ISES Eventworld 2010 opened Thursday in Baltimore at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront with an innovative program of interactive roundtables and a "connections lounge" in place of a formal social event, changes designed to reflect today's demanding business environment.
Presentations from industry leaders included the latest in decor trends, business management strategies and the "Come Together" session, which examined ways to understand and address the modern workplace, where four generations must collaborate.
WEDDING INSIDER
During "The Viewpoint" session on Saturday, Barbara Jo Saler, founder of Barbara Jo Saler Events in Wynnewood, Pa., and longtime friend of groom Marc Mezvinsky's family, gave an insider's view of Chelsea Clinton's wedding, held July 31 in Rhinebeck, N.Y.
Saler noted that the planning team, lead by Boston's Rafanelli Events, ensured privacy for the 500-guest event by buying out airspace and rights to the Hudson River near the venue, the 50-acre Astor Courts. The tent--from Peterson Party Center of Winchester, Mass.--featured carpeting, chandeliers, and a glass window on one side and mirror panels on the other, Saler said; all ductwork was run beneath the flooring. "You really didn't know you were in a tent," she added.
Wedding ceremony floral was all white while the reception palette included lavender, blue and acid green accents, Saler noted. The rustic chuppah was a "huge" canopy, Saler said, created from interlaced vines. Dining tables were squares, and menus cards were calligraphied for each guest. Servers—one for every three guests—wore a discreet gold "R" pin (for Rafanelli Events) on their lapels. The after-party was entirely black and white.
Saler praised the value of ISES membership when she said, "I would hope I could have done the [Clinton] event because I know you, you and you," pointing to ISES members the room.
SEARCH EVENT SOARS
Friday ended with the SEARCH Foundation fundraiser at Baltimore's American Visionary Art Museum. Themed to the movie/musical "Hairspray," the event included music, buffets, a silent auction and "stylists" giving guests kitschy bouffant hairdos, all to raise money to help event professionals in need. Preliminary estimates show the event raised approximately $50,000.
At Saturday's general meeting and luncheon, 2009-2010 president Kathy DeLuca, CSEP, CMP, swore in the 2010-2011 officers, including president Heather Henderson, CSEP, CMP.
EXCELLENCE HONORED
DeLuca also announced this year's Spirit of Excellence award winners: click here for the complete list.
Eventworld concluded Saturday night with the gala Esprit Awards ceremony at the hotel; click here for the full list of winners.
ISES Eventworld 2011 will run Aug. 4-6 at the St. Louis Union Station Marriott.
Second and third photos by Special Events
