Special event professionals focused on business during the day and fun during the night yesterday at The Special Event 2002. Sponsored by Special Events Magazine and CMI, both publications of Primedia Business Magazines & Media, The Special Event 2002 trade show and conference runs Jan. 9-12 at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, Phoenix.
The Special Event kicked off with the Opening General Session, featuring Native American music and chanting, pyrotechnics and a soloist's stirring, a capella rendering of "The Star Spangled Banner." The program included a welcome from Primedia Business Magazines & Media CEO Tim Andrews and a presentation by Patrick Lencioni, author of the best-seller “The Five Temptations of a CEO.”
Highlights of yesterday’s programming included the sold-out Leadership Lunch, where CEOs and business owners met to hear the latest forecasts for the special event industry in 2002. Speakers included Special Events Magazine publisher Lisa Vested and editor Lisa Hurley, who presented research from the magazine showing that despite the impact of the recession and the Sept. 11 attacks, event professionals predict 7 percent growth in revenue this year.
On the trade show floor, more than 400 exhibitors displayed products and services including lighting, linen, foodservice, decor, furniture, tabletop products and many more.
A total of 1,000 attendees headed to the Arizona Science Center for the annual Opening Night Party. Along with cocktails and hors d’oeuvre stations, guests enjoyed a private tour of the 12,000-square-foot exhibit of artifacts from the Titanic, an oxygen bar, an aerial acrobat and dancing to music of the disco band Park Avenue.
FEATURES FOR FRIDAY
Today’s events include a slate of 26 seminars including “Going Beyond Risk Management: Crisis Mitigation,” “Creating Mega Fund-raising Events” and “Bedazzled by Design: Tabletops Plus.” The sold-out Wedding Lunch--“What’s New: A Show, A Showcase, A Spectacular”--will explore the latest trends in floral, fashion and food for distinctive weddings. At 4 p.m., Miller Brewing Co. will sponsor a cocktail reception on the exhibit hall floor open to all attendees.
For more information, visit www.thespecialeventshow.com or call 800/288-8606.
