The Special Event took Las Vegas by storm this year, with attendance jumping 25 percent over 2003 figures. The event industry’s premier trade show and conference took place Jan. 6-9 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

The Special Event is sponsored by Special Events Magazine and produced by Primedia Business Exhibitions, both part of Primedia Business Magazines & Media.

A total registration of nearly 6,000 attendees from throughout the world toured a sold-out show floor featuring some 300 exhibitors offering everything from tabletop items to high-tech special effects. Attendees could pick from a slate of more than 90 seminars conducted by internationally recognized event experts.

The Special Event continued its tradition of staging outstanding special events with its hallmark Welcome Party, Opening Night Party, Wedding Lunch and Gala Celebration, among many others. The special events served both as networking opportunities and as showcases for the best work of event professionals today.

Even in a town known for show-stopping spectacles, The Special Event stole the show.