Special event professionals ranging from newbies to veterans took an entertaining yet soulful look at the challenges of each juncture in their careers at yesterday's Opening General Session of The Special Event. The annual conference and trade show runs through Jan. 27 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.
Produced by T. Skorman Productions of Orlando, Fla., the session traced the challenges—professional, ethical and spiritual--faced by a would-be planner, a planner in mid-career and a seasoned veteran. The scenes were mixed with energetic, Glee-style performances by the act SING.
Click here for a "SING" segment from the opening general session
The session was structured as a TV talk show including "commercials"; one of the crowd favorites featured a hyper-controlling "Hello Kitty" wedding coordinator making life miserable for the wedding band. To view the segment, click here.
TABLETOP GALLERY WINNERS NAMED
Also at the Opening General Session, Special Events editor Lisa Hurley announced the winners of the Tabletop Gallery competition:
Tabletops Below $1,000 Each:
"Cosmopolitan" by Syzygy Event Productions, Gaithersburg, Md.
Tabletops $1,000 and Above Each:
"Glam and Chic" by DECO Productions, Miami.
For photos of all the Tabletop Gallery 2012 participants, click here.
EDUCATION OPTIONS
The education program at the show offers tracks in professional development, design, foodservice, sales, event management, event tools and resources, and weddings. Yesterday's highlights included "For C-Level Executives Only," "Trends Inspired by Hollywood" and "Speed Pitching: The Sequel."
At the "TSE Starts Here" party, created by Table 6 Productions at the Ritz Ybor, guests were treated to rooms celebrating various ages of Tampa—from the "Havana Nights" of 1942 to Mafia Nights" of 1942" to "Art Deco Nights" of 1962.
SLATE FOR THURSDAY
The show continues today with sessions including "Michael Cerbelli's Hot Event and Entertainment Ideas 2012," the Master Brunch, the Wedding Galleries and the Wedding Event.
For more information about education sessions, showcasing events and exhibits at The Special Event 2012, click here.
Photos © Special Events
