Cold weather, stimulating seminars and sizzling parties marked the The Special Event, which ran 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 sold out, and attendance is tracking well with the record crowds in Los Angeles last year.

Despite freak snowfall, the showcasing events and seminars went on without a hitch.

Seminars 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 filled with catfish tacos and chicken habanero bites from Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Events on Wedneday's slate included 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.

Thursday saw the Leadership Brunch at Atlanta's historic Fox Theater, where NFL great Reginald Jones helped guests attendees take steps to build their own legacy.

The show concluded Friday with the Gala Awards, honoring outstanding work in 35 categories. Tony Conway, CMP, head of A Legendary Event in Atlanta, former Special Events Magazine Advisory Board member and multiple Gala Award winner, received the Gala Award for Lifetime Achievement.

The Special Event 2009 will take place in San Diego.

For a recap of all the events at The Special Event 2008, see the March issue of Special Events Magazine.