Special Events

Greenbrier Files Chapter 11, Signs Agreement with Marriott

Greenbrier Hotel Corp., owner of the iconic Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.V., announced yesterday that it has sought Chapter 11 protection. ...

Wolfgang Puck Catering, Bolthouse Vox Join Forces

Wolfgang Puck Catering and Bolthouse Vox Events, both based in Los Angeles, announced last week they are partnering to offer a "one-stop destination" for special event production and catering. ...

Event Pros Predict Turnaround in 2010, Survey Says

By Lisa Hurley

A slim majority of event professionals--52 percent--predict that the economy will begin to improve in 2010....

Galas Change Game Plans to Raise Funds in Sour Economy

In one of the roughest economies in memory, even long-standing fundraising galas are finding they must reinvent themselves in order to keep donations flowing in....

Aztec Tents Acquires Anza's Manufacturing Operations

Leading tent manufacturer Aztec Tents, based in Torrance, Calif., announced Thursday that it has acquired the manufacturing assets of Anza Tents, also based in Torrance....

Parties on Pace for Oscars, Mardi Gras

Two huge party occasions--the Academy Awards in Los Angeles and Mardi Gras in New Orleans--hit this week, and event professionals on both ends of the U.S. say business has been at least steady....

Canceled Meetings: Business Decision or PR Ploy?

Some 68 percent of respondents to an online poll from Special Events last week say that recent moves by corporations to cancel incentives and other meetings are PR ploys to avoid the "AIG effect."...

Peanut Problems Don't Dog Caterers, but Food Worries Persist

The recall of scores of peanut products linked to a Georgia processing plant contaminated with salmonella has had little direct impact on event caterers, but has once again raised consumer skittishness about food safety....

The Special Event 2009 Shines in San Diego

Balmy weather, a busy show floor and packed events greeted event professionals at The Special Event 2009, which ran Jan. 27-30 at the San Diego Convention Center....

Gala Winners Named at The Special Event 2009

A crowd of nearly 700 guests on Friday night applauded the winners of this year's Gala Awards competition, the oldest and most prestigious in special events....

Elegant Asian Aesthetic Set for Oscar Ball

Cool colors, clean lines and an elegant Asian aesthetic will mark this year's Academy Awards Governors Ball, which follows the Oscar ceremony on Feb 22. ...

The Special Event '09 Opens in San Diego

The Special Event '09 Opens in San Diego Event professionals from throughout the world gathered today in San Diego for The Special Event 2009, which runs Jan. 28-30 at the San Diego Convention Center. ...

Obama Inauguration Adds Up to Big Numbers

By Lisa Hurley

Take 2 million spectators, mix in a $170 million budget and top with a security force of nearly 43,000--it's the recipe for the inaugural events for U.S. president Barack Obama in Washington. ...

Last-minute News on The Special Event '09

Event professionals from throughout the industry are packing their bags to head to San Diego for The Special Event 2009, which runs Jan. 28-30 at the San Diego Convention Center....

Inaugural Event Pace Quickens in D.C.

With only days to go before the series of celebrations tied to the Jan. 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, the event machine in Washington is in high gear....

Vok Dams Teams with Volkswagen at International Automotive Fair

Vok Dams chosen to work with Volkswagen at major auto show...

Wild Hibiscus Introduces its “Inaugural Cheer” Cocktail

Wild Hibiscus mixes up a drink for patriotic parties...

Kuoni Partners with UVET American Express

Kuoni Destination Management signs partner agreement with UVET American Express...

ASI to Open Washington Office in January

ASI Production Services expands onto Capitol Hill...

"Save Me the Money": Event Pros Pinch Pennies

By Lisa Hurley

Today, "save me the money" is the event professional's new mantra....

Westin Jersey City to Open in February

New Jersey will welcome Westin property early next year...

Certified Meeting Professional Launches LPI Events

A new destination management firm opens in North Carolina...

Tough Economy Dominates 2009 Event Forecast

By Lisa Hurley

Predictably, the sour economy worldwide is seen by event professionals as their greatest challenge in 2009, according to the annual forecast developed by Special Events Magazine. ...

Hurry: Discount Registration for The Special Event Ends Dec. 22

Monday, Dec. 22, is the last day to save on your registration for The Special Event 2009 Trade Show and Conference, which runs Jan. 28-30 at the San Diego [Calif.] Convention Center. ...

Wolfgang Puck to Open Five-Sixty in Dallas

Chef Wolfgang Puck will open a fine dining restaurant in Dallas this winter...