Openings are still available for the education program at The Special Event, Jan. 5-8 in Miami. The Special Event will feature more than 150 hours of workshops, panel discussions and case studies in eight tracks, ranging from food and design to management and marketing.
The social events are sold out, but the trade show floor will be “the biggest and most exciting we have ever offered,” says show director Sharon Morabito. More than 300 companies will be exhibiting products and services geared to making special events shine.
Here, some last-minute tips for attendees:
WHAT TO WEAR
Exhibit Hall and Education Sessions: Business casual
Mansion (Tuesday, Jan. 4): Nightclub attire
Welcome Event (Wednesday, Jan. 5): Go glam and get in touch with your inner fashionista! But also be prepared for sand in your shoes ... Nikki Beach is literally on a sandy beach.
Leadership Lunch (Thursday, Jan. 6): Business casual
Opening Night Party (Thursday, Jan. 6): Come as you are to "Celebrate Life!"
Wedding Lunch (Friday, Jan. 7): Business casual
Theme Lunch (Saturday, Jan. 8): Dress in all white because it's "White Hott!"
Gala Awards & Celebration (Saturday, Jan. 8): 1920s attire or black-tie
WEATHER IN MIAMI
The average temperature in January in Miami is 68 Fahrenheit/20 C, chilling slightly in the evening. Average rainfall is 2.2 inches.
HOST HOTEL: THE FONTAINEBLEAU
If you are staying at the Fontainebleau Hilton, please make note of the following:
- If you are taking a taxi from Miami International Airport to the Fontainebleau, make sure to ask for the flat rate of $35. If not, you'll be on the meter, and if you are stuck in traffic, the fare could exceed $50.
- There are safe deposit boxes in each room at the hotel, but there is a charge of $3.20 per day. To avoid these costs while keeping your valuables safe, please use the complimentary safe deposit box at the hotel's front desk.
- There is a spa (for massages, manicures and pedicures) and an extensive exercise facility on the lower level of the hotel. The hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; the fees are $10 per day or $25 per week.
- If you are attending the Gala Awards & Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 8, and need to park a car, we've negotiated a discounted valet rate of $10. Just mention you're with The Special Event when you arrive.
TRANSPORTATION
The Special Event will provide shuttle service, looping between the Fontainebleau, the Deauville Beach Resort, the Four Points Sheraton and the Miami Beach Convention Center, beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 8:30 a.m. Please see the complete schedule in the Show Directory, which you can get at Registration. Also, we recommend using the provided transportation to showcasing events, as parking costs can be expensive.
For more about the show, call 800/927-5007 or 203/358-3751 or visit www.thespecialeventshow.com.
