicken habanero bites from Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Events on today's slate include the Opening General Session, the Wedding Luncheon--featuring top-tier planners David Beahm and Ed Libby and florist Joe Smith--and the NACE Welcome Party.

Photo by Special Events Magazine