Get your beauty sleep now--you won't want to miss any of the exciting education, exhibits and events at The Special Event 2019 next week. The oldest show in the business, TSE runs Jan. 8-10 at the San Diego Convention Center.
EDUCATION SESSIONS: The schedule is busy each day starting with conference hours, which run all day Jan. 8-10. The education program--which takes place on the convention center’s upper level in Rooms 24A through 32A—will offer more than 100 sessions in nine crucial tracks:
• Business and Professional Development
• Catering
• C-Level Executives
• Design
• Event Management
• Event Safety
• Event Technology
• Sales and Marketing
• Weddings
EXHIBIT HALL The exhibit hall hours run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Jan. 9 and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Jan. 10 in the convention center Halls F/G/H. The show floor will feature nearly 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and trends in the event industry.
The exhibit hall is open to the public on Jan. 10 from 2-5 p.m. Admission to the exhibit hall is $30, which can be purchased online with promo code “Cons509” or onsite at the registration desk. This pass does not include the Education Showcase, which requires a full education pass.
The show floor will also feature exciting highlights including “Campfire Sessions” with industry veteran and influencer Jeff Anderson of Party Pals discussing the journey to become an event producer. Anderson is a former president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the International Live Events Association and is currently on the board as immediate past president.
Industry leaders David Merrell of AOO Events and Susie Perelman of leading linen company Mosaic will host the education showcase “Event Design Trends and Forecast.” Other sessions will see industry leaders discussing marketing and sales.
A longtime highlight of the show floor, the 2019 Design Gallery will showcase vignettes by four top event design companies, from elegant to outrageous.
The TSE Live Theater will be hosted by Terry Fator, a world-class impersonator and winner of “America’s Got Talent.” He will be hosting leading acts for event planners to consider for future bookings, including Rhythm Extreme, the No. 1 rhythmic performance troupe, and the Company Men, the vocal group that has performed more than 2,000 shows around the world.
SHOWCASING EVENTS TSE has a long tradition of offering exciting events that encourage networking while showcasing exciting decor, entertainment and dining. On tap this year:
Sunday, Jan. 6:
Foundation of NACE Event
7-10 p.m.
Location: The Music Box
The National Foundation of NACE will host its fundraising event of the year at TSE 2019.
Monday, Jan. 7:
TSE Connects
7:30-10:30 p.m.
Location: SIDEBAR
Get into the show swing at our annual “welcome back” networking cocktail event.
Tuesday, Jan. 8:
TSE Venue Tour
3:30-6:30 p.m.
Take your TSE experience to the next level by including a site visit to some of the best venues in the San Diego area. You will get an exclusive look into the event features of each venue while enjoying a taste of their menu and beverage pairings.
Opening Night Party
7:30-10:30 p.m.
Location: USS Midway
The big bash that gets everyone into the swing of TSE.
Wednesday, Jan. 9:
Opening General Session
9-10 a.m.
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Ballroom 20
Get inspired by our TSE keynote; this is a must-attend event to kick off a productive week.
The Event Experience
6:30-9 p.m.
Location: The Prado
A new, immersive event showcasing all the newest trends in corporate and private events, fundraisers, galas and weddings.
The SEARCH Event
9:30 p.m.-1:30 am
Location: Bassmnt
The SEARCH Foundation proudly presents a sophisticated shindig raising funds for a good cause--event professionals in crisis.
Thursday, Jan. 10:
Michael Cerbelli's: The Hot List: 2019
8-10 a.m.
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Ballroom 20
Back by popular demand, this fast-paced session is a jam-packed presentation of the hottest new ideas, products and entertainment from around the globe.
Leadership Lunch
11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Location: San Diego Wine and Culinary Center
Join industry leaders in this thought-provoking event as they discuss the current and future issues and opportunities we all will encounter.
Gala Awards
7-9:30 p.m.
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Ballroom 20
Join us as we celebrate the industry's best who produced spectacular events over the past year. The Special Events magazine Advisory Board selects events that raise the bar for innovation, creativity and professionalism. Find out who takes top honors at this year's ceremony.
Closing Night Celebration
9:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
Location: Parq
Cap off your TSE experience with this high-spirited after-party.
Find more details for TSE 2019 here.
