The Special Event 2018 continued its run in New Orleans last week, offering a rich range of education, exhibits and events to event professionals from throughout the world.
A finalist in the 2018 Design Gallery competition: 'Special Event Design with Style and Distinction' from Miami-based DECO Productions.
Day One involved education, the opening of the show floor, and the reveal of the Design Gallery (above).
The act 'Eclipse' from Innovative Entertainment gets the Opening General Session off to a spirited start with its mix of dance, acrobatics and projections.
On Day Two, attendees were treated to the Opening General Session (above) along with the Event Showcase.
Panelist Emery Van Hook Sonnier (second from left) of the Link Stryjewski Foundation makes a point as moderator Mark Romig (New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp.) and fellow panelists Brian Kish (Emeril Lagasse Foundation), Sonny Lee (Son of a Saint) and Dave Edmond (Liberty's Kitchen) (from left) discuss the importance of special events in ensuring that charities fulfill their mission.
Day Three brought highlights including the annual Leadership Lunch, honoring industry veteran Larry Green (see photo at top). The elegant luncheon at the Riverside Room at the Morial Convention Center included a panel of leading charities in the New Orleans area, sharing their thoughts on how special events help the agencies fulfill their mission (above).
'Hot List' host Michael Cerbelli stays cool with 'Creative Cool' pyro from TLC Creative.
The day also brought the annual "Hot List" from Michael Cerbelli, featuring exciting products and services for special events (above). See the full 2018 "Hot List" story here.
David McKnight of Emerald City Designs shows off the Gala Award trophy he will bring home for 'Best Wedding: Budget Under $1,000 Per Guest.'
The day included the Special Events Magazine 2018 Gala Awards Ceremony. See all the Gala Award winners here.
The Phunky Monkeys Band rocks the Closing Night Celebration at famed Mardi Gras World, transformed into a hip 'Wizard of Oz' party.
Guests partied the night away in true New Orleans style with a lively Closing Night Celebration at Mardi Gras World.
The Special Event 2019 runs Jan. 8-10 in San Diego.
