Is it time for a fresh approach for your event business? You will find it at The Special Event 2012, Jan. 24-27 in Tampa, Fla. With the theme “Event 3.0: Evolve, Flourish, Prosper,” the leading conference devoted to special event professionals will again offer an unmatched blend of education sessions, valuable exhibits and showstopping showcasing events.
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The extensive conference schedule will feature more than 100 sessions in eight tracks: Business and Professional Development; CPCE Fast-track Training; Design; Event Management; Event Tools and Resources; Food Services and More; Sales and Marketing; and Wedding Trends.
New this year is a special focus on the explosion in social media, along with five intensive workshops covering event service, setting up a website, tips on managing the day of the wedding, the popular “Designers Workshop” with Lena and Sharon Malouf, and chefs' insights into food and wine pairing. Candidates for NACE's CPCE designation can benefit from the one-day“fast track” training program on Jan. 26; the test itself is given on Jan. 27. And, a special session on the many benefits of the ISES CSEP designation is set for Jan. 27.
“We've developed this year's conference program to ensure that attendees have the latest information possible,” says conference manager Tara Melingonis For more information on your options, contact Melingonis at 203/358-3708 or [email protected].
SHOWCASE SOLUTIONS
Learn firsthand what exciting new features you can bring to your next event with The Special Event's legendary showcasing events.
This year's Spotlight Event lunch, on Jan. 24, will show you what's new and exciting in the world of fundraising and nonprofits. The “TSE Starts Here” party, also Jan. 24, will take place in Tampa's unique Ritz Ybor.
The Opening General Session, on Jan. 25, will provide a dramatic kickoff to the show, while The Opening Night Celebration, also on Jan. 25, will key on the theme of “temptation.”
The Masters' Brunch, on Jan. 26 on the University of Tampa campus, is the must-attend session for top event pros, while in a first, the Wedding Event, also Jan. 26, moves from a luncheon to an evening event.
The grand finale of The Special Event will be the Gala Awards Ceremony and Celebration, Jan. 27, honoring outstanding event work. A thrilling new format for the gala will make its debut.
“Our showcasing events offer the perfect mix,” says Kim Romano, head of showcasing events and sponsorships for The Special Event. “You will have a wonderful experience and at the same time pick up plenty of innovative ideas for your event.” For more information on showcasing events sponsorships, contact Romano at 203/358-4257 or [email protected].
ENTICING EXHIBITS
A mainstay of The Special Event has always been the show floor, which will give attendees the opportunity to meet face-to-face with some 300 potential vendor partners who can help make events even more effective. The exhibits will be open Jan. 25-27 to offer a one-of-a-kind display of products and services to keep events on the cutting edge.
“Our exhibitors are raring to go, eager to show attendees the exciting new products and services that are available to make events better than ever,” says exhibit sales manager Wanda McKnight. “Attendees will be amazed by the displays we have waiting for them.” For information on exhibiting, contact McKnight at 913/981-6143 or [email protected].
To register or for more information, visit http://thespecialeventshow.com or call 708/486-0731 or 866/486-0731 (toll-free).