Looking for music, legendary hospitality and outstanding event experiences? You will find them all at The Special Event 2014, Jan. 7-10 in Nashville, Tenn. With the theme "A Touch of Beauty and Hospitality," the leading conference devoted to special event professionals will again offer an unmatched blend of education sessions, valuable exhibits and showstopping showcasing events.
Three event industry stars—Rhonda Marko, CMP, CMM, DMCP, of Destination Nashville, Vincent Dreffs, CPCE, of host hotel the Gaylord Opryland, and Jo Dermid, CPCE, of Graceful Tables—are our Show Ambassadors. These ultimate Nashville insiders will share their favorite places and spaces with all attendees.
GET EDUCATED The extensive conference schedule will feature more than 100 sessions in nine tracks: Business and Professional Development; CPCE Fast Track; Design; Event Management; Event Tools and Resources; Food Services and More; ISES Track; Sales and Marketing; and Wedding Trends. Attendees can pick from a menu of education options, including the full education package, an education "day pass," and the "single session" option.
The ISES CSEP exam will be offered on Jan. 8, while the NACE CPCE "fast track" training will be offered Jan. 8, with the exam on Jan. 10.
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, on Jan. 7, will be "Music, Moonshine and Moonpies," with a one-of-a-kind tour of the Country Music Hall of fame and the new Omni Nashville, along with a moonshine tasting accompanied by music from some of Nashville's top songwriters. The TSE Starts Here event, "Whatever Makes You Feel Like Rock Star," will be held Jan. 7 at the Gaylord Opryland.
The Opening General Session, on Jan. 8, will be a "Ted" style event , while The Opening Night Party, also on Jan. 8, will take guests to Tequila Cowboy for "South of Somewhere."
Jan. 9 brings back the popular Master's Brunch at the Rosewall, along with the unforgettable Wedding Galleries at the Gaylord Opryland, showcasing outstanding wedding design.
Jan. 10 brings back the "Hot List" from the one and only Michael Cerbelli at the Gaylord Opryland, presenting the hippest in event products, service and entertainment.
The grand finale of The Special Event will be the Gala Awards Ceremony and Celebration, Jan. 10, honoring outstanding event work from throughout the world.
"If you need some event inspiration, our showcasing events will reignite your creativity and passion," says Kim Romano, head of showcasing events and sponsorships. For more information on showcasing events sponsorships, contact her 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. 8-10 to offer a one-of-a-kind display of products and services to keep events on the cutting edge.
"No other event industry event offers the thousands of event products and ideas for attendees to review that The Special Event does," says exhibit sales manager Wanda McKnight. For information on exhibiting, contact her at 913/981-6143 or [email protected].
FAVORITES RETURN Other longtime favorites returning to The Special Event 2014 show floor are Tabletop Gallery—a showcase of 10 terrific tabletop designs—and the Gala Boards, an insider's look at this year's Gala Award nominees.
The Special Event 2014 will also bring back its popular Hands-on Hundred program, enabling volunteers to work side-by-side with event producers on the show's major events. For more information, contact HOH manager Kari Strolberg at [email protected] or 317/423-3590.
To register or for more information, visit thespecialeventshow.com or call 708/486-0731 or 866/486-0731 (toll-free).
