Ghoul power at a Halloween party from AOO Events--see more here.

Scaring up Halloween party business Half of all respondents to the latest online survey from Special Events say they are working on Halloween parties this year. Twenty-five percent say their parties are for social/private clients only, 6 percent say their parties are for business clients only, and 17 percent say they are working on Halloween parties for both private and business clients. Half of all respondents say they aren't doing any Halloween parties this year. Do you need some scary decor elements for your Halloween party? Then check out our latest Photo Gallery; just click here ...

DOJ Meetings Audit Sparks '$16 Muffin' Outcry An audit released last week of government spending on conferences from the U.S. Office of the Inspector General has put meetings back in the hot seat. Among the findings: that the Department of Justice didn't "minimize conference costs as required," including serving attendees muffins purported to cost $16 each. Our sister publications group—MeetingsNet—has the full story; just click here …

Don't be late—Tabletop Gallery 2012 entries due Oct. 7 Do you design tabletops that look better than the guests at the event? Then it’s time to show off your talent. Special Events will select the best tabletop designs in two budget categories at The Special Event 2012, Jan. 24-27 in Tampa, Fla. The Tabletop Gallery competition--a highlight of the show floor--is the industry's premier presentation of creativity and skill in tabletop design. It's easy to enter, there is no entry fee, and finalists will be showcased in the magazine. Read all about it here.