After the live band performed, attendees were treated to an LED drum performance that played alongside hologram drummers from Industrial Rhythm, LLC.

This year's ambassadors, Tom Noonan (Visit Austin) and Leslie LaSorsa (Crave Catering), introduced Opening Keynote speaker Laura Schwartz.

Laura Schwartz brought her energy to the stage, talking community, networking, and events.

Attendees were delighted when Schwartz created a "coffee shop" onstage and brought some fellow event pros up to talk growth and opportunities. Onstage: Rolando Espinoza (Champagne Creative), Gwendolyn McNutt (ILEA), Cindy Y. Lo (RED VELVET), and Charles Haracz (Blue Plate Catering).

The session was both engaging and interactive—after Schwartz left the stage, the LED drumline came back onstage and attendees joined in tapping out a beat with drumsticks they got to take home.

Cerbelli's Closing General Session, his popular "Michael Cerbelli’s: The Hot List™," showcased cutting-edge products, like these custom 3D printed sugar cubes from SugarLab PRO.

As attendees walked into the exhibit hall, they caught a glimpse of one the the Hot List features: a gorgeous feasting table by Edenopolis Events.

Michael Cerbelli wasn't the only one excited to be back on stage—his last time doing The Hot List™ was days before COVID shut dow the event industry. Everyone was glad to be back at it post-pandemic!

Sophie Dossi of America's Got Talent fame wowed the crowd with her contortionist act, especially when she hit a target with a flaming arrow using her feet!

Everyone was wide-eyed when Cerbelli brought a robotic dog onstage.

Billy and Emily (The Grable Group) thrilled the crowd with their acrobatic roller skating act. The brother and sister duo blew up on America's Got Talent and are a hot commodity for entertainment these days.

Everyone enjoyed the keynote sessions and the lively entertainment!