Wedding planners fell in love with dramatic new linens, chair covers and floral design at the annual Wedding Luncheon, one of yesterday’s highlights at The Special Event 2002. Sponsored by Special Events Magazine and CMI, both published by Primedia Business Magazines & Media, The Special Event runs Jan. 9-12 at Phoenix Civic Plaza, Phoenix.

Floral designers presented a bevy of bouquets including scepters, nosegays and fans in seasonal and fantasy themes. The sold-out luncheon, catered by the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, offered four different menus to the 500 in attendance.

Show attendees could also visit more than 400 booths on the exhibit floor offering products and services including decor, tabletop items, furniture, linen, special effects and many more. A slate of seminars covered topics in business development, design, foodservice, event management, rental, and sales and marketing. The day ended with a cocktail reception on the exhibit hall floor.

SATURDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

Today’s activities will include 11 seminars including “Ethics—Or Lack of Same—In The Events Industry,” “Advanced Special Effects” and “The Marketing Plan: Creating Results-Driven Events.” The exhibit floor will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Closing General Session, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., will feature work of the 2001 Gala Awards nominees and a presentation by ventriloquist Ronn Lucas.

The Special Event 2002 will culminate in the Gala Awards and Celebration, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Phoenix Civic Plaza. Look for the names of Gala winners on our Web site tomorrow.

For more information about The Special Event, visit www.thespecialeventshow.com or call 800/927-5007 or 203/358-3751.